scotland outside

Coasteering Skills Training Course and SLSGB Coasteering Rescue Award.

2012-02-16T21:12:00.005Z

The impact zone, great fun even in February!

Security on steep ground.

Open water swimming and rescues.

Fun traversing.

The Dolphin House go Coasteering!

I have been down in South Aryshire over the last three days running a BRAWA Coasteering Skills Training Course and a SLSGB Coasteering Safety and Rescue Award. I have been working with the staff from the Dolphin House, South Aryshire's Outdoor Centre.

Based at the majestic Culzean Castle the centre sits on the coast and is well positioned to offer it's primary school pupils a chance to experience coasteering.

We visited a variety of venues along the coastline. The weather conditions were kind, warm westerly winds blew and the sea is still reasonably warm!

Both courses offer all levels of experience a chance to understand and develop skills and gain certificated rescue award in the process.

I am currently one of only two providers who can run the Safety and Rescue Award for SLSGB in Scotland. If you are coasteering for work, it is a nationally recognised Certificate and essential if working in this demanding environment.

For more details of both courses please contact us at Hebridean Pursuits on 01631 720002. We will be offering open courses in the Autumn or I can come to your location and train your staff.

The Black Mount.

2012-02-16T21:06:00.003Z

Some shots from The Black Mount. A great range of hills above Victoria Bridge. I was working in this fantastic range of hills on Monday. Glorious weather and good snow cover combined to make a grand day out for everyone.

Inside and Outside today.

2012-02-09T20:02:00.004Z

Today I was observing the students from West Highland College lead groups of school children in an indoor climbing session and a short walk in the Mamores. It was the culmination of their hill walking / mountaineering module that I have worked on since October last year. It's been fascinating to have seen how well they have progressed. We have had some great days out as well!

A warmer day out there, damp moist air flow hung in the glens and the snow line had receded some what by the end of the day. The ice factor was busy perhaps reflecting the conditions.

A warming up is not what we need, however with a Coasteering Skills course to run next week it may warm the sea a little [wishful thinking].

Feb 4th and 5th. Winter Skills Course for Manchester University Mountaineering Club.

2012-02-05T22:30:00.003Z

The Hebridean Pursuits Ltd team were out again with Manchester University Mountaineering Club for their annual Winter Skills weekend. We have been working with the club for the last seven years and it is always a great weekend for all concerned.

Saturday was a really tough day for all to work and learn in. Severe gales, high avalanche warnings, drifting snow and poor visibility made life hard going. But we still managed to cover a variety of skills. Survival being the most discussed!

Sunday dawned colder , dry and iwith no wind! A brilliant day for all manner of winter walking skills from crampon use to digging snow profiles and shelter building. From ascent techniques to descending steep ground and step cutting.

What a difference a day can make! The weekend is booked again for next year and we look forward to seeing everyone again and meeting some new students and introducing them to the wonders of the Scottish winter.

Feb 3rd. Intro Winter Climbing. Cairngorms.

2012-02-05T22:02:00.004Z

Amazing Blue Horizons. Looking towards Braeriach.

Bart and Mike on the last pitch.

Mike Belaying Bart and Liam.

Liam!

Friday was a near perfect day in the Cairngorms.

Blue skies, warm sunshine and good conditions for teaching the basics of winter climbing to students from Manchester University Mountaineering Club. Liam, Mike and Bart were keen to brush up and learn about stance management, leading through and constructing simple and effective belays. We spent the day on the Twim Ribs, in the Northern Corries practicing, all manner of systems and anchors on both rock and Snow. The guys headed out to climb on Saturday but the dreadful conditions forced a sensible retreat. On Sunday they climbed routes such as Pigmy Ridge and Central Gully, putting it all into practice and returning with big grins!

Feb 2nd. School House Ridge. Glencoe.

2012-02-05T21:51:00.004Z

Thursday was a lovely day in Glencoe. Myself and Ben guided the students from UHI West Highland College up the sharp and interesting School House Ridge, Grade 1. Being their last day of the mountaineering module it was a stunning and challenging finish to a great few months of working with a really pleasant and keen group of young people. They now go onto their work placements and the beginnings of their careers in the outdoor industry. The best job in the world!

Snow holes and self arrest skills day.

2012-01-30T19:14:00.003Z

Today I was working up on Meall a Bhuiridh in Glencoe running a 'survival' skills day. We concentrated on skills required to look after yourself whilst out in the winter mountains.

The group had already looked at essential foot work and use of crampons on a previous day with us, so today we got the digging gear out!

The weather was raw today. Dry but very cold. Approx -5 at 800m and with 30 mph wind it felt like -19!

If the conditions stay like it was today the ice we could see from the road will start to build. Hebridean Pursuits Ltd are running intro climbing courses and winter skills courses from Thursday to Sunday this week. We have availability left on some dates so do get in touch if you are interested in our winter programme.

Stob Ban. Sun and Snow!

2012-01-27T20:01:00.003Z

I was working with Biz and Jamie today on Stob Ban in The Mamores. Fresh deep 'fluffy' [technical term!] snow covered the hills over night and continued to fall into this morning. By lunchtime the sun was out and the sky was bright blue.

We broke trail and found the going tough under foot. The reward was some amazing 360 degree views of some of Scotland's finest peaks and Glens.

We only saw two folk out today who were just having a wee ramble up the glen. The ridges and buttresses are plastered and with a couple of cold nights there will be some excellent routes to be had on Stob Ban.

After six days on the hill I am heading to the beach tomorrow for a change of scene, after all when the sun is out Scotland is the best place in the world be all things outdoors!

Garbh Bheinn in full winter cloak.

2012-01-26T21:44:00.003Z

Today I was working for the UHI. We headed for the fantastic and often overlooked Garbh Bheinn above Loch Leven. At 867m it sat just out of the low cloud until lunchtime when the snow started. The day was a great mix of winter walking skills and navigation. Just half a kilometre from the road an unfortunate accidental of a short slip resulted in a real evacuation of a casualty from the hill. This gave the students an opportunity to experience just how problematic even fairly minor slips on wet grass can be high up in the mountains. I am glad to say that the injured person is fine.

Snow fell for about 2 hours while we were out. It was still very warm at 800m, I am wondering if the cold high pressure will reach us as predicted?

The hills certainly are in winter cloak now.

Winter Mountaineering Course Day 2, 3 and 4.

2012-01-24T20:38:00.003Z

Dorsal Arete and Broad Gully finish. Great fun in the top corner today.

Looking down to Joe and Scott at the bottom of Broad Gully and Dorsal Arete. Charlie belaying.

Getting to grips with moving together.

The wind blew hard on School House Ridge. The lads at the start of the tricky steps section.

Four days of skills training with Hebridean Pursuits Ltd. Joe and Charlie are now set for their adventures.

I have been working with Joe and Charlie on their winter mountaineering course over the last few days. The weather has been challenging but each day we have been really lucky as the conditions reflected the theme and content of each day.

Day 1 Rock and Scrambling rope work and belay management. The Zig Zags and Gales. See previous blog post.

Day 2 Snow Belays. We headed to Aonach Mor to gain height quickly so as to access the good snow conditions on the back of the Aonach Nid at approx 1000m. Here we concentrated on belaying in snow, ascending steep snow terrain and trying out descending techniques including abseiling off snow bollards, threads and spikes.

Day 3 Rope work and movement skills. We headed up onto School House Ridge, Grade 1. This ridge offers challenges of technical steps that are hard to protect. Joe and Charlie were keen to practice moving together on 'alpine terrain'. So day 3 was based around short roping and moving together. The conditions were just fantastic. Deep new snow presented us with interesting climbing conditions on the ridge and atmospheric shafts of sunlight made the ridge look really dramatic. On reaching the summit the cloud cover promoted some micro navigation practice for the lads. We had this classic ridge to ourselves all day.

Day 4. Putting it all into practice.

Over night the snow line had dropped to around 450m. So we headed up to Dorsal Arete and Broad Gully in Stob Corrie Nan Lochan. The weather was kind again. We had a dry walk in. The rain didn't really come on until we reached the last pitch. Topping out we were greeted by a blast of very warm drizzle!

The lads led the route, placed their own protection and all in fine style. We saw a few folk out. One party climbing on Ordinary Route and another behind us on Dorsal. Very quite though. The conditions are good up there, we just need another freeze and the new snow will be amazing!

Thanks to the Glencoe Independent Hostel for looking after Joe and Charlie.

Thanks also to Scott for his help. Scott is working towards his MIC assessment and it was great to have him along observing the course.

www.hebrideanpursuits.com

Day 1 Winter Mountaineering Course.

