Winter Outdoor Adult Activities 2017/18

Transcription

1 Winter Outdoor Adult Activities 2017/18

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 Courses Ski Touring Winter Trips Mountain Training Scotland Courses Annual Planner Falkirk Outdoors 2 Cover Photo credit - Martin Holland

3 Information & Bookings Our office hours are; Tuesday to Thursday Friday Outdoor Activities Base Victoria Building Annexe Queen Street Falkirk FK2 7AF Tel: Web: For information 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 . Full list of forms online: 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 Victoria Buildings * Please note we still need a signed copy of our medical form before the start of the activity Please Note: 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. Transport and Venues All our courses start and finish from our main office at Victoria buildings and transport to and from there is included in the course fee. We have a large car park to leave vehicles and we are a short walk from Falkirk train (Grahamston) and bus stations. Start times are listed with the course dates and finish times will vary. Please ensure you plan on being out with us all day - if conditions are good we will make the most of them. Venues are dependent on Mother Nature and will be decided on the day of activity. Equipment Our comprehensive stores have a full range of modern equipment for all of our courses. The stores will be open on the morning of your course for you to borrow anything you need. All this is included in the course fee. Of course you are welcome to use any of your own equipment on our courses if agreed with the instructor on the day. Equipment list available from: Photo credit - Craig McLaren 3

4 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 37 years. This time in the mountains has allowed him to build up a very good knowledge-base of all things Scottish hill related. Michael Hunt Mike has been a keen skier since the 1980s. He holds the BASI 2 Alpine Ski Instructor award and BASI 1 Telemark Instructor Award and has worked around Europe as well as closer to home in Scotland teaching skiing and ski touring. He is also a Mountain Ski Leader. He also holds qualifications in mountain biking, winter mountaineering, and canoeing. Mike is responsible for coordinating the outdoor activities programme for the schools within Falkirk. 4

5 Martin Holland Martin has been climbing for 37 years. He holds the Mountain Instructor Certificate and is a very active all-round climber. His speciality is seeking out esoteric new winter routes, especially in the Southern Highlands. Martin is also a devotee of mountain marathons, sea kayaking and ski mountaineering. Martin is an enthusiastic and highly experienced instructor. Euan Whittaker Euan holds the IFMGA Guides carnet which is the highest worldwide qualification in mountaineering, off piste skiing and ski touring. He has been instructing and guiding mountain activities for 20 years. These days, he splits his time between the European Alps, Norway and Scotland delivering courses in alpine mountaineering, rock and ice climbing, off piste skiing and ski touring. Photo credit - Craig McLaren 5

6 Seasonal Highlights Winter fun on Skye for the walkers or climbers. Climbing ice on the iconic Creag Meagaidh - a first for us. Expanded Ski Touring Courses Mountain Training Scotland Courses for aspiring leaders All this as well as the all the usual exciting winter days and trips you ve come to expect from us 6

7 Winter Rambles Senior Ramble Stravaiger dates 09/01/18 23/01/18 06/02/18 20/02/18 06/03/18 20/03/18 Senior Ramble Tryst dates 05/12/17 16/01/18 30/01/18 13/02/18 27/02/18 13/03/18 27/03/18 Senior Rambles All Senior Rambles cost 9.00 Starts at 09:15 Stravaigers and 09:30 Tryst 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: Greenock Cut Duke s Pass, Aberfoyle John Muir Way, East Lothian Loch of the Lowes, Dunkeld Christmas Ramble 12/12/17 On the 12th December we will visit a local rambling area with a restaurant nearby, undertake a short walk in the morning and have our Xmas lunch in the afternoon. This outing is available to all Senior Ramblers. Please get in touch with the Outdoor Activities office for details. Combined Senior Ramble 19/12/17 Our annual combined ramble will take place on 19th December. This is a chance for both groups of ramblers to get together on a linear walk. Photo credit - Craig McLaren 7

