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After the competion on Friday, I decided to go climbing on Saturday in the Northern Coires with a guy, Will Woodhead, I met during the comp. Myself and Will met up on Saturday morning and headed into Coire an Lochain. I mentioned that Savage Slit was my goal for this season and so he convinced me that it was a good idea to have a go today!
I have to admit that at the bottom of the route and most of the way up, I was a little nervous. Not only was I about to lead the hardest winter route I’d ever tried but it was also the first route of the season. Will gave me a lot of encouragement while I was climbing – wouldn’t have got very far without it! It was good to climb with someone who climbs harder than me. It helps push the grade and makes going into new territory a little easier.
Really enjoyed the route. The bottom half I lead was fairly delicate and technical in places and the half Will lead was just pure brute thuggery! a great contrast in climbing styles, but it makes for an enjoyable and varied route. The gear was bomber all the way up and you’re never far away from a ‘thank god’ hold!
Now that the goal for the season has been accomplished, plans need to be reassessed. Would like to get much more confident on that type and grade of ground, so will be looking at climbing more similar routes. Maybe i’ll return to Savage Slit later in the season and hopefully enjoy it by doing it with more confidence and style! Well pleased!
