This photo, taken by my climbing partner for the day Davy Wright, is one I love because it’s  just after summiting my first day of leading in Scottish Winter. We are in Coire an t-Sneachda in the Cairngorms after climbing on Alladins Direct, IV and then descending to take a winding line through ice , snow and rocky ground to give us 2 routes for the day.

Beautiful blue skies, stunning white snow and a rising cloud inversion hiding the huddling misty town of Aviemore below. Snatching a Friday off, setting out at 5.30am, driving two and half hour’s – worth it?

Only those who climb get to see these views. I’ll take that any day!

Picture taken March 2016.