Recess Route at the Cobbler Severe 4c *** - Well Half of it

Colin: Unusually the cobbler had been dry for a few days prior to our visit. The wind had been blowing really strongly which helped to keep the rock bone dry. Great views to Ben Lomond and down Loch Long.

We had an idea of climbing Punsters Crack but as the final pitch was being blasted by the wind we opted for Recess Route instead. As this was our first climb of the year we were both feeling a bit apprehensive about this one. The strength of the wind wasn't helping much either. We completed the first two pitches then abbed off down into Ramshead Gully. The guide book suggests trending right at the top of the first crack. I opted for going straight up as the flake looked far more interesting....and so it proved to be. Some great bridging and 'back and foot' shimmying got me to the top of pitch two....magic.

Down to Ben Arthurs bothy for a pint and home for a ruby murray...(Derek: I reckon that curry was a V.S. what do you reckon?).

Back to do the remaining two pitches soon.....

Colin on Pitch 1...

Derek: We'll need to back up and finish this one. Man what a day... 3 Mile uphill walkin & almost took a whitey. This is a spectacular venue.
I was definitely a bit overwhelmed by the scale of the cobbler as it came into view.

This was my first ever BIGish Mountain Colin lead the first two pitches and I was more than happy to second. a bit disappointed that we didn't get to the top - next time.