tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19543299149800867422024-03-12T18:33:10.770-07:00Lochaber GuidesQuality Guiding on Ben Nevis, Glencoe and the West Highlands
www.lochaber-guides.co.ukAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07029686348841469309noreply@blogger.comBlogger153125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1954329914980086742.post-84400562978199165832017-06-03T12:14:00.001-07:002017-06-03T12:29:50.800-07:00Summer so far... (Part 2)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Back from Skye I was back with <a href="http://alanhalewood.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Alan Halewood</a> on a very busy SPA Assessment. Kingussie was our venue for personal climbing followed by a day in Glen Nevis looking at all the group set ups and rigging. Well done to the 6 new SPA holders- great to have a clean sweep!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A happy team!</td></tr>
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Andy had a busy week out on the Ben three times guiding John and Claire, Larry and Julie and Sharon. Well done to everyone for their successful days!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">John and Claire on top of the UK!</td></tr>
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I had a thoroughly enjoyable week working with Mike Pescod <a href="http://www.abacusmountainguides.com/" target="_blank">(Abacus Mountain Guides)</a> on a Summer Mountain Leader Training course. We had 11 candidates on the course which meant there was lots of experience to be shared and drawn upon. Our first day looked at the scope of the award followed by lots of navigation tips and practise.<br />
Our second day was up on Meall an-t Suidhe looking at safe guarding groups on steeper and rocky terrain. The team got some realistic conditions as gusts of 50mph hit just as we topped out onto the summit! <br />
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Our third day took us to the ever-inspiring Glencoe and it's iconic mountain, Buachaille Etive Mor.<br />
This day was all about using a rope to protect your group in an emergency situation as well as how to safeguard yourself as a leader using a rope whilst descending. This venue worked really well and we were treated to some fantastic views in the classroom!<br />
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For our expedition we headed to the wild west and started off from near Lochailort up An Stac and camping below Rois-Bheinn. I've been wanting to head up to this area for some time and with good weather it really didn't disappoint. <br />
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We had an amazing sunset before heading out for some night navigation for about 3 hours on a very pleasant night.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Night Nav!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What a great place!</td></tr>
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Our final day looked at emergency procedures, improvised carries and stream crossings before heading back for some debriefs and a chat about the period between training and assessment.<br />
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Well done to the candidates who all put in a great performance over the course. It was great fun working with Mike, an experienced course provider and I learned some really useful tips about delivering these courses during the week too- every day's a school day!</div>
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Last week I was up Curved Ridge with Caroline and Sorrell. We had hoped to do Tower Ridge but with strong winds and rain forecast, we chose Curved Ridge as our back up plan. This worked a treat and the ladies loved the classic scramble. Lets hope the weather will play ball for Tower Ridge next time!</div>
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I was back on Ben Nevis with Carla who was over from Australia on a family holiday. She was keen to take an interesting way up the Ben so we chose Ledge Route, which fitted the bill perfectly. The North Face of the mountain was very quiet and we didn't see a soul until almost at the summit. A cloudy and atmospheric day but Carla loved this- it felt very Scottish!<br />
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Last weekend I was working for <a href="http://www.hebrideanpursuits.co.uk/" target="_blank">Hebridean Pursuits</a> with pupils and teachers from George Herriot's School in Edinburgh. With thundery showers forecast we had a speedy trip up the Zig Zags, over the summit of Gearr Aonach and down into Coire nan Lochan, arriving about 2 minutes after the rain started- perfect timing!<br />
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Meanwhile Iain was out on Curved Ridge with Jonathan who had had to abandon the climb with me last year due to ill health. This time there was nothing stopping him and they made good time to the top of the ridge, taking in Crowberry Tower on the way (and avoided most of the rain too!)<br />
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Sunday was my turn on Curved Ridge as Andy, Matthew and I lead our groups up for their second day out for <a href="http://www.hebrideanpursuits.co.uk/" target="_blank">Heb. Pursuits</a>. The young people were inspiring and took everything in their stride cruising up the scramble and also taking in Crowberry Tower and the summit of Stob Dearg. A fantastic couple of days work, thanks to Andy Spink for the work and the pupils and teachers for being great company.<br />
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Eli was also over in Scotland on a family holiday but was keen to sample some of the rock climbing that Scotland has to offer. We swapped our days to get the best chance of dry weather and it all worked out well. Choosing a venue to showcase some classic rock climbing is always hard as there is so much to choose from. However, after recalling my first route on Rannoch Wall years ago, I thought this would provide us with a quality day.<br />
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We made great time ascending Curved Ridge and with no-one in front of us, we jumped on Agag's Groove (VD, ****). Eli is already a fairly experienced climber so loved the exposure, especially on pitch 3. With some time to spare, we abseiled back down to the second belay and we climbed the final 2 pitches of January Jigsaw (S, ***) before abseiling back to the ruck sacks. From there we scrambled up Curved Ridge, Crowberry Tower and Stob Dearg. An amazing day and I'm glad the weather allowed Eli to experience some Scottish climbing at it's best!<br />
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On Thursday I took Wai and Inka for a walk up the Mountain Path on Ben Nevis. They too are on a grand tour of Scotland and were keen to ascend Ben Nevis whilst here. Despite a bit of rain and cloud later in the day, the weather was very kind to us and we had great day on a rather quiet mountain.<br />
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The summer mountaineering work kicks off this coming week so I'm looking forward to guiding on some of the classic scrambles in the area.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07029686348841469309noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1954329914980086742.post-53858393522930048362017-06-03T07:11:00.000-07:002017-06-03T07:12:17.211-07:00Summer so far... (part one)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This year's summer work kicked off with a really fun and interesting Rock Climbing Rescues course with 3rd year Adventure Tourism students at West Highland College. Over the 4 days we looked at all sorts of problems that can occur when rock climbing including managing (and avoiding) tangles when climbing as a three, simple hoists and lowers past knots and damaged bits of rope. We then built up to some bigger scenarios that the students had to manage and then write an assignment on their decision making process. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Locking of belay plates and abseiling past a knot</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An unassisted hoist in action</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">That face says it all! Escaping the system with out of reach anchors...</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rebecca cruising up Sheep Fank Wall</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Problem solved!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Joe to the rescue! Rescuing an unconscious casualty on a multi-pitch climb</td></tr>
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I had the pleasure of heading out with Gary and Ben for a half day's teaching climbing in Glen Nevis. We tackled Pinnacle Ridge and Right Wall on Styx Buttress looking at building belays and stance management on multi-pitch climbs. Great effort guys!<br />
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Prashant has been a regular client over the last few years and he was back this time to tackle some more mountaineering. I headed up Lagangarbh Buttress on Buachaille Etive Mor to let Prashant sample a less well travelled scramble in Glencoe.<br />
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Andy was out with the rest of Prashant's friends giving them an introduction to the Scottish hills on Buachaille Etive Beag. We then headed out as a bigger team on the SW Ridge of Meall Cumhann to give the team a feel for some scrambling (and excellent views).</div>
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Hannah, Andy and I had a super fun day on the Ben Nevis Mountain Track with Adam and his 14 friends. A superb performance from group saw everyone battling onto the summit in 50mph winds before a hasty retreat back down the mountain!<br />
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Having not had a lot of opportunities for personal climbing yet, with a cracking spell of good weather, Andy and I headed to Creag Dubh to tick off a few of the classics. We climbed King Bee Direct (HVS 5a), Tip Off (VS 4c) and Brute (VS 5a). Warm rock, climbing in a t-shirt and no midges- perfect!<br />
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Seizing a free morning, I took Robin for a quick trip up Scimitar Ridge in Glen Nevis. He made it all look very easy and we were back down for a picnic in no time at all! Scrambling definitely seems to be a fantastic way to get the kids into climbing and we'll need to step it up a bit for the next adventure!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Daddy and Robin selfie!</td></tr>
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Working on National Governing Body Awards (NGB's) has become something I really enjoy and I was working with SPA Provider Alan Halewood on an SPA training course for West Highland College. We visited Kingussie Crag on the first day to look at personal climbing followed by another dry day in Glen Nevis at Polldubh<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ross on Finale (VD), Kingussie</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some warm up games and bouldering at Polldubh</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rigging at SW Buttress</td></tr>
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Sometimes things just all fall into place and my trip to Skye at the start of May was one of those times. Malcolm had booked to do a Cuillin Ridge Traverse way back in October. Predicting dry weather even a few days before can be virtually impossible sometimes so booking some dates so far in advance is always a bit of a gamble. It paid off this time and we had 2 days of perfect weather for the UK's best mountaineering expedition. With the superb forecast we decided to add to the adventure by taking the boat from Elgol into Loch Coruisk and head up Gars-Bheinn from there. This adds an extra element of excitement to an already epic couple of days.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Abseiling into the TD gap which was bone dry!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">About to tackle the TD gap</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking towards the In Pinn</td></tr>
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We made excellent progress. Malcolm is an experienced scrambler and so we didn't need to use the rope very much at all. This allowed us to get a great pace and cover ground at a good speed. The dry weather also allowed us to tackle the hardest technical climb on the ridge, the TD gap. What it did mean was that water was hard to find... At the end of our first day, we'd made it as far as An Dorus and we dropped into the Coire to get our water refilled and decided to bivvy there on a flattish grassy area. This meant a short climb back up to the ridge the next day but after a decent sleep and plenty of food and rehydration, it felt like a very good call.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Malcolm enjoying the exposure on the W ridge of Sgurr nan Gillean</td></tr>
