Just as a cold icy blast sweeps down from the north pole and the glorious autumn colours of recent weeks sink to the ground, I'm off to Egypt on holiday!
Bookings for winter courses are now flowing in and if you are interested, please get in touch. Whilst I'm away, basecamp is still open and run by my wife, Sue and Spike Sellers, my good friend and work colleague. All questions can be answered.
Let's hope for another winter like this
Christmas Gifts
Why not consider a gift at Christmas for a friend or relative of an unusual nature, in the shape of a mountain course. From one day to a full blown course, summer or winter in Scotland and in the Alps for 2013. Call us on 01397700451 to discuss.
Outdoor Retail is alive and booming in Fort William for the time being. Recent additions include Field and Trek and a brand new Cotswold Outdoor department store on the land where West Coast Outdoor Leisure once shone. Blacks closed down in the summer, but outdoor visitors will still have plenty to choose from.
we will continue to rent a wide selection of winter gear and boots and do have a stock of super warm Dachstein Mitts. Local maps are also available for sale. Discounts for group rentals are available and you can pick up and drop off any time between 0700 and mid-night!
Brighams
Field and Trek
Nevisport
Trespass
Cotswold Outdoor
Alpine Courses 2013
Treat yourself and your partner to an alpine trip next summer. As usual
West Coast Mountain Guides alpineprogrammes are now taking bookings for next year. The promised Norwegian rock climbing/scrambling courses are currently under review and will almost certainly be offered at around �1850 each (1:2) or �1300 (1:3) These prices give an idea, including flights in-course transport and accommodation.
Price freezeon accommodation is continuing at Calluna for 2013 and bookings are now being taken. Details are at this link on the website built by my daughter, Victoria. It really is a family business.
Here's to dreaming of a white winter
Links - Retailers - Good Gear
An important area of an outdoor instructor/guides work is keeping up to date with equipment in order to be able to answer a wide range of questions about mountaineering kit. In the ever changing world of equipment this is difficult and that is where some good outdoor manufacturers and retailers come in. There are many and varied outdoor shops and I cannot hope to know all of them. However a few come to mind as being very helpful to our mountain visitors over the years. Some clients have driven many miles of a weekend to get good sound advice and here is a small selection.
ParamoManufacturers of the best shell clothing I have ever used in 40 years of mountaineering.
Ardblair Sports Importers Ltd Importers Ltd In particular for AKU footwear . If any of you have seen my awkward feet you will know that to find a comfortable pair of boots is not easy for me. The AKU Spider and Spider Lights are very light, warm and comfortable. The Spider is very good for the Alps in my opinion.
Ardblair Sports Importers have started an AKU Facebook page. If you like what you see tell your friends and confirm.
Any good pair of boots will be enhanced by proper insoles and I'm convinced that Superfeet Footbeds really help. Go for the custom fit insoles. They may be expensive, but are a good investment towards comfort and stabilisation of the whole body frame.
Needlesports will be well known to anyone visiting the Lake District. Once again sound advice from passionate outdoor folk. 56 Main Street, Keswick, CA12 5JS
Freetime in Carlisle is worth considering if you are heading north/south and need that last minute bit of kit. 1-2 Market Street Town Centre, Carlisle CA3 8QJ
914 Outdoor is worth a visit for anyone on their way to the Isle of Skye, especially as the view towards Eilean Donan Castle in one direction and the Black Cuillin to the west is stunning. Friendly advice and a chance to pick up some last minute kit. Ardelve Kyle By Lochalshe, KyleIV40 8DYRoss-Shire
Cioch-Direct on the Isle of Skye made to measure Paramo outdoor clothing is very close to where Norman Collie and John Mackenzie are laid to rest. There is also a good spot over the road for tea and scones. Struan, Isle of Skye IV56 8FA
Mac Mountaineering if you land up in Inverness and prefer an old style independent shop instead of the larger apartment store layout. 34 Church Street, Inverness, IV11EH
Walk Highlands for a comprehensive list of mountain adventures and information
