17 of us met at 07h50 at Theresa in cold blustery gale conditions, clearly unsuitable for a route that emerges on top. An excellent suggestion to try the seven buttresses quickly evolved into a Five Buttresses route. Two hikers decided to give it a miss and then we were 15.
We set out at exactly 08h00 in howling wind which accompanied us all the way to the start of the traverse off Diagonal. We comfortably reached the pitch below Jubilee/Barrier cave which was very wet. Everyone managed the pitch easily, taking extra care in the damp. The wind coaxed the group against the back wall for our beverage break; an entertaining view from below. We had an extended break in the calm watching the wind squalling over the sea. The traverse around the bases of Barrier, Valken and Kasteels buttresses gave us good displays of succulents and spectacular views of the clouds screaming past overhead. Unsurprisingly, when we reached the intersection of the Cups & Saucers route there was still no appetite to try it.
After a short break which offered both shade and sun we joined KP for the descent reaching the cars safely at 13h00.’
