Page Type:
|
Route |
|---|---|
Lat/Lon:
|
57.10716°N / 3.663°W |
Route Type:
|
Ice Climbing, Mixed |
Season:
|
Winter |
|
Time Required:
|
Half a day |
|
Difficulty:
|
Scottish II/III |
|
Number of Pitches:
|
3 |
|
Overview
Red gully is a classic grade II/III winter route that is one of the best at its grade in Coire an t-Sneachda.Approach
Walk into Coire an t-Sneachda on a windy dayFrom Aviemore take bus or car upto the ski centre car park. Follow "climber's path" into Coire an t-Sneachda. On reaching the bouldered section bare slightly right towards the Goat track as Red Gully originates close by on the right hand side of fluted buttress. The start point is immediately left of the starting point for Goat Track Gully.
Approach to Red Gully. 'X' marks the start of the gullyRoute Description
Red Gully is the left of the two gully clearly visible in this photoRed track gully begins directly left of Goat track gully. The route is well protected and can be easily done in 3 pitches.
1) The route initially climbs fairly steeply zigzagging slightly through a narrow chimney that often contains ice in quantity. The first pitch is the crux due to couple of overhung snow steps. There are Plenty of nut placements on route and a good belay spot where the gully temporarily broadens out.
2) Second pitch initially crosses an easy slabby ice section before the gully narrows again. This pitch along with the third pitch straight forward
3) Easy last pitch. Set up belay on rock just below summit
Descend via the goat track to the west.
Red Gully's routeEssential Gear
2 x technical axesRope
Helmet
Crampons
Harness
Nuts (I managed this route using nuts alone)
Ice screws for setting up initial belay
Double rope is highly recommended for this gully as gear placements likely to cause single rope to zigzag too much from one side of the gully to the other putting additional stress on gear in the event of a fall. There is no need to bring hexes or pegs for this route.