DOCSLIB.ORG

Survey of Upland Path Users in Scotland 2017

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Survey of Upland Path Users in Scotland 2017 Scottish Natural Heritage Survey of upland path users in Scotland 2017 Published: April 2018 People, Places and Nature Unit Scottish Natural Heritage Great Glen House Leachkin Road Inverness IV3 8NW For further information please contact [email protected] www.nature.scot Contents Page Background and research objectives 3 Research methodology 3 Profile of respondents 4 Detailed research findings 5 Frequency of visiting the outdoors and upland areas in Scotland 5 Activities undertaken in Scotland’s upland areas 6 Use of upland paths in Scotland 7 Condition of upland paths in Scotland in the last 12 months 7 The influence of paths on route selection 18 The importance of maintaining Scotland’s upland paths 21 Level of interest in helping to look after Scotland’s upland paths 22 Other comments 23 Summary and conclusions 24 Appendices 1. Profile of survey respondents 2. Activities undertaken in Scotland’s upland areas in the last 12 months 3. Percent of respondents agreeing with each statement about the importance of maintaining Scotland’s upland paths 4. Questionnaire 2 1. Background and research objectives Scotland’s People and Nature Survey (SPANS) estimates that people living in Scotland take 28.6 million visits to upland areas each year. Many of these upland visits are hill walking trips (an estimated 9.8 million), but a variety of other activities are also undertaken in upland areas, ranging from mountain biking, running and ski-ing to fishing, wildlife watching and informal family outings. The vast majority of these upland visits involve the use of a path (88%)1. In addition to visits taken by Scottish residents, around 9 million tourist trips are taken in Scotland each year by visitors from elsewhere in the UK and from overseas2. Research undertaken by VisitScotland indicates that scenery and landscape are key motivations for these visits, many of which include active outdoor activities such as walking3. Hillwalking and mountain biking both make significant contributions to the rural economy, with estimated annual expenditure in excess of £65 million4 for hillwalking and £75.7million5 for mountain biking. Aside from their economic value, these activities make important contributions to people’s quality of life, providing very significant physical and mental health benefits. Upland paths play a key role in supporting, and sometimes enabling, these activities as well as managing impacts on the sensitive landscapes and habitats in which they take place. However, there is no national co-ordination or prioritisation of the limited resources for path repair work and no funding for path maintenance, resulting in varying standards of upland paths throughout the country – and heavily eroded paths on some of our most iconic hills. This paper presents the findings of a survey of upland path users in Scotland, undertaken in 2017 by Scottish Natural Heritage, in partnership with other key stakeholders. The main objectives of the survey were to collect information from hill users about their recent experience of upland paths6; their perceptions of the importance of upland paths; and their views on upland path maintenance and repair. The research findings will be used to inform future approaches to upland path funding and management. 2. Research methodology The research was undertaken between April and July 2017 by means of a self-completion surveymonkey questionnaire (see Appendix 4). The survey was promoted by SNH and via our network of contacts and targeted at as wide an audience of hill users as possible. This included members of national conservation organisations, members of national and local clubs and bodies associated with outdoor recreation as well as a more general audience with an interest in walking, mountain biking and other outdoor activities. 1 Scotland’s People and Nature Survey 2013/14 (Scottish Natural Heritage) 2 Tourism in Scotland 2016 (VisitScotland) 3 Scotland Visitor Survey 2015 and 2016 (VisitScotland) 4 Estimate based on Scottish Recreation Survey data 2007 – 2012 5 Economic Value of Mountain Biking in Scotland (Scottish Enterprise); EKOS Ltd., Tourism Resources Company, April 2009. This research estimated £75.5 m in direct expenditure; when supplier and income multipliers are included, this rises to £119m. 6 For the purposes of the survey, upland paths were defined as ‘paths or routes in Scotland’s hills or mountains which have either been constructed or formed by regular use. Vehicle tracks, i.e. tracks constructed to allow vehicular access to the hills, are not included in this definition’. 