Crux of the climb this ? >>> Bloody tight, I tell thee! The guide book does warn that it's not suitable for the over sized - that's an understatement. You've really got to wiggle it. For me, it was a bit more fun after I realised that. Actually no - it was more relief than fun... on another wonderful day on The Ben.
Cheers, Shauna

Great photo but probably the first time in years that I've seen a pic of anyone climbing in winter without a helmet (don't think even the two hats would be sufficient protection) - was the slot so narrow you had to take it off?

Yes it was easier to get through without a helmet as sometimes when you tried to turn your head it got stuck.

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Its a good picture, but is it staged just for the camera? I only ask as its already been pointed out that the climber is not wearing a helmet, also the climber is wearing mitts not gloves and no axes? I dont know the climber or climb and maybe they are not needed? Just thought i would ask.

i suspect a helmet would be too big for the crack, I wear dachsteins for climbing in, and axes would be useless in that situation.

Staged? Staged!? Sounds a bit perverse to me.
Helmets, axes, spare gear - everything was jettisoned/pockets emptied in order to get through this!
I would imagine Jimmy Marshall had to do similar on the first ascent...

The thought crossed my mind (a couple of times) that I could take my harness off... don't suppose Marshall would ave had multiple gear loops getting in the way!

That is one tight slot! I couldn't get through it and know of a certain leading activist who also couldn't. Certainly Marshall wasn't able to on the FA.

What a mad climb. Climbing is brilliant!