Red Gully II/III**, Fluted Buttress. Coire An T-Sneachda, Cairngorms. 26th February 2013

Early morning view of Coire An T-Sneachda, Cairngorm 26/02/2013 (Photo: A J Thorley)

The fantastic weather is continuing over Scotland at the moment and it was great to be able to meet up with a friend of mine Dave and head up to the Northern Corries of Cairngorm to enjoy some winter climbing in alpine conditions.



Dave the happy belayer. Red Gully II/III**, Fluted Buttress. 26/02/2013 (Photo: A J Thorley)

Arriving at the ski centre it was busy, there was a good vibe in the air as the skiers and boarders hurried to ready themselves for the 1st uplift of the day. Climbers were also out in force and just like the skiers were in a hurry to get into the corries and make the most of the glorious weather and perfect climbing conditions.

Looking up at Red GullyII/III**, Fluted Buttress 26/02/2013 (Photo: A J Thorley)

Walking into Coire an t-Sneachda (see Hidden Chimney Direct for grid refs) was wonderful the sun was just above the cliffs in front of us giving us a spectacular view of the cliffs as we walked in. We stopped on numerous occasions to chat with other climbers, walkers and ski tourers. It was fantastic to meet so many happy people out to make the most of the fantastic weather.

Dave doing battle with the crux pitch of Red Gully II/III**, Fluted Buttress. 26/02/2013 (Photo: A J Thorley)

Once beneath the cliffs of Fluted Buttress we stopped to layer up and gear up before ascending the steep approach slope to the 1st belay stance. Luckily for us previous climbers had already cut a nice stance into the concrete like snow and setting up our belay only took minutes. Once all was ready I ascended the 1st pitch to the 2nd belay stance, set up the belay and shouted down to Dave to start climbing.

Is that Usain Bolt!? No, it's Dave! Red Gully II/III**, Fluted Buttress. 26/02/2013 (Photo: A J Thorley)

It took a little while for Dave to join me at the 2nd belay stance as he had been exposed to the chilling wind at the 1st belay stance and his hands had become numb. Once Dave's battle with the hot aches was over he soon joined me at the 2nd belay stance and we rearranged things so that I could lead on.

Looking down Red Gully II/III**, Fluted Buttress. 26/02/2013 (Photo: A J Thorley)

The main difficulties of the climb were contained within the 1st pitch and from the 2nd belay upwards there was a further two pitches of pleasant straight forward climbing.

Fiacaill Coire an t-Sneachda, Cairngorms. 26/02/2013 (Photo: A J Thorley)

We topped out to glorious sunshine and fantastic views of the Northern Cairngorms, looking around the ring of the cliffs we could see all the other climbers topping out with big smiles on their faces as they to were greeted by the glorious sunshine.

Looking south across the vast expanse of the Cairngorms 26/02/2013 (Photo: A J Thorley)

Once we sorted and packed the climbing gear away we walked around the top of the cliffs reflecting on what a fantastic climb we had just had in amazing conditions. To cap of the day we enjoyed a pint at Glenmore Lodge before travelling back to Glasgow. Cheers for joining me Dave, a great day!

Fiacaill Coire an t-Sneachda, Cairngorms. 26/02/2013 (Photo: A J Thorley)