tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25553200359214191032012-02-17T01:11:56.522ZConditions reports for scottish winter climbing & welsh rock climbingKathrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14465351337530280571noreply@blogger.comBlogger2341100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2555320035921419103.post-61753248253681582212012-02-16T22:35:00.000Z2012-02-16T22:35:36.397Z

A mild thawing week for the team of winter mountaineers at pyb this week. We had some good days out though the snowpack has depleted some what through the week.  Looking over Rannoch Mor from Stob Dearg on Wednesday Buchaille etive beag on Sunday Descending into the lost valley on Monday Lost Valley on Monday Buchaille Etive Mor on Wednesday Lots of pairs of gloves needed this

Kathrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14465351337530280571noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2555320035921419103.post-62118533215727373452012-02-10T19:18:00.001Z2012-02-10T19:19:14.441Z

This week Paul has been out with Araham climbing - they started the week in the northern corries enjoying good weather and finished the week on the north coast rock climbing at Cummingston and Logie Head. Abraham had not rock climbed before so really enjoyed trying something new - you can read more about the week here - http://pjmountains.blogspot.com/2012/02/09-02-12-

Kathrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14465351337530280571noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2555320035921419103.post-49963472558151286472012-02-07T21:55:00.001Z2012-02-07T21:55:03.122Z

This week I will be spending with Simon helping him get to grips with Scottish winter - he is keen to climb and bag some Munros along the way, having decided he would like to complete the Munros faster than he did the Pennine way (11yrs). So on Tuesday evening he has 282 munros left to do! Yesterday we headed into coire an't sneachda did some cramponing and movement skills and then headed up

Kathrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14465351337530280571noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2555320035921419103.post-64009764912197908412012-02-05T18:26:00.002Z2012-02-05T19:30:01.157Z

This weekend I have been working on a Winter Skills course at Glenmore Lodge. On Saturday the forecast was not inspiring after the beautiful weather last week, a rise in temperature and wind speed. I opted to go to the ciste to try and keep out of the wind a little! The team coped well with the conditions and battled up in the the gully at the back where we could practise some movement skills and

Kathrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14465351337530280571noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2555320035921419103.post-9891057452259504842012-02-03T10:39:00.000Z2012-02-03T10:39:59.700Z

Garry and I headed to the Norther Pinnacles on Liathach, a route Garry had done 20 years ago but could not remember much about. We left the car park below Beinn Allign and walked along the path that goes around the back of Liathach, crossed the river (with some dicy moments sliding around on thin ice) and headed up towards the coire on the right side of Meall Dearg. We had hoped to climb Spring

Kathrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14465351337530280571noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2555320035921419103.post-91657634639534984772012-02-01T22:16:00.000Z2012-02-01T22:16:29.985Z

Over the last few days I have spent a bit of time in the North West the highlights so far have been - Faur Tholl and Beinn Eighe. Conditions were warmer than expected on Faur Tholl, Paul and I climbed Right End Buttress III 4 - though the first pitch is definitely trickier than that, a couple of steep pulls on slopey foot holds. In all a nice route that finished pretty much on the summit.

Kathrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14465351337530280571noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2555320035921419103.post-46702667046103288782012-01-27T12:23:00.000Z2012-01-27T12:23:15.559Z

Yesterday Paul, Garry and I headed up to the North West to climb The Resurrection III ****, a cold climb tick and fantastic face climbing. The drive north was stunning with clear skies and snowy hills, the car was full of anticipation as An Teallach came into view. On arriving at the car park we were lucky enough to have a fantastic sunrise view of the mighty mountain.  To our left we could

Kathrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14465351337530280571noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2555320035921419103.post-5323621626950308042012-01-22T18:11:00.000Z2012-01-22T18:11:10.439Z

A final weeks work in Wales before the Scottish season begins for me. Monday to Friday with UCLan's Outdoor Leadership course on a rock climbing week working with Olly Sanders. We had mixed weather through the week but managed to duck and dive around the weather in and out of the wall - Trevor Quarry, Tremadog, Willy's crag and Pyb walls, Pot Hole Quarry and Plas Madoc wall - in all a good mix to

Kathrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14465351337530280571noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2555320035921419103.post-65525211295034027622012-01-15T16:38:00.000Z2012-01-15T16:38:55.556Z

For the last week a team of 8 of us have been 'Skiing' in Morocco. Unfortunately Morocco has had a dry winter so far (unlike most of Europe recently) and there has been little if any precipitation since the first snowfalls in November. Marrakech was sunny and warm... We arrived in Imlil grateful that there was at least some whiteness in the mountains, and had mules carry our kit just over half

Kathrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14465351337530280571noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2555320035921419103.post-57809568149337792792011-12-17T17:15:00.000Z2011-12-17T17:15:44.069Z

Matt and I headed out for a 'look' on Thursday up on Craig Dafydd (about as high as you can get), things were not looking to good for the first hour of the walk in. However on reaching the crag plenty of ice and rimed up rock was to be seen. We had an enjoyable yet cold (moist cold) time on a short V5 route Helmand Province, with some winter faff from me and efficient climbing from Matt. Paul and

Kathrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14465351337530280571noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2555320035921419103.post-30321787037026607512011-12-14T11:12:00.001Z2011-12-14T11:15:35.878Z

The BMC have put together a mountain information service app which is a free and full of lots of useful skills information -http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/mountain-info-service/id441905856?mt=8 . You can also access Snowdonia Park Wardens information ground conditions etc through twitter - http://twitter.com/safesnowdonia Two great sources of up to date information that you can get on your

Kathrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14465351337530280571noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2555320035921419103.post-80061368563567895062011-11-28T18:00:00.000Z2011-11-28T18:00:45.346Z

We are now taking booking for the Scottish Winter Climbing and Mountaineering/Skills Courses. The first snowfall arrived up north in October, it lasted a few days and mild conditions returned, a very different story to last year when Paul and I returned from a climbing trip to Spain to see the whole country blanketed in snow. This year I have spent the last few days sneaking in routes out of the

Kathrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14465351337530280571noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2555320035921419103.post-60600425724322065482011-11-05T22:15:00.000Z2011-11-05T22:15:12.166Z

Some photos of climbing in Red Rocks, Utah and Colorado over the last few weeks.  On the classic Crimson Chrysalis, Red Rocks  The lower section of Moonlight Buttress, Zion Bryce Canyon's funky Hoo Doo's Cassidy Arch - Capitol Reef NP Delicate Arch, Arches NP Canyonlands NP Castleton Tower, Utah Bellagio water fountains, Las Vegas Sports climbing - Red Rocks

Kathrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14465351337530280571noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2555320035921419103.post-69135246303954084842011-09-17T19:52:00.000+01:002011-09-17T19:52:49.966+01:00

Today I have been working for Snowdonia Outdoor Adventure, it was a sunshine and showery day at Tremadog today with Paul, Rick and Noel. They have been to there local climbing wall and wanted a day out on real rock. Today they climbed lots of routes, had a go at abseiling and setting up the ropes at the top.  Paul on Rammer's Route VS 5a

Kathrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14465351337530280571noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2555320035921419103.post-42533843090481618012011-08-28T18:19:00.000+01:002011-08-28T18:19:53.694+01:00

Paul and Andy have been in the Afon Ddu gorge this morning with a keen team, check out the Snowdonia Outdoor Adventure Facebook page for more info. James and I have been at Rhoscolyn enjoying dry weather on his first coastal rock climbs. We did symphony crack a great D ***. The headed over to crag X for some more fun. Last week I had a great week working on an Advanced Scrambling course. The

Kathrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14465351337530280571noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2555320035921419103.post-51641239504588082522011-08-23T18:26:00.001+01:002011-08-23T18:30:45.143+01:00

We have availability in September for rock, scrambling or mountain walking courses. September often has settled weather so get in touch if you are interested. August has had some great weather and some days of mixed showery weather, read on to find out what we have been up to. Showery weather has resulted in a few trips to the slate quarry's where the rock dries quickly.  Paul on Mad Dog of the

Kathrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14465351337530280571noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2555320035921419103.post-8956897862888047402011-07-28T19:51:00.000+01:002011-07-28T19:51:09.956+01:00

Yesterday evening Cath, Helen and myself headed into the Ogwen Valley and climbed Soap Gut. The route is a classic traditional style route that needs a period of dry weather for it to be climbable. The weather was fine and sunny, earlier in the day I had been on Carreg Wastad in the Pass climbing Skylon and Crackstone Rib.

Kathrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14465351337530280571noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2555320035921419103.post-13260203295648658162011-07-26T18:58:00.000+01:002011-07-26T18:58:47.039+01:00

Lou and I have been out in the Alps for the past week enjoying days of rain and snow! Well not exactly we managed to get a quick route in from the Furka Pass in eastern Switzerland on day one and then another early morning hit saw us traversing the Aiguille de la Le above the Moiry barrage in the Valais region of Switzerland. The rest of the trip was spent dodging the rain getting a few sports

Kathrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14465351337530280571noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2555320035921419103.post-87489641753563986002011-07-12T13:19:00.000+01:002011-07-12T13:19:11.382+01:00

Yesterday Luke had a long day out for Kathryn Bromfield Mountain Instruction with a team of 4 who are keen to complete the Welsh 3000ers. They had warm humid weather to complete the Snowdon group and Glyders. It was a long successful day,  today they have headed up for the final section on the Carneddau after a good nights sleep in the comfort of the Bryn Tyrch. The long tiring slog up the scree

Kathrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14465351337530280571noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2555320035921419103.post-5335740056927442522011-07-12T13:11:00.000+01:002011-07-12T13:11:55.358+01:00

Today and yesterday I have been out with Garry on some classic and esoteric scrambles in Snowdonia.  Yesterday we headed to Mynydd Mawr as a team of 3 with Paul. We climbed the atmospheric "Sentries' Ridge" a great route with an alpine feel to it - looseness, gandarmes, warm weather and a fine arete, the only unalpine thing was the midges. The aim of the day being for Garry to get some shots of

Kathrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14465351337530280571noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2555320035921419103.post-15862851528041254282011-06-27T19:07:00.000+01:002011-06-27T19:07:22.637+01:00

At the weekend a team of us headed up to Northumberland for some climbing at Bowden. The forecast was not great but plenty of 'highball' fun was had by all on the famous sandstone outcrop of the north east.

Kathrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14465351337530280571noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2555320035921419103.post-22269276078377988422011-06-04T17:12:00.001+01:002011-06-04T17:12:32.215+01:00

SKYE, a set on Flickr.

Kathrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14465351337530280571noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2555320035921419103.post-38492636615862004722011-06-04T16:46:00.001+01:002011-06-04T16:47:24.430+01:00

The final two days on Skye were not as great as 'Heather with the weather' forecast the 'you'll be lucky to find any rain in the UK' quote was far from the truth on this western Isle. However we did escape the worst rainfall by popping down to Elgol and going climbing - the team warmed up with some bouldering on the beach near Prince Charlies Cave, we then ascended a nice slab route before

Kathrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14465351337530280571noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2555320035921419103.post-63850561750554980642011-06-01T20:22:00.000+01:002011-06-01T20:22:16.211+01:00

Today was wet and windy - and some people required a rest, so we headed towards Elgol and went to explore the beautiful Spar Cave.

Kathrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14465351337530280571noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2555320035921419103.post-73971105689232122402011-05-31T20:31:00.000+01:002011-05-31T20:31:00.929+01:00

For the past two days I have been on Skye doing some scrambling / easy climbing. We have had fine weather (with heavy rain overnight) and completed the Pinnacle ridge on Sgurr nan Gillian and Clach-Glas Bla bheinn traverse today.  Rainbow on arrival on Sunday evening Fine views from Pinnacle Ridge  Clach Glas Traverse Easy scrambling to start... A fine view of the Cuillin Ridge The

Kathrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14465351337530280571noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2555320035921419103.post-85927090614751152912011-05-20T22:36:00.001+01:002011-05-22T20:50:08.632+01:00

This week I have been climbing with Kate on the limestone and granite of south Devon. We have visited Meadfoot quarry, Daddy Hole and Anstey's Cove in Torbay completing a couple of fun exciting traverse routes and some more traditional straight up lines in the quarry. We had a day of bouldering between showers at Combestone Tor and Bonehill rocks, Kate enjoyed testing out and building her trust

Kathrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14465351337530280571noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2555320035921419103.post-22257620248611090452011-05-18T12:24:00.000+01:002011-05-18T12:24:44.066+01:00

New Ski Touring video from trip in April.

Kathrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14465351337530280571noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2555320035921419103.post-67069198512581063842011-04-29T19:19:00.000+01:002011-04-29T19:19:43.440+01:00

For most of April Paul and I have been in France and Switzerland skiing and climbing. The first half of the trip was spent trying to get high enough early enough to enjoy some skiing in what were unseasonably warm conditions the second half we spent climbing in Provence. We had a warm day tour from Arolla at the start of the trip, then a few days rock climbing in Switzerland. At the end of the

Kathrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14465351337530280571noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2555320035921419103.post-67127049431216201122011-03-28T18:31:00.003+01:002011-03-31T10:21:58.969+01:00

On Sunday Luke took Barry around the Snowdon Horseshoe, they had fair weather with the sun teasing them for most of the day and finally poking through by mid afternoon. With warmer temperatures and the arrival of the weekend we decided to head rock climbing - Scottish winter is over for us! Conditions are still good high on the Ben with routes like Smith's, Indicator Wall, Good Friday Climb,

Kathrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14465351337530280571noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2555320035921419103.post-21671136114822393942011-03-25T18:02:00.000Z2011-03-25T18:02:04.100Z

Today Johnny and I decided to leave the winter climbing behind and start to look forward to a summer on rock. Ardverikie Wall is a route I have been wanting to do for ages, and Johnny was keen as soon as he heard about the *** and classic status it has! We had fine weather all day until we reached Kinguisse on the drive home where is started to rain. The route lives up to its reputation climbing

Kathrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14465351337530280571noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2555320035921419103.post-63369576118346482132011-03-24T18:53:00.000Z2011-03-24T18:53:35.492Z

Today Johnny and I headed into coire an't sneachda and Johnny led Jacob's Ladder. As the week has progressed Johnny's rope work and gear placement has improved, so today I set him loose on the sharp end. To make the most out of the route we split it into 5 pitches. The snow was firm in old footsteps but soft elsewhere. To finish off the day we headed over to the Mirror Direct for some steeper ice

Kathrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14465351337530280571noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2555320035921419103.post-34519361578876917392011-03-23T18:07:00.000Z2011-03-23T18:07:55.365Z

James, Scott and Steve and myself and Johnny headed up Ledge Route today. On arrival at the car park our fears that the forecast was right were confirmed. We had a warm walk up to the CIC hut, on arrival we decided that a ridge would be best. Ledge Route or Castle Ridge suited the bill and we went for Ledge Route. This classic mountaineering style grade II allowed Johnny a great opportunity to

Kathrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14465351337530280571noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2555320035921419103.post-47981702128881634102011-03-22T17:20:00.001Z2011-03-28T18:47:35.607+01:00

This week I am working for James of woodhousemountaineering.com, with Steve, Scott and Johnny. After a rather wet and windy day in coire an't sneachda on Monday we decided to focus on the rope work and movement side of things and go to the coast and do some rock climbing - all things being good the temperatures were going to cool down today to allow some fun on snow and ice again. The northern

Kathrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14465351337530280571noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2555320035921419103.post-2400344471537841362011-03-19T20:46:00.001Z2011-03-20T10:47:51.617Z

For the last few days Paul and I have been working for and with Gareth (sea2summit) and a team from Ireland. We headed up to Dorsal Arete on Friday hoping for a good track in, we broke in a new trail to the bottom of the route as over night snow had covered tracks from the previous days teams. Snowy belay on Dorsal Today we headed up to the East Ridge of the North Buttress on Stob Ban, a good

Kathrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14465351337530280571noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2555320035921419103.post-29157761407585196062011-03-18T19:27:00.001Z2011-03-23T18:22:30.093Z

On Tuesday Sheila and I headed to a white Cairngorm to do some ski touring - once in the white room we decided that the best option would be to summit cairngorm and ski back down for soup in the Mountain Cafe - skiing just isn't that fun when you need to get the compass out. After this short day on the hill I was ready for a real slog into meggie for the final two days of a winter ML training

Kathrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14465351337530280571noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2555320035921419103.post-41258911691862179362011-03-14T23:43:00.000Z2011-03-14T23:43:46.515Z

Garry and I decided to take the gamble of making a long drive north to Sutherland. Unsure of conditions were thought we may have ended up spending the day in the cafes of Ullapool. However, after driving along roads with huge piles of snow beside them as we drove north of Ullapool the mountains were less snow bound and the day looked promising. At the car park the ground was frozen and it was a

Kathrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14465351337530280571noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2555320035921419103.post-64386736314533961602011-03-12T18:34:00.000Z2011-03-12T18:34:16.291Z

Snow began to fall in Grantown around 9am and has gradually increased through the day, more of the white stuff is forecast for the next few days, so the skiing will be great, but sadly the climbing may be hard to access due to avalanche conditions and the sheer volume of snow to wade through.

Kathrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14465351337530280571noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2555320035921419103.post-4752052142972454162011-03-10T19:54:00.001Z2011-03-10T19:55:08.221Z

For the last 4 days I have been working for Gareth with Angus. On Monday we made the most of better weather and headed up Ledge route for Angus' first winter climb. Tuesday we headed east to try and make the most of better? conditions and opted for The Slant on the Mess of Potage, this allowed for a quick ascent and return to the Cas Bar for a coffee without getting too wind blown or wet. On

Kathrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14465351337530280571noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2555320035921419103.post-92068451091973562072011-03-06T20:16:00.001Z2011-03-06T20:22:17.919Z

Today Tony and headed into Coire an-t sneachda and climbed Spiral Gully. This was Tony's first experience of winter climbing and he was smiling all the way. It was a busy social ascent with lots of teams on the main gully lines today and also plenty of people out ski touring. Fiacaill Couloir, Red Gully, Goat Track Gully, The Runnel, Central and Crotched gullies, Aladdin's Mirror Direct, Patey's

Kathrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14465351337530280571noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2555320035921419103.post-10726139381703848482011-03-05T18:24:00.000Z2011-03-05T18:24:16.934Z

Yesterday Clare and I headed over to the Ben and had a damp day on the gully's of the trident buttress. Today however has had a much drier and brighter start. I met Tony off the sleeper train and we headed up to the ski car park. With the sun breaking though the thin cloud we headed to the fiacaill ridge. On the we enjoyed fine views of the western hills and Ben Nevis poking through the clouds

Kathrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14465351337530280571noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2555320035921419103.post-68117224415861575412011-03-03T19:34:00.000Z2011-03-03T19:34:29.528Z

Today Clare and I decided to go for a little ski in the Cairngorms. The weather was warm and sky cloudy, but we persisted in skinning up fiacaill coire cas. Once at the top of the ridge the cloud lifted giving us a view of the coire's - black buttresses and some very scoured patches. We then headed up Cairngorm to enjoy a good ski on spring snow back down and headed to the cafe. 

Kathrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14465351337530280571noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2555320035921419103.post-59604662198332056312011-03-02T20:41:00.001Z2011-03-02T20:42:41.785Z

On Tuesday I was working for Gaz with Ed. We headed up into Stob Coire nan Lochan to spend the day developing Ed's gear placement and understanding of different rope techniques. Ed has a few high altitude peaks on his climbing  c.v. and is keen to develop his skills to take him beyond fixed line jumaring. In the lochan we opted for Dorsal Arete as a variety of belays can be used on this route.

Kathrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14465351337530280571noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2555320035921419103.post-34220967513962829392011-02-28T20:56:00.001Z2011-03-04T20:36:09.501Z

Today Paul, Garry and I headed into Creag Meagaidh to make the most of the perfect forecast and climb some ice. The last route the three of us did together on the mountain was in similar conditions - Smith's Gully last year. The car park was quiet, not what we were expecting, but at least we wouldn't have to get a sweat on walking in. Garry could listen to his german techno without having to keep

Kathrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14465351337530280571noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2555320035921419103.post-53083144631474696412011-02-26T10:21:00.002Z2011-02-26T10:25:36.980Z

On Tuesday I was out with the Navy doing a refresher of Winter Mountain Leader Ropework, we headed up into the Cas and worked on digging text book snow belays in beautiful weather conditions.  Wednesday & Thursday saw a dramatic change in the weather. I headed west to work at PyB with 3 young, keen Lithuanians, Paul had spent the start of the week mountaineering with them. The plan was to get on

Kathrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14465351337530280571noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2555320035921419103.post-3109984700189649362011-02-20T20:45:00.001Z2011-02-20T20:46:56.677Z

The forecast was better for today with lower wind speeds and little precipitation, however the Cairngorm's have been shrouded in storm clouds throughout the day. On arriving at Glenmore and after talking to the team we decided that an ascent of Meal a'Bhuacaille would be the appropriate adventure. We used the track to Ryvoan Bothy to look at timing and pacing, enjoyed 'elevenses' at the bothy and

Kathrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14465351337530280571noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2555320035921419103.post-76864349115901787302011-02-19T18:43:00.000Z2011-02-19T18:43:26.786Z

Today I was out with 4 clients from Glenmore Lodge who have their sights set on Island Peak next year. So today we looked at movement on different types of terrain and using crampons. The ski road was shut today due to strong winds at the car park. With the windy weather and high avalanche forecast we needed to stay low anyway, so opted for a walk towards the chalaimain gap and picked up lots of

Kathrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14465351337530280571noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2555320035921419103.post-38184523424507066782011-02-18T22:29:00.000Z2011-02-18T22:29:55.202Z

Yesterday Jim, Dave and I headed up into SCNL to climb Dorsal Arete. The day started with a fine blue sky and gentle plod up the hill. There were plenty of teams out on the harder mixed lines. The route was busy but sociable, by the time we had got to the fin the cloud had started to drop, blowing in and out. Cameras were poised and the view would disappear, camera away and back it would come.

Kathrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14465351337530280571noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2555320035921419103.post-37294044737805503262011-02-14T12:19:00.000Z2011-02-14T12:19:28.259Z

I have 2 spaces left on a winter mountaineering weekend 5th & 6th March, based in Aviemore.  The course will aim to cover movement techniques on steeper terrain, the use of the rope in winter mountaineering - bucket seat and buried axe belays, abseiling off a bollard, belaying techniques; navigation and avalanche awareness. If the weather and conditions are appropriate we will aim to head to the

Kathrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14465351337530280571noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2555320035921419103.post-73368798937097665042011-02-13T19:37:00.000Z2011-02-13T19:37:06.346Z

Today Karl and I headed to the flanks of the Fiacaill ridge to dig some bucket seat and buried axe belays, abseil off some bollards and get back to the van avoiding any avalanches. We started the day with a knot tying session indoors, perfecting the clove hitch and rethreaded overhand knot and then headed out in to the whiteness. Rain turned to sleet and wet snow as we approached the car park,

Kathrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14465351337530280571noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2555320035921419103.post-90973779295975183612011-02-12T20:19:00.001Z2011-02-12T20:21:31.300Z

With an OK forecast and a  "well, it won't be a bad day, let's get a journey in before storm force winds tomorrow" conversation this morning, Karl and I headed in towards the Fiacaill ridge with our team of Intro Winter Mountaineer's from Glenmore Lodge. The closer we got the clearer the skies, the OK forecast turned into a stunning day. We had heard of two avalanches already kicking off in the

Kathrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14465351337530280571noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2555320035921419103.post-57394870303569751182011-02-11T10:23:00.001Z2011-02-11T10:24:51.254Z