3 A total of 2,403 survey responses were received by the survey cut-off date, indicating a high level of engagement with the subject among hill users. Figure 1, below, shows where respondents sourced the survey link. The single largest proportion of responses to the survey was received from visitors to the Walkhighlands website (35%). Among the 30% of respondents who indicated that they had come across the survey link via some ‘other’ means, social media, particularly Facebook and Twitter, was mentioned most frequently and played a key role in ensuring the survey link was shared as widely as possible. Figure 1: Where did you find the link to the survey? Walkhighlands Developing Mountain Biking in Scotland/local mountain biking club Conservation organisation (e.g. 30% NTS, JMT) 35% Mountaineering Scotland/local mountaineering club 1% Ramblers Scotland/local walking 3% club 13% 11% Professional path management 7% network Other Base: All respondents (n = 1,889) Source: Upland path survey 2017, Q18 3. Profile of respondents The respondent profile information below provides context for the survey findings; a more detailed breakdown is provided in Appendix 1. o The majority of respondents were resident in Scotland (88%) with most of the remainder resident elsewhere in the UK (10%) o Respondents were predominantly male (66%) and around half were aged between 35 and 54 (49%). o Around half of respondents were members of national or local organisations, clubs or bodies associated with conservation (e.g. JMT, NTS) or with walking, climbing and mountain biking (e.g. Ramblers, Mountaineering Scotland, local walking/mountain biking clubs) (55%). o Almost all respondents had visited the outdoors in Scotland in the last 12 months (99%) and most had done so on a regular basis: among those resident in Scotland, 66% had visited the outdoors at least once a week over the previous year (higher than the average of 48% among all adults living in Scotland7). o Among respondents who had visited the outdoors in the last 12 months, almost all had visited an upland area during that period (99%) and all except seven had used an upland path (99%). 7 Scottish Household Survey 2016 4 o Most respondents described themselves as experienced in the Scottish hills, with 36% indicating that they were ‘very experienced’ and a further 40% that they were ‘quite experienced’. 4. Detailed research findings 4.1. Frequency of visiting the outdoors and upland areas in Scotland Most of the survey respondents living in Scotland were regular outdoor visitors: 66% visited the outdoors in Scotland for recreation at least once a week compared to an average of 48% among the adult population in Scotland8. Figure 2: Frequency of visiting the outdoors in Scotland in last 12 months (%) 70 60 66 50 48 40 30 20 27 20 18 10 13 6 0 0 At least once a At least once a At least once a Not at all week month year All survey respondents living in Scotland All adults in Scotland (SHS 2016) Base: All respondents living in Scotland (n = 1,685) Source: Upland path survey 2017, Q1; Scottish Household Survey 2015 Among respondents who had visited the outdoors in Scotland in the last 12 months, almost all had visited an upland area (99%). More than a third of those living in Scotland had visited upland areas on a regular, weekly basis during this period (37%). Figure 3: Frequency of visiting upland areas in Scotland in the last 12 months (%) 50 45 40 43 35 37 30 25 20 15 19 10 5 0 0 At least once a At least once a At least once a Not at all week month year Base: All respondents living in Scotland (n = 1,682) Source: Upland path survey 2017, Q2 8 Scottish Household Survey 2016 5 4.2. Activities undertaken in Scotland’s upland areas As shown in Figure 4, below, respondents had participated in a range of activities in Scotland’s uplands in the last 12 months. Most had been hillwalking, mountaineering or climbing (89%) or lower level walking in the glens (69%); 4 in 10 respondents had mountain biked (41%) and 3 in 10 had wild camped (31%); a quarter had participated in bird, wildlife or nature watching (25%); a fifth had been running (19%); and 12% had been ski-ing. Among the activities shown in Figure 4, below, women were more likely than men to have been lower level walking in the glens (81% and 66%, respectively) and bird, wildlife or nature watching (32% and 24%, respectively); men were more likely than women to have been mountain biking (47% and 29%, respectively) and wild camping (34% and 29%, respectively). In terms of age, younger respondents aged between 16 and 34 had higher than average levels of participation in mountain