BASP Refresher

This weekend, I have been taking my BASP 2 day emergency first aid refresher. The course has been based at GWC and has been run by Mark Tennant. I found this refresher course extremely useful and was specifically tailored to the hills and with the outdoors in mind.

I can remember from last time that a lot of the specific examples and situations involved mountain biking, so it was good to get a different perspective on things and share our experiences with a different trainer.

Mark ran an excellent course and I would like to thank him for delivering the content and making it an enjoyable way to spend the weekend. During a couple of the coffee breaks, I had the opportunity to chat to Mark about his involvement in the Borders Search and Rescue team. He said that I should give it some serious thought, as they are always on the lookout for experienced and keen folk like myself. This got me thinking - would I like to sign up? I'm not so sure, but it's certainly something that I might consider in the near future.

A restful morning in Hawes

I went to check on the girls early and, to my surprise, they had got up and left super early. Pleased with this, I headed back to Hawes for a spot of grub and a coffee before heading back to Mossdale Head to collect their route card and to check that they were on track.

As this was a rather easy last day, I was keen to leave them alone and trust them a bit more. I felt it was important for them to experience a little freedom and sense of achievement by being on their own a little more. Nevertheless, I couldn't help but be a little concerned so I parked up and waited for them to appear on the minor road near Thorney Mire House.

Despite their eagerness of earlier, they had once again slowed to a plod and were now behind schedule. With some final words of encouragement, I sent them on their way at a slightly quicker pace. Knowing this was their final leg, I headed back to Hawes to buy them all a can of coke and a cream egg - well, it was easter after all!

Eventually, the shattered group of girls arrived in the main coach car park where they were very relieved to be parted with their bags for a while. After the debrief, I didn't hang around for long and hit the road for the drive North back to Edinburgh. They had been a challenging group, but I was pleased with how they had coped and come through the challenge very much as a group. I wish them all the very best with the remainder of their Silver Award.

The Dales, Hawes, Grinton and D of E

This evening I drove down to The Dales to assess a group of fifth year girls from George Watson's College on their D of E silver practice expedition. James and I drove down the M6 in convoy and were in Hawes for a spot of afternoon tea by mid afternoon. It was a gloriously hot sunny day and we had made good time driving down from Edinburgh.

Eventually the coach arrived in Hawes and half of the groups got settled into Hawes Hostel. After helping to unload all the gear, I headed over the hills to Grinton Lodge to get the others settled in. On the way there I had a fantastic view over the fells and, looking at the forecast, it was looking like it was going to hold for the next few days.

After sorting out rooms, kit, tents etc, it was time for the traditional English hostel three course meal - magic. I then sat down with the girls and talked them through the next few days. They all seemed a bit unsure about everything. As it turns out, none of them had done bronze before and this was to be their first expedition. It's certainly going to be an interesting few days...

D of E Bonze Practice Expedition - Boys Weekend

This weekend I was back in Glenisla training a group from GWC their Duke of Edinburgh Bronze expedition. This time it was a group of boys. Once again I collected them from Peffermill on Saturday morning and headed North towards Angus.

I dropped the lads at the side of the road at Holm of Needs and saw them safely onto the track leading around Craiglea Hill to the (now derelict) Fornethy Residential School. Someone had mentioned to me that there may be a few fallen trees in the school grounds that might block the tracks so I drove round and headed in to check it out. Sure enough, the trees were lying there like matchsticks across the track but could be safely negotiated by a short detour around the other side of the school.

The boys heading into Torrax Hill Wood, Glenisla

The Gorse nightmare through Torrax Hill Wood, Glenisla

The boys heading into Torrax Hill Wood, Glenisla

After guiding the boys safely to the B954, I shadowed them as they headed East along the path into Torrax Wood. The boys found it tricky to find a way through so I helped them negotiate the large number of gorse bushes that were blocking the way, before heading around to meet them at the bridge over Melgam Water at Loch of Lintrathen.

