Winter Programme 2016/17
Welcome
Equipment
Welcome to our winter adult community programme. This winter season we are running all the usual activities folk have come to expect from Scotland’s leading mountain sports community programme. Our long established programme brings the wonderful Scottish winter mountain environment to all those with a sense of adventure.
Our comprehensive stores have a full range of modern equipment for all of our courses. The stores will be open on the morning of your course for you to borrow anything you need. All this is included in the course fee. Of course you are welcome to use any of your own equipment on our courses if agreed with the instructor on the day.
We run single day outings, multi-day trips and linked skills courses. In fact we have something for everyone whatever your aspirations and ability.
www.falkirkcommunitytrust.org/List
Transport and Venues All our courses start and finish from our main office at Victoria buildings and transport to and from there is included in the course fee. We have a large car park to leave vehicles and we are a short walk from Falkirk train (Grahamston) and bus stations. Start times are listed with the course dates and finish times will vary. Please ensure you plan on being out with us all day - if conditions are good we will make the most of them.
Contents Activity
Page
Welcome & Introduction
2-5
Walking
6-7
High Tops
8-11
Climbing
12-13
Mountaineering
14-15
Skills Courses
16-17
Ski Touring
18-22
Winter Trips
23-29
Full Programme at a glance
30-31
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Equipment list available from:
Venues are dependent on Mother Nature and will be decided on the day of activity.
Photo Credits: Craig McLaren unless otherwise stated.
Falkirk Outdoors
Winter Programme Information & Bookings Our office hours are; Tuesday to Thursday 09.00 – 17.00 | Friday 09.00 – 13.00 Outdoor Activities Base Victoria Building Annexe Queen Street Falkirk FK2 7AF Tel: 01324 506846 Email: outdooractivities@falkirkcommunitytrust.org Web: www.falkirkcommunitytrust.org/outdoors For information and to book a course please contact the Outdoor team using the above details. Before you join us on a course we will need a medical consent form completed and returned to us via post or email (you can download a medical consent form from our webpage). Payment can be made by card (in person or over the phone), cash or cheque (payable to Falkirk Community Trust) Full payment must be made before a course can be booked. Details of prices can be found alongside our list of course dates. Full list of forms online: www.falkirkcommunitytrust.org/outdoors/docs Please call us if you require information about any of our courses.
All bookings are to be made through the Outdoor Base By Phone (Card payments) Please call : 01324 506846 Our office hours are; Tuesday to Thursday 09.00 – 17.00 Friday 09.00 – 13.00
Please Note:
* Please note we still need a signed copy of our medical form before the start of the activity
• You will only hear further from us if your course has to be altered or cancelled.
By Post – (Cheque) Please send payment to: Outdoor Activities Base Victoria Building Annexe Queen Street Falkirk FK2 7AF * Please enclose details of the course you wish to book In Person Please call in and see us at Victoria Buildings
• We only take bookings on receipt of payment, we cannot accept provisional bookings.
• We require an original medical form at the centre before the activity takes place. Please ensure this is either sent in to Victoria Buildings prior to the activity date or brought with you on the morning of the course. • In the event you have to cancel a course within the cancellation period you are strongly advised to take out insurance to recover the cost of the course fees.
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Outdoors Winter Staff Team John Jackson John heads up the Community Programme and is the manager of the Outdoors team. He holds the Mountain Instructor Certificate, Mountain Ski Leader as well as a host of paddlesports qualifications He has climbed and skied extensively in the European Alps as well as other mountain areas throughout the world. John is also an enthusiastic member of the Ochils Mountain Rescue Team.
Craig McLaren Craig holds the Winter Mountain Leader award and he is responsible for planning the High Tops days and trips. He has been wandering the Scottish hills in all weathers for 36 years. This time in the mountains has allowed him to build up a very good knowledge-base of all things Scottish hill related.
Mike Hunt Mike has been a keen skier since the 1980s. He holds the BASI 2 Alpine Ski Instructor award and BASI 1 Telemark Instructor Award and has worked around Europe as well as closer to home in Scotland teaching skiing and ski touring. He is also a Mountain Ski Leader. He also holds qualifications in mountain biking, winter mountaineering, and canoeing. Mike is responsible for coordinating the outdoor activities programme for the schools within Falkirk. 4
Martin Holland Martin has been climbing for 36 years. He holds the Mountain Instructor Certificate and is a very active all-round climber. His speciality is seeking out esoteric new winter routes, especially in the Southern Highlands. Martin is also a devotee of mountain marathons, sea kayaking and ski mountaineering. Martin is an enthusiastic and highly experienced instructor.
