George Heriot's Pupils request more Coasteering.

The Gang after the journey.

The big splash zone.

Chris climbing the Easdale cliffs.

Adrian Henderson leaping into the zawn.

Today was day 2 of George Heriot's School's adventure weekend and the pupils asked for steeper and bigger and longer Coasteering action. So they got it! We spent three hours today journeying along the coast  in the sunshine, jumping off big cliffs, playing in powerful swell and generally having a blast! It is brilliant to be working with such a dynamic school which values 'real' adventure activities and challenging situations. It maybe an old fashioned and slowly outmoded concept but real life does have risk and managing it is a huge life skill. We look forward to working with them on their winter skills and mountaineering weekends in 2013 and heading off on an expedition with them to the Atlas Mountains next June which we have organised and will guide. Thanks to all the gang from this weekend's Adventures.
Oban was still and calm today, the high pressure remains and new snow could be seen on Ben Cruachan. Tomorrow sounds wet, but it will be putting snow down on the hills and that can only be good for the start of the winter season.

George Heriots School Adventure Weekend in Oban.

Today was day 1 of two. We were working with George Heriots School from Edinburgh. Coasteering and Climbing. Calm conditions and out of the wind for coasteering. The rock was greasy and damp but started to dry off as the day went on. Yet again the photos explain the fun we had today. Looking forward to tomorrow, what ever we do!

The Black Mount Hills, Mud and The Big Shepherd.

I was out today with Gill in the Black Mount running some of the wonderful tracks behind Forest Lodge. A mixed day but dry until mid afternoon. The ground is boggy at the mo and if we get a freeze soon it will start the cooling process well for the first proper dump of snow and then hopefully a good base can develop.

We drove back to Oban via Glencoe where the hills looked broody and menacing  just waiting for winters onslaught and the rigors of climbers ascents.

It was great to be in the hills and starting to gain winter fitness for the long season ahead. This weekend we will be working with a large school group on an adventure weekend, anything could happen from Canyoning to coasteering to climbing and scrambling. The weather will determine the adventures!

SLSGB Coasteering Safety and Rescue Award Assessment in Oban.

400m keep going boys!

Welsh Rugby players good at throwing things!

Tools of the trade.

A third day in the sea today for me and the lads. Whilst others winter climb and ski we headed back to the ocean to run a SLSGB assessment.  It was flat calm in the sea off Oban today, some what of a contrast from Saturday. The air temperature was approx 5 degrees and the surface of the sea steamed as we swam towards Connel. The back drop of Mull and Ardgour was beautiful, snow covers the hills and the crystal clear water reflected the sky blue. Arwell, Steve and Stewart were being put through their paces in all things safety and rescue related in Coasteering. This award has been widely valued by those whom have taken it over the last year or so. It is realistic for those working in this environment yet challenging enough to make the candidates realize just what is required to rescue in difficult conditions or over long distances. So being flat calm, swims and towing were the order of the day. I am pleased to say that all the candidates passed and in fine style, well done all.

BRAWA Coasteering Skills Course Day 2. Rescues, Ropes, Rock and Roll!

Taking flight!

Leaving Terra Firma is always fun.

Swim lines a quick way to get a group across. 

Towing practice.

The gang on the rocks.

All things rescues and technical today on the coast and in the impact zone. No snow showers today and  with much warmer air temperatures we could spend time looking at techniques and discussing scenarios  The sea still felt warm and the smiles said it all. I guess the photos say it better!  The next course will be in the spring of 2013 watch the website for dates.

BRAWA. Coasteering Skills Training Course day one.

Two guys from South Wales and one from Fort William enjoying the Tropical waters!

Stevie Boyle heading for the impact zone.

Lots of jumping off things today.

Hebridean Pursuits are hosting a 'BRAWA' Coasteering course based in Oban this weekend. Day one went well with plenty of time in the sea off the cliffs near to Easdale. A cold day in the wind but warm in the sea. An occasional snow shower came through but generally it was pretty pleasant up to late afternoon when the heavens opened which is a shame as I am sure it will dampen Bonfire night a wee bit! More Coasteering action tomorrow and a SLSGB Safety and Rescue course on Monday. These courses are designed to encourage outdoor instructors or the those keen to learn more about the sport and to engage with the amazing activity of Coasteering or confirm that their practice is best practice. We run regular courses and the dates of the next one will posted on our new web site when it is launched in the near future.

A run through Gleann Duror in the sunshine today.

Hamish keeping pace.

Gill heading west.

Sgorr Dhearg 1024m

On waking to a crisp sunny and very cold morning in Oban the idea of a fell run seemed a goer. So Gill and I  ran from North Ballachulish to Duror via Gleann an Fhiodh. At only 250 m height gain it worked out really well for us as we had fantastic views of the hills and glens. Thin yet fresh snow sits on the hills in Glencoe. The summits were shrouded in mist most of the day but the glens remained clear. It didn't take long to traverse the route as the path has been well maintained and easy to navigate. A wonderful morning out side in Scotland.