tower ridge winter

By Ben Nevis standards the approach to Tower Ridge is easy beyond the CIC due to its relatively close proximity and minimal height gain. Above the flat top of the Little Tower an easier section leads to the foot of the Great Tower, an impossibly steep rock step. and either ascend the far wall or a slab on the left. A guided Ascent of Ben Nevis via the famous Tower Ridge. You can’t help but notice the precipitous drop down into the gullies on either side of the ridge, particularly on the Eastern traverse of the Great Tower. It was hard going in the soft snow and a full on winter day. © 2006-2020 SummitPost.org. Scenic lake trail is also a highlight. It uses our lightest grade of micro rip-stop SKJOLDR™  waterproof breathable fabric. It's long, often done, and well talked about. This same point can alternatively be reached from Observatory Gully by traversing in from higher up over Scottish II rocky steps and steep snowfalls. +4° in 2002). Enjoy a balcony view of the morning sunrise or evening sunset in any one of our spacious apartments. We offer many different floor plans to accommodate your tastes. Tower Ridge is Ben Nevis’s most famous ridge, descending approximately 600m down the north side from close to Ben Nevis’s summit. Alternatively, use the Pony track that descends the south side. For example, theAconcagua mountain page has the 'Aconcagua Group' and the 'Seven Summits' asparents and is a parent itself to many routes, photos, and Trip Reports. The lookout tower on Wesser Bald, like Wayah Bald, is along the Appalachian Trail. The normal winter route avoids the face of the Douglas Boulder by entering the foot of Observatory Gully to the left and then cutting back right to climb the East Gully to Douglas Gap (I). Wintery on Tower Ridge The rain was beating on the roof at 6.30am again this morning but glimpses of the tops yesterday confirmed that it was snow higher up so eventually I prised myself out of bed and threw a winter sack together. Lake Wissota State Park is located just 2 miles east of Inn on Lake Wissota. Follow the very narrow and exposed crest towards Tower Gap, descending slightly. N.B. Climb the final section of the ridge to the plateau, moving right beneath a steep wall at the top. Conditions can be fierce on the summit plateau so have in your mind your preferred method of descent upon topping out. Accurate pacing and compass work is an essential skill for all people climbing on Ben Nevis. Tower Ridge, Ben Nevis is one of the best known and longest climbing routes in Britain, it is one of Ben Nevis' classic ridge's and stands proud of the North face cliffs, dividing the North face into two halves. Under 'External Links' could you please update the URL for West Coast Mountain Guides to: Dillon Giancola / Alaska Highway News. Bring a light rack in order to move quickly- Ice screws are of limited use- Technical ice axes - Crampons, Check current climbing conditions at UKClimbing's Tower Ridge logbookWest Coast Mountain Guides Avalanche information, climbing conditions and weather forecasts.Abacus Mountaineering Climbing conditions The Scottish avalanche information service (SAIS)Mountain weather information service (MWIS) weather forecastMetcheck 7 day weather forecastUKClimbing Article, Hi, Tower Ridge is Ben Nevis’s most famous ridge, descending approximately 600m down the north side from close to Ben Nevis’s summit. Scottish Rock & Water, Kingussie Picture: Winter Guiding - Tower Ridge, Ben Nevis - Check out Tripadvisor members' 2,280 candid photos and videos. The main difficulties are high on the route and therefore it should not be underestimated. No ice slides, ice tower, at this year's winter festival. Standing on the Great Tower in the sunshine, looking forward to Tower Gap with excitement instead of trepidation makes it a much more fun experience! LIGHT IN WEIGHT, SMALL ON SPACE. (1 ), The Scottish avalanche information service (SAIS), Mountain weather information service (MWIS). The Little tower, and above, presents the most technical challenges of the route. Mountain rescue services regularly have to pick people off the upper stretches of the route after climbers have realized that they are unable to complete it. Tower Ridge is without doubt the finest way to climb Ben Nevis. Gaining the RidgeThere are a number of ways to commence the route. For fast parties on top form and blighted by queues on the Eastern Traverse this more difficult way may offer a chance to get in front (or lose your place in the line). Not for the faint-hearted! The route is generally c… The main difficulties are over once Tower Gap has been negotiated. Either start at the foot of Observatory Gully, immediately East of Tower Ridge, and climb the East Gully (Scottish I) to Douglas Gap. By continuing we assume that you are consenting to all cookies on this Website. In a nutshell, don't attempt the route if Scottish III is your absolute limit for leading.The route was first climbed by J.N. When the weather is good and you are moving well after a few months of wearing crampons, Tower Ridge is a delight. In winter this classic takes on another dimension, from classic Scottish scramble to alpine ridge. Avalanches have occurred in this gully and the initial entry can be steep, but it soon eases. See the main Ben Nevis page regards descent routes. Often it is easier to traverse left (west) towards the Little Brenva Face, before descending. Then follow a bearing of 282° (grid). I'll add descent info here also over the next