1st March, Winter Skills, Cairngorms

We were out on Day 2 of our winter skills course on Cairngorm. The weather had improved slightly overnight and a light covering of fresh snow had fallen. Our route onto the plateau today was across the Fiaciall Ridge. A fine scrambly ridge with great views into the coires on either side and a great opportunity for the group to develop their winter skills.

There were some very good snow conditions on the ridge and we soon reached the plateau without any problems. There were many teams out climbing in both corries today. After we arrived on the plateau we decided to walk over to Ben Macdui to practice our navigating.

As we approached the summit the weather closed in and visibility became poor. This was great as the group learned how weather conditions can change very quickly in this area and the need to be able to navigate efficiently and effectively.

After a short break for summit pictures Jo was given the task of navigating us back off the mountain and into Coire an Lochain. In the coire we look at a number of techniques for descending and moving about on the steep snow slopes of the headwall. Before returning to the car park.

Matt was staying on an extra night in Aviemore and he was going to try his first night in a bothy at Ryvoan, a short walk from Glen More lodge