Category Archives: Rock Climbing

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

Seana Bhraigh an eye opener. Some memories of a great hill. Pop

Posted on February 7, 2023 by heavywhalley.MBE

I was asked by two good friend’s would I like a short wander into the Northern Corries. It was Sadly it was grand to be asked but I am still struggling missing the hills and especially the winter. I have … Continue reading →

Posted in Articles, Avalanche info, Bothies, Mountain Biking, Mountain rescue, Mountaineering, Recomended books and Guides, Rock Climbing, Scottish winter climbing., SMC/SMT, Views Mountaineering, Weather, Well being, Wildlife | 4 Comments

Ray Sefton Sunshine – one of the best . The Way it was.

Posted on January 30, 2023 by heavywhalley.MBE

Ray Sefton (Sunshine) was and still is one of the best people I have met. He joined the RAF in 1956 when National Service was still going. The RAF Mountain Rescue Teams were full of characters, many who were excellent … Continue reading →

Posted in Aircraft incidents, Articles, Avalanche info, Books, Family, Friends, Hill running and huge days!, Mountain rescue, mountain safety, Mountaineering, Munros, People, Rock Climbing, Scottish winter climbing., Well being | 2 Comments

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

The Nest of Fannaich – lost Bothies.

Posted on January 25, 2023 by heavywhalley.MBE

The Nest of Fannichs : One of two houses that stood at the head of Loch Fannaich. Cabuie Lodge was demolished, it was feared that it would be flooded when the Hydro enlarged the loch. The Nest was lost to … Continue reading →

Posted in Articles, Bothies, Friends, Mountain rescue, Mountaineering, Rock Climbing, Scottish winter climbing., SMC/SMT, Views Mountaineering, Weather, Well being, Wildlife | 1 Comment

Glen Nevis a place of many memories

Posted on January 18, 2023 by heavywhalley.MBE

Yesterday I did a wee bit of filming with Dave and Claire McLeod. The weather held for us and we got a few shots and a wee video done.The drive down was okay apart from Inverness which seems to have … Continue reading →

Posted in Films, Friends, Health, Mountain rescue, Mountaineering, Munros, Rock Climbing, Views Mountaineering, Weather, Well being | 2 Comments

Tom Patey Ones Man’s Legacy – a review from “All things Cuillin” by Adrain Trednall.

Posted on December 22, 2022 by heavywhalley.MBE

Tom Patey One Man’s Legacy – Tom Patey has always been a hero of mine. I was brought into mountaineering with folk who knew and climbed with him. The stories of his climbs and escapades are incredible. During my mountaineering … Continue reading →

Posted in Book, Equipment, Mountaineering, Recomended books and Guides, Rock Climbing, Scottish winter climbing., SMC/SMT, Views Mountaineering, Well being | 2 Comments

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

Sometimes it’s great to sit and enjoy the views ?

Posted on November 24, 2022 by heavywhalley.MBE

In these days of Strava and the internet “ I climbed that hill in 3 hrs 14 min 30’sec it’s great to sit and enjoy the views. Especially with a special companion. Càrn nan Gobhar (Loch Mullardoch) One of two … Continue reading →

Posted in mountain safety, Mountaineering, Rock 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