 We've entered a small team in the John Muir Trust's '2006 Journey for the Wild'. Just incase you haven't heard about the 'Journey', here's a quick summary: - 2,500 mile walk/bike/kayak/sail designed to raise awareness of the importance of wild places. - Takes place between May 22 and October 4. - There are 4 routes (starting points in brackets): - North (Shetland Islands) - South (Isles of Scilly) - East (North Sea) - West (Berneray) - All 4 routes finish in Glen Nevis where a party will take place. - Each route is split into legs, from 1 day to 6 days long. - Each leg comprises of a start and end location - you choose the route in between! - A message baton is passed between teams from leg to leg and will eventually be delivered to the Scottish Parliament. - You can apply for one or more legs. - Once accepted, you can get your friends/family to sponsor you - all money goes to JMT. Our team has been accepted to do the 'Ben Cruachan' route which starts at Oban and finishes in Fort William 6 days later. The potential for amazing routes is mind boggling - below is a rough outline of our proposed (and rather optimistic) route: 20th August: Oban to the Falls of Cruachan via Glencruitten, Strontroiller, Beinn Ghlas, Cruach Airdeny and Taynuilt. 21st August: Falls of Cruachan to Acharn via Ben Cruachan, Stob Diamh, Beinn a'Chochuil and Beinn Eunaich. 22nd August: Acharn to Durness via Ben Starav, Glas Bheinn Mhor, Stob Coir an Albannaich, Beinn Chaorach. 23rd August: Durness to Clachaig Inn via Bidean Nam Bian. 24th August: Clachaig Inn to Kinlochleven via the Aonach Eagach and part of the West Highland Way route. 25th August: Kinlochleven to Fort William via Am Bodach, Sgorr an Iubhair and Sgurr a'Mhaim. 5 reasons why you should consider signing up too: 1. Really get to know part of your country. 2. Choose a multi-day route you've always wanted to do and attempt it while also raising money for JMT. 3. We've got the best scenery right here - cancel the walking holiday abroad. 4. The Journey is flexible - some legs can even be done at the weekend (if you can't afford to take time off work). 5. A chance to meet like-minded people. Resources: 'Journey for the Wild' Homepage Route Planner Journey Guide |
The Cloud Appreciation Society - Thursday, January 26, 2006
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Today, we joined the quirky but interesting Cloud Appreciation Society (CAC). These guys may be a little eccentric (take a look at their manifesto for example) but the site does contain a wealth of well written information on er...clouds. Also, if you're a fan of interesting skies, you have to check out the amazing selection of photos in the gallery section. Membership costs £1.70 which includes certificate, badge and of course the ability to impress others by announcing you're a member of a rather cute little club... |
No Ashes plead MCoS -
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The Mountaineering Council of Scotland are asking people to stop scattering ashes on summits due to the effect it has on the soil. MCoS say that the repeated scattering of ashes on some popular peaks has caused accelerated plant growth due to the increased levels of phosphate.
This could reignite the related and hotly debated argument of mountain memorials which was raised last September, again by MCoS. |
Ben Nevis Death - Wednesday, January 25, 2006
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A climber died when abseiling from below Tower Ridge on Monday. Doctor Rupert Bennett fell 100 feet into a gully when the boulder he was using as an anchor point slid over the edge. His two climbing partners also sustained serious injuries and were airlifted to hospital after being found by the Lochaber Mountain Rescue Team.
Dr Bennett was an experienced climber, having taken part in a dozen Himalayan expeditions including one with Chris Bonington. He was also a medical officer in the Penrith Mountain Rescue Team. |
More Forecasts from MWIS - Thursday, January 19, 2006
 The Mountain Weather Information Service just announced some good news on their newly redesigned website. They have introduced 3 extra forecasts for Scotland and will now provide all 5 Scottish forecasts 7 days a week (previously 6). The areas are now divided up as follows:
These new more granular forecasts are a big step forward for MWIS meaning we no longer have to use the same forecast for Glencoe and Wester Ross! Let's hope the frequency and quantity of forecasts for England and Wales are also increased in the future. Photo by G. Kennedy |
Climber Found Dead - Tuesday, January 17, 2006
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A missing climber has been found dead on A'Chrois, near Arrochar.
Police say the alarm was raised after the 60-year-old man failed to return from a climb on Saturday afternoon. The extensive search operation involved the Oban Mountain Rescue Team and the RAF. For those unfamiliar with Arrochar, it's a small village 2 miles west of Loch Lomond in Scotland. Arrochar is famous in the climbing world for 2 reasons - it was the main hang-out for working-class Glaswegian climbers during the 1930's and is also home to the distinctive peak of Ben Arthur (The Cobbler). |
Cairngorm Rescue - Monday, January 09, 2006
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A Glaswegian climber was left hanging for 8 hours on Kiwi Gully (Hell's Lum Crag / Cairngorms). The crag is situated betwen Ben Macdui and Cairm Gorm just above the famous Shelter Stone.
John Allen from the Cairngorm Mountain Rescue Team said: The man who fell was an experienced climber, but had a lucky escape after tumbling 50ft. Temperatures dipped to -6C and conditions were extremely icy during the rescue bid. The lead climber fell past his friends and was hanging over the gully. They could neither pull him up nor let him down. ...they were well equipped and it was just an unfortunate experience for all three. |
West Highland Way Charges - Tuesday, January 03, 2006
 If you haven't read the Scotsman's article regarding charging walkers to do the West Highland Way, it's worth a look. Instead of a flat charge per day, we propose a points system on a per walker basis which could take into consideration things such as: - Correct pronunciation of 'Milngavie' (No - add 5 points) - Is said walker using a bag carrying service? (Yes - add 15 points) - Colour/loudness of cagoule (Red - add 2 points, Yellow - add 10 points) - Accommodation used: - howff (subtract 5 points per night) - bivi (subtract 2 points/night) - bothy (subtract 1 points/night) - tent (0 points) - hostel (add 3 points/night) - B & B (add 5 points/night) - Hotel (add 10 points/night) etc. etc. For reasons of political correctness, a few suggestions had to be removed from the original list. |
Avalanche forecasts underway... -
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Avalanche Forecasts from the Sport-Scotland Avalanche Information Service have commenced for the 2005/06 season.
As usual, detailed information covering avalanche hazard outlook, climbing conditions and snow distribution is update daily for the following Scottish areas: Northern Cairngorms; Lochaber; Glencoe; Southern Cairngorms; Creag Meagaidh. |