Warmest winter on record!! Scottish winter climbing is a thing of the past!! Hardly, just take a look at last years winter reports. Well maybe it wasn't the best winter on record but Scottish winter climbing is alive and well.
Some early season cold snaps and snow falls in the Northern Corries at the beginning of November brought some of the harder mixed routes into condition. There was more cold weather and snow in the Cairngorms towards the end of November and into December, with a cold spell bringing brief but good conditions to the Norries in the week before Christmas. Milder conditions prevailed over the Christmas and New Year period with a return to colder weather as the New Year dawned. January was the usual mix of mild, cold and stormy weather, allowing some prime routes on the Ben to take shape.
The unusual milder weather however meant that some of the usual venues, such as Craig Meagaidh, Southern Cairngorms, and those in the far North West didn't fair so well. The Ben, Aonach Mor, The Northern Cairngorms and a bit of creative imagination were the best options available.
Ben Nevis once again came good during March and April, with great conditions found on some of the higher routes. This did however cause the North Face to be a rather a busy place during weekends, with queues forming on some of the more popular routes.
For more details check out last seasons reports and photos. Many thanks to Pete Macpherson for providing excellent winter reports throughout last season and proving that despite what many regarded as a poor and exceptionally mild season there was still plenty of great winter climbing to be had.