Winter Programme 2018/19

Transcription

1 Winter Programme 2018/19

2 Winter Programme Welcome 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. We run single day outings, multi-day trips and linked skills courses. In fact we have something for everyone whatever your aspirations and ability. Contents Activity Page Welcome & Introduction 2-5 Winter Rambles 6-7 Winter High Tops 8-11 Winter Mountaineering Winter Climbing Winter Mountain Skills Ski Touring Winter Trips Winter Mountaineering/Walking Annual Planner Falkirk Community Trust - Outdoors 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. We run single day outings, multi-day trips and linked skills courses. In fact we have something for everyone whatever your aspirations and ability. All photographs by Craig McLaren except where otherwise credited Falkirk Outdoors Information and Bookings Our office hours are: Tuesday to Thursday Friday Outdoor Activities Base Victoria Building Annexe, Queen Street, Falkirk, FK2 7AF Tel: outdooractivities@falkirkcommunitytrust.org Web: 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 . 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. 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 : In Person Please call in and see us at our Victoria Buildings Please Note: By Post (Cheque) Please send payment to: Outdoor Activities Base Victoria Building Annexe Queen Street Falkirk FK2 7AF We only take bookings on receipt of payment, we cannot accept provisional bookings. You will only hear further from us if your course has to be altered or cancelled. 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. Equipment Our modern and comprehensive stores have a full range of 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. You are welcome to use any of your own equipment on our courses if agreed with the instructor on the day. Equipment list available from: Transport and Venues All our courses start and finish from our main office at Victoria buildings (address above) and transport to and from there is included in the 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. Venues are dependent on Mother Nature and will be decided on the day of activity. 2 3

3 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 38 years. This time in the mountains has allowed him to build up a very good knowledge-base of all things Scottish hill related. Martin Holland Martin has been climbing for 38 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. Michael Hunt Mike has an extensive skiing background. He holds the BASI 2 award and is a Mountain Ski Leader. He immerses himself in all aspects of skiing including telemarking. He is also a Mountain Bike Leader, Winter Mountain Leader and is responsible for coordinating the Outdoors team s delivery of activities for schools. 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 22 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. 4 5

4 Seasonal Highlights Rambles Senior Ramble Stravaiger dates 08/01/19 22/01/19 05/02/19 19/02/19 05/03/19 19/03/19 Senior Ramble Tryst dates 04/12/18 15/01/19 29/01/19 12/02/19 26/02/19 12/03/19 26/03/19 Senior Rambles Cost Starts at 0915 and 0930 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 Foundry Loan car park in Larbert at 0930 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: Winter climbing trip to the Southern Cairngorms Winter walking overnight expedition traversing the Southern Cairngorms Mountaineering or winter walking trip based in the North West Highlands Mountaineering or winter climbing trip based on Ben Nevis Progressive ski touring courses to hone your off piste experiences Four winter skills courses to train and enhance your safety in the winter hills All this as well as all the usual exciting winter days and trips you ve come to expect from us Greenock Cut Duke s Pass, Aberfoyle Christmas Ramble 11/12/18 On the 11th 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. The cost of the lunch is not included in the walking fee. Please get in touch with the Outdoor Activities office for details. John Muir Way, East Lothian Loch of the Lowes, Dunkeld Combined Senior Ramble 18/12/18 Our annual combined ramble will take place on 18th December. This is a chance for both groups of ramblers to get together on a linear walk. 6 7

