Third time on The Ben

Graham and I headed back up onto Ben Nevis today and on an intial look, Green Gully (IV 3) seemed only to have one team on it. However, once we had started and I reached the first belay I became aware that the team ahead were stopped by the two teams ahead of them. Just as I was thinking about abseiling off and going elsewhere two other teams started behind and there we were, sandwiched at the belay. The rest of the route continued like this with upto five people at any belay until we reached the upper pitch and ran for the cornice.

The routes high up have survived the last few days of thaw well and there is still plenty of ice about. Todays weather was pleasant but there was a chill in the air which looks good for the next day or two.