Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #27340 in Books
• Published on: 2008-02-20
• Binding: Paperback
• 253 pages

Synopsis
Ridges are epic. Graceful carved walkways slung between summits, twisted spines of stone - these can be the most beautiful of mountain landforms. With elegant lines and giddy exposure, ridge climbs emit a powerful siren call, drawing us out onto the rocks. Life on the edge has a special quality, born of the contrast of empty space all around, and intricate detail in close-up. The crests are strangely irresistible. Scotland's ridges are among the finest mountaineering lines in the country, every one a unique adventure. The variety of these routes reflects the breadth of the mountain experience: a rich mix of summer scrambles, technical rock and challenging winter climbs. This book covers both the popular classics and some obscure gems, aiming to celebrate these thrilling climbs as much as to document them. The chosen selection spans the grade range, with routes to suit all levels of ability. Whether an earthbound hillwalker or an accomplished climber, Scotland's ridges cannot fail to stir your imagination.

Customer Reviews

Fantastic
It's a great idea to collect the best ridges in Scotland into one book and it turns out there isn't space for them all in this one book - the appendix lists another 40 odd (mainly climbs). The book is written with a marvelous energy and joie de vivre that really draws you in; the maps are great and the photos too. It's a lovely book. I am a walker, not a climber, and, despite the subtitle, there are many routes in here suitable for reasonably experienced hillwalkers with a good head for heights. Do the winter routes as summer walks and Creise, Ring of Steall, Aonach Eagach, Liathach and many others become accessible to us mortals. Some additional route planning to cut out short climbing sections also opens up a number of the other routes given. Of course a good number of the routes are serious climbs. You'll never find me on Tower Ridge Ben Nevis, but, in summer, you might find me on the adjoining Ledge Route. Fantastic book, highly recommended to all who love the Scottish highlands.

A climbing guide for real people
I really like the way Dan presents some of Scotland's most spectacular ridges. He provides invaluable information and shares his experience in a way that is inviting, not intimidating. He breaks down each section into approach, climb, continuation, and descent - really useful stuff. As a climber who started climbing Munros at age 50, I find some guides geared towards the super-fit or professional climbers. Dan's book is full of sound advice and the pictures are of ordinary people - not the professionals. I simply love Scotland's high and wild places, and Dan's book is the one I'll keep in my rucksack. Even if you don't climb at all, you'll enjoy the pictures and his vivid descriptions.