First ascent of 'Baffin Big Wall' for BMG team
Twid, Mark and Stu on the Summit
British Mountain Guides have climbed a major new line on Sail peak, Baffin island
British Mountain Guides Mike ‘Twid’ Turner, Stuart McAleese and Mark Thomas completed their objective of making the first ascent of a previously unnamed peak and Big Wall in the Stewart Valley, Baffin Island.
The wall is located in Sail Peaks, an area full of gigantic rock faces, many of which have never been scaled. This is the first time a UK team has made a first ascent here and indeed are one of only a handful of teams world-wide to even attempt such a climb.
The team spent 18 consecutive nights on the face. Contrary to expectations, the weather was often harsh with driving snow and high winds hampering the climb at times.
Warming water for hot drinks and rehydrating meals took an hour and a half before it reached a temperature which was usable, whilst belaying required two duvet jackets to combat the extreme cold. The team ran out of fuel and food on the last day before they made the summit but decided to press on. They were rewarded with bright sunshine as they topped out. Temperatures averaged around -20°C for much of the expedition, warming considerably on the last day.
Twid, Stu and Mark would like to thank all the organisations who supported them on this expedition: Sponsers were Comvergent, DMM, Mountain Equipment and Lyon Equipment, whilst grant support came from the Mount Everest Foundation, the British Mountaineering Council and the Mark Clifford Mountaineering Grant.
For more information, visit their excellent expedition website at baffinbigwalls.com
