Minutes from 11th of December

-       Bouldering Trip this weekend, Sunday, 15^th of December. Meet in the hall at 10am

-       Final climbing trip next week Wednesday after meeting at 1pm im M142

-       Sub Crawl on 19^th of December. Start at WalkAbout at 6pm. Boots and bonnets theme

-       Enjoy Christmas and New Years everyone. You will hear back from us from the 4^th of January

-       Don’t forget to let us know if you want to join the committee next year

Minutes from 4th of December

-       Bouldering Trip this weekend, Sunday, 8^th of December. Meet in the hall at 10am

-       Climbing trip next week Wednesday after meeting at 1pm im M142

-       Sub Crawl on 19^th of December. Start at WalkAbout at 6pm. Boots and bonnets theme

-       If you are interested in joining the committee give us a shout.

Ratho Trip

For anyone going on the Ratho trip tomorrow, 30th of November. We will meet outside the gear store at 8.30am and should be back by 6pm in the evening latest.

Minutes 27th of November

-       Ratho climbing trip on Saturday, 30^th of November. Let us know by 4pm tonight if you are coming

-       Climbing trip next week Wednesday after meeting at 1pm im M142

-       Bouldering trip next week Sunday, 8^th of December, at 10am

-       Sub Crawl on 19^th of December. Start at WalkAbout at 6pm. Boots and bonnets theme

Ratho Update

The club is still planning to head out on Saturday, the 30th of November to Ratho Edinburgh.

Ratho is one of the biggest climbing halls in the UK and is definitely worth going for.

The preliminary plan is to leave at 9 and be back by latest 6pm. Costs are around 7 pounds for entry and up to 7 pounds for equipment, plus 5 pounds for fuel. In total roughly 20 pounds.

Let us know by Wednesday 3pm if you are coming.

Minutes for 20th of November

- Bouldering this Sunday (24^th of November). Meet Rico outside TCA at 10am

- Bouldering next week Wednesday after club meeting in M142 at 1pm

- Ratho Trip (big climbing hall in Edinburgh) next week Saturday (30^th of November). Let us know by Wednesday, 27th of November if you want to attend. Costs 5 for fuel

Short Minutes 13th of November

-Bouldering this Saturday (16^th of November). Meet Rico outside TCA at 10am

- Bouldering next week Wednesday after club meeting in M142 at 1pm

-Bouldering trip next weekend Sunday (24^th of November)

-From next week onwards all weekend trips until Winter Skills Trip (17-19^th of January) will be climbing/bouldering trips

-If you would like to become a committee member next year get in touch.

Future Trip Update

Due to the snow conditions in the mountains this weekend all future mountaineering trips are winter skills only. This means that everyone going on the trip will need to have done a winter skills course.
As a result of the numbers of people we have that have done a winter skills course previously these trips will be turned into climbing trips to either the GCC or TCA.

An Caisteal Trip Review

The trip started off fine with us leaving the van at about 8:30AM, met with good views up to the top.
At the end of the track we encountered some boggy terrain met with some snow.
Ascending up the valley as planned the wind picked up and snow fell heavily.
This then became too much to manage so we stopped to discuss the plan and decided if the weather remained the same after having lunch we would retreat from the hill.
After finishing lunch we were greeted by clearing skys and little wind, so we continued on the way.
Climbing to the top of Beinn a'Chroin we were met by astonishing views.
Following which we attempted to descend to An Caisteal for which we could find no route safe in the given conditions.
Getting back to Beinn a'Chroin we descended to what yours truly thought was North but the polarity on the compass had reversed meaning descending down into another valley.
This was realized after a lochain came into sight, upon checking with the map we continued onto the lochain and continued around to the valley we had came from.
Reaching the valley as it was getting dark we continued descending with head torches.
We reached the van at 7:30pm after an 11 hour day on the hill, all thoroughly enjoyed the taste of winter but the navigation error meant a 4 hour journey that would have not had to be made. Lessons learnt remember to check compass before heading out!

Weather Update

The weather forecast has improved for tomorrow, considering we are well inland and to the middle of this area, we have a great forecast. It will be well worth the early morning, we will still assess the snow conditions underfoot but things are looking very promising!

Route Tomorrow

The route that we will be going on tomorrow is shown below, we are planning to be going clockwise around this route to allow for an easy descent if we get around. The forecast will be updated at about 6pm today so an update will be coming out shortly after that.