Euan Whittaker Euan holds the IFMGA Guides carnet which is the highest worldwide qualification in mountaineering, off piste skiing and ski touring. He has been instructing and guiding mountain activities for 20 years. These days, he splits his time between the European Alps, Norway and Scotland delivering courses in alpine mountaineering, rock and ice climbing, off piste skiing and ski touring.
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Rambles
Senior Rambles Start - 09:30 Cost £8.60 Our long established senior rambles take the over 50s on walks of up to 13km in duration on mostly easy paths with no significant height gain. The Stravaiger rambles leave from Victoria Buildings car park in Falkirk at 0915 every second Tuesday with the Tryst rambles departing from Larbert at 09:30 on the alternate Tuesdays. We do not advertise rambling venues because we prefer to go to an area which is likely to provide the best weather on the day. Sample rambles include: • Greenock Cut • Duke’s Pass, Aberfoyle • John Muir Way, East Lothian • Loch of the Lowes, Dunkeld
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Senior Ramble Stravaiger dates 10/01/17
24/01/17
07/02/17
21/02/17
07/03/17
14/02/17
28/02/17
21/03/17
Senior Ramble Tryst dates 06/12/16
17/01/17
14/03/17
28/03/17
31/01/17
Christmas Ramble 13/12/16 On the 13th December we will visit a local rambling area with a restaurant nearby, undertake a short walk in the morning and have our Xmas lunch in the afternoon. This outing is available to all Senior Ramblers. Please get in touch with the Outdoor Activities office for details.
Combined Senior Ramble 20/12/16 Our annual combined ramble will take place on 20th December. This is a chance for both groups of ramblers to get together on a linear walk. 7
Winter High Tops All High Tops days begin at 07:00 and Cost £26.30 The days will involve a high top, either a Munro or one of our finer Corbetts, so you will need to have previous hill walking experience. Once the snow gets firm enough for winter tactics to come in to play folk need to have the skills to cope with conditions. Our Intro to Scottish winter skills course is recommended for anyone needing to learn the basics or improve rusty technique. All winter High Tops are weather dependent. If there is a high avalanche risk on the slopes we’re planning to go on to we will change the route or the hill. If storm winds are blowing we may have to take in a shorter, lower hill.
Beinn Tulaichean
Glas Maol GLEN SHEE Winter Skills
6.6km + 530m of ascent 4/12/16 This walk will include teaching or refreshing some winter walking skills as we travel over the mountain environment. This hill sits at the edge of a vast plateau which catches the early winter snows. It also has a very high start. We’ll definitely go for the summit and include the use of ice axes and crampons if appropriate. We will also look at other elements of mountaincraft. The walk will begin by the Glen Shee ski area. 8
INVERLOCHLAIRIG Winter Skills 9.5km + 820m of ascent 8/12/16 This walk will include teaching or refreshing some winter walking skills as we travel over the mountain environment. The hills in the Trossachs National Park area are steep and craggy. This one isn’t the worst offender but we’ll still need efficient technique to make the most of the day. All winter skills can be learned on the day. We’ll head up the snowiest line (if there is one) and use mountaincraft techniques to get to the summit safely. We may go on to Cruach Ardrain to find better snow if we need to and have time. The walk will begin at Inverlochlairig car park.
Ben More GLEN DOCHART
8.2km + 1030m of ascent 8/1/17 This is a great Munro to begin the year on. It’s difficult to predict which will be the safest way up but we’ll go that way - either up the North West ridge or by the bealach. It’s a steep mountain so clients will need to be good on their feet. If the snow conditions / group fitness allow we may add Stob Binnien. We begin the walk at the layby in Glen Dochart
Stuc an Lochain & Sron a’ Choire Cnapanaich GLEN LYON
14.3km + 910 metres of ascent 19/1/17 We’ll tackle these two fine remote hills from the south, providing we can get along the road. The Stuc is the steeper, higher hill and also a Munro so that’ll get ticked first. A pleasant meandering wander over to the Corbett, the Sron or nose, follows. This walk begins by Pubil.
Geal-charn DRUMOCHTER Winter Skills
8.7km + 490 metres of ascent 22/12/16 This walk will include teaching or refreshing some winter walking skills as we travel over the mountain environment. The Drumochter lumps have their own charm in summer condition but in winter they transform into wonderful mountains. Geal-charn is the easiest to reach so in getting there we will go by the steep sides and the icy paths to put axe and crampons to good use. There are stunning views over Loch Ericht from the summit.
