Meet report – Not the Thursday walk 15 Feb ‘18 (Bernia Ridge)

Seven members assembled near the Bernia Restaurant after a slightly longer than 30 minute drive from the Clubroom Spanish annex. A walk along the gently rising track took us to the last water source, from where it was a steady plod up to the tunnel through to the south side. A quick there-and-back showed those new to the area the view from the other side, and then we took the narrow and steeper path to the col, where harnesses were donned (hint – not a normal Thursday walk) after a decision not to visit the east peak.

Now for the ridge itself, a 2.5km grade 3 scramble including 2 abseils and one short 4+ pitch. A little tougher than normal Thursday walks, this was a delight in full sun and some breeze. The author lost track of the number of ascents and descents, and has been unable to find a web source with total metrage, but it was quite a lot. The abseils slowed us somewhat, but the party made decent time overall. John S led the well-bolted up-and-traverse pitch in approach shoes and rucksack, making it look easy. Some of us (well, me at least) grabbed runners and stood on bolts when our turn came.

A long and lovely climb up followed the pitch, the we were back to down-and-up along to the west summit and its trig point, after a second refreshment stop. We lingered to take photos then set off down, scrambling easily at first then picking our way and sliding down scree and stony paths to the ruined Moorish fort. From here the walking route took us back to the cars, a good path for those with knees still intact. Nine hours had elapsed since leaving the cars, and dusk was beginning to fall. We felt we’d had a “full mountain day”.

Photos attached.

Dave C