Monthly Archives: April 2022

Thinking of those who lost loved ones on the isle of Harris Shackleton crash on this day in 30 April 1990. Also all those involved in the recovery of the crew .

Posted on April 30, 2022 by heavywhalley.MBE

On 30 April 1990, a Royal Air Force Avro Shackleton AEW Mk II aircraft, of No. 8 Squadron RAF, based at RAF Lossiemouth, crashed into a hill on the Isle of Harris. This crash effected many and will bring memories … Continue reading →

Posted in Aircraft incidents, Mountain rescue, PTSD, Weather, Well being | 10 Comments

Update on Shackleton memorial from

Posted on April 29, 2022 by heavywhalley.MBE

I just received this update : Dear David, Unfortunately the cairn is not ready for unveiling at the Shackleton memorial service tomorrow- the temporary base still needs work, so we plan to present just the memorial plaque to the RAF … Continue reading →

Posted in Aircraft incidents, Weather, Well being | Leave a comment

A good friend Paul Rosher retires from Skye Mountain Rescue Team – another of the unsung heroes of Mountain Rescue.

Posted on April 27, 2022 by heavywhalley.MBE

I just read that a good friend Paul Rosher of Skye Mountain Rescue is retiring after nearly 40 years with the Mountain Rescue team. I first met Paul At Camusunary bothy near Loch Coruisk. It was in winter December 1982 … Continue reading →

Posted in Articles, Friends, Islands, Mountain rescue, Mountaineering, People, Views Mountaineering, Well being | Leave a comment

Sea Stacks – A few tales: The old man of Stoer. An early ascent in 1968 and a ascent of a foam covered Stack!

Posted on April 26, 2022 by heavywhalley.MBE

Well done Bridget from Skye ( All things Culluin) for climbing the Old Man of Storr a sea stack near Lochinver. A great day out for you and Adrian and what a way to experience a birthday. It got me … Continue reading →

Posted in Enviroment, Equipment, Friends, Gear, Mountaineering, People, Rock Climbing, SMC/SMT, Views Mountaineering, Weather, Wildlife | 2 Comments

A very slow day in Torridon Tom na Gruagaich. Beinn Alligin a cracking mountain.

Posted on April 23, 2022 by heavywhalley.MBE

“The weather had a great forecast for the West” my friend Kalie said “West is best” so I came over late on Thursday night. I had just had a tooth taken out on Wednesday and was not feeling great. Yet … Continue reading →

Posted in Corbetts, Corbetts and other hills, Flora, Friends, Local area and events to see, Mountain rescue, mountain safety, Mountaineering, Munros, People, Views Mountaineering, Weather, Well being, Wildlife | Leave a comment

So lucky to have Ben Rinnes on my doorstep. The Wellington Crash and The Friends of Ben Rinnes.

Posted on April 20, 2022 by heavywhalley.MBE

Ben Rinnes ; 841 m (2,759 ft) · 512 m (1,680 ft) · Corbett, Marilyn. Elevation: 841 m (2,759 ft) Parent range: Grampian Mountains Ben Rinnes is a cracking mountain on my doorstep. It’s a short drive from home and the … Continue reading →

Posted in Aircraft incidents, Charity, Corbetts, Enviroment, Friends, Mountaineering, People, Recomended books and Guides, Rock Climbing, Views Mountaineering, Well being, Wildlife | 4 Comments

Mountains by various boats etc. Goatfell, Ben Lomond, Knoydart,Slioch, Skye etc.

Posted on April 17, 2022 by heavywhalley.MBE

If you read about the mountains and the sea add them together and you have a unique way to travel to these wild places. Here are just a few of my memories. Goatfell. My early memories are of the ferry … Continue reading →

Posted in Corbetts, Corbetts and other hills, Cycling, Enviroment, Islands, Mountaineering, Sailing trips, Views Mountaineering, Weather, Wildlife | Leave a comment

Giving up the racing bike dealing with growing older gracefully.

Posted on April 15, 2022 by heavywhalley.MBE

Last week I had to sell my racing bike. I had great fun on it but due to an ongoing chest problem I struggled with breathing whilst cycling. I got soaked on my Cycle to Syracuse training during a wild … Continue reading →

Posted in Charity, Cycle to Syracuse Training, Cycling, Friends, Mountaineering, Well being | 5 Comments

Going on the hills alone. Any thoughts.

Posted on April 14, 2022 by heavywhalley.MBE

I often get asked why I go out alone on the hills? After over 40 years of taking people it’s great to go at your own pace, stop when you want and not be fixated by a time or summit. … Continue reading →

Posted in Health, Hill running and huge days!, Mountain rescue, mountain safety, Mountaineering, Munros, People, Views Mountaineering, Well being, Wildlife | 7 Comments

Paul 5,000 MILES191 MARATHONS AROUND THE UK COASTLINE IN 218 DAYS1 March – 4 October 2022

Posted on April 10, 2022 by heavywhalley.MBE

I met Paul today after a message from a pal who had put him up as he runs round the UK coastline. He is an ex military veteran on a mission. British Army veteran Paul Minter, from Leamington, will begin … Continue reading →

Posted in Charity, People, PTSD, Well being | Leave a comment