Features

Bolts in Coire an Lochain

In 2003 a number of bolts were found around No. 3 buttress in Coire an Lochain by two active local climbers, Andy Nisbet and Dave McGimpsey. They removed the hangers from 6 bolts, though the housings remained in place. Further investigation, revealed that “X-Adventure Raid” series held an event in the Highlands during May 2003, bolted the crest of no. 3 buttress for an abseil and the area below for a hand line, but the race never took place due to poor weather. The Race Director apologised that they were not removed. Permission from the landowners for the race was given but no permission was sought for bolting; and in any case would never have been given.

The contrast to the Red Bull event that took place in April 2002 is striking and can largely be attributed to the use of local guides under the direction of Stuart Johnstone, whereas the X-Adventure Raid is a French company, a country where there is a very different ethical approach to such issues in the mountains. Cairngorm Mountain Ltd e-mailed the X-Adventure Raid Race Director with the information that this is not generally accepted practice in the UK.

The bolts were completely removed in spring 2004.