8 Winter High Tops Winter High Tops All High Tops days begin at 07:00 and cost 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. Folk that need that should go on a winter skills course. Ben Chonzie & Auchnafree Hill 18.3km metres of ascent 03/12/17 We kick the winter walking off with a bit of a leg stretcher in the Southern Highlands. Ben Chonzie from Lednock is the standard way up but it s a bigger outing to go our proposed route. We ll follow the track along the reservoir for a bit, head up pathless ground to Auchnafree Hill then on to Chonzie by Biorach a Mheanainn, which is steep in places. An easier descent takes us to the head of Loch Turret and the track back. Ben Starav 12.7km Metres of ascent 07/12/17 We thought we d get the drive down Glen Etive done at the start of the season when there s less chance of the road being covered with snow. If we can t get down we ll do one of the easier Blackmount Hills instead. The route goes over the river to Coileitir then up and down Starav s long ridge. It s a bit of a slog but the amazing views more than compensate. 8

9 Photo credit - Craig McLaren Ben Lomond 11.8km metres of ascent 21/12/17 For the midwinter Solstice we thought a visit to one of the ancient beacon hills would be apt. We ll go by the Tarmachan Ridge which provides a great way up to the summit and the best views down to Loch Lomond. We ll return by the tourist path. Stob a Choire Odhar & Stob Gabhar 15.8km metres of ascent 07/01/18 These Blackmount Munros provide a great outing in winter. Beginning at Victoria Bridge the way follows the track up to Clashgour Hut then up to Stob a Choire Odhar by a path. The route continues easily until the steep pull up to the Aonach Eagach, where there s a short section which feels like mountaineering to gain the main bulk of Stob Gabhar. An easier descent off the summit by Stob Maol leads back gown to the Allt Toag and the way back. 9

10 Winter High Tops Ben Ime & Beinn Luibhean 8.6km metres of ascent 18/01/18 Although the distances are quite short in Arrochar the terrain more than makes up for it. Beinn Ime linked with the Corbett Beinn Luibhean makes a fine outing from Butterbridge. If we can get across the burn we ll head for Glas Bealach and do the Munro from here; dropping south to Bealach a Mhargaidh and up Luibhean. An Socach 15.7km metres of ascent 28/01/18 From Glen Clunie an ascent of An Socach provides a straightforward out and back route utilising good track along the Baddoch Burn to get to the hill s long east ridge. Once up on this ridge it s a nice undulating walk out and back to the summit. Beinn an Dothaidh & Ben Dorain 14.1km metres of ascent 01/02/18 Linking these two Munros makes an interesting winter outing if Beinn an Dothaidh s west flank is included in the ascent. This means not having to go up and down from Coire an Dothaidh. The route goes straight up to the summit of Dothaidh from Bridge of Orchy, south to the bealach, up the ridge to Dorain and back as far as the wee lochain where a break in the crags provides a way down. Glas Tulaichean 15km metres of ascent 15/02/18 This Munro usual gets combined with its neighbour, Carn an Righ, but doing it on its own in winter is a big enough undertaking. We ll park by the Hotel to shorten the walk in a bit. Then we ll follow the line of the old railway and the track up the hill to the summit. To vary the day a bit the descent will be down Gleann Taitneach off Creag Bhreac. 10

11 Na Gruagaichean & Binnein Mor 14.2km metres of ascent 04/03/18 The Mamores hills seem to take on bigger mountain characteristics under snow. This pair of Munros at the eastern end of the rage are a committing undertaking due to the low start, longish walk in and steep, narrow ridges on the hills. The route goes from Kinlochleven up to Coire and Locahin, on to the col at Sgurr Eilde Beag, over point 1062m to the summit of Binnein Mor. After retracing our steps over the spot height the route turns right to Na Gruagaichean. The return is by its south ridge. Geal Charn 12.6km metres of ascent 18/03/18 The Moadhliath Geal Charn is a fairly remote Munro for this part of the country. If the road is clear we ll begin at Garva Bridge and head up and back via Sherramore. We re almost tempted to go up by Glen Markie instead as the drive is shorter but the walk is a bit longer, by another 5.5km. Either way it s a grand outing. Ben Alder BIKE ACCESS 30.2km metres of ascent BIKE 15.8km metres of ascent WALK 29/03/18 For the last High Tops outing of the winter we thought we d do something a bit special. A visit to lonely Ben Alder is practical if bikes are used to get to Culra Bothy and then shanks s pony to the hill from there. The route goes from the village to the bothy then up to Bealach Dubh. From here the summit is easily reached. We ll return the same way. The trip will take place after the clocks change so we should be able to return to Dalwhinnie before dark. Photo credit - Craig McLaren 11

