Andy dons his crampons in the bitter cold for the descent into the Loch Avon basin
Hell’s Lum Crag dripping with ice and neve. Deep Cut Chimney follows the narrow ribbon of ice into the deep slot on the left hand side of the cliff.
Carn Etchachan and the Shelterstone Crag looking ominous in the swirling mist and cloud. Photo credit: Andy Harrison
Andy approaching Hell’s Lum Crag. The bottom pitches of the summer routes are totally buried and the approach slopes steepen alarmingly to the base of the climbs.
Carn Etchachan and the Shelterstone Crag looking moody in the swirling cloud
Andy begins 150 m of perfect neve and ice climbing while cloud and spindrift stream off the plateau above in the strong winds.
Chimneying up chewy ice on the brilliant second pitch – some of the most enjoyable winter climbing I’ve done! Photo credit: Andy Harrison
Looking down from the end of the second pitch – a series of steep icy bulges.
Andy about to go subterranean on the third pitch – easier climbing but very atmospheric!
An odd perspective – Andy at the very head of the gully at the final belay. Where do we go from here?
Going deeper underground amidst amazing scenery at the end of the third pitch. Photo credit: Andy Harrison
Into the light! Andy finishing the famous back-and-footing section to exit from the jaws of the chimney – what a finish!
