Today was a perfect Scottish winter’s day. Freezing cold in the glens, probably minis 10 – 15 this morning but a temperature inversion meant it got a bit warmer as we made our way back up to the Lochan in Glen Coe.
There was no wind today so it was quite a bit warmer whilst climbing and so we picked a harder route than yesterday, “Central Grooves” which is the three star classic at the crag at grade VII, 7.
My climbing partner, Ben Wallace graciously deferred the leading to me as the route was high on my to-do list and Ben W’s first grade VII, 7.
It is a great route, quite sustained with each of the main pitches worth the grade in thier own right. Lots of hooking and bridging up some fairly steep ground but with pretty good gear close at hand along the way.
A superb route, thanks Ben and I owe you a belay!
Looking out across the scottish hills this morning
Approaching the climb, which takes the groove line up to front face of the buttress
Central Grooves pitch 1
Starting out on pitch 2, probably the most sustained pitch I think
Ben Wallace seconding pitch 2, check out the ropes for an idea of the angle.
Ben Wallace just past the steep section on the long pitch 3
Ben Wallace taking over the lead for the last pitch up to the summit.
