Author Archives: heavywhalley.MBE

About heavywhalley.MBE

Mountain Rescue Specialist. Environmentalist. Spent 37 years with RAF Mountain Rescue and 3 years with a civilian Team . Still an active Mountaineer when body slows, loves the wild places.

Ups and downs of dealing with illness.

Posted on May 20, 2024 by heavywhalley.MBE

Life is full of ups and downs when you not well that’s the way it is. I was feeling a bit better for a couple of days then it was back to being so tired and feeling rough. You have … Continue reading →

Posted in Mountaineering, People, Well being | 2 Comments

Great friends are what you need

Posted on May 18, 2024 by heavywhalley.MBE

It’s amazing how many folk are there to help when needed. As my strength goes I rely on help, even helping lifting and having no car now. My friend Diane is always helping as are others in the village. I … Continue reading →

Posted in Mountaineering, Well being | Leave a comment

St Kilda – is this a Tragedy

Posted on May 16, 2024 by heavywhalley.MBE

I was sent this photo of St Kilda ( VIlage Bay. It was published by Bella Caledonia. “This image from St Kilda is soul-destroying. Late capitalism, over-tourism and climate catastrophe converge. I wrote about it last year: bellacaledonia.org.uk/2023/09/16/cal…” National Trust … Continue reading →

Posted in Enviroment, Mountaineering, Weather, Well being, Wildlife | 1 Comment

Dealing with hard days.

Posted on May 14, 2024 by heavywhalley.MBE

Yesterday I saw the Liver Consultant I must admit I know what to expect but sometimes it hits you extremely hard. Every day is a fight after two meeting I was exhausted: No energy but can’t thank Diane enough for … Continue reading →

Posted in Family, Friends, Health, Mountaineering | 3 Comments

Great hill days. An Teallach and the Fisherfield Munros.

Posted on May 10, 2024 by heavywhalley.MBE

How is it that you remember such great days out. One of the best was An Teallach and all the Fisherfield Munros. I was trying to get fit for Tranters round: This is an aesthetic linkup of the high ridges … Continue reading →

Posted in Munros, Views Mountaineering, Well being | Leave a comment

Great weather.

Posted on May 10, 2024 by heavywhalley.MBE

Been a busy few days helped by the weather walking but back hurting a lot but to be outside is magnificent. Missing the wee van but I was not up to driving my decision but saves folk worrying. Keeps folk … Continue reading →

Posted in Friends, Mountaineering, People, Views Mountaineering, Well being | 2 Comments

By by Van

Posted on May 7, 2024 by heavywhalley.MBE

Sadly I have had to sell my van and stop driving. Most folk are happy with this but it’s another huge part of my independence gone. I have felt a little better managing short walks with poles is all I … Continue reading →

Posted in Mountaineering | Leave a comment

Early days in Galloway

Posted on May 4, 2024 by heavywhalley.MBE

I often went to Galloway mainly with my Dad. We climbed most of the hills often the Merrick ,Corserine and many others. It’s a lot different from Arran rolling hills. In my early days my Dad would take me here. … Continue reading →

Posted in Articles, Bothies, Mountaineering, Well being | 1 Comment

Early days Arran

Posted on May 2, 2024 by heavywhalley.MBE

Travelling from my hometown in Ayr we holidayed in the nearby Arran the boat over was always like coming to another world! We were a big family of 5 kids ( i was the youngest) that feeling of being on … Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Enviroment, Equipment, Islands, Mountaineering, Well being, Wildlife | Leave a comment

A bit of a bad week then came the sun.

Posted on May 1, 2024 by heavywhalley.MBE

A big struggle then came the sun. Not a great week the other week I have been feeling weak and exhausted no energy days in bed and no walks! The mind is so complicated coping and trying to stay upbeat … Continue reading →

Posted in Friends, Mountaineering, Well being | 3 Comments