Category Archives: Articles

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

Lessons from the Big Walks

Posted on April 3, 2024 by heavywhalley.MBE

The big Walks I was extremely lucky to do the 4 Traverses of Scotland. The North to South, South to North ( Ben Lomond to Ben Hope ) also the East to West and the West to East. All were … Continue reading →

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

In memory of a great friend Mark Sinclair by Dan Carrol. Dan is a man of few words this is a lovely tribute.

Posted on March 15, 2024 by heavywhalley.MBE

Mark Sinclair was one of my best pals. I named him “Cheeky” I took him on the first hill day all the Mamores. He was naturally fit never trained and we formed a great bond on and off the hill.He … Continue reading →

Posted in Articles, Friends, Mountaineering, Views Mountaineering | 1 Comment

The Beinn Eighe crash 14 March 1951

Posted on March 12, 2024 by heavywhalley.MBE

LANCASTER GR3 TX264 – CRASH ON SAIL MHOR, BEINN EIGHE ROSS AND CROMARTY, SCOTLAND – 14th March 1951 IN THE MEMORY OF THE CREW OF LANCASTER TX264 Its 73=years since the crash of the Lancaster on Beinn Eighe. I was … Continue reading →

Posted in Aircraft incidents, Articles, Equipment, Family, Mountain rescue, Views Mountaineering, Well being | Tagged | 1 Comment

Ben Nevis a grand day one winter

Posted on March 4, 2024 by heavywhalley.MBE

I loved reading about climbs on the Ben especially in winter. I had always wanted to climb the Curtain an early steep ice climb. It had always intimidated me as there were some “ exciting “ photos of it in … Continue reading →

Posted in Articles, Mountain rescue, mountain safety, Mountaineering, Scottish winter climbing., Well being | 1 Comment

The Cairngorms & North East Scotland book review courtesy of Adrian Trednall.

Posted on March 1, 2024 by heavywhalley.MBE

This book is long awaited written by true lovers of these mountains I spent many great days on the hills and rock in the past here. Glen Clova was our playground after work on the climbs. It is published by … Continue reading →

Posted in Articles, Books, Corbetts, Corbetts and other hills, Mountaineering, Recomended books and Guides, Views Mountaineering | Leave a comment

Fionaven – A grand day out.

Posted on February 25, 2024 by heavywhalley.MBE

This is a grand mountain hill Fionaven  I love this mountain and I have been very lucky to climb it about 10 times. It is spectacular and can be seen for miles. The shattered quartzite makes the hill look white and … Continue reading →

Posted in Articles, Books, mountain safety, Mountaineering, Rock Climbing, Scottish winter climbing. | Leave a comment

I spent today not feeling great and taking it easy and trying to get over my mind sorted. I ended up reflecting on a magic days on An Teallach with great friends. How do you explain about the mountains and especialy of An Teallach. The views are stunning and a short walk along the path opens up a new world at every turn. This mountain has so many mysteries so many ridges and tops you will never understand all it’s secrets. Every year it’s buttresses and cliffs open up to a new generation of climbers making any visit a long mountain day and a special place to be the wild North West. It is a serious area to be especially in winter and in wild weather and is well served by the local Dundonnel Mountain Rescue Team.

Posted on February 21, 2024 by heavywhalley.MBE

Many of these walks and climbs became a classic in my days with the RAF Mountain rescue team.The classic Traverse is one of the best. The young troops enjoyed this route and it became a right of passage for some. … Continue reading →

Posted in Articles, Books, Friends, Mountain rescue, Mountaineering, Munros, Scottish winter climbing., SMC/SMT, Views Mountaineering, Well being | 3 Comments

Fort William Mountain Festival Thursday 15 Feb 2024

Posted on February 13, 2024 by heavywhalley.MBE

The winners for the 2024 Scottish Awards for Excellence in Mountain Culture will soon be selected and we will be announcing them early next year. The Awards will be presented at the Launch Night on the 15th February 2024. Since … Continue reading →

Posted in Alaska, Articles, Mountaineering, Well being | Leave a comment

Famine Walls and Foodbanks.

Posted on February 7, 2024 by heavywhalley.MBE

Famine Walls and Foodbanks what a state we are living in. After a winter wander on Beinn Dearg I had a look at some other effects of this tragic time in Scotland’s history. On that day I followed the “Famine … Continue reading →

Posted in Articles, Books, Corbetts and other hills, Mountaineering, Munros, Views Political? | 3 Comments