few days. To reach the route you first need to park your car in the North Side of Ben Nevis car park. Ascend via a sequence of difficult moves over slabs, ledges and chimneys until the angle eases and the last difficulties are over. Tower Ridge: Solo in Winter Get link; Facebook; Twitter; Pinterest; Email; Other Apps ; February 12, 2011 My partner for the last couple of days had to head South. This is a good option for teams who are late or tired. Don’t forget to convert your grid bearings to magnetic (approx. Keep climbing until you reach the Great Tower. A number of years ago, the upper car park was reached by way of a steep and terribly eroded, often muddy, path but fortunately things have improved.From the upper car park, climb over the style and follow the trail along the Allt a’Mhuilinn stream south-west to the CIC hut. The route is generally considered to be somewhere between a medium or hard Scottish III and an easy Scottish IV depending on who you ask or where you read. Buy Now, Pay Later with Klarna | 3 simple payments | Click for more >, Asmund Women's Hard Shell Mountain Jacket, A MULTI CONDITION HARD SHELL JACKET. Winter on Liathach. Tower ridge continues to fascinate and compel, with a magnificent mix of wall, ridge, and traverse lines taking the boldest classic alpine route almost to the very summit of Britain's highest mountain. On the second bearing you should reach a short steeper section after 300m and continuously steeper ground after 900m of down hill travel. Very well groomed in winter! Lake Wissota State Park. One Day Course; Two Day Course; Four Day Course; 5 More; Watersports Menu Toggle. The trail initially climbs through a lovely pine forest, reaching an upper car park in around 20-30 minutes. Brilliant! FREE UK MAINLAND DELIVERY ON ALL ORDERS OVER £200, Best of Scottish Winter: Tower Ridge, Ben Nevis, Hodr Men's Hard Shell Waterproof Mountain Jacket, Grim Men's Hard Shell Waterproof Mountain Jacket, Odin Men's Hard Shell Waterproof Mountain Jacket, Jormun Men's Lightweight Hard Shell Jacket, Bergelmir Men's Hard Shell Waterproof Jacket, Tor Men's Ultra Lightweight Hooded Down Jacket, Floyen Men's Mid Layer Hybrid Insulated Jacket, Magni Men's Mid layer Hooded Fleece Jacket, Orindi Men's Merino Wool Thermal Base Layer, Valdyr Men's Hard Shell Drop Seat Mountain Pant, Vanir LT Men's Hard Shell Mountain & Ski Pant, Vanir LT Women's Hard Shell Ski and Mountaineering Trousers. From the gap an awkward 20m groove/chimney leads to the crest of the ridge, which rises gently and becomes quite narrow. From here take in the wonderful views of Coire Na Ciste. It’s widely regarded as the finest winter climb in the UK with a variety of walls, ridges, and traverses. To avoid the difficulties higher it is possible to continue the Eastern traverse beyond the foot of the chimney to an exposed and steeply banked snowfield that traverses to Tower Gully. Owen and Craig, both age 17, did not get an easy ride today on their first winter climb. Great place to bring the family for an afternoon of outdoor fun! At this point there is an almost level path, approximately one metre wide, to the east of the Tower. Images The chimney is climbed via a series of steep walls and ledges to the top of the Great Tower with some difficulty. Tower Ridge in full winter glory So, wait until the spring when the days are long, the snow cover is brilliant and the rock is starting to become exposed again in all the right places for hand holds. When the rocks are not fully covered with snow, or worse, when they are covered in verglas, moving up the rocky ridge is slow and laborious. Solly, and J. Collier in March 1894. Collie, G.A. From the gap an awkward 20m groove/chimney leads to the crest of the ridge, which rises gently and becomes quite narrow. Tower gap marks the second crux. Tower Ridge is the ultimate super-classic climb that is long, beautiful and has its crux sections right at the top. - Nuts, hexes and slings are best for this route. Here's the mighty Liathach, one of Scotland's great mountain days in any season, but doubly so in winter. A full technical feature set and our SKJOLDR™ ultra-breathable and waterproof membrane means lightweight packability with superb harsh... At the start of winter, Tower Ridge can feel quite hard. On the left side of the tower a very exposed and steeply banked snow ledge (The Eastern Traverse) is followed horizontally left, down slightly and round an edge to beneath a huge fallen-block chimney. Hunter Mountaineering, Fort William Picture: Tower Ridge - Winter - Check out Tripadvisor members' 11,300 candid photos and videos. Because of its unusual length and the variable conditions-related difficulties that may be met, it needs to be taken seriously by even the most accomplished teams. http://www.westcoast-mountainguides.co.uk/category/news/ There are beginner and advanced trails. This site uses cookies to provide you with the best browsing experience. Fall in love with luxurious, spacious living at Tower Ridge! On reaching Tower Gully it is also possible to descend with care to the hut by a traverse beneath Gardyloo Buttress and on down Observatory Gully. GPS NN 15721 71384 to the 1200m contour. Ken Applegate, View Tower Ridge Image Gallery - 42 Images. It’s a long day out and an early start is essential. (Info from Alan Kimber website). Tower Ridge was first climbed in descent by J., E. and B. Hopkins on 3 September 1892. Tower Ridge in winter I had thought the winter season was over for another year, though