The map can be found on this link:
http://www.getamap.ordnancesurveyleisure.co.uk/?key=Z5pCSW9kOEFamOsCvFwL6A2 

Weather Update

The weather forecast has became a little bit better than expected, for Saturday we are supposed to have very little wind with up to 20mph forecast, the clouds haven't really shifted but we get a 30% boost on what we were expecting so that gets us up to 40% chance of a cloud free Munro.
It is due to snow in the morning so we will see how it goes as to how far we actually go, ti depends entirely on the type of terrain and the snow conditions. The snow is due to start at 450m so we may not get very far.
The cloud base is around 800m but can drop to 600m.
It can be noted that we will be on the east of this forecast areas and may be lucky with the clouds.

However if the weather system speeds up then we will have one hell of a day on the hill with 70% chance of a cloud free Munro and small amounts of wind in the morning, we can only hope that the low pressure dissipates quicker than expected.

All in all, make sure that you bring spare hats and gloves. Also be prepared for a boggy start to the day and a possible retreat early on in the day if snow conditions are not good.

Summer Kit List

• Individual Kit
  
  • Wearing (Well Probably):
  • Non-Cotton Top
  • Non-Cotton Pants
  • Sunglasses
  • Suitable Walking Footwear - Boots, above the ankle and waterproof
  • Fleece or other warm jacket
  • Waterproof Bottoms
  • Waterproof Top
  • Hat
  • Gloves
  • Buff/ Neck Gaiter/ Balaclava
  • In Day Bag (25 – 40 Litres):
  • Personal Medication (If Applicable) - eg Insulin etc.
  • Spare Golves x 2
  • Spare Hat 
  • Spare Warm Layers x 1
  • Blister Plasters
  • Packed Lunch 
  • Sun Cream (You Just Never Know) 
  • Camera (Optional) 
  • Phone (In a Plastic Bag) 
  • Flask With a Warm Beverage Inside 
  • Compass 
  • Map + Map Case
  • Emergency Supply of Sugary Foods
  • Water Bottle or Container
  • Extra sugary foods .
  • Walking Pole(s) 
• Group Kit
• Group Shelter
• Rope (if selected route needs it) 
• At least 4 Walking Poles (between group members) 
• At least 2 First Aid Kits
• At least 2 Mobile Phones 

Ben Nevis Trip

Due to the poor weather on the hill we set off early at 7am this meant an early start in order to miss the worst of the weather. With head torches switched on we set off into the darkness. Following which we were met with great views over the Glen. At 9.30am we reached half way lochain and stopped for a break. Continuing on we headed for the summit and in usual fashion as we approached 900m the clouds descended on us. On the approach to the summit the wind started picking up and visibility dropped. We stopped in the ruins of the observatory for a well earned lunch just before mid-day, after about 40 minutes on the summit we started back down as the clouds started lifting over us, sadly however they did not lift over the other peaks leaving a half view from the summit. On our descent the clouds continued to hang around but eventually began to clear leaving stunning views if you were quick with the camera. Reaching the zig-zags in the path we were held up by guided groups who would not let us past, however this gave us a chance to gather our energy a bit more. When reaching half way lochain, the wind increased as forecast, the low pressure well on its way in, making us glad we were on schedule. Reaching the bunkhouse at 3pm, we just missed the rain by a matter of seconds (as soon as we stepped food in the bunkhouse it started raining). Following the walk we went to Morrisons to buy a meal for the night (cooking and eating together). After our home-made Indian we made use of a pack of playing cards for the majority of the night. Sunday morning we cooked breakfast (a healthy selection of bacon, sausages (meat and vegetarian), eggs and toast) together before rushing to pack everything away before we had to go. After this we went for a wander in Fort Williams many many outdoors shops. After browsing through Cotswalds (where MCofS members get 15% discount) we returned to the van. On the return journey we stopped at a small car park in Glen Coe which had great views of Aonach Eagach and Stob Coire nan Lochan. Final stop before University was the unique Drovers Inn where we all enjoyed a delicious meal. Reaching campus we returned the van and put the gear back in the store before saying our good byes after a trip that everyone thoroughly enjoyed.

Weekend Weather Update

Due to the poor forecast for Saturday we have came up with a reserve plan. Basically we will get up at the same time, go up Ben Nevis via the tourist path and then descend before the worst of the weather comes in during the afternoon (expecting to be at half way lochain by 13:00). We will have to keep a decent enough pace and if the weather worsens before we get up then we will be retreating.

