Conditions/News: Summer is here

Sunshine and warm rock, Reiff North West Highlands

The weather has certainly switched to spring and summer in the Highlands. After a bumpy weekend of high wind summit snow and tricky conditions for our last winter courses things have turned very much to the sunshine and warmth. This is often a really nice time of year in the Highlands with broad sunshine and no midges. Traditionally it was a time where ice climbing and spring ski touring along with dry warm rock in the Glens would be on offer. With such a low snow winter this spring hasn’t really got any snow in the high mountains.

The top of Britain, spring on the summit of Ben Nevis

I had a day on Ben Nevis which doesn’t have any snow to speak of on the mountain track. One of the final steepinings before the summit would often have a large patch there well into the summer but the current one wont be there for long.

Reiff in the sunshine, rough Torridonian Sandstone is perfect to climb on.

Jo and I had a great turn of season day at Reiff. This seems to be an annual thing, once the ice axes and crampons are put in the loft for next season we head to this great crag with an equally nice drive through the North West Highlands to get to. Almost perfect rock and almost never anyone else there makes it a great venue. We ticked off a few routes in the sun while Seals bobbed about watching my attempt to climb again after a long season of largely walking.

Conan out learning the ropes in the Cuillin

We also got the season started with Conan on Skye who joined us for a last minute traverse. Jo met Conan on the isle for a prep day heading into Coire Laggan looking at some abseils, tying in and a few other skills that will help smooth things on the ridge. Iain will be guiding him under blue skies. Jo and I where meant to be working overseas for the next fortnight but with a last minute fall through we decided to head to North Wales and Plas Y Brenin to jump on a course. More to follow on that and what that means for Highland Guides but some exciting new courses and experiences will be on offer soon!

Trekking above Megeve with views to the Mont Blanc Massif, exciting programmes on offer soon.

For now the winter is behind us and its time to get into summer mode. We have a very busy summer ahead with different rock and mountain adventures throughout the Highlands. Stay tuned.