NC Gully II**, North Buttress. Stob Coire Nan Lochan, Glen Coe. 1st March 2013

Early morning view of Stob Coire Nan Lochan, Glen Coe. 01/03/2013 (Photo: A J Thorley)

As the fantastic weather over the Highlands of Scotland continues it was good news to receive a call from Richard a friend of mine wanting to get out and enjoy an easy winter climb. I also received another call from Eve another friend of mine and staff member at the Glasgow Climbing Centre wanting to get out and lead her 1st winter route. We had a loose plan and agreed to meet the following day at the car park for Stob Coire nam Beith.

Eve geared up and ready to take on NC Gully II**, Stob Coire Nan Lochan. 01/03/2013 (Photo: A J Thorley)

Arriving at the car park we could see Richard's car as we arrived, we parked beside Richard's car and jumped out full of excitement as we all greeted each other. Looking up into the corrie behind the car park the gully lines looked a little thin, so we jumped back into the cars and drove the short distance back along the road to the helipad car park. Arriving it was busy with other walkers, climbers and instructional groups getting ready to head up into Coire Nan Lochan.

Eve at the 2nd belay stance of NC Gully II**, Stob Coire Nan Lochan. 01/03/2013 (Photo: A J Thorley)

Looking through the guide book Eve decided that NC Gully II** was going to be the target for the day, Richard agreed. So with the plan now made we took our time and packed the rucksacks with our equipment for the day and started the walk in to Coire Nan Lochan at a nice steady pace. It was a pleasant walk in and we got to enjoy spectacular views and shared all of our latest gossip as we plodded away enjoying the scenery. (See "Bidean Nam Bian 15th September 2012" post for grid references and directions).

Richard & Me as we approached the 2nd belay stance of NC Gully II**, Stob Coire Nan Lochan. 01/03/2013 (Photo: Aoibhinn Bradley)

Once we arrived in the coire the cliffs looked magnificent with the sun shining high over head. We found a nice boulder in the sun shine where we could gear up and enjoy the views as we ate our lunches and readied ourselves for a fantastic adventure. It took a while for us to get ready but we were in no rush as the weather was spectacular and the views were inspiring. Once ready we started to ascend the steep approach slope to the 1st belay stance that Eve had prepared.

Richard & Me as we left the 2nd belay stance of NC Gully II**, Stob Coire Nan Lochan. 01/03/2013 (Photo: Aoibhinn Bradley)

Double checking that all was well I put Eve on belay and Eve then started to lead, nervously at 1st but it did not take long for Eve to settle into a nice rhythm. Once relaxed and happily making her way up the gully me and Richard chatted, whilst enjoying the scenery. It did not take long for Eve to dispatch the 1st pitch and soon Eve had me and Richard on belay and we soon joined a very happy Eve at the 2nd belay stance.

The spectacular view that greeted Eve as Eve topped out NC Gully II**, Stob Coire Nan Lochan. 01/03/2013 (Photo: Aoibhinn Bradley)

After a little rearrangement of the belay we soon had things sorted and Eve was back on belay ready to lead up the 2nd pitch of the gully. With increasing confidence Eve settled down straight away into a nice rhythm again and soon Eve was high above me and Richard. It was great to watch Eve leading with such confidence and all me and Richard had to do was relax and enjoy the scenery. The call from above soon came and we both made our way to the final belay stance and joined Eve.

Richard & Eve celebrating their success at the summit of Stob Coire Nan Lochan, Glen Coe. 01/03/2013 (Photo: A J Thorley)

Again we had to make a few adjustments and Eve was back on belay to tackle the final pitch. With ever increasing confidence Eve set a good pace and soon disappeared out of sight high up in the gully. Again me Richard chatted making plans for the summer rock climbing season when all of a sudden we heard a loud whoop of joy as Eve topped out the gully. Eve soon had me and Richard on belay and as we topped out to the spectacular views Eve greeted us both with a huge smile.

The Bidean Nam Bian massif, Bidean Nam Bian left and Stob Coire Nam Beith left from Stob Coire Nan Lochan, Glen Coe. 01/03/2013 (Photo: A J Thorley)

Congratulating Eve we all shuck hands surrounded by spectacular views of the surrounding mountains. We started to pack the climbing equipment away and as we did this we decided to ascend the short distance to the summit of Stob Coire nan Lochan. It was a fantastic way to end the adventure, the views were spectacular. It would have fantastic to have stayed up there until the sun set but even in the glorious sun shine it was too cold and we had to descend.

Ben Nevis & Carn Mor Dearg from Stob Coire Nan Lochan, Glen Coe 01/03/2013 (Photo: A J Thorley)

The descent just like the ascent was fantastic we had all achieved our goals, we had all enjoyed the experience and most importantly we did it safely. Returning to the bags in the coire we ate and drank a little before descending back to the cars. It was a fantastic walk out with stunning views of the Aonach Eagach and all three of us were relaxed, smiling and reflecting upon a fantastic adventure that we had all just enjoyed.

Looking down NC Gully II**, Stob Coire Nan Lochan, Glen Coe 01/03/2013 (Photo: A J Thorley)

Back at the cars, again we all shuck hands, laughing and joking about our days adventure. We then sorted the climbing gear before we went our separate ways. It was late and it seemed a shame that Richard could not join me and Eve for a drink at the Kings House Hotel to celebrate the days success.

The setting sun as we all descended from Stob Coire Nan Lochan, Glen Coe. 01/03/2013 (Photo: A J Thorley)

By the time me and Eve packed the car it was just starting to get dark so we drove the short distance to the Kings House Hotel where we parked at the rear and quickly pitched the tents before darkness fell. We then called into the bar where we toasted Eve's success and plotted the following days adventure before returning to the tents for supper and an early night.

Eve & Richard as we descended Stob Coire Nan Lochan, Glen Coe. 01/03/2013 (Photo: A J Thorley)