Ideally we would have just relocated but the weather is the same for all of the surrounding areas that we can get to. If we have to retreat and/or get back early then we will probably head off into Fort William and have a wander.

Ben Nevis Route

Below are the route that we will take if we get the weather to do the CMD Arête next week, alongside the plan for each day:

Here is the plan for the Friday:

17:00 - Meet at the gear store
17:30 - Set off
20:30 - Get to bunkhouse

Here is the plan for the day of walking:

06:00 - Get up
07:00 - Set off
11:30 - Reach the mountain hut and have lunch
13:00 - Reach top of CMD
15:00 - Reach top of Ben Nevis
16:30 - Get back down to half way lochan
18:00 - Back at bunkhouse

Here is the plan for the second day:

08:00 - Get up
09:30 - Set off
10:30 - Reach fort
11:30 - Back at bunkhouse
13:00 - Reach Drovers Inn for lunch
15:30 - Back at university

Remember to bring all the required kit with you and to have paid SA fees or you will not be allowed to come along with us.

Climbing Review

This week we went climbing twice, both times we went to the GCC, we are happy to say that within the first week we have had a few members pass already, congratulations to those members!

Next week we will be going to the GCC on Wednesday again but on the Sunday we will be going to the TCA so everyone can get bouldering.

We hope you all enjoyed the trips and come along next week!

Beinn Ime Trip

For the first trip of the year a few hiccups and delays are expected, that being said the trip went very well with everyone fully enjoying it.

We set off on time and were met with great views over the Loch in between the trees.

Half way through the forest we stopped and gathered up the group, following which yours truly misread the map and set off in the wrong direction, this was quickly spotted and corrected.

Upon emerging from the forest we split into 2 groups and continued to keep radio contact with each other, with myself being in the first group ahead of the second group.

We then continued walking until the Narnain boulders where we had a snack break.

At 12:00 we reached the Lochan a'Chlaidheimh and decided to continue until the fence before having another snack break.

We reached the fence and stopped for a snack, at which time we decided to have lunch at the top.

We then set off on the final leg of the journey.

The top came into view at 12:55 and we got out the group shelters and had lunch in them.

After consuming lunch we were faced with the issue of how to get out of the group shelters in a dignified manor, some succeeded some failed.

We then started off down and at 13:30 we met the other group, Kris continued up to the top on his own and the rest of us continued down the mountain.

We were then rejoined by Kris when we met the fence.

Continuing down as one group until we passed the Lochan a'Chlaidheimh where 2 groups formed again. 

the first group continued down to the van with the second group about 10 minutes behind.

Following which we went for some chips and then continued back to University.

All in all it was an enjoyable trip and we are hoping that everyone continues on as members and gets the most out of their time in the club. A special thanks to Kris and Mike for driving!

Tomorrow Route

Weather Update

The weather is looking ok for tomorrow:

As we are going to Ben Ime tomorrow we are to the south of this forecast area, we will get less clouds than elsewhere but dont expect much in terms of views from the top, unless we are very lucky.

Intro To Club and Committee Video

Kit List Saturday

What you will need to bring:

• Wearing (probably):
• Non-Cotton T-shirt
• Suitable trousers (i.e. not jeans or cotton)
• Sunglasses (you just never know)
• Suitable Walking Footwear
• Fleece or other warm jacket (remove if too hot)
• Waterproof Bottoms 
• Waterproof Top 
• Hat 
• Gloves
• In Hill Bag (20 – 35 Litres):
• Personal Medication (If Applicable) – Remember to Let a Committee Member Know About This Before We Go
• Blister Plasters (Best To Take Your Own)
• Packed Lunch Sun Cream (You Just Never Know)
• Camera
• Phone (In a Plastic Bag)
• Flask With a Warm Beverage Inside
• Compass (We Can Supply These)
• Emergency Supply of Sugary Foods
• Water Bottle (Preferably Full Or Filled Up Before Leaving The Car Park)
• Money for chips on way back

Saturday Trip Update

The Plan:

• 7:30AM - Meet at the gear store
• 8:15AM latest - Leave the gear store
• 9:00AM - Get to start point for Ben Ime 
• 9:15AM - Set off from the bus
• 3:00PM to 4:00PM - Back at bus
• 3:30PM to 4:30PM - Get chips in Arrochar (or near by)
• 4:00PM to 5:00PM - Set off back to Glasgow
• 5:00PM to 6:00PM - Back at university

The Weather Forecast

• Westerly 15 to 20mph winds
• A few drizzly showers
• Typical cloud base on western hillsvarying between 600 and 800m with few breaks above. Well inland, by late morning nearly all cloud above 800 or 900m with some higher summits clearing - whilst on other tops and in some corries cloud persists all day
• 20% chance of a cloud free munro
• 5 - 6 C at 900m

All in all we have a good forecast, we may be lucky with the clouds and this forecast will change over the next few days.

