Bosigran Ridge
2nd October 2009

Commando Ridge – V Diff – Second

Yet another day out on the ridge for me and Chris and as usual lots of fun. This time it was Andy’s turn to join us for an adventure and I dont think he was diappointed.

It was fairly cool and with a reasonably strong wing you couldnt hang around too long. Andy claims I had told him ‘it was just a steep walk’ but I dont remember that. Still the descent sorted things out. Dropping down to the base of the ridge re enforces how long a route it is and for someone on there first time it adds a bit of seriousness to the whole day.

But the real awakener is when you step off the bottom ledge onto the face in a narrow zawn. Suddenly it is full on exposure, with waves booming, gulls screaching and the wind blowing. A complete assault on the senses. This is what makes it so good, because the climbing is very reasonable with nothing too tough, but it is all the collateral issues that catch people out. Andy was no exception and was no doubt pumped full of adrenaline  by time he reached the top of the first pitch. I’m sure I heard the words “I’m going to get you for this Ridds” more than once.

We climbed as a leader and two seconders which was slower but worked well. We followed the main ridge climbing the knife edges which adds to the feeling of exposure but makes it more fun. Andy dealt with everything really well, obviously a natural. Including Chris’s hanging belay on the last pitch. Chris led the whole route which made things easier and clearly he enjoyed it.
We finished on the Armchair, the 4a section right at the end. Always a shock because it is harder than the rest of the route. Chris made short work of it though and so we finished on a high as usual.

The ridge never fails to deliver.