Bhuachaille Etive Mor (Stob Dearg) GLEN COE
7.6km + 960m of ascent 5/2/17 Gateway to Glen Coe, iconic snowy pyramid and playground for many winter mountain adventurers: The Big Heardsman of Etive. It’s a serious hill in winter condition but there are usually safe ways up. The plan is to take the safest way up on the day and tick Stob Dearg. If we decide that the second Munro on the ridge (it’s a long way out) is achievable we might go for it. It’ll depend on factors on the day. The walk usually begins at the Altnafeadh layby on the A82. 9
Winter High Tops
Meall a Bhuiridh + Creise BLACKMOUNT
11.1km + 1120m of ascent 16/2/17 This is an out and back route through ski infrastructure but the high start and cleared access road makes up for any visual detriment. It’s also one of the best ski areas in the country, and highly popular. We’ll avoid skiers and reach our two Munros by the standard route. In winter some of this can be quite exciting. The walk begins at Glencoe Mountain Ski Centre
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Sgiath Chul & Meall Glas GLEN DOCHART
15.8km + 1000m of ascent 26/2/17 In summer the approach to these two Munros can be a bit boggy so, fingers crossed, it’ll be frozen solid when we go. We’ll go anticlockwise and get the slightly closer and steeper one, Sgiath Chuil ticked first and then drop, and it is a drop, to Lairig a Churain. A steepish pull eventually leads on to our second hill. We start the walk by the Auchessan layby on the A85.
Sgor Gaoith GLEN FESHIE
14.2km + 930m of ascent 16/3/17 The translation from the gaelic for this Cairngorm Munro is Peak of the Wind. This is because of its position - the summit appears to stick out high above Loch Eanaich – so it can catch the weather. This approach from the Feshie side means that the dramatic view isn’t visible until the summit is reached. We’ll extend it a bit by going over Sgoran Dubh Mor before heading back down. We begin the walk at the Allt Raudh car park.
Meall Corranaich & Meall a Choire Leith LOCH TAY
9.65km + 7.55m of ascent 2/4/17 Once the snow has gone from the Lairig road the Loch Tay hills become viable again. We’ll take a fine walk over two of the areas easier Munros. The route provides spectacular views over to the Lawers Range and, on the way up, across to the dramatic Tarmachan crags. We’ll begin by the cairn at the head of the Lochain na Lairige Reservoir and do an anticlockwise circuit of the hills. 11
Winter Climbing Dry tooling Start - 09:00 Cost: £32.35 17/11/16
1/12/16
The winter is coming! - These days are for anyone who either wants to improve their mixed winter climbing ability or get strong for the upcoming season. Previous climbing experience is desirable.
Intro to winter climbing Start - 07:00 Cost: £46.50 19/12/16
07/01/17
30/01/17
18/02/17
We will choose which area to climb in on the day to maximize climbing options This course is for those who have experience of using winter walking equipment (crampons and ice axe) but have not yet experienced the thrill of Scottish winter climbing. This course will look at being organised for winter climbing, the use of two ice axes and the removal of winter anchors. It is the perfect stepping stone towards our winter climbing courses.
Winter Climbing Start - 07:00 Cost: £46.50 03/12/16
15/12/16
08/01/17
18/01/17
23/02/17
11/03/07
22/03/17
02/04/17
04/02/17
We will choose which area to climb in on the day to maximize climbing options. For those of you who wish to get onto steeper ground with technical tools our winter climbing days should tick all the right boxes. As usual we do not to preplan specific routes so we have the flexibility to find the best winter conditions. This is a chance to be guided up one of Scotland’s classic climbs, either on west coast ice or Cairngorm mixed ground. Previous climbing experience is essential
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Photo Credit - Euan Whittaker
Photo Credit - Euan Whittaker 13
Winter Mountaineering Mountaineering Day Starts - 07:00 Cost: £35.40 Our mountaineering days will take you along a classic ridge or up a graded gully. The days will normally involve the use of just a walking axe (not technical climbing axes); however the variable nature of the Scottish winter conditions can make a grade I gully considerably more technical on the day
Dinnertime Buttress & Number 2 Gully link up (Grade 1/2 or II) GLEN COE
GLEN COE
18/12/16
28/01/17
This Glen Coe classic lies high up above the valley on Aonach Dubh. This is a great early season option due to the fact it can be climbed in both summer and winter conditions.
