Blog
The next step
For thirteen years I’ve been attempting to write fiction, from clumsy early attempts at fantasy novels, derivative and lacklustre, to the days when my interest in historical fiction grew and I started to put more heart into my work. Always there has been a ‘next step’ to look forward
First thoughts on the Amazon Kindle
I’ve finally got one! For several years now I’ve been an ebook convert. The tipping point happened in 2007 when, on a trip to the Alps, my brother and I ended up buying so many books to read during the month of our excursion that we almost went
First post in over three years
This blog was established in March 2007, but I last wrote in it on the 10th of February, 2009, to announce the launch of Glencoe Mountaineer. At the time I was in the middle of my first complete winter climbing season in the Scottish Highlands, and although it didn’t
Winter Mountaineering – a tale to make you laugh!
Weather in the glen: Superb winter mountaineering conditions this morning deteriorated around 1pm. Severe gales and torrential rain setting in for a few days. Today before work I went for a quick romp up Dinnertime Buttress on Aonach Dubh–at least, that’s what I had planned! Due to the
Curved Ridge
Weather in the glen: Clear and sunny yesterday, with scattered showers and a few inches of melting snow on the highest Lochaber summits. Today, milder and more showery but still better than average. High cloud base but ragged lower cloud in places. Occasional clear spells. Yesterday Rach, Isi and I
A traditional day out
Weather in the glen: Wind and rain. Gusting to galeforce, persistent light rain, although the cloud base is fairly high. Mild temperatures. Today Rach and I climbed B-F Buttress Route on the West Face of Aonach Dubh, a scramble weaving its way up and along complex Grade 3 terrain. It
I’m in Glencoe!
Arrived at the Clachaig yesterday after my epic mini-tour of England, including drinks and laughter at the Fat Cat to say good-bye to people in Norwich, and a lovely evening with Grace in Nottingham. The journey up to the Coe was a bit fraught, with double-booked seats on the train
The New Plan in motion!
After a casual suggestion made to me on a UKC thread yesterday, a new and potentially epic detour to the faltering New Plan has unfolded as a possibility. If you recall, my original post-UEA plan was to work in Norwich for a while, gain savings, then go and live near
Pollux South-West Ridge (AD)
Today we climbed the South West Ridge of Pollux, the lower of the ‘Twins’ (we climbed its sibling, Castor, last year via the West Face). The route is good fun! After a familiar glacier journey over to the Zwillingsjoch, we began to climb the ridge proper. It begins up a
Mont Blanc du Tacul, 4248m, NW Face (Normal Route)
Today we climbed the Mont Blanc du Tacul. This is the first of the giant trio of ‘stepping stones’ to Mont Blanc via the 3M route, and sports several complex faces. Our original plan had been to climb the Left Edge from the Cosmiques Refuge, but we could not book