Category Archives: People

Monday washing day in Tibet. A tale of a bothy on Everest !

Posted on March 20, 2023 by heavywhalley.MBE

Is there a better back drop to dry your gear than this view of Everest. Everything was still covered in sand even after a good wash, We were in Tibet for 3 months hard living but we had our secret … Continue reading →

Posted in Bothies, Himalayas/ Everest, Mountain rescue, Mountaineering, People, Views Mountaineering, Weather, 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

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

What’s was your breakthrough Crampon’s?

Posted on March 8, 2023 by heavywhalley.MBE

I was given a pair of crampons that never fitted my boots when I started winter climbing in1972. The crampons were heated and adjust to the boots. Mine had been heated and reheated a few times and one broke on … Continue reading →

Posted in Gear, Ice climbing Canada, Mountaineering, People, Scottish winter climbing. | 4 Comments

Jimmy Marshall – The Maister” King of The Ben.

Posted on March 4, 2023 by heavywhalley.MBE

I met Jimmy Marshall on a few occasions and he was already called “the Maisters” we I am sure we had a great night in Fort William after his presentation of the Mountain Culture Award in Fort William. Looking back … Continue reading →

Posted in Articles, Books, Mountaineering, People, Recomended books and Guides, Scottish winter climbing., SMC/SMT, Views Mountaineering | Leave a comment

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 →

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

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

Down at the Fort William Mountain Festival.

Posted on February 18, 2023 by heavywhalley.MBE

Yesterday was a wild day terrible winds all night battered my village on the North East coast. I had to travel after giving blood in Elgin in the early afternoon. There were many trees down but as I drove West … Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Mountaineering, Munro Society, Munros, People, Scottish winter climbing., SMC/SMT, Views Mountaineering, Weather, Well being | 2 Comments

A few thoughts if you go missing on the hills.

Posted on February 15, 2023 by heavywhalley.MBE

I write this as a big storm is blowing across the mountains. Many will be going out despite the weather thinking winter is over. It was today as a photo I took on Beinn Liath Mhor near Achnashealach not far … Continue reading →

Posted in Family, Mountain rescue, Mountaineering, Munros, People, SAR, Views Mountaineering, Weather, Well being | 4 Comments