Peak Mountaineering
The climbing blog of Paul Lewis
Archive for February, 2010
February 24, 2010 at 7:08 pm · Filed under peak mountaineering
For my third day with Darren we had an outline plan to complete the Carn Mor Dearg arete on Ben Nevis. Unfortunately, as always, plans need to be adaptable and we walked from the dam to find increasingly strong winds and drifting snow. So we changed the plan to visiting the CIC hut and spending some time working on winter skills near the hut. This suited Darren as he had never had a chance to see the North Face of Ben Nevis and the CIC hut plus he had tired legs after our last 2 full mountian days.
As we walked up the final steepening to the hut we were met by three walkers who had witnessed someone being caught in a small avalanche near the area known as the Organ Pipes (a buttress below the hut where several small ice falls form). I went to the hut, called in the accident to the Fort William police and summoned a group from the hut to help. Darren very kindly agreed to walk back to the vehicle at the Dam with another mountaineer and I headed across to find a man who had tumbled down steep rocky ground and had severe multiple injuries. We did our best to stabilise him and keep him as comfortable as possible before a helicopter from RAF Lossiemouth transported him to the Belford hospital in Fort William. Later in the day I was asked to give a statement to the police and my hope is the gentleman will make a good recovery.
The casualty was a very experienced climber and he had just been knocked off balance by a small section of snow that slid as he travelled across it. As with many Scottish avalanches it was the broken ground he travelled over which caused the injuries and the accident provided a sobering reminder about the serious nature of the mountains in winter. Many thanks to everyone that put in a great team effort to help on the mountain.
February 23, 2010 at 11:51 pm · Filed under peak mountaineering
Over the last few days I’ve been joined in Scotland by returning client Darren. Darren is fairly new to hillwalking but he is building up a considerable number of quality days in a very short time and is one of the most enthuistic hill goers I’ve ever had the chance to work with. Luckily, the last couple of days have shown him some of the best winter conditions and weather Scotland has enjoyed in ages.
Yesterday we headed up to Bidean Nam Bian via Coire Nan Lochan and Georr Aonach in beautiful sunshine and brilliant winter conditions. Despite only trying them briefly last year Darren took to using an ice axe and crampons in no time and we covered some key skills as we travelled. The skies stayed blue all day and we had amazing views across to Skye as well as the northern and southern ranges (I’ll post some photos ASAP). We completed the loop by dropping into the Lost Valley (which has a special place in Glencoe history).
From the top of Lochain Darren had spent some time talking about the Aonach Eagach Ridge and what a fine winter challenge it presents so today we left a car at the top of Glencoe and a car at the bottom and made an early start on what is one of the very finest Scottish ridges. Darren’s confidence grew with each tricky step and narrow ridge traverse and we completed the ridge in time for a celebratory beer in the Clachaig. Another day of great company and the most amazing weather - just what the mountains are all about.
February 20, 2010 at 10:43 pm · Filed under peak mountaineering
Over the last few days Peak Mountaineering has been running some climbing sessions for local school children. I started my climbing career as a young cub scout and it’s always been a big part of our ethos to try and introduce the next generation to the sport that has given us so much.
So, over three days 2 groups came for 3 mornings or afternoons of introductory climbing and skill development. They saw, climbed, belayed, bouldered, shouted (quite a lot!) and laughed their way through some of the best instructor fun I’ve had in ages. Many thanks to Amy and Paul for making the sessions possible and a massive well done to all the little cragrats. Now, just MAKE SURE you keep it up!
February 16, 2010 at 8:15 pm · Filed under peak mountaineering
I know the RAF are no strangers to navigation but their younger colleagues have to start somewhere. So, over the last few days Steve and I have delivering an NNAS bronze level navigation course down at RAF Cosford. The base is a great place to spend a few days and the team were kind enough to put me up in my own three bedroom house for the duration - many thanks.
We spent a day learning essential skills and exploring the trails around the base then on day 2 we battled arctic conditions putting it all into practice at Cannock Chase. The team were great fun and picked up all the key skills really well. The second part of day 2 was spent assessing their ability to find various small features around the Chase and I’m happy to say they all passed with flying colours (RAF - flying colours……..get it?).
Thanks for a great few days to all at Cosford.
February 15, 2010 at 6:30 pm · Filed under peak mountaineering
Over the last few days I’ve been delivering some training for an expedition team heading to Borneo this summer. They have a varied itinerary with time in the forests, rafting and even an ascent of Mt Kinabalu - so we had to fit in everything from high altitude mountaineering to sleeping in hammocks! They were a brilliant team so I’ve got no doubt they will have a fantastic expedition and my best wishes to them.
February 5, 2010 at 9:57 pm · Filed under peak mountaineering
It’s been a journey. A trainers course, a First Aid at Work course, a lot of research and home study, attending a selection of courses as an observer, assisting on a variety of courses and then final observations by a trainer…………but we’re there! As of Tuesday Peak Mountaineering can offer a range of first aid courses including the sought after ITC 16 hour Outdoor First Aid qualification required to validate many NGB awards.
We’ll get some information on the website as soon as our feet touch the ground but if you want to arrange a course for yourself, your club or organisation please give us a call and we’ll be happy to help. And yep……it does feel good!