12 Winter Mountaineering Starts at 07:00. Cost 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. Dinnertime Buttress & Number 2 Gully link up (Grade 1/2 or II) GLEN COE 09/12/17 This Glen Coe classic lies high up above the valley on Aonach Dubh. This is a great early season option due to the fact it can be climbed in both summer and winter conditions. Curved Ridge Buachaille Etive Mor (Grade II / III) GLEN COE 08/01/18 We offer a magnificent route up a superlative mountain with this classic winter climb which has a bit of everything: route finding, steep ground and some of the best views over to Rannoch Moor. We finish up on top of the mighty Buachaille Etive Mor. Chockstone Gully & Great Gully link Up (Grade II) ARROCHAR 04/02/18 This is the best mountaineering route up to the summit of The Cobbler s North Summit. 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. 12

13 Central Gully Bidean nam Bian (Grade I/II) GLEN COE 28/02/18 This gully separates Diamond and Church Door Buttresses on the West Face of Bidian nam Bian and takes in some magnificent scenery as an approach to the summit of Bidean. Options exist left or right of Collie s Pinnacle. Descent is likely to be via the summit of Bidean nam Bian and Stob Coire nam Beith, so a good level of fitness is required. Aonach Eagach Ridge (Grade II/III) GLEN COE 17/03/18 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. Photo credit - Martin Holland 13

14 Winter Climbing We don t advertise winter climbing venues in advance so we can go where conditions are best on the day. 14

15 Intro to winter climbing Begins at 07:00 and cost /12/17 06/01/18 16/01/18 10/02/18 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 Winter Climbing Begins at 07:00 and cost /12/17 18/12/17 07/01/18 17/01/18 11/02/18 19/02/18 03/03/18 19/03/18 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 Photo credit - Martin Holland 15

16 Winter Mountain Skills Courses 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 Starts at 07:00. Cost: /12/17 06/01/18 10/01/18 03/02/18 14/02/18 03/03/18 This is an essential day for anyone who wants to enjoy Scotland s mountains in winter conditions. This is a full day on the hill and will consist of looking at equipment for winter hill walking and skills such as; using the boot as a tool, cramponing techniques, walking with an axe and self-arrest. Winter Navigation Starts at 07:00. Cost: /12/17 11/01/18 11/02/18 01/03/18 Our winter navigation course is for hill walkers who have some experience of using a map and compass navigating in the mountain environment. This course will cover winter navigation tactics and will include an element of avalanche avoidance and safe-travel. 16

17 Avalanche awareness and safe travel techniques Starts at 07:00. Cost: /01/18 17/02/18 08/03/18 Our safe travel days are aimed at those who already enjoy being out in winter, but would like to know more about what the contributing factors to avalanches are and how to avoid them. Winter navigation skills will also be visited during the day as this is a key skill in avoiding avalanche terrain. Ropework for Winter Hill Walkers Starts at 07:00. Cost: /02/18 10/03/18 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. Photo credit - Craig McLaren 17

18 Ski Touring All our days are guided by a British Mountain Guide or Mountain ski Instructor 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. Our Courses On Piste Intro to Ski Touring Ski Touring Beginners Ski Touring Intermediate Off-Piste Ski Technique Ski Touring Advanced Ski Mountaineering 18