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Job done- Sgurr nan Gillean!</div>
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Day 2 went by very quickly and after the absorbing middle section of the ridge over the 4 tops of Sgurr a Mhadaidh and Bidien Druim nan Ramh we found ourselves standing on Sgurr nan Gillean by 1300hrs. Well done for a sterling effort Malcolm and I hope the traverse will be something to remember for a long time!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07029686348841469309noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1954329914980086742.post-18290898030751098572017-04-14T12:39:00.000-07:002017-04-27T12:41:24.803-07:00Winter Round upIt's has been a fairly challenging winter for a few reasons. We've had fairly small amounts of snow and when it has fallen, it's usually been followed by some deep thaws. Still, there have been plenty of opportunities to enjoy the mountains. I had the pleasure of sharing the winter mountains with many great clients. Below are some pictures of some of the highlights of the working season for me.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mark and Paul on Dorsal Arete ( working for West Coast Mountain Guides)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">High up on School House Ridge (II) with Dan</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Approaching the summit of Stob Coire nan Lochan</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking up to Church Door Buttress</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Andy enjoying the squeeze on Crypt Route (V,6) Bidian nam Bian</td></tr>
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A smashing day on Ben Nevis after climbing E Ridge of Douglas Boulder</div>
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Out with Joe and Jacob </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">on E Ridge of N Buttress, Stob Ban</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">and enjoying Castle Ridge</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A great bunch of students from WHC</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fantastic conditions on the Devi's Ridge, Sgurr a Mhaim</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Winter skills in Glencoe with Alexis</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Out with Chris and Dave for Abacus Mountain Guides</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Castle Ridge Delivers the goods again!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spring starts to spring on Stob Ban!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A great day with Prashant</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Descending the N Ridge of Stob Ban</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snow holes with West Highland College</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snowy number 5 gully...</td></tr>
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but a rocky ridge on Ledge Route</div>
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Top of the UK with Karen and Ronnie</div>
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Thanks to Alan Halewood for mentoring me as I move through the MIC scheme and to West Coast Mountain Guides and Abacus Mountain Guides for the excellent days of work this winter. Things are certainly taking a turn towards spring and I'm looking forward to a summer of mountaineering!<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07029686348841469309noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1954329914980086742.post-2450903539270574602017-02-16T10:58:00.000-08:002017-02-16T11:02:17.802-08:00Winter steps...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It's been a challenging first part of the winter for me. Just before Christmas, my previous back injury recurred putting me out of a action for a few weeks. Winter conditions have been slow to build up in the mountains with quite a few periods of thaw and never a huge amount of snow to build up a good base.</div>
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I had booked to do my MIC training at Glenmore Lodge during the last week in January but due to the complete lack of winter conditions, this was postponed until early February. Thankfully, everything seemed to come together at the right time, with cold temperatures, snow and a significant improvement in my back all happening at the same time.<br />
I had a few days out testing my back, including an icy trip up a verglassed Tower Ridge, some soloing on the easy Nevis gullies and a grand day snatching a couple of ice routes on Aonach Mor while they were still there!<br />
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Icy Tower Gap but not very wintry!</div>
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With winter returning, my MIC training course went ahead at the start of February. The course was run in an excellent manner, allowing us to really get the most out of each day. Our first day was a refresher looking at snow anchors and the difference between these in the context of Winter ML and MIC. We had a good bit of exfoliating spindrift to contend with but managed to get lots covered.</div>
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Next up was our mountaineering day and we headed to the Fiacaill Buttress and onto the ridge looking at short roping in winter. This was a great day and really emphasised the importance of good judgement and decision making (despite me losing my ice axe at the end of the day!).</div>
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We headed to Creag Coire Cha-No for the first of our climbing day and explored accessing the crags from above and climbing in series, with teaching points and progression all covered.</div>
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With a high avalanche hazard over West, our parallel climbing day saw us going on a mini-adventure to Lurcher's Crag. We descending South Gully and looked at changing the different rope systems from single/mountaineering styles to climbing in parallel on the harder sections. This was a grand day out and the crag had a superb sense of remoteness despite being easy enough to access.</div>
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On our final day we went to the Twin Rib area in Coire an-t Sneachda and covered accessing crags through the crag apron as well as changing over from different rope systems and some snow pack analysis.</div>
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Many thanks to Derek, Mark and Dave at the Lodge for running a superb training course and to fellow candidates Niels, Patrick and Ross for making it good fun too.</div>
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Back to work on Sunday, I was out with returning client Nikki and her son Olly for an outstanding day on Meall Cumhann followed by some scrambling and an abseil on Scimitar Ridge. A great day with great company- thanks guys!</div>
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Summit selfie with Nikki and Olly on a snowy Meall Cumhann (698m)</div>
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Monday saw me start my consolidation process towards my MIC assessment and I was out with Mac and Sam who had kindly offered to be my guinea pigs for a couple days. I have signed up to the AMI Mentoring Scheme to help me towards my MIC assessment and it was very useful to chat through plans and options with my mentor, <a href="http://alanhalewood.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">Al</a> Halewood.</div>
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With strong Easterly winds forecast, we headed to a new route for me, the Dragon's Tooth on the Ballachulish Horsehoe. This was the fist time I had done this route and it turned out to be a great wee day out with some nice easy climbing up the gully and some good grade I-II mountaineering on the ridge. We stayed reasonably sheltered from the winds too!</div>
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To up the challenge a little bit, on Tuesday we went to tackle the super classic Curved Ridge (II/III) on the Buachaille. Things were unsurprisingly busy on the route but we made steady progress and had some amazing views from the summit. The descent into Coire na Tulaich was well travelled and safe so we made good time back to the Glen. Thanks to Sam and Mac for being excellent company over the last few days.</div>
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After a quick stop at home I had the pleasure of delivering one of the Clachaig Winter Safety Lectures. Thanks to everyone who came along in support and to Ed at the Clachaig for asking me to present one of the lectures. Hopefully everyone found it useful and entertaining!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07029686348841469309noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1954329914980086742.post-8774864953002168152016-11-02T12:45:00.002-07:002016-11-02T12:45:56.465-07:00End of Summer catch up...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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As a fresh dusting of snow covers Ben Nevis down to 900m today, it feels like winter is not too far way. <br />
The end of the summer season saw some lovely settled weather and high pressure,allowing some spectacular days and stunning autumn colours. Here are some captioned photos to show work and play over the last few weeks. Thanks to clients and colleagues for making this a fantastic end to summer 2016!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> Dry Rock in Duntelchaig working on an SPA training with WHC students with <a href="http://alanhalewood.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Al Halewood</a>,</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Richie enjoying the views and climbing at Duntelchiag</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Top of the Ben with Tracy and Eamon</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Buachaille Raven enjoying the views to Ben Nevis</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lilly on the classic Curved Ridge</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OFj0bCAQelw/WBcdNDqGikI/AAAAAAAAE28/SjG4NQn7ZAAsTVpdGhB1RsChham0265vACLcB/s1600/20161022_105543234_iOS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OFj0bCAQelw/WBcdNDqGikI/AAAAAAAAE28/SjG4NQn7ZAAsTVpdGhB1RsChham0265vACLcB/s320/20161022_105543234_iOS.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rannoch Wall looking busy and awesome!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lilly enjoying the atmosphere</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0Qql1yNADBE/WBcdN631ENI/AAAAAAAAE3A/XzZGlVpr970IRgPl57y8_xU0XiuXh1gTQCLcB/s1600/20161022_124120077_iOS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0Qql1yNADBE/WBcdN631ENI/AAAAAAAAE3A/XzZGlVpr970IRgPl57y8_xU0XiuXh1gTQCLcB/s1600/20161022_124120077_iOS.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crowberry Tower selfie</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Max and clients on Crowberry Tower</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1JAJA4tRVcA/WBcdtRI_aEI/AAAAAAAAE3U/co1CHnVZP3ETM-4Ta3p4wqHNQCg6qxgdQCLcB/s1600/20161009_130227422_iOS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1JAJA4tRVcA/WBcdtRI_aEI/AAAAAAAAE3U/co1CHnVZP3ETM-4Ta3p4wqHNQCg6qxgdQCLcB/s320/20161009_130227422_iOS.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Robin getting his first taste of scrambling on Scimitar Ridge in Glen Nevis</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SUD-IKGD6i8/WBcdvcIWf6I/AAAAAAAAE3Y/_XfsyHsIqrEy8a10AX0jMKCQILG4u785QCLcB/s1600/20161009_131230057_iOS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SUD-IKGD6i8/WBcdvcIWf6I/AAAAAAAAE3Y/_XfsyHsIqrEy8a10AX0jMKCQILG4u785QCLcB/s320/20161009_131230057_iOS.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Proud Dad and happy son!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EL6qdO_HdRY/WBcf3FaXUPI/AAAAAAAAE4A/_jTquXBZofwYZeRC_Y4tyuX8t1QMPTQIwCLcB/s1600/20161013_093613000_iOS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EL6qdO_HdRY/WBcf3FaXUPI/AAAAAAAAE4A/_jTquXBZofwYZeRC_Y4tyuX8t1QMPTQIwCLcB/s320/20161013_093613000_iOS.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On Tower Ridge with Dave and Dave</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r3qPevRvR1A/WBcf6tfZR5I/AAAAAAAAE4E/oYTIqHWad7Q-rHDN4QvtUQ1GtorlBgdzACLcB/s1600/20161013_112607000_iOS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r3qPevRvR1A/WBcf6tfZR5I/AAAAAAAAE4E/oYTIqHWad7Q-rHDN4QvtUQ1GtorlBgdzACLcB/s320/20161013_112607000_iOS.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Icy conditions higher up on Tower Ridge!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KIgXHZ0_oX4/WBcf60xwGwI/AAAAAAAAE4I/fAH6V88YlnI-f0uph0J4gf0GNwZToKdSACLcB/s1600/20161019_124045749_iOS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KIgXHZ0_oX4/WBcf60xwGwI/AAAAAAAAE4I/fAH6V88YlnI-f0uph0J4gf0GNwZToKdSACLcB/s1600/20161019_124045749_iOS.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Marjan at the Ben summit with some fresh snow (pic A. Hague)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><div>