2012-01-21T19:27:00.004Z

The descent.

Between the gusts at 700m.

Charlie leading.

Joe's belay!

Today was Joe and Charlie's first day of their four day course. Joe had been on a Manchester University Mountaineering club, Winter Skills Course with us a few years ago so it was great to see him again and meet Charlie. Both keen winter walkers they are looking to progress onto steeper snow and more technical ridges. I was joined by Scott an Aspirant MIC whom I am mentoring. It's great having him along to look after me.

Options were limited today as the wind was gale force and howling through Glencoe. Fresh snow was being put down in the gullies and on lee slopes. We concentrated on rock belays and scrambling techniques in the relative shelter of The Zig Zags. This worked really well as we could split the day into two, rock and snow. We looked at essential skills from running belays to taking stances and moving together and relating all this to winter. Allot of hail was blown around today and the ledges began to turn white as we reach approx 600m.

We continued over to Stob Coire nan Lochan which was exciting due to the very gusty squalls being thrown at the ridges, we often had to sit out the stronger gusts and move between salvos.

Surprisingly not much new snow seemed to be in the Coire on our descent. However as we descended fresh snow was falling and the wind direction changed to more Northerly direction. Freezing level was well above 900m. Other teams were seen in the Lochan area running skills courses.

It Certainly felt and looked more like winter today.

I am staying in the Club Hut in Glencoe over the next two nights so blogging will resume on my return.

Instructing Indoors and Outdoors Today.

2012-01-19T19:17:00.008Z

Shiny toys.

Moody Mamores. Which Way?

Instructing for West Highland College UHI again today. The students were concentrating on leadership skills and preparing for their practicals for running an indoor climbing session and leading a walk in the hills.

Pretty wild outside today, but the snow has returned to the higher tops. Fingers crossed for better weather from Saturday as http://www.hebrideanpursuits.com are running a Winter Mountaineering Course through to Wednesday.

Walking Day on The island of Kerrera.

2012-01-18T16:15:00.003Z

Lovely late afternoon sunshine.

Mull from the tops of Kerrera.

My wonderful Adventure Project Team!

You must visit!

A beautiful day on the West Coast.

Today I was working with the young folk form the 'North Argyll Young Carers Adventure Project' that Hebridean Pursuits Ltd organises every third week of the school term.

We headed over to the fine island of Kerrera just off Oban. The weather remained dry and cold all day. the views across to Mull and down to Jura were amazingly clear. We made a circuit up over the moors and around the coastline giving us changing and differing views as we progressed.

Looking up to Ben Cruachan and over to Morven, any snow that was there a few days ago has gone! Hopefully tomorrow the snow will return to the higher peaks. A bracing day out on a fantastic island that everyone should visit if in or near Oban.

Winter Skills Day on Aonach Mor.

2012-01-16T19:53:00.003Z

Cold air in the jet stream.

Trying out a variety of techniques.

Andrew enjoying the hard snow.

The light today was very beautiful.

Today was a bitterly cold, crisp and superbly clear day which made for a very enjoyable time high up on Aonach Mor.

There is not allot of snow around on the ski slopes, but the east faces still hold a large amount of rock hard neve. the exit slope are steep and the approaches will need care due the brick hard surface.

I was working with 6 students today. All of whom had never worn crampons so the weather and the snow was perfect for their first experiences. The terrain was interesting giving a variety of ground to walk and climb through. The large expanses of flat ice also gave us some quality crampon practice.

The weather is due to change again over the next few days, but I am told that some new snow will be delivered. Be careful if it does come, good route choice will be needed. Loading on these bone hard surfaces will create a high risk of avalanche. Time to be planing for some ridges again.

Have fun out there.

AMI getting to know Ben Nevis Better day.

2012-01-14T19:57:00.003Z

Castle Ridge and Gullies.

Today I joined other mountaineering instructors and mountain guides for a day of exploring the North Face of Ben Nevis. The aim was to look at ways of using this huge face for running a variety of specific courses. I was lucky enough to be shown around by local mountain guide guru and authority on Ben Nevis, Alan Kimber. We spent the day ascending and descending various bits of the face. Ending up on Tower Ridge , down and around the Douglas Boulder. A fascinating day, with a great bunch of aspirant and qualified instructors.

The Ben was busy with allot of folk walking in quite late. The conditions remain stable. The snow in the major gullies is very firm and the rocks are at present very slippy with verglas. Ice is building slowly.

Unfortunately a serious accident happened to a climber higher up on the mountain today. A very long fall resulted in the rescue team being called out and a helicopter rescue. I believe the climber was seriously injured but stable. I wish him a speedy recovery.

It was good to see the roof is now back on the CIC Hut thanks to some fine work from local builders and climbers from Oban!

Colder in Glencoe Today.

2012-01-12T20:53:00.007Z

At last, a cold, crisp and dry day. Well nearly dry! Good timing meant Scott and I only spent ten minuets in the rain as we walked back up to the car park in Glencoe today.

I was asked if I would mentor Scott during his aspirancy for his Mountaineering Instructors Certificate assessment next year. I wish him well on a challenging and fascinating journey to becoming an MIC. So today being the first time we have met we opted for a physical day covering some easy mountaineering ground giving us a chance to stretch our legs and also have a chance to have a blether. We headed up into Stob Corrie Nan Lochan, ascended Broad Gully 1 and then descended into The lost valley via some lovely Snow slopes. A good move because nothing over grade 1 was in condition. All the main gully lines have snow in them and the colder temperatures have helped stabilise what is left. The Buttresses were black and no ice could be seen. A few folk were heading for NC Gully, others followed us up Broad. Early days yet but it is a start! A very enjoyable day, thanks Scott!

The Mamores Today. Binnein Beag or Bust?

2012-01-10T20:00:00.006Z

Rare Glimpse down Loch Leven.

The illusion of dryness.

The retreat!

With a forecast for patchy drizzle and winds of only 30 mph it seemed a good day for a longish hill walk with Gill. She had not done Binnein Beag .943 in the Mamores and it appeared to be a reasonable day to 'knock it off'.

Binnein or Bust? Bust! By lunchtime the clagg had rolled into give a fine view of 50m, the wind was gusting so much we struggled to stand up on exposed areas and the snow was depressingly deep and soaked through to the surface. So at 7.5k in and at approx 800m we made a wise turn around and headed back to Mamore Lodge, Soaked!

As they say, the mountain will always be there. There is allot of snow lying still on the North and North East faces of the Mamores. Unfortunately the temperature has gone through the roof. When will this winter become a winter?

Oban Adventure Activities. Indoor climbing 4th birthday party

2012-01-07T20:22:00.003Z

Today Oban Adventure Activities organised a 4th birthday party for Joe and Ruari. We based the party at the Ice Factor the kids had a very energetic day, swinging, climbing, bouldering, playing in the soft play and charging around. They certainly kept us on our toes, we are shattered this evening!

Thanks to the guys in the Cafe for laying on some great fun party food, the kids loved it!

OAA can organise adventure party's for all age groups indoors or out.

The Deluge Continues!

2012-01-06T14:58:00.003Z

After a glimpse of brightness on the hill today, the rain returned. The good news is that it's the start of the season and it can only get better, the legs are getting stronger and everyone was happy to be outside on the side of a hill, even if the snow is some what soggy. Our winter skills courses are up and running, so fingers crossed for the weather gods to turn off the rain and turn on the ice.

The thaw is on, again! Last day on the hill this year.

2011-12-30T22:15:00.004Z

Sometimes plans change and today was one of those days! An elusive Corbett can wait.

So the weather forecast was spot on, dry in the morning, raw and wet by late lunchtime. And how wet? Very wet!

A few folk were walking on the ridges but generally a quite day in Glen Nevis and on Stob Ban. Patience is required at this time of year, the last two years have spoilt us, now we wait for the winter to develop over the next few weeks.

Happy New Year everyone. Have an adventurous and safe time out there! Thanks to everyone who has booked or has been on our courses over the last year, its certainly has been varied and exciting and of course fun!

It will be a challenging new year for Hebridean Pursuits Ltd in 2012. We sadley see Steve Thomas co founder and my business partner of 22 years retire at the age of 74! Jane Sayer is taking over as our General Manager. We are launching www.obanadventureactivities.com in January and we have a full and busy winter programme ahead of an already hectic programme out at our Centre Tavool House on Mull, running Roses Project residenatials for young people and organising technical courses at sea and in the hills. Exciting times.

Glencoe clear but mild.

2011-12-23T17:20:00.004Z

Am Bodach

Looking towards Stob Dudh.

A brief conditions report from Glencoe today.

