Number 3 Gully Buttress

Good snowfall over night.

Today we ventured up the Ben to find a fair amount of snow had come down.  A number of teams were about, one on Green Gully, Number 2 Gully Buttress and a team headed towards the cascade area.

We opted to go for Number 3 Gully Buttress which looked in great condition.  There was excellent ice on the start and we also climbed the steep ice corner of Quick Step to access the rightward traverse.  This adds a some good climbing instead of traversing around.  We did have a fair amount of spindrift coming down to give the full Scottish experience.  The mixed step was good spot, as the snow was not as consolidated in some spots as you would like.  Typical early season condition.  We cruised along steadily to top out in less windy conditions than expected.

Guy had been over in Glencoe and said there was very little snow,  and thinks had not really firmed up that well.  With the high temperature tomorrow and heavy rain forecast, it will be interesting to see how things hold up.