19 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. Guided day - Guided day - Ski Ski Touring Touring 1 Beginners 1 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. Guided day - Guided day - Ski Ski Touring Touring 2 Intermediate 2 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 Ski Touring 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. 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 Photo credit - Craig McLaren 19

20 Ski Coaching On Piste Venue: Glen Coe, Glen Shee A chance to hone your skills for the backcountry before you head out. The day will be divided into two to cater for two different levels of skier. Morning lesson, beginners. This session will be aimed at those with experience on a dry slope, in a Snowdome or limited piste experience. The morning will be spent building your skills and confidence before giving you the afternoon free to practice. Afternoon session, intermediates. The morning will allow you time to warm up your ski skills before the afternoon is spent building skills for off-piste with a view to ski touring in the future. Stem turns and jump turns are some of the skills that will be covered in our afternoon session Off-piste Off-Piste Ski Technique 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 20 Photo credit - Michael Hunt

21 Ski Touring On-Piste Skiing Starts at 07:00. Cost /01/18 28/02/18 Lessons - ½ Day lesson (AM 10:30 12:30, PM 13:30 15:30) Ski hire is included when joining us for a lesson - Lift pass NOT included Morning lesson - Beginners Afternoon lesson Intermediate Intro to to ski Ski touring Touring Starts at 07:00. Cost /01/18 27/01/18 31/01/18 21/02/18 08/03/18 Ski ability confident on blue runs Guided day - - Ski Touring 1 Beginners Ski Touring 1 Beginners Starts at 07:00. Cost /12/17 10/01/18 01/02/18 25/02/18 14/03/18 Ski ability confident on blue runs and some knowledge of ski touring Guided day day - - Ski Touring 2 Intermediate Ski Touring 2 Intermediate Starts at 07:00 Cost /12/17 19/12/17 11/01/18 28/01/18 08/02/18 10/03/18 15/03/18 Ski ability confident on red runs and experience of ski touring summits in Scotland or the Alps Guided day - - Ski Touring 3 Advanced Ski Touring 3 Advanced Starts at 07:00. Cost /03/18 22/03/18 Ski ability confident on black runs and experience of ski touring summits in Scotland or the Alps Ski Mountaineering Starts at 07:00. Cost /02/18 20/03/18 Ski ability confident on red runs and experience of ski touring summits in Scotland or the Alps Off-piste Ski Technique Course Starts at 07:00. Cost /02/18 09/03/18 Ski ability confident on red runs and experience of ski touring Price of the Lift Pass NOT included Photo credit - Michael Hunt 21

22 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. Ben Nevis Mountaineering Trip Mountaineering CIC Trip Starts at 07:00. Cost: /01/18 14/01/18 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. Previous experience - Winter mountain fitness and competence on steep ground 22 Photo credit - Craig McLaren

23 Cairngorms Skills for Ski Tourers or Walkers Winter Skill Trip Winter Walkers or Ski Tourers Starts at 07:00 20/01/18-21/01/18 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. Walkers Cost 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: 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. Photo credit - Craig McLaren 23

24 Mixed Winter Climbing Trip Cairngorm Mixed Winter Climbing Trip Starts at 07:00. Cost: /01/18 31/01/18 The Cairngorms has some of the biggest and most remote cliffs in mainland Britain as well as the more well know and accessible Northern Corries. By spending three days in the region we will be aiming to visit a number of the venues not accessible in a day from Falkirk. Example venues and routes are; Route Major IV,5 Carn Etchachan, The Great Couloir III - Coire Bhrochain, Sticil Face V,6 - Shelter Stone, and Deep Cut Chimney IV,4 - Hells Lum. We ll be based in Aviemore SYHA hostel which has the usual hostel facilities. Previous experience Scottish winter climbing experience at grade IV or above and a good level of fitness is essential. 24 Photo credit - Craig McLaren

