Bernard Jarvis tackling the crux of Curved Ridge. Curved Ridge on Buachaille Etive Mor. We had amazing weather with an inversion, brocken spectres and no wind. The first steep rise of Curved Ridge has a horrible deep gully to its right. 10. The crux sections are quite easily seen and it’s worth throwing in a couple of pitches on these. At the next steep section, the G-Force again decided to use ropes. I never thought I could do that – but I had. I just don’t look down, always ahead, forwards or at the horizon. I mark these as such. Share to Twitter Share to Facebook Share to Pinterest. Clear and sunny yesterday, with scattered showers and a few inches of melting snow on the highest Lochaber summits. But then I realised that I wouldn’t have pushed my limits at all. Though a little overshadowed by more illustrious neighbours such as Curved Ridge and North Buttress, the under-sung Broad Buttress has the cachet and quality of a … I had glanced out and down about half way up the route and the drop was horrible. Richard Wa rren, Chairman of the Lake District Mountain Rescue Association , comment s : “ 30% of call outs in the Lake District generally are truly avoidable if walkers planned better, carried maps, compasses, head torches and learnt how to navigate. You might also like to find out how I can work with you. I didn’t cry but I felt close to tears when I saw that chimney up ahead. Occasional clear spells. Well, not in the foreseeable future anyway. Fiona Outdoors receives free products for reviews from brands and companies, but I only accept products on condition of independence. The crux of the route. 112 photos of this climb (showing 73-96): average rating 3.6 votes 971Click on the small images to view the full size versions. , t . The G-Force said he would do this instead. “I’m not entirely sure I’d recommend that,” he said with a shocked grin on his face. Snowy conditions. Rannoch Wall is a vast, sheer cliff reaching high above Curved Ridge; classic climbs such as Agag’s Groove run up and around the face. Some blogs on this site will be also be sponsored and include affiliated links. This, apparently, is the crux of the route (grade 3) and until I could properly see this section I had no idea it even existed. Then, up ahead, I suddenly glimpsed a significantly steeper rise in the ridge, with a deep gully/chimney to its right. There are not many times that i … The rope only came out for the steep crux pitch on the upper ridge. The morning was dry and wind free, so everybody enjoyed climbing dry crux sections in a relaxed manner. Curved ridge is shown and can be compared to a closer photo of the NE face. For roped parties there is a nice big chockstone on the right of the corner that takes a sling for protection and a good flat belay ledge with plenty of gear placements above the wall. A friend's selling a pair of nearly new Boreal G1 Expedition boots.Size 11.5 which fit a UK 10 - typical Boreal sizing! And that’s when I began to enjoy the day properly! Unregistered users can only view full size photos that have been added this month. Tel: 07803 970 425. I gave myself a talking to and just kept walking, scrambling and climbing up. The G-Force kept saying how proud he was of me. It made me feel sick to the core of my stomach just to see them climbing up that route! This ridge is a lot about mind games and it helped to be belayed by rope and harness. Robin from Sweden was super psyched for some good climbing but soon realised it was very conditions dependant so we had to drop a few grades and seek some snow. Then, up ahead, I suddenly glimpsed a significantly steeper rise in the ridge, with a deep gully/chimney to its right. Above the crux, they took turns on the sharp end before we reached the summit of … The morning of Sunday the 23rd of September had promised to be a fantastic one. We were soon on Curved Ridge and enjoying the climbing, the conditions were challenging with fresh snow covering all the rocks which lead to a steep introduction to Scottish winter climbing for Steve. Curved Ridge is one of the best-known climbs in Glencoe and most people will have looked on in awe at the steep ridge while sitting comfortably in their car driving the main road of Glencoe. The crux … I’d been invited to bungee jump from the Titan Crane but I said no. The antihelix represents a folding of the conchal cartilage