Carn Etchachan, Red Guard

After a big day yesterday, checking the weather and the usual conversation about where to go and what to do, we settled on an easy day in the Northern Coires on a couple of the short, but tricky routes on the Fiacaill.  A leisurely start saw us leaving the car park at 8:45am for the short walk to Sneachda.  Our hearts sunk as we saw that the crags were a bit on the black side.  A quick chat and we were off up the Goat track to see how things looked over the back.

The Shelterstone looked white, so down we went.  We can't believe our luck as we realise that we only have one headtorch between us, and the top of the crag is not white enough.  Solution, walk further.  Carn Etchachan, is a little higher and the last hope of the day.  Red Guard VI,6*** 250m is in so all good.  "One headtorch?  We'll just climb quick! OK".

Spindrift heaven on pitch 2

Matt coming onto easy ground after on pitch 3

This is an outstanding route.  We were a little tired from yesterday, but it still would feel sharp for the grade.  An awkward  chimney on pitch 2 leads to a steep groove on pitch 3.  It eases a bit from there, but not that much.  There is a sting in the tail of the final pitch, but well worth the walk over.  The spindrift was extreme, filling hoods, sleaves, mouths and eyes giving the full winter experience.  A quick walk back meant we returned in daylight and looking forward to a day off tomorrow.