The Route of the Ring

[Mithadan]

All very true, Legate, but what I posit that Gandalf, intentionally or not, disregarded was a route to the North of Moria, the Gladden River Pass. Clearly, Celeborn believed another route was available. Surely he was aware of the risks presented by passage through the Gap of Rohan. Undoubtedly he did not believe the Fellowship would retrace its steps all the way back to the High Pass. Nor would he expect the Fellowship to hunker down on the West side of the Mountains and wait for a Spring thaw to attempt to cross the Redhorn Gate.