Sassenach (E3 6a in summer) on Ben Nevis, has received its first winter ascent at the hands of Andy Turner and Tony Stone.

You can see Andy and Tony low down on the route on this photo on the Lochaber SAIS Blog.

Commenting on the UKC forums, Erik B said "I think this is the most important winter ascent on the Ben for decades."

We hope to have more details of this ascent soon.

The following day Andy was back out on the sharp end, after just two hours sleep, finishing off a new route with Ian Parnell. This line has taken Ian several attempts and is called Bruised Violet (VIII,7,8,8,8,7).

Commenting on his blog Ian described their efforts on the Beinn Eighe masterpiece thus:

"We spent probably 10 or 11 hours unlocking the false turns and blind alleys of the maze of overhanging rock right of Chop Suey (starting up that route) before managing a superb direct line."

Other recent coverage of winter climbing on UKC has included an International Meet Report, a winter round-up and a superb article on The Godfather by Es Tresidder.