Monthly Archives: June 2023

Basic hill gear 1970’s.

Posted on June 30, 2023 by heavywhalley.MBE

The aim – This was a mountaineering expedition from the most Northerly Mountain in Scotland Ben Hope to the most Southerly Ben Lomond. The route was planned to cover 270 miles. Climb 42 Munros and ascend a total of 70,000 … Continue reading →

Posted in Clothing, Enviroment, Equipment, Mountaineering, Views Mountaineering, Weather, Well being | 6 Comments

Dealing with the Media.

Posted on June 30, 2023 by heavywhalley.MBE

It’s worth passing on a few hints to others about working with the media. When there is a big incident Rescue Agencies have to speak direct to the media. Gone are the days when mountain incidents are only reported through … Continue reading →

Posted in Mountaineering, PTSD | Leave a comment

A beautiful ceremony for Liz Campbell.

Posted on June 27, 2023 by heavywhalley.MBE

Yesterday was when we said farewell to an old friend Liz Campbell. It was an humbling day and a fitting tribute to a long life to a life well lived. Liz was a great woman who loved her family the … Continue reading →

Posted in Enviroment, Mountaineering, Weather, Well being | Leave a comment

New record for the Munro’s 31 days 10 hours. Amazing.

Posted on June 26, 2023 by heavywhalley.MBE

It’s amazing how things change in the mid 70’s three of us did unsupported walks across Scotland. Carrying all our own gear staying in Bothies we thought we were hard. The clothing was heavy no GPS, noble phones and wet … Continue reading →

Posted in Bothies, Clothing, Mountaineering, Weather, Well being | Leave a comment

The Madras Trophy – SARDA Scotland. Does anyone know the story behind it?

Posted on June 24, 2023 by heavywhalley.MBE

The Madras Trophy – is awarded to the best Novice Search Dog team during the annual assessment weekend of the SARDA Scotland Association. This is a hard Assessment and it has been presented since 1973. The Madras Trophy was awarded … Continue reading →

Posted in Friends, Mountaineering, SARDA, Well being | Leave a comment

Lurg Mhor & Bidean a’ Choire Sheasgaich nearly a day to far.

Posted on June 24, 2023 by heavywhalley.MBE

Bidean a’Choire Sheasgaich : ‘pinnacle of the farrow cattle coire’ Munro 161 Munro 226. Lurg Mhor : ‘big shank” 945 metres Munro 226 In late 1977 we were based for the weekend at Strathfarrar. We had to do a night … Continue reading →

Posted in Articles, Books, Clothing, Friends, Hill Food, Mountaineering, People, Views Mountaineering, Weather, Well being, Wildlife | Leave a comment

Listening to the radio on the hills.A confession ! Podcasts, Audio books and Music.

Posted on June 22, 2023 by heavywhalley.MBE

I have to admit that every Saturday I was out training new troops I would carry a small radio. I found it hard to miss football or big Rugby matches and final scores at the weekends. I also would get … Continue reading →

Posted in Equipment, Gear, Media, mountain safety, Mountaineering, Music, Podcasts, Weather | 2 Comments

Fill your boots while you can.

Posted on June 21, 2023 by heavywhalley.MBE

It’s great to see so many folks getting out on the hills. Sadly I am still lacking energy from my illness so will not be up high yet. Fill your boots while you can get out there and have adventures. … Continue reading →

Posted in Articles, Bothies, Friends, Health, Mountaineering, People, Well being | 4 Comments

Father’s Day – Memories.

Posted on June 17, 2023 by heavywhalley.MBE

Today is Father’s Day it always makes me think of my Dad who passed away over 40 years ago. I wrote this piece a few years ago and memories came flooding back of how incredible parents I had.   My … Continue reading →

Posted in Family, Friends, Mountaineering, Well being | 3 Comments

Well done Duncan Tripp a write up from The Bristows Group

Posted on June 17, 2023 by heavywhalley.MBE

“We are enormously proud of our Inverness-based Maritime and Coastguard Agency Winch Paramedic colleague Duncan Tripp who last night was announced as the winner of the 2023 Billy Deacon SAR Memorial Trophy for his outstanding bravery during the rescue of … Continue reading →

Posted in Friends, Mountaineering, People, Well being | Leave a comment