Category Archives: Scottish winter climbing.

Beinn Bhan 896 metres route from Beleach Na Ba. A day snatched before the weather breaks.

Posted on October 31, 2020 by

It was an early start to meet my pal Kalie in Applecross before the forecast weekend storm broke. I had looked at a route and though the forecast was poor I thought we could see what the weather was like … Continue reading →

Posted in Corbetts and other hills, Enviroment, Equipment, Friends, Gear, Mountain rescue, mountain safety, Mountaineering, People, Scottish winter climbing., Weather, Well being, Wildlife | 2 Comments

Every photo tells a story. Friendships forged in the mountains.

Posted on October 25, 2020 by

Al died whilst soling on the the North Face of the Matterhorn a few years later. It was one of the hardest periods of my life getting him home. I have lost a good few pals in the mountains it’s … Continue reading →

Posted in Articles, Expeditions - Alaska - Himalayas etc, Family, Friends, Mountain rescue, mountain safety, Mountaineering, Rock Climbing, SAR, Scottish winter climbing., Views Mountaineering, Well being | 3 Comments

Falling leader – the leader must not fall?

Posted on October 23, 2020 by

In the old days there was a saying “ the leader must not fall” These were the days before good protection in winter and summer climbing . In these very early days gear was poor and climbers were very bold. … Continue reading →

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

The Zardsky sac a bit more gen ? A few tips on early winter Mountaineering gear to carry !

Posted on October 22, 2020 by

Following my blog on bothy bags yesterday I received this from Mike Parsons: “The very first bothy bag was called the KISU, Karrimor Instructor Survival Unit, KISU. and made by Karrimor, my company at the time. Here is a link … Continue reading →

Posted in Articles, Avalanche info, Enviroment, Equipment, Gear, Mountain rescue, mountain safety, Mountaineering, Munros, People, Scottish winter climbing., Views Mountaineering, Weather, Well being, Wildlife | 2 Comments

Whats your best piece of kit from the past?

Posted on October 19, 2020 by

Things have moved on since my early days on the hills. The clothing and footwear has improved beyond belief. Gone are the “hairy breeks” that many wore. How proud was I that I got a pair then at last I … Continue reading →

Posted in Articles, Bothies, Equipment, Gear, Mountain rescue, Mountaineering, People, Scottish winter climbing., Views Mountaineering, Well being | 2 Comments

Watching the weather a cautionary tale.

Posted on October 15, 2020 by

Its hard to believe when this photo was taken the weather changed a few hours later. I was meeting a pal Pete at Shenaval bothy who was coming over the Four Munro’s of the then Fisherfield 6. He had walked … Continue reading →

Posted in Avalanche info, Bothies, Corbetts and other hills, Mountain rescue, mountain safety, Mountaineering, Scottish winter climbing., Views Mountaineering, Weather, Well being | Leave a comment

A Tribute to Guy Lacelle.

Posted on October 12, 2020 by

http://www.ukclimbing.com/news/2020/10/vertical_ice_the_spirit_of_guy_lacelle-72523 From UKC – “This week’s Friday Night Video takes a look at the life of Guy Lacelle, a renowned ice climber who tragically died in an avalanche just over ten years ago. He had made groundbreaking ascents from the … Continue reading →

Posted in Expeditions - Alaska - Himalayas etc, Films, Mountaineering, Scottish winter climbing., Views Mountaineering, Well being | 2 Comments

One of the cheapest and best bits of gear – The simple whistle. Do you have one?

Posted on October 10, 2020 by

There was an ongoing piece on Facebook about the use of the simple whistle in an emergency. I have always been a great exponent of the whistle. I was shocked how few carry them or new about the Alpine Distress … Continue reading →

Posted in Mountain rescue, mountain safety, Mountaineering, People, Rock Climbing, Scottish winter climbing., Views Mountaineering, Well being | 4 Comments

Mountain Memories A remote route Beinn Lair Wisdom Buttress. The Classic Corbett’s of Beinn Lair and Beinn a’ Chaisgein Mor and Meeting Andy Nisbet.

Posted on October 1, 2020 by

I was lucky to climb on Beinn Lair for my only time many years ago (it was 36 years in 1984) when we went into Beinn Lair one of Scotland’s remotest hills. It is a classic day and these two … Continue reading →

Posted in Corbetts, Corbetts and other hills, Friends, Gear, Mountain rescue, mountain safety, Mountaineering, Munros, Recomended books and Guides, Rock Climbing, Scottish winter climbing., SMC/SMT, Views Mountaineering, Weather, Well being, Wildlife | Leave a comment

Books – Hamish MacInnes’ Call – out.

Posted on September 17, 2020 by

This is the classic tale of the early days of mountain rescue mainly in Glencoe, Scotland. Hamish is a world-class mountaineer and yet he spent so much time helping his fellow man and women in distress on these wild hills. … Continue reading →

Posted in Articles, Books, Mountain rescue, mountain safety, Mountaineering, People, Recomended books and Guides, Scottish winter climbing., Views Mountaineering, Well being | 3 Comments