Birthday climbing

So for my birthday I thought, what better way to spend it climbing a 4 star, 200m Severe in the Caingorms; Eagle Ridge.  So accompanied by Joel we set off from the car park at the top of Glen Muick to Lochnagar, the corrie in question.

Crossing snow on the walk in is never a good sign!

On approach there the wind was howling, and there was a little more snow than expected.  We therefor opted for the slightly "less" snowy, Central Butress.

Lochnagar with a bit more snow than expected with Cenral Butress (highest point)

The route was great fun and was Joel's first climb outside/ multipitch.  There were a few grassy pitches interspursed with some great, expose ridge climbing.

Joel on an exposed ridge

Some more great Granite climbing

Near the top we realised that there was a rather magnificant cornice guarding the summit = not ideal.  So we aimed for the most rocky break and eased up and over the huge amount of snow.

Jonny wriggling over the cornice

We made it, after 2.5 h walk in and a 6 hour climb to the top!

Joel just ariving at the top

On the way back to the car we saw some amazing waterfalls and walked allong the amazing Loch Muick as the sun was setting.

Classic summet photo whilst being buffetet by wind

Cheers Joel for a great day out!