biking (50%), wild camping (44%), running (29%) and ski-ing (19%). Respondents who described themselves as ‘very experienced’ in the Scottish hills were more likely than less experienced respondents to have taken part in each of the activities shown in Figure 4. A detailed breakdown of participation by gender, age, level of hill experience and residency is provided in Appendix 2. Figure 4: Activities undertaken in Scotland’s upland areas in last 12 months (%) Hill walking/mountaineering/climbing 89 Lower level walking in glens 69 Mountain biking 41 Wild camping 31 Bird/wildlife/nature watching 25 Running 19 Ski-ing 12 Other 5 0 20 40 60 80 100 % upland visitors undertaking each activity Base: All respondents visiting upland areas in Scotland in last 12 months (n = 2,288) Source: Upland path survey 2017, Q3 The research sample included 934 respondents who had been mountain biking in the Scottish uplands in the last 12 months.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Scrubbers' Bulletin
    MONTANE333333333 Scrubbers’ SCRUB ACTION GROUP Bulletin 10 Cover photo: Vapourer moth, Orgyia antiqua (L.) eggs, on dark-leaved willow, Salix myrsinifolia Salisb., Ben Lawers NNR, alt. 580m. photo D.K. Mardon Scrubbers’ Bulletin No. 10 Page 2 of 24 Scrubbers’ Bulletin No. 10. The Bulletin of the Montane Scrub Action Group, a partnership of individuals supported by their organisations. The current members of the group are: Diana Gilbert, (Chair) Andrew Warwick, the National Trust for John Holland, Scottish Rural College Scotland Phil Baarda, Scottish Natural Heritage Mick Drury, Trees for Life Rob Soutar, Forest Enterprise Scotland Philip Ashmole, Borders Forest Trust Richard Thompson, FE Scotland Deborah Long, Plantlife Billy Bodles, Highland Birchwoods David Mardon Andrew Campbell, Woodland Trust Welcome to issue number 10 of the Scrubber’s Bulletin, compiled by David Mardon, Fagus, Manse Road, Killin, FK21 8UY, [email protected] Earlier issues of the Bulletin may be read at www.mountainwoodlands.org We are most grateful to the authors for their contributions to this issue, as follows: Contents Gilbert, D. Scrubber’s Bulletin 10th (Anniversary) issue: Group Report …………………. 4 Green, S. Phytophthora austrocedrae: an emerging threat to juniper. ………………….. 5 Black, D. & Gilbert, D. Plantlife Scotland’s Flora Guardian provides valuable monitoring on Dwarf birch (Betula nana) at Ben Wyvis to SNH ……………. 8 Robinson, P. Cree Valley Community Woodlands Trust – Involvement in mountain woodlands and woodland fringe ………………………………………………. 11 Bodles, W. Mountain Woodland Project ……………………………………………………. 15 Borrell, J. Project Update: Ecological and Genomic research to optimize the conservation of Dwarf Birch in Scotland …………………………………………………….. 17 Marriott, R. Monitoring planted montane willows at Coire Sharroch, Coire Fee NNR, 2013 …………………………………………………………..
    [Show full text]
  • Uk & Ireland 5 Peaks Challenge 2021/22
    UK & IRELAND 5 PEAKS CHALLENGE 2021/22 Activity: Trekking Group size: Minimum: 1 minibus of 9 pax Trip duration: 4 days Maximum: 3 minibuses of 30 pax Trekking distance: 64kms Level of difficulty: Total ascent: 5033 metres Tough Dates: Available May – Sept 2021 Accommodation: 2 nights (Wales & Scotland) Cost: Registration fee: £ 95pp Remaining balance: £680pp Total: £775pp HIGHLIGHTS • Conquer the five highest mountains in the UK & Ireland in this iconic British mountain trek • Tackle Snowdon, Scafell Pike, Ben Nevis, Slieve Donard and finish on the summit of Carrauntoohil • Experience Scafell Pike, England, in the colours of a late afternoon sun • Witness the sunrise on Ben Nevis amongst the spectacular backdrop of Scottish Highlands • Summit Slieve Donard, Northern Ireland, under a star filled sky • Complete this challenge on the highest mountain summit of Ireland. OVERVIEW One of the most epic mountain challenges close to home, The National 5 Peaks Challenge involves climbing the five highest mountains in Wales, England, Scotland and Ireland. The challenge covers 64kms and involves 5,300 metres of ascent. Teams will be accompanied by a fully experienced and qualified Adventurous Ewe Mountain Leaders throughout the challenge and transferred via private minibus with your own experienced driver/s. This is the ultimate UK & Ireland mountain trekking experience. TRIP DETAILS UK & IRELAND 5 PEAKS CHALLENGE ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ UK & Ireland 5 Peaks Challenge Below is a guideline to the timing schedule for your 5 Peaks Challenge. Please note that this is a guide only and we ask for your flexibility on this due to factors outside our control such as traffic, weather, ability of the group, etc.