5 Winter High Tops All Cost 38 Starts 0700 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. Walks in December will include an element of winter skills if conditions allow. This will be to refresh winter movement technique, it s not a comprehensive winter skills coaching session. If you require that you should go on a winter skills course. Beinn Chabhair 13.8km with 1000 metres of ascent 17/01/19 Ben Vane 11.5km with 930 metres of ascent 20/12/18 Sgor na h-ulaidh 12.5km with 1020 metres of ascent A nice wander up past the Ben Glas Falls on the way to this Trossachs Munro makes the outing that wee bit more special. It s a great hill anyway, with enough bumps and lumps on the connecting ridge to offer a fine winter outing. Ben Chonzie 12.5km with 770 metres of ascent 09/12/18 We re kicking off our winter High Tops season with a visit to a local favourite. This Munro is on the easy side, even in winter. This will allow us time to revisit some winter skills on the hill. This Munro may be compact but it is steep. Walking in from Inveruglas we pass below Loch Sloy dam before commencing the ascent. This is all on dam roads and tracks, which makes the 3km each way to reach the hill a bit of a faster plod. The ascent is steep and has added spice under snow, the path weaving through numerous buttresses to the summit. Fine views abound. We will return the same way. 06/01/19 This first walk of the New Year will take us to Glen Coe to tick an out of the way Munro. This hill packs a punch due to its steep terrain to gain the summit. If conditions allow we ll do it clockwise, but if there s a possibility it might be easier to go up and back from the west of the summit on the day depending on conditions. Driesh & Mayar 12.7km with 900 metres of ascent 27/01/19 We d like to go up Driesh by the Scorrie ridge this time, just for variety. If it s on we ll probably head out and back to Mayar and then descend down the Shank path, avoiding Corrie Fee. 8 9

6 Winter High Tops Meall Greigh, Meall Garbh & An Stuc 16.8km with 1200 metres of ascent 24/03/19 Beinn Bhuidhe (Bike Access) 20.8km with 460 metres of ascent on bikes, 10km with 760 metres of ascent on foot Getting up the Lairige road up to Ben Lawers is unreliable in winter so we thought we d tackle the three eastern Munros on the Lawers Range from the A827 instead. The first two summits are easy enough but An Stuc is a different animal altogether. Its ascent from the east is steep mountaineering but there are outflanking options if conditions on the day make this route too serious. Beinn a Chreachain & Beinn Achaladair 18.5km with 1330 metres of ascent 07/02/19 This outing to these two Munros is well earned in terms of effort required to tick both summits in winter conditions. It s a very rewarding walk, the two miles of pathless haggis-traipsing in the morning is soon forgotten on the return along the fine ridgeline. 17/02/19 This Munro is fairly remote as regards this part of the world. The usual approach is from Glen Fyne but we ll make it more interesting and go in by neighbouring Glen Shira. This makes the biking a bit longer but it ll take us to the dam on the Brannie Burn, and therefore within easy access to Beinn Bhuidhe s long south west ridge. This will give a finer ascent of the hill without any of the awkward ground associated with the Glen Fyne tourist route. Carn Gorm, Meall Garbh, Carn Mairg & Meall na Aighean 17.6km with 1290 metres of ascent 07/03/19 The Carn Mairg Round in winter is a great walk. It s a long outing with as much up and down as you d expect on a journey to tick four Munros. Bidean nam Bian 10.3km with 1090 metres of ascent 29/03/19 We re rounding off our winter walks with an absolute classic. Bidean in winter is an amazing experience. The distance and height given here may change due to us deciding on the day which way is best to get the hill done. Expect lots of steep ground on hard snow, whichever way it s tackled

7 Winter Mountaineering Cost 50 Starts at 0700 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 plod highly exciting on the day. A good level of competence in winter hill walking is required for these days. 07/02/19 Chockstone Gully & Great Gully link Up (Grade II) ARROCHAR This is the best mountaineering route up to the summit of The Cobbler s North Peak. Chockstone Gully is steady with the amazing jammed chockstone providing great sport at the end. A short walk leads to Great Gully which has an awkward step to gain the main gully feature. Topping out on the summit is the icing on the cake. If the gullies aren t an option we ll do the South East Ridge (Grade 2/3 or III) instead. 27/02/19 19/12/18 Dinnertime Buttress & Number 2 Gully link up (Grade 1/2 or II) GLEN COE 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. Summit Gully - Stob Coire Nam Beith (Grade II) GLEN COE 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. 19/01/19 Curved Ridge Buachaille Etive Mor (Grade II / III) GLEN ETIVE 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. 17/03/19 Aonach Eagach Ridge (Grade II/III) GLEN COE 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

8 Winter Climbing We don t advertise winter climbing venues in advance so we can go where conditions are best on the day Intro to Winter Climbing Cost 65 Starts at 0700 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. Previous winter walking / mountaineering experience is essential 08/12/18 05/01/19 16/01/19 06/02/19 Winter Climbing Cost 65 Starts at 0700 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 pre-plan 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 09/12/18 21/12/18 06/01/19 17/01/19 03/02/19 28/02/19 13/03/19 23/03/19 14 Photo Credit - Martin Holland Photo Credit - Martin Holland 15

