A couple of days in Scotland

I've just spent a couple of days, north of the border, visiting family and friends and during this time I managed to get out climbing. Two days were spent exploring the Red Craigs in Glen Clova and then on the way south I managed to get a session in at Dumbarton.

Glen Clova from the top of Central Crack (HS, 4b).

Scouting out another route on the lower north-west crag.

Trying to get it back on Cauldron Crack (HVS, 5a).

The first day of my Red Craigs exploration was spent on a rope ticking off some of the classic lower grade routes and then the following day, I was back, with pads on my back, to check out the circuit documented in the Bouldering in Scotland book.

Heading, once again, for the Red Craigs for a bouldering session.

Looking out of the cave at Weems Arete (Font 6a+) at the Hole of Weems boulders.

Glen Clova: Bouldering Sessions.

I managed to get 50% of the circuit completed before the weather began to turn, but motivation was also starting to dwindle and the energy levels were starting to fade so the session came to an undignified end.

Central Slab Direct (Font 5) on Dumbarton's Eagle Boulder.

Setting out on Erewhon (Font 5) on Dumbarton's Sea Boulder.

Fighting to stay on The Railings (Font 6a+) as my feet cut loose on the Sucker's Boulder.

After resting over night and wanting to make use of the excellent weather, but also at the same time making in-roads on our journey south, we planned on visiting the historic boulder's of Dumbarton. It was a brief sessions, but still enjoyable to say the least, however what was not enjoyable was the rush hour traffic in Glasgow as we made our way back to the M74 and Carlisle.

More pictures of the short break can be found here.

Good lines, stay safe and see you on the wet stuff...

Iain