    [Show full text]
  • AN TEALLACH COMES ALIVE It’S One of Our Finest Mountains
    James Hawkins BEHIND THE PICTURE AN TEALLACH COMES ALIVE It’s one of our finest mountains. Now it has the painting it deserves. And it’s all thanks to a remarkable artist with a passion for colour, geology and wilderness walking. WORDS DAN ASPEL PICTURE JAMES HAWKINS ames Hawkins speaks for anyone who’s ever seen the most dramatically notched 1062m mountain in Britain when he says “An Teallach is amazing”. What Trail couldn’t get him to say (but we can now, to spare his modesty) is that his paintings of this Scottish peak capture it like nothing else you’re likely to lay eyes on. Take the image printed here. The landscape is lashed by reedy needles of rain above a shimmering foreground of heather and brush. There’s a blurry unreality to some parts and an arresting crispness to others. The mountain outline at its centre is stark. But that’s just our opinion; to find out how James makes such vivid images, we spoke to the man himself. “Being out on the hill is many experiences in one,” says the 37-year resident of Loch Broom’s shores, “and there’s a lot of movement – from the walker themselves, to the wind around them, to the trees. Trying to distil all of that, you have to create something more than just a single static image.” To achieve these he uses “a combination of memory, drawing and photographs”. This means that once back in the studio after – very likely – many walks, he’ll run a slideshow of all the images he’s collected of a certain peak and draw inspiration from “theJ colour in a bit of sky”, or “a profile of a mountain from a neighbouring summit”.
    [Show full text]
  • Torridon Winter Mountaineering
    Torridon Winter Mountaineering You may have already been to one of the regular winter destinations of Glencoe, Ben Nevis or the Cairngorms but travel North a couple more hours and you will enter The North West Highlands and some of the most spectacular mountain peaks anywhere in the UK. If you enjoy remote wild, rugged peaks then this is the place for you...we are likely to have them to ourselves. This week of Winter Mountaineering will be based around Torridon on grade 1-III routes combining utterly mesmerising photographic opportunities with sensational ridges and fantastic winter gullies. The mountains here are unique and totally different to other areas of the UK. Google the main peaks An Teallach, Beinn Alligan and Liathach and you will be impressed! Each peak is an expedition ideal for those aspiring to climbing a 6-7000m Peak, big days on big mountains requiring a high level of fitness. Participation Statement Adventure Peaks recognises that climbing, hill walking and mountaineering are activities with a danger of personal injury or death. Participants in these activities should be aware of and accept these risks and be responsible for their own actions and involvement 101 Lake Road, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 0DB Telephone: 01539 433794 www.adventurepeaks.com [email protected] PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE 3 *** Hotel/Lodge To enjoy this week, you need to have previous 5***** Boutique Hotel experience of winter mountaineering to at least Accommodation will be booked from the night of Scottish Grade II (Alpine PD+/AD) and have a your arrival (Day 1) with instruction starting the high level of fitness to enjoy multiple 8-10hr days.
    [Show full text]
  • Walks and Scrambles in the Highlands
    Frontispiece} [Photo by Miss Omtes, SLIGACHAN BRIDGE, SGURR NAN GILLEAN AND THE BHASTEIR GROUP. WALKS AND SCRAMBLES IN THE HIGHLANDS. BY ARTHUR L. BAGLEY. WITH TWELVE ILLUSTRATIONS. Xon&on SKEFFINGTON & SON 34 SOUTHAMPTON STREET, STRAND, W.C. PUBLISHERS TO HIS MAJESTY THE KING I9H Richard Clav & Sons, Limiteu, brunswick street, stamford street s.e., and bungay, suffolk UNiVERi. CONTENTS BEN CRUACHAN ..... II CAIRNGORM AND BEN MUICH DHUI 9 III BRAERIACH AND CAIRN TOUL 18 IV THE LARIG GHRU 26 V A HIGHLAND SUNSET .... 33 VI SLIOCH 39 VII BEN EAY 47 VIII LIATHACH ; AN ABORTIVE ATTEMPT 56 IX GLEN TULACHA 64 X SGURR NAN GILLEAN, BY THE PINNACLES 7i XI BRUACH NA FRITHE .... 79 XII THROUGH GLEN AFFRIC 83 XIII FROM GLEN SHIEL TO BROADFORD, BY KYLE RHEA 92 XIV BEINN NA CAILLEACH . 99 XV FROM BROADFORD TO SOAY . 106 v vi CONTENTS CHAF. PACE XVI GARSBHEINN AND SGURR NAN EAG, FROM SOAY II4 XVII THE BHASTEIR . .122 XVIII CLACH GLAS AND BLAVEN . 1 29 XIX FROM ELGOL TO GLEN BRITTLE OVER THE DUBHS 138 XX SGURR SGUMA1N, SGURR ALASDAIR, SGURR TEARLACH AND SGURR MHIC CHOINNICH . I47 XXI FROM THURSO TO DURNESS . -153 XXII FROM DURNESS TO INCHNADAMPH . 1 66 XXIII BEN MORE OF ASSYNT 1 74 XXIV SUILVEN 180 XXV SGURR DEARG AND SGURR NA BANACHDICH . 1 88 XXVI THE CIOCH 1 96 1 LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS Toface page SLIGACHAN BRIDGE, SGURR NAN GILLEAN AND THE bhasteir group . Frontispiece BEN CRUACHAN, FROM NEAR DALMALLY . 4 LOCH AN EILEAN ....... 9 AMONG THE CAIRNGORMS ; THE LARIG GHRU IN THE DISTANCE . -31 VIEW OF SKYE, FROM NEAR KYLE OF LOCH ALSH .