9 Winter Mountain Skills Courses Winter Navigation Cost: 40 Starts at 0700 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. 17/12/18 11/01/19 06/02/19 08/03/19 Avalanche awareness and safe travel techniques 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 below 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. Previous experience required for any winter skills course - summer hill walking experience Intro to Scottish winter skills Cost: 40 Starts at 0700 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. 08/12/18 05/01/19 10/01/19 26/01/19 16/02/19 06/03/19 Cost: 40 Starts at 0700 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. 16/02/19 20/03/19 Ropework for Winter Hill Walkers Cost: 40 Starts at 0700 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. 20/01/19 17/02/19 21/03/

10 Ski Touring All our days are guided by a British Mountain Guide or Mountain Ski Leader 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 Our ski touring programme caters for all levels or off-piste skiers; from novice tourers to those after steep descents where fresh tracks are guaranteed. We also offer ski mountaineering, i.e. climbing with planks on your back, as well as a dedicated off-piste techniques course. Ski Touring Beginners Off-Piste Ski Technique Intro to to Ski touring Touring 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 of 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. Ski ability - confident skiing on blue runs. Our Courses Intro to Ski Touring Ski Touring Intermediate Ski Mountaineering Ski Touring Advanced Guided day - Guided day - Ski Touring Ski Touring 1 1 Beginners Beginners 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 ability - confident skiing on blue runs and some knowledge of ski touring. Off-piste Off-Piste Ski Technique Ski Ski Mountaineering 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. Ski Ability - confident skiing red runs, experience of ski touring summits in Scotland or the Alps & winter mountaineering experience Guided day - Guided day - Ski Touring Ski Touring 2 2 Intermediate Intermediate 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. Ski ability - confident skiing red runs and experience of ski touring summits in Scotland or the Alps. Guided day - Guided day - Ski Touring Ski Touring 3 3 Advanced Advanced 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. Ski ability - confident skiing black runs and experience of ski touring summits in Scotland or the Alps. 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. We plan to go to one of the ski centres and use the lift system to maximise downhill coaching time. Ski ability confident on red runs and experience of ski touring 18 Photo Credit - Michael Hunt 19

11 Ski Touring Intro to Ski Touring Cost 45 Starts at 0700 Ski ability confident on blue runs 08/12/18 05/01/19 09/01/19 02/02/19 23/02/19 14/03/19 Guided day - Ski Touring 3 Advanced Cost 60 Starts at 0700 Ski ability confident on black runs and experience of ski touring summits in Scotland or the Alps 08/02/19 10/03/19 25/03/19 Guided day - Ski Touring 1 Beginners Cost 50 Starts at 0700 Ski ability confident on blue runs and some knowledge of ski touring 16/12/18 16/01/19 03/02/19 18/02/19 09/03/19 22/03/19 Ski Mountaineering Cost 65 Starts at 0700 Ski ability confident on red runs and experience of ski touring summits in Scotland or the Alps 26/02/19 18/03/19 Guided day - Ski Touring 2 Intermediate Cost 50 Starts at 0700 Ski ability confident on red runs and experience of ski touring summits in Scotland or the Alps 20/12/18 06/01/19 24/01/19 24/02/19 15/03/19 30/03/19 Off-piste Ski Technique Course Cost 40 Starts at 0700 Ski ability confident on red runs and experience of ski touring Price of the Lift Pass NOT included 08/02/19 20 Photo Credit - Michael Hunt 21

