![]() Unfortunately, I always seem to time my visits to the slopes of Beinn Bhuidhe on days when the light does not want to do what I need it to do. It’s a great place to capture panoramic views of Loch Sunart or use a long lens to not only pick out elements of the high hills of Morvern on the other side of Loch Sunart, but also of Loch Teacuis, which cuts its way southwards into them. This first of the winter snow on the hills lasted for just over a week, but before it disappeared, I headed to West Ardnamurchan and up to a spot high on the slopes of Beinn Bhuidhe above Glenmore. The strong northerly air flow that brought the low temperatures also brought substantial sunshine with it and plenty of cold, crisp and clear days on which I just had to get out with the camera. ![]() In fact, we’ve just had our coldest January since 2010, with the average temperature recording in Scotland being 0.6☌ while my weather station here at Resipole recorded an average of 2.9☌. I do miss “proper” winters like that, but looking back over the last few months, it certainly feels as if we’ve had one this time. This is indeed true and it is complete contrast to the snowy winters I experienced when growing up on the east side of Scotland when, in the days without central heating, thick frost would form on the inside of the windows and we’d need to scrape a little hole in it to reveal what was outside. In fact, if the snow does fall down here at sea level, it only lasts a day or two at the very most and I guess that being on a bit of land that sticks out into the sea on the west coast means that the Gulf Stream keeps the temperatures up”. Could it be because this remote and rugged landscape looks foreboding? Could it be because we are well north of where most people live? Who knows? Well, whatever it is, my answer is always the same - “It’s never a problem here as we don’t get that much snow and when we do get it, it is usually only high up on the hills. It seems to always happen when standing on the decking outside my studio looking at Loch Sunart and all the hills that surround it. Why this question gets asked always intrigues me. I find myself thinking back on the winter months of December, January and February and also a question I’m often asked by people visiting – “How do you cope with all the snow in winter?” ![]() There is a noticeable difference in the hours of daylight as the nights shorten and it will not be long before the landscape begins to spring back into life. It will see us take on a more challenging winter ascent, such as Aonach Eagach, Sron na Lairig and/or Number 2 Gully, among others.We are fast approaching the start of Meteorological Spring (March, April and May) and also the end of my fifth winter since moving to the Peninsulas. The fourth day is the highlight of the trip. The second and third day will be spent going over more safety and decision making lessons as well as making some more ascents of classic winter mountaineering routes, such as East Ridge of Beinn a Chaorainn, Number 4 Gully, CMD Arete and/or Schoolhouse Ridge, among others. Depending on weather conditions, reliable learning venues include Stob Coire nan Lochain and Buachaille Etive Beag in Glencoe, Sgorr Dearg above Ballachulish and Beinn a Chaorainn.Īs we go on this first climb, we will go over different types of snows as well as how to use ice axes and crampons properly. We'll then head out right away to try out what we've just learned. The excitement begins on day one as we meet up and begin going over some of the necessary rope work as well as other useful skills and techniques. We can even alter the number of days, depending on your travel plans. We are extremely flexible with these programs, so let us know what works best for you. For avid winter walkers looking to learn the necessary skills to make slightly tougher snow-covered ascents, then our 4-day winter mountaineering trip in Scotland is right for you!
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