25 Snowhole Trip Overnight Snowhole Trip Walking or skiing (Ski ability 1) Starts at 07:00 05/02/18 06/02/18 Snowholing is a unique experience and is on most winter enthusiast s bucket list. We will provide the equipment and the expertise, you provide the muscle. The plan is to visit a site high on the hill, either in the Cairngorms, Creag Meagaidh or Drumochter. It ll depend on conditions. Then we dig in and make our accommodation for the night. It s a rewarding experience. We will provide a detailed kit list prior to the trip running. Walkers: Cost: We will walk to and from the snowhole site. Participants should be experienced winter walkers or have recently undergone some winter skills training. Ski Touring: Cost: We will skin in to the Snowhole site and ski tour out. Participants should be able to ski tour at beginner level (Ski 1) or above Photo credit - Craig McLaren 25

26 Skye Trip Isle of Skye Trip Winter Climbing or Winter Walking Starts 14:00 Thursday 22/02/18 25/02/18 Skye. In winter. In the Cuillin. Say it! Sounds exciting doesn t it? We thought so and we ve come up with this trip so you can experience the sublime, ephemeral life enhancing event which is climbing or walking on the most amazing mountains in the whole of the British Isles. We ll be based at the Skye Basecamp Hostel in Broadford. This base gives us the option of getting to all the Greater Cuillin areas or, if we have to, getting back to the mainland if conditions are best over there. Winter Walkers: Cost: If the Cuillin are in winter condition Bla Bheinn, Bruach na Frithe and Sgurr na Banachdich are our preferred choices of hills to do over the three walking days. If conditions are more wintery over on the mainland we might do at least one day over there instead, probably in either Applecross or Glen Shiel. Previous experience Previous winter walking experience is essential Winter Climbers Cost: There are so many amazing winter climbing routes to be done in the Cuillin or, if conditions are better for getting on the ridge, there is no finer place to be in Scotland. We ll probably do a day on the Glen Brittle side of the range and another in the Bla Bheinn area. On the third day we have options depending on conditions. Previous experience Scottish winter climbing experience at grade III or above and a good level of fitness is essential. 26 Photo credit - Craig McLaren

27 Creag Meagaidh Trip Creag Meagaidh Trip Winter Climbing or Winter Walking Starts at 07:00 12/03/18 14/03/18 Creag Meagaidh is a classic winter climbing venue featuring long ice lines and gullies. Due to the big walk in we ve tended not to go there. There are also some biggish High Tops outings in the area which make more sense if we stay local so we thought it was time for a dedicated trip. We will be based the SMC Raeburn Hut which is located nearby and has all the features of hostel accommodation. Winter Walkers Cost: Day One Ben Teallach & Beinn a Chaorainn 16.3km metres of ascent We kick off this trip with a cracking round of two Munros which provide a nice circuit. Hopefully the boggy approach will be frozen over. Day Two Creag Meagaidh Traverse 17.2km metres of ascent The plan is to start at Moy, ascend by the Moy Wall on to Creag Meagaidh, drop to the Window and then follow the ridge over Stob Poite Coire Ardair to Carn Liath, then descend to Aberarder. Day Three Binnein Shuas 8.7km metres of ascent Folk might want a slightly easier day after the last two so we ll go for the cracking Graham, Binnein Shuas. It s steep and craggy so it should be fun. If we have the legs we ll attempt Binnein Shios as well. Previous experience Previous winter walking experience or summer hillwalking and winter skills Winter Climbers Cost: We have a lot of options of winter climbing venues to visit based at the Raeburn Hut. Our main target are the crags of Coire Ardair on Creag Meagaidh. There are some stunning ice lines on Meagaidh. There are other options on this hill too. If the local conditions are fickle we have the options of going east to the Northern Corries of the Cairngorms or west to Aonach Mor so great climbing should be assured. Previous experience Scottish winter climbing experience at grade III or above and a good level of fitness is essential. Photo credit - Euan Whittaker 27

