Hell Bent for Winter on Judas Priest, Lochnagar: Photo Gallery
Andy approaches The Cathedral as the cloud lifts to reveal a white, rimed, wind-blasted crag – perfect conditions for mixed climbing
Gearing up beneath The Cathedral as the weather turns out to be even better than forecast. The line of Judas Priest takes the corner and groove emanating from the central snow bay
The sun kisses the top of West Buttress as we gear up. The prominent central defile of West Gully was the scene for our opportunistic late-season raid in April this year
Andy on point launches straight into the steepness at the start of the first pitch, aiming for the notch leading left into the main groove
Relieved to be finally though the crux after a much more intense battle than we had bargained for!
A climber enjoys the position on the excellent Transept Groove. I climbed this route in 2017, ironically after an aborted attempt at Judas Priest
Inching further up the groove, Andy finds a good stance affording a rest after the stressful crux section
A fine position is attained higher up the first pitch as Andy leaves the groove for the crest of the overlooking rib
The second pitch was a much more mellow affair, albeit with a bold ten metres of steep turf to start – warthogs are your friends on Lochnagar! Photo credit: Andy Harrison
Views out over Deeside and the unfrozen loch. Despite the temperatures I suspect the strong winds have prevented the loch icing up
