A thawing Glen Clova

James and I had a bit of a late start on Saturday, and we didn't get around to leaving Edinburgh until 1pm. However, we made good time and we were soon gearing up in the car park between Glendoll Lodge and Downie.

James gazing into Winter Corrie, Glen Clova

James and I had made some ambitious plans for winter this year but my injuries over the last couple of months had meant that we were yet to get out and do anything together this season. We feared that winter had gone, as the hills looked rather 'green'. Looking across from the car park, we looked up into Winter Corrie and could see that there was probably just 'enough' snow in some of the easier gully lines. We could see from the map that the approach around The Doll to Winter Corrie wasn't going to take us long, so we geared up and headed up the track past Acharn.

Looking back down into Glendoll from the entrance to Winter Corrie, Glen Clova

The approach was very steep after we left the forest, and the ground was also broken and tricky. It also didn't help that my leg and ankle weren't quite match fit! As the ground flattened out, we had a great view into the corrie and we paused to discuss a plan. Looking at the crag, it looked like the only gully line that was almost complete was Central Gully II. With our minds made up, we headed straight for the base of the climb.

Looking down into Winter Corrie from the first belay on Central Gully II, Glen Clove

With our crampons on and our axes in our hand, we pitched our way up the gully. At the car, the temperature had felt quite mild, but there was plenty of ice around and there had clearly been a thaw over the past week or so. Too good an opportunity not to screw in a 'stubby' half way up. As we got higher, the snow and ice was firmer and there was more of it - much to our delight.

James on the first pitch of Central Gully II, Winter Corrie, Glen Clove

Plenty of gear placements were to be had at the sides of the gully and James was soon on the final pitch and over the top. As I followed, I was surprised to find a rather large cornice at the top, that James had managed to cut through and negotiate successfully.

Very bored at the first belay of Central Gully II, Winter Corrie, Glen Clova

It was getting late and the light was fading fast. The most obvious and quickest way down was to abseil down the adjacent gully. Well, it would've been... if we hadn't mistaken the patch of snow, that we descended, for the top of the gully! We quickly ran out of snow and were standing at the top of a steep crag face. Luckily there was a good large flake that we managed to abseil from, but we had a brief moment of cursing when we thought that we were going to have to abandon the rope stuck on the flake. Fortunately it came down undamaged and intact after a bit of brute force.

James on the final pitch and approaching the top of Central Gully II, Winter Corrie, Glen Clove

With our head-torches now on, we looked back up and saw that the descent gully was a little further over to the right of where we had come down - note to self! It was after 9 by the time we reached the car park. A great day that felt like a bit of a mini adventure full of fun.

North Barrule, Isle of Man

This weekend I have made a flying visit to the Isle of Man to visit my folks. My Dad, as always was super keen to tackle a walk of some description but the weather has been far from ideal. I had hoped to attempt something a little bit challenging as part of my ongoing injury rehabilitation, but the conditions really weren't up to much.

I decided that we should at least try to get up a hill of some description, despite the heavy mist and lashing rain. I had never been up North Barrule and neither had Herbie so it was settled. We were dropped off by the mother at the picnic area at the top of Dhoon Glen and made our way up the hill through Rhennie Farm. We couldn't see more than 25 metres in any direction and we were soaked in the first couple of minutes.

After a bit of a close call with a couple of over-excited horses, we headed up The Dreem and out onto the open moorland. I chose not to follow the path that contours around the valley; instead I lead us over the pleasant heather and up to the top of Slieau Ouyr. Despite the weather, it was nice to be out in the fresh air and was a great way to catch up with the old man.

We followed the flat ridge over the summit of Slieau Lhean and then joined the path leading up to the top of Clagh Ouyr before we gained the main ridge leading to the summit trig of North Barrule. We could hear cars driving close by along the mountain road only a short distance away, but we could not see anything. However, the path was good and it was a pleasant dander to the top.

Herbie on the summit trig of North Barrule, Isle of Man

After a quick bite and another soaking from yet another shower, I led us down the steep grassy slopes Northeast to Ballure Plantation. Once we had reached the minor road, we followed it Northwest to the Gooseneck where my Mum was waiting... with a dry set of clothes for us.

A very wet day but a very enjoyable one.

Me at the summit trig on North Barrule, Isle of Man

Creag Dhubh and Inshriach Forest

We are staying at Nakiska for the long weekend and Emiy's birthday. My ankle is feeling better and is almost back to full range of motion - but I am still reluctant to put it to a full test in stiff winter boots. In theory my ankle would be better off and well protected in my Scarpa Mantas but I am just a little weary and nervous about further injury after being out of action for so long. Also, it seems that winter is hanging around quite well so hopefully there will be a chance to do a couple of things in early March when my ankle is even stronger.

