Alternatively climb Douglas Gap West Gully (Scottish I) which offers better scenery. When the weather is good and you are moving well after a few months of wearing crampons, Tower Ridge is a delight. Watch in HD so Facebook doesn’t ruin it! Here's the mighty Liathach, one of Scotland's great mountain days in any season, but doubly so in winter. Above the flat top of the Little Tower an easier section leads to the foot of the Great Tower, an impossibly steep rock step. So, wait until the spring when the days are long, the snow cover is brilliant and the rock is starting to become exposed again in all the right places for hand holds. The sun gets high enough in April to give an Alpine experience in Scotland. Continue on down a steep but easy slope, for another kilometre on the same bearing or GPS NN14756 71865, then turn north towards the ‘Halfway-Lochan’. Keep climbing until you reach the Great Tower. - Nuts, hexes and slings are best for this route. LIGHT IN WEIGHT, SMALL ON SPACE. Solly and J. Collier, 30th March 1894. The CIC hut is largely invisible until within close proximity of it. At this point the ‘Mountain Track’ route meets the plateau. Winter on Liathach. During the winter months, Tower Ridge becomes a much more serious prospect. Often it is easier to traverse left (west) towards the Little Brenva Face, before descending. It uses our lightest grade of micro rip-stop SKJOLDR™  waterproof breathable fabric. Note: it is possible to continue the Eastern Traverse by an exposed delicate step further left from the foot of the chimney. Follow a grid bearing of 231° for 140m from the summit shelter or 150m from the summit trig point (use a rope to measure it if you are not sure of your pacing) GPS NN16558 71180. The route can be climbed in either summer or winter although the latter is considerably more popular when parties attempt it daily. Avalanches have occurred in this gully and the initial entry can be steep, but it soon eases. It was hard going in the soft snow and a full on winter day. Climb down into the gap (tricky and loose!) (42), Climber's Log Entries Only two of the higher posts remain and with care the person experienced in negotiating steep grade 1 ground in descent will be able to move down easily into Coire Leis. On the second bearing you should reach a short steeper section after 300m and continuously steeper ground after 900m of down hill travel. Photo By Matt Preprost. Very well groomed in winter! Tower Ridge in full winter glory So, wait until the spring when the days are long, the snow cover is brilliant and the rock is starting to become exposed again in all the right places for hand holds. Under 'External Links' could you please update the URL for West Coast Mountain Guides to: They are mostly short-lived and infrequent but totally absorbing and committing. From the gap an awkward 20m groove/chimney leads to the crest of the ridge, which rises gently and becomes quite narrow. Tower Ridge was first climbed in descent by J., E. and B. Hopkins on 3 September 1892. An alternative start is via the Douglas Gap West Gully (I). When your rate of progress is slow in the shorter days at the start of the winter, many people finish the climb in the dark - and some spend a cold night out on the ridge! Scenic lake trail is also a highlight. Initially the ground will be flat. The route is generally c… 26.02.2013 MacLeod adds two new winter climbs to Ben Nevis Dave MacLeod has made the first ascent of two new winter climbs on Ben Nevis in Scotland, White Noise … This is a good option for teams who are late or tired. The main difficulties are over once Tower Gap has been negotiated. This may be a good ploy for teams who are late and tired and wish to avoid a night out. You can’t help but notice the precipitous drop down into the gullies on either side of the ridge, particularly on the Eastern traverse of the Great Tower. For fast parties on top form and blighted by queues on the Eastern Traverse this more difficult way may offer a chance to get in front (or lose your place in the line). A full technical feature set and our SKJOLDR™ ultra-breathable and waterproof membrane means lightweight packability with superb harsh... At the start of winter, Tower Ridge can feel quite hard. Owen and Craig, both age 17, did not get an easy ride today on their first winter climb. Tower Ridge is Ben Nevis’s most famous ridge, descending approximately 600m down the north side from close to Ben Nevis’s summit. If you are new to climbing or anxious about using technical climbing equipment, please don’t worry we are here to help. Tower Ridge, Ben Nevis is one of the best known and longest climbing routes in Britain, it is one of Ben Nevis' classic ridge's and stands proud of the North face cliffs, dividing the North face into two halves. From here take in the wonderful views of Coire Na Ciste. The sun gets high enough in April to give an Alpine experience in Scotland. Welcome home to perfect, comfortable living at Tower Ridge Apartments. Solly, and J. Collier in