like last year after having assumed that my ice axes and crampons would go away not to see the light of day for 9 months my assumption was proved wrong and I received a message from Joe asking if I was keen for a days winter climbing on Ben Nevis. All Rights Reserved. From here the route moves out right and up beneath steep rocks until overlooking Vanishing Gully. Note: it is possible to continue the Eastern Traverse by an exposed delicate step further left from the foot of the chimney. Tower Ridge    500m ascent, 1000m of climbing        IV,3***, J.N. The first ascentionists overcame the Great Tower by taking the cliff on the west side (Western Traverse, 70m IV,4**). The steep lip of this gully is 800m (approx) from the top of Gardyloo Gully. Initially the ground will be flat. The main difficulties are concentrated high up, and the whole route is exceptionally long and arduous, fully justifying its grade of IV. However, snow build-up will dictate the easiest and most obvious route down. An alternative start is via the Douglas Gap West Gully (I). Only two of the higher posts remain and with care the person experienced in negotiating steep grade 1 ground in descent will be able to move down easily into Coire Leis. Alternatively climb Douglas Gap West Gully (Scottish I) which offers better scenery. This will avoid the steep drop of Gardyloo Gully close on your right. He is the founder of Abacus Mountain Guides, an outdoor guiding company based in Fort William, as well as being the author of the guidebook Winter Climbs Ben Nevis and Glen Coe. At this point is a metal sign (GR 171710 – GPS NN17099 71005) with information relating to the ‘Abseil Posts’. The sun gets high enough in April to give an Alpine experience in Scotland. Ben Nevis winter climbing: Point Five Gully and Tower Ridge Quintessential winter climbing in Scotland: Ben Nevis and the classic routes Point Five Gully and Tower Ridge introduced by the Mountain Guide Mike Pescod. They are mostly short-lived and infrequent but totally absorbing and committing. Follow a grid bearing of 231° for 140m from the summit shelter or 150m from the summit trig point (use a rope to measure it if you are not sure of your pacing) GPS NN16558 71180. This is a great summer route for people looking to progress from scrambling to climbing or who aspire to climb Tower Ridge. If you are new to climbing or anxious about using technical climbing equipment, please don’t worry we are here to help. Cross the Great Chimney and Tower Gap Options include returning along the CMD arete, or better still, descending Ledge Route This is located a short distance North-West of Fort William and can be reached on foot with extra time. Myers attempted to complete a thru-hike of the AT this past summer, but chose to leave the trail before completing his hike due to COVID-19. The top of the gully has a metal marker post with the number 4 drilled into it (GR 158717 – GPS NN15821 71733). Mike Pescod is an IFMGA guide, and a member of Jöttnar's Pro Team. Back sat of the couch by 1pm and time for some last minute present wrapping and mince pie eating! Tower Ridge requires a winter vehicle entrance pass. In honesty, it was better than I imagined it would be and the bar was already set high. Castle Ridge is one of our favourite winter ridges. 26.02.2013 MacLeod adds two new winter climbs to Ben Nevis Dave MacLeod has made the first ascent of two new winter climbs on Ben Nevis in Scotland, White Noise … After 100m the gradient becomes abruptly steeper and some short posts may be seen; keep these to your left (north-east). It's length and From the steepening ground after approximately 200m of descent a slight col will be found to the left (east) half a kilometre from the summit. Seasonal Notes: Tower Ridge in winter is one of Scotland's best-loved mountaineering routes, and no ordinary grade III. Continue on down a steep but easy slope, for another kilometre on the same bearing or GPS NN14756 71865, then turn north towards the ‘Halfway-Lochan’. There will be no ice slides or fire and ice tower at this year's High On Ice Festival. Pass the block, steep walls and ledges to the top of the Great Tower with some difficulty. Daily and annual state park vehicle admission passes vary in price. Tower Ridge in winter is just one of those routes. This is one of Scotland's must do scrambling ridgelines with it's infamous gap. This easy snow gully offers a straight-forward descent to the CIC hut to the north in good visibility. Along this route it is important not to stray left (south) in the first 2km, as this would lead to the steep and serious ground of ‘Five Finger Gully’. It is possible to reach this section and avoid the moves out of the Douglas Gap by traversing in from higher up Observatory Gully over rocky steps and steep snowfields (II). Stay warm in this 2x2! This usually requires three pitches of climbing, the first over a huge spike with a step right out of a groove above and the second on the left up a groove leading to a huge flat boulder. Steep drop of Gardyloo Gully dimension, from classic Scottish scramble to Alpine Ridge the... Bearings to magnetic ( approx ) from the Gap via tricky and loose )! Fall in love with luxurious, spacious living at Tower Ridge - -... West ) towards the Little Tower, and parks, descending slightly method of descent topping. Occurred in this Gully and the Carn Mor Dearg abseil post are equidistant - Check out Tripadvisor members 11,300! 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