Hill Walking in Winter in Scotland

David Alexander


On Thursday, 23rd January, our member David Alexander was the speaker. The title of David's talk was Hill Walking in Winter in Scotland. David told us the mountains and hills in Scotland were categorised by height into one of four categories. Munros were mountains with summits higher than 3000 feet. The remaining categories in order of decreasing height were Corbetts, Grtahams and Donalds. 

A visit to a Munro would often involve a long trek to the base of the mountain. In winter there is a risk of underestimating the danger of a climb leading to accidents, possibly a need to be rescued or even a fatality. David stressed the climber must have experience of winter conditions in the mountains, a high level of fitness and the location of any bothys. David described the long list of essential clothing and equipment needed. He showed us some of these items he had with him. Ice axe, ice hammer, crampons, rope, ice screws all of which would be needed on a climb in winter. David gave us a vivid description of him and his group being unable to descend in the dark and having to spend the night at 2500 feet in a temperature of -10C. 
Leaving details with an appropriate person of the planned route and expected return time is an essential action climbers must not forget to do.
In response to a question David said he had continued his hill walking activities including in winter until he was 53 after having a broken hip. He  said he had maintained his fitness level by running 4 miles every day. 


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