First Trip Change of Plan

The first trip will still be going ahead and the times and kit list etc will be in the minuets tomorrow.

We have altered the trip to go up Ben Ime which is in the same area but is less of a walk in. Ben Ime will give us plenty of nice views (hopefully). Below is what you can expect on a nice day (minus the snow):

Welcome 2013 - 2014

Hi All,

We are the committee and would like to welcome you to the mountaineering club!
This year we have lots of trips planned to get out among the Munros (and hopefully tick some off in the process), get out climbing (teaching for the first few weeks) and hopefully to make everyone feel welcome.
Here is some information about us and why we run the Mountaineering Club:

Name: Rico Fischer
Nationality: German (honorary Scot)
Age: 21
Position: Secretary
Joined the club because: I love climbing
You can ask me: Anything about the club, the activities we hold, what is up next or psychology. If I don’t know the answer I can still point you in to the right direction
Experience: six years of hiking, two years of climbing, one season of mountaineering

Name: Kristopher Ruddick
Age: 23
Position: Moneyman & driver
Joined the club because: I wanted to go higher and further, and the club literally helped me to do that.
You can ask me: About finances for the club, any other aspect of it or any training courses and funding available.
Experience: years beyond count of hiking, and two years serious mountaineering. I’m also a casual indoor climber.

Name: Thomas Carr
Age: 20
Position: President
Joined the club because: I wanted to continue to walk and climb while not interrupting my studies too much. I also love getting outside especially away from the hustle and bustle that is Glasgow.
You can ask me: Anything really, what we do, the structure of the club trips, suggestions for kit and where is best to buy it, how to read a map… etc
Experience: 10 - 15 years hill walking, 4 years mountaineering and 4 - 5 years (off and on) climbing.

We hope that you come to the meetings and enjoy your time in the Mountaineering Club and get as much out of it as we do.

Thanks
Your Committee
Tom, Kris, Rico

Navigation Skills

Glenmore Lodge recently uploaded some really useful videos to help with this. Below is the YouTube playlist for the basics of navigation:


Once you know roughly what you are doing then you can start to sharpen up those skills, there is some advice on the following YouTube playlist:



As navigation is an essential skill for Mountaineering or Climbing, it is advised that everyone have some knowledge of how to navigate, these videos are a good starting point. If you have any questions you can contact us, our info is on the Contact Us section of this blog.

Freshers Fayre

This week marks the beginning of the Academic Year 2013/21014. With this comes a new year for the mountaineering club with many a new (and old) mountain to master, many a lesson to learn and many a skill to acquire, both within mountaineering and climbing.
As every year we were at the freshers fayre today and will be back there on Wednesday from 10am to 3pm.
Today we already met many interesting people who decided to sign up with us this year. We are very happy about the 40-odd members we already have on our mailing list and are looking forward to a great year with them all. Hopefully the number will grow a little more on Wednesday when we will be back for another round.

Our very first meeting will kick off on Wednesday, the 2nd of October at 1pm in M142. Though we will send out information to all members that we have the names of on our list if anybody else wants to join then feel free to come along to this meeting.

We will cover everything that is important for this year, including equipment, trips and safety. Further you will be able to sign up to our first trip of the year which will take place on Saturday, the 5th of September. This trip will be free of charge.

Again, we from the committee are looking forward to a great year with all members!

Cheers,

Tom, Kris and Rico

End of Year Video

Here is the presentation video from today.



