Salamander -Beinn an Dothaidh - Grade III

[wilkiemurray]

once again I have added a video of the day from a few weeks ago. Clag was in to start with but as you can see the blue skies appeared at just the right time

a short stop at Loch Earn to get sunrise

Was icy and snow level was around 300m. On driving up the road we stopped at the Bridge of Orchy hotel and had a look a the route with the binoculars. It looked good and was in. As we set off up the tourist path the clag filled the gully and the fine view of the route dissappeared unfortunately. There had been some fresh snow and this proved a little tricky as we headed off the track and onto rocks towards the start of the route. When we got there , two climbers were ahead of us on the first pitch. The ice was good but the views at this point were not!!! Some point through the first pitch it started snowing - the second pitch was probably the highlight of the day with a nice steep bit of ice at the top to get to thebelay for the third pitch.

second pitch

Good fun but cold hands here by this point!! The snow was still falling when we reached the final pitch which was fantastic with great ice. As we headed up this final pitch something strange happened - the clouds parted and the sun came out - a fantastic way to finish the route.

top and blue skies

descending back in to the cloud

[quoman]

I said it on you last report MAD but looks amazing wish i had the B&*% TO DO IT

[PeteR]

S*d that for a game of soldiers I think I'll be sticking to the paths up the hills.

Really enjoyed the video though It looks like the three of you had a great time doing this and despite the fact you wouldn't get me doing this anytime it does look like great fun. Unlike quoman though I think I'll rest happy I don't have the b***s to do this