On 28th November, Jon Bracey, Rich Cross, and Martin
Moran made the first winter ascent of Hydroponicum on
the Far East Walls of Beinn Eighe. Making good use of
the excellent conditions, Jon and Rich swung leads for
four pitches, with Cross leading the last pitch in the
dark after Bracey had endured a three hour tussle with
the crux. A grade of VIII 8 was thought appropriate
for the bold and sustained crux pitch. Bracey commented "onsight new routing is where it's at! Success on the
route was in doubt right up to the final moments as
Crossy pulled out a blinder on the last pitch in the
total darkness!"
brilliant! nice one lads! i heard Beinn Eighe was in good nick during that spell and the Far east walls in rare nick, bit of a coup that one and with a long drive from sheffield as well! inspiring stuff.
Indeed! Well done chaps. We need more attention focused this season on the steep bits of Beinn Eighe. This place will be the future of hard mixed climbing in Scotland. And it won't require any bolts, just alot of strengh, courage and techniche which these three obviously have in spades. Lets hope that these ascents set the tone for the winter, i am inspired - i might even do a couple off pullups! Bring it on! James e
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