The Lock A'an Basin

Description 

The Loch A'an (sometimes referred to as Loch Avon) basin is situated in the heart of the northern portion of the Cairngorms.

The Hell's Lum and Shelter Stone crags are the most well known of the cliffs that surround the loch, but there are many others that hold some good climbing.

The Shelter Stone Crag gets its name from a huge boulder at it foot, which can provide good shelter and a base for climbers wanting to stay longer than a day in the area.

Getting There 

The easiest approach is from the North. Drive from Aviemore to wards the Cairngorm ski area. Leave your car in the Coire Cas (the higher one) car park, and head on up the slopes (either by foot or via the tram).

Skirt the summit of Cairngorm, and go south across the plateau. As you approach the basin you can choose to decide to descend a number of ways depending on the crag you'll be visiting.

The Classics

Featured Route For The Lock A'an Basin

Steeple 5.10c  International : United Kingdom : ... : Shelter Stone Crag

This climb is arguable the best on the crag. It climbs magnificent natural features on the best and tallest section of crag.1. Climb up the clean corner, passing two overlaps.2. Continue on up the corner, exit on the left.3. Climb up broken ledges to a ramp line on the right.4. Follow the ramp to a steep section passed on the right. Make sure you don't go too direct at this point as this takes you up the crux pitch of Haystack (5.10d/11a)...[more]   Browse More Classics in International