South East Ridge – Cobbler (Grade 2/3 or III) ARROCHAR 12/01/17 This day involves an exciting traverse of the Cobbler’s South Peak, which usually involves an abseil off, and then onto Centre peak where most folk take the bypass path to the summit. If conditions are good and we’re feeling brave we might tackle this direct but it will increase the grade by a couple of notches. Either way the last few moves to get on to the true summit of the Cobbler is an Arrochar rite of passage and shouldn’t be missed. 14
Curved Ridge – Buachaille Etive Mor (Grade II / III)
We offer a magnificent route up a superlative mountain with this classic winter climb which has a bit of everything: route finding, steep ground and some of the best views over to Rannoch Moor. We finish up on top of the mighty Buachaille Etive Mor.
Chockstone Gully & Great Gully link Up (Grade II) ARROCHAR 09/02/17 This is the best mountaineering route up to the summit of The Cobbler’s North top. Chockstone Gully is steady with the amazing jammed chockstone providing great sport at the end. A short walk leads to Great Gully which tasks the mountaineer with an awkward step to gain the main gully feature. Topping out on the summit is the icing on the cake.
Central Gully - Ben Lui (Grade I) CENTRAL HIGHLANDS 09/03/17
Summit Gully - Stob Coire Nam Beith (Grade II) GLEN COE 25/02/17 This is the most obvious feature and line on this fantastic peak (north/west top of Bidean nam Bian). The route itself offers 450 meters of climbing which provides a long and sustained mountaineering day. Any day out on Bidean’s massif is a good use of one’s time and ability – even more so in winter.
In terms of size, situation and the fact it tops out near the summit this takes some beating as the best easy gully in Scotland. Conditions permitting mountain bikes will be used to shorten the approach time on the track past Cononish farm.
Aonach Eagach Ridge (Grade II/III) GLEN COE 25/03/17 This outing is popular enough for us to run it at least once a year. It’s billed by some as the hardest scramble on the mainland but the moves are pretty straight forward if you are on a rope. Taking in two Munros, we start at the higher eastern end and then scramble towards the western seaboard. 15
Winter Mountain Skills Winter Mountain skills This winter we are running 4 skills based days on the hill. • Introduction to Scottish winter skills • Winter navigation • Avalanche awareness and safe travel techniques • Ropework for Winter Hill Walkers Through the 4 courses we hope to give you some of the building blocks that will enable you to enjoy journeying through Scotland’s winter environment. All our skills days stand alone or can be linked to provide progression.
Intro to Scottish winter skills Start at 07:00 Cost: £31.35 18/12/16
07/01/17
25/01/17
11/02/17
23/02/17
12/03/17
Previous experience required summer hill walking experience. This is an essential day for anyone who wants to enjoy Scotland’s mountains in winter conditions. This is a full day on the hill and will consist of looking at equipment for winter hill walking and skills such as; ‘using the boot as a tool’, cramponing techniques, walking with an axe and self-arrest.
Winter Navigation Start at 07:00 Cost: £31.35 14/12/16
11/01/17
04/02/17
01/03/17
Previous experience required – winter hill walking experience. Our winter navigation course is for hill walkers who have some experience of using a map and compass navigating in the mountain environment. This course will cover winter navigation tactics and will include an element of avalanche avoidance and safe-travel. 16
Avalanche awareness and safe travel techniques Start at 07:00 Cost: £31.35 26/01/17
18/02/17
09/03/17
Previous experience required – winter hill walking experience. Our safe travel days are aimed at those who already enjoy being out in winter, but would like to know more about what the contributing factors to avalanches are and how to avoid them. Winter navigation skills will also be visited during the day as this is a key skill in avoiding avalanche terrain.
Ropework for Winter Hill Walkers Start at 07:00 Cost: ÂŁ31.35 08/02/17
19/03/17
Previous experience required – winter hill walking experience. Snowfall can transform an easy hill walk into a difficult mountain day, creating steep ground and cornices. This course will give you the skills to negotiate this terrain in the context of a winter hill walking expedition. As well as looking at bucket seats, buried axes, snow bollards and body belaying, we will also spend time practising personal movement skills on steep ground. 17
Guide to ski touring at Falkirk outdoors 2016/17
Our Courses On Piste Am session - new to snow Pm session - beginners progression
Intro to ski touring
Ski touring beginners
Ski Touring Intermediate
Ski Touring Advanced Off-Piste Ski Technique
Ski Mountaineering
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Ski Touring
All our days are guided by a British Mountain Guide or Mountain Ski Leader Due to the success of our ski touring program over the last few years, this year’s program is now even bigger and better. It caters for all levels, from novice tourers to those after steep descents where fresh tracks are guaranteed.