We hope you all enjoyed the year and the presentation to conclude, once again if we can change anything to make it better then please don't hesitate to point this out to us.
Thanks for a great year
The Committee

Last Trip of Trimestar B Review

We went to EICA Ratho for a day of climbing. Upon arriving at the EICA the group discovered the enormity of the walls in comparison to the Ibrox. However the size of the walls comes at a cost as a room this size can't be heated without excessive cost, there was also some weather damage to one of the sides of the building (this is just made of tarp so there was no danger to us), as a result it was very cold especially at the beginning.
As the day progressed so did our ambitions with a few of the longest routes available getting checked off. Then we headed inside to the bouldering area to warm up and continue climbing.
Next we went for a lunch which was a little on the pricey side but was delicious none the less.
Following which we went and had another blast in the cold, we managed to get some great routes done before calling it a day.

All in all everyone had a great time and enjoyed the experience of the larger walls.

Instructional Videos

Glenmore Lodge have started uploading lots of top tips videos to their YouTube channel and they are most certainly worth a look. Here is the link to the channel:

http://www.youtube.com/user/glenmorelodge?feature=g-high-u

These in no way replace training with a qualified instructor but if you need reminding of some techniques then it is worth a look. Below is an example from their channel:

WS0 Packing your bag:

Meeting Notes 20th of March

End of Year Meeting

We would like to invite all of you to the Student Association Social Space (NH008) at 6pm on 3^rd of April for an end of year meeting. We will hold a short presentation (about 15-25 minutes) in which we will talk a little about the different things we did this year, what has gone well and what we plan for next year. We would like to see as many as possible of you there to share your experiences with us and to wrap up the year.

Afterwards we will head out to WalkAbout for a last social night of this academic year.

Feedback Form

If you haven’t already done so please fill out the feedback form that is put in the link below. We would very much appreciate it as it will give us an indication of what you thought about the year. That way we can improve and become even more awesome after the break.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1Kox3SqQPLFYjhy9ArhO-aKmMTcpAHsu5J7eOJ6N8e_s/viewform

Edinburgh Climbing Trip

We will head out to Edinburgh Ratho this week Sunday (24^th of March) which is one of the biggest climbing halls. We will take a car there so it will be 5 pounds for fuel. Further, 7 pounds max for equipment hire and 9.30 pounds for entry (6.70 concession). There are still a few spaces left so give us a shout if you want to come. It will be worth coming because if Kris and I am attending we will sing “In the jungle”.

We will meet at 8am on Sunday in front of the gear store.

RBS Video Competition

If you haven’t done so yet remember to keep watching our awesome video!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HGpC_MQFsO8&feature=youtu.be

Next Climbing Trip

As usual there will be a climbing trip next Wednesday (26^th of February) right after our meeting to Ibrox.

General Information

If you have any suggestions, questions or concerns feel free to get in contact with us via Facebook, email or during our weekly meetings on Wednesday afternoon 1pm in M142. 

Climbing Trip

After the meeting we went climbing and a great time was had by all with some grades completed that weren't even thought of at the start of the day.

Once again we are still looking for a driver for the last trip of the year this weekend.

Minutes 13th of March

Hi everyone, here are the minutes from this Wednesday’s meeting:

Social Night

The next social night will be Tuesday 19^th of March at WalkAbout from 6pm. Come along for a wee drink and talk. We are looking forward to seeing you! J

RBS Video Competition

If you haven’t done so yet remember to keep watching our awesome video!

Next Walking Trip

The next walking trip will be a day trip on the 16^th of March. There are still places left. This will be the last trip for this academic year so don’t let this possibility slip through your hands!  
However we still need a driver so if you are registered with the university give us a shout please.

We will meet at 7am outside the equipment store and head out by 7.30am latest. Remember to bring packed lunch, your winter equipment and good mood.

Cost for fuel will be 5 pounds.

Weather does not look too bad so far. It will be cloudy but hopefully only little wind and the avalanche risk should also be low.

Next Climbing Trip

As usual there will be a climbing trip next Wednesday (20^th of February) right after our meeting to Ibrox.
Further, we will go bouldering to the Glasgow Climbing Academy on Sunday 17^th of February. Cost will be around 5-6pounds (excluding transport).
I will meet people around 12pm at the lower end of the Saltire Centre ramp. Please indicate whether you would like to join. Otherwise you can just meet us there around 12.30pm.

Edinburgh Climbing Trip

We will head out to Edinburgh Ratho next week Sunday (24^th of March) which is one of the biggest climbing halls. We will take a car there so it will be 5 pounds for fuel. Further, 7 pounds max for equipment hire and 9.30 pounds for entry (6.70 concession).

