Gruinard Bay 7th July 2012

We awoke early feeling refreshed and were keen to get out and about and explore the crags in the area of Gruinard Bay (953 899).


Me on Flakey Wall VD, Very Difficult Slab. Gruinard Bay 07/07/2012 (Photo: A J Thorley)

From the car park look in a southwesterly direction and the Very Difficult Slab (954 898) can clearly be seen on the hillside. There is a faint path up to it. This was to be our starting point for the day. The climbing here was very pleasant and enjoyable. Be warned belays are hard to locate.

Me on Gneisser VS 4c, Triangular Slab. Gruinard Bay 07/07/2012 (Photo: A J Thorley)

Soon we moved onto the Triangular Slab (954 898), there is a faint path from the top of the Very Difficult Slab or continue along the path from the base of Very Difficult Slab. Either way its less than 5 minutes away! Yet again the climbing at this small crag was pleasant, the climbs adequately protected. As with the Very Difficult Slab there are few belays at the top, but stakes have been placed.

Lochan Dubh Crag 07/07/2012 (Photo: A J Thorley)

Lunch was declared and over coffee we decided to walk a little further a field to Lochan Dubh Crag (960 894). Compared to the crags we had just visited this crag was huge. The E6 line following the central crack looks awe inspiring. Well out of my league, but maybe one day!



Me on the first pitch of Edgebiter S, Lochan Dubh Crag. Gruinard Bay 07/07/2012 (Photo: A J Thorley)

Even though Lochan Dubh Crag is less than a kilometre from the road it does give a sense of remoteness and the distinct lack of foot paths adds to this.

Vicks on the top of Lochan Dubh Crag, with Gruinard Bay in the background 07/07/2012 (Photo: A J Thorley)

The views of the surrounding area are very pleasant and the view back towards Gruinard Bay is awesome.

Me soloing The Crack S, Lochan Dubh Crag. Gruinard Bay 07/07/2012 (Photo: A J Thorley)

Our day had started at 9:30 am and it was now 9:00 pm and time to head back to the tent. Walking back to the tent we were both feeling pleased with what we had achieved over the day. Gruinard Bay is a fantastic place to climb and the combination of crags and climbs limitless.

Vicks standing in front of The Apron, Gruinard Bay 07/07/2012 (Photo: A J Thorley)

We arrived back at the tent late, just got ourselves zipped in and comfortable when the heavens opened. After five days of good weather it had to happen. Over a late supper it was decided that tomorrow was to be a rest day.

Me going for a rope solo of Smashy VD*, The Apron. Gruinard Bay 07/07/2012