The Scottish Highlands form one of the world's exceptional climbing areas. The summer rock climbing is unique, but during the winter season these mountains are transformed by the elements into a ferocious arena in which only the skilled and determined will prevail. In the second part of this special LEGEND photo essay, photographer Ian Parnell offers a personal glimpse of the magic of Scottish winter climbing.
Upon the top of Nevis, blind in mist!
I look into the chasms, and a shroud
Vapourous doth hide them, - just so much I wist
The intimidating wall of Babylon (VII,8) on Ben Nevis
Sunrise on Beinn Eighe, Torridon
Hoar frost high on Ben Nevis, a unique feature of Scottish winter climbing
The modern testpiece Eggaschpili (IX,9) at Stob Coire nan Lochan, Glen Coe
Two international teams experiencing full Scottish winter conditions on Central Grooves (VII,7) at Stob Coire nan Lochan, Glen Coe
A thick layer of hoar frost on the door of the CIC Hut, Ben Nevis; a sign of good conditions on the hill
Climbers walking off the summit plateau of Ben Nevis at the end of a perfect winter day on Britain's highest mountain
Click here to view the first part of this feature