Monthly Archives: November 2016

1966 – A rescue on Ben Nevis, again and again!

Posted on November 30, 2016 by heavywhalley.MBE

A Saint Andrews day tale When I joined the RAF Kinloss Mountain Rescue Team in the early 70’s there were as always some wild tales of rescues in the past that were handed down through the years. RAF Kinloss MRT … Continue reading →

Posted in Gear, Mountain rescue, mountain safety, SMC/SMT, Views Mountaineering, Weather | 2 Comments

1983 Canada Ice – The dream ice climbing venue. Young unknown climbers, Koflachs boots and basic ice srews

Posted on November 29, 2016 by heavywhalley.MBE

Today my mate Nick Sharpe sent a photo of Mount Kidd Falls in Canada a route we did in 1983. This a steep ice climb protected by a huge avalanche bowl on Mount Kidd. Nick is a Mountain Guide in … Continue reading →

Posted in Articles, Avalanche info, Expeditions - Alaska - Himalayas etc, Friends, Gear, Recomended books and Guides, Scottish winter climbing., Views Mountaineering, Weather | 3 Comments

Missing my Mum on her Anniversary – Give yours a hug/call today please, we owe them so much.

Posted on November 28, 2016 by heavywhalley.MBE

This is the anniversary of my Mum’s passing she died in 1980 I still miss her every day she was a all Mum’s area a special lady. As the youngest of 5 children I was spoiled in every way, always … Continue reading →

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Lovely sunrise at Bealach Na Ba at Applecross and the emergency text services.

Posted on November 28, 2016 by heavywhalley.MBE

I was out yesterday on my own as my mates were busy. I am so lucky that I can go whenever I want and had a 3 hour drive to Bealach Na Ba at Applecross mainly to see if there … Continue reading →

Posted in mountain safety, Views Mountaineering, Weather | Leave a comment

Heading out today to the hills. West ?

Posted on November 27, 2016 by heavywhalley.MBE

    Off out see where the weather takes me? Its damp but will head West and contact my “Safety team” when I decide where I am going. Do you do that?

Posted in Mountaineering | Leave a comment

Every day a school day in the Scottish mountains – even for the most experienced.

Posted on November 26, 2016 by heavywhalley.MBE

  This is from Mountaineering Scotland Press Release and the winter reminders lots of easy simple information, please read and share if possible? I have had three great days on the hills on the last week and learned. Sat 19 … Continue reading →

Posted in Avalanche info, Enviroment, Friends, Mountain rescue, mountain safety, Mountaineering, SAR, Scottish winter climbing., Views Mountaineering, Weather | Leave a comment

My local Corbett Ben Rinnes on an incredible winters day. Winter wonderland again.

Posted on November 25, 2016 by heavywhalley.MBE

It is grand to have a wee Corbett on the doorstep and Ben Rinnes at 814 metres is the nearest hill to my house in Burghead it is also the North East most Northerly Corbett. An isolated hill near Dufftown … Continue reading →

Posted in Bothies, Corbetts, Enviroment, Equipment, Friends, Gear, mountain safety, Mountaineering, Views Mountaineering, Weather | 2 Comments

We follow “in the footsteps of giants” The Cairngorm Disaster 1971 – article from The Scottish Saltire Branch 

Posted on November 24, 2016 by heavywhalley.MBE

Thank you for all the correspondence on the tragedy on the Cairngorms in 1971 I have been given a lot of information on the tragedy by many different people involved. There is lots written on it as it was a … Continue reading →

Posted in Articles, Bothies, Enviroment, History, Mountain rescue, mountain safety, Mountaineering, Scottish winter climbing., Views Mountaineering, Weather | 6 Comments

The West to East of Scotland November 1977 – Ossian Youth Hostel to Culra

Posted on November 23, 2016 by heavywhalley.MBE

Originally posted on Old mans thoughts and tales.:
Culra Botjy no longer in use in the wilds of Beinn Alder epeic days especially in 1977 ? Day 16 – 11/11/77 –  Access to the Corrour Youth Hostel achieved , my…

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45 Years Ago the Cairngorm Disaster happened on 21 November 1971. Lest we forget?

Posted on November 22, 2016 by heavywhalley.MBE

RAF Kinloss Archives 1971 – 21 November – Cairngorms Disaster – Feith Buidhe Ben MacDui 6 fatalities  5 children and 1 adult. The worst mountain tragedy to date in Scotland 2 survivors – 3 of the RAF Kinloss team decorated … Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Friends, History, Mountain rescue, Recomended books and Guides | 7 Comments