    [Show full text]
  • Skiing on the Edge
    Skiing on the Edge 34. Above Extract fTOm Leomann Trekking Map of Kashmir 1:200000, a good example of a map u ing ridgeline depiction. (p167) 36. Above left Leaving the plateau on the headwall of Coire an Lochain, Cairngorms. {Martin Burrows-Smith) (p105) 37. Above right Looking down Garadh Gully on Ben Nevis prior to a descent. (Martin Burrows-Smith) (p105) 35. Opposite below Extract from National Geographic Map of Everest 1:50 000, a composite map using Illany different methods of relief depiction to produce a design admjred for both efficient and effective communication of relief information and for its aesthetic qualities. (p167) Making Tracks in Scottish Gullies MARTIN BURROWS-SMITH Chief Instructor at Glenmore Lodge The Scottish National Outdoor Training Centre (Plates 36,37) Midday, mid-week in mid-February, I was resting at the summitofSgurr Mor, a fine peak in the Central Fannaichs of the Northern Highlands. I had been here before with my skis the previous winter, and looking across to the magnificent flanks of Sgurr nan Clach Geala, I recalled an epic descent of Alpha Gully on its E face. That had been an on-sight day, no previous inspection, and wild skiing down the crest of the buttress had led to a tortuous descent of the gully itself, often too tight to turn, but eventually I had been spat out onto its supporting but avalanching apron of snow. The reascent to the plateau had been a good Grade III and required careful negotiation to avoid exposed slopes of windslab. I had continued to Sgurr Mor for a look at Easter Gully on its E face, but had prudently chickened out.
    [Show full text]
  • The Best of Walking in Scotland
    1 The Best of Walking in Scotland Scotland is a land of contrasts—an ancient country with a modern outlook, where well-loved traditions mingle with the latest technology. Here you can tread on some of the oldest rocks in the world and wander among standing stones and chambered cairns erected 5,000 years ago. However, that little cottage you pass may have a high-speed Internet connection and be home to a jewelry designer or an architect of eco-friendly houses. Certainly, you’ll encounter all the shortbread and tartan you expect, though kilts are normally reserved for weddings and football matches. But far more traditional, although less obviously so, is the warm welcome you’ll receive from the locals. The farther you go from the big cities, the more time people have to talk—you’ll find they have a genuine interest in where you come from and what you do. Scotland’s greatest asset is its clean, green landscapes, where walkers can fill their lungs with pure, fresh air. It may only be a wee (small) country, but it has a variety of walks to rival anywhere in the world. As well as the splendid mountain hikes to be found in the Highlands, there’s an equal extent of Lowland terrain with gentle riverside walks and woodland strolls. The indented coastline and numerous islands mean that there are thousands of miles of shore to explore, while the many low hills offer exquisite views over the countryside. There’s walking to suit all ages and tastes. Some glorious countryside with rolling farmland, lush woods, and grassy hills can be reached within an hour’s drive of Edinburgh and Glasgow.