Looking Southwest towards Loch of Lintrathen from Brankam Hill, Glenisla

Random boulder on the side of Brankam Hill, Glenisla

I then drove down the road and left them to follow me over the hill to Hilton from Purgavie Cottages - and follow me they did... very very slowly! Eventually they met me at the bealach between Strone Hill and The Carrach. The sun was now beating down on us and we made good progress along the track through Gairlaw. I thought it best to walk with them and try to push them on bit, as they were way behind schedule. As we passed a couple of ruined farm buildings at Gairlaw, I looked up to the side of Mile Hill and saw that a white horse was galloping straight for us... and I also saw that there was no wall or gate between us! There wasn't time to think about what to do but even if there was, I'm not quite sure what action I would have taken! To my relief, the horse skidded to an abrupt halt right next to us and started nodding it's head and swishing it's tail in a very friendly manner; clearly the horse just wanted some friendly attention from us. It followed us along the track until we closed the gate behind us, much to our amusement.

The boys passing through Gairlaw, Glenisla

A ruin at Gairlaw, Glenisla

Random horse in Gairlaw, Glenisla

Random horse in Gairlaw, Glenisla

I shadowed the boys East through Garlow Wood and I helped them cross the Quharity Burn to Auldallan before jogging back over the hill to the minibus. The lads eventually made it to their campsite at the bridge over the Quharity Burn just to the South of Westerton and Balintore. The boys had done ok but were extremely slow considering the fine weather. Tomorrow's forecast wasn't looking too inviting so they were going to have to pick up the pace to make the coach back to Edinburgh.

The boys heading down into Garlow Wood, Glenisla

Today was a real dog of a day and the lads set off later than planned. I saw them onto the track heading North past Westerton and on into Glen Quharity; giving them clear instructions to take the path to the left just after the trees through Craig of Balloch.

A misty day at Backwater Reservoir, Glenisla

I headed round to Backwater Reservoir where I parked up at the side of the road and headed up to the top of Little Ley to watch for them coming over. I waited and waited but there was no sign of them and the clouds were getting lower and the rain heavier. I knew they had most probably missed the left turn and continued on into Glen Quharity but with visibility so poor, there was no point in wandering off into the mist looking for them. I wasn't too concerned, but another hour passed and there was still no sign of them.

Dead deer, Glenisla

I drove up and down the road to Glenhead at the side of the reservoir. I then decided to head up through Harran Plantation and try to gain some higher ground. I headed through a break in the forest that was clearly used frequently by the deer. I made swift progress and was soon on the summit of Corwharn but I could still only see 50 metres in any direction. Giving up, I jogged back down towards Drumshade Plantation and then onto the track heading back down to Glenhead Farm.

Heading through the trees in Harran Plantation, Glenisla

When I reached the minibus, I found a note on the windscreen from Tam that said my group had been found wandering aimlessly at the side of the reservoir. Clearly they had gone badly off course at some point! Ah well, at least they were safe and sound - the debrief could wait for later in the week back at GWC - an eventful weekend!

D of E Bonze Practice Expedition - Girls Weekend

This weekend I have been assisting with a group of GWC girls Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Practice expeditions based in Glenisla, Angus.

I collected my group from Peffermill playing fields on Saturday morning (after their Hockey match) and headed North to Glenisla. The group were already packed and I had met them briefly on Wednesday night at school to go through putting up tents and cooking with stoves.

The girls setting off along the road, Glenisla

The girls making their way up the difficult terrain from the Alrick Burn, Glenisla

I dropped the girls off on the minor road, just West of Brewlands Bridge, and I helped them navigate and negotiate their way over the Alrick Burn and pointed them up towards Meall Beag. Then I left them to head over the top of Cairn Gibbs, then onto Knockton before heading East to the minor road above Redlatches. I headed back to the minibus and drove around to the minor road and walked in to meet them at the top of Knockton - I had quite a long wait!

Looking North towards Brewlands Bridge and Mount Blair from Knockton, Glenisla

Looking East from Knockton, Glenisla

Once at the road, I sent them Northwest to the bridge over the River Isla. Again, I drove round to their campsite in Kirkton of Glenisla, just opposite the hotel. I crossed the bridge and expected to see the group somewhere on the hill above me but there was no sign of them. I found them a little way to the East wondering rather aimlessly and puzzled as to how they were going to get across the river to their campsite; they hadn't listened to what I had said.

Once at the campsite, the girls were very efficient at getting their tents up and the stoves going. It had been a good day - the weather had been good and the girls had done well - so I was happy.