On-Piste Skiing Venue: Glen Coe, Glen Shee
Start - 07:00 16/01/17
06/02/17
06/03/17
SKI BUS - Without lesson Cost £12.50 Lift pass and ski hire NOT included Lessons Half Day lesson AM 10.30 – 12.30 PM 13.30 – 15.30
Cost £32.35 Ski hire is included when joining us for a lesson - Lift pass NOT included. A chance to hone you skills for the backcountry before you head out. The day will be divided into two to cater for two different levels of skier.
All ski equipment (skis, boots, poles etc.) and safety equipment is available for clients and is included in the course fee, however you are welcome to bring your own.
Morning lesson, beginners. This session will be aimed at those with experience on a dry slope, in a Snowdome or limited piste experience. The morning will be spent building your skills and confidence before giving you the afternoon free to practice. Afternoon session, intermediates. The morning will allow you time to warm up your ski skills before the afternoon is spent building skills for off piste with a view to ski touring in the future. Stem turns, jump turns and braquage, are all skills that might be covered in our afternoon session
There will also be a Ski Bus service available on these days – we’ll take you there and bring you back. You will have to buy your own ski pass. We don’t hire out equipment for folk who only want the ski bus option. Bookings for the ski bus will be open one week before the course is due to take place. Lessons can be booked in advance. 19
Photo Credit - Mike Hunt
Intro to Ski touring Ski ability - confident skiing on blue runs.
Start – 07:00 Cost £32.35 13/01/17
28/01/17
07/02/17
11/03/17
These days are aimed at those who have on piste experience but wish to move into the backcountry! The day will commonly be spent ascending a peak such as Geal Charn in the Drummochter Pass while learning skills such as; the use of skins and heel risers, skinning with ski crampons and the use transceivers, shovels and probes for avalanche rescue. This course provides excellent preparation for our other courses and at the end of the day the instructional team will be able to advise you on where to go next.
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Guided day - Ski Touring 1 - Beginners Ski ability- confident skiing on blue runs and some knowledge of ski touring.
Start – 07:00 Cost £32.35 10/12/16
14/01/17
08/02/17
12/03/17
A day out in the mountains ski touring. There will be elements of teaching if required, however the focus will be on getting out and enjoying the hills. Previous trips have involved completing summits such as A’Bhuidheanach Bheag in the Drummochter Pass and Glas Maol in Glenshee.
Ski Touring
Photo Credit - Mike Hunt
Guided day - Ski Touring 2 – Intermediate Ski ability- confident skiing red runs and experience of ski touring summits in Scotland or the Alps.
Start – 07:00 Cost £32.35 11/12/16
15/01/17
27/01/17
11/02/17
24/02/17
19/03/17
For those with previous experience of ski touring summits in Scotland or the Alps these days are ideal. The days will be more physically challenging than our Ski Touring 1 courses and will normally involve multiple ascents and descents. Previous days out include; the Traverse of Beinn Udlamain and A’Mharconaich in the Drumochter Pass and the Traverse of Meall a’Choire Leith and Meall Corranaich in the Lawers region.
Guided day - Ski Touring 3 – Advanced
Ski ability - confident skiing black runs and experience of ski touring summits in Scotland or the Alps.
Start – 07:00 Cost £40.45 08/03/17
26/03/17
This day is the skiing progression from our Intermediate terrain and previous experience off piste is essential. The day is still about going out and having a great day summiting a mountain, however, on the descent we will be aiming to find a steeper way down! Depending on conditions we may be skiing steep coire headwalls or gullies such as Easy Gully (a grade I winter climb) on Meall nan Tarmachan. 22
Ski Mountaineering Ski ability- confident skiing red runs and experience of ski touring summits in Scotland or the Alps.