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vCNkB7dLZ8c/WBcdy6SuRPI/AAAAAAAAE3g/01DkBHdRfMgIxJS7nDEac88j51yi1qKJgCLcB/s1600/20161019_110628906_iOS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vCNkB7dLZ8c/WBcdy6SuRPI/AAAAAAAAE3g/01DkBHdRfMgIxJS7nDEac88j51yi1qKJgCLcB/s320/20161019_110628906_iOS.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div>
Marjan and the CMD Arete and Ben Nevis (pic A. Hague)</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NKGdHtOBGOs/WBcf2Dph3II/AAAAAAAAE38/yB_G6VNjeZMov1tQsaPWtFPwSrZVxS8GACLcB/s1600/20161019_122516188_iOS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NKGdHtOBGOs/WBcf2Dph3II/AAAAAAAAE38/yB_G6VNjeZMov1tQsaPWtFPwSrZVxS8GACLcB/s320/20161019_122516188_iOS.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Greg on the Aonach Eagach</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SglmkoyywGs/WBcgMSLGBCI/AAAAAAAAE4Q/llBfb1r0Vx8p8Ig4HPwaJDzUBdgWhYj2QCLcB/s1600/20161019_123855557_iOS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SglmkoyywGs/WBcgMSLGBCI/AAAAAAAAE4Q/llBfb1r0Vx8p8Ig4HPwaJDzUBdgWhYj2QCLcB/s320/20161019_123855557_iOS.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The 'Notched Ridge'</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First Year degree students at WHC on N Ridge Stob Ban</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fykb8yJU3oo/WBcgAoDI0JI/AAAAAAAAE4M/eplqyvXXe9sRJ6eawqwcWDN-pSagFcTcgCLcB/s1600/20160922_114614962_iOS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="236" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fykb8yJU3oo/WBcgAoDI0JI/AAAAAAAAE4M/eplqyvXXe9sRJ6eawqwcWDN-pSagFcTcgCLcB/s320/20160922_114614962_iOS.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunny weather and happy faces!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b-6bMFPSOsg/WBcgRAF7JvI/AAAAAAAAE4U/ENAgyZT8F1MGGT6wIyc49LnzpMaEVo8cgCLcB/s1600/20160924_112139364_iOS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b-6bMFPSOsg/WBcgRAF7JvI/AAAAAAAAE4U/ENAgyZT8F1MGGT6wIyc49LnzpMaEVo8cgCLcB/s1600/20160924_112139364_iOS.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Graham smiling through the rain on the Zig Zags on Gearr Aonach</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wHiVMmQmlf4/WBcgeJfco4I/AAAAAAAAE4g/lJNpNKAqfM0NnVHl4ySNIJuj0dUCi8_NwCLcB/s1600/20160924_122457570_iOS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wHiVMmQmlf4/WBcgeJfco4I/AAAAAAAAE4g/lJNpNKAqfM0NnVHl4ySNIJuj0dUCi8_NwCLcB/s1600/20160924_122457570_iOS.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Abseiling off on possibly my wettest ever day in the mountains</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oGzAaP2PK7M/WBcg0QE7_MI/AAAAAAAAE4o/C34p3QSzvqQPkgn6PpPc__uzDNFaNItpwCLcB/s1600/20160930_100515839_iOS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oGzAaP2PK7M/WBcg0QE7_MI/AAAAAAAAE4o/C34p3QSzvqQPkgn6PpPc__uzDNFaNItpwCLcB/s320/20160930_100515839_iOS.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lauren getting to grips with belay building at Kingussie Crag</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AEi-RBY_reg/WBchRs49ENI/AAAAAAAAE5A/-cLHFBUuGg07UO83_l6laJNOiHsXkWDcwCLcB/s1600/20160930_125402637_iOS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AEi-RBY_reg/WBchRs49ENI/AAAAAAAAE5A/-cLHFBUuGg07UO83_l6laJNOiHsXkWDcwCLcB/s320/20160930_125402637_iOS.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rock Climbing Foundation Course for WHC</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iFrkGkJ5zJ0/WBchNx0z-iI/AAAAAAAAE48/Z5NyCyvTz0A6UEcOrZUB24owzkDPSEdTgCLcB/s1600/20160930_125928576_iOS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iFrkGkJ5zJ0/WBchNx0z-iI/AAAAAAAAE48/Z5NyCyvTz0A6UEcOrZUB24owzkDPSEdTgCLcB/s320/20160930_125928576_iOS.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bomber nut!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ctGzDB9u1X8/WBcg2eieuVI/AAAAAAAAE4s/dlIhTZLvNIwRgyzMSdg6D1dCTUaXWMR9QCLcB/s1600/20161006_111026789_iOS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ctGzDB9u1X8/WBcg2eieuVI/AAAAAAAAE4s/dlIhTZLvNIwRgyzMSdg6D1dCTUaXWMR9QCLcB/s1600/20161006_111026789_iOS.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gary and Simon enjoying the finest walking to route to Ben Nevis, the CMD Arete (pic A. Hague)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Smiles in the sun on the Arete (pic A. Hague)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alan and Tony on Curved Ridge</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vwGwp0Rw774/WBchYhXZI4I/AAAAAAAAE5E/CeAATCSLrLk09aAs85NUEByXCr6aSvltACLcB/s1600/20161007_110248998_iOS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vwGwp0Rw774/WBchYhXZI4I/AAAAAAAAE5E/CeAATCSLrLk09aAs85NUEByXCr6aSvltACLcB/s320/20161007_110248998_iOS.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The corner shot on Curved Ridge</td></tr>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07029686348841469309noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1954329914980086742.post-85950492938521995842016-09-21T08:40:00.000-07:002016-09-21T08:40:22.918-07:00Back on track....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Things have been slowly but steadily improving recently with my back injury so I've been getting back out to the hills and working a (slightly!) reduced schedule. It's been great getting back to work and I've had some fantastic days out. Getting 3 sunny days up Tower Ridge in the same week was definitely a treat at the end of last month!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Second with Hannah....</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And third with Stu and Kaine ( and Andy observing)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And a trip up Ledge Route with Richard and Amy</td></tr>
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I had the privilege of working on my Carpe Diem Day for Nevis Landscape Partnership with Kate and Rob. We had originally planned on Observatory Ridge but with things looking wet, we decided on North East Buttress. This was very slippy but Kate and Rob are strong climbers and cruised it! Great to leave the mountain in a cleaner state after climbing a classic route!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The 40ft Corner- a wee bit damp!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blue skies at the end of the day!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our haul from the summit!</td></tr>
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I've had a few more trips up Ledge Route and Tower Ridge this last week too...</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stunning conditions with Rebecca</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A grand day out with Ben and Richie</td></tr>
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I've also started work with this years first year degree students at West Highland College. As usual, they're a great bunch and I'm looking forward to some hill days and climbing with them over the coming few weeks.</div>
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This weekend I was working on the Salomon Glencoe Skyline Race as part of the safety team. This was an inspiring event to be a part of and I was super impressed by the amazing performances by the runners and the event organisation by Shane and his team. Great to work with fellow Mountain Instructors Iain, Max, Gillian and Jamie too.<br />
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Yesterday I was back out on Tower Ridge with Ian. Ian has had his eye on this route for a few years and it never fails to impress! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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After having an MRI scan done I'm pleased to be told I won't be needing spinal surgery. However, it will mean taking it easyish over the next 2 or 3 months, which is sometimes easier said than done!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07029686348841469309noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1954329914980086742.post-20635749606045641282016-08-14T05:23:00.000-07:002016-08-14T05:23:35.179-07:00Ben Nevis North Face Survey- The Final Year...Few people would have imagined how successful this project would have become when the concept was initially devised. The sheer ambition had to be admired- a collaboration between botanists, geologists and local Mountain Instructors and Leaders surveying some of the most difficult places to get to on the UK's highest mountain. <br />
Despite the obstacles, despite the mountain throwing everything it had at us (plenty rain, wind and the occasional rock!), this week saw the completion of the North Face Survey of Ben Nevis and an experience I will always fondly remember.<br />
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We started last week, with a day showcasing some of the work we had been carrying out on the survey over the past 3 years. It was very gratifying to see so many people enthused by the work that's been done and rewarding so share a glimpse of it by spending some time looking at botany, geology and abseiling!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dan from NTS sharing his passion for plants!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some mudstone near the Allt a Mhuillin</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Extreme Botany in action- an abseil down the Organ Pipes</td></tr>
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Our next day was a training day to get the whole team back in the groove. We reviewed some of the abseiling rope systems we had been using in previous years with great success and also got stuck in to using the Field Move App by Midland Valley again. We also did a count of some previously unrecorded Wavy Meadow Grass and incidentally have now found the largest recorded population in the UK- a superb result for our training day!<br />
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I was on reduced duties this week due to my back injury so Andy and I took it in turns to be out on the hill and running communications from the CIC Hut. On Monday I was out with Cathy Mayne from Scottish Natural Heritage and Beccy, one of the indomitable Trainee Volunteer Rangers (TVR's) from Nevis Landscape Partnership! We counted the other known population of Wavy Meadow Grass in Observatory Gully and then headed to the base of Zero Gully and the Minus Face. A fantastic start to the week and some good finds too!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wavy Meadow Grass</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking up towards Zero Gully</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beccy and Cathy underneath the Zero Gully snow patch</td></tr>
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After a day on comms in the CIC hut, I was out with Murdo, a photographer from the Guardian as Dave B, Dan, Ali and ourselves headed to the botanical treasure trove that is No. 4 Gully. We were sheltered from the worst of the weather and it was reassuring to see many of the nationally rare plants that were once thought to be in a very unfavourable condition, to be doing so well.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dan counting some Tufted Saxifrage</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Murdo capturing some of the action!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dave B and Ali in No. 4 Gully</td></tr>
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With my final day out on Friday, we were battered by a low pressure that made things feel more like November than August! Still, we managed to complete the Wavy Meadow Grass count near No.5 gully before packing up shop and heading down one last time.<br />
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There are so many people to thank for their contribution to this project. Firstly Mike Pescod for putting the team of climbers together in the first place and to colleagues Donald, Al, Scott, Dave B, Will, Connor and Andy for being a pleasure to work with. Cathy Mayne from SNH, Ali Austin and Blair Fyffe from JMT, Botanists Ian Strachan and Gordon Rothero, Roddie Muir from Midland Valley, Lewis and Susan from Nevis Landscape Partnership and our team of hard working but always smiling TVR's, Beccy, Ciaran, Hannah and Peter. Thanks to you all for making this project not only a huge success but also so much fun to be part of and creating a genuine excitement around going to work each day...<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07029686348841469309noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1954329914980086742.post-51667303818095815652016-08-14T05:22:00.000-07:002016-08-14T05:22:27.290-07:00Forwards and Backwards...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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My first foray back into the hills after an injury imposed rest went by with mixed success. With both <a href="http://kevshieldsclimbing.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">Kev</a> and I dealing with injuries, it was great just to be back in the mountains on the superb Tower Ridge, which must rank up there as amongst both of our favourite routes. We've had some memorable Alpine type days on this route as well as having to battle poor winter conditions, so a dry sunny day was an absolute pleasure!<br />
