Category Archives: Bothies

Helicopter Days . The early days and an interesting rescue in Wales gaining trust with the crews.

Posted on November 3, 2022 by heavywhalley.MBE

My first working with helicopters was in 1972. I got an afternoon of to go with a few of the Kinloss Mountain Rescue Team to our local mountain Ben Rinnes. We were playing with Sarbe Beacons and testing them out. … Continue reading →

Posted in Bothies, Equipment, Gear, Mountain rescue, mountain safety, Mountaineering, Scottish winter climbing., Views Mountaineering, Weather | 4 Comments

Thank you “Neil Reid Bothy Gangrel” and Mountaineering Scotland who has just retired.

Posted on October 29, 2022 by heavywhalley.MBE

Many mountain folk will know this unassuming man Neil Reid. Over the years he has been a key Ambassador for Mountaineering Scotland as Editor of there magazine. I first met him due to a few contacts on the Mountain Bothies … Continue reading →

Posted in Bothies, Friends, Mountaineering, People, Views Mountaineering | 1 Comment

The mountaineering obsession begins !

Posted on October 20, 2022 by heavywhalley.MBE

It was all action on my first two years at Kinloss Mountain Rescue from 1972 – 74 . Every weekend was spent away with the team. I visited so many places all over Scotland. I hardly went home as I … Continue reading →

Posted in Articles, Books, Bothies, Enviroment, Equipment, Family, Friends, Hill running and huge days!, Mountain rescue, Mountaineering, Rock Climbing, Views Mountaineering, Weather, Well being | Leave a comment

1972 – My last weekend of my trial – Avalanche Sgur Lurtharn Aonach Beag near Ben Alder that we were lucky to survive.

Posted on October 14, 2022 by heavywhalley.MBE

This as I stated was the last weekend of the trial and I was to go out with George Bruce the Team leader and 2 other team members. George had planned a winter scramble or climb up a magnificent ridge … Continue reading →

Posted in Avalanche info, Bothies, Enviroment, Mountain rescue, mountain safety, Mountaineering, Munros, Views Mountaineering, Weather, Well being, Wildlife | 1 Comment

1972 – My first Weekend at Kintail. Full on winter and a tall ship anchored in the Bay.

Posted on October 12, 2022 by heavywhalley.MBE

My first weekend with the team was in mid-winter February to the North West Coast to Kintail very near the Island of Skye. I arrived at the section after work dressed in my jeans and jacket with all my new … Continue reading →

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An Appreciation of Village Halls. Cooking for 15 – 25 hungry team members.

Posted on October 3, 2022 by heavywhalley.MBE

An Appreciation of Village Halls. My first weekend was in 1972 arriving in the dark at the bothy at Kintail. It was Baltic in the bothy limited heating on a meter that we paid for ourselves. As the light came … Continue reading →

Posted in Articles, Bothies, Friends, Mountaineering, People, Well being | 2 Comments

Route of the North To South Walk 1976.

Posted on August 23, 2022 by heavywhalley.MBE

This walk was unsupported we carried everything we needed and used food dumps preplaced. 1976 North – South Scotland Walk 1. Ben Hope the most Northerly Mountain in Scotland – Corbett Ben Hee – Merkland Lodge 2. Conival and Ben … Continue reading →

Posted in Articles, Books, Bothies, Enviroment, Equipment, Gear, Health, Views Mountaineering, Weather, Well being | Leave a comment

A bit of background to the Big Walks.

Posted on August 18, 2022 by heavywhalley.MBE

I was so lucky to have been told of Big Walks across Scotland in the past I listened intently when I met a few who had done them. There had been various long Walks the RAF Mountain Rescue have a … Continue reading →

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Squareface – Garbh Coire , Beinn a Bhuird Cairngorms. “A secluded Jewel typical of Patey’s discoveries. “ Martin Burrows Smith” Classic Rock.

Posted on August 15, 2022 by heavywhalley.MBE

I met a pal yesterday who was just back from climbing Squareface in the remote Cairngorms. It was lovely for Rachael to tell me of what a great day she had with her husband. I love hearing folk talk about … Continue reading →

Posted in Bothies, Mountain Biking, Mountain rescue, mountain safety, Mountaineering, Munros, Recomended books and Guides, Rock Climbing, Views Mountaineering, Well being | 2 Comments

A Long overdue day on the Fannichs. Loch Droma Meall a Ghrasgaidh , Sgurr Mor and Beinn Liath Mor Fannich

Posted on August 2, 2022 by heavywhalley.MBE

Though still being driven mad by my cough I decided to go to the Fannichs and see what would happen. I have lost most of the summer due to a hacking cough that I am awaiting seeing a consultant for. … Continue reading →

Posted in Articles, Bothies, Enviroment, Family, Friends, Gear, Hill running and huge days!, Mountain rescue, mountain safety, Mountaineering, Munros, People, Scottish winter climbing., SMC/SMT, Views Mountaineering, Weather, Well being, Wildlife | Leave a comment