Looking North towards Loch Insh from Torbreck, Inshriach Forest

Emily's boots in the snow, Inshriach Forest

A partly-frozen Uath Lochan, Inshriach Forest

A partly-frozen Uath Lochan, Inshriach Forest

So, the purpose of this weekend is to chill out and relax for Emily's birthday but the weather was looking like it would be rather splendid today so we both felt we should get outdoors and make the most of it. There was a lot of snow on the ground, as we fully experienced on the A9 on the drive up last night(!), and I didn't want to push things too much so a relatively low-level walk seemed like the sensible option. I glanced over the map and quickly decided that we should head into Glen Feshie. I had spotted a forest walk in one of the guidebooks that began at Balnacraig farm and wound it's way through the Inshriach Forest to the small summit of Creag Dhubh.

Heading around Uath Lochan in the snow, Inshriach Forest

A partly-frozen Uath Lochan, Inshriach Forest

Emily and I at the summit of Creag Dhubh, Inshriach Forest

It was a lovely day out in the fine weather and was a harder slog through the snow than I had imagined. There was a magnificent spot on the shore of the partly-frozen Uath Lochan and there are surprisingly good views in all directions from the summit of Creag Dhubh. In the absence of the snow, the circuit would be a great burn for the mountain bike along the forest trails.

Badger footprints in the snow, Inshriach Forest

Badger footprints in the snow, Inshriach Forest

An unexpected bonus to a great day out was stumbling upon a trail of badger tracks in the snow through the forest - amazing!

Ankle therapy continues

Over the past couple of weeks I have been attempting some self-physio on my badly sprained ankle and so far it is going well and I seem to be making a swift recovery. To increase mobility I have been submerging my injured foot in a basin of hot (as hot as I can tolerate!) water for 10 minutes. Whilst submerged, I have been performing a series of stretches and gradually increasing the range of mobility. I have also progressed to rolling a tennis ball under the sole of my foot and moving it in a circular motion. After 10 minutes of treatment in the cold water, I then repeat the same stretches/exercises in a basin of cold (freezing cold!) water for 10 minutes. Finally, I repeat the exercises for a final time but this time without being submerged in water.

I have found this treatment to be highly effective and I have been doing it every evening religiously as it really helps to relieve the stiffness and tightness in my ankle joint. I have been able to resume some light cycling and even a few minutes on the cross-trainer without too much pain. I've not yet attempted any long walks, jogging or any climbing - but hopefully this will come very soon. Again, I am taking things slowly and not trying to rush back too much but winter won't be here for much longer!

Ankle Injury - Update

My ankle injury may be worse than I first thought - I went for an X-ray in A&E just to be on the safe side and was told that it was just a very bad sprain. I have been off work for the last two days and have been totally resting my ankle and applying ice to it for 10 minutes every hour during the day. I have been using a compression bandage and the swelling seems to be subsiding today. I have extensive bruising all around the outside of the foot and I have hardly any range of movement whatsoever.

Extensive bruising, two days after injury

Once the swelling reduces a little more, I will start to treat it and attempt to stretch it and mobilise the joint more. This time it is a race to get it ready for the tail end of the winter season!

Ankle Fail

I honestly can't believe my luck this past few months!

Ankle sprain

This week I have been back in training and the lads suggested that we kick a football around the sports hall at lunch time - nothing serious, just a kick around. About 15 minutes in, I made a sharp turn and went over on (inverted) my left ankle. It went up like a balloon almost immediately and I iced it as soon as I could. That'll be the trip up North cancelled this weekend then!

On a positive note: my right thigh felt good - now I've just got to fix my ankle!

Leg now fixed

It's been a long road back but I think my right thigh is slowly getting there. After my secondary injury setback in early November, I decided to take a break from the physio and take time to rest properly. I then resumed light training at the end of November and throughout December I have been focusing on mostly light swimming and cycling in the gym. Regular stretching and hot baths have also worked well, as before.

As I said, I haven't pushed things too hard and haven't rushed back into training like before. I have basically had the entire Christmas period off training and I am now very well rested and ready to get back into full training and (hopefully) some climbing. It has been a very frustrating period, as I had some big plans for this winter season after gaining some experience last year. But hopefully there is still time in January and February to fit in a few winter climbs.