Category Archives: Enviroment

The great improvements in weather/ Avalanche/ forecasting.

Posted on March 15, 2023 by heavywhalley.MBE

In my early days in the RAF Mountain Rescue we got a weather forecast from the local RAF MET office. It was handy but mainly designed mainly for aircraft flying. It came in at weekends by our High Frequency radios … Continue reading →

Posted in Avalanche info, Enviroment, Equipment, Media, mountain safety, Mountaineering, People, Scottish winter climbing., Views Mountaineering, Weather, Well being | Leave a comment

At last a wander to the West. Blue skies and snow plastered mountains. The joy of being out again not far but wonderful.

Posted on March 10, 2023 by heavywhalley.MBE

This weekend I went Weat for the first time this winter. The drive over was spectacular and with lots of fresh snow on the hill and the sun this was Scotland at its best. I left early from Burghead due … Continue reading →

Posted in Enviroment, Friends, Mountaineering, Weather, Well being, Wildlife | 5 Comments

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

A wander to a local favourite local place: The Millie Burn what a mess made by

Posted on February 25, 2023 by heavywhalley.MBE

I live in a wonderful small village surrounded by huge beaches wonderful forests and great history. Especially as I get older I appreciate where I live more and more. A favourite walk is along the beach to a the Millie … Continue reading →

Posted in Enviroment, Well being | 2 Comments

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

Wonderful weekend with special people at Fort William Mountain Festival. Well done Stephanie Mc Kenna and all who those who work so hard to produce a wonderful Festival.

Posted on February 19, 2023 by heavywhalley.MBE

It was a wonderful weekend surrounded by friend’s that mean so much, it’s so important to get out and see folk again. There are to many to thank but to all of you you made an old man very happy. … Continue reading →

Posted in Enviroment, Family, Friends, Mountain rescue, mountain safety, Mountaineering, People, Scottish winter climbing., 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

Tragedy on Ben Nevis December 1956.

Posted on February 4, 2023 by heavywhalley.MBE

The 1957 SMC Journal “ 25 December 1956 – Group of 5 benighted in a blizzard on plateau after climbing South Castle Gully Ben Nevis ( Carn Dearg) Survivor got down to Fort William on 26 th December. Rescue party … Continue reading →

Posted in Articles, Avalanche info, Enviroment, Equipment, Gear, Mountain rescue, mountain safety, Mountaineering, People, Scottish winter climbing., Views Mountaineering, Weather, Well being | Leave a comment

John Hinde another great character.

Posted on January 27, 2023 by heavywhalley.MBE

I was very fortunate to meet so many great mentors in RAF Mountain Rescue. John Hinde was one who helped me a lot and gave me so much of the history of the Mountain Rescue Service. John was a superb … Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Corbetts and other hills, Enviroment, Expeditions - Alaska - Himalayas etc, Mountain rescue, mountain safety, Mountaineering, Munros, Other hills Grahams & Donalds, Rock Climbing, Scottish winter climbing., Well being | 2 Comments

Cold Bivouac’s – what’s yours ?

Posted on January 6, 2023 by heavywhalley.MBE

Most of the bivouacs in my early days in these days the bivouac gear was basic. Orange polythene bags were the standard. This was the early 80’s a few on call-outs. My worst one was on Skye in 1982 on … Continue reading →

Posted in Aircraft incidents, Alaska, Books, Enviroment, Expeditions - Alaska - Himalayas etc, Gear, Mountain rescue, mountain safety, Mountaineering, People, Views Mountaineering | 4 Comments