Tuesday 26 September 2017

Training and Assessing

At the weekend I was working with Sandy Paterson for Mountain Training Scotland on a 2 days workshop looking at how we Train and Assess NGB Candidates. Those attending were a mix of newer, experienced and aspiring Trainers and Assessors and it was great to see everyone sharing ideas on how to get the best from candidates. For the last couple of days I've been putting some of that into practise on an SPA Training course based in Glasgow. We had a mixture of weather and it was nice top see a 50/50 gender split on the course too. More pics and captions on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pg/climbwhenyoureready/photos/?tab=album&album_id=1674404962594313








Thursday 21 September 2017

3 scrambles in Lochaber

3 day's mountaineering for Steve Fallon with MIA Trainee Kieran to assist me whilst working towards his Assessment.
First up was a lovely day on the Aonach Eagach with Jay, Peter and Shona. The team made good time over the ridge on a relatively quiet day after the crowds of the Skyrun at the weekend and we descended off the west end to prolong our stunning view out to Ardgour.
Day 2 was just as nice. Peter and Jay were out again this time with Julia to complete the team. Grins all round as we had dry rock and great views. Lunch on the summit and this team were game for a little more so we came down Great Gully Buttress to complete the day!
Day 3 and it was only ever going to be 2 out of 3 for the weather unfortunately. Lorne Alastair and Gregor headed in with full waterproofs on but Gregor turned back before the ridge with a niggling knee injury bothering him (skiing is obviously more dangerous than mountaineering). The rest of us got a good soaking but enjoyed Tower Ridge nonetheless. Another swift ascent meant we had time to enjoy Ledge Route as our way down.
Well done all of you!

















Catching up.

Just over 7 weeks since a blog post! A great month in Greenland... icebergs in light that seemed to glow with so much body you could cut it with a knife. A nice first ascent and time spent with wonderful folk. Since then? Up Tower Ridge and down Ledge Route 3 times, Curved Ridge 3 times (down Great Gully Buttress twice), the Aonach Eagach twice, Ledge Route in the rain for some first timers, up and down Dinnertime Buttress, an MIA Assessment with rock climbing at Dunked twice, Huntly's Cave once, Polldubh once and a very wet Cairngorm Nav day, a CWA Assessment, an SPA Assessment and a little quality time with the family...Its a grand life if you don't weaken...