and it usually has similar prominence to a well-developed helix. I was relieved – but I didn’t really feel much else. The dry rock makes this much easier than if they were wet. The biggest mistake made on curved ridge is not getting on to it in the first place! Weather in the glen: This enabled us to move efficiently up the ridge, sticking to the summer line all the way. The tourist trail path  is almost the opposite extreme of the Ridge. But I’ve never felt comfortable with heights and I’d been told the ridge was pretty exposed. I kept wondering why I’d not opted to walk this path while the others did the Ridge. There are still some bits that have sudden drops and I couldn’t get the feeling of exposure out of my head. Sun near the end of the ridge. You need to take the climb head on and avoid going into the gully but there were lots of good holds. All things considered, five routes is definitely a successful trip. They are advertorial, although I still monitor the content to ensure it is of a good standard. The companies and brands receive no guarantee of endorsement. I require to monetise my website on occasions and so I choose, with care, some paid-for posts. Its a Curved Ridge day. Photo gallery: curved ridge at Buachaille Etive Mor. Just minutes later, however, and the brave – or bonkers? It was incredible witnessing the athletes flying past up the ridge. Approaching Curved Ridge. I even made it to the pub for 4pm to watch the English beat the Welsh in the Six Nations rugby. Glover and R.G. It was terrific seeing our friends in the event (especially Ian, Dave and Zac) and doing so well. We roped up again for the chimney section. The ridge itself was in fantastic nick, with good, consolidated snow where needed, a nice firm track all the way, and all the belays dug out, most of which were good spikes. With the help of a guidebook photograph, identifying Curved Ridge from the road is fairly straightforward. I think I could have climbed this section un-roped by I respect G’s decision. “Just look up. We were lucky for the low cloud cover lower down on the ridge keeping the temperatures down. The rope only came out for the steep crux pitch on the upper ridge. Gib on the upper section of Curved Ridge with Rannoch Wall behind. For obvious reasons! Activity / Cycling / Cycling / Kit Reviews / Mountain biking / Road cycling, Love is… A few thoughts from an outdoors gal, Activity / Kit Reviews / Munro Bagging / Road cycling / Walking, My outdoor clothing guide to surviving the winter, Activity / Kit Reviews / Munro Bagging / Running / Running / Travel / Walking, Running in a Gore-tex Active Shell jacket, Activity / Cycling / Road cycling / Travel, Activity / Cycle Routes / Cycling / Cycling / Kit Reviews / Mountain biking / Road cycling, Why wearing a bike helmet makes sense to me. But it’s the feeling of exposure that changes how most people cope with this climb. The rock architecture and scenery all around was more impressive than I would have believed. If only it were twice as long. The G-Force followed up behind me, having checked that Smiler and When-I-Lived-in-NZ were ok. I climbed Curved Ridge. Napier, 11th April 1898. Click to read about Buachaille Etive Mor crag (Highland). Tower Ridge is the ultimate super-classic climb that is long, beautiful and has its crux sections right at the top. As a route I have always wanted to do, it was very satisfying to have it all to ourselves in good weather! My mind was made up by Smiler Sarah and When-I-Lived-In-New-Zealand Dave. I specialise in writing about the great outdoors and adventure. And on our return to Glasgow, it was the G-Force’s turn to feel very afraid. All around me were other climbers smiling and chatting but I just stayed silent. See the video of his Titan Crane bungee jump. I am a widely published journalist and also a multi award-winning blogger. Abseiling from a scrambling route. High cloud base but ragged lower cloud in places. The ridge wasn’t that busy with most parties making their way to Rannoch wall for steeper climbing. Climbing this ridge has long been on my “could I do that?” list. Curved Ridge scramble. Dave Brown and myself simulclimbing on Curved Ridge, Buachaille Etive Mor. How it's done. It is so, so far down and I felt as scared as I’ve ever been on a mountain. You can do this,” I told myself. Maybe it was exhaustion after the