![Sharon on a tricky corner on the traverse](http://www.climbnow.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/P1014323CN0-250x333.jpg)
On Monday 10th Euan and I met up with Mac, Sharon and Steve. Euan and I had a brief view of Coire an Lochain the day before and thought Western Slant might be a possibility as it didn’t appear to have the cornices above it that a lot of the routes in the coire currently do. We soloed up to the toe of No. 4 buttress and then pitched across the first bergschrund and up to near the base of the route. A second bergschrund had to be crossed to gain the route, which is currently started direct in to the chimney.
![Mac on the traverse on Western Slant](http://www.climbnow.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/P1014325CN1-250x333.jpg)
The route was in good condition with the exception of the exit; the crack in the right wall and the chokestone are burried and although there is no cornice the exit is on very steep soft snow requiring an extremely steady approach a long way above gear. There are still sizable cornices threatening a lot of routes and some impressive crevasse features on The Great Slab.
![Steve and Mac contemplating the exit of Western Slant](http://www.climbnow.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/P1014332CN3-250x187.jpg)
Today Mac, Steve and I were back in Coire an t-Sneachda. We planned to climb Rampant, but I followed my nose and the previous ascensionist’s foot prints and having looked at the guide I think we climbed the first pitch of Rampant and the right-slanting ramp line of Trampled Underfoot. Anyway, this was a great combination in the current conditions and had an excellent steep corner just before the belay.
![Mac on the first pitch of Rampant, steeper than it looks](http://www.climbnow.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/P1014344CN1-250x187.jpg)
The ice on Rampant was generally very good for climbing, but not great for ice screws.
![Steve and Mac on the top ramp of Trampled Underfoot](http://www.climbnow.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/P1014354CN2-250x187.jpg)
Sunny just about all day today with no new snow and a very Alpine feel.
![Mac topping out in style](http://www.climbnow.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/P1014359CN3-250x333.jpg)