Category Archives: Articles

Dave Nichols – Marine Mountaineer, motivator.

Posted on March 10, 2023 by heavywhalley.MBE

David Nichols was a man I met through the mountains. He was on Everest with one of my best pals Al McLeod who fell and was killed whilst soling the North Face of the Matterhorn. He ended up a Brigadier … Continue reading →

Posted in Articles, Expeditions - Alaska - Himalayas etc, Mountain rescue, Mountaineering, Views Mountaineering, Well being | Leave a comment

Jimmy Marshall – The Maister” King of The Ben.

Posted on March 4, 2023 by heavywhalley.MBE

I met Jimmy Marshall on a few occasions and he was already called “the Maisters” we I am sure we had a great night in Fort William after his presentation of the Mountain Culture Award in Fort William. Looking back … Continue reading →

Posted in Articles, Books, Mountaineering, People, Recomended books and Guides, Scottish winter climbing., SMC/SMT, Views Mountaineering | Leave a comment

A few comments on my Bog about staying safe on the hills . Comments always welcome.

Posted on March 1, 2023 by heavywhalley.MBE

Eye sight The point you make about eyesight is a good one. I have been using differential contact lenses now for many years and several other members of the Kintail team do the same. This is where the dominant eye … Continue reading →

Posted in Articles, Enviroment, Equipment, Gear, mountain safety, Mountaineering | Leave a comment

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

Some good Winter advice about the mountains from the Police Lead for Mountain Rescue.

Posted on February 15, 2023 by heavywhalley.MBE

Inspector Matt Smith, Police Scotland lead for mountain rescue, said, “Our volunteer and Police Mountain Rescue teams have dealt with a number of tragic incidents in recent weeks. It’s still winter, despite what it may look like further down. I’d … Continue reading →

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

Blessed are the path makers: Mountain paths but who should pay for there upkeep?

Posted on February 14, 2023 by heavywhalley.MBE

Yesterday there was a program on radio Scotland on the maintenance of mountain paths on the Munro’s and who should play for them. The Question was that those who use the paths should pay for there upkeep. The usual questions … Continue reading →

Posted in Articles, Charity, Enviroment, Mountaineering, Munros, SMC/SMT, Views Mountaineering, Weather, Well being | Leave a comment

Scottish Award for Excellence in Mountain Culture.FortWilliam Mountain Festival.

Posted on February 10, 2023 by heavywhalley.MBE

Thank you all in every Mountains Rescue team SARDA and the SAR rescue helicopter that are a huge part of me gaining this award. I feel so humbled. This is the write up: from the Fort William Mountain Festival. Expert … Continue reading →

Posted in Articles, Films, Mountain rescue, Mountaineering, Views Mountaineering | 7 Comments

Boldness in winter climbing : an old picture from the past.

Posted on February 8, 2023 by heavywhalley.MBE

When your out climbing this winter with all the great gear about from ice axes to crampons , harnesses, ice screws, rock protection, superb clothing etc. Get your guide book out and look at the dates of the first ascents … Continue reading →

Posted in Articles, Books, Mountain rescue, mountain safety, Mountaineering, Recomended books and Guides, Scottish winter climbing., SMC/SMT, Views Mountaineering, Weather, Well being | 2 Comments

Seana Bhraigh an eye opener. Some memories of a great hill. Pop

Posted on February 7, 2023 by heavywhalley.MBE

I was asked by two good friend’s would I like a short wander into the Northern Corries. It was Sadly it was grand to be asked but I am still struggling missing the hills and especially the winter. I have … Continue reading →

Posted in Articles, Avalanche info, Bothies, Mountain Biking, Mountain rescue, Mountaineering, Recomended books and Guides, Rock Climbing, Scottish winter climbing., SMC/SMT, Views Mountaineering, Weather, Well being, Wildlife | 4 Comments