General Information

If you have any suggestions, questions or concerns feel free to get in contact with us via Facebook, email or during our weekly meetings on Wednesday afternoon 1pm in M142.

An Caisteal and Beinn A'Chroin Trip Review

The trip started off badly with yours truely sleeping in, it wouldn't have been so bad but I had the store keys...
We set off 30 minuets late meaning a 9:30 start for the walk.
Following the relatively easy track to its finish we could see the clouds were moving over very quickly but as we all know the weather can be changeable so we continued and hoped for the best.
Reaching the end of the track we started the ascent to Sron Gharbh following a stream, this was tough going as the terrain was very marshy, a few meters in one of our members twisted their knee, they then decided that as this had happened before they would rather go back then suffer through it.
Following this we stopped for lunch just before reaching the ridge where we could hear the wind howling ahead.
After a short lunch break we continued up assessing the conditions and at 702m high we decided that the crampons were needed so we stopped and fitted these.
Following fitting the crampons the wind picked up, as forecast to about 55mph gusts.
We continued on with the wind increasing in ferocity.
At 850m we decided to call the walk summit off as we could barely stand up let alone walk along a steadily narrowing ridge.
En-route down the wind died down and the clouds lifted allowing us to continue with the navigation training where the basics were laid down a few months ago.
The last few meters were some of the most interesting on the walk with a bog to walk through.
Following sorting everything at the van we went to the drovers for some food and to reflect on today.

The highlight reflections were:

• It was a good decision to turn back the conditions were just not favorable for ridge walking
• The mountains will always be there, the trick is to make sure you are too - I'm sure this is a quote from someone

Hope that everyone enjoyed it and is looking forwards to the next trip :)

Final Trip Update for Tomorrows Trip

The weather conditions...
The same forecast as yesterday...

Winds
Easterly; 35 to near many higher tops and ridges 40mph, gusts 55mph.

Precipitation

Snow flurries east and south
Substantially dry, especially western hills, but snow flurries likely mainly
Central Highlands, and there may well be frequent mostly light snow east and
south Loch Lomond NP.

Clouds

Breaking across western summits.
Cloud coming in from the east, base 750m, occasionally 600m, but nearer
450m south and east Loch Lomond NP. Will lift toward 900m western
mountains, and may well substantially clear completely coastal hills.

Cloud Free Munro?
20% east to 70% west coastal summits

How Much Sun?

Glimpses of sunshine, although intermittent sun near and west of Loch Linnhe
to Oban.
Slight haze, but the air very much clearer.


How Cold? (at 900m)
Around -4C, tending to drop slowly during the day.

Freezing level
500m, dropping slowly through the day.

Summary
We may be lucky as we are  to the west of this area, however remember to wrap up warm and to bring spare layers.

Avalanche Forecast
As the forecast is the same the avalanche forecast remains the same (as it is a forecast based on a forecast).
Below is the compass rose:

Route
Here is the final route although subject to change it is close to what we will travel on.

Weather Update

Well, it isn't going to be half as good as the weather on the Ben Vane trip. However it isn't half as bad as the winter skills either.
With 40 mph winds gusting up to 55 mph it will make for challenging conditions at some points with the snow flurries forecast (we will manage the risk as we go).
The freezing level is around 500m with temperatures at 900m being -4C dropping through out the day.
These conditions aren't too bad and we may be lucky with the clouds (most likely not) with a 30% chance of a cloud free Munro.

The SAIS forecast shows low risk with isolated moderate risk areas on W to NE slopes.
This is again going to be assessed as we go.

All in all it looks to be a good day out in the hills, we do have 4 experienced members down to go and 3 new from winter skills members so we have the numbers to do some more building on the winter skills learnt.

Here is the key information from SAIS (please note this is for Glencoe, ours will be roughly the same but will differ in some aspects):

Observed Weather Influences
Light isolated snow showers above 550 metres with strong South-Easterly winds. The freezing level slowly rose to around 950 metres.


Observed Snow Stability and Avalanche Hazard
The new snow accumulations are not significant at present, the snowpack is generally well bonded and stable on all aspects and elevations. The avalanche hazard is Low.

Observed Mountain Travel Conditions
A light new covering of snow above 600 metres the snowpack is frozen above 700 metres and is firm and icy in places. Persistent dense cloud gave poor visibility above 600 metres. South- Easterly winds which were strong at times, 20 mph.

