Monthly Archives: February 2023

Gear – how did we cope without Buffs ? Buffalo gear who still has one?

Posted on February 28, 2023 by heavywhalley.MBE

The Buff – a simple garment that can be used as a bandanna or face neck protector. It has many uses. I bought my first Buff many years ago and had to use it as a bandage for a casualty … Continue reading →

Posted in Clothing, Gear, mountain safety, Mountaineering | 4 Comments

Wandering alone on the hills.A few tips.

Posted on February 28, 2023 by heavywhalley.MBE

Over the last few years I really enjoyed being alone on the hill. My last big day was before winter on the Fannichs. I could go at my own pace, stop when I wanted and admire the views. You see … Continue reading →

Posted in Friends, Gear, mountain safety, Mountaineering, Views Mountaineering, Well being | 5 Comments

Grand days with the dog on the hill. The South Clunnie Kintail. The Saddle a classic .

Posted on February 27, 2023 by heavywhalley.MBE

I don’t have a dog now but I have friends who let me look after them now and again. A great photo came up recently of my Dog Teallach on the South Clunnie in Kintail. A grand outing in summer … Continue reading →

Posted in mountain safety, Mountaineering, Munro Society, Munros, Views Mountaineering, Well being | Leave a comment

Sad news my thoughts are with the family and those Agencies involved .

Posted on February 25, 2023 by heavywhalley.MBE

Highland and Island Police “Around 2.15pm on Saturday, 25 February, 2023, the bodies of a man and a dog were recovered by Mountain Rescue Teams and HM Coastguard in the Glencoe Area. Formal identification has yet to take place, however … Continue reading →

Posted in Mountaineering | Leave a comment

A wander to a local favourite local place: The Millie Burn what a mess made by

Posted on February 25, 2023 by heavywhalley.MBE

I live in a wonderful small village surrounded by huge beaches wonderful forests and great history. Especially as I get older I appreciate where I live more and more. A favourite walk is along the beach to a the Millie … Continue reading →

Posted in Enviroment, Well being | 2 Comments

Looking for lost souls.

Posted on February 25, 2023 by heavywhalley.MBE

The Rescue Teams, SARDA and the SAR helicopters and other SAR agencies have been busy this winter and sadly there have been several fatalities. As at 26 Feb there are 3 folk missing on the hills a couple for several … Continue reading →

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

Pushing the climbing standards in RAF Mountain Rescue. The late 50’s – early 70’s.

Posted on February 22, 2023 by heavywhalley.MBE

The RAF Mountain Rescue went through many changes since it’s beginning in 1944. Wales had some exceptional climbers like Johnnie Lees who pushed the standards along with several exceptional climbers in South Wales, The Peaks and the Lakes. In Scotland … Continue reading →

Posted in Equipment, Friends, Mountain rescue, mountain safety, Mountaineering, Rock Climbing, Scottish winter climbing., Views Mountaineering, Well being | 6 Comments

In Skye – 1960 The TD Gap and one of the early use of 500 foot ropes. Another call out from the In Pin on a wild night.

Posted on February 21, 2023 by heavywhalley.MBE

Nowadays we are very blessed with lightweight gear. Yet at times you have to take with you what you can carry. A 500 foot rope is very heavy, it leaves you very limited to carry your personal gear. The TD … Continue reading →

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

Simple thing that may save your life in the wild places. A whistle.

Posted on February 20, 2023 by heavywhalley.MBE

In these days of mobile phones and Rescue beacons there is still a handy piece of simple kit that to me is invaluable. Yet there is one thing that I have found to still be a wonderful asset if your … Continue reading →

Posted in Articles, Enviroment, Equipment, Gear, Mountain rescue, mountain safety, Mountaineering, SAR, SARDA, Views Mountaineering, Well being | Leave a comment

Wonderful weekend with special people at Fort William Mountain Festival. Well done Stephanie Mc Kenna and all who those who work so hard to produce a wonderful Festival.

Posted on February 19, 2023 by heavywhalley.MBE

It was a wonderful weekend surrounded by friend’s that mean so much, it’s so important to get out and see folk again. There are to many to thank but to all of you you made an old man very happy. … Continue reading →

Posted in Enviroment, Family, Friends, Mountain rescue, mountain safety, Mountaineering, People, Scottish winter climbing., Views Mountaineering, Weather, Well being | Leave a comment