March 1894. Lake Wissota State Park. Tower Ridge is without doubt the finest way to climb Ben Nevis. This leads to a very exposed and steeply banked snowfield traversing to Tower Gully and avoids the difficulties higher up. Much appreciated! On the left side of the tower a very exposed and steeply banked snow ledge (The Eastern Traverse) is followed horizontally left, down slightly and round an edge to beneath a huge fallen-block chimney. No ice slides, ice tower, at this year's winter festival. See the main Ben Nevis page regards descent routes. Tower GapFollow the very narrow and exposed crest towards the Tower Gap, descending slightly. The main difficulties are high on the route and therefore it should not be underestimated. This is unmistakable because it is an almost vertical rock face and markedly more difficult than what you have been doing up until now. If after 800m on the recommended bearing you encounter steep ground and cliffs dead ahead you are advised to try and avoid them by going right (North) until it is possible to continue on the bearing (282 deg grid). When the rocks are not fully covered with snow, or worse, when they are covered in verglas, moving up the rocky ridge is slow and laborious. Collie, G.A. N.B. It's challenges are varied and interesting, calling on a wide-variety of skill in rope work and moving on winter terrain. There are beginner and advanced trails. Climb down the gap via tricky and loose ground. Mountain rescue services regularly have to pick people off the upper stretches of the route after climbers have realized that they are unable to complete it. It's length and My place is close to the airport, the city center, art and culture, and parks. Fall in love with luxurious, spacious living at Tower Ridge! The route then levels out before another pitch leads to the foot of the Great Tower.The Great TowerOn the left side of the tower a very exposed and steeply banked snow ledge (the Eastern Traverse) is followed horizontally left past a slab corner and round an edge to beneath a huge fallen-block chimney which may be covered in snow. Brilliant! The main factor that will cause grief on a winter climb of the ridge will be high winds, while very heavy snow conditions can also make things incredibly time consuming. In honesty, it was better than I imagined it would be and the bar was already set high. The main difficulties are concentrated high up, and the whole route is exceptionally long and arduous, fully justifying its grade of IV. Castle Ridge is one of our favourite winter ridges. Having had a productive week and having made the … Either start at the foot of Observatory Gully, immediately East of Tower Ridge, and climb the East Gully (Scottish I) to Douglas Gap. The normal winter route avoids the face of the Douglas Boulder by entering the foot of Observatory Gully to the left and then cutting back right to climb the East Gully to Douglas Gap (I). Pass the block, steep walls and ledges to the top of the Great Tower with some difficulty. Standing on the Great Tower in the sunshine, looking forward to Tower Gap with excitement instead of trepidation makes it a much more fun experience! The normal winter route avoids the face of the Douglas Boulder by entering the foot of Observatory Gully to the left and then cutting back right to climb the East Gully to Douglas Gap (I). This usually requires three pitches of climbing, the first over a huge spike with a step right out of a groove above and the second on the left up a groove leading to a huge flat boulder. Either ascend the far wall or move left to belay beneath an icy slab. A number of years ago, the upper car park was reached by way of a steep and terribly eroded, often muddy, path but fortunately things have improved.From the upper car park, climb over the style and follow the trail along the Allt a’Mhuilinn stream south-west to the CIC hut. Tower gap marks the second crux. Lake Wissota State Park is located just 2 miles east of Inn on Lake Wissota. From Douglas Gap a 20m groove/chimney leads to the crest of the ridge, which rises gently to become quite narrow. The top of the gully has a metal marker post with the number 4 drilled into it (GR 158717 – GPS NN15821 71733). Myers attempted to complete a thru-hike of the AT this past summer, but chose to leave the trail before completing his hike due to COVID-19. GPS NN 15721 71384 to the 1200m contour. 