UKC

260m, 5 pitches. Icy mixed climbing that links a superb first pitch on the steep right flank, with an attractive icy corner above the depression on Observatory Buttress. Low in the grade as good wires protect the hardest climbing on P1 and the section of serious climbing on P4 is short. Start 20m left of North-West Face at the right arete of a steep slab that bounds the left edge of a snowy corner.
1. 50m Climb the arete for a few moves, then traverse left into the centre of the slab. Climb straight up to reach a well defined, right slanting groove beneath an area of steeper rock. Climb the groove using a thin ice smear. Follow the upper groove direct and belay on the left, where the angle eases.
2. 60m Climb a wide, ice-choked crack up the centre of easier angled, mixed ground to reach the Girdle Traverse Ledge.
3. 45m Move left and climb to the very top of the depression on Observatory Buttress. Belay at the base of an icy corner capped by a prominent square roof.
4. 55m Climb the corner to the roof. Move boldly rightwards under the roof on steep, thin ice to reach an easier chimney leading to a snow arete.
5. 40m Follow the snow arete to the plateau.

Peter Davies, Donie O'Sullivan, Tim Marsh 16/Mar/2013.

Feedback

There is no feedback for this climb.

Logged Ascents

1 users have logged this

Guidebooks for Ben Nevis

Not all climbs appear in all guidebooks 2 users have this on their wishlist

Please Login to view more details on the logged ascents

Voting
High VIII
Mid VIII
Low VIII
High VII
Mid VII
Low VII
High VI
Mid VI
Low VI
High 7
Mid 7
Low 7
High 6
Mid 6
Low 6
High 5
Mid 5
Low 5
Route of Interest
Direct Nose Route (Winter)

Grade: VII 7 ***
(Sgurr an Fhidhleir)

Loading Notifications...