adrenaline charged climb? Just keep going. Shot on Feb. 7th, 2010. View south from the summit of Crowberry Tower across Glen Etive to Stob Ghabar in the background on the left and Stob Coir' an Albannaich on the right. A Y-shaped curved cartilaginous ridge arising from the antitragus and separating the concha, triangular fossa, and scapha. There were some trickier sections but nothing that challenged my climbing ability, even while wearing winter hiking boots. It made my stomach lurch and my palms sweat. I was out on Curved Ridge on Buachaille Etive Mor today with a Falkirk Community Trust Outdoors team of John, Robin, Kim, Phillipa, Oleysa and Roddy. My mind and body very much needed to feel safe on the summit and 10 minutes later that is where I found myself. Today i was on Curved ridge on Buachaille Etive Mor in Glencoe. It’s an inspiring mountain cliff and I think Curved Ridge was an ideal initial venture onto this side of the mountain. Near the top there’s a choice of an easy walk-off up a grassy gully to the top of Curved ridge or more of a scramble on a narrow path going right towards the col between the top of Rannoch Wall and the North Buttress. On the other hand I will not be doing Curved Ridge again! Scrambling up Curved Ridge is one of them, achievable by most people of reasonable fitness and with a good head for heights – and the right knowledge and skills or a good guide. Rannoch Wall behind. There is little to beat the sense of achievement that comes with overcoming fear and a huge challenge. Crux of Curved Ridge. So, last weekend, when we found ourselves in Glencoe in glorious autumn weather, the G-Force suggested we try Curved Ridge. D K ‘ W i d e B o y ’ a n d G o l d e n P i t o n w i n n e r , P e t e W h i t t a k e r , m a k e s t h e s e c o n d a s c e n t o f t h e w o r l … They had come up to Scotland from Scarborough to enjoy one of our Munro bagging weekends and they were very keen to do Curved Ridge. I really did! Gaining the Crowberry Tower. There was no way down and so I knew I was going to have to get on with it. To be honest, the ridge is narrow and so there is little you can do than follow the line of all other climbers. I work, write and play about Scotland's great outdoors. I managed the climb but my nerve was definitely going. Every time I looked up the view of the ridge seemed to have morphed into something else and so it wasn’t until I was actually climbing that I could understand how the route fitted together. Your guide will know Tower Ridge, Ben Nevis's North Face and its other routes well and will also be able to give you insight into the flora, fauna and geology. We finished the day in the bar as usual, with whisky and hot chocolate making a fine end to the adventure. Your email address will not be published. Your email address will not be published. It was the best option to find snow, stay sheltered and keep moving. Although I was scared for him, it was actually pretty funny to hear his terror after all that I’d dealt with on Curved Ridge! Registration is quick and completely free. I could hear the encouraging words of the G-Force up ahead and there were other climbers al around just doing their thing. The final section of the ridge should have felt much easier but I was tired and feeling very exposed. Eventually the crux of the ridge, the 'Crazy Pinnacles' , is reached with drops on both sides. I’d climbed Curved Ridge. Winter Mountaineering – a tale to make you laugh. – G-Force confessed that although it was stupidly scary standing on the 60m high ledge of the Clydebank crane, near Glasgow, he might want to do it again “just to see if I enjoy the sensation of rushing through the air and feeling as though I might die”. But my legs trembled and my mind screamed: “Scared!”. 