We arrived at Altnafeadh just after the dawn. The temperature was -9C with thick snow at the roadside. The view was stunning. No time to look at it today though, we were on a mission!

Tom and James are off to Chamonix in the summer, so today was about getting the feel for a longer mountaineering route and maintaining a good pace and momentum similar to the pace given as the 'holy grail' guide book time on an alpine route. North Buttress on Buachaille Etive Mor (Glencoe) (photo link) was in brilliant icy condition today and an absolute pleasure to climb. The easyish mixed ground above and below it provided good terrain for practicing moving together and managing the rope.

Considering it was there first ever mixed route Tom and James were pretty happy with our 7 hour round trip from Altnafeadh, taking in 'The Buachaille', one of the finest peaks in the Scottish Highlands. Over on the Buachaille's little sister, 'Buachaille Etive Beag' (The Little Herdsman of Etive) Tom and Tom were getting some winter skills training from Tamsin in preparation for their traverse of Carn Mor Dearg and Ben Nevis tomorrow.