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On a separate note, I had a chance to test out my new La Sportiva TX4 approach shoes. These performed amazingly well on Tower Ridge, with the friction provided by the Stealth Rubber on the sole being superb. They were sensitive enough to feel precise when climbing but had enough cushioning to be comfortable on the walk in and out. They don't have a waterproof lining so will be used mainly on dry days but on these sort of scrambling days I think they'll be fantastic.</div>
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Whilst all went well on the day, by the walk out we had both started to suffer a bit and by the drive down the track, I needed to get out for stretch to relieve the pain from my prolapsed disc and inflamed sciatic nerve. The next couple of weeks proved to be quite frustrating with very little improvement. <br />
It looks like I may be in for a long journey to full fitness but I'm optimistic things are slowly moving forwards...<br />
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To break things up a bit, I had a very enjoyable couple of days with the team from <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b07pn4ks" target="_blank">BBC Countryfile</a> who were in Lochaber filming a special about the 60th Anniversary of Duke of Edinburgh Award. I was filming with them for a short piece on navigation so if included it might make for an interesting (or humorous) watch tonight! (1730hrs BBC one).<br />
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The Countryfile team settingup below an 'emblematic' mountain!</div>
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Meanwhile, our freelance staff have been busy! Rich had a damp but enjoyable day on Tower Ridge with Syaza and James<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">pic- R. Parker</td></tr>
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Andy was out with Jan and David in Glencoe showing them this iconic part of the Highlands and reaching the summit of Aonach Dubh in the process.<br />
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Andy was also up the amazing CMD Arete with Tracy and her family, showing off this fantastic walking route to the UK's highest peak</div>
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Steve was out guiding Jim on Glencoe's famous scramble, the Aonach Eagach Ridge. Jim cruised the scrambling and added another couple of Munros to his count.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">pic-S. Holmes</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">pic-S. Holmes</td></tr>
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Mandy is preparing to climb Kilimanjaro in a few weeks and decided to test her self on Ben Nevis in preparation. She did really well and we wish you the best of luck with the big climb in a few weeks!<br />
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Steve had a grand day on Ben Nevis with Andy who completed a speedy climb of Ledge Route, experiencing the grandeur of the North Face of the Ben!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pic- S. Holmes</td></tr>
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Steve was also out with Isla, who was over visiting from Australia. They had another great day on the Aonach Eagach and it's fantastic when we get a chance to showcase this beautiful mountain area in all it's glory.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pic- S. Holmes</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pic- S. Holmes</td></tr>
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Nathan was also out for us on the Carn Mor Dearg Arete this week with Jennie and Alex and even a bit of cloud didn't dampen their enthusiasm for this awesome route!</div>
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Taking things easy for a while was also aimed at being able to work in the very special North Face Survey on Ben Nevis...see next post!</div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07029686348841469309noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1954329914980086742.post-36834102038342968962016-07-18T12:18:00.000-07:002016-07-18T12:21:32.988-07:00Recovery road....It's been a painful few weeks for me after developing sciatica due to a bulging disc in my lower back. Whilst initially working through it, it came to a point I had to admit defeat and take a proper enforced rest period. <br />
I've been quite fortunate with my back in general as after having two previous fractures, one from a traffic accident and one from a climbing fall, it hasnt't really given me much bother since. Unfortunately, things felt pretty bad for a while as even a walk to the end of the street became a mission. Thankfully and hopefully, things seem to be slowly on the mend now.<br />
We're lucky to have the excellent Lochaber Clinic in Fort William and with some treatment from the Osteopath Geoff there, I've managed to continue talking small steps towards recovery.<br />
Also, my friend and colleague Steve, who has been through the mill and under the surgeon's knife with a similar but more serious problem, has given me some sound advice too.<br />
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In the meantime I have to thank all of our associate staff who've kept things going whilst I've been out of action. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My last day on the hill for a while was a smashing day with Andy and Leanne on Ledge Route</td></tr>
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Connor headed out with Tom and Pam on the classic Buachaille Etive Mor in Glencoe</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">pic- C. Holdsworth</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">pic- C. Holdsworth</td></tr>
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Steve tackled the CMD Arete and Ben Nevis with Tony and Cameron in some challenging conditions!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">pic- S. Holmes</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">pic- S. Holmes</td></tr>
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Dave had a superb day introducing Dan to outdoor climbing in the fantastic Glen Nevis!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">pic- D. Buckett</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">pic- D. Buckett</td></tr>
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The sun didn't last too long though and Dave and Zareff managed a quick ascent of Ledge Route and on to Ben Nevis in some pretty heavy rain- a summer monsoon!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">pic- D. Buckett</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">pic- D. Buckett</td></tr>
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Andy had a super fast trip on Ben Nevis with Matt and had time to show off Steall Falls as well as the summit of Ben Nevis- a fully packed day!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">pic- A. Hague</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">pic- A. Hague</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">pic- A. Hague</td></tr>
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Andy was also out with Ian and Luke on the classic CMD. The mountain teased them with a few glimpses through the clouds but that chaps made a great time despite the damp conditions.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">pic- A. Hague</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">pic- A. Hague</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">pic- A. Hague</td></tr>
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It's back out to the hills for me tomorrow to test things out so fingers crossed this will be a step in the right direction!</div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07029686348841469309noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1954329914980086742.post-69140977037192872012016-06-06T10:13:00.000-07:002016-06-06T10:13:47.616-07:00Summer in the Mountains<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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What a start it's been to the Summer so far! Making good use of the good weather, Dave and I headed to Skye for a couple of days traversing and expanding on our working knowledge of the ridge. </div>
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We checked out various alternative routes and bivvy sites, as well as enjoying the awesome weather in the process! A bit of a cold bivvy saw us shaking ice and frost off the sleeping bags at Bealach Glac Mhor but it didn't take long to warm up. Great to see the Cuillin at their best again!</div>
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Back home, I was working on a Summer Mountain Leader Assessment for <a href="http://www.abacusmountainguides.com/" target="_blank">Abacus Mountain Guides</a>. We headed into Glencoe for the steep ground day and the Northern slopes of Meall an-t Suidhe on the final day. Well done to the candidates for some strong performances!</div>
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Last weekend I had the pleasure of guiding Pauline, Graham, Russ and Nikki on the best walking route on Ben Nevis, the CMD Arete. Stunning weather and views and great company meant for a superb day!</div>
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Last Wednesday, I met John and his son Sam who was celebrating his 12th birthday by climbing Ben Nevis. Both John and Sam have done a fair bit of hill walking so wanted a more exciting route to the summit. We headed up into Coire na Ciste and onto Ledge Route to let the chaps experience the North face of the Ben. They both cruised the scrambling, especially young Sam who looks like he'll have a great mountaineering future ahead!</div>
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On Friday I met up with returning client Graham, who I took out for a days Winter skills training in February. Graham was keen to try one of the classic scrambles in Glencoe and so we decided on the classic, Curved Ridge on Buachaille Etive Mor. Graham loved the scrambling and took it all in his stride and with some extra time in the bank, we bagged the summit of Crowberry tower before reaching Stob Dearg. Making the summit before midday and with such amazing weather, it was a no brainer to continue along the ridge to bag Graham another Munro in the process! Another memorable day on one of my favourite mountains!</div>
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Yesterday was one of my most enjoyable days at work I've had for a long time. Janette and Stephen had their sights set on Tower Ridge and with another blue bird day, I knew we were in for a great one! Tower Ridge has to be my favourite climb on Ben Nevis and sharing this awesome route with Janette an Stephen was an absolute pleasure! A superb performance team!<br />
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So it's been a thoroughly enjoyable start to the Summer so far and here's hoping for some more great weather through June and July!</div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07029686348841469309noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1954329914980086742.post-11386274500403733892016-05-22T12:08:00.000-07:002016-05-22T12:11:04.860-07:00Spring begins...<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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Spring is well and truly here in Lochaber. It's been a great start to the Summer work season for me. I had 4 days working alongside <a href="http://www.abacusmountainguides.com/" target="_blank">Mike</a> on a Rescue and Incident Management Module with 3rd year students at West Highland College. We covered lots, from prussiks, hoists and lowers to more complicated scenarios. We finished the course with a fantastic day climbing on Rannoch Wall on Buachaille Etive Mor, Glencoe. Great to see the students progress over the 4 days and also great to learn some new tricks from Mike too- everyday's a school day!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brodie enjoying January Jigsaw on Rannoch Wall</td></tr>
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I had some more days out with some very keen mock students in prep for MIA teaching day assessment. We seemed to have more than our fair share of Spring snow showers on these days but everyone carried on regardless-good effort team!Thanks to everyone who came along.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jenny belaying in between snow showers!</td></tr>
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Tom and Ross multi-pitching it on Cave Route, Huntly's Cave</div>
