Hello NLMC members,
Although it seems like winter will never arrive, I have developed massive unsightly calluses on my knees from praying every morning and evening that it will, and Scotland will be coated in a vast quantities of ice and rime.
So being of the hopeful nature, I have volunteered to run the coming NLMC Scotland Winter Climbing Meet. Mid February is generally a great time for climbing in Scotland, the days are longer and the ice buildup is usually good so I am hopeful that this time of year will be the best possible time for conditions.
Weather and conditions permitting, the outline plan is as follows: -
20th February, 5:00pm – Meet at the Ben Nevis Inn for gear check, planning, dinner and beer.
21st February – Warmup Climbing day – Valley based – Aonach Mor, Aonach Beag or Glen Coe
22nd – 25th Ben Nevis CIC Hut Booking for 6, any others will be valley based but we will attempt to arrange for a key to the upper car park.
26th – 27th Torridon or Cairngorms or Creag Meagaidh or Arrochar Alps
28th February – Drive back to London
As bookings in the CIC hut are about as rare as boulderers in Antartica, we will give out the places depending on commitment and experience. You will not need to be climbing hard grades but will need to be a) a paid member of the club, b) self-sufficient and c) competent in Scottish winter including navigation and hazard identification. Please let me know if you are interested in staying in the CIC hut for this period.
Accommodation
I have managed to book the CIC hut for 6 people from the 22nd February to the 25th February.
I will make a booking at either the Ben Nevis Inn or another venue in Fort William for the period based in Fort William. If there are enough parties, I will try book a large house or something similar.
Because we are not yet certain of the other venue, I will make provisional bookings closer to the time.
Lifts
For those who are interested in coming and can offer lifts, please could you let me know and I will co-ordinate the lifts.
For those who need lifts, please also contact me and I will try to co-ordinate you with your chauffeur.
Equipment
People will generally need to be self-sufficient in this department although between the gear junkies in the club, there will certainly be some spare kit. Please contact me if you are keen to come but might need to borrow some kit. I will then try source the required gear.
Commitment
If you are interested in coming, please could you reply to me directly (not Chat) to register your interest and commitment level: -
0 – I hate Scotland because of cold, wind, rime, ice and Sweaty Socks.
1 – I can nee do it Captain, I just don’t have the power.
2 – I don’t want to miss the Strictly Come Dancing final on telly.
3 – Maybe if there is beer and whiskey.
4 – Super keen, just need the okay from the boss (wife / husband / partner).
5 – I love Scotland because of cold, wind, rime, ice, etc. I’m a masochist so please take my money!
I’m a 5! I can’t wait!
Cheers
Rob