A crisp cold day with hail flurries. The snow under foot above 700m was firm- ish!

Gully lines I could see were complete and a re freeze would make conditions in the easy gullies very sweet. Most exposed ridges are clear of snow.

Enjoy the festive holidays.

HPL winter courses start up again during the second week of January. We look forward to being out in the mountains with everyone who has booked so far. Happy Christmas and an adventurous New Year.

Check out www.obanadventureactivities.com worth a look the site is still underdevelopment but

OAA will bring some more adventures to Oban in the New Year.

The Thaw has started on Ben Cruachan.

2011-12-21T13:46:00.006Z

Today I was up on Ben Cruachan, I haven't been up there for a while and it was lovely to be back up on this fantastic mountain range.

Not that I could see anything today, clagged right in and raining persistently.

The considerable snow under foot from 3oom onwards was soggy and heavy going!

If we get a good freeze it will be brilliant up there, but that is not looking likely with the westerly air streams over the next few days!

So one day left working on the hill before Christmas and then time for some chill out time before a very busy and well booked up winter season. Must rest my little legs! For winter courses www.hebrideanpursuits.com

First Ski Tracks of the season today in Glencoe.

2011-12-15T20:29:00.003Z

Mike freeing the heal.

One of the finest skylines in the world!

I was out today with Dan Goodwin and Mike Clifford.

Glencoe has some fine snow cover. The snow line is low approx 300m but thin below 500m.

The mountains have allot of new wind blown snow in their gullies and scarp slopes, some of which I am sure will be unstable. Ice was forming at 600m on exposed rocks.

If the temperatures remain cold with a freeze thaw cycle the climbing will be good.

The skiing was great fun on a firm base. The weekend has potential.

Sky Scapes Today.

2011-12-14T20:23:00.004Z

Ben Buie, Mull.

Today I was working in the fine low hills above Loch Melford, south of Oban.

A really atmospheric day during which the sky scapes dominated everything.

Snow covers the higher peaks of Mull and Ben Cruachan.

Just a fantastic days walking with the young people from The North Argyll Young Carers Adventure Project.

Windy Times at work!

2011-12-13T14:18:00.002Z

Winter arrives on the Ardnish Peninsula.

2011-12-06T21:04:00.003Z

Cosy!

200m above sea level.

The gang.

Winter is here for a while, I guess?

Over the last couple of days the season has changed to winter on the west coast.

I was working with the students from West Highland College again. The two days were concentrating on navigation and leadership on expeditions. We headed into the low but perfectly formed Ardnish area to camp at Peanmeanch Bothy. After an intensive day of navigation we camped up above the beach and then headed out for some night navigation. Back in the bothy we had two fires ragging and some fine food to enjoy after a blustery few hours in the dark.

This morning new snow lay at sea level creating a wonderful atmosphere and fresh feel to the countryside. Views over to Rum and Eigg were wonderful.

Driving home to Oban the snow was falling heavily and Ben Nevis is starting to look plastered. Oban however is now wet and windy and not so white.

Day one of a BRAWA Coasteering Skills Course.

2011-12-03T21:07:00.003Z

Wild old day on the Oban coastline. We stayed locally as it was exciting enough here on the coast of Ganavan. Severe Gale force 9, hail and snow and some sunshine all mixed in made for a fun day! Even managed to flood my waterproof camera!

Dry Spell of weather today above Fort William.

2011-12-01T20:34:00.003Z

Today I was out with the students again from UHI, West Highland College. We were having an in depth look at navigation before their expedition next week into the mountains above Glendessarry. It was a lovely day after a horrendous start and wild night. Some snow lay at 300m or so and 'the Ben' is looking white, but will it last?

I hope so, as it is going to be a busy winter HPL's courses are booking up and we have two two special offers on for winter courses, please see previous blog posting.

Coasteering Rescue Course Weekend.

2011-11-27T14:43:00.005Z

Tows and rescues.

The Team.

Lumpy seas.

Good size swell.

Help! Help!...........

HPL have been hosting a Coasteering Rescue Award this weekend.

Based in Oban the participants took part in a variety of training and assessment scenarios based on potential coasteering accidents and situations.

Open water swimming, towing, marine cpr, casualty evacuation, first aid scenarios and movement in the swell zone and spinal injury and handling were covered.

The conditions were perfect for the course, large swell and high winds made for challenging but realistic situations.

The sea remains warm but the wind as it backed to the North West became a little cooler in feel.

Hpl are running BRAWA Coasteering Course Skills Training course next weekend in Oban, there is one place left.

Indoor Climbing work over last few days.

2011-11-24T20:58:00.003Z

It has been pretty wild outside over the last few days so luckily I have been working inside!

On Wednesday I was at the Ice Factor working with the young people from the North Argyll Young Carers Adventure group and today I was working with Matt Heffer at The Ratho Climbing Centre, delivering day one of the CWA course to the students of West Highland College.

Its looking pretty windy for Friday so the SLSGB Coasteering rescue course we are delivering over the weekend should be pretty tasty!

Winter Walking and Mountaineering Skills Courses Special offers for 2012.

2011-11-22T16:08:00.005Z

Winter walking at it's finest on the Ballachulish horse shoe.

Small ratios means a more individualised and personal experience.

Mountaineering ground and the use of the rope on day two of a Mountaineering course.

Open up your walking world!

Hebridean Pursuits Ltd have special offers on for the following two day courses based in Glencoe area.

Winter Walking Skills. Ideal for those who wish to extend their summer walking into the winter hills.

January 23rd 24th 2012.

Winter Mountaineering Skills. A good choice those with some winter walking experience but who would like to venture onto steep ground.

March 22nd and 23rd

Vouchers available for presents.

Based on a Minimum of two people the cost is £70 per person per course. Does not include accommodation or food. Includes specialist equipment.

To enquire or make a booking please call Andy Spink MIC on 07721778821 or email us on hebpursuit@aol.com

Working with students from West Highland College today.

2011-11-21T20:12:00.002Z

Today I was out with students from West Highland College, who are studying on the Higher Adventure Leadership course. It was their first day on the 'Mountain Sports Module'. We ascended The Little Buachaille in Glencoe. The weather was kind to us, starting really wet and clearing up as we ascended to the summit, from where amazing views opened up down the glen.

For some this was their first Munro, and others the first chance to concentrate on mountain navigation. It will be really interesting to see how the students develop over their module through to February.

The Mountain module will involve, indoor climbing, outdoor climbing, expeditioning, winter skills and snow sports, leadership and yes I get to go snow boarding and skiing as well!

Gear For Sale.

2011-11-16T08:47:00.003Z

Outdoor Kit For Sale.

Scarpa Phantom Guide Boots size 41 used 3 times £190.

Patagonia R1. Fleece. Med. Black £35.
Patagonia expedition weight fleece. Short zip. Grey. Med. £20.
Rab Alpine Over Trousers. Event fabric, full side zip. Used twice. Med. £60
Petzl Meteor 3 Helmet. Like new. £45
55m 8.1mm rope. Yellow and black. Excellent condition, have to many ropes so needs good home. £50
Burton Snow sports rucksack. 35 / 40 litres. £40
Macpac rucksack. 55 litres. Excellent condition. Purple and blue. £50
Snug pack sleeping bag. Merlin sortie 3. £30
Petzl micro head torch £10
Dachstein Mitts. £10 pair. 3 pairs available. Small / med.
MSR expedition xgk multi fuel stove and bottles. used but still working fine. £40
Snugg 3mm wet suit. mini zip size small / med. Used. £40.
Tikki Prodigy 6.5.4mm wetsuit. With Hood. S / M. worn twice. £90
Air Tech mountaineering / walking ice axe. 55 cm. Used £35
Postage included.
Contact. Andy Spink.
07721778821
www.hebrideanpursuits.com

Surf Kayaking Course.

2011-11-11T18:30:00.004Z

Dry land drills.

An angry North sea!

Neil day 3, fantastic stuff!

Over the last three days HPL have been running a surf kayaking course for Neil.

We based the course at St.Andrews East beach and were lucky with the conditions.

Neil had only sat in a kayak once in his life! He called up to ask if he could learn to surf kayak even as a novice, so the challenge began for him this week, and he is hooked!

Neil did so well, stormy conditions on Wednesday and today really had him concentrating on all his edge control. Thursday was a lovely day with clean small waves letting us get to grips with the art of surfing kayaks.

Well done Neil, it's hard enough for seasoned kayaker's, I look forward to surf with you again soon...

Young Carers Adventure Project.

2011-11-02T17:04:00.002Z

Today was the first day of an exciting Adventure Project for young carers from Argyll.