    [Show full text]
  • Mountains and the People Project Delivers
    Spring/Summer 2019 | No. 23 The The magazine of the Friends of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs Mountains and the People Project Delivers ALSO INSIDE Park News, Friends Updates, Mountains and the People, Events, Nature of the Park and more THIS ISSUE: TheVoiceSpring2019V1.indd 1 17/03/2019 19:39 ENJOY FRESH LOCAL PRODUCE Join us for seasonal menus with locally sourced ingredients, The finest Scottish seafood, served alongside a splendid a fantastic wine list and hand-pulled craft ales. wine list created by expert Matthew Jukes. 01436 860420 lochlomondarmshotel.com 01436 860420 luss-seafoodbar.com LOCH LOMOND ARMS HOTEL MAIN ROAD LUSS G83 8NY LUSS SEAFOOD BAR PIER ROAD LUSS SCOTLAND G83 8NY Traffic Design Consultants Email: [email protected] 1048 Govan Road, Web: www.traffic-design.co.uk Glasgow, G51 4XS Co. No. SC 210509 Tel: 0141 445 2174 VAT No. 829 372796 Loch Lomond Adventures Logo concepts - Logo option 4 - colour Suggestion for how colours could look. Subtle colours. 5* holiday park on the shores of Loch Lomond Book your adventure now at inverbeg.com T. 01436 860 267 [email protected] Join us on a BIKES GUIDED WALKS magical adventure through KAYAK & CANOE BOAT TICKETS the beautiful woodlands SPEEDBOAT CANYONING around Luss Village WATERSPORTS 4x4 ADVENTURE LOCH LOMOND FAERIE TRAIL, LUSS, G83 8PA LUSS CARPARK www.lochlomondfaerietrail.com WWW.LOCHLOMONDADVENTURES.COM 2 The Voice - Spring/Summer 2019 TheVoiceSpring2019V1.indd 2 17/03/2019 19:39 Chairman’s Introduction WELCOME TO THIS SPRING EDITION OF VOICE, which features interesting articles about different aspects of the Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park and news on recent activities of the Friends and others working to make the Park a better place for people and nature.
    [Show full text]
  • Journal 60 Spring 2016
    JOHN MUIR TRUST 10 The push for stronger regulation of deer management in Scotland 16 How campaigning contributes to JOURNAL the Trust’s long-term vision 25 What John Muir Award activity 60 SPRING 2016 means for the UK’s wild places Living mountain Schiehallion through the seasons CONTENTS 033 REGULARS 05 Chief executive’s welcome 06 News round-up 09 Wild moments In this new section, members share their stories and poems about experiences in wild places 28 32 Books The Rainforests of Britain and Ireland - a Traveller’s Guide, Clifton Bain 22 34 Interview Kevin Lelland caught up with Doug Allan, the celebrated wildlife film-maker best known for his work filming life in inhospitable places for series such as the BBC’s Blue Planet and Frozen Planet FEATURES 10 A time of change Mike Daniels outlines why the Trust continues to push for stronger regulation of deer management in Scotland 16 Pursuing a vision Mel Nicoll highlights how our campaign work – and the invaluable support of members – contributes to the Trust’s long-term vision for 25 wild places 19 Value and protect In this extract from a recent keynote address, Stuart Brooks explains his vision for reconnecting people and nature 20 A lasting impact Adam Pinder highlights the importance to the Trust of gifts in wills, and the impact of one particular gift on our property at Glenlude in 34 the Scottish Borders PHOTOGRAPHY (CLOCKWISE FROM TOP): JESSE HARRISON; LIZ AUTY; JOHN MUIR AWARD; DOUG ALLAN 22 A year on the fairy hill Liz Auty provides an insight into her work COVER: PURPLE SAXIFRAGE,
    [Show full text]
  • Scottish Winters 2004-2006
    SIMON RICHARDSON Scottish Winters 2004.. 2005 & 2005.. 2006 ive climbs stand out from the last two winter seasons - a technical test Fpiece in the Northern Corries, a bolt-protected climb in the Southern HigWands, a major addition to Pinnacle Buttress on Creag Meagaidh, a stylish and very fast repeat on the Shelter Stone and the first winter ascent of a long sought-after line in the far north-west. These climbs are strikingly different in style, and highlight the variety of climbing styles in the increasingly popular sport of Scottish winter climbing. Dave Macleod's winter ascent of The Hurting in Coire an t-Sneachda in February 2005 was something special. This 35m-high crack line slices through the prominent steep triangular wall on the right side of Fiacaill Buttress and was first climbed in 1991 as a summer E4 6a. The winter ascent was graded a hefty XI, 11, making it by far the most difficult winter pitch ever led in Scotland. MacLeod's lead was brilliant, and the resulting route is highly technical and very bold. In rock climbing terms think E9 or ElO. After inspecting the route on abseil, Dave almost flashed the route on his first attempt, but fell off three moves from the top. Scott Muir then top roped the climb, and pointed out to Dave that he had gone the wrong way at the top. Dave returned three days later to settle the score. It was a cold, windy day and recent heavy snow meant the cracks were verglassed. Dave abseiled down to see where Scott had gone at the top, chopped the verglas out of the crucial gear placements and then led the route.