Mount Blair from Knockton, Glenisla

The second day saw the girls heading along the easy forestry tracks around Crock and Craigie Law. After checking the condition that they had left their campsite, the girls passed me on the forestry track where I was having a little trouble with the minibus...(!)

The girls heading into the mist up the forestry track around Crock, Glenisla

They left the forest and headed over the South shoulder of Badandun Hill to the track leading West to Little Forter and past The Knaps. After sorting things out, I headed round to Meikle Forter to meet them at their finishing point.

Forter Castle, Meikle Forter, Glenisla

Looking Southwest from the road through Folda, Glenisla

The girls had been very lucky with the weather but had done well on their first expedition and I knew they would be fine on the real thing next year - well done!

A long drive home

The GWC Torridon Project 2010 was now at an end and we were heading back to Edinburgh. Seeing as though it was my first time leading a Project, I couldn't be any happier with how it had gone.

After arriving in winter-like conditions we had been truly blessed by the weather over the past couple of weeks. We had managed to sucessfully 'bag' a total of 5 Munros; including Beinn Alligin, Beinn Eighe and Sgorr Ruadh - a fine tick list indeed. Looking back at the days on the hill, I was very happy with the order in which we attempted the Torridon giants and the kids coped well with the progression of difficulty - the day we had on Beinn Eighe will certainly be in my thoughts for a long time: it was truly magical.

The Loch Maree exped was a great success and it was amazing that we were able to give the group that kind of experience - something that they won't be forgetting in a hurry. But I wondered if it would have been a completely different story had the weather been poor - a plan B needed perhaps?

I would have liked to have given the kids more opportunity to experience more rock climbing. On reflection, Beginners Slabs worked really well as an intro and Grass Crag was just too difficult for the group. All good thoughts to take in for next year.

A great deal of the success was down to a great team of staff in James, Laurie and Margot; I can't thank them enough for all the help and support they gave me throughout the trip and really helped to take some of the pressure off. The kids had also been an excellent bunch - they really embraced the true spirit of GWC Projects.

Considering a lot of the planning was quite last minute due to being stranded in South Africa, I was elated with how successful the trip had been and couldn't wait for next year!

Loch Maree Exped

Over the past two days, we have been on a canoe and kayaking expedition on Loch Maree - run by Boots N Paddles. After our epic day bagging Beinn Eighe on Tuesday, I made the knackered group pack their expedition kit and we split it all between dry bags - ready for the next two days and their final adventures.
We met Mike in a lay-by just further along the road from the Beinn Eighe Nature Reserve Trail car park, on the opposite bank to Rubha a' Ghiuthais. We first got the kids organised and packed up with all their kit, stoves and tents. Then we helped to unload all the boats from the trailers. Mike then spoke to the group and outlined the plan for the next two days and spoke a little about the history of the surrounding area; particularly Letterewe.

Getting ready to launch from the shore of Loch Maree with Slioch behind

We then split the group up into canoeists and kayakers and set about launching ourselves out onto Loch Maree. The shoreline was the perfect put-in spot and we were soon all out on the water. For most of the kids, it was their first time paddling so the first hour was spent learning the beginners strokes and discovering how the crafts could be turned and manoeuvred.

Launching into Loch Maree

Paddling on Loch Maree

Paddling on Loch Maree

The conditions were perfect; completely calm with hardly a breath of wind but not too hot with an overcast sky. We made good progress and stopped for lunch at a small beach just to the Southeast of Letterewe. Over lunch, I had a good chat with Mike and got to know him a little. He had been great with the kids and he seemed extremely experienced on the water. It was interesting to hear about how well his business was doing and what great plans he had for the future. He said that he had been really looking forward to this exped with us: right from the moment he had received the email from me with the idea. I knew that the area was protected because of the Black-throated Divers that nest on the Islands in Loch Maree. He said that he had been in touch with the National Reserve rangers and he knew what parts of the Islands to stay clear of and where the birds might be nesting.

Paddling on Loch Maree below Slioch

Paddling on Loch Maree

Lunch stop on the shore of Loch Maree

We set off again and headed for Isle Maree to explore. Mike showed the kids around the ancient chapel and told the story of Queen Victoria coming here to the wish tree - the kids loved it. There was certainly something special about the whole place and I certainly felt privileged to be there.