We will be working with these amazing young people through their school terms offering a variety of exciting and educational outdoor experiences.

Today we went Coasteering and Abseiling near to Oban. The conditions were really kind to us, staying dry and the sea is still quite warm!

Coasteering Cousre For school teachers.

2011-10-29T10:33:00.005+01:00

Over the last couple of days HPL have been running a coasteering skills training course for the outdoor satff of Silverdale School, based out of Newcastle.

We used varied venues of Marsden Bay and the Eyemouth sea cliffs as training venues.

The weather and swell were excellent.

2011-10-18T08:17:00.001+01:00

Wet conditions on Mull, but still fun!

2011-10-17T19:43:00.005+01:00

Words of wisdom!

Screams of ......................?

Songs of Balamory.

Stormy seas!

The girls group from Dundee are making the most of the continuing wet weather. The general theme has been mud and water based adventures. Their highlight so far has been the Balamory mini bus and mine was meeting Yoda. The open fire and snuggling up in front of it has been a popular activty also.

Even in these testing conditions Mull offers interesting and challeneging adventures. The Force is strong for The Roses Project.

Oban Adventure Activities Coming Soon!

2011-10-12T09:24:00.003+01:00

HPL will be offering great value and fun outdoor activity adventure sessions based in and around the Oban Area.

Enhance your time in Oban by Coasteering, Canyoning, Climbing, Kayaking, Scrambling and all within easy reach of Oban.

Ideal for families on holiday, local school outdoor learning sessions, locals wanting a blast and great for stag and hen parties!

Combining HPL's 22 year outdoor industry experience and utilising some of the most experienced and qualified guides, instructors and coaches in the area, it will be an exciting programme.

Obanadventureactivities.com will be up and running in the near future.

Day 2 on Mull for Edinburgh YC 16+ Group and it was dry and sunny!

2011-10-10T17:49:00.003+01:00

The starting point of the Classic novel Kidnapped.

Steep Granite.

The gang at Knockvologan Bay.

Yes it was sunny today! We went rock climbing down at Knockvologan and had a warm sheltered day. A prefect combination today, the warm sun and grippy pink granite.

Edinburgh Young Carers 16+ project come to Mull. Day !

2011-10-09T16:31:00.008+01:00

Mud, Mud Glorious Mud!

The end of the canyon trip.

Water Fall exploration in huge volume conditions!

Day 1 out on Mull has been pretty adventurous already with a exciting wee canyoning trip in high water levels. Getting muddy, being soaked through and lots of smiles have been the order of the day! A huge sunday roast and warm open fire in the lounge this evening all add up to a great start to the groups week at Tavool House Outdoor Centre.

Adventure weeks on Mull www.hebrideanpursuits.com

BRAWA Coasteering skills training course.

2011-10-02T19:51:00.002+01:00

This weekend HPL organised a Coasteering Skills Course this weekend based at The Ancrum Outdoor Centre in Dundee. The weekend was run for Association of Mountaineering Instructors who were keen to have an in depth look at this exciting and challenging adventure sport.

We coasteered on the fabulous Arbroath sea cliffs, they offer some very fine exploration in caves, jumps and long swims. The weekend was progressive and great fun with the instructors learning allot about journeying in the marine environment.

Hebridean Pursuits Ltd are offering another BRAWA Coasteering course based in Oban on December 1 and 2nd 2011. Calls us on 01631710317 for more information.

Tiree this week.

2011-09-23T19:36:00.000+01:00

A wild week on Tiree.

2011-09-23T14:50:00.003+01:00

Carrick Adventure Group took part on a Roses Project residential on Tiree this week.

Despite the wild weather we had a fun and an adventurous time, surfing, climbing, walking, coasteering and exploring beaches! Film to follow.

The weather improved on Mull this week.

2011-09-16T10:24:00.002+01:00

After a wild start this week everything settled down on Mull. Some images of Autumn. HPL are heading out to Tiree this coming week to work with a group of young people from Galloway.

Edinburgh Young Carers On Mull.

2011-09-13T18:53:00.002+01:00

A wild old start to the weeks residential at Tavool House on Mull. The young people from EYPC just got stuck in and not let the rain, the gales and tale ends of Hurricanes hamper their fun!

So far we have been abseiling, walking, coasteering, gorge walking and body surfing. Off camping tomorrow so fingers crossed it all settles down a little for them. The Roses Project offers adventure activities for young people.

Tiree Hi School Mountaineering trip to Glencoe day 2 and 3.

2011-08-29T19:53:00.005+01:00

In The Lost Valley.

My team on Curved Ridge today.

Finishing the steep bits!

The weather has been mixed over the last few days but generally it has been very kind to us.

After the long, steep and often brutal ascent of Ben Starav we decided to split Sunday into two. the morning was spent exploring the Lost Valley of Glencoe and the afternoon was spent in the indoor wall looking at all things rock climbing as preparation for Mondays assault on Curved Ridge.

Monday dawned really windy but dry and by 10am it was calm. Sheltered from the NW we had a lovely sunny day climbing on the Curved Ridge.

A fantastic few days with a strong bunch of young people. Considering it was for most, their first time in the hills it has been a major achievement!

http://www.hebrideanpursuits.com HPL offers mountaineering trips to all ages, groups and abilities. Their Classic scrambles trips offer the chance to ascend some of Scotland's finest mountains by slightly steeper ways than the normal paths in areas such as Glencoe and on the Skye Ridge.

A fine day on Ben Starav today.

2011-08-27T20:58:00.003+01:00

The pupils from Tiree Hi School have returned again for their annual mountaineering long weekend in Glencoe.

Today, day 1. We ascended Ben Starav in Glen Etive, a steep brutal ascent of over a 1000m.The ascent was made by all the students, an amazing achievement considering that they had never been above 100m before!

Tomorrow's weather doesn't look good, but we are hoping to get a scramble in with the group.

North Buttress in Glencoe today.

2011-08-26T19:20:00.003+01:00

Adrian and I had great weather, great views and great climbing on North Buttress on Buachaille Etive Mor today.

Roddy's Coasteering Stag party.

2011-08-20T21:49:00.002+01:00

Stag Party go Coasteering today.

2011-08-20T15:27:00.002+01:00

A huge swell was running today which made for exciting times for Roddie's Stag party!

We went coasteering at Easdale which was catching an unusually large swell!

Jumping, swimming, climbing, traversing all added up to a fun and challenging coasteering trip.

HPL run coasteering trips and coasteering skills training courses throughout the year.

Canongate Youth Project on Tiree.

2011-08-13T08:23:00.004+01:00

Coasteering, always a favorite first activity!

Outdoor Learning.

The Gang enjoying the sunshine.

This week HPL have been working with a Youth Work project form Edinburgh. HPL have been working and running residentials for this project for over 15 years and this week was just such fun. The young people were excellent and the weather for the most part was kind to us!

Back to Mull and Tavool House Outdoor Centre this week! For more information on the Roses Project Residentials call us on 01631710317 or www.hebrideanpursuits.com

the Roses Project residential for Oban Young Carers on Tiree

2011-07-31T07:47:00.005+01:00

Check out RosesProject Hebrideanpursuitltd Face book page for more info and pictures!

What a week for everyone involved, Tropical in the Hebrides!

Roses Project Adventure Activity and respite Residential on Tiree.

2011-07-29T21:00:00.006+01:00

This week we have been working with a group of young people from Oban on the island of Tiree. The whole week has been such fun and very active. The weather has been amazing, enabling us to offer a wide range of adventure activities on Tiree, such as surfing, coasteering, climbing, kayaking and a great days walking over the small but perfectly shaped hills and of course along the most tropical white shell beaches. Hebridean Pursuits Ltd offer residential activity courses for young people based on Mull and on Tiree.

British Rock and Water Association Coasteering Skills Training course.

2011-07-21T11:55:00.003+01:00

Adventure swimming.Deep water solo and climbing .

Confirming your deliver and best practice.

Theory as well as practical skills.

Coasteering at it's best!

HPL are running another BRAWA Coasteering skills training course on October 1st and 2nd, based in Dundee. We then have access to some fantastic sea cliffs to Coasteer on. This open course is designed for anyone interested or currently working in this challenging and exciting environment. At only £140 per person this is great value. The course concentrates on the guidelines as recommended by the NCC and is widely recognised as some of the best and current training you can receive in the UK. Jumping, journeying, swimming, rescues, gear, climbing, play spots and much more! Don't miss it, it will be a fun weekend!

For more information please contact us on 07721778821 or hebpursuit@aol.com

New Film about the Roses Project.