12 Winter Trips This winter we have a variety of trips to suit everyone. Based in a hostel, club hut, tent or a snow-hole, every level of winter mountain accommodation is offered. 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. Winter Skill Trip - Winter Walkers or Ski Tourers This is our annual winter skills weekend based in the Cairngorms. Accommodation will be in the SYHA Hostel in Aviemore, which is well equipped for our needs. The winter walking group and the skiing group will be sharing a bus and accommodation but will doing separate activities each day. 19/01/19-20/01/19 Starts at 0700 Mountaineering CIC Trip This classic outing takes in the East Ridge of Carn Dearg Meadhonach (II), Carn Mor Dearg Arête (I), Ledge Route Traverse (II); some of the best Mountaineering ground in Scotland. We will start the trip at the Nevis range gondola (fare not included) and traverse the three ridges to finish in Glen Nevis. Day 1 Traverse from the top of the Gondola around into the Allt Daim corrie. From here we ascend the East Ridge of Carn Dearg Meadhonach (Grade II). This long pinnacle ridge takes us to the summit of Carn Mor Dearg. From the summit we follow the CMD Arête before dropping down corrie Leis to the CIC Hut. Day 2 Ledge route. This is one of the five great ridges of the Ben and the best route of its grade on the mountain. From the top of the route we head down to Glen Nevis. 10/01/19 11/01/19 Starts at 0700 Cost: 115 Walkers Cost 105 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. Ski Tourers Cost: 130 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

13 Southern Cairngorm Mixed Winter Climbing Trip Southern Cairngorm Walking Expedition Nine Munros ticked over two days beginning in Glen Shee and finishing at The Spittal of Glenmuick, 31.5km with 1630 metres of ascent over the two days, camping high on the hill. Are you up for an unforgettable adventure? Day One 15.6km with 880 metres of ascent. Over Glas Maol, Carn of Claise, out to Carn an Tuirc, over to Tom Buidhe then Tolmount. Camping around the Burn of Fafernie. Day Two 15.9km with 750 metres of ascent. Out to Cairn Bannoch, on to Carn an t-sagairt Mor, Carn a Choire Bhoidheach and finally Cac Carn Beag - the summit of Lochnagar. From there we descend to The Spittal to get picked up and taken to our bus where we can drive home. We are reliant on a friendly climbing team for the lift back to our bus If that doesn t transpire we ll modify our trip accordingly. We will still be out overnight for two days regardless. Previous experience Previous winter walking experience and a good level of hill fitness is essential. Winter camping experience is desirable 30/01/19 31/01/19 Cost 90 Starts 0600 Thursday The Southern Cairngorms area offers some of best winter climbing in Scotland, which is to say it s among the best in the world. By spending three days in the region we will be aiming to visit venues not accessible in a day from Falkirk. Our main target will be Lochnagar, but we have other options. We re not ruling out a visit to the Beinn a Bhuird if conditions and ambition allow. We ll be based in the Braemar area in a hostel which has the usual facilities. Previous experience Seconding routes at Scottish Winter Climbing grade IV or above and a good level of hill fitness. 30/01/19 01/02/19 Cost 240 Starts at

14 North West Highlands Winter Mountaineering or Winter Walking We ve not been up this far north in winter for a while so we thought we d base ourselves in the Ullapool area and seek out some winter adventures in Assynt or Wester Ross depending on the weather. 21/02/19 24/02/19 Starts at 0700 Winter Walkers Cost: 227 We ll head north into Assynt and do a traverse of Quinag, which will be an unforgettable experience culminating in ticking three Corbetts. There re also winter ascents or Canisp or Cul Mor or Cul Beag to entice us. If we have to head east we have the Beinn Dearg group of Munros or Ben More Assynt and Conival. It ll be a great trip with guaranteed memories for a lifetime regardless. Previous experience Previous winter walking experience is essential Winter Mountaineering Cost: 284 We re planning to be mountaineering on the classic hills north of Ullapool if they re in condition: a traverse of Stac Pollaidh, Pinnacle Ridge on Cul Mor, V Gully on Quinag. If it s better further east we have options on Beinn Dearg or some of the bigger Assynt hills like Conival. Previous experience Previous winter mountaineering experience is essential 26 27

15 Cairngorm Camping Trip Winter Walking or Ski Touring Winter Walkers Cost 90 Ski Tourers Cost 110 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, the Feith Buidhe area or bivvied either high on the hill or down by the Shelterstone. We plan to be flexible. Both teams will depart from the same area, usually in the northern Corries. Ideally skiers and walkers would go their own way during the day and try and meet up at night. This makes for a sociable outing. Both groups will try and take in at least one Munro. We might go east this year to the Ben Avon plateau or equally, if conditions are good, go west to the Braeriach area. Ski tourer requirements - confident skiing red runs and experience of ski touring summits in Scotland or the Alps Winter walker requirements previous winter walking experience. Winter camping experience desirable. 16/03/19 17/03/19 Starts at