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The big day came at the start of May and I was back at Glenmore Lodge for my reassessment. As usual, the staff at Glenmore Lodge were great, providing a relaxed atmosphere to let me concentrate on the tasks in hand. We headed to Cummingston which was the only venue that had any chance of staying dry and the 'Costa del Moray' didn't disappoint with only one heavy shower during the day!<br />
Since last August, I feel the time spent working towards this has turned a previous weak area into more of a strength and was delighted to finally reach the milestone of passing my MIA. Thanks to colleagues and friends for advice and to my family for putting up with all my days away! Like lots of assessments, it's good to look at a pass as a starting point rather than an endpoint and I'm looking forward to learning lots more whilst working as an MIA.<br />
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With an amazing forecast, I decide to join Steve for the day for a recce on Skye. Leaving the house at 0430hrs got us on Skye in time to drop a car off at Glen Brittle before a long drive to Elgol to get the boat into Coruisk. We headed up the Dubh's Ridge, a route I'd wanted to do for a long time but had never quite made the opportunity to do. The route was great, slabby enough to walk most of the way but steep enough to keep it interesting all the way. We abbed off Sgurr Dubh Beag and headed up the ridge to Sgurr Dubh Mor. Over to the TD Gap, Sgurr Thearlich, King's Chimney and South Crack on the Inn Pinn finished the day nicely. We attempted swim in the loch at Coire Lagan but even the 28C wasn't enough to warm up the freezing loch and we admitted defeat after a minute or two! A baking hot day but one of the best I've had on Skye!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">TD gap- pic S. Holmes</td></tr>
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Back to Fort William and I was assisting <a href="http://alanhalewood.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">Al </a>on an SPA assessment with students from West Highland College. Another couple of fine weather days and some good performances from the candidates. It was also great to get some more experience on an NGB course and learn from an experienced provider like Al,</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not a bad view!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our awesome new local wall, Three Wise Monkeys!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More sunny weather!</td></tr>
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Last week I was back on Skye working for Steve at <a href="http://www.verticalfever.com/" target="_blank">Vertical Fever</a>. I took Alanna along the classic Pinnacle Ridge on Sgurr nan Gillean. Alanna was over on holiday from the US and wanted an adventure on Skye. She already climbs quite hard but with the weather back to poor visibility and drizzle we decided to get a taste of Skye's famous scrambling in the mist with a bit of wet rock thrown in for good measure! Pinnacle ridge was great, with a memorable abseil from the third pinnacle, good route finding and lots of great climbing, it really showcased the Skye scrambling experience! We descended the West Ridge of Gillean and headed down Coire a Basteir. A really enjoyable and rewarding day, I absolutely loved it!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Abseil off the 3rd Pinnacle</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The window on Gillean</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Summit Selfie!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We did get some views at last!</td></tr>
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The end of the week saw me working for Mike at <a href="http://www.abacusmountainguides.com/" target="_blank">Abacus Mountain Guides</a> on a Summer Mountain Leader training course. The candidates were full of enthusiasm and we had a very productive day covering medical situations, emergency procedures and difficult scenarios a Mountain Leader may face on the hills. We also looked at some micro-navigation before getting a bit wet and tackling stream crossings before the team got themselves ready for their expedition. I'm sure they'll all go on to be excellent Mountain Leaders in the future.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Emergency!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yuka getting 'rescued' by Will and Alex!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting a bit wet and tackling the stream crossing</td></tr>
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With some good weather forecast for the coming week, it's back off to Skye for a few days...in the sunshine (hopefully!).</div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07029686348841469309noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1954329914980086742.post-25812014814801754702016-04-09T12:06:00.000-07:002016-04-09T12:06:42.758-07:00End of Winter Round Up<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It's been a superb end to the Winter season for me. I've been able to get out an enjoy some early Spring rock climbing with some students from West Highland College in preparation for my MIA assessment in a few weeks. Thanks to everyone who came along!</div>
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Back to some more normal weather and I had 2 days out with Ged. This was Ged's first step into the Winter mountain environment and we covered plenty core skills as well as bagging his first Munro, Stob Dubh in Glencoe! Ged's journey to get into the mountains from significant health challenges has been inspiring and it's always good to share someone's first steps into this amazing environment.<br />
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Next up was a snowholing trip with the 3rd year Adventure Tourism Management students at West Highland College. I haven't been snowholing for quite a while so it was good to refresh the skills and also be out with experienced instructors Scott and Julie. We headed to Carn Ban Mor from Glen Feshie, and whilst things felt like Spring in the Glen, there was more than ample snow for us all to dig in for the night! Well done all the students for creating some great snow holes and for keeping a good sense of humour throughout the trip!</div>
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I had a superb trip up Ben Nevis with Kate and her 8 friends with Hannah working with us too. A great effort from the team saw everyone reaching the summit which was fantastic.<br />
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A busy summit selfie!</div>
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Tim and Nick were up at the start of the month learning some Winter skills and getting some more mileage in the Winter mountains. We had lovely sunny weather on Aonach Mor and around the Nid Ridge followed by another sunny day up Sgurr an Lubhair (1001m) in the Mamores. It's really satisfying to see clients make lots of progress and look forward to seeing both of the chaps again in the mountains in the future!<br />
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Rounding up the last booking of proper Winter work, I headed out with Joe, Joel, Jacob and Angus for a Ben Nevis Winter Weekend trip. The weather was pretty challenging for our skills day and we saw large avalanche debris in Observatory gully. The chaps learned the 'waterproof' is a subjective term but it prepared us well for our second day out!<br />
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Thankfully, the weather was much kinder on day 2 and we had some smashing weather on Ben Nevis. A great team of guys to be out with!<br />
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This week, I was back out in the 'white room' with Jane and Josh on and ascent of Ben Nevis. Some very challenging navigation conditions reminded me that Spring is still a long way off of the summits. A superb performance from mother and son saw us up and down in around 6 hours, leaving plenty of time for a brew in the Ben Nevis Inn!<br />
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It's been another full on Winter, some challenging days and some stunning ones too. Thanks to all my clients, friends and colleagues for lots of memorable and fun days out!</div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07029686348841469309noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1954329914980086742.post-21640741116524349142016-03-13T12:41:00.000-07:002016-03-13T12:42:27.290-07:00A Week of Contrasts<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Wednesday saw my first bit of 'Summer' work for West Highland College. Dennis, Julie and I were working with students to look at aspects of leadership in the mountains. With the snowline still being quite low, we kept even lower and had a great wander in Glenfinnan. Plenty of scenarios for the students from blisters and grumpy clients to broken ankles and missing people!<br />
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I had an unexpected day off on Thursday and Steve asked if I'd be keen to go climbing. With a great forecast and good conditions reported, there was only one answer to that! We headed up Observatory Gully and decided that Ordinary Route (V,5) on Observatory Buttress was too inviting to walk past! Great ice, weather and company and really enjoyable climbing meant for a superb day!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me on P2 (pic by Steve)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More great climbing</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Happy chappies! (pic by Steve)</td></tr>
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We had a big thaw over Friday and Saturday and today I was back up the Ben with Mia and Nathan on the Mountain Track. The thaw was evident from early on but there was still plenty of snow around even on the track. A great effort from the pair who managed up and down in around 7 hours. First time in crampons too!<br />
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With high pressure forecast this week, looks like Spring will be making and appearance!</div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07029686348841469309noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1954329914980086742.post-2016415558155023412016-03-08T12:43:00.001-08:002016-03-08T12:43:32.251-08:00Winter Fun!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It's been a busy few weeks since the last blog post. We've had some stormier weather which seems to have settled down and the last few weeks have been fantastic in the mountains.</div>
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I had a couple of great days with Rebecca and Debbie who were here on a Ben Nevis Winter weekend trip. We had a proper wild day around the CIC hut looking at Winter skills (and survival skills!).</div>
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Rebecca and I headed up the Ben and she put in a superb effort getting to 1200m before calling it a day.<br />
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Andy and I headed out climbing and it was a sociable day on the Douglas Boulder with Steve and Hannah on Gutless and Nathan and Cormac following us Jacknife (V,6). It was nice to get on the sharp end on something a bit harder and the crux pitch was great with good protection and absorbing climbing.<br />
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We had planned on a second route but on descent I was struck down by the Winter vomiting bug! Glad I wasn't on anything too committing that day!</div>
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Last weekend Hannah was out with Gemma and Nick and Dave was our with Sonnaz and her friends for a couple of trips on Ben Nevis and Winter Skills. Some stunning weather showcasing the UK's Highest Peak in all it's glory!<br />
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After a few days in bed recovering, I headed back up to the Ben on a very 'Scottish' day! With lots of spindrift piling down the mountain, we settled on Fawlty Towers (III) for a quick hit.<br />
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Last week I was out in Glencoe with Julie and 3rd year students from West Highland College looking at decision making in the mountains, using the 'Be Avalanche Aware' model. This was a great day out and there were lots of interesting points for the students to consider<br />
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Mark was out for us with Liz on Friday tackling the Ben in some challenging conditions, well done team!</div>