2011-07-15T12:39:00.002+01:00

Just back from an amazing week on Mull working with a fabulous bunch of young people! They star in this new film about the Roses Project. This week has been one of the best residentials I have ever worked on in 21 years because the young people were so brilliant, thanks guys!

The Rose Project has fantastic weather on Mull this week.

2011-07-14T07:38:00.009+01:00

Scotland at its best on the Hebrides. Day Two of the expedition.

One of the best venues in the UK for group climbing sessions!

Tropical on Mull!

HPL /Roses Project are again running a respite adventure activity residential for a group of young carers from Perth. Based at Tavool House Outdoor Centre they have been taking part in a variety of activities such as Canyoning, Kayaking, Climbing and Hill walking. Part of their week has been to train towards their Duke of Edinburgh Awards, so allot of time has been spent learning about map work, compasses and expedition planing. The weather has been fabulous with wall to wall sunshine every day!

HPL has two weeks available at Tavool House this coming autumn for groups for adventure courses or family holidays, and Tavool is still available for New Years and Christmas, if you are looking for self catering accommodation for the celebrations.

A short film from this week will follow at the end of the week.

Strathallan School On Mull.

2011-07-07T13:04:00.005+01:00

I have just had some photos sent of Strathallan School's adventures on Mull during a Roses Project residential at Tavool House. Just a couple of watery based shots, coasteering and Canyoning, the pupils had a fantastic time Climbing, Coasteering, Gorge walking etc.

One of their teachers commented on our feed back forms that Tavool was a 'beautiful location, outstanding hospitality, inclusive activities and the 'non-outdoor' children have really enjoyed the adventure activities'. Thanks to Liam and Dan our instructors for making it such a great week and the photo's.

HPL and Rose Project courses are run all year round for more info check out www.hebrideanpursuits.com

Hordle Walhampton School return to Tavool House.

2011-07-06T20:53:00.005+01:00

Happy even though it was raining!

Tyrolean crossings.

Tavool's back garden has some amazing waterfalls.

On the Summit of the Island of Ulva.

37 pupils and staff from Hordle Walhampton School returned for their annual stay at Tavool House Outdoor Centre on Mull this week. The Roses Project instructional team were working again with a great bunch of pupils form this fine school. The 'Tavool Challenge' was on again, Hill walking on Ulva, Tyrolean Rope traverses, Gorge Scrambling, canyoning, Orienteering, night lining and exploring the coastline were all thrown into a very energetic two days of adventure and we even saw two Otters today! It is always a pleasure to work with such polite and enthusiastic young people, thanks to everyone for such a great few days!

Staff Training in the Ben More Canyon, Mull.

2011-07-06T20:43:00.003+01:00

The last waterfall.

Liam abseiling the second drop in pretty dry conditions.

On Monday I headed into the Ben More Canyon with Liam and Dan to have a look at all things canyoning.This Canyon trip is a sweet little canyon hidden from view and surprisingly deep. It offers good jumps, abseils and swims and amazing scenery.

HPL offer canyoning trips down this fantastic slot and other adventure activities such as guided hill walking, coasteering, sea kayaking and rock climbing on Mull. Why not check out Tavool House Outdoor Centre for activity holidays on Mull.

German travel company feature for HPL.

2011-07-02T08:15:00.002+01:00

HPL have been featured in a German Website as 'Scottish experts' this month, check the site out on http://www.schottlandberater.de/artikel/going-active-in-scotland.html Scotland offers such amazing experiences and continues to be a major European visitors destination especially for adventure holidays.

Coasteering Orkney june 2011 by Andy Spink

2011-07-01T18:08:00.001+01:00

Back working on Orkney.

2011-06-29T11:00:00.005+01:00

Heading up Enegars gorge.

The summit of Cuilags...!

Cuilags mighty corrie and scrambles.

Late or early depending on your point of view! Birsay Bay.

Coasteering venue at Yesnaby.

Abseiling delivery and senarios.

I am back over on Orkney this week running some in house training and competency sign off's for the Council Outdoor Staff up here. It's great to be back as the staff are great to work with and so so keen!

Yesterday, We headed to the fabulous Yesnaby for a coasteering and rock sport activities day. Yesnaby is on the Mainland of Orkney and offers fantastic venues for coasteering and sport rock climbing.

The staff ran a coasteering session in the morning for a local group and in the afternoon ran a rock sport session. I was there to sign off competency and give further training if needed. A great day of workshops and training was had and the weather was impeccable with an amazing sunset.

Today, Wednesday, we have returned to the island of Hoy. We have spent the day looking at navigation and exploring the burns and gorges on the small but pretty steep and perfectly formed hills of Cuilags. At 433m they are deceptive and very interesting. We found some great gorge scrambling and plenty of aircraft wreckage!

Sounds as though the school http://www.hebrideanpursuits.comHPL have in at Tavool House are having a great time, gorge and canyoning yesterday and on Mull and today Climbing on Erraid, pictures up soon.

Galloway Hills and Coasteering At Culzean Castle.

2011-06-24T21:37:00.005+01:00

On Shalloch of Minnoch on Thursday night.

Corserine's fine rolling summit at 814m.

I have been down in the beautiful Galloway Hills walking and Technically Advising on Coasteering at the fantastically placed Dolphin House outdoor Centre at Culzean Castle. It has been four days of sky scape's, the clouds have dominated the whole week. I thought only pictures of skyscapes were appropriate to emphasise just how picturesque it is down in Galloway and how remote it feels on the tops. I managed to squeeze in another couple of Corbett's, which is always very pleasing and of course have now explored another small chunk of the UK's coastline. I am working on Orkney next week so the blog may go a little quiet as the technology might fail up there!

HPL has a group out on Mull at Tavool House on a residential multy activity week so watch this space for more adventues from the HPL team!

HPL'S 5 month Instructor Training Course is launched!

2011-06-20T12:30:00.002+01:00

HPL are offering four places on an exciting Instructor Training Course starting November 2011. Running for 5 months it will offer those keen to pursue a career career in outdoor pursuits to gain maximum time doing real activities and log book experience towards NGB awards. A fantastic alternative to traditional academic courses. Adventure alongside some of the UK's most experienced and qualified practitioners after all experience is everything! For more information please contact us at www.hebrideanpursuits.com or Andy Spink MIC, IML, BCU Level 5 coach on 07721778821

The Atlas Mountains Expedition and Gold Duke of Edinburgh expedition in Morocco.

2011-06-15T13:30:00.009+01:00

Looking back up the valley to Afella and the Biiguinnossene ranges.

Myself with Toubkal beyond from Aguelzim at approx 3700m.

Adrian half way up the narrow 300m Taddate couloir, a great fun alpine ascent.

The gang on Toubkal's summit!

Adrian and Kenny above the valley on day 2.

I have just returned from The Atlas Mountains in Morocco after a fantastic 10 days of trekking and mountaineering with a great bunch of young people from a variety of locations in Scotland. Our adventures focused in and around the Toubkal region. The first four days were based on a Gold Duke of Edinburgh Expedition Assessment and the second half of the trip concentrated on ascending North Africa's Highest mountains, in particular Jbel Toubkal at 4167m.

The group had such a fabulous time starting at Imil at 1740m then trekking over passes of 3700m into the quiet, lush and pretty Azzadene Valley and then five days later over to the French Alpine club, Nelter Mountain Hut below Toubkal at 3207m.

I am pleased to say everyone passed their Gold Duke of Edinburgh award with flying colours and we also had a fantastic day ascending to Toubkal's lofty summit from where we were rewarded with amazing views stretching out to the Sahara and the Atlantic coast.

During the trip myself and co instructor / organiser Adrian Henderson of 'ACE' ascended the fine shaped mountain of Biiguinnoussene [4002m] from the very remote Lepiney hut via the Tizi n'Taddate a long snow couloir with an entertaining middle section of mixed ground.

The weather, after a few days of low cloud was impeccable. Allot of snow remains high up, the good winter making for some routes to feel like full alpine ascents needing crampons and ice axes. Back in Marrakesh it felt like a cauldron compared to the fresh Alpine regions we left behind. Marrakesh is a wonderfully colourful and vibrant city which contrasts nicely the quieter hill villages and the shopping in the Souks is every bit as challenging as the hills themselves!

We were very lucky to have the support of Toubkal Trekking and their very skilled staff during our explorations. Their food and local knowledge was so crucial to our very successful expedition.

http://hebrideanpursits.com HPL is offering another Gold D of E Expedition for 2012 and we are currently looking for 4 young people to join the four we have already to return to Morocco in June 2012.

HPL are now also offering guided ascents of Toubkal and the surrounding 4000m mountains to groups or individuals for 2012 season and beyond.

