Post by Rónán K on Dec 4, 2011 18:54:20 GMT 1
Scotland trip this year is 25 January to 1 February.
We will be staying in the Bunkhouse of the Glencoe Independent Hostel.
www.glencoehostel.co.uk/glencoe-bunkhouse.asp
Cost: £140 students, £187 associate
We currently have the full quota of spaces for the trip filled (we may be able to get more...watch this space) - however,
You need to pay at least £50 (non-refundable) towards the cost of the trip by the end of this week or risk losing your place.
The Scotland trip is very different to other club trips. Because of the seriousness of Winter climbing, we hire guides to teach Freshers how to be safe in the mountains in Winter.
Programme for the trip for Freshers (including experienced club members who haven't climbed in Winter conditions before) will be as follows(weather permitting!):
Day 1:Travel to Glencoe, settle in
Day 2: Winter skills with guide and experienced members
Day 3: Day with guide/experienced member
Day 4: Day with guide/experienced member
Day 5: Day with guide/experienced member/rest day
Day 6: Day with guide/experienced member/rest day
Day 7 Day with guide/experienced member
Day 8: Travel home
Of course, that's flexible, and the weather may not co-operate, but the main point is that inexperienced Winter climbers won't be going out on their own (this doesn't necessarily mean they won't be able to lead).
All Freshers will get at least one day with a guide.
Experienced members are expected to help teach Freshers winter skills and take Freshers out climbing a couple of days. There will also be the opportunity to avail of guides as well.
Gear required:
I can't emphasise the importance of warm clothes on this trip. It gets cold in Scotland in Winter! You'll need a couple of extra layers, especially for when you're standing about.
You'll also need a decent waterproof jacket(w/hood) and waterproof trousers.
Hat (something that covers the side of your head is also good, like a buff or some such)
Gloves. This is important. There's different approaches to gloves - I go with a decent pair of powerstretch liner gloves (about £12) for moving and climbing in and mitts in my rucksack for when it gets properly cold.
Conor Gilmour goes for wool liner gloves (about £2!) and marigolds over the top, and mitts for when it gets cold. Both work!
You can also get 'proper' waterproof gloves/ski gloves, but in my experience these get wet anyway and take an age to dry.
Bottom line is you'll need several pairs of gloves in any case.
A water container (at least one litre)
Day rucksack for your kit for the day
Any personal medication!!!
Boots
YOu'll need at least B1 rated boots for taking crampons. You can buy B1s, B2s and B3s in Cotswold or similar outdoor shops but if you're not keen on splashing out, boots can be hired from the Ice Factor (6 miles from Glencoe).
Info here: www.ice-factor.co.uk/2010/aboutus/find-us.html
Ski goggles can be handy if you have them.
Maps, compasses etc should be brought if you have them, and any climbing gear. Ice axes, crampons, helmets etc can be borrowed from the club.
If anyone has any questions about the trip, feel free to ask myself or Conor Gilmour the Mountaineering Rep.
Psyched!
We will be staying in the Bunkhouse of the Glencoe Independent Hostel.
www.glencoehostel.co.uk/glencoe-bunkhouse.asp
Cost: £140 students, £187 associate
We currently have the full quota of spaces for the trip filled (we may be able to get more...watch this space) - however,
You need to pay at least £50 (non-refundable) towards the cost of the trip by the end of this week or risk losing your place.
The Scotland trip is very different to other club trips. Because of the seriousness of Winter climbing, we hire guides to teach Freshers how to be safe in the mountains in Winter.
Programme for the trip for Freshers (including experienced club members who haven't climbed in Winter conditions before) will be as follows(weather permitting!):
Day 1:Travel to Glencoe, settle in
Day 2: Winter skills with guide and experienced members
Day 3: Day with guide/experienced member
Day 4: Day with guide/experienced member
Day 5: Day with guide/experienced member/rest day
Day 6: Day with guide/experienced member/rest day
Day 7 Day with guide/experienced member
Day 8: Travel home
Of course, that's flexible, and the weather may not co-operate, but the main point is that inexperienced Winter climbers won't be going out on their own (this doesn't necessarily mean they won't be able to lead).
All Freshers will get at least one day with a guide.
Experienced members are expected to help teach Freshers winter skills and take Freshers out climbing a couple of days. There will also be the opportunity to avail of guides as well.
Gear required:
I can't emphasise the importance of warm clothes on this trip. It gets cold in Scotland in Winter! You'll need a couple of extra layers, especially for when you're standing about.
You'll also need a decent waterproof jacket(w/hood) and waterproof trousers.
Hat (something that covers the side of your head is also good, like a buff or some such)
Gloves. This is important. There's different approaches to gloves - I go with a decent pair of powerstretch liner gloves (about £12) for moving and climbing in and mitts in my rucksack for when it gets properly cold.
Conor Gilmour goes for wool liner gloves (about £2!) and marigolds over the top, and mitts for when it gets cold. Both work!
You can also get 'proper' waterproof gloves/ski gloves, but in my experience these get wet anyway and take an age to dry.
Bottom line is you'll need several pairs of gloves in any case.
A water container (at least one litre)
Day rucksack for your kit for the day
Any personal medication!!!
Boots
YOu'll need at least B1 rated boots for taking crampons. You can buy B1s, B2s and B3s in Cotswold or similar outdoor shops but if you're not keen on splashing out, boots can be hired from the Ice Factor (6 miles from Glencoe).
Info here: www.ice-factor.co.uk/2010/aboutus/find-us.html
Ski goggles can be handy if you have them.
Maps, compasses etc should be brought if you have them, and any climbing gear. Ice axes, crampons, helmets etc can be borrowed from the club.
If anyone has any questions about the trip, feel free to ask myself or Conor Gilmour the Mountaineering Rep.
Psyched!