Afterthought Arete, Stag Rocks, Sunday 21st June

With better weather forecast for the east, myself and Lorna headed up to the Cainrgorms. From the Ski Centre car park we went up and over the Fiacaill Ridge and on to the plateau.

As usual, the ridge offers grade I scrambling in great surroundings with a choice of lines.

We crossed the plateau and descended the Coire Raibert path to Loch Avon. From there we walked along under Stag Rocks until we could see Afterthought Arete at their left hand edge, a grade IIIs or Moderate rock climb depending on which guide book you read, on the skyline. Foolishly we headed up from the Loch through the heather, instead of taking the path lower down to a point below the arete, and then climbing up to the start! This would've also helped us find the correct start point. We opted (mistakenly)for the more difficult, dodgy loose rock and heather start about 20m to the right!

Fortunately Mountain Rescue Services weren't required as I luckily discovered the correct route, albeit having missed about 40m it, to our left. We promptly crossed over to it and continued up.

I wish we'd taken more photo's on the arete itself as you don't get the impression of height as the ground eases off at the top. Now that I know where the start is, I will have to go back and do it right, possibly approaching from the Coire Domhain from where I think it is easier to locate, and get to!