HPL 5 MONTH ACCELERATED INSTRUCTOR TRAINING COURSE.

2011-06-03T11:50:00.003+01:00

HPL now have an intensive instructor training course available. Starting in November it is open to all abilities and experiences. Based out of Oban we are offering an alternative to academic outdoor courses and concentrating on real, practical first hand experience in the mountains, at sea, in the surf, canyons and coasteering.

4 places are available. If you are interested or know someone who is looking to gain valuable log book experience and hard skills whilst learning alongside some of the UK's most qualified and experienced coaches, instructors and guides this course will enhance your carer in outdoor education and an amazing insight into this challenging and exciting industry.

if you are keen to know more please contact Andy Spink at hebpursuit@aol.com or on 07721778821

Cairnsmore of Carphairn Bagged.

2011-05-31T09:08:00.007+01:00

Change of foot wear this weekend for Glorious mud!

Galloway hills always quiet.

Ben exploring the campsite at Knockengorroch.

A fine summers day at 797m.

Red Kite Yurts, can be rented, so cosy..

This weekend I managed to take a Bank Holiday off! We headed down to Galloway to the amazing and very family friendly Knockengorroch World Music Festival, which takes place on the most lovely private farm just under a Corbett I hadn't done, so a perfect opportunity!

An early start and one and half hours later we were in the cloud, sleet and wind, summer hey!

These hills are rolling but very pretty and so quiet, even when the sun comes out, so if you are looking for an escape and some great bothies then head to Galloway. Pleased to say the sun shone for the rest of the weekend!

HPL has groups out with us this week out on Mull, Coasteering and the Staff Team had a great day guiding a college group Ben Nevis last Friday, pleasingly the weather was better than forecast!

Colborne Youth Service form Kensington Visit Tiree

2011-05-24T15:51:00.003+01:00

Abseiling and looking cool!

Coasteering, exploring the sea, rocks, waves and yourself!

Tiree is covered in the most beautiful white shell beaches.

Learn to surf with our instructors.

Team Building should be a laugh.

Just had a few photos sent from one of our instructors. They were working on a Roses Project Residential HPL based out on The Isle of Tiree. Based at the Hynish Centre, this school engagement programme was utilising our services to offer alternatives to not attending school. Using a variety of outdoor activities the young people returned to Kensington much more positive and empowered.

Tiree is the sunniest place in the UK, and offers a fine selection of water sports and rock sport activities for all abilities and age groups. The Hynish Centre is very comfortable and an ideal base for these residentials. HPL are back out on Mull and Tiree over the summer and looking forward to working with a variety of organisations and loads of young people.

Day 2 of BRAWA Coasteering leader assessments on Jersey

2011-05-20T08:16:00.005+01:00

Ice Plant is everywhere on Jersey.

Happy Jersey Coasteering Leaders.

One of many fabulous bays.

Big Air at Beauport, but get the tides right!

Day 2 on Jersey and the swell returned making for excellent sessions at Beauport. With a 36 tide and dropping it made for dynamic decisions for jump sites etc. The 3 foot swell created great fun play spots and some fun open water swimming.

The two days have been really successful, everyone passed so consolidating the island providers skills, professionalism and competencies.

Coasteering is going through a very positive UK wide development at present with the Formation of the National Coasteering Charter Group, a body representing all our interests.

British Rock and Water Association skills training courses are run for organisations and individuals alike. If you would like to know more or book onto a course contact HPL or Andy on 07721778821

HPL are organising a BRAWA skills training course for the AMI in October based in Dundee. If you coasteer, are a member of the AMI or are keen to experience what it's all about then please come along on October 1 and 2nd.

BRAWA Coasteering leaders assessment on Jersey

2011-05-18T23:12:00.003+01:00

La Cotte Island, great climbing crag.

Rich going for air at Beauport.

Swim lines and rescue scenarios.

Pete at De lecq on lovely granite.

Today was the first day of two days of assessments I am running down on Jersey. The conditions are really calm at present, small swell and lights winds have made for lovely journeys along this fantastic coastline. We used two different venues today, Beauport and Greve de lecq. Both have fabulous coasteering journeying potential, with great jumps, gullies, caves and climbing.

In the evening, after the assessment I was then working for Absolute Adventures Jersey as their Technical advisor. We were checking out rock climbing venues this evening, The best venue was La Cotte Island a tidal crag with some fine crack lines on it. With a 36 foot tide, timing was crucial today and a little concerning whilst climbing because I didn't want be cut off for a few hours!

Tomorrow is day two of assessments and another four people will be assessed at another two venues. HPL offers Coasteering technical advice to organisations, run Coasteering skills training courses and coasteering guide assessments year round.

A great days Canyoning in the Allt a Mhuilinn. Day 3 of UKCG Fast Track Course.

2011-05-16T20:03:00.003+01:00

Another inspiring day out with Rich Carlson of the American Canyoning Association. The water volumes were steadily rising today so fun was had by all in the canyon. We concentrated on all things rigging and anchors. We made some wacky anchors, from human anchors to very small cairns and some very useful single rope techniques for descending fast volume water. A great three days, thanks to Ben for a great course.

I head off to Jersey in the morning for a few days, to run some British Rock and Water Association, Coasteering Guides Assessments, more water just a little more salty.

http://www.hebrideanpursuits.com/

UKCG Canyon Guides Course Day one.

2011-05-14T21:38:00.003+01:00

Rich Carlson, American canyoning guru.

Tools of the sport.

By passing knots and all that jazz!

Today, I was taking part in the first of a three day Canyon Guides Course based in Onich. Today was based around ropes, knots, abseiling past knots, ascending past knots and all manner of rigging and belay funky systems. Based on the American Guides Course and instructed by Rich Carlson, this fast track course offers those who are involved with canyoning a chance to learn and workshop techniques not often seen or used in other vertical sports.

The Amazing North Coast of Scotland.

2011-05-13T19:31:00.003+01:00

one of many beaches.

Ski session, at an unnamed break.

soft landings, white shell bouldering.

Strathy Bay, all on my own!

We have just had two weeks of fantastic weather on the North Coast. The swell lasted for five days and died, but the sun remained and we were able to find soft landings off beautifully warm rock at sea level. We hung around Strathy Bay and Sango Bay, both north facing and catching what swell came in. Long board sessions, wave ski evenings and bouldering all in the baking sun! We explored the Tongue peninsula and the impressive Smoo Cave. If you fancy a surfari then get in touch, HPL can organise trips to these World famous surfing breaks, for surf kayakers, boardies or ski paddlers.

Climbing and Coasteering on Hoy today.

2011-04-26T20:58:00.003+01:00

Sheltered swimming spots..

Emma on Belay duty.

Barry Curly climbing at Maggie Mouat's Geo.

Fun little swell spots!

Andy on a new route at Brims Ness.

The sun didn't stop shinning all day on Hoy!

An early start saw the instructors team coasteering at Brims Ness point. A reasonable swell was rolling around Hoy from the NW but it still managed to reach the south coast! We had a fun and at times exciting coasteer along this lovely stretch of coastline. The late afternoon we changed gear and went rock climbing at sweet sea cliff called Maggie Mouat's Geo. We had a look at setting up belays, running sessions and climbed a few wee routes. I managed a first ascent, which we called after a local lady, who delivers the post. ' Fay's Saturday Post'. A great few days of work Technically advising with a great team from the Orkney Outdoor Education Service, can't wait to head back again.

Working on Orkney.

2011-04-25T17:44:00.003+01:00

Gorge / canyon Scrambling on Hoy, great fun adventure.

Brims crag on Hoy.

Yesnaby, sport routes on all walls!

Coasteering should be interesting tomorrow! Yesnaby Castle a 115ft stack, first climbed by Joe Brown in 1967.

don't trip.

I am up on Orkney technically advising for the council at their various very well appointed island centres / hostels. It's Fantastic work and new Island ticks for me!

So far I have explored, climbing venues on the Orkney 'Mainland' at the dramatic, Yesnaby, surprisingly it's a sport venue. It's up to 50 feet high and has some sweet routes. I travelled over to Hoy early this morning and climbed at Brims Point, a short but fun [tidal] single pitch crag and descended a really bizarre gorge on Hoy running into the sea Called 'The Candle of the Sale'.

The weather is typically windy, but the Sunshine's and out of the wind it's summer.

Coasteering instruction tomorrow. There is a huge Northerly swell running so should be exciting!

Dave Birkett was spotted after doing the Old Man! Nice one...

Bouldering on Mull.

