Early morning light on a frozen Loch Callater and Glen Callater beyond. About half way along the 10.5km approach to Pick Breaker.
The Bastion presiding over a frozen Loch Kander. The icy depression leading up to the steep black headwall and hanging icefall is taken by Bastion Direct (V, 4). I don’t think Bastion Direct climbs the hanging icefall as the guidebook mentions an icy ramp and a traverse on to mixed ground.
The Bastion (II, Left) and Twisting Gully (I, Right). At the base of Twisting Gully on the right wall (looking up) is a narrow groove leading to the upper icefall (Twisted Groove, IV, 4) and left of this is the icefall of Unnamed (III). On the left flank of the gully and partially hidden is the icefall of Long Line (III).
Looking towards Y-Gully (left) and the Back Wall area (right). On the left flank of Y-Gully (looking up) the steep icefall of Still Game (IV, 4) can be seen beneath the twin hanging daggers. On the right flank lie the routes of Tuircish Delight (III, poorly formed) and Kandy Bar (V, 5, well-formed). In the centre is the broad icefall of Pick Breaker (IV, 4) with an unnamed parallel line immediately right. The icefall on the right is Kanderhar (III) leading up into the shallow gully above.
Looking up towards the wide icefall of Pick Breaker (right) from near the base of Y-Gully. The parallel ice line immediately right of the main pitches of Pick Breaker was well-formed but the steep section through the barrier wall looked tough!
The Back Wall area of Coire Kander to the right (looking up) of Y-Gully and Pick Breaker. Kanderhar (III) is the wide icefall on the left with three unknown ice pitches to the right that don’t appear to be in the SMC new routes database.
Bill makes his way up the start of the steeper ice on pitch two. This was a great warm up for the main event above. Photo credit: Callum Urwin
The lads! The commodious “grand” belay ledge beneath pitch 3 proved to be a relaxing and social stance.
Surmounting the first of many bulges above the belay ledge at the start of pitch 3. Photo credit: Callum Urwin
Room enough for two! The wide icefall of pitch 3 allowed both teams to climb side by side a reasonable distance apart. Photo credit: Callum Urwin
Contemplating the final steep bulge of the crux section of pitch 3. Photo credit: Callum Urwin
As dusk approaches the weather begins to turn – looking towards Carn an t-Sagairt Mor across a moody Glen Callater. Photo credit: Callum Urwin
