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A cold day on Ballaghgeehagh

Date: 6th Feb 2006
Submitted by: Columba McLaughlin
As Alan rightly states the hardy souls (George, Andrew, Bill, Alan and self) had a bracing day on Ballaghgeehagh Buttress. Margaret was there as well and she went off over the tops and into the Donegal mist. George opted to lead 'Diagonal' and Andrew opted for 'Route Two'. Well it looks like it from the photo in the Guidebook.

I was belaying Andrew and after he climbed the initial crack, he disappeared from my view. What is certain is that he did an unprotected skywalk up an eroded groove on the wall. At the belay point and after he shouted safe, I immediately took him off belay and told him to take in. I then set about tying on my RBs. Bill being the observant sort of climber asked me where my rope had gone to which I looked up and saw it disappearing up the cliff face. That'll teach me to tie on the next time.

When George reached the belay, Alan needed no encouragement to get on the rock and up he went like a bat out of hell. Meanwhile, not to be outdone I had a necky scramble up to the first ledge and then I was confronted with the eroded groove. I have to admit that I opted for Andrew to throw down my end of the rope. I found that the eroded groove was very airy but had positive grips when on it. Alan, abseiled down and then climbed Route 2. We then carried on up to the top. Overall a very nippy and very enjoyable first day of climbing for 2006.


Photo of Route