Sloch from Isle Maree, Loch Maree

Wish Tree on Isle Maree, Loch Maree

Wish Tree on Isle Maree, Loch Maree

Our next mission was to explore the rest of the Islands. I had said to Mike that I had read somewhere that one of the islands, Eilean Sùbhainn, had a small lochan with a small island in it; an island in a loch on an island in a loch! Mike said that he had read the same thing and he too was curious about it. We landed on the West shore of Eilean Sùbhainn and put the kids to task. They made short work of this and a couple of the lads waded in to stand on the island in a loch on the island in a loch - what a crazy sight!

Exploring the Islands on Loch Maree

Next, we had to find a spot to camp for the night. Looking at the map, Mike said it looked like there might be a flat patch of ground between two of the larger islands, on the North side of Eilean Dubh na Sroine. The water level was quite low, due to the recent dry weather, so there was a perfect flat shore for us to settle down for the night.

Pitching tents at our camp on Eilean Dubh na Sroine, Loch Maree

Our camp on Eilean Dubh na Sroine, Loch Maree

Our camp on Eilean Dubh na Sroine, Loch Maree

We unloaded the boats and set about pitching the tents and getting some grub going. It really was an idyllic spot and we were treated to a spectacular sunset.

Slioch from our camp on Eilean Dubh na Sroine, Loch Maree

Slioch from our camp on Eilean Dubh na Sroine, Loch Maree

Sunset from our camp on Eilean Dubh na Sroine, Loch Maree

The next morning, after packing up, we swapped the groups over so everyone had a chance to try both canoeing and kayaking. Once again, the first hour was spent going through the basics and playing a few games. Then Mike took us to a sheltered bay at one side of one of the islands where the kids could have a bit of a swim and play around in the water.
Finally we headed to the shore and landed at the car park at Slattadale and helped to load up the trailers with the boats. The weather had been perfect and the exped had been a complete success. We were all very happy with how it went and it was an amazing final adventure for the GWC Torridon Project 2010.

Beinn Eighe

Today I planned to make an assault on the mighty Beinn Eighe - and what a glorious day it was. The sun was blazing down from the glorious blue sky and there wasn't a single cloud to be seen - it certainly looked like it was going to be a hot one!
After making sure the kids had plenty of water and suncream, we set off along the road to the nearby Beinn Eighe car park, opposite Lochan an Iasgair. James and I left the kids to faff around and gear up, while we made the short drive further along the road to leave the minibus at the end of our route: the car park near the small square of trees at the base of the Allt Coire an Laoigh, opposite Loch Bharranch. With the minibus left there safely, we headed back to the group at the main car park. We set off along the good path around the base of Stuc a' Choire Dhuibh Bhig and headed into Coire Dubh Mor.

Heading round into the Coire Dubh Mor, Torridon

Heading through Coire Dubh Mor, Torridon

It was hot... and there was hardly any movement in the air. Still without a cloud in the sky, we looked up from one side to the other at the Torridon giants of Beinn Eighe and Liathach. The kids were setting a blistering pace yet again and we were soon at the fork in the path, where we paused to take off some more layers, consume more liquid and admire the stunning view through the Torridon Forest to Beinn Alligin and Beinn Dearg; a truly breathtaking sight.

Liathach (left) and Beinn Alligin (right) from Coire Dubh Mor, Torridon

Heading around the base of Sail Mhor, Beinn Eighe, Torridon

Approaching the entrance to Coire Mhic Fhearchair, Beinn Eighe

We took a right and contoured around the base of Sail Mhor towards the entrance to Coire Mhic Fhearchair. Just below the 'lip' of the corrie entrance, I stopped the group and built up what they were about to see and I talked a little about the Lancaster crash in 1951. We continued up the steps at the side of the waterfall and the most amazing setting lay before us: Triple Buttress. We could see that the group were genuinely excited by it, which was really nice to see. We sat on the slabs at the Northwest corner of Loch Coire Mhic Fhearchair and had our lunch - what an amazing place to be on such a glorious day. As we sat there, I was able to look up and spot the ascent route that lay before us. In the guides I had read, it was suggested that from the corrie the path headed up from the Southeast corner of the loch and followed the smaller lochans up to the col between Ruadh-stac Mor and Coinneach Mhor. But as we looked up at the route I saw that it looked really quite steep and eroded in the corner going up to the col. I didn't like the look of it at all so I decided instead that we should head straight up the side of Ruadh-stac Mor; taking a more direct line of ascent.