2011-04-23T21:36:00.000+01:00

I'm heading off to Orkney in the morning to Technical Advise on Coasteering and Climbing, which should really interesting work and it's a new island tick too.
However I thought it might be nice to have a wee bit of Mull sunshine and rock images. The summer season is shaping up and I'm looking forward to those warm Hebridean evenings again.
'

Toddlers activity adventures at Tavool House.

2011-04-18T10:44:00.003+01:00

A bit of a change of age group this weekend, but what a blast! Three, Three year olds adventures on Mull. A very active weekend at Tavool, non stop challenges and adventures for Ben, Joe and Rory. Climbing trees, Canadian canoeing, walking and exploring, swimming and dam building. I am shattered!

I look forward to more Toddlers adventures soon.

A great end to a fun week on Mull.

2011-04-14T18:50:00.003+01:00

Sun, Sun, Sun and rock and water on the Ross of Mull today.

The week with the young carers is nearly over apart from the BBQ and some more giggles!

What an inspiring bunch of young folk! And the food has been amazing at Tavool House Outdoor centre! I reckon the best food in the Uk at outdoor centres, well probably!

Perth Young Carers go canyoning and Camping. Wet and Dry!

2011-04-13T13:37:00.004+01:00

A lovely evening wander along The Burg.

the calm before the storm!

the Tavool Gorge.

The weather gods have been a little cruel over the last few days, but we have had adventures both wet and dry all the same. Tuesday, saw us in the gorge at Tavool and then on an evening walking expedition and camping trip. A calm, sunny evening followed so the young folk really enjoyed just chilling out watching the wildlife and the waves crashing into the west coast of Mull. We woke to some really really wet weather and a heads down retreat to the centre!

This was really wet rain, the wettest I have been out in for a while. The group did so well. Back at Tavool House the sense of relief was strong, warmed up and fed we then charged out for more fun and games. Coasteering and Climbing on the Ross of Mull tomorrow, bring on the sunshine, please?

Another Great day on the West Coast of Scotland.

2011-04-11T20:29:00.004+01:00

Challenges in the woods.

The leaders get stuck in too!

What a morning view from Tavool House!

Day 2 out at Tavool Outdoor Centre on Mull. After early showers we had another sunny and very warm day working on 'The Burg', in the gorges and facilitating a variety of team building challenges for the Young Carers from Perth. They just took on every challenge we offered them!

Adventure activities residential at Tavool House Outdoor centre, Mull

2011-04-10T20:39:00.004+01:00

Tavool House a natural suntrap all day!

Day 1 of a HPL / Roses Project residential at Tavool House. I am working with a bunch of really great young people from The Perth Young Carers Project. Today we headed into the gorge for a wee explore under the fantastic waterfalls and then into the sea at Loch Scridain.

Fabulous weather out here and it's due to stay fine! It's great to be back working out on Mull and I am looking forward to a fun packed summer on the islands.

HPL instructors and guides are also available for Rock Climbing adventures on beautiful Island of Erraid and sea kayaking guiding and courses throughout the summer. Tavool House has a few weeks available for self catering or catered family holidays, all the activities you see on these posts are available too!

Adventure Mull at an Amazing Outdoor Centre, Isle of Mull

2011-04-06T09:11:00.005+01:00

Sea Kayak Safari's, an amazing way to see nature.

Activity weeks, canyon, coasteering, climbing and so much more!

fabulous beaches on Mull.

Tavool House is ideal for family hols.

But great fun!

I have been over on Mull, gearing up for the start of the season at Tavool House. HPL have a group coming in on Saturday for a week of adventures, so I was over checking out the venues.

HPL offer an exciting range of holidays offers for families, groups and specialist events like, Sea Kayak Safari's, Adventure Activities, Last Munro Parties and Stag Do's based on the wonderful Isle of Mull.

4 star open boat training course at Beyond Adventure.

2011-03-31T23:21:00.005+01:00

The River Tummel shingle bank lunch stop.

Tracking up stream.

The River Tay.

Graeme making it look easy whilst looking to make the eddy.

Tools for the job!

The last few days have been a brilliant experience. I have been doing a four star leader open boat training course and what an amazing learning curve its been.Thanks to Stuart Bell [ob1] for his individualised coaching and demonstration of skills in his boat. Although I have level 2 coach award in this discipline I don't and didn't have much experience on rivers and certainly not much at all in Canadian canoes on fast moving water, so it has been an eye opener to a new range of skills and canoe techniques. My apprenticeship starts here and the building of my experience should be a fun and challenging one! Thanks to Beyond Adventure for the course.

Surf Kayak Coaching For Oban Kayak Club Today.

2011-03-26T20:44:00.003Z

Barry and the close out.

The paddle out.

Jill trying out a surf kayak for the first time and doing great.

Lovely wave!

Today I was coaching Surf Kayaking at Machrihanish Bay. We were so lucky with fabulous condition's, ideal for all levels of surfing. The sun shone all day and I am amazed how warm the water is, bare foot day! The wave sized ranged from waist to chest high and was clean most of the day. Most of the guys today had never been surf kayaking before, but have done allot of sea kayaking and river running, so they were keen to get to grips with the specifics of this exciting sport and transfer some of the skills learnt today. It was great to be back out in the surf today, I just love that feeling of speed of the bottom turn.

A Great fun Canyoning Trip and Instruction day, today.

2011-03-25T17:08:00.004Z

I was expecting a really icy start to the canyoning season today, but it was a pleasant surprise how warm it was in the water! Tom, Gordon and I went to Sutherland's Grove Canyon near Oban to look at all things 'canyoning'. It is a great trip with interesting rock scenery and exciting short slides and jumps and a few abseils thrown in. A fantastic spring feeling in the burns, what a contrast to just a week ago on the hills. Surf Kayaking Coaching tomorrow, so another day in the sea, can't wait!

HPL offer Canyoning courses through the spring and summer months. We can organise and guide a wide selection of canyons for all abilities. You have to try it!

First Coasteering Course of the year! And it's warm in the water!

2011-03-24T18:06:00.004Z

Tom loving it in the zawn.

Gordon on the traverse.

Jumps can big big or small!

The gully flush through.

Sea level traversing and a soft landing!

Today was an absolutely beautiful spring day in Oban! I was instructing outdoor instructors in Coasteering today at a brilliant venue south of Oban. Gordon and Tom were looking for technical and specific site training in this exciting and varied adventure sport.

The sea is remarkably warm and with no wind at all the whole day felt so much like summer!

We spent the sessions concentrating on Jumping, swimming, rock climbing, sea level traversing and play spots in the small but powerful swell. Great fun!

HPL have started the coasteering season and we are taking bookings for trips already. If you are heading to Oban on Holiday it's a great way of experiencing the marine environment and spending a day with the family!

HPL will provide highly experienced, licenced and qualified guides and all the equipment you need for a great adventure and each trip is designed around your ambitions..

Ski Touring in Glen Feshie.

2011-03-22T20:15:00.003Z

The last couple of days I have been over in the east with Gill, ski mountaineering. On Monday we ski toured above Glen Feshie and after a 1000m climb to Carn Ban Mor, we were rewarded with a great 2 k descent on soft forgiving snow. Today We headed to the piste to concentrate on techniques. The soft thawing cloggy snow made life difficult, but it is hanging in there and a drop in temp would consolidate the platuea's good cover. Folk were heading into the coires to climb, but haven't heard what they were getting done.

Spring has sprung! The rest of the week I will be running HPL courses. Coasteering, Canyoning and surf kayak coaching. Back into the water, exciting!

Loads of snow on Curved Ridge Today.

2011-03-14T20:58:00.003Z

Crowberry Tower Gap with cornice.

Deep and Deeper!

Amazing snow formations.

Adrian leading the short but steep corner pitch.

Today Adrian and I spent two and a half hours ploughing a 3 foot trench to the bottom of Curved Ridge and then having an excellent day climbing it. Adrian was really keen to do this classic route in winter and He was also wanting to lead the harder top pitches, which He did with style and skill. Conditions out there are 'deep'. The cloud cleared for a while and then set in again giving interesting navigation down the North Ridge [alternative descent turn everything on the left as you descend] as the gullies are just primed to avalanche at present. The snow pack is still moist and really heavy. If we get a freeze over a few nights it is going to be a belter of a Mid March.

Duke Of Edinburgh Expedition Group Winter Skills Weekend

2011-03-13T17:50:00.004Z

Saturday hard going in the new snow.

Sunday a little better but still very windy.

Great views!

Spin drift city!

This weekend I have been working with a really great bunch of young people who are heading off to Morocco to do their Gold Expedition in the Atlas Mountains.

