Category Archives: Friends

High Risks – Climbing to Extinction – Brian Hall

Posted on December 1, 2022 by heavywhalley.MBE

I found this an exceptional book. It took me back to the “ Golden Years” of Alpine and Himalayan Mountaineers.The death toll of these climbers pushing their ambitions and the complexity of their lives is an eye opener. He also … Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Enviroment, Equipment, Family, Friends, Gear, Health, Mountain rescue, Mountaineering, People, PTSD, Scottish winter climbing., Views Mountaineering, Well being | Leave a comment

Sad news – Willie MacKenzie Glenelg a great man who helped so many. What a character. RIP Willie.

Posted on November 30, 2022 by heavywhalley.MBE

I first met Willie when I was a young lad on a Callout in 1972 to Knoydart. He lived in Arnisdale a beautiful remote spot on the West Coast. He took us over in his boat to Barrisdale and then … Continue reading →

Posted in Friends, Mountain rescue, Mountaineering, People, Well being | Leave a comment

A wee wander on Ben Rinnes. Slowly, slowly. “Blessed are the path makers “

Posted on November 28, 2022 by heavywhalley.MBE

Ben Rinnes ; 841 m (2,759 ft) · 512 m (1,680 ft) · Corbett, Marilyn. Elevation: 841 m (2,759 ft) Parent range: Grampian Mountains I went to visit my old friend Wendy who is in a home in Elgin. She is a … Continue reading →

Posted in Corbetts, Corbetts and other hills, Enviroment, Equipment, Friends, Health, Mountaineering | 6 Comments

1976 The Munro’s – 46 years on. A few thoughts.

Posted on November 27, 2022 by heavywhalley.MBE

Munros- 46 years on. Big changes but still a great way to get to know Scotland. In my early wa liking days the Munro’s was a huge ambition. I completed them in 27 Mov 1976! It was recorded in the … Continue reading →

Posted in Articles, Books, Friends, Gear, Mountain rescue, mountain safety, Mountaineering, Munros, Well being | Leave a comment

Everest Classic – photo and memories of the Fox of Glencoe.

Posted on November 25, 2022 by heavywhalley.MBE

I always thought that this was an outstanding photo of Hamish McInness stretcher being used on Everest in the Western CYM. ‘The photo was taken by my pal Terry Moore in 1992 . Typically Terry understated the effort “ Twas … Continue reading →

Posted in Articles, Books, Friends, Gear, Mountain rescue, mountain safety, Mountaineering, People, Recomended books and Guides, Rock Climbing, SMC/SMT, Views Mountaineering, Well being | Leave a comment

Is winter here ? First winter climbs over the last few days. Am I envious !

Posted on November 23, 2022 by heavywhalley.MBE

It’s great to see that the climbers are out in the Northern Corries after the first snows of winter. To climb in these short days with not much daylight means you have to be organised. The snow ploughs have been … Continue reading →

Posted in Family, Friends, Mountain rescue, mountain safety, Mountaineering, Scottish winter climbing., Views Mountaineering, Weather, Well being | Leave a comment

Ben Loyal – 764 metres and an epic rescue after a plane crash of a Handley Page Hampden.

Posted on November 20, 2022 by heavywhalley.MBE

My first impression of Ben Loyal many years ago sometimes called the “Queen of Scotland” was so impressive. It was a Misty day and the hill emerged as the hill cleared. You can see this mountain from a long way … Continue reading →

Posted in Aircraft incidents, Books, Corbetts and other hills, Friends, Mountain rescue, Mountaineering, People, Recomended books and Guides, Rock Climbing, Views Mountaineering, Well being | Leave a comment

More Classic smaller mountains: Fionaven the Reay Forest North – West Sutherland.

Posted on November 17, 2022 by heavywhalley.MBE

I have promised a pal that we will climb the Corbett Fionaven she has been waiting to climb in for a while. I hope next May when I am fit enough still to climb a big mountain after my health … Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Corbetts and other hills, Enviroment, Equipment, Friends, Mountain rescue, mountain safety, Mountaineering, Munros, People, Rock Climbing, Scottish winter climbing., SMC/SMT, Views Mountaineering, Well being | Leave a comment

Great wee hills: Ben Stack – Sutherland.

Posted on November 15, 2022 by heavywhalley.MBE

Situated in the far North of scotland in Sutherland this mountain is to me iconic. I have climbed it several times twice in winter and the views on a good day are magnificent. You rarely meet many folk on it … Continue reading →

Posted in Mountaineering, Friends, Recomended books and Guides, Enviroment, Other hills Grahams & Donalds, Well being | Leave a comment

There is so much love and kindness about. The world is not full of selfish uncaring people.

Posted on November 12, 2022 by heavywhalley.MBE

I have been falling apart recently a hard life in the mountains takes it’s toll. Yet I would not change a minute of my life. The latest was a cyst removed from my head in Aberdeen’s ARI. Dan Carrol took … Continue reading →

Posted in Friends, Health, Mountaineering, Well being | 8 Comments