Start – 07:00 Cost £46.50 10/03/17
30/03/17
Some would say the best way up a mountain is to climb and the best way down is to ski. This is it! We plan to skin in to a classic climb (grade I/II) Then ski off via a different route back to the van. Examples of previous days include the ascent of Emel Ridge (grade II) to the summit of Beinn an Dothaidh followed by a descent of Coire Daingean and Central Gully (grade I/II) in the Cairngorms followed by a decent of Coire Cas. NEW
Off - piste Ski Technique Start – 07:00 Cost £32.35 09/02/17
28/02/17
These days are aimed at experienced ski tourers who would like to ski steeper slopes and possibly gully lines but don’t feel that they have the skills. The day would consist of finding a steep/progressive slope and spending the time working on how to safely, efficiently and stylishly descend. All ski equipment (skis, boots, poles etc.) and safety equipment is available for clients and is included in the course fee, however you are welcome to bring your own
Winter Trips This winter we have a variety of trips to suit everyone. Hostel based, Bothy based and snow-hole based. All our trips have dormitory style sleeping arrangements (unless we are camping) and are staffed by fully qualified instructors. All prices include accommodation, transport, equipment if required and instruction. Food and gas (cooking) are not included.
Intro to Scottish winter walking Trip / Intro to Ski Touring Trip Start – 07:00 21/01/17 - 22/01/17 This is our annual winter skills weekend based in the Cairngorms. Accommodation will be in Cairngorm Lodge SYHA Hostel in Glenmore. As is usual, the Cost of this is included in the price. The hostel also does hot meals (not included in the course fee)
Walkers Cairngorms Cost: £87.50
Ski Tourers Cairngorms Cost: £97.50
This trip will be focussing on covering the fundamental winter mountaineering skills over the two days. We will have quick access to the snow in the Northern Cairngorms and may take in a high top or two if conditions allow. If folk already have some winter walking skills we can look at progressing to more advanced techniques.
The two days will look at getting around the hill safely on skis. Elements of safe travel and navigation on skis along with transceiver and rescue work will be looked at. There will also be plenty of ski touring in between with a bit of ski coaching for those who are looking for it. The weekend has no steep touring planned so is open to anyone with previous skiing experience. 23
Winter Trips
Mixed Winter Climbing Trip Cairngorms
Start – 07:00 Cost: £187.50 23/01/17 - 25/01/17 Previous experience – Scottish winter climbing experience at grade IV or above and a good level of fitness is essential. The Cairngorms has some of the biggest and most remote cliffs in mainland Britain as well as the more well know and accessible Northern Corries. By spending three days in the region we will be aiming to visit a number of the venues not accessible in a day from Falkirk.
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Example venues and routes are; Route Major IV,5 – Carn Etchachan, The Great Couloir III - Coire Bhrochain, Sticil Face V,6 - Shelter Stone, and Deep Cut Chimney IV,4 - Hells Lum. We are almost guaranteed to find solitude on these routes in this fantastic location. In the evenings we will be returning to Aviemore SYHA to overnight.
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Great Ridges Mountaineering Trip Ben Nevis
Start – 06:30 Cost: £187.50 13/02/17 - 15/02/17 The great ridges of the Ben are calling. For this trip we plan to tackle three of the five Great Ridges - Tower Ridge, North East Buttress, Observatory Ridge, Castle Ridge or Ledge Route on this three day mountaineering trip. The ridges can be climbed in most conditions, so the routes will depend on the team’s ability. We’ll be based again at the world famous CIC mountaineering hut. As usual transport, accommodation and guiding are included as is any equipment required for the trip. You’ll need to bring your own food. The hut has a fully equipped kitchen. Previous winter climbing experience and a good level of fitness is essential. There are no small days on the Ben. 25
Winter Trips
Overnight Snowhole Trip – Walking or skiing Start – 07:00 20/02/17 - 21/02/17 Snowholing is a unique experience and is on most winter enthusiast’s bucket list. We will provide the equipment and the expertise, you provide the muscle. The plan is to visit a site high on the hill, either in the Cairngorms, Creag Megaidh or Drumochter. It’ll depend on conditions. Then we dig in and make our accommodation for the night. It’s a rewarding experience. We will provide a detailed kit list prior to the trip running. 26
Walkers Cost: £65.00
Venue: TBC (Dependent on conditions) We will walk to and from the snowhole site. Participants should be experienced winter walkers or have recently undergone some winter skills training.
Ski Touring Cost: £75.00
(Ski ability 1) We will skin in to the Snowhole site and ski tour out. Participants should be able to ski tour at beginner level (Ski 1) or above.
North West Highlands Trip Torridon
Starts 16:00 Thursday evening 03/03/17 - 06/03/17
Winter climbing and winter hillwalking Torridon is a great area for the outdoors whatever the season. We hope to get it in great winter condition, where the hills appear to take on an even more magical aura and the esoteric winter climbing routes come into nick. For this trip we will be based at the excellent Torridon SYHA, which is large, modern and has all the usual hostel facilities.