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The route then cuts back left to follow the exposed ridge to beneath the Little Tower. *Majority of Trails for non-winter use Horse Trail Horse Trail Leaving Area 25 Sign Post Parking Chalet/Restroom Restroom P Tower Ridge Horse Trails * Number on top of post corresponds with circled number on map and relative distance back to Chalet/cabin * White arrow on sign post indicates direction back to Chalet/cabin Alison Ehlert & Ashley Ho˜man UWEC Geography ‘08 Ri˚e Range. Next, walk for around 90 minutes (give or take depending on snow conditions) to the CIC hut beneath the North side of Ben Nevis. It would be big day out without the technical difficulty requiring a rope. After 100m the gradient becomes abruptly steeper and some short posts may be seen; keep these to your left (north-east). Dec 26, 2020 - Private room for $45. Technically easier than the North East Buttress and Observatory Ridge but it should not be underrated. This is our most guided route and your mountain professional will have clocked up dozens of ascents of this route in all conditions- you'll be in very safe hands! Hunter Mountaineering, Fort William Picture: Tower Ridge - Winter - Check out Tripadvisor members' 11,300 candid photos and videos. Tower Ridge in winter Tower Ridge on Ben Nevis, has been called " The finest one-day mountaineering expedition in Britain " and this is especially true in good winter conditions. Tower Ridge in winter I had thought the winter season was over for another year, though like last year after having assumed that my ice axes and crampons would go away not to see the light of day for 9 months my assumption was proved wrong and I received a message from Joe asking if I was keen for a days winter climbing on Ben Nevis. At this point is a metal sign (GR 171710 – GPS NN17099 71005) with information relating to the ‘Abseil Posts’. For more guides by Mike on some classic Scottish winter routes, see the following:  Point Five Gully, Gemini, Curved Ridge, Number Three Gully Buttress. Along this route it is important not to stray left (south) in the first 2km, as this would lead to the steep and serious ground of ‘Five Finger Gully’. It is not uncommon for unguided teams to get benighted near the most difficult section; Tower Gap. It’s widely regarded as the finest winter climb in the UK with a variety of walls, ridges, and traverses. Tower Ridge requires a winter vehicle entrance pass. This easy snow gully offers a straight-forward descent to the CIC hut to the north in good visibility. Buy Now, Pay Later with Klarna | 3 simple payments | Click for more >, Asmund Women's Hard Shell Mountain Jacket, A MULTI CONDITION HARD SHELL JACKET. (1 ), The Scottish avalanche information service (SAIS), Mountain weather information service (MWIS). Scottish Rock & Water, Kingussie Picture: Winter Guiding - Tower Ridge, Ben Nevis - Check out Tripadvisor members' 2,280 candid photos and videos. The chimney is climbed via a series of steep walls and ledges to the top of the Great Tower with some difficulty. http://www.westcoast-mountainguides.co.uk/category/news/ Winter is coming at Tower Ridge apartments! If descending back to the North side No.4 Gully and the Carn Mor Dearg abseil post are equidistant. Because of its unusual length and the variable conditions-related difficulties that may be met, it needs to be taken seriously by even the most accomplished teams. A fantastic grade 3 / Diff scramble including the iconic Tower Gap, a mental test in an incredible and atmospheric setting. We offer many different floor plans to accommodate your tastes. From the narrow section most teams go out right on a gently rising steep snow ramp until overlooking the west flank above Vanishing Gully. Seasonal Notes: Tower Ridge in winter is one of Scotland's best-loved mountaineering routes, and no ordinary grade III. Sometimes the cornice can be a problem necessitating an initial snow bollard abseil but usually there is a section of cornice dug out from below. For example, theAconcagua mountain page has the 'Aconcagua Group' and the 'Seven Summits' asparents and is a parent itself to many routes, photos, and Trip Reports. An alternative start is via the Douglas Gap West Gully (I). Tower Ridge has fabulous trails for hiking and cross country skiing. At this point there is an almost level path, approximately one metre wide, to the east of the Tower. Tower Ridge can be climbed in any condition, but the challenges will vary depending on whether you are doing a wet rock climb or a snow crested arctic adventure. Almost certainly the finest winter climb in the UK available to weekend warriors, and certainly the longest. Ben Nevis winter climbing: Point Five Gully and Tower Ridge Quintessential winter climbing in Scotland: Ben Nevis and the classic routes Point Five Gully and Tower Ridge introduced by the Mountain Guide Mike Pescod. and either ascend the far wall or a slab on the left. Tower Ridge: Solo in Winter Get link; Facebook; Twitter; Pinterest; Email; Other Apps ; February 12, 2011 My partner for the last couple of days had to head South. Follow the very narrow and exposed crest towards Tower Gap, descending slightly. From the gap an awkward 20m groove/chimney leads to the crest of the ridge, which rises gently and becomes quite narrow. The route is generally considered to be somewhere between a medium or hard Scottish III and an easy Scottish IV depending on who you ask or where you read. To reach the route you first need to park your car in the North Side of Ben Nevis car park. All are reachable from the top of Tower Ridge. From the steepening ground after