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Yesterday was set to be glorious so James, Andy and myself decided to go climbing! Andy led up P1 of Vanishing Gully (V,5) which was in great nick whilst I got to lead the steeper icefall and up onto Tower Ridge. The continuation gully had a great little pitch where it narrowed which was well worth doing. With a few slower teams ahead of us, we decided to descend Tower Ridge and back into Observatory Gully. Lots of teams out enjoying the day, with the Orion Face looking very popular (and rightly so!)</div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07029686348841469309noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1954329914980086742.post-70949713227207800832016-02-17T12:58:00.000-08:002016-02-17T12:58:34.201-08:00The last few weeks...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The Winter season is in full swing now. Here are some pictures with captions of my work and play over the last few weeks:</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A snowy trip on Ben Nevis for <a href="http://www.abacusmountainguides.com/" target="_blank">Abacus Mountain Guides</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2 days with Mark looking at Winter Skills and navigation- deep snow on Buachaille Etive Beag on Day 1!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A trip up to Mullach nan Correan on Day 2....</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And a visit to the white room!...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-c6zx9r4DXpI/VsL0FYx8ECI/AAAAAAAAEZk/Phqj3rpmtBI/s1600/20160120_065640000_iOS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-c6zx9r4DXpI/VsL0FYx8ECI/AAAAAAAAEZk/Phqj3rpmtBI/s320/20160120_065640000_iOS.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Abbing down to go climbing</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Out with Ian and <a href="http://www.alanhalewood.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">Al</a> on Morwind (III,4) on Aonach Mor</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some stretchy moves!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bAAYFjPj_wo/VsL0QYaoe9I/AAAAAAAAEZw/gBI4zmWz7po/s1600/20160131_123947737_iOS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bAAYFjPj_wo/VsL0QYaoe9I/AAAAAAAAEZw/gBI4zmWz7po/s320/20160131_123947737_iOS.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Back on the Ben with Frank from the Netherlands</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZuQCN3Sr3KE/VsL0bdMUPCI/AAAAAAAAEZ8/q7VpPFOEXqQ/s1600/20160131_124242973_iOS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZuQCN3Sr3KE/VsL0bdMUPCI/AAAAAAAAEZ8/q7VpPFOEXqQ/s320/20160131_124242973_iOS.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Observatory still poking through</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-N4_RMixjQHQ/VsL0fNs5tCI/AAAAAAAAEaI/lB62PSrWMkE/s1600/20160202_144039103_iOS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-N4_RMixjQHQ/VsL0fNs5tCI/AAAAAAAAEaI/lB62PSrWMkE/s320/20160202_144039103_iOS.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A bit of a wild day with Danny in Glencoe...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><div>
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J5PPNx5quqo/VsL0bS9S91I/AAAAAAAAEaA/ErwRtvviWBA/s1600/20160202_150001798_iOS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J5PPNx5quqo/VsL0bS9S91I/AAAAAAAAEaA/ErwRtvviWBA/s320/20160202_150001798_iOS.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking at Winter navigation in testing conditions...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uWX3NFB3k9w/VsL0gJFMdLI/AAAAAAAAEaM/sBzozTy6Kbg/s1600/20160203_125511008_iOS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uWX3NFB3k9w/VsL0gJFMdLI/AAAAAAAAEaM/sBzozTy6Kbg/s320/20160203_125511008_iOS.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A slightly nicer day on Stob Ban for day 2!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TQPVps4E0Yk/VsL0mvCJlRI/AAAAAAAAEaQ/gfyc9HJ1Ajw/s1600/20160203_113039244_iOS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TQPVps4E0Yk/VsL0mvCJlRI/AAAAAAAAEaQ/gfyc9HJ1Ajw/s320/20160203_113039244_iOS.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A fun in the sun day out with friends on the Zig Zags on Gearr Aonach</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QtNQ_FhPq6c/VsNOpid3lsI/AAAAAAAAEbQ/oacfyhtAw5U/s1600/20160205_020010000_iOS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QtNQ_FhPq6c/VsNOpid3lsI/AAAAAAAAEbQ/oacfyhtAw5U/s320/20160205_020010000_iOS.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jamie out with students fro Sheffield Hallam Uni MC on the N Ridge of Stob Ban</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s_6Hw9lADIM/VsNOIXPtscI/AAAAAAAAEbM/luyhsLDLBgw/s1600/20160205_022658000_iOS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s_6Hw9lADIM/VsNOIXPtscI/AAAAAAAAEbM/luyhsLDLBgw/s320/20160205_022658000_iOS.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some down climbing in wet conditions!</td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uWX3NFB3k9w/VsL0gJFMdLI/AAAAAAAAEaM/sBzozTy6Kbg/s1600/20160203_125511008_iOS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XglD30ucqs0/VsNMRhfv2BI/AAAAAAAAEao/LLf-gwgXPTs/s1600/20160205_120721036_iOS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XglD30ucqs0/VsNMRhfv2BI/AAAAAAAAEao/LLf-gwgXPTs/s320/20160205_120721036_iOS.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">3 days with returning client David- Day 1 was wild and wet in Glencoe!</td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-44wHBu7CbzI/VsNMKjuroQI/AAAAAAAAEak/tpAmKBtOTPo/s1600/20160205_134102400_iOS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-44wHBu7CbzI/VsNMKjuroQI/AAAAAAAAEak/tpAmKBtOTPo/s320/20160205_134102400_iOS.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GzzOwWwmudw/VsNMSzqZtbI/AAAAAAAAEas/r4wKdONiWs0/s1600/20160206_115547787_iOS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GzzOwWwmudw/VsNMSzqZtbI/AAAAAAAAEas/r4wKdONiWs0/s320/20160206_115547787_iOS.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pushing the comfort zone on the North Ridge of Stob Ban...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wh3m9VuW4FI/VsNMUhB4L1I/AAAAAAAAEaw/gR5odJD-i_M/s1600/20160206_123755282_iOS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wh3m9VuW4FI/VsNMUhB4L1I/AAAAAAAAEaw/gR5odJD-i_M/s320/20160206_123755282_iOS.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Summit in the bag!</td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ACmpT8-ViWs/VsNMU_HsEJI/AAAAAAAAEa0/W_f5MYRLAq4/s1600/20160206_123802748_iOS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ACmpT8-ViWs/VsNMU_HsEJI/AAAAAAAAEa0/W_f5MYRLAq4/s320/20160206_123802748_iOS.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-b-v5OK--WL8/VsNMds7X6VI/AAAAAAAAEa4/aJSCzzf6aaU/s1600/20160207_113004532_iOS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-b-v5OK--WL8/VsNMds7X6VI/AAAAAAAAEa4/aJSCzzf6aaU/s320/20160207_113004532_iOS.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Battling the weather again on the North Face of the Ben!</td></tr>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZVEaiIPmFa4/VsNMeHjkGuI/AAAAAAAAEa8/M0Hw96hulMA/s1600/20160207_121927393_iOS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZVEaiIPmFa4/VsNMeHjkGuI/AAAAAAAAEa8/M0Hw96hulMA/s320/20160207_121927393_iOS.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZfP3fY-xO5M/VsLuDufvRGI/AAAAAAAAEX0/WuvZBelHosg/s1600/20160208_102631202_iOS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZfP3fY-xO5M/VsLuDufvRGI/AAAAAAAAEX0/WuvZBelHosg/s320/20160208_102631202_iOS.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some dry and calm weather with Dorian and Bjorn for the <a href="http://www.thehmcompany.co.uk/" target="_blank">Highland Mountain Company</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SR_IaiSlIr0/VsLt-JNvT2I/AAAAAAAAEXs/EJQi8ylxwC8/s1600/20160208_133117681_iOS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SR_IaiSlIr0/VsLt-JNvT2I/AAAAAAAAEXs/EJQi8ylxwC8/s320/20160208_133117681_iOS.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-64NTEYNR-_c/VsLuT5ZwCSI/AAAAAAAAEX8/bZYy8Y5Ym_I/s1600/20160211_130950212_iOS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-64NTEYNR-_c/VsLuT5ZwCSI/AAAAAAAAEX8/bZYy8Y5Ym_I/s320/20160211_130950212_iOS.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stunning conditions with Graham on Stob Dubh for some Winter Skills</td></tr>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YmXnXacAivY/VsLuTFXXewI/AAAAAAAAEX4/lVHTCVnQB8Q/s1600/20160211_130957030_iOS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YmXnXacAivY/VsLuTFXXewI/AAAAAAAAEX4/lVHTCVnQB8Q/s320/20160211_130957030_iOS.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3wbhu9sMAvE/VsLuCXekFlI/AAAAAAAAEXw/Z0qWt5zXSeI/s1600/20160210_144836209_iOS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3wbhu9sMAvE/VsLuCXekFlI/AAAAAAAAEXw/Z0qWt5zXSeI/s320/20160210_144836209_iOS.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Back in Glencoe with Julie, working with students from West Highland College</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ei32N3tjgCU/VsLumVELOOI/AAAAAAAAEYM/GofWZzn5Gvc/s1600/20160212_112135735_iOS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ei32N3tjgCU/VsLumVELOOI/AAAAAAAAEYM/GofWZzn5Gvc/s320/20160212_112135735_iOS.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is more like it.. :)</td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-attCH46b_Ng/VsLujrJAZ1I/AAAAAAAAEYE/TTvfMES1sYE/s1600/20160212_122317440_iOS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-attCH46b_Ng/VsLujrJAZ1I/AAAAAAAAEYE/TTvfMES1sYE/s320/20160212_122317440_iOS.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1s6brzQjE0o/VsLulWNxy0I/AAAAAAAAEYI/aHm2FpkTxtE/s1600/20160212_130438153_iOS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1s6brzQjE0o/VsLulWNxy0I/AAAAAAAAEYI/aHm2FpkTxtE/s320/20160212_130438153_iOS.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Julie Baum MIC, coaching some Winter Mountaineering</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ISOwQQJPnoI/VsLu2AYB8HI/AAAAAAAAEYY/3GqWYfVrMPY/s1600/20160212_145832829_iOS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ISOwQQJPnoI/VsLu2AYB8HI/AAAAAAAAEYY/3GqWYfVrMPY/s320/20160212_145832829_iOS.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Great day with a great bunch!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BLbjHGOLRJk/VsLuzu0saBI/AAAAAAAAEYU/-FzFcL6yoL4/s1600/20160213_115518761_iOS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BLbjHGOLRJk/VsLuzu0saBI/AAAAAAAAEYU/-FzFcL6yoL4/s320/20160213_115518761_iOS.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some ice axe arrest with Lee and Chris on a Ben Nevis Winter Weekend</td></tr>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sGfs6n0v18I/VsLu5oFcDuI/AAAAAAAAEYc/_KwYgULRHK0/s1600/20160213_122515282_iOS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sGfs6n0v18I/VsLu5oFcDuI/AAAAAAAAEYc/_KwYgULRHK0/s320/20160213_122515282_iOS.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4byYYzSoM1s/VsLvEiOorOI/AAAAAAAAEYk/ioUKyr5Tu2M/s1600/20160213_130408245_iOS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4byYYzSoM1s/VsLvEiOorOI/AAAAAAAAEYk/ioUKyr5Tu2M/s320/20160213_130408245_iOS.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The chaps tooled up and ready to tackle Ben Nevis!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DVF-DnU0GKk/VsLvJedpP0I/AAAAAAAAEYw/pha1zLWFC-w/s1600/20160214_111955708_iOS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DVF-DnU0GKk/VsLvJedpP0I/AAAAAAAAEYw/pha1zLWFC-w/s320/20160214_111955708_iOS.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Superb weather on the Ben!</td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The obligatory summit selfie!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A speedy ascent in more great weather with Rhiannon from Canada</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A rare sight!</td></tr>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07029686348841469309noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1954329914980086742.post-29686856407402232072016-01-14T12:27:00.000-08:002016-01-14T12:27:18.834-08:00A snowy Green Gully...Today, Dave and I took advantage of day off and the good weather and headed up Green Gully (IV) on the Ben. We arrived at the CIC hut, there was quite a bit more fresh snow than we expected. The avalanche forecast made us choose our approach carefully, especially after the fresh snow. This meant a bit of a wade for us up to the start of the route as all the previous trails had been buried. <br />
The first steepening was good fun with first time placements but not enough ice to place more than a single screw. The easier sections between the steep parts were more akin to swimming than climbing but we made progress without too much difficulty. The final steepening was fairly thin and after seeing Dave make a good few holes which were through to the rock underneath, I think a lot of traffic will hack it out quite quickly. No cornice to speak of and a easy walk down No. 4 gully finished the day.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wading up to the route</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hunting for a belay at P1</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some ice!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Into the sun</td></tr>