Coire Mhic Fhearchair, Beinn Eighe

Ruadh-stac Mor high above Coire Mhic Fhearchair, Beinn Eighe

The magnificent Triple Buttress in Coire Mhic Fearchair, Beinn Eighe

After lunch we began to pick our way slowly through the broken terrain and boulder field towards the steeper slopes that led the way to the summit of the towering Ruadh-stac Mor. I told everyone that it was best that they all went at their own pace up the slope and we would re-group at the top. I also gave them a quick demo of how to zig-zag up the slope and make it a little easier for themselves. It was a tough slog in the heat but the kids did amazing and we were at the top of the steep slope in no time at all. To my astonishment, the view back down to the corrie and through the Torridon Forest was even more spectacular - what a place. From here, the summit was a short walk away so we dumped our bags and headed for the top to admire the views in every direction.

Heading up the steep sides of Ruadh-stac Mor, Beinn Eighe

Looking down on Coire Mhic Fhearchair from Ruadh-stac Mor, Beinn Eighe

Tripple Buttress and Sail Mhor from the side of Ruadh-stac Mor above Coire Mhic Fhearchair, Beinn Eighe

Approaching the top of Ruadh-stac Mor, Beinn Eighe

Beinn Alligin, Beinn Dearg and Baosbheinn from Ruadh-stac Mor, Beinn Eighe

Meall a' Ghiuthais from the summit of Ruadh-stac Mor, Beinn Eighe

Enjoying the view from the summit of Ruadh-stac Mor, Beinn Eighe

The group on the summit of Ruadh-stac Mor, Beinn Eighe

After a good few pictures we collected our bags and headed down to the col and began the climb up towards the grassy slopes of Coinneach Mhor. I decided not to go to the top, as I wanted to get up Spidean Coire nan Clach and time was pushing on. Instead we paused at the bottom of the slope to admire the view of Liathach in all it's glory.

Heading along the ridge from Ruadh-stac Mor towards Coinneach Mhor, Beinn Eighe

Heading along the ridge towards Spidean Coire nan Clach, Beinn Eighe

Liathach from Beinn Eighe, Torridon

We pushed on and the wide grassy slopes soon became a narrow rocky ridge. But the conditions could not have been better and apart from a couple of tricky steps, the summit of Spidean Coire nan Clach was easily reached. The kids coped brilliantly with the situation and exposure - it had worked well with the progression from Sgorr Ruadh and then Beinn Alligin.

Heading along the ridge towards Spidean Coire nan Clach, Beinn Eighe

Heading along the ridge towards Spidean Coire nan Clach, Beinn Eighe

Heading along the ridge towards Spidean Coire nan Clach, Beinn Eighe

Heading along the ridge towards Spidean Coire nan Clach, Beinn Eighe

Looking back along the ridge towards Liathach and Coinneach Mhor from the summit of Spidean Coire nan Clach, Beinn Eighe

Enjoying the view to the South from the summit of Spidean Coire nan Clach, Beinn Eighe

After enjoying the views from the second Munro of the day, we headed back along the ridge and down the heavily eroded path down into Coire an Laoigh. I was quite shocked at the erosion and I made sure that everyone stuck to the main path to avoid any further damage.

The group descending into Coire an Laoigh, Beinn Eighe

The group descending into Coire an Laoigh, Beinn Eighe

As we descended down into the corrie, we came across a random loan red deer grazing at the side of the path. It looked very old and rather ragged to say the least! All the kids stopped to take pictures of it and it wasn't bothered in the slightest that we were only standing a few feet away - it was quite possibly demented! We continued to wind our way down the excellent path following the Allt Coire an Laoigh. It was tough going on the knees after a long day but we were soon all down safely at the minibus.

The group descending into Coire an Laoigh (and a Red Deer!), Beinn Eighe

Random Red Deer in Coire an Laoigh, Beinn Eighe

We were all shattered and frazzled but absolutely buzzing after the amazing day we had just experienced. We had been building up to today as the ultimate goal over the past 9 days. Today had worked out perfectly and James and I were over the moon that we had been able to give that experience to the kids and we knew it would be something that they would never forget. One of the best days on the hill so far - amazing...