Nilak anchored on Rona, Archasaid Mhor
Tim Blakemore on the 1st ascent of ‘Cernunnos’, HVS 5A at Church Cave Crag, Rona
Climbing on outcrops above Archasaid Mhor, Isle of Rona
August was spent trying to sail and climb in the Hebridean Islands of Scotland (I keep Nilak, my aluminium yacht there). In short, it has been one of the wettest and windiest for decades and it was generally disapointing. Towards the end of the trip, along with Dan Philps, I got to Rona where we climbed a couple of new routes (on an unclimbed cliff, details here https://www.smc.org.uk/climbs/newroutes/crag/7766 ) and repeated a few others. The short video below shows a rare suny day (my last there!) as we return to Skye from the Crowlin Islands.
This September, full of optimism and with a fantastic forecast we set off for the Bishop’s Isles (Mingulay and Pabbay) for a late season last fling. Actually it was Nilak’s engine who decided it was time for its last fling and it died in a loud and spectacular way (before we reached the tidal gate of the Kylerhea). In hindsight this was lucky and we sailed it back to Kyleakin where we caught her home mooring.
Nilak moored near Kyleakin, Skye, under a Super Moon
We did manage to make the most of the weather however, climbing Western Drainpipe Ridge HS 4B (but VS 5A in my opinion) in Coire Lagan, Poverty Point at Neist and Birthday Groove VD on Blabheinn.
Finally this autumn (after refitting the head) we sailed Nilak back past Ardnamurchan Point in huge northerlies. This got us there quickly though it was lumpy at times. I hung around in the Firth of Lorn in the nice weather before finally coming out for the season. Nilak will have another big refit this winter with an engine replacement, seacocks changed, a wind vane and cockpit tent all to be fitted.
Sailing with 3 reefs