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We saw teams on Cutlass, SW Ridge and Jacknife on the Douglas Boulder, as well as teams on Thomson's Route, North Gully and Tower Ridge. Be prepared for a wade to routes that don't already have good trails broken!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07029686348841469309noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1954329914980086742.post-4481299516998225032016-01-10T13:08:00.001-08:002016-01-10T13:08:56.843-08:00Thomson's Route<br />
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Today Dave B and I headed onto the Ben expecting some pretty wet weather (according to one of the forecasts). We were pleasantly surprised when things turned out to be dry and still. Our plan A was Thomson's Route (IV,4) on No.3 Gully Buttress, a route neither of us had done before.<br />
There was some signs of wind slab starting to accumulate on the approach but in the good visibility, we were able to pick a line to avoid it.<br />
The climb was in reasonable condition and whilst there wasn't a lot of ice present, what was there was good resulting in first time placements for most of the route. <br />
We descended No.3 Gully which was nice and scoured at the top although there looked like a team backing off of No.4 Gully which may have had a bigger cornice.<br />
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There were a few teams out today but the mountain was reasonably quiet for a Sunday. There were teams on Ledge Route, No. 3 Gully Buttress, SW Ridge Douglas Boulder possibly a team on Lost the Place, and some teams heading into Observatory Gully area.<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07029686348841469309noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1954329914980086742.post-51206211378465861242016-01-08T06:38:00.000-08:002016-01-08T06:38:32.789-08:00Winter UpdateWinter's has been a bit slow in arriving but things are finally shaping well in the mountains.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Al and Steve in Observatory Gully, Tuesday 5th January 2016</td></tr>
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Before Christmas I had a great day out working for <a href="http://verticalfever.co.uk/" target="_blank">Vertical Fever</a> with Rebecca. Rebecca was keen to tackle one of the harder ridge walk in the area in Winter condition but the conditions proved challenging with very little snow and winds of 70mph. We managed to still bag a 1000m peak in the form of Sgurr a Lubhair in the Mamores which was just right in the gusty winds! Well done to Rebecca for pushing the comfort zone!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Where's the snow!?</td></tr>
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Next up I had a couple of wild days on the hill with Eloisia and Irene. We tackled some very wet and windy weather and higher up, snowy and windy conditions on Ben Nevis. Again, with winds of 65mph+ it was a real battle to make it up to the summit and the girls did a fantastic job of dealing with the challenging conditions.<br />
We'd hoped to head high into Coire na Ciste on our second day but with one of the windiest walks up to the CIC hut I've done (and very wet!), we went for a wander towards Observatory gully before heading down for the day. A really enjoyable couple of days!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wild on the summit!</td></tr>
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After Christmas, I went for a wander up Ledge Route and randomly bumped into old friend Davie on the walk in, making it a pleasantly social day.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Davie in No. 5 Gully</td></tr>
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To finish 2015, I had an excellent couple of days with Jerome, Sharon, Tom and Holly. With Storm Frank arriving right in the middle of our 2 days, we decided to tackle the Ben first and were pretty lucky with the conditions. We wore crampons on the descent as there was some scoured snow starting to form on the track. With wild and very wet conditions overnight, a later start saw us dodging the worst of the weather and we tackled the fantastic little peak, Meall Cumhann (698m) in Glen Nevis. Some of the streams on the walk in were as full as I'd ever seen and the rivers were truly spectacular to see.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Team picture on Meall Cumhann!</td></tr>
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On Tuesday, I was out with <a href="http://verticalfever.co.uk/" target="_blank">Steve</a> and <a href="http://climbwhenyoureready.com/Blog.html" target="_blank">Al</a> for a sociable day of Winter climbing. We had hoped that some of the ice routes high on the Ben were formed but things were still looking pretty lean. We climbed Tower Scoop (III) and Good Friday climb (III), both of which were lean but fun to climb. Finishing the day with a windy descent down No. 3 gully rounded up a highly enjoyable day. Cheers chaps for the great day's climbing!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spot the climbers on Tower Ridge</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Happy Steve!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Good Friday Climb- lean!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">3 Happy Chappies!</td></tr>
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With fresh snow down to about 500m, it looks like Winter has definitely taken hold at last. Work is starting to get very busy now but I'll hopefully manage a few days out for fun before the season kicks off properly!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07029686348841469309noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1954329914980086742.post-602735535608940122015-12-16T12:55:00.000-08:002015-12-16T12:55:18.269-08:00A mixed start to the Winter so far...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It's been the usual mixed start to the Winter season here in Lochaber. The dumps of snow followed by mild and wild weather seems to be the pattern at the moment. I started my Winter with an exceptional blue sky day on Castle Ridge with Andy Mac and Andy H. Great company, fun climbing and superb weather definitely set the bar high for this season's climbing!</div>
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At the start of the month I headed put with Nikki for a couple of days. Nikki had done a fair bit of Winter training with her time in the Armed Forces including some Arctic Warfare training with the Marines! We had a quick hit on the Ben followed by a great day up Stob Coire nan Lochan in Glencoe. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Damp on the Ben after a big thaw</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stob Coire nan Lochan with some fresh snow 03/12/15</td></tr>
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I've also worked on a couple of Ben Nevis Winter Trips for Maximum Adventure over the past few weekends. First up was during storm Desmond so some wild and windy weather. Still, the chaps put in a sterling effort and we battled onto the summit without to much of a struggle. My water proof 'rubber' trousers that I used on the North Face Survey came in very handy and actually kept me amazingly dry. If only they came in bright colours... :)<br />
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Last weekend's trip for Max Ad was with Hannah and Gavin also. We had a bit of a late start but still managed a good wander towards the CIC Hut with the team and we got to show them the Ben's best side in pristine conditions. What a difference a week makes!<br />
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Today Al and I fancied a quick blast up something so we headed up Curved Ridge on the Buachaille. A shell and a base layer was all I needed to wear today as it was mild pretty much from car to summit. Soft slushy snow and greasy rock kept our interest up but it was surprising to see how much snow had stripped already and that's before Thursday's rain....<br />
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Looks like some more mild and wild conditions towards the end of the week and early weekend so it'll be interesting to see how things shape up over the festive period.</div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07029686348841469309noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1954329914980086742.post-49073741807822073822015-11-01T09:29:00.002-08:002015-11-01T09:29:40.665-08:00Moving forwardIt's definitely been a case of 'better late than never' with the weather this Summer. Whilst the first part of the Summer was pretty grim September and October have been outstanding with lots of days of amazing weather.<br />
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I took the opportunity to get some more teaching climbing days logged towards my MIA reassessment day in Spring. One thing I wanted to work on was working with students at quite different stages in their climbing careers. This worked out really well as I had some very willing and enthusiastic students from West Highland College who were keen to get out. It was very rewarding to help some of them take their first steps on the journey to climbing outside as well as helping those who were ready to get properly on the sharp end for the first time. Another reminder to me of why the hard work will be worth it in the long run!Thanks to everyone who came along!<br />
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With a few extra days off this time of year, Andy and headed up North East Buttress on the Ben. I hadn't done this in Summer before so it was nice to do a different route on the Ben. There was a little bit of ice forming on some of the shadier places giving the first hints that Winter is on it's way...<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunrise in a chilly Coire leis</td></tr>
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I had a cracking day on the CMD arete with Robert from the US. Robert had done a fair bit of hiking in States before and comes over to Scotland on business quite a lot so was keen to head up to the Highlands. The weather was pretty much as good as it gets!<br />
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Michael and his daughter Khamilla were over on holiday from Singapore and decided to do a bit of climbing and walking whilst in the area. Our first day saw us tackling a number of routes in Glen Nevis and doing an abseil. A fantastic effort from the father and daughter team!</div>
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Our next day gave the arms a rest and worked the legs a bit more as we walked to Steall Falls and then up Coire Giubhsachan and Meall Cumhann (698m). Some great Autumn colours at the moment in the Glen and nice to head off the beaten track for a bit.</div>
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Next up was a really enjoyable 2 day expedition with some of the first year students at West Highland College. Gill and I took our group to camp just behind Binnean Shaus. After pitching the tents in breezy conditions, we headed up the hill to bag Geal Carn, a new Munro for me. Our route choice turned out to be spot on as a fairly sheltered approach got us to the summit. Once there, stepping over to the other side of the hill exposed us to the 60-70mph winds that had been forecast so it was a return down the same way back to camp.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Enjoy a breather on Geal Carn</td></tr>
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I've used traditional gas stoves for a while so I was keen to test out my new MSR Windboiler stove. I have to say, it performed very well especially with the breezy conditions we had. The only real downside is that there isn't a self igniter so it means I still had to carry a lighter. Still, getting a brew going in a couple of minutes was an definite upgrade for me!</div>
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Day 2 and we headed back out to the buses after packing up camp. We did this whilst taking in another Munro, Creag Pitridh. Another windy day on top and we had a bit of a battle with the wind as we descended off the ridge. A great effort from the students and nice to have two dry days!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Breezy on Creag Pitridh!</td></tr>
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Ellen from Australia has been doing a fair bit of travelling in Scotland recently and was keen to see the best side of Ben Nevis so we headed out to get a view of the North Face. The cloud was kind to us and moved away to reveal most of the mountain just as we arrived at the CIC hut. A good dusting of snow was visible too which was exciting...</div>
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With shorter days upon us now, it seems like the wait for Winter will not be too long...</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07029686348841469309noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1954329914980086742.post-19610554196001281512015-10-04T03:41:00.001-07:002015-10-04T03:41:51.938-07:00Summer Highs and Lows<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It's been a while since my last blog post and as the Summer feels like it's drawing to a close, it's good to catch up with the last few months. Since then, there's been lots happening with some superb high points and some definite low points...<br />