16 Ben Nevis Winter Climbing Trip ALPHA IS JACKET Ben Nevis Winter Climbing Trip 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, such as 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. Previous experience required Seconding routes at Scottish Winter Climbing grade IV or above and a good level of hill fitness. There are no small days on the Ben The single layer alpine solution: high output cold weather insulation with GORE-TEX waterproof performance saves weight over mid and outer layering. An evolution in alpine layering. 27/03/19 29/03/19 Cost 235 Starts at ALPHA IS JACKET - MAGMA

17 The Mountain Training course aims to equip participants with the basic knowledge and essential safety skills required to start pursuing their own participation in mountain walking as a leisure time activity. Falkirk Community Trust is an approved provider of these awards. Mountain Training Scotland Courses Mountain Skills Cost 95 per two day course Courses begin at 0700 The Mountain Skills course is an ideal choice for walkers interested in applying their countryside walking skills to the mountain environment. Ideally, participants would have done some basic hill walking and have a reasonable level of fitness. Skills in map and compass, mountain weather forecasting, movement through steep ground, planning and preparation, emergency procedures, seasonal effects and the mountain environment all form the syllabus of this course. The course is run in the main high mountain areas of the UK and Ireland. Our courses will be based in the Scottish mountains. Mountain Skills 26 & 27 June & 15 October 17 Qualifications - Lowland Leader Award The Lowland Leader Award is ideal for teachers, community workers; those involved with the Duke of Edinburgh s Award Scheme in fact anyone who wants to lead summer walking groups in lowland countryside and woodland. As with all Mountain Training Schemes there is no altitude limit to the remit of the award, lowland refers to the sort of landscape you will be Mountain operating Training in, i.e. offers fields programmes and woodlands of training where and there assessment are clear paths for walkers on the interested map and on in the ground. leading groups as well as skills awards that teach individuals how to look after themselves in the hills and mountains. The UK and Ireland are home to a great many stunning locations and our The work training is dedicated course to looks helping at route-finding more people get skills, out an there understanding and enjoy them. of hazards and risk management, leadership techniques and an appreciation of equipment needs and the impact Falkirk Community of the weather. Trust There delivers is an these optional courses Expedition behalf Skills of the module Mountain available Training for candidates Scheme. who wish to move on to leading camping trips and supervising groups on backpacking expeditions. Like other National Governing Body Awards the pathway to certification involves getting some personal experience, attending a training course, consolidating your learning, completing an assessment, and then continuing to develop these skills as a Lowland Leader. The length of time it takes to become a Lowland Leader depends on how much experience you already have. We recommend at least three months between training and assessment, and if it takes you a few years to feel ready, that s fine too. The Lowland Leader Award can be used anywhere in the UK when you are in appropriate terrain. More information about the award please visit the Mountain Training website LLA Training 2017 dates For dates and more information about any of the Mountain Training courses run by Falkirk Community Trust please see the Falkirk Community Trust/outdoor website or call the centre on Hill Skills Part of the Hill & Mountain Skills Scheme, the Hill Skills course is a practical introduction to the techniques required for hill walking. It is suitable for beginners and covers topics such as how to plan walks, become familiar with the use of a map and learn about the equipment required. You will also gain an understanding of the effects of weather, how to deal with emergencies and gain a valuable insight into the upland environment. Mountain Skills The Mountain Skills course is part of the Hill & Mountain Skills Scheme and designed for walkers with a reasonable level of fitness who are interested in applying their countryside walking skills to the mountain environment. The course includes skills in map and compass, mountain weather forecasting, movement through steep ground, planning and preparation, emergency procedures, seasonal effects and the mountain environment. Lowland Leader Our newest leadership award, the Lowland Leader Award, has been created for people wishing to lead groups on footpaths, trails and lowland countryside anywhere in the UK and Ireland. It is perfect for people in a position of responsibility whose leadership role is restricted to walking in these areas, such as the Duke of Edinburgh s Award leaders, teachers and youth workers. Hill & Moorland Leader The Walking Group Leader Award was designed for people wishing to lead groups in upland, moorland, fell or down areas. The award focuses on the challenges faced by those leading in these environments such as navigation, route finding and group management. There is an overnight experience element to the award which provides individuals with the basic skills required to take people to valley campsites or bunkhouses. Mountain Leader The original mountain leadership Qualification is now 50 years old! The Mountain Leader award is the benchmark for anyone wishing to lead groups in the mountains. Through a six day training course and five day assessment, complimented by your own walking experience, you will gain a thorough understanding of how to safely lead groups in mountainous terrain. This award is suitable for anyone wishing to take people walking in the mountains. For dates and more information about any of the Mountain Training courses run by Falkirk Community Trust please see the Falkirk Community Trust/outdoor website 33