approximately 200m of descent a slight col will be found to the left (east) half a kilometre from the summit. Great place to bring the family for an afternoon of outdoor fun! (Info from Alan Kimber website). He is the founder of Abacus Mountain Guides, an outdoor guiding company based in Fort William, as well as being the author of the guidebook Winter Climbs Ben Nevis and Glen Coe. This, the most famous of the great Nevis ridges, is a magnificent expedition. Tower Ridge is Ben Nevis’s most famous ridge, descending approximately 600m down the north side from close to Ben Nevis’s summit. Stay warm in this 2x2! Bring a light rack in order to move quickly- Ice screws are of limited use- Technical ice axes - Crampons, Check current climbing conditions at UKClimbing's Tower Ridge logbookWest Coast Mountain Guides Avalanche information, climbing conditions and weather forecasts.Abacus Mountaineering Climbing conditions The Scottish avalanche information service (SAIS)Mountain weather information service (MWIS) weather forecastMetcheck 7 day weather forecastUKClimbing Article, Hi, There will be no ice slides or fire and ice tower at this year's High On Ice Festival. By Ben Nevis standards the approach to Tower Ridge is easy beyond the CIC due to its relatively close proximity and minimal height gain. Which one you take largely depends on what the weather and snow conditions are like on the given day. The Little Tower usually requires 3-4 pitches of climbing, starting on the extreme left. By continuing we assume that you are consenting to all cookies on this Website. In winter this classic takes on another dimension, from classic Scottish scramble to alpine ridge. Conditions can be fierce on the summit plateau so have in your mind your preferred method of descent upon topping out. A Winter Ascent of Tower Ridge. Dillon Giancola / Alaska Highway News. If Tower Ridge and the Cuillin are a bit too much liker climbing, but rope-free walking seems a bit, well, pedestrian, then the classic Scottish grade II winter ridges might be just the job. All Rights Reserved. On reaching Tower Gully it is also possible to descend with care to the hut by a traverse beneath Gardyloo Buttress and on down Observatory Gully. Tower Ridge is the ultimate super-classic climb that is long, beautiful and has its crux sections right at the top. Parents refers to a larger category under which an object falls. +4° in 2002). A very early start today was rewarded with sunrise as we ascended Tower Ridge, a fair amount of wading through the snow plus some tunnelling for James! Tower Ridge IV 3 800m. One Day Course; Two Day Course; Four Day Course; 5 More; Watersports Menu Toggle. Then follow a bearing of 282° (grid). January 12, 2021 09:53 AM This father and son were among the first to take the first trips down the ice slides in Centennial Park on Feb. 9, 2018. The angle is steep at first, but eases after 150m.DirectionsFrom Alan Kimber website…From the summit shelter a bearing of 134° (grid) GPS NN16897 71017 should be held. However, snow build-up will dictate the easiest and most obvious route down. Images A winter ascent of Tower Ridge on Ben Nevis, April 2nd 2010 during the best winter for over forty years Alternatively, use the Pony track that descends the south side. Daily and annual state park vehicle admission passes vary in price. The shortest way is not necessarily always the easiest and in really bad conditions the best way off the mountain is sometimes via the Red Burn mountain track. This may require that you travel uphill for a short distance to skirt the top of ‘Five Finger Gully’.Reaching the mountain track from number 4 gully (see below)A compass bearing due west from the lip of this gully (270° grid) or GPS NN 14756 71865 is a descent to Glen Nevis, via the Red Burn mentioned previously. The first ascentionists overcame the Great Tower by taking the cliff on the west side (Western Traverse, 70m IV,4**). This is a smooth slot in the ridge which is too wide to stride so requires careful exposed downclimbing before a steep exit and the final ridge towards the summit plateau. This is a great summer route for people looking to progress from scrambling to climbing or who aspire to climb Tower Ridge. This is one of Scotland's must do scrambling ridgelines with it's infamous gap. The first ascent and first winter ascent was Norman Collie, Godfrey Solly and J.Collier on 29 March 1894. Ken Applegate, View Tower Ridge Image Gallery - 42 Images. © 2006-2020 SummitPost.org. Climb the final section of the ridge to the plateau, moving right beneath a steep wall at the top. For late December, Tower Ridge is really well filled in with good snow, and a lot of soft snow lower down. A guided day rock-scrambling up Tower Ridge, the classic climb on Ben Nevis Clamber up the ridge, a summer Grade 3 rock-scramble and 'difficult' grade rock-climb. Enjoy a balcony view of the morning sunrise or evening sunset in any one of our spacious apartments. The route can be climbed in either summer or winter