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I had a great week working on this years Ben Nevis North Face survey. Apart from one day, the weather was very kind to us this year which made the week great fun. Highlights included a superb day with geologist Roddy and Dave B on Observatory Ridge, Tower Ride with Gordon and Scott where we found some very rare Hare's Foot Sedge, and some 'classic' climbing with Al after we abbed down between Tower Ridge and Tower Gully. Another highly successful year and I'm looking forward to next year already!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Abbing down Slingsby's Chimney ( a wee bit wet!)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Happy faces at 'work'!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scott enjoying a wander around Tower Ridge</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The site of our big find of the week</td></tr>
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After the survey came my MIA assessment. This is something I've been putting a lot of work into over the past year and a bit and so I had given myself plenty pressure to want to do well. Below is a brief outline of what we covered/ where we went:<br />
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Day 1- Personal climbing/Parallel rope work at VS 4c- I climbed Whispers (VS 4c/5a) at Stac an Faraidh in the Loch A'an Basin<br />
Day 2- Rescues at Polldubh( we climbed a V diff and 2 VS 4c's with problems of various difficulties to solve on each route)<br />
Day 3- Teaching day at Cummingston<br />
Day 4-Mountaineering day at Liathach, Torridon<br />
Day 5- Navigation in the Cairngorms<br />
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The assessment process was very fair and I can't fault the instructors at Glenmore Lodge. They made the process as least stressful as possible and like all assessments, I think learning during them is a vital part, which I feel happened in abundance.<br />
The result wasn't what I wanted, as I made a few poor decisions on my teaching day resulting in a deferral. Needless to say, it was disappointing... However, having had a few weeks to process things, I feel pretty positive about this now for a few reasons. One, that I have completed 4 out of the 5 days of the assessment, and a one day reassessment feels very manageable compared to the five! The second reason being that I feel the assessment was great at highlighting any weak areas. Whilst I didn't really feel this at the time, the work I've done since the assessment has made me realise that there were some areas I needed to improve on with this part of the syllabus. I now feel focused regarding what I have to work on and know that whilst this has been a small stumbling block, it will make me a better Mountaineering Instructor in the future. I'm looking forward to Spring to hopefully put it to bed!<br />
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I've had some great days out with clients and friends during the last few weeks too and a big thanks to everyone I've been out with for you company on the hill. Below are a few pics from the last few weeks.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A wet but fun day on the CMD with Lorna and Jason</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Birthday celebrations on the summit with Sarah and Chris</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A great day on Ledge Route as part of the Carpe Diem project for Nevis Landscape Partnership</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some superb inversions this Summer</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Starting work with West Highland College students is always a pleasure<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Two superb days with Trev on a Hill Skills Course</td></tr>
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Finally, last week I had a great solo trip up Tower Ridge, making it car to car in 3 hours. Some amazing views and a reminder to me that despite some ups and downs, every bit of hard work is worth it to have the privilege to work in the mountains...<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07029686348841469309noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1954329914980086742.post-44891739908148050372015-08-01T08:24:00.000-07:002015-08-01T08:24:46.323-07:00Catch upIt's been a whirlwind few weeks over June and July! The highlight has been the birth of my second son, Glen whose been keeping us very busy (and just a little bit tired!!!).<br />
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<a href="https://scontent-lhr3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/11666036_960753610642710_1241580051346036012_n.jpg?oh=491a3fb0d1d97c5e49dddf3537c91718&oe=5652267F" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://scontent-lhr3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/11666036_960753610642710_1241580051346036012_n.jpg?oh=491a3fb0d1d97c5e49dddf3537c91718&oe=5652267F" width="240" /></a></div>
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Away from home, some great trips have included 3 days on Skye with Steve at <a href="http://www.verticalfever.co.uk/" target="_blank">Vertical Fever</a>, some mountaineering days in Glencoe and Torridon, Hammer on the Etive Slabs, lots of cragging and MIA bits and pieces and some superb days back out guiding on the Ben. Here are a selection of pics from over the last few weeks...<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">June on the Ben!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">June Crack</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Steve enjoying his work!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> The impressive corner of Hammer</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lagangarbh Buttress</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Good times on the Ben!</td></tr>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07029686348841469309noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1954329914980086742.post-17461941886747020122015-05-28T12:42:00.000-07:002015-05-28T12:42:43.145-07:00The past few weeks in pictures<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Curved Ridge in sun, hail and lightning with <a href="http://www.alanhalewood.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">Al,</a> and clients Mike and Malcolm!</div>
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Drier on the Aonach Eagach....<br />
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Even better on the Forcan Ridge! :)</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ruaraidh giving me some practice for the day!</td></tr>
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Meanwhile, Hannah was on the CMD with Eric and Liza....</div>
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Three peaks for Ascents of Adventure</div>
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Up a snowy Ledge Route and onto the plateau to meet Andy, Carol and Robyn</div>
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The fantastic team from Monkey World and their trip to Glen Nevis and Meall an-t Suidhe...</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Summit of Meall an-t Suidhe (711m)</td></tr>
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Back on the Aonach Eagach with <a href="http://www.alanhalewood.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">Al</a>, Martin and some great clients<br />
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Wet day today doing some rescues practice with Lena and Andy!<br />
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Massive thanks to Al Halewood for scrambling shadowing, Andy, Hannah, Steve and Craig for the superb work, Lena and Andy for the MIA practice and all the clients we've had the pleasure of sharing some great days with!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07029686348841469309noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1954329914980086742.post-8306866384907440102015-04-26T08:38:00.000-07:002015-04-26T08:38:07.778-07:00Spring days...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It's finally been a great start to the Spring here in Lochaber with the much awaited high pressure. During the last week or so, I've been working with 1st and 2nd year students from the Adventure Tourism Degree at West Highland College, UHI. We've been looking at coaching climbing, with the first years doing some peer coaching and the second years coaching some young people from various schools.</div>
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I've also managed a fair bit of climbing, both with some MIA teaching days and some personal climbing.<br />
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Andy and I climbed Time lord (VS 4c **) in Glen Gour and I also got the chance to climb Secretaries Super Direct (HVS 5a***) in Glen Nevis, both great routes.<br />
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Joe and Andy came with me to Polldubh as some willing guinea pigs and we climbed P1 and 2 of Pandorra and onto Phantom Slab as well as giving the chaps some coaching on their leading on Repton Right Wall.<br />
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I was also out with Prashant on a teaching day on which we climbed Pinnacle Ridge (S), Three Pines (V.Diff/S) and Flying Dutchman (S).<br />
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I've also had a few amazing days on the Ben starting with a stunning day with Ian.....<br />
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and then a chilly day with Victor.......<br />
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..... and another stunner with Patty and Geoff on the CMD Arete.<br />
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As I write this, there's been some fresh snow down to about 600m here today so it looks like Spring is on hold for the next few days at least. Tempting to get the ice tools back out...</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07029686348841469309noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1954329914980086742.post-34001038267749778612015-04-14T11:54:00.001-07:002015-04-14T11:59:04.272-07:00Spring not quite sprung (and my 2 seconds of fame)...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This time of year can be strange with one day in the mountains feeling like Spring, the next day feeling Winter. Saturday was definitely one of the latter! I was out with Matthew, Elaine and David on Ben Nevis. It was Matthew's 14th birthday so he was celebrating it with a day to remember! There's no path beyond corner 6 on the zig zags, and with still some hard snow ice around, ice axe and crampons were essential. We managed to dissuade a few folk from continuing on and also a few cheeky people from 'tagging along' with us. Visibility was poor but actually felt pretty good compared so days this Winter. Well done to Matthew and his Mum and Dad on a great day!</div>
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On Sunday I was out at Huntly's Cave on an MIA teaching day.We climbed Right Hand Groove, Cave Route in 3 pitches and Diagonal. Despite the odd snow shower, it was pretty pleasant!<br />
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Yesterday I was out with Nigel and Judith. Nigel told me he's wanted to climb Ben Nevis for 50 years so it was his big chance! We had the mountain to ourselves until we were on our way down. It was windy, with a lot of spindrift but otherwise quite nice conditions.Again, some hard scoured snow on the plateau so crampons were still worn. Some scarily large fragile cornices forming with the fresh snow blowing around.</div>
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The predicted rain arrived bang on time and the waterproofs came out for the final half of our descent. A superb effort from Judith and Nigel and one big tick off the list for Nigel!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Drooping fresh cornice over Gardyloo!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A happy couple!</td></tr>
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On another note the advert I was involved in with Vodafone a few weeks ago whilst working for Abacus Mountain Guides has gone on air! You'll find my 2 seconds of fame at 0.50s !<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="281" mozallowfullscreen="" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/124602998" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="500"></iframe> <br />
<a href="https://vimeo.com/124602998">Vodafone - Let's Go!</a> from <a href="https://vimeo.com/greylondon">Grey London</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07029686348841469309noreply@blogger.com0