It’s finally happening! After more than a few ups and downs, worries about the weather and uncertain if anyone would actually come along. The Lochinver climbing festival was a roaring success.

More than 30 people attended various workshops and events through the course of the jam packed weekend. From introduction to outdoor climbing to learn to lead climb, there was a workshop for everybody and a little bit of fun in the sun to be had down at Reiff.

Friday saw us making the journey down from the mighty and majestic  Glencanisp Lodge down to the climbing mecca of Reiff with a brief stop at Stac Pollaidh to let the scrambling party depart from the bus. The short and easy climbing at pinnacle area to teach the skills required for outdoor climbing. Hamlet Mountaineering ran a workshop on the use of top ropes and how to set them up safely. A few top tips and handy tricks plus an afternoon on movement skills and improving your climbing. Everyone returned with smiles and a bit of a tan, a good day was had by all.

Friday evening lead us into the evening lectures on Geology for climbers from Katie Farrell which was very insightful and gave way to interesting discussions as it seems climbers know a whole lot more about Geology than they realise. Helen Steven enlightened us with a few hilarious stories and pictures from the start of the Ladies Scottish Climbing Club (LSCC). It was  fascinating to see the full length dresses being used for climbing in and some of the equipment that they would use to climb very serious terrain.

Saturday saw the sun emerge once more and two bus loads going to Reiff. BBC alba were on hand to record the organised chaos that is climbing. A sea stack workshop seeming of particular interest to our friendly camera man. I ran a learn to lead climb workshop where we learned how to set up an abseil rope to descend into sea cliffs and indeed how to get back out again. Finishing on a high with both Dan and Steve getting on the business end of the rope to take on their first outdoor trad lead climb.

The entertainments were not over in the evening as we made a hasty turn around to get out to the Ceilidh in the local village hall. The mix of Lochinver locals and climbers made for a great Ceilidh.

Sunday and it’s not over. Hamlet Mountaineering worked with Trossachs Mountain Guides to deliver a Sea Stacks skills workshop. Further skills on how to place gear, build a retrievable abseil and become independant climbers. These skills were put to good use in the afternoon with an exciting abseil into a sea washed platform and a multipitch climb to escape.

Tyrolean to the Pinnacle

Climbing in the Pinnacle area

Jon from Trossach Mountain Guides teaches Abseiling

Jon teaching abseiling skills