Is It For Me?
This course meets at 16:00 on the first day and after gathering equipment and useful information we drive over to the west coast so we are in location to start the weeks mountaineering. This course is a guided experience designed for those who wish to tackle some of the west coasts classic ridges but would like the safety of an experienced instructor from the national centre to help guide them. Weather dependant we would undertake ridges such as the Aonach Eagach in Glencoe, Curved Ridge on Buchaille Etive Mor, Ledge route on Ben Nevis etc.
To get the most from this week summer scrambling experience would be useful and previous winter walking experience is essential. A good level of fitness is essential to undertake five days on the hill.
Course Aims
To equip winter hill walkers with basic winter scrambling skills and enhance their ability to move confidently and safely on steep, winter mountaineering terrain.
Course Content
You will usually be in a team of three with one instructor. Meeting your instructor at 16:00 on the first day at Glenmore Lodge provides an opportunity to discuss yours and the other participants experience and aspirations, enabling the instructor to plan the week’s programme. At the end of the first day we will then travel to the west coast giving us easy access to superb terrain, such as Glen Coe and Ben Nevis. The main topics to be covered are:
- Re-visiting core winter movement skills using axe and crampons in ascent and descent.
- Movement over grade I/II winter snow and ‘scrambling’ type terrain.
- Avalanche awareness and risk assessment and its implications for safe route choice
- Interpreting guide books and maps to identify routes.
- Careful route finding and route choice.
- Winter navigation.
The programme is fairly flexible taking into account individual needs and aims, weather, etc.
Accommodation
We will be staying in comfortable Twin rooms in Inchree, just outside of Fort William. Duvets and linen are provided but not towels
All food for the weekend will be supplied in the restaurant, with packed lunches.
There are Laundry and drying facilities provided. In the evenings there is a bar onsite selling a range of beers and whisky’s.
Inchree is situated 8 miles south of Fort William and 5 miles north of Glencoe, at the north end of Onich village, 500 metres off the A82. The full address is Inchree Centre, Inchree, Onich, Nr. Fort William, Highland Region, Scotland, PH33 6SE. Tel: 01855 821287. www.inchreecentre.co.uk
Travel: If you could aim to arrive at Gelnmore Lodge 16.00 hrs to collect your equipment, before having an early evening bar meal at 17.00hrs and then depart for the west.
What Will I Need?
Glenmore Lodge has a large, comprehensive store of up-to-date clothing and equipment. You are welcome to use your own equipment and pick and choose odd items from the store. Your instructor will want to check that personal equipment is appropriate for the activity. If you are thinking about buying equipment (things like ice axe, boots and crampons) but are not too sure what to get we would advise you to come and try our equipment and then make your purchases after the course.
What we can supply?
- Waterproof jackets and trousers
- Plastic Boots
- Gaiters
- Crampons
- Ice Axes
- Helmets
- Harvey’s 1:25.000 map of Ben Nevis
- Winter climbing harness
- Day Sac
- Head torch
- Compass
- Any technical equipment if applicable
What will you need to bring? Listed here are the essentials; this is not an exhaustive list.
- Thermals or suitable under clothing. Top and Bottoms x 2
- Insulating layers – top & bottoms, soft shell or fleece or both?
- Over sized synthetic belay jacket
- Thick socks (several pairs)
- Spare fleece/insulated jacket
- Waterproof jacket (with a good hood)
- Waterproof over-trousers or salopettes
- Hat & balaclava plus spare
- A good pair of climbing gloves, plus an oversized warm pair for belaying
- Ski goggles (should have double lens to avoid misting up)
- Whistle
- Compass – Silva type 4 recommended
- Headtorch
- Rucksack liner
- Vacuum Flask & Water Bottle
- Box or bag for packed lunch.
- Survival Bag – Plastic type
- Sleeping bag and liner
- Small technical climbing pack around 20ltrs
- Personal toiletries, medications & personal first aid kit (towels are provided)
- Suncream
Remember the price is all inclusive
We want our customers to easily know what their course will cost, up front and in the open even on our West Coast courses. Accommodation on the night before and the nights during your course, pick up from the train station (Friday and Sunday evenings only), breakfast, lunch, cake break and dinner are all included. All transportation on the course, centre facilities & any equipment you borrow are also part of the package.
