British Siguniang

In an attempt to attract visitors, the Siguniang area of Sichuan Province was declared a Reserve ('AAAA rated!) by the Chinese a few years ago, but although popular with local tourists, it had not received any British visitors until now. Mt Siguniang, 6,250m, the highest peak, had been climbed three times from the south, but the only attempt on the 1,000m 'ice streaked granite' North Face (by Jack Tackle in 1981) had been unsuccessful. Over a period of eight days and nights that included his most uncomfortable bivouacs yet (during which he nevertheless endeavoured to keep abreast with the latest activities of Harry Potter) and nourished with little more than noodles, Fowler made its first ascent (ED sup) with Ramsden. After descending by the unclimbed North Ridge, he declared it 'one of the best climbs I've ever done': praise indeed! Meanwhile, Gibbs and Morrison explored the area, climbing Ptarmigan Peak, 4,730m, via a mainly rock route, and then, Morrison being unwell, Gibbs made a solo ascent of the S Face of Snowy Peak - aka Pt 5484m - at the head of Changping Valley