Wading over Stob Ban.

Still with a huge amount of snow the Lochaber and Lorn Ramblers and I decided to go up the North Ridge of Stob Ban. The strong westerly winds had scoured it very well so there was not much wading on the way up. This was a winter skills refresher for the four members, Nigel, Kate, Fiona and Rick. They are all competent mountain walkers with a great deal of experience but we all need a wee reminder and refresher of how winter works. Since they could all walk efficiently and securely in the snow and the icy ground we concentrated on some ideas to do with keeping the group safe that have come out of the SAIS Be Avalanche Aware process.

We climbed up out of Glen Nevis with some wind, some snow blowing around and a good trail put in by Scott (thanks Scott!). As we approached the steep (grade I) section the clouds cleared away, the sun came out and we had the most wonderful views as we climbed to the North Top. From here the cornices looked forbidding but we managed past them on the super narrow ridge to the main summit. We didn't stop though since we lost the visibility again and we worked our way down deep, deep soft snow in a white out. There was no path or boot trail to follow but we found the way pretty well even if we had a few falls into holes in the snow over the streams. An outstanding day and a very long day. Well done team! I hope the legs weren't too sore at the weekend!