Back to it

On Tuesday I headed back to Lochailort with an aggressive focus on putting some stuff to bed out there. I picked up Steve , Nathan and Dave in the Fort and set off. We arrived and decided to first check out some new route potential two tiers down from the main crag, although shorter (10m) we found a few nice lines. Nathan got his first new route and I found a lovely wee slab which offered involving slab climbing.

Nathan on first ascent of Spanglers Bunnet S4b

Myself on first ascent of Bonnie Fechter E4 6b

After the two new routes we headed up to the main crag as the lads were keen to knock off some routes and I had unfinished business with Skyfall E6 6b. If it was going to happen any day then this was going to be it. I dropped a top rope down it first, two quick goes and I decided to just go for it, I repeated my earlier pre-lead routine of cleaning my shoes while listening to a bit of Slipknot then set off. This route has been a long term mental battle for me with a couple of on/off moves and only one gear placement, the crux move would be bad to fall from, the last hard move would probably mean going straight to the ground. I fought my way through to the top but its definitely the most "out there" I've felt for a while.

Getting into the lead headspace

Last of the hard moves miles above my gear

It was possibly one of the best days climbing I've ever had but marred slightly as Steve couldn't climb due to a full on sciatic nerve problem which sucked as it'd have been good if we could all have bagged something so big thanks to him for belaying.