28 Cairngorm Camping Expedition Cairngorm Camping Trip Winter Walking or Ski Touring Starts at 07:00 23/03/18 24/03/18 Winter Walkers Cost Ski Tourers Cost When winter slowly begins to turn to spring we can think about getting the tents out again. This expedition will be based in the Cairngorms once more because the area offers the best late season conditions. In previous years we ve camped in the area of the Hutchie Hut, the Feith Buidhe area or bivvied either high on the hill or down by the Shelterstone. We plan to be flexible this season. 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 28 Photo credit - Michael Hunt

29 ALPHA IS JACKET 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. ALPHA IS JACKET - MAGMA 29

30 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 Training Skills course offers programmes is an ideal choice of training for walkers and assessment interested for in applying walkers interested their in countryside leading groups walking as well skills as to skills the awards mountain that environment. teach individuals Ideally, how participants to look after would themselves have done some in the basic hills hill and walking mountains. and have The UK a reasonable and Ireland level are home of fitness. to a great Skills many in map stunning and compass, locations mountain and our weather work is dedicated forecasting, to helping movement more through people steep get out ground, there and planning enjoy and them. preparation, emergency procedures, seasonal effects and the mountain environment all form the syllabus Falkirk Community Trust delivers these courses on behalf of the Mountain Training Scheme. 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 operating in, i.e. fields and woodlands where there are clear paths on the map and on the ground. The training course looks at route-finding skills, an understanding of hazards and risk management, leadership techniques and an appreciation of equipment needs and the impact of the weather. There is an optional Expedition Skills module available for candidates 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 30

31 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 operating in, i.e. fields and woodlands where there are clear paths on the map and on the ground. The training course looks at route-finding skills, an understanding of hazards and risk management, leadership techniques and an appreciation of equipment needs and the impact of the weather. There is an optional Expedition Skills module available for candidates 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. Lowland Leader Award - Training Cost /12/17 18:00-21:00 2/12/17 09:00-18:30 3/12/17 09:00-17:00 23/3/18 18:00-21:00 24/3/18 09:00-18:30 25/3/18 09:00-17:00 Candidates must register direct with Mountain Training prior to training Fee Lowland Leader Award Assessment Cost /4/18 09:00-18:00 15/4/18 09:00-18:00 Photo credit - Craig McLaren

32 Mountain Training Scotland Courses Hill & Moorland Leader Award The Hill and Moorland Leader award is designed for people who want to lead groups in the hill and moorland areas of the UK and Ireland. This award is a wonderful opportunity to learn the leadership skills required to feel confident about taking people out walking. As you may have guessed from the descriptive title of this award, it focuses on non-mountainous terrain. In a previous life this award was called the Walking Group Leader, and we think the new name better describes the award and makes more sense. This way, everyone knows where they (can) stand. The overnight experience element of the WGL has been removed and we ve created a separate Expedition Skills Module which can be bolted on to the Hill and Moorland Leader (or indeed the Lowland Leader) if you want to increase the scope of your award to include multi-day expeditions. The Expedition Module dates will be advertised in our Summer 2018 programme. More information about the award please visit the Mountain Training website. Candidates must register direct with Mountain Training prior to training - Fee Hill & Moorland Leader Award Training Cost /3/ /3/ /3/ Hill & Moorland Leader Award Assessment Cost /11/ /11/ /11/

33 Expedition Skills Module Expedition Skills Module The Expedition Skills Module is an optional module available to walking leaders. It's an opportunity to increase your skills where you will be trained and assessed to lead groups on multi day camping expeditions. The flexibility of the module makes it useful for Lowland Leaders, Hill and Moorland Leaders and Mountain Leaders in terrain and conditions within the scope of their respective leadership award. The Expedition Skills Module is a combined training and assessment course, typically lasting 2 days with at least one overnight camp. For more information about the module please visit the Mountain Training website. 5/5/ /5/ Photo credit - Craig McLaren

