Halloween Hill Walking and fresh snow today.

Mull. 

Ben Cruachan.

Dana enjoying the fells.

Tonight's adventures!

Today I was guiding on the hills above Glen Lonan and it was a chilly one. Fresh snow can be seen on Mull and Ben Cruachan. After a really wet night we were lucky to have  a dry day up on the summits. Yet again the light and combination of the hills and sea made for a beautiful landscapes.

It's snowing in Scotland! Winter Courses 2013.

Guided Climbs and learn to lead.

Mountaineering Skills and Classic Gully Climbing Courses.

Walking Skills Courses at Glencoe Ski Resort and throughout Scotland.

Having just arrived back in sunny Oban from an even sunnier Mull, my mind has been firmly fixed on the snow falling in Aviemore and else where. Hebridean Pursuits Ltd Winter Mountaineering and Climbing Courses are filling up for the 2013 season and the new snow has promoted a wee flurrying of excitement for the up coming season of work in the hills. We have a new website coming soon where we will keep you posted on 'What's On'. Our courses are great value and guided or instructed by fully qualified and experienced Association of Mountaineering Instructors who hold the MIC Award. We have University Clubs, school groups, walking clubs and private clients returning for more adventures in the winter landscape this season. For more information about available dates of open courses and or bespoke dates contact Andy Spink MIC on 07721778821. Happy Winter! 

Coasteering on The Ross of Mull today.

Granite and salt a great combo!

Thumbs up for Coasteering.

Another fine sunny day working on the Ross of Mull. Sheltered from the north easterlies we had great adventures on warm granite and in surprisingly warm water. No swell was running today, so we did loads of swimming and jumping off things, all good fun! That's it's for Mull residential courses this year which is rather sad as it has been an amazing season out at Tavool House. Thanks to everyone who has taken part in Roses Project Courses this season and we look forward to next years adventures.  

Last summer camping expedition to Ulva for the season.

What a way to finish our 'Roses Project' residential courses at Tavool House. The last two days have been just wonderful on Ulva. We guided the Parkside School group along it's coast and over the craggy summits and camped in a great spot to see both sunset and sunrise. It has has been a fantastic summer on the west coast but the last few days have topped it off. Scotland Outside is difficult to beat. The Hebridean Pursuits experience continues!

A perfect October day around Tavool House Outdoor Centre on Mull.

Today has been wonderful on Mull. We have had a fun day running a variety of activity sessions including a great trip this afternoon down the canyon at Tavool House. It has been so warm in the sunshine and the sky looked  more Greek than Scottish, yet the autumnal colors say different. The nights are colder now and with one last camping expedition tomorrow it heralds the end of the summer season for us out here. I will be packing away the tents and gear until the beginning of next spring and look forward to an already well booked up summer of 2013.

Ben More on Mull today.

Today was day one of a week of adventures working with Park Side School from Keighley from West Yorkshire.We are based at Tavool House Outdoor Centre. The pupils are up for some big challenges so we opted for a wander up Ben More 966m to kick the week off. The weather forecast was better than we experienced, the summit was clagged in from 700m but on the way down we had amazing views up to Rum and the Small Isles. Bring on day 2!

Sea Eagles, camping on the Isle of Ulva and more sunshine

A gorgeous two days out walking with the D of E practice group form Perth. We headed to the beautiful  Island of Ulva and camped on the south shore.  The sun shone again for the entire expedition, what a summer we have had in the Hebrides. On heading back over the hill we spotted a Sea Eagle above us, always a treat! We are now back at base at Tavool House enjoying a warm October afternoon.

Sunshine on Mull. Camp Craft, Canyoning and Compasses.

Today has been another winner on Mull with wall to wall sunshine at Tavool. We have been out in the canyon and preparing the young people for their Bronze D of E training expedition to Ulva over the next two days.  So Camp craft and navigation was the order of the day. We also had a cheeky slack line session before the sun went down!

October has been beautiful!

Dawn on Ben Cruachan.

Gill Spink running up Beinn Ghlas near Oban.

Rainy days and Sundays! 

October has been amazing on the West Coast with high pressure dominating. The odd day has been seriously wet but generally it's been wonderful weather. I am back on Mull working on a Roses Project course with a group of young carers from Perth at Tavool House Outdoor Center and having lots of fun! It's the start of their Bronze D of E journey and they are going through the Sport Leaders UK, Young Leaders Award.  So walking, camping, team building, canyoning and some climbing are on the menu. I am also working on our new website to be launched before Christmas so watch this space.

SLSGB Coasteering Safety and Rescue Award.

The Bass Rock beyond with the guys doing a 100 m tow in the foreground.

Always time for a bit of messing around.

Just one of a variety of contact tows.

Today I was running a SLSGB Coasteering Rescue award on the fine coast of North Berwick. A fantastic warm day but unfortunately flat calm which always makes life a little more challenging. So plenty of swimming, throwing and towing. With a variety of  first aid scenarios thrown in the guys had plenty to think about. The four staff members form Mobex East Lothian took their assessments and all passed. Well done everyone the pre training really made a difference.

Hebridean Pursuits are running another SLSGB Award on November 5th based in Oban, there are three places left so if you fancy doing this certificated award get in touch on 01631 720002 or hebpursuit@aol.com

Camera found today at 790m!

I went for a mad dash back up the hill to look for my camera I had lost on Friday and it is now found! A grim day in the Coe, low cloud and very wet. After hunting around I found it lying in the grass by a boulder at the bottom of some screes, lucky I guess!