Sutherland, a different country Crossing the border from England to Scotland does not feel like entering a new country, heading north from Ullapool in to the barren wasteland of Sutherland certainly does. Cross over the col above the golf course and a new, and better, landscape opens up. Last week our yearly tour was based in Ullapool, one brother… September 8, 2014 3:11 pm
Tower Ridge on the Ben For many years myself and JP had discussed climbing Tower Ridge on the north face of Ben Nevis. Rightly deemed a classic it fell between proper rock climbing and a good hard scramble (or so we were told) and therefore we were capable of doing it. We were joined by JP’s wife Ella and Barry,… June 3, 2014 11:40 am
A Day on Blencathra Last April I was in Threlkeld in the Lake District near Keswick. Threlkeld is a lovely village, the two pubs very good, but dominating all is my favourite mountain, Blencathra (Saddleback to some) which towers above the village in a series of sharp aretes and deep riven valleys. (For a detailed description of the Halls… May 11, 2014 12:09 pm
Tips on using a Map & Compass As the Ambleside Mountain Rescue teams received 3 calls within an hour the other Saturday from people lost in the fells, a sense of frustration again built up within me. I do not know the specifics of these cases but I would hazard a pretty good guess that EITHER the walkers had no idea how… April 15, 2014 2:57 pm
Walks in the Wet are fun It is increasingly looking like this is going to be a typical British winter; wet, windy, not too cold with snow on the Scottish hills and, periodically, on those in the rest of Britain. Last year (at least after Christmas) was exceptional, snow blanketing the country and making for some superb winter walking, the like… January 2, 2014 1:24 pm
A Classic Autumn Walk Last Autumn I took to the fells over Derwentwater in what can only be described as classic Autumn weather. Even someone without much ability as a photographer was able to capture a rare selection of images on a walk I will never forget. I have written this blog in a hope that it may inspire… September 25, 2013 3:01 pm
A Long Weekend in Torridon Whilst the country was basking in beautiful sunny weather I set off with Mist and my 2 brothers for our annual pilgrimage to Scotland and some big walking and climbing. Having completed the Munros (which Alistair is trying to do) and not having the inclination (or probably determination) to complete the Corbetts (which Barry is… July 15, 2013 1:11 pm