although the latter is considerably more popular when parties attempt it daily. To avoid the difficulties higher it is possible to continue the Eastern traverse beyond the foot of the chimney to an exposed and steeply banked snowfield that traverses to Tower Gully. It is possible to reach this section and avoid the moves out of the Douglas Gap by traversing in from higher up Observatory Gully over rocky steps and steep snowfields (II). In a nutshell, don't attempt the route if Scottish III is your absolute limit for leading.The route was first climbed by J.N. Accurate pacing and compass work is an essential skill for all people climbing on Ben Nevis. This site uses cookies to provide you with the best browsing experience. Over the past few months Tower Ridge has become a slight obsession of mine due to how great the ridge looked in photos and the descriptions in guide books containing phrases such as “perhaps the finest mountaineering expedition in Scotland” and I was disappointed not to have managed to climb it … It's long, often done, and well talked about. From here the route moves out right and up beneath steep rocks until overlooking Vanishing Gully. Several trail options go through woods, meadows, lowlands, marshes, and Lake Wissota’s shoreline. It’s a long day out and an early start is essential. The lookout tower on Wesser Bald, like Wayah Bald, is along the Appalachian Trail. Gaining the RidgeThere are a number of ways to commence the route. Climb the final section of the ridge to the plateau, moving right beneath a steep wall at the top. It is also the point where the ridge turns slightly right and overhangs the steep North Westerly face we so often see on the approach path. Collie, G.A. From Tower Gully its possible to descend towards the CIC hut by first traversing across to the Gardyloo Buttress and then down Observatory Gully.The Western Traverse (IV, 4) offers a more difficult alternative to the Eastern traverse and also avoids the queues here. A guided Ascent of Ben Nevis via the famous Tower Ridge. Feb 25, 2013 Alastair Begley Winter Climbing Short Link . They had ascended it as far as the Great Tower the previous day. There are three main routes of descent. The Little tower, and above, presents the most technical challenges of the route. Tower Ridge    500m ascent, 1000m of climbing        IV,3***, J.N. This same point can alternatively be reached from Observatory Gully by traversing in from higher up over Scottish II rocky steps and steep snowfalls. (6), Additions & Corrections ... Snowboard Lessons; Ski Touring Courses; Winter Skills Courses Menu Toggle. It’s a long day out and an early start is essential. Also, it is possible at times to move a few meters to the north, along the rim and gain access to the gully down steeper ground. The trail initially climbs through a lovely pine forest, reaching an upper car park in around 20-30 minutes. Wintery on Tower Ridge The rain was beating on the roof at 6.30am again this morning but glimpses of the tops yesterday confirmed that it was snow higher up so eventually I prised myself out of bed and threw a winter sack together. Back sat of the couch by 1pm and time for some last minute present wrapping and mince pie eating! This traverse is the first of two crux pitches. Mike Pescod is an IFMGA guide, and a member of Jöttnar's Pro Team. Ascend via a sequence of difficult moves over slabs, ledges and chimneys until the angle eases and the last difficulties are over. Not for the faint-hearted! The steep lip of this gully is 800m (approx) from the top of Gardyloo Gully. Tower Ridge is quite possibly the finest mountaineering route in the country and is an awe inspiring way to reach the summit of Ben Nevis! I had an extra day to play with and with recent good conditions was keen to climb another route. The little tower is merely a steeper section of the ridge and poses no significant difficulty. The Asmund is a highly versatile, lightweight and packable waterproof hard shell. Don’t forget to convert your grid bearings to magnetic (approx. Cross the Great Chimney and Tower Gap Options include returning along the CMD arete, or better still, descending Ledge Route This is located a short distance North-West of Fort William and can be reached on foot with extra time. Cut back up left onto the crest and follow it past The Great Chimney on the left to beneath the Little Tower. This will avoid the steep drop of Gardyloo Gully close on your right. I'll add descent info here also over the next few days. Tower Ridge in winter is just one of those routes. Finally the descent via the old Pony Track or perhaps Ledge Route. Tower ridge continues to fascinate and compel, with a magnificent mix of wall, ridge, and traverse lines taking the boldest classic alpine route almost to the very summit of Britain's highest mountain. It’s widely regarded as the finest winter climb in the UK with a variety of walls, ridges, and traverses. Tower Ridge seemed the obvious choice. 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