18 Community Winter Programme - At a Glance Rambles High Tops Mountaineering Climbing Skills Skiing Trips DECEMBER JANUARY FEBRUARY MARCH 1 OFFICE CLOSED Mixed Winter Climbing Trip 2 OFFICE CLOSED Ski Intro 3 OFFICE CLOSED 4 Senior Tryst Ramble OFFICE CLOSED Intro to Winter Climbing Winter Skills Ski Intro Winter High Tops Winter Climbing 11 Senior Xmas Ramble Winter Skills Intro to Winter Climbing Ski Intro Winter High Tops Winter Climbing Ski Tour 2 Senior Stravaiger Ramble Winter Climbing Ski Tour 1 Senior Stravaiger Ramble Intro to Winter Climbing Winter Navigation Winter High Tops Mountaineering Ski Tour 3 Off-piste Ski Technique Course Senior Stravaiger Ramble Winter Skills Winter High Tops Winter Navigation Ski Intro Ski Tour 1 Winter Skills Mountaineering CIC Trip Winter Navigation Mountaineering CIC Trip Ski Tour 3 12 Senior Tryst Ramble Senior Tryst Ramble 13 Winter Climbing 14 Ski Intro 15 Senior Tryst Ramble Ski Tour 2 16 Ski Tour 1 17 Winter Navigation Intro to Winter Climbing Ski Tour 1 Winter Climbing Winter High Tops Winter Skills Avalanche Awareness Winter High Tops Ropework for Winter Walkers Winter Walking Expedition Ski Touring Expedition Winter Walking Expedition Ski Touring Expedition Mountaineering 18 DECEMBER JANUARY FEBRUARY MARCH Senior Combined Ramble 19 Mountaineering 20 Winter High Tops Ski Tour 2 21 Winter Climbing 22 OFFICE CLOSED 23 OFFICE CLOSED Winter Walking Skills Trip Ski Touring Skills Trip Mountaineering Winter Walking Skills Trip Ski Touring Skills Trip Ropework for Winter Walkers Senior Stravaiger Ramble 24 OFFICE CLOSED Ski Tour 2 Ski Tour 1 Senior Stravaiger Ramble NW Walkers Trip NW Mountaineering Trip NW Walkers Trip NW Mountaineering Trip NW Walkers Trip NW Mountaineering Trip Ski Intro NW Walkers Trip NW Mountaineering Trip Ski Tour 2 Ski Mountaineering Senior Stravaiger Ramble Avalanche Awareness Ropework for Winter Walkers Ski Tour 1 Winter Climbing Winter High Tops 25 OFFICE CLOSED Ski Tour 3 26 OFFICE CLOSED Winter Skills Senior Tryst Ramble Ski Mountaineering 27 OFFICE CLOSED Winter High Tops Mountaineering 28 OFFICE CLOSED 29 OFFICE CLOSED Senior Tryst Ramble 30 OFFICE CLOSED 31 OFFICE CLOSED Mixed Winter Climbing Trip Winter Walking Expedition Mixed Winter Climbing Trip Winter Walking Expedition Winter Climbing Senior Tryst Ramble Ben Nevis Climbing Trip Ben Nevis Climbing Trip Winter High Tops Ben Nevis Climbing Trip Ski Tour

19 Photo Credit - Michael Hunt Festive Films at The Hippodrome WARREN MILLER: FACE OF WINTER Sun 9 Dec 4.30pm 1h 40m + interval Latest instalment of the breath-taking winter sports film series. Watch as the world s best skiers and riders cover ground in the most legendary destinations Thrilling, big mountain snow-sports action with fantastic intermission prizes to be won on the night. 11 ( 8 conc.) Hippodrome, 10 Hope Street, Bo ness, EH51 0AA falkirkcommunitytrust.org