UKC

me and my mate al want to do tower ridge next weekend, what gear do you think we should take? We have 4 camalots and 6 wild country freinds. Do you guys think we should take any more gear? Al says he can get some link cams as well. We also have a set of nuts. Do you think there will be any snow left on the route at this time of year? cheers ukc buddys!

In reply to spa_bob:

Maybe a rope?

In reply to Chris Sansum:

Yeah, we have a rope. Just thought that would be to obvious to include, cheers mate

In reply to spa_bob:
I would have thought a set of nuts, some longish slings, 2-4 runners, 4-6 screw gates and a couple of friends would do it.

10 friends sounds like complete overkill to me. I've heard you can do the ridge reasonably well protected with just a few slings and screw gates. most of it is walking/easy scrambling.

In reply to CurlyStevo: what about any snow or ice? i heard that there was alot of ice in the late winter will this present a problem?

cheers curly stevo

In reply to spa_bob:
I've heard the ridges are clear of snow now, not been up the Ben recently myself to confirm this.

This my help the image changes focus quite regularly
http://visit-fortwilliam.co.uk/webcam/

In reply to CurlyStevo: 4-6 screw gates?

2, 3 if your using a magic plate.

In reply to spa_bob: I've done it in winter, if doing it in summer I'd take:

50 or 60m halfrope.
harness and helmet.
a belay plate, HMS and extra HMS each.
6 wires, 1 3 5 7 8 and 10, + a snapgate
a couple of rocentrics (6 and 7) + a snapgate
4 60cm slings,
3 120cm slings,
1 240cm sling
and 14 snapgates.
5 or so metre of absail tat.

I wouldn't bother with rock boots as the route doesn't really require them. a pair of approachs shoe like the guide tennie or a lightweght pair of boots like sportiva trangos would be indeal in my view.

I would doubt there would be any unavoidable snow on the route currentley.

HTH

In reply to Tom Ripley:

You really don't need all that gear Tom, it's a scramble.
It's also long; you can't mess about pitching it all.

A short rope and a few slings is all I'd take if with people who weren't happy to solo.

In reply to spa_bob:
Would take the nuts but not bother dragging the cams up.

In reply to spa_bob: I think you are trolling, I would not be seen dead with cams on tower ridge. Either that or you are strengthening my prejudice about SPA holders

In reply to Glen: ok then.

a half rope.

3 wires, 3 6 and 9 (to protect the eastern traverse).

3 60cm, 2 120cm.

8 krabs

harness, lid, atc, another hms.

In reply to spa_bob: No snow on ridge, just a few wee patches left in gullies. Half set of nuts a handful of slings and draws and bob's your uncle

In reply to dan bailey:

Thanks for all the advice guys!! Think we'll take as much gear as we can, better safe than sorry! Think we'll be ok about the snow though, it is the end of july after all.

Should be a good trip, all going well. I have my red socks for the expedition, and should be up there on saturday. Say hi!

P.s. Is it possible to get into the c.i.c. hut at this time of year? Would be good to have a cuppa at the eand of the ridge!
Cheers!

In reply to Glen:

I actually think taking lots of slings on a route like that is a good idea if you're intending to move together. You can get a lot futher before you have to stop and sort out the gear.

In reply to Tom Ripley: The eastern traverse is actually a path in summer. It's the only part of the ridge that that feels distinctly different in winter I reckon.

In reply to spa_bob:

I can confirm that there is no snow at all on the route at this time.

The amount of cams that you are suggesting does seem excessive; I normally carry two plus six nuts and three slings (one long one for the gap just in case the tat isn't there) if I am guiding the route. Only between the Eastern Traverse and the far side of the gap are you likely to want to make fixed pitches. The rest of the route can be soloed, short-roped, short pitched or possibly moved together on, but unless you are well-versed in the latter techniques I'd suggest that soloing is safer.

Enjoy your trip. And it is a trip.

In reply to spa_bob: Bob > it's a Diff. But long and in parts exposed.Escapable by means of Eastern Traverse from Tower Gully (Easy) (Climbers Guide to Ben Nevis. J.R Marshall.Page 83)

Long slings, rocks and nuts .60m alpine rope. Don't do it if the wind is strong. Bivvy by SMC hut-makes it a lot easier. Good luck.

In reply to spa_bob:


All I can say, is if you're a troll, you're a very dull one. Sorry mate.

In reply to punter:

But if you're not a troll, then no, the CIC hut isn't open for general use. Take your own refreshments and enjoy!

In reply to spa_bob:

Are you for real?! I can't help thinking your profile sounds like a piss-take. As does your original post on this thread.

In reply to ABark:

You are not wrong!

* Interests Outside Climbing: Working and playing lawn bowls

Cant decide which is worse!

In reply to Calder: Its a tough decision between work and lawn bowls! at work i can inspire future generations of climbers AND i get paid! but lawn bowls is just like climbing it takes mental strength and stamina as well as physical ability! does anyone else here partake in the sport?

In reply to spa_bob:

Fair enough. We all have our quirks I suppose - tis what makes life interesting.

In reply to spa_bob:

gearwise ? - some nuts, a few hexes, tower gap sling (big one) and a wee headtorch. Start early and take
wellies for the mudslopes at the start.

In reply to spa_bob: Take your bowls on the route ,theres enough room on the eastern traverse in summer to have a game.I see you succeeded in your quest to elicit some wonderful advice from the great guru and guardian of lochaber Jamie B

In reply to spa_bob: Take a few slings, a big one is useful for protecting Tower Gap, 1/2 set of nuts (6-10). To me anything else would be overkill. 95% is moving together, only a couple of short sections need any sort of pro.

In reply to Gael Force:

Do I detect a note of sarcasm?

In reply to punter: Tower ridge was ascended on saturday!! Wonderful day out was had by spa bob and party, thanks to all who passed on advice and recomendations.

The weather was quite cold actually, not at all like summer. We ended up taking a full rack, and pitching most of the route, took bloody ages! next time we'll go for the solo...

Jolly good day!!

Mercey buckets ukc peeps!