Category Archives: Friends

SARDA Scotland – Annual

Posted on March 25, 2023 by heavywhalley.MBE

This weekend I am down at Fort Williamwith SARDA SCOTLAND on their Annual Assessment. The dogs, handlers and bodies work so hard to get the Dogs and handlers assessed. They had already completed a full days assessment when I arrived … Continue reading →

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

Mother’s Day

Posted on March 19, 2023 by heavywhalley.MBE

Mothers Day I always think about my Mum even more so just now. A few days ago was the day of Women who Inspire my Mum is without doubt the lady I was always inspired by her. It has been … Continue reading →

Posted in Family, Friends, Health, Mountaineering, People, PTSD, Well being | 3 Comments

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

Koflach Boots a piece of history.

Posted on March 3, 2023 by heavywhalley.MBE

I bought my first pair of Koflach in the early 80’s for a ice climbing trip to Canada. What a huge difference they made. Despite temperatures of minus 25 I had no more cold or wet feet. They also had … Continue reading →

Posted in Friends, Gear, Mountaineering, Scottish winter climbing., Views Mountaineering | 6 Comments

Wandering alone on the hills.A few tips.

Posted on February 28, 2023 by heavywhalley.MBE

Over the last few years I really enjoyed being alone on the hill. My last big day was before winter on the Fannichs. I could go at my own pace, stop when I wanted and admire the views. You see … Continue reading →

Posted in Friends, Gear, mountain safety, Mountaineering, Views Mountaineering, Well being | 5 Comments

Looking for lost souls.

Posted on February 25, 2023 by heavywhalley.MBE

The Rescue Teams, SARDA and the SAR helicopters and other SAR agencies have been busy this winter and sadly there have been several fatalities. As at 26 Feb there are 3 folk missing on the hills a couple for several … Continue reading →

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Can you help ? Missing in Glencoe !

Posted on February 23, 2023 by heavywhalley.MBE

Highlands and Islands Police Division – “Police in Lochaber are appealing for assistance from the public to trace 33-year-old Kyle Sambrook, who is missing from the West Yorkshire area. Kyle travelled by car (black Peugeot 208) from West Yorkshire to … Continue reading →

Posted in Friends, Mountain rescue, mountain safety, Mountaineering, Weather, Well being | Leave a comment

Pushing the climbing standards in RAF Mountain Rescue. The late 50’s – early 70’s.

Posted on February 22, 2023 by heavywhalley.MBE

The RAF Mountain Rescue went through many changes since it’s beginning in 1944. Wales had some exceptional climbers like Johnnie Lees who pushed the standards along with several exceptional climbers in South Wales, The Peaks and the Lakes. In Scotland … Continue reading →

Posted in Equipment, Friends, Mountain rescue, mountain safety, Mountaineering, Rock Climbing, Scottish winter climbing., Views Mountaineering, Well being | 6 Comments

In Skye – 1960 The TD Gap and one of the early use of 500 foot ropes. Another call out from the In Pin on a wild night.

Posted on February 21, 2023 by heavywhalley.MBE

Nowadays we are very blessed with lightweight gear. Yet at times you have to take with you what you can carry. A 500 foot rope is very heavy, it leaves you very limited to carry your personal gear. The TD … Continue reading →

Posted in Articles, Friends, Mountain rescue, mountain safety, Mountaineering, People, Views Mountaineering, Weather, 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