34 2017/18 Winter Outdoor Programme at a glance Winter Rambles Winter High Tops Winter Climbing Winter Mountaineering Winter Mountain Skills Courses Ski Touring Winter Trips Mountain Training Scotland Courses DECEMBER JANUARY 01 Lowland Leader - Training 01 Office Closed 02 Lowland Leader - Training 02 Office Closed 03 Winter High Tops Lowland Leader - Training Senior Tryst Ramble Winter Skills Intro to Winter Climbing 07 Winter High Tops 07 Winter High Tops Winter Climbing Mountaineering 09 Mountaineering Intermediate Ski Tour 2 10 Winter Climbing Senior Stravaiger Ramble Intro to Ski Touring Winter Skills Beginners Ski Tour 1 Winter Navigation Intermediate Ski Tour 2 12 Senior Xmas Ramble Mountaineering CIC Trip Mountaineering CIC Trip Senior Tryst Ramble Intro to Winter Climbing 17 Intro to Winter Climbing Winter Navigation Beginners Ski Tour 1 17 Winter Climbing Avalanche Awareness 18 Winter Climbing 18 Winter High Tops 19 Senior Combined Ramble Intermediate Ski Tour Winter Skills 20 Winter Walking Skills Trip 21 Winter High Tops 21 Winter Walking Skills Trip Office Closed 23 Senior Stravaiger Ramble 24 Office Closed Office Closed 25 On-piste Skiing Avalanche Awareness 26 Office Closed Office Closed 27 Intro to Ski Touring 28 Office Closed 28 Winter High Tops Intermediate Ski Tour 2 29 Office Closed 29 Mixed Winter Climbing Trip 30 Office Closed 30 Senior Tryst Ramble Mixed Winter Climbing Trip 31 Office Closed 31 Intro to Ski Touring Mixed Winter Climbing Trip 34 Photo credit - Craig McLaren

35 FEBRUARY MARCH 01 Winter High Tops Winter Navigation 01 Beginners Ski Tour 1 Advanced Ski Tour Winter Skills 03 Winter Climbing Winter Skills 04 Mountaineering 04 Winter High Tops 05 Walkers Snowhole Trip Ski Tourers Snowhole Trip Senior Stravaiger Ramble Walkers Snowhole Trip 06 Senior Stravaiger Ramble Ski Tourers Snowhole Trip Intermediate Ski Tour 2 08 Avalanche Awareness Intro to Ski Touring Off-piste Ski Technique 10 Intro to Winter Climbing 10 Ropework for Winter Walkers Intermediate Ski Tour 2 11 Winter Climbing Winter Navigation Ropework for Winter Walkers 12 Creag Meagaidh Trip 13 Senior Tryst Ramble 13 Senior Tryst Ramble Creag Meagaidh Trip 14 Winter Skills 14 Beginners Ski Tour 1 Creag Meagaidh Trip 15 Winter High Tops 15 Intermediate Ski Tour Avalanche Awareness 17 Mountaineering Winter High Tops 19 Winter Climbing 19 Winter Climbing 20 Senior Stravaiger Ramble 20 Senior Stravaiger Ramble Ski Mountaineering 21 Intro to Ski Touring Off-piste Ski Technique Isle of Skye Trip 22 Advanced Ski Tour 3 23 Isle of Skye Trip 23 Winter Walking Expedition Ski Touring Expedition Lowland Leader Training Hill & Moorland Leader - Training 24 Isle of Skye Trip 24 Winter Walking Expedition Ski Touring Expedition Lowland Leader Training Hill & Moorland Leader - Training 25 Beginners Ski Tour 1 Isle of Skye Trip Senior Tryst Ramble Ski Mountaineering 28 On-piste Skiing Mountaineering 28 Lowland Leader Training Hill & Moorland Leader - Training 27 Senior Tryst Ramble Winter High Tops Back Cover Photo credit - Craig McLaren 35

36 OUTDOOR ACTIVITY BASE Victoria Buildings, Queen Street, Falkirk. Tel: falkirkoutdoors Falkirk Community Trust gratefully acknowledges the support of Falkirk Council