Events

Every year, the club organises a trip to the Scottish Highlands for some accessible winter mountaineering. The trip is generally run for members with slightly more experience (enough to plan and navigate a day in the hills independently), however previous winter mountaineering experience is not necessary, as there will be instruction from qualified teachers available.

In order to come on the Scotland tour, you'll need to demonstrate that you're competent at navigation and route planning.

If you need to brush up on your navigation skills we will be running a number of training sessions on Wednesday afternoons, including our very first navigation 101 on the 7/11/2018 at 5-7pm in MB0.08. (https://www.facebook.com/events/736011146757482/ )

You should also attend the BMC winter talk in Nottingham on  Monday, November 19, 2018 at 7- 9:30 PM. (https://www.facebook.com/events/511306709348499/ )

?Where

This year, our winter tour takes us to the Caingorms. We will be staying in the Ardenbeg Bunkhouse.

When

28th December-4th January

How much

£ 225 per person. If you have no prior winter mountaineering experience you will also need to attend the begginers course ( £ 30)

What do I need

• BMC insurence ( https://www.thebmc.co.uk/insurance )

• Winter mountaineering boots - four season stiff-soled leather or plastic boots that will take a crampon (B2 or B3). Wear one thin pair of liner socks and one slightly thicker pair. Cheap socks are usually bad

• Gaiters

• Rucksack – Around 40-50L, with a waterproof liner. All your kit needs to fit in here. Avoid having things strapped to the outside (apart from ice axes)

• *Crampons and bag - 10 or 12-point mountaineering crampons! 

• *Ice axes – for general mountaineering a single axe of 55-65cm is fine

• *Helmet – easily adjustable and big enough to go over a thick hat or balaclava

• Waterpoof jacket – good quality breathable model with a large hood that will go comfortably over your helmet (try it on in the shop with a balaclava and helmet on)

• Waterproof trousers or sallopettes – make sure they have a full length or ¾ zip so you can get them on over your boots

• Gloves – ideally several thin liner pairs, a pair of thicker gloves and a pair of mitts

• Hat or balaclava – take both if you have them. ‘Buffs’ can also be useful

• Head torch – with spare batteries!

• Water bottle – 1L capacity or, heavier, a flask. For Isotonic drinks, hot drinks, water

• Hill food – cereal bars, honey sandwiches, power bars, fruit cake, chocolate etc. Not fruit!

• Clothing – thermal top and two fleece layers. A warm jacket is also essential, preferably with a large, insulated hood. Fleece, power stretch or similarly warm trousers or sallopettes

• Personal first aid kit – plasters and blister kit. Personal medication. Sun cream and lip stick for sunny days

• Personal emergency survival/bivi-Bag – blizzard bag recommended, classic orange plastic style better than nothing

• Map, compass and map case – essential! (As is being able to use them properly)

• Goggles – cheap goggles are a false economy. Sunglasses for the optimistic! You'll need goggles to avoid snow blindness

• Mobile Phone – a waterproof bag for this is recommende

* These items may be borrowed from the club, so you don't have to spend your entire student loan on equipment. 

Training courses

There will be two courses available at the start of the trip:

1. Beginners course £30 - You will need to attend this one if you have no prior winter mountaineering experience.
2. Advance Course £80

Please buy an appropriate ticket.