I will be heading out with the young people and the 'ACE Centres' staff in early June. After their Gold Assessment 4 days i will be guiding them onto the highest peaks of Toubkal and its neighbouring 4000m peaks. This weekend was a challenge for all, high winds, blizzards and the constant snow fall gave everyone food for thought! On Saturday We concentrated on winter skills high up on Stob Coire Raineach in some pretty rough conditions. On Sunday we were looking at Navigation on Beinn na Caillich and some fantastic drift ploughing!

Winter is not over! HPL has winter courses running until the snow goes!

Wild Weather and Heavy Snow fall in Glencoe on Friday.

2011-03-13T17:37:00.003Z

'The Little Shepard'

' The big shepard'

Friday was a full on winters day in Glencoe. I was out with Hamish on Buachaille Etive Beag for a short day ascending the smaller but no less impressively shaped Small Buachaille. High winds and new drifting snow made walking slightly more difficult than of late. Atmospheric would sum up the afternoon. The weather is to progressively deteriorate so it will be an interesting weekends work on the hill!

Curved Ridge Today.

2011-03-03T19:44:00.005Z

I was back out with Dick today. He had expressed an ambition to do Curved Ridge on the Iconic Mountain, Buachaille Etive Mor. This fine mountaineering ridge weaves it's way up through some breathtaking scenery. The trouble was the cloud enveloped us just as we got to the water slide and the start of the walking route to the ridge start. A Pea Souper! Only once the whole day did it lift and give us a fantastic view over the cloud. The spring like conditions continue, but plenty of firm old snow remained on the ledges and in grove lines. Easy Gully remains intact but it will need a cold snap to make it pleasant to ascend. The snow on the exit slopes was damp, with a layer of older snow ice under making life without crampons interesting, good old fashioned step cutting came into play! The descent off the summit was done in the mist and an easy romp down Coire na Tulaich on the snow made for a quick way off.

A fantastic day of real adventure and contrasts. And We had Curved Ridge all to ourselves!

HPL are running winter courses until the winter really is over and summer mountain guiding all year round. The winter is not over yet, so please check out our remaining dates on the website.

HPL also have space available at 'Tavool House' on the Isle of Mull, it is

Ideal for large groups, parties and stag doo's, self catered or catered and plenty of adventure activity options if required!

Fine day high up in Glencoe

2011-03-02T20:17:00.003Z

Descending into Lost Valley, steep snow fields all the way down to the glen.

Richard heading for the summit on some great old snow. Crampons on!

Another fine day in Glencoe.

On the Zig Zags, a fine start to our day and a great way into the Coire.

Today I was out with Richard, who was keen to have adventures and refresh his skills after recovering from injuries. We had a fantastic mini adventure scrambling, snow climbing, ridge walking and peak bagging.

We started on the Zig Zags scramble, where we looked at short roping. Then headed into Stob Coire nan Lochan to concentrate on refreshing Richards fundenmentals of ice axe and crampon use. From there we headed up over Lochan's lofty peak and at 1115m following some fine old snow and newly reformed softer pack with a wind crust. We followed the snow covered and still impressively corniced sw ridge and from there ascended the imposing Bidean nan Bian 1150m. Cloud came and went but generally a calm day, although some what mild! We descended the long snow slopes into Lost Valley and so back to the Glen. A fine days mountaineering.

Very mild on Dinner- Time Buttress Today

2011-03-01T19:10:00.004Z

Ben and I had a great fun morning following the slowly drying rock up the various steeper bits of Dinner-Time Buttress. A little snow remains in the gullies at the top of Aonach Dubh, but the day just got milder and milder!

Misty conditions meant we couldn't see allot of Stob Coire nan Lochan as we traversed around and descended into the coire below Bidean, but what we could see suggests, wet snow on wet rock and wet turf with wet seepage, generally wet! Stob Coire Nam Beith is holding snow in the deeper gullies, but evidence of stone fall and broken sections don't encourage investigation at present. Having said all that the Glissading was amazing on the large patches of old snow, just perfect conditions for a bit of foot skiing!

West Coast of Scotland at its best!

2011-02-27T20:47:00.006Z

All seasons in one day on Saturday.

A steep thrutch for 800m!

Summit of An Stac 814m, looking over to Rum.

Heading towards An Stac on Sunday.

The fine scrambling on the NNE ridge of Sgurr Ghiubhsachain.

This weekend I have been hill walking with Mark on the West Coast above Loch Shiel. We were keen to get away from the main honey pots and explore new terrain for both of us.

The weather was amazing, as forecast a combination of snow showers and bright warm sunshine.

This coastal area is stunning with fabulous views out to The Inner Hebrides and The Small Isles of Rum, Eigg, Muck and Canna. With spring like conditions both days saw us on three steep and shapely Corbetts. I even found the first berries of the year! Starting at sea level these hills demand respect for their rocky ridges and fine craggy faces, giving great fun and easy mountaineering ground. At no stage was anything frozen up, but fresh snow was falling and the Lochaber hills certainly looked much more wintry on my drive home.

The photos say it all, just beautiful outside in Scotland.

R & R for a few days with the family!

2011-02-19T15:17:00.003Z

It's has been a busy winter so far. Here are some images of why 'Scotland Outside' is so unique, looking forward to spring conditions high up in Scotland's Mountains. Remember winter climbing and walking continues well into May. HPL has courses running until the snow goes! Last year we skied toured Cairngorm in mid June, climbed on Ben Nevis in May!

Another Beautiful day in Glencoe. School House Ridge II.

2011-02-17T20:02:00.004Z

Today was as good as it gets in the mountains any where in the world. To avoid the deep and unconsolidated snow, Steve and I headed for the prominent and most striking School House Ridge, Grade II on Sgorr Dhearg above Ballachulish. We were really lucky as the snow line started about 500m and the snow was firm under crampon. It's a fabulous route in good snow cover, steep little steps exposed in places lead to a fine broad ridge and hence to its summit of 947m. From there one of the most shapely coire rims in Scotland awaits, which in turn leads onto Sgorr Dhearg's fine 1024m summit. Today we descended the narrow North Ridge and went exploring into Allt Guibhsachain, a remote and isolated coire, hidden from the road by forestry. NW facing slopes remain loaded with deep soggy snow, which was increasingly warming up as the day went on. It was raining in the glen as we reached the cars, these are the best days out when plans work out and the weather is kind.

Winter in Scotland's Mountains February 2011

2011-02-16T17:38:00.000Z

It's been a great February up in the hills. HPL are offering courses through March and April at very competitive prices. Please check out our website HPL.

Forest fight and flight today.

2011-02-15T19:06:00.004Z

Loch Leven and The Mamores beyond.

Can't see the wood for the trees!

Looking up to Sgorr Bhan.

First thing I saw this morning!

Today was a raw and blustery day in Glencoe and else where by the sounds of it. Matt and I were up on Sgurr Dearg's North ridge. The fresh blown snow was deceptively deep in hollows and stream beds. A day for keeping to ridges and where possible scoured slopes [but these are few and far between at present! ]

Sometimes ideas of different ways off hills work out, today was not one of those days! We thought it would be great if we could drop straight down the north ridge to the van, well you can but it involves 'jungle war fare'. Never quite crawling we made it back to the Forest track some what damp. Ace fun in a perverse way it has to be said.

The North facing coire below Sgorr Bhan has two large avalanches running the length of it's slopes. I am sure it is not the only place they are naturally triggering. The south east winds are forecast over night and over the next few days, so route choice and approaches will need to be

carefully considered. I had a coffee with Andy Turner who had just fled from the Ben, his description of swirling snow and spindrift says it all really.

Winter is back and HPL has places left on courses over Easter and they are very good value!

Pea Souper Today in Glencoe!

2011-02-13T19:33:00.005Z

It was hammering down in Oban this morning as I left for Glencoe. Never the best start to the working day. By the time I arrived in Glencoe it was falling as wet snow, by 9 am it was pelting us in an horizontal fashion. Being at 160m things felt pretty 'mingin' to say the least, so 1000m would be grim? I met Daniel who was joining me on a winter skills training day. He had booked through Footprints Glasgow, HPL are now their training providers. We decided to head as high as possible, as quickly as possible. So up lift completed we were now into proper snow fall and about as much visibility as the length of my arm, a Proper winters day! Daniel and I spent the day concentrating on all things winter walking skills based. The new 60cm of snow [see photo] on a firm base proved interesting in places, we reached the summit of Meall a Bhuiridh 1108m in pretty horrible conditions but Daniel was really chuffed to have done another Munro. A fun day in proper winter weather. The sliding up there tomorrow will be amazing, if you can get out, go out! Powder Monday....