5 of the best long-distance trails in Scotland, More people want to forage for wild food, reveals survey, Inspiration / Outdoors & adventure / Running / Ultra running, 11 great reasons to sign up to Blair Castle Trail Weekender, Kit Reviews / Outdoors & adventure / Running / Ski & Snowboard / Walking, Review: CimAlp carbon poles for walking and trekking, Kit Reviews / Outdoors & adventure / Running / Walking, Mountain Equipment Earthrise Down Cycle insulated jacket, Activity / Cycle Routes / Cycling / Mountain biking / Road cycling, I recommend: Ben’s bike repair service in Glasgow, Helmet law leads to drop in bike-related injuries. The climbing was never hard, entertaining throughout and on ribs of excellent rock. The day before we’d completed some scrambley sections without too much hassle on the Ballachulish Horseshoe. The hand and feet holds are mostly large and easy to find and there is little to test your climbing ability. ... Moving past the wall we approach the Crux of the ridge which is a wall which appears to be devoid of any apparent holds. Posted by Paddy Cave (MIC) at Tuesday, January 21, 2014 No comments: Email This BlogThis! I’ve doe a few mountain walks in them and enjoyed the light weight and lack of fatigue.In the past I’ve used Inov8 315’s (?) Snap happy: A shiny new camera for my birthday! This means that I may have received payment for the posts. Email: [email protected] He said that he felt fine about it until he stood on the edge – and then tried to think of every reason why he shouldn’t do it. The move is enclosed in a corner so didn't feel too exposed. Other blogs many also include a link to this disclosure page because they are commissioned posts. Snow bollard practice into Coire na-tuillach. Required fields are marked *, Kit Reviews / Outdoors & adventure / Running, Review: Flanci skapri (aka the winter skort), Review: Hoka One One Torrent 2 for trail running, Fit over 50 / Inspiration / My fit at 50 / Outdoors & adventure / Ski & Snowboard, Inspiration / Outdoors & adventure / Walking, Chris Howard’s 11,000-mile walk of self-discovery around Britain. Ph Alex Ekins. We started our day working on Curved Ridge. Students on a Mountaineering Scotland course get roped up for a section of the classic scramble up Curved Ridge. Every time I stopped to wait for the others to climb up I’d only been able to stare at the rock face in front of me. The walk into the base of the ridge gives little clue to the actual climb. Award-winning outdoor and nature writer, editor, author, and photographer. As I said, the climbing itself is easy enough and if the chimney was at ground level I’d have mountain goated up it without ropes but it’s the height that messes with your head. But all I wanted to do was walk back down to ground level. Curved Ridge and North East Ridge of Aonach Beag ... We were both very relieved to get past the crux section which involved quite a bit of rope trickery and an assisted hoist. I hope you enjoy my collection of news, ideas and inspiring stories on this website. Never mind, it’s been a great ‘weekend’ all round. All in all another classic day in the mountains, and probably the finest weather we’ve had since we’ve been here! The snow on Curved Ridge is starting to consolidate and good in places, but still quite loose in others, which enabled Jess and Rich to get stuck into a variety of mixed climbing techniques. Nearly bought a pair of approach/scrambling shoes as I have been converted to their usefulness. The rock architecture and scenery all around was more impressive than I would have believed. I use my Crux’s for lower level stuff, really like them. Every time we met up on the ridge, Smiler and I talked of huge fear but of how thrilled we’d be to reach the top. We climbed Curved Ridge up to the summit of Stob Dearg on Buachaille Etive Mor before descending via Coire na Tulaich. Any views expressed do not necessarily reflect the views on this website. Perfect for 8000m or Polar trips. I’m a widely published journalist, a knowledgeable and engaging web copywriter and a professional blogger. I’ve no idea. Curved Ridge 300m II/III,3*** (but can attain grade III after heavy snowfall) First ascent: G.T. The view from the top was lovely as ever, with the huge drop down onto the moor all the more impressive as we had climbed the steepest side of the mountain. 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Page because they are commissioned posts Twitter Share to Twitter Share to Twitter Share Facebook! Suggested we try Curved ridge from the road is fairly straightforward as every footstep like! * ( but can attain grade III after heavy snowfall ) first ascent: G.T spectres and no wind Vinson... I realised that I … the ridge should have felt much easier than if they were wet very much to! Through me and instill me with confidence it all to ourselves in good weather happy: a new. Eased a bit and we climbed onwards unroped crux, they were awesomely footed!