    [Show full text]
  • Mountaineering Books Under £10
    Mountaineering Books Under £10 AUTHOR TITLE PUBLISHER EDITION CONDITION DESCRIPTION REFNo PRICE AA Publishing Focus On The Peak District AA Publishing 1997 First Edition 96pp, paperback, VG Includes walk and cycle rides. 49344 £3 Abell Ed My Father's Keep. A Journey Of Ed Abell 2013 First Edition 106pp, paperback, Fine copy The book is a story of hope for 67412 £9 Forgiveness Through The Himalaya. healing of our most complicated family relationships through understanding, compassion, and forgiveness, peace for ourselves despite our inability to save our loved ones from the ravages of addiction, and strength for the arduous yet enriching journey. Abraham Guide To Keswick & The Vale Of G.P. Abraham Ltd 20 page booklet 5890 £8 George D. Derwentwater Abraham Modern Mountaineering Methuen & Co 1948 3rd Edition 198pp, large bump to head of spine, Classic text from the rock climbing 5759 £6 George D. Revised slight slant to spine, Good in Good+ pioneer, covering the Alps, North dw. Wales and The Lake District. Abt Julius Allgau Landshaft Und Menschen Bergverlag Rudolf 1938 First Edition 143pp, inscription, text in German, VG- 10397 £4 Rother in G chipped dw. Aflalo F.G. Behind The Ranges. Parentheses Of Martin Secker 1911 First Edition 284pp, 14 illusts, original green cloth, Aflalo's wide variety of travel 10382 £8 Travel. boards are slightly soiled and marked, experiences. worn spot on spine, G+. Ahluwalia Major Higher Than Everest. Memoirs of a Vikas Publishing 1973 First Edition 188pp, Fair in Fair dw. Autobiography of one of the world's 5743 £9 H.P.S. Mountaineer House most famous mountaineers.
    [Show full text]
  • Scottish Highlands Hillwalking
    SHHG-3 back cover-Q8__- 15/12/16 9:08 AM Page 1 TRAILBLAZER Scottish Highlands Hillwalking 60 DAY-WALKS – INCLUDES 90 DETAILED TRAIL MAPS – INCLUDES 90 DETAILED 60 DAY-WALKS 3 ScottishScottish HighlandsHighlands EDN ‘...the Trailblazer series stands head, shoulders, waist and ankles above the rest. They are particularly strong on mapping...’ HillwalkingHillwalking THE SUNDAY TIMES Scotland’s Highlands and Islands contain some of the GUIDEGUIDE finest mountain scenery in Europe and by far the best way to experience it is on foot 60 day-walks – includes 90 detailed trail maps o John PLANNING – PLACES TO STAY – PLACES TO EAT 60 day-walks – for all abilities. Graded Stornoway Durness O’Groats for difficulty, terrain and strenuousness. Selected from every corner of the region Kinlochewe JIMJIM MANTHORPEMANTHORPE and ranging from well-known peaks such Portree Inverness Grimsay as Ben Nevis and Cairn Gorm to lesser- Aberdeen Fort known hills such as Suilven and Clisham. William Braemar PitlochryPitlochry o 2-day and 3-day treks – some of the Glencoe Bridge Dundee walks have been linked to form multi-day 0 40km of Orchy 0 25 miles treks such as the Great Traverse. GlasgowGla sgow EDINBURGH o 90 walking maps with unique map- Ayr ping features – walking times, directions, tricky junctions, places to stay, places to 60 day-walks eat, points of interest. These are not gen- for all abilities. eral-purpose maps but fully edited maps Graded for difficulty, drawn by walkers for walkers. terrain and o Detailed public transport information strenuousness o 62 gateway towns and villages 90 walking maps Much more than just a walking guide, this book includes guides to 62 gateway towns 62 guides and villages: what to see, where to eat, to gateway towns where to stay; pubs, hotels, B&Bs, camp- sites, bunkhouses, bothies, hostels.
    [Show full text]