Yesterday the Plas y Brenin Scottish winter mountaineering teams made the most of the beautiful weather by heading up the Carn Mor Dearg Arete and on to Ben Nevis. We made speedy progress around the loop with perfect conditions underfoot and the sun on our backs for most of the day. All the movement skills that have been consolidated through the week were put to use as we made progress along our

Kathrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14465351337530280571noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2555320035921419103.post-5881181151835609102011-02-09T18:04:00.000Z2011-02-09T18:04:07.870Z

Sunday was a great day weather wise for the final day of Glenmore Lodge's winter mountaineering course. Karl and I took the team up to coire cas and got involved in digging bucket seat and buried axe belays. We tested our buried axes with a bit of heave ho! And then did a few pitches up the side of the ridge to top out on to some much harder snow. It was busy all over the place in the Cairngorm's

Kathrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14465351337530280571noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2555320035921419103.post-28994438499152732682011-02-05T21:56:00.001Z2011-02-05T21:58:43.175Z

Today I have been in the Cairngorm's working on a winter mountaineering weekend course for Glenmore Lodge. The freezing level has dropped since yesterday afternoon resulting in a stable snow pack with 'bullet' hard snow on aspects with snow cover, and some serious run outs in places. Karl and I had a team of 6 to put through their paces! We headed towards Coire an Lochain this morning with a few 

Kathrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14465351337530280571noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2555320035921419103.post-59118017020958515102011-02-03T21:59:00.000Z2011-02-03T21:59:12.862Z

This week I have been working on the west coast for Plas y Brenin on the Godfrey Jackson Memorial Scottish Winter Mountaineering course for young adults of 18 - 23. Tim and I had a banter filled week with the team of 8 in trying weather conditions. We summited Stob Dubh on Buchaille Etive Beag on Sunday and practised our crampons and step cutting skills. Went for a slide around on a snow patch in

Kathrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14465351337530280571noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2555320035921419103.post-68741728105977794572011-01-28T21:02:00.000Z2011-01-28T21:02:18.858Z

Yesterday Paul, Matt & I headed to Lochnagar to climb the classic Cold Climb tick of Eagle Ridge VI 6 ****. It was a stunning day with clear skies, some butch climbing and great satisfaction at the end of it. Lochnagar Eagle Ridge  Matt finding a rest Coire an t'sneachda this morning - busy busy crag Carn Etchecan and Shelterstone looking good Matt enjoying the ice in the sun! Slabby ice on

Kathrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14465351337530280571noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2555320035921419103.post-74869935950823395742011-01-26T17:43:00.000Z2011-01-26T17:43:44.350Z

Paul, Matt and I headed into Coire an t'sneachda and climbed Wavelength III 4 * and Red Gully II/III*. Two great little routes on a real winters day. Enjoyable mixed climbing on Wavelength An Icy Red Gully

Kathrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14465351337530280571noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2555320035921419103.post-60440153823976717832011-01-24T19:26:00.000Z2011-01-24T19:26:43.793Z

Today Matt and I headed hopefully into Creag Meagaidh and the gamble paid off, with thaw conditions forecast we were just hoping that the ice wouldn't be too mushy and any big cornices had already fallen off. So an uncertain 'let's have a look' turned into a successful day with a Cold Climb tick on The Wand.

Kathrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14465351337530280571noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2555320035921419103.post-84500879616891301042011-01-24T19:01:00.000Z2011-01-24T19:01:37.760Z

Over the weekend I was working on a Winter Mountaineering course for Adventure Peaks. On Saturday I was out on Aonach Mor refreshing some winter mountaineering skills; constructing bucket seat and axe belays and snow bollards. We were also lucky enough to enjoy some fine views. Looking East from the east side of the Nid ridge Conquering the cornice On Sunday we headed up the North ridge of

Kathrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14465351337530280571noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2555320035921419103.post-50422082240663143002011-01-20T22:34:00.002Z2011-01-21T11:39:39.251Z

With fresh legs we decided to make the long walk to The Stuic to sample a different sector of climbing at Lochnagar. The Stuic is a smaller 2 pitch cliff with lots of routes on it - a shame about the 9km walk in. We climbed Twilight Groove a turfy little number, and then walked over Carn a Choire Bhoidheach and Carn an t-Sagairt Beag making the most of the fine weather to bag two munros we might

Kathrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14465351337530280571noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2555320035921419103.post-55454615054242591422011-01-18T21:45:00.001Z2011-01-18T21:55:26.945Z

Today Garry, Paul and myself made the most of the stable snow conditions and dry weather in the Cairngorms and headed over to Carn Etchachan. We decided to do The Guillotine V,6 ***, a great route well worth the stars. Some corner pitches lead to the Guillotine chimney where one makes upward progress underneath the guillotine wedge of rock, a further groove pitch leads to the top. Looking back

Kathrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14465351337530280571noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2555320035921419103.post-72740529865769751242011-01-17T17:57:00.000Z2011-01-17T17:57:23.646Z

A mizzly start at our meeting point in Inverdruie, and negative thoughts about the wind and rain encountered on route did have us discussing the Aviemore coffee shop options. However we managed to talk ourselves in to at least going for a look. By the time we had reached coire an 't sneachda the weather was improving and we could see some blue sky, so up and over the goat track we went.  Once

Kathrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14465351337530280571noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2555320035921419103.post-20117062652730197432011-01-16T17:57:00.000Z2011-01-16T17:57:36.480Z

I have returned to the ciste today with a fresh bunch of students on the MCofS 1 day winter skills courses. It was a much brighter and drier day than yesterday and we enjoyed some good views. The temperatures were still above freezing and the snow pack thawing. We looked at cutting steps, using crampons, ice axe arrest, and even ventured up to the ridge to try out the windy conditions.

Kathrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14465351337530280571noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2555320035921419103.post-34124772186189284112011-01-15T18:53:00.001Z2011-01-16T17:51:56.501Z

I have been out today with a team on a 1 day MCofS winter skills course. We braved the wind and rain up at the ciste, honing our keeping warm and comfortable skills, our not letting things blow away skills and having a look at movement over different types of terrain, using the ice axe and crampons and lots of talking about route choice and avalanche avoidance. A Black Ciste crag

Kathrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14465351337530280571noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2555320035921419103.post-80793381826702035032011-01-13T13:05:00.000Z2011-01-13T13:05:41.692Z

Snowdonia Outdoor Adventure has been granted an AALA license. This is a legal requirement to work with young people and by holding this license AALA ensure that Snowdonia Outdoor Adventure follows good safety management practices. so if you are interested in bringing a group of young people to Snowdonia for a week of adventure activities (rock climbing, ice climbing, hill walking, gorge

Kathrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14465351337530280571noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2555320035921419103.post-38293571507307840982011-01-12T16:52:00.003Z2011-01-12T18:16:36.382Z

Warm conditions today, wet and windy up in the ski car park first thing this morning. We could see avalanche activity below the ski road at 8am this morning. During the coffee and hot chocolate crawl around Aviemore later on we have heard reports of debris at the bottom of the trident gully's. Special offer courses for Half Term week 21st -25th February, click on the links to find out more -

Kathrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14465351337530280571noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2555320035921419103.post-25401432821956778982011-01-11T20:07:00.000Z2011-01-11T20:07:49.458Z

Paul, Matt and I headed into a white corrie this morning with the intention of climbing Pot of Gold, 2 pitches done and I misunderstood instructions as to where to go and headed into the final groove on Droidless. A cloudy start finished with beautiful blue sky day. The snow has been blown around quiet a bit, on descent and the walk in there were noticeable scoured and wind slab covered sections

Kathrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14465351337530280571noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2555320035921419103.post-13948988286152854282011-01-09T20:05:00.000Z2011-01-09T20:05:44.930Z

Today was another day out on the hill with the second MCofS Winter Skills day course of the weekend. We planned to head back to the Ciste, however the road was shut due to a vehicle getting stuck, so we headed to Meal a Buchaille and managed to find some older firm snow patches to introduce crampons and the ice axe. With the lower altitude the snow pack was less 'interesting' avalanche wise -

Kathrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14465351337530280571noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2555320035921419103.post-56485588722228373272011-01-08T20:35:00.000Z2011-01-08T20:35:43.105Z

A snowy start to the day finished off with some great views. Today I was working for the MCofS on a 1 day winter skills course. The course was based at Glenmore Lodge and we headed up to the ciste to look at movement on snow and ice with crampons and without, step cutting, use of the axe, some avalanche awareness and ice axe braking. 

Kathrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14465351337530280571noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2555320035921419103.post-79185625393546147702011-01-07T18:53:00.000Z2011-01-07T18:53:52.052Z

With a perfect weather forecast and the desire to keep away from the crowds in the northern corries Paul and I headed to Lurcher's. This time to tick the classic Central Gully, and again great minds think alike Catrin and Di were there too.  The Sgorans in the morning light Where is all that snow blowing from? Ah the south Paul enjoying some ice A fine vista from the top

Kathrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14465351337530280571noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2555320035921419103.post-81821599105852306092011-01-05T16:55:00.000Z2011-01-05T16:55:29.218Z

Today Paul and I headed to Lurcher's and enjoyed Window Gully, a nice IV 4 with a funky window to go through at the top! It was a breezy walk over straight into the wind, and the descent down South Gully (I) was nice a firm. The climb was a mixture of icy pitches and snowy ones. The rocks are fairly dry making belay construction and gear finding a breeze in comparison with what we experienced 

Kathrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14465351337530280571noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2555320035921419103.post-24210648283591784262011-01-04T17:06:00.000Z2011-01-04T17:06:20.333Z

Today Paul and I headed into Coire an Lochan to get an idea of what conditions are like. We were a lonely team on number 2 buttress, and did not see anyone else climbing in the corrie, unlike sneachda next door. On the walk in we counted over 40 little people heading to the people's corrie after our route we descended the Fiacaill ridge and met a team who had climbed Invernookie they reported

Kathrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14465351337530280571noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2555320035921419103.post-60744887193794005152010-12-24T15:14:00.001Z2011-01-13T12:49:24.249Z

Headed out for a little bit of exercise on the planks whilst Richard went pheasant hunting,  before we helped to move the sheep.  Crispy snow, firm enough to hold the skis on top, did a couple of downhill sections with a few turns - the slopes aren't as big as they were when I was younger though!

Kathrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14465351337530280571noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2555320035921419103.post-53834332154256270312010-12-23T22:18:00.000Z2010-12-23T22:18:11.036Z

Kathrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14465351337530280571noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2555320035921419103.post-58544161306234380372010-12-19T19:09:00.001Z2010-12-19T19:27:27.734Z

Being stuck in Bethesda may not sound very appealing, with the car stuck at the bottom of the road outside my house (and pretty much everyone else's too), Paul and I headed up to the upper part of Bethesda yesterday afternoon to meet up with Helen and head out onto the hills behind her house, we bagged Y Gyrn and had a great little ski off the top over to Lefn and back to Tanyfoel. The streets

Kathrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14465351337530280571noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2555320035921419103.post-13867727561255894842010-12-17T10:16:00.000Z2010-12-17T10:16:34.586Z

Since Tuesday the weather has been warmer, Paul tried to get out winter climbing on Wednesday but ended up in the Llanberis Slate quarries having a fun time trying some of the routes in there that have been drilled out for climbing with axes and crampons. I have spent the last few days attending christmas meals with different employers. Last night the snow started to fall again and there are

Kathrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14465351337530280571noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2555320035921419103.post-87029599774039439542010-12-14T21:17:00.000Z2010-12-14T21:17:02.916Z

Today and yesterday I have been working on a Winter Mountain Preparation course at Plas y Brenin. We had a big course and split up into smaller groups. Phil and I took our group up Moel Siabod on monday heading round to the south ridge. We were able to find some hard neve patches to practise some boot work on and then enjoyed a rimed up scramble up the ridge, and hard snow for the descent back

Kathrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14465351337530280571noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2555320035921419103.post-77118320163500319582010-12-12T19:30:00.000Z2010-12-12T19:30:01.970Z

This weekend I have been working on a Winter Walking Essentials course at Plas y Brenin. On Saturday we concentrated on navigation on the flanks of Moel Siabod and some cramponing on the brenin 'glacier' as the temperature in the mountains was above freezing. Today we put the new found crampon skills to the test on Pen yr Ole Wen. It was a beautiful day with good conditions for practising kicking

Kathrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14465351337530280571noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2555320035921419103.post-35899841329323446082010-12-07T21:49:00.000Z2010-12-07T21:49:43.517Z

Lou and I headed to the south part of the National Park today and climbed Maesglasau Falls IV 4 ***. A great fun day out, fairly busy with 5 teams getting up the route, this did not spoil the day though as it was quite sociable. 

Kathrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14465351337530280571noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2555320035921419103.post-55686758719411550432010-12-06T17:46:00.000Z2010-12-06T17:46:29.588Z

Today Paul and I skied up Pen yr Helgi Du to enjoy the sunshine and fine views on offer. We bumped into a few groups from local centres out enjoying the fine views and a snowboarder, much quieter than further down the Ogwen Valley where the parking was as rammed as at the weekend. Tryfan & Y Garn Descent down Y Briach, patches of great snow and patches of vegetation The final trudge to the

Kathrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14465351337530280571noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2555320035921419103.post-22732520818877150402010-12-05T19:41:00.000Z2010-12-05T19:41:34.946Z

This weekend I have been working on a Winter Skills Course at Plas y Brenin with Dino. We had 10 clients who all wanted to get out and learn about how to get out in winter conditions. On Saturday we headed up in to Cwm Lloer and looked at movement skills, cramponing, personal organisation in winter and chatted about the weather and avalanches. Today the groups split in to two teams one team went

Kathrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14465351337530280571noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2555320035921419103.post-41078795616075543862010-12-03T19:47:00.000Z2010-12-03T19:47:06.482Z

Today Paul, Keith and I headed up to Glyder Fawr upper cliff to do Central Gully, IV 4, a "Cold Climbs" tick and a route I had fancied for a while it having been recommended by Baggy a few years ago when we did a quick ascent of East Gully and a route called Fire Escape. The route provided nice climbing on frozen turf and snow with a funky squeeze (sans rucksack) behind a large chockstone on the

Kathrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14465351337530280571noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2555320035921419103.post-38552710381657794782010-12-01T20:15:00.002Z2010-12-21T16:21:48.562Z

On Wednesday Gaz, Paul and myself headed up to Glyder Fach and made the first winter ascent of Oblique Gully. We thought it to be about V 6, with the first pitch being a fun yet thuggy chimney / squeeze, the second more technical hooking and torquing and the third a more traditional turfy groove. It may have been climbed early enough to just make its way into the new North Wales Winter Climbs

Kathrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14465351337530280571noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2555320035921419103.post-11580287920941729262010-11-30T19:06:00.000Z2010-11-30T19:06:19.181Z

Today Paul and I headed into the Carneddau and enjoyed two routes high up in Cwm Lloer. We enjoyed the place to ourselves with just a few walkers around down by the Llyn. Another cold day with a slight breeze most importantly though the turf was well frozen for great winter climbing Looking down the Ogwen Valley today Craig Lloer East Ridge  Grooved Rib

Kathrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14465351337530280571noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2555320035921419103.post-26045846043652105952010-11-29T10:54:00.000Z2010-11-29T10:54:37.780Z

Pen Yr Ole Wen from Glyder Fawr Main Cliff   Nant Ffrancon People have been out on the classic Snowdonia ridges - Crib Goch, Tryfan, Y Gribin, Crib Lem etc and climbing on Glyder Fach, Glyder Fawr, Black Ladders, Clogwyn Du. The ice is not great yet, still quite cruddy and water courses insulated by the snow, but give it a few more days and I am sure it will be good. So if you are keen to get

Kathrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14465351337530280571noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2555320035921419103.post-6801358940344539812010-11-24T16:38:00.000Z2010-11-24T16:38:32.510Z

A great day at Gandia on Sunday - though still not quite strong enough for some of the overhanging tufa stuff. Very windy day but perfect temperature and sunny all day with great views out to the coast and back towards Montgo.  We headed to Calpe on Tuesday to climb on the Penon d'Ifach. We did Via UBSA a 9/10 pitch (1 abseil pitch) HVS. A great route even though some of the lower half of it is a

Kathrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14465351337530280571noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2555320035921419103.post-61103421663832490522010-11-20T16:03:00.001Z2010-11-20T18:43:57.178Z

Paul and I are in the Costa Blanca enjoying some sunny rock climbing. So far we have been to Aventador, Alcalali and a coastal crag near Cumbre del Sol. Paul climbing at Aventador Aventador Scenic coastal climbing near Javea Perfect cave belay to shelter from a short rain shower. If you fancy some rock climbing on the Costa Blanca get in touch and we can organise a course -

Kathrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14465351337530280571noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2555320035921419103.post-72738473589361780442010-11-07T20:29:00.000Z2010-11-07T20:29:02.739Z

We headed to Tremadog again today to finish off the other good looking routes on Midas buttress with Steve. It was lovely and warm in the sunshine a beautiful day and with snow on the higher peaks perfect views. A pretty covering of Snow on the Carneddau this morning Inspired? if so have a look at the range of winter mountaineering and skills courses or winter climbing courses available this

Kathrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14465351337530280571noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2555320035921419103.post-41874566753562051062010-11-07T20:22:00.000Z2010-11-07T20:22:11.975Z

Paul and I headed to the quieter Tremadog crag on Saturday - Craig y Gesail and had a great time climbing on rough unpolished dolerite. The clouds starting to roll in before the rain Touch Up a brilliant E1 on the far buttress

Kathrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14465351337530280571noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2555320035921419103.post-19733280059956439692010-11-03T17:54:00.000Z2010-11-03T17:54:36.458Z

Over the last 2 days Paul and I have been climbing in the Peak, on Tuesday we were beaten to the crag by rain we spent some time looking around the crag in the rain and finally headed to Black Rocks to climb a few easy routes and eye up some other ones. Paul eyeing (dreaming) up Meshunga the classic Hard Grit route Today we headed to Cratcliffe and managed to climb Suicide Wall before it

Kathrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14465351337530280571noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2555320035921419103.post-36408671734915430442010-11-03T17:44:00.000Z2010-11-03T17:44:04.223Z

At the weekend I worked on a navigation skills course at Plas y Brenin. We spent Saturday refreshing our skills and perfecting techniques for night navigation. On Saturday evening we headed out to do some night navigation opposite the Pen y Gwyrd. Sunday allowed us to piece all the nuts and blots together and have a journey up Siabod. We were treated to this fantastic still view of the Snowdon

Kathrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14465351337530280571noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2555320035921419103.post-90207755332680317722010-10-29T20:15:00.002+01:002010-10-29T20:16:48.203+01:00

Last Saturday I worked on a Discover Rock course at Plas y Brenin, Helen and I took the team to Lion Rock and then on to Bus Stop having seen the quick progress and fluid movement they were making at Lion Rock. We survived a few cold rain and hail showers but had a sunny forecast to look forward to on the Sunday. To make the most of the sunny weather we headed to Clogwyn yr Oen in the Moelwyns.

Kathrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14465351337530280571noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2555320035921419103.post-37920869287191060262010-10-22T19:59:00.001+01:002010-10-22T20:01:23.575+01:00

Paul and I have spent the last few days climbing on Limestone, a variety of different types from amazing pockets to snappy fossils. We headed to the Wye valley and sampled some of its finest at Shorn Cliff, then on to the more adventurous Wintour's Leap and Wynd Cliff for a double crag day! Shorncliff - home to *** HVS's amazing pocketed rock and brilliant natural gear too!! Looking down towards

Kathrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14465351337530280571noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2555320035921419103.post-51107810742759729282010-10-13T22:52:00.000+01:002010-10-13T22:52:13.293+01:00

Today Cath, Lou and I decided to have an adventure and headed out to Anglesey to do a huge sea level traverse. All kitted up in wetsuits we started at Porth Dafarch and headed towards South Stack, a huge journey and along the way we bumped into seals, cormorants, fishermen and LEA centre groups. Though for most of the day we had the coast line to ourselves enjoying some great climbing and a fair

Kathrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14465351337530280571noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2555320035921419103.post-18584581773083812992010-10-12T21:19:00.000+01:002010-10-12T21:19:51.437+01:00

Al and I headed up on to Lliwedd (the mountain used for practise for the early Everest expeditions) after he had finished work down at Bryn Gwynant YHA. We set off early afternoon and enjoyed Slanting Buttress Ridge Route. For Al the last of the Lliwedd routes in the Paul Williams Rock Climbing in Snowdonia selected guide book to tick off - 'not that he is ticking it though'. For me I have a few

Kathrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14465351337530280571noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2555320035921419103.post-39567386878349006182010-10-11T18:38:00.001+01:002010-10-11T18:50:01.172+01:00

Today I headed out again with Rob and Peter working for the Rock Climbing Company. We decided to make the most of the fabulous weather in the mountains and head to a classic venue as the temperature was not too cold. So we headed to the Slabs - a trip down memory lane for Rob who had climbed there in his youth and an exciting bigger scale adventure for Peter who has just climbed on the Gritstone

Kathrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14465351337530280571noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2555320035921419103.post-78395486298662697422010-10-10T21:48:00.001+01:002010-10-10T21:48:48.240+01:00

Today I have been out with Rob and Peter on a rock climbing course working for the Rock Climbing Company. We headed to Tremadog as it was gloomy and windy in the mountains this morning. We had fine warm weather all day it was fantastic - perfect October weather.  Rob and Peter wanted to have a rock climbing refresher so we headed to Oberon so they could get back into the swing of building belays

Kathrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14465351337530280571noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2555320035921419103.post-6171862112141121392010-10-09T20:55:00.001+01:002010-10-09T21:04:57.502+01:00

Today I have been to Gogarth with Paul - we opted for an esoteric route which proved to be interesting - great position not such great rock - Mistaken Identity was the name of the route, an HVS which traverses the Flytrap cave. It was a real Gogarth adventure with a spicy approach and loose finish. The first pitch traversed in towards the cave The second entered the damp recess and involved a

Kathrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14465351337530280571noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2555320035921419103.post-79108492088179427992010-10-08T20:13:00.000+01:002010-10-08T20:13:00.233+01:00

Neuadd Dwyfor, Pwllheli 01758 704088 Theatr a Sinema • Theatre & Cinema www.gwyned.gov.uk/neuadd-dwyfor Ffilm • Film The Wildest Dream: Conquest of Everest (PG) Tachwedd • November 4, 5 a 6 Iau, Gwener a Sadwrn • Thursday, Friday & Saturday 7.30pm £4.50 (£3.50 gost•conc) Trwy gyfrwng lluniau trawiadol tu hwnt, dyma hanes George Mallory, y gorllewinwr cyntaf i geisio cyrraedd copa Everest,

Kathrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14465351337530280571noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2555320035921419103.post-86779894023658945882010-10-06T21:38:00.000+01:002010-10-06T21:38:00.413+01:00

Kathrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14465351337530280571noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2555320035921419103.post-59691780596173089282010-10-04T23:02:00.000+01:002010-10-04T23:02:22.206+01:00

Today I was out with Alex and Sam who have had a session in their local wall having been inspired to give climbing a go after watching a program about the Eiger on BBC 4!  We had a great morning at the Pinnacles thinking about movement over rock and perfecting tying in and belaying.  Alex enjoying some tricky moves in the sunshine This afternoon we headed to Tryfan Bach to see what multi pitch

Kathrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14465351337530280571noreply@blogger.com0