Winter Walking and Ski Touring
This week I’ve been lucky enough to get out in the Pentlands again in winter conditions. On Tuesday Ivor and I were out for a walk in glorious sunny weather with a dusting of fresh snow. On Friday Pamela and I managed an opportunistic ski tour. The snow cover was good on paths and tracks where it had a base and had drifted in on top overnight. Away from these there was no real base except in small sheltered locations and care was required. A great fun day, which helped to keep our winter skills ticking over as best we can currently.
Winter Walking and Climbing in the Pentlands
Last week saw some good wintery conditions in the Pentland Hills. This meant I was able to get out locally for some winter walking and climbing. The climbing was only in the Grade I to III range and not classics. However, it was great to get out and practice skills I’ll hopefully need later in the season.
Local Running and Training
Over the past few days Euan and I have been training locally for when we can go further afield. Today we were out for a beautiful run in a snowy Pentlands with David. Good to see plenty of people out enjoying the conditions. It reminded us that a lot of walkers and runners may be new to winter conditions this year. If you decide you need a Winter Skills Course for walking or running, a Winter Navigation Course or an Avalanche Awareness Course these are all things we can provide. There’s more information on the ClimbNow website.
Navigation Course
The last two days I’ve been working for Falkirk Outdoors delivering a navigation course for the Ramblers. Given current restrictions it was delivered completely outdoors and within the City of Edinburgh Council area. On Thursday we used the Dalmeny and Cammo Estates. Today we were in The Pentlands starting from Harlaw. The weather was windy today, but generally kind for the time of year, and the participant’s enthusiasm made for a very enjoyable course.
Snowy Pentlands, Training and Kit Checks
I’ve been busy this week. Training at EICA Ratho, Alien Bloc and doing the winter equipment checks for Falkirk Outdoors. Today I headed up in to the snowy Pentlands for a couple of hours of running. It was delightful with fresh snow and no wind. For what it’s worth the turf wasn’t frozen and it was boggy/muddy below the snow on paths. Due to rain most of tomorrow in the Pentlands, so unfortunately it’s unlikely to last long.
The Pentlands
Ivor and I headed in to the Pentlands today to try and keep some hill miles in the legs. Starting from Harlaw we took in Harbour Hill, Capelaw and Allermuir. This also gave me the opportunity to pick up a large bag of rubbish I’d seen behind a wall during last week’s navigation course, but hadn’t the rucksack capacity to carry out at the time. Not as sunny today as forecast, however there were good views with cloud below us in the Forth valley.
More Pentlands Navigation
I was in the Pentlands again today delivering a navigation course for U3A (University of the Third Age). The wind was a cold south-westerly and paths were icy in the morning and very muddy as the day progressed.
The group heading back to the Snowsportscentre.
We made use of the cafe at the Snowsports Centre at the start and finish of the day to talk about things in the warmth and shelter. Thanks to the group for keeping the enthusiasm going in the cold conditions.
Pentlands Navigation
After a few days down in Derbyshire I was out today in the Pentland Hills running a navigation course for The City of Edinburgh Council Adult Education. The weather was relatively kind to us staying largely dry with just the odd wintry shower, but with a fresh south-west to southerly wind.
The team getting to grips with bearings in a sheltered location.
There was a dusting of snow high on the hills this morning and it was snowing at the ski centre when we finished the course. Thanks to all on the course for keeping enthusiastic in the cold.
Pentlands DofE
This week I’ve been delivering DofE training for The City of Edinburgh Council for a good group from Trinity School. This culminated in a practice expedition in the Pentlands. I was particularly impressed with the ambitious cooking options of the group, as some of the photos on The ClimbNow Facebook page show. Wet earlier in the week, but thankfully dry on Thursday and Friday for the practice expedition.
The group in the Pentlands.
Pentlands Navigation
I was out this morning in the Pentland Hills delivering the third of a four session navigation course for The City of Edinburgh Council Adult Education. These local hills are excellent for navigation practice within easy access of the city by car or public transport. The format of this navigation course over four weeks allows time for consolidation of skills and seems to work well.
Typical Pentlands view. It isn’t from today as I forgot to get the camera out.