Winter Walkers Cost: £145.00 Day 1
Beinn Eighe 15.6km + 1100metres of ascent This anticlockwise jaunt over the western end of the mountain takes in the two Munros, Spidean Coire nan Clach and Ruadh-stac Mor. We take in the amazing Coire Mhic Fhearchair on the way back. Some of the ground is steep and the ridges are narrow, which makes this a committing outing.
Day 2
Slioch 19km + 1050 metres of ascent It’s a bit of a walk in to Slioch from Incheril, but when it involves walking along the Kinlochewe River down to Loch Maree and taking in all that beautiful scenery it’s no hardship. The ascent of Slioch is fairly straightforward. We’ll go clockwise. It’ll be quite a big day.
Day 3
Beinn Alligin 9.3km + 1300 metres of ascent On this visit to Beinn Alligin we’ll tick both Munros but not go over the Horns. It’s a shorter outing than the other two days but, being in Torridon, it’ll still wake up the legs.
Winter Climbers Cost: £215.00 This year will be the first time we have run a specific climbing trip to the North West Highlands. It’s about time we get on some of the classic winter climbs in the area, fingers crossed for good conditions. Coire Dubh Mor at the back of Liathach, Coire na Poite on Beinn Bhan or Coire Mhic Fhearchair deep in Beinn Eighe are venues worth walking in to if the routes are in good nick. Routes could include, Poachers Fall V,5, Silver Tear V,5 or West Buttress Via Fuselage Gully. There are also lots of easier classic to go for including routes on Beinn Alligin. In less than stellar winter conditions we’ve always got the ridges to fall back on. Liathach ridge traverse and the Horns of Alligin are always a good option. 27
Winter Trips
Winter Climbing Trip Ben Nevis
Starts at 06:30 Cost: £187.50 13/03/17 - 15/03/17 A Three-day trip climbing on the north face of the Ben - a chance to climb some of Scotland longest and finest routes in winter conditions. Routes will depend on conditions but could include any of the classics. Routes could include Glover’s Chimney III 4, Point Five Gully V 5, Green Gully IV 4, Harrison’s Climb Direct IV 4 We’ll be based again at the world famous CIC mountaineering hut. As usual transport, accommodation and guiding are included as is any equipment required for the trip. You’ll need to bring your own food. The hut has a fully equipped kitchen. Required previous experience – winter climbing experience and a good level of fitness is essential. There are no small days on the Ben. 28
Ski Touring Expedition Cairngorms
Starts at 06:30 Cost: £75.00 (Ski ability 2)
23/03/17 - 24/03/17 A two day expedition based in the Cairngorms (or elsewhere if conditions dictate) will allow us to reach areas that are not accessible in a day from Falkirk as well as spending a night out in a remote part of the region. Previous years we have overnighted at The Shelter Stone, Hutchison Memorial Hut or have even bivvied high on the hill. We’re not preadvertising a route this year so we can make a plan suitable to conditions at the time of the expedition. Ski ability- confident skiing red runs (Ski 2) and experience of ski touring summits in Scotland or the Alps. A good level of fitness is also required.
Winter Walkers Camping Trip Cairngorms
Starts at 06:30 Cost: £65.00 23/03/17 - 24/03/17 When winter slowly begins to turn to spring we can think about getting the tents out again. This expedition will be based in the Cairngorms once more because the area offers the best late season conditions. In previous years we’ve camped in the area of the Hutchie Hut and the Feith Buidhe. This year we’re keen to go over to the Braeriach side of the massif for a change and do some of the high tops there over two days. The plan is to walk from the Sugar Bowl car park over Braeriach, Sgor an Lochain Uaine and Cairn Toul, dropping into the vicinity of Corrour Bothy and camping there. (18.8km + 1470 metres of ascent). After our camp we’ll head up onto Ben Macdui and walk over Cairngorm to the Coire Cas ski area (14.2km + 1020 metres of ascent) Walkers need to be hill fit and game for an adventure to have a chance of completing this expedition. If the weather is slowing us down or making life difficult on the high tops we will modify our route and lower our ambitions. We can supply all equipment required for the trip but clients can bring their own.
