Category Archives: Articles

How much does a photo bring back memories? The remote Coire a’ Granda Beinn Dearg. The healing power of the wild places to help your well being.

Posted on October 26, 2020 by

The photo above was taken after my second operation when I was pretty ill a few years ago 2017. As I recovered slowly by walking round my stunning Moray coast they were just not enough for me. I needed to … Continue reading →

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

Every photo tells a story. Friendships forged in the mountains.

Posted on October 25, 2020 by

Al died whilst soling on the the North Face of the Matterhorn a few years later. It was one of the hardest periods of my life getting him home. I have lost a good few pals in the mountains it’s … Continue reading →

Posted in Articles, Expeditions - Alaska - Himalayas etc, Family, Friends, Mountain rescue, mountain safety, Mountaineering, Rock Climbing, SAR, Scottish winter climbing., Views Mountaineering, Well being | 3 Comments

Coire Lair a wander and some thoughts on the wonderful Stalking paths.

Posted on October 23, 2020 by

We had an Autumnal walk up to Coire Lair through mist covered mountains yesterday. It had been very heavy rain for a few days and the Coire has a interesting river crossing and some of the best stalking paths in … Continue reading →

Posted in Articles, Corbetts, Corbetts and other hills, Cycling, Friends, Gear, Mountain Biking, Mountain rescue, mountain safety, Mountaineering, People, Plants, Views Mountaineering, Weather, Well being, Wildlife | 2 Comments

The Zardsky sac a bit more gen ? A few tips on early winter Mountaineering gear to carry !

Posted on October 22, 2020 by

Following my blog on bothy bags yesterday I received this from Mike Parsons: “The very first bothy bag was called the KISU, Karrimor Instructor Survival Unit, KISU. and made by Karrimor, my company at the time. Here is a link … Continue reading →

Posted in Articles, Avalanche info, Enviroment, Equipment, Gear, Mountain rescue, mountain safety, Mountaineering, Munros, People, Scottish winter climbing., Views Mountaineering, Weather, Well being, Wildlife | 2 Comments

Great gear – the Bothy bag !

Posted on October 21, 2020 by

Group Shelters – We we’re lucky in the RAF that we had access to various trades within the Mountain Rescue Team. Our group shelters were made originally by our Safety Equipment Section of bright orange nylon. We went through a … Continue reading →

Posted in Articles, Enviroment, Equipment, mountain safety, Mountaineering, People, Views Mountaineering, Weather, Well being | Leave a comment

Whats your best piece of kit from the past?

Posted on October 19, 2020 by

Things have moved on since my early days on the hills. The clothing and footwear has improved beyond belief. Gone are the “hairy breeks” that many wore. How proud was I that I got a pair then at last I … Continue reading →

Posted in Articles, Bothies, Equipment, Gear, Mountain rescue, Mountaineering, People, Scottish winter climbing., Views Mountaineering, Well being | 2 Comments

Insulation in winter camping bivouacking?

Posted on October 18, 2020 by

There was a wee chat on my Mountaineering Club Facebook page about the best sleeping bags for winter. I have had years of suffering in many mountains in the UK and abroad. I learned lots on my early walks in … Continue reading →

Posted in Alaska, Articles, Enviroment, Equipment, Expeditions - Alaska - Himalayas etc, mountain safety, Mountaineering, Views Mountaineering, Well being | 6 Comments

Is your Mobile phone registered for the 999 text service ?

Posted on October 9, 2020 by

My friend Anne Butler reminded me of this. It could save your life! Is your mobile phone registered for the 999 text service? If you have an emergency in the hills and do not have enough signal to make a … Continue reading →

Posted in Articles, Mountain rescue, mountain safety, Mountaineering | 2 Comments

The Maiden Whiten Head – Bronze Cross on summit?

Posted on October 8, 2020 by

Whiten Head – The Maiden Original Route, 55 m HVS. This is where sadly Tom Patey lost his life in 1970 in an accident abseiling. My friends The late Ted Atkins and Smudge Smith climbed the Stack and left a … Continue reading →

Posted in Articles, mountain safety, Mountaineering, Recomended books and Guides, Rock Climbing, Views Mountaineering | Leave a comment

A short wander the Beinn Eighe Mountain Trail. A few thoughts.

Posted on October 6, 2020 by

I had a short day on the Beinn Eighe Mountain trail that starts from the car park at Loch Maree. The weather had been poor with torrential rain but we had a short 3 – 4 hour weather window so … Continue reading →

Posted in Articles, Corbetts, Corbetts and other hills, Enviroment, Flora, Health, Local area and events to see, Mountaineering, People, Recomended books and Guides, Views Mountaineering, Weather, Well being, Wildlife | Leave a comment