Comments
Strong gusting winds are forecast, these may reach 100 mph over the summits, this will have a considerable scouring effect forming windslab in sheltered locations. Summit temperatures around minus three degrees Celsius.

Climbing Review

This week we had a few people turn up to the meeting and then go home as they felt unwell (they did before they turned up to the meeting), well done for turning up and get well soon.

After the meeting we went climbing at the Ibrox where a good time was had by all with some hard routes being completed.

Also there is an alteration to the trip schedule. The trip next weekend has now became a day trip and we will have a trip on the 30th March to Ratho in Edinburgh, they have a 5 story climbing wall and an arial assault course so why not go and have a play :)

Weekend Trip Update

Due to bad reviews of the ground through the forest en-route to Ben Lui and the second route with 5 mile walk in. We decided to go instead for An Caisteal and Beinn a'Chroin, here is the planned route:

We will be going up to first to An Caisteal. With an estimated time of completion of 7 hours and a 7:00am start at the store (leaving at 7:30am) with a drive of about 1 hour 30 mins. This means setting off at about 9:00am so if all goes well we will be back down by at least 4:00pm, from there we will be heading to the Drovers Inn for a meal (this is 15 mins away from the car park). An estimated time to get back by will be approximately 7:00pm.

Remember for those who need to borrow gear let us know first then we can get everything sorted.

Climbing Review

We went climbing on Sunday at the TCA where some bouldering routes captured our imaginations and we now have a couple of projects to work on.
Remember that we will be climbing at the Ibrox on Wednesday and back at the TCA on Sunday.

Ben Vane Trip Ferbruary 22nd

On this Saturday four of us from the GCU Mountaineering Club headed up Ben Vane because we really needed to get out of the city again. As two of the club members are highly skilled in winter mountaineering and the other two had a basic understanding (thanks to a prior winter skills course sponsored by the GCU Mountaineering Club) they were aware of the risks that come with going out in winter.
Therefore we had packed the right equipment, grabbed our ice-axes and walking sticks and went out this Saturday in February to climb up Ben Vane in the Trossachs. The weather forecast appeared ideal as we were supposed to have little wind and around -5 degrees. Further, the avalanche forecasts were also assuring as most snow was supposed to have frozen into a proper layer and thus be not prone to fall down on us.
We set out on a paved road and after about an hour followed a rough path up the mountain. Initially the course was not too step but increased in difficulty while it lead on. The weather however was better than promised (with three out of four people only having to wear two instead of three layers) as we experienced only little wind and the exercise kept us warm. Just the German of the expedition kept claiming that he preferred the warmth but would later change is mind about that as well.
Eventually the path started to get icier and thus we put on crampons. These are devices with spikes that one clips to the end of their boots in order to find more hold in the ice. With them we kept going, our ice axes ready in case we would fall, keeping enough distance between each other but not loosing spirit. The sun had unexpectedly come out and gave us hope that we might enjoy a brilliant view from the top. Further it warmed us as we had only rarely seen this beautiful object in the Scottish sky.

After about 4 hours of travel we had finally made it to the top and were not disappointed. We could indeed see for miles with the sun shining down on us. We had a quick lunch, took amazing pictures that you can see below and made our way down.
Whereas going up had been difficult at especially one very narrow and steep step going down proved even more dangerous. Thanks though to the extensive knowledge of the two advanced winter mountaineer members we were able to abseil ourselves down safely and continue our journey without problems.
After, we learnt some more techniques, and got back to the car in roughly 3 ½ hours. A quick stop at a restaurant and a recapture of the day reinsured us that this had been a fantastic day out in Scottish nature with weather that couldn’t have been better, new experiences and a lot of fun.
Check out the pictures to get an idea of our trip and how much equipment we actually carried in order to be safe. Finally, don’t forget, going out in winter into the mountains is dangerous, especially if you are not skilled. Therefore take somebody with you who knows what they are doing and if you can’t find anybody just stay at home with a nice hot chocolate.  

"Be bold, start cold" did not apply to the German

Up, up the right one we were aiming for.

Just enjoying the view...

Top of the world!

The first opening in the sky

Up the last few metres through the tricky part.

There it was! The top!

We made it and the sky cleared even more!

It wasn't cold at all, we decided, and took off our shirts.

This is what every mountaineerer hopes for. Clear skies and far views on the top of the world.

Going down proved trickier. We had to abseil ourselves down.

The sky had cleared by the time we had come back down