NEW
Steep Skiing Trip Glenmore
Starts 07:00 Cost: £105.00 (Ski ability 3) Hostel based in Cairngorm Lodge SYHA in Glenmore 06/04/17 - 07/04/17 This new trip is for skiers who’d like to make the most of the late season conditions in the reliable Cairngorms to ski some of the steeper lines deep in mountains. We’ll be based at the excellent Cairngorm Lodge SYHA hostel in Glenmore. The accommodation has all the usual hostel facilities with the added bonus of serving hot food (not included in the trip price). There is also a nice wee bar over the road. Some of the areas we could visit could be the Loch Avon Basin, The Lairig Ghru or even over to the Loch Etchachan area where steep slopes and gully lines can be skied and skinned over the two day trip. Ski ability- confident skiing black runs (Ski 3) and experience of ski touring summits in Scotland or the Alps. A good level of fitness is also required.
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30
01
Winter Navigation
14
Beginners Ski Tour 1
Intro To Ski Touring
Senior Xmas Ramble
13
Winter Navigation
Senior Stravaiger Ramble
Winter Mountaineering
Intermediate Ski Tour 2
11
Ropework for Winter Walkers
Winter High Tops
CIC Winter Climbing Trip Senior Tryst Ramble CIC Winter Climbing Trip
Senior Tryst Ramble CIC Mountaineering Trip
Beginners Ski Tour 1
Intro to Scottish Winter Skills
Intro To Ski Touring
Ski Mountaineering
Winter Mountaineering Avalanche Awareness
Advanced Ski Tour 3
Senior Stravaiger Ramble
North West Highlands Trip On-piste Skiing
North West Highlands Trip
North West Highlands Trip
North West Highlands Trip
Trips
CIC Mountaineering Trip
Intermediate Ski Tour 2
Skiing
Winter Navigation
March
Skills
Intro to Scottish Winter Skills
Off-piste Ski Technique
Winter Mountaineering
Beginners Ski Tour 1
Intro To Ski Touring
Intro to Scottish Winter Skills
Winter Climbing
Senior Stravaiger Ramble
Intro to Winter Climbing
12
Beginners Ski Tour 1
Winter High Tops + Skills
10
09
08
07
On-piste Skiing
Senior Tryst Ramble
06
Winter Climbing Winter Navigation
February
Mountaineering
Winter High Tops
Winter High Tops + Skills
04
Office Closed
Climbing
05
Winter Climbing
Dry Tool Climbing
January
Winter High Tops
03
02
December
Walking
Outdoor Programme at a glance
31
Senior Combined Ramble
20
Senior Tryst Ramble
31
Off-piste Ski Technique
Intro To Ski Touring Intro to Winter Climbing
Senior Tryst Ramble
Winter High Tops
Winter Mountaineering
Ski Mountaineering
Senior Tryst Ramble
Advanced Ski Tour 3
Winter Mountaineering
Winter Walkers Expedition
Ski Touring Expedition
Winter Walkers Expedition
Intro to Scottish Winter Skills Intermediate Ski Tour 2
Ski Touring Expedition
Winter Climbing
Senior Stravaiger Ramble
Intermediate Ski Tour 2
Ropework for Winter Walkers
Winter High Tops
CIC Winter Climbing Trip
Winter Climbing
Ski Tourers Snowhole Trip
Walkers Snowhole Trip
Senior Stravaiger Ramble
Ski Tourers Snowhole Trip
Walkers Snowhole Trip
Intro to Winter Climbing Avalanche Awareness
Winter High Tops
CIC Mountaineering Trip
Winter Mountaineering
30
29
28
Intermediate Ski Tour 2
Avalanche Awareness
Office Closed
26
27
25
Mixed Winter Climbing Trip
Senior Stravaiger Ramble
Mixed Winter Climbing Trip
Ski Touring Intro Trip
Winter Walking Skills Trip
Ski Touring Intro Trip
Winter Walking Skills Trip
Winter High Tops
Winter Climbing
Mixed Winter Climbing Trip Intro to Scottish Winter Skills
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23
22
Winter High Tops + Skills
Intro to Winter Climbing
19
21
Winter Mountaineering Intro to Scottish Winter Skills
18
On-piste Skiing Senior Tryst Ramble
Intermediate Ski Tour 2
17
Winter Climbing
16
15
Outdoor Activity Base Victoria Buildings, Queen Street, Falkirk. Tel: 01324 506846
outdooractivities@falkirkcommunitytrust.org www.falkirkcommunitytrust.org/outdoors
Falkirk Community Trust gratefully acknowledges the support of Falkirk Council