There was a perverse jubilation and appreciation of the more 'West Coast' weather on Aonach Mor today.

The pouring spindrift, hot aches and icy eyebrows that can all feel a bit wearing after a long winter on the West felt comical and almost welcome today. The freezing level went up but it still felt truly like winter (icicles on the rime!). Stiff westerlies deposited some fresh snow on the East Face Scarp slope and soft cornices were building. However the base of the crag had very little fresh snow and the climbing was the classic Aonach Mor mix of quality ice, bomber gear in dry granite cracks and frozen turf. A real icy mixed climbing treat. We climbed 4 pitches up to solid grade 5.

Careful route choice is required as most routes have large cornices above them.

More photos from today on the East Face of Aonach Mor