Glen Shiel is a magical place and a haven for Munro Baggers! With 22 Munros in easy access there is a lot to choose from but it's a tough place.
It's all or nothing.
There are the 5 Sisters of Kintail, the 4 Brothers, the Glen Shiel 7, and several areas of narrow ridges requiring a head for heights and some classic scrambles including the Forcan Ridge.
I met Phil & Matt at their campsite raring to go on Saturday. Thinking about an easier warm up day. Three Munros on the far NE of Glen Shiel. No scrambling and a good footpath. We were rewarded with some lovely weather but a very chill wind from the arctic northerleys. It did mean that we also got some phenominal views even down to Ben Nevis.
On day 2, we took in the majestic ridge of Ciste Dhubh which straddles between Glens Affric and Shiel. There are Munros and mountains in sight in absolutely every direction. Some fierce snow showers added to the magic - watching them approach from miles and miles away.
The guys admitted they hadn't been out walking for a while. But their enthusiasm was absolutely infectious and their banter hilarious. Making the trip even better, I was able to give some navigation tips to them to help them go off and plan their own adventures and get back into the outdoors more.
Nothing is better than a guiding trip where I can help people develop their own skills in the outdoors!
Guys, it was an honour to have been guiding for you and hope to see you back! Thanks for some lovely reviews!
So if you missed Glen Shiel...
Don't worry as there are some really great set trips and courses coming up...
Fisherfields - The Great Wilderness - 25-27th May
Three days out in the wild backpacking. Take in the views, experience the remoteness and don't worry about route finding!
The Fisherfields are perhaps the remotest Munros in Scotland. They can be done as separate but very long day walks. But the best way to explore them is backpacking in for a few days. One of the famous 6 has been demoted from Munro status but is a majestic hill. Add potentially difficult river crossings, there's no wonder the view from A'Mhaigdean is considered the best in Britain - given the effort to get there! If the weather is awful there is so much to explore in the hidden glens. This is a trip for those who are fit and in good hill walking shape.
For more info, prices and to book please see here.
Ben Nevis and the Mammores - 29-30th June
Two separate day walks taking in Britain's highest mountain - Ben Nevis.
Locharber and Glen Nevis were used as sets for the 1993 Mel Gibson film Braveheart. There is even the Braveheart car park. However dominating the area is Ben Nevis. From the glen all you can see are grassy slopes that hide most of this impressive mountain.
Given the time of year it is likely that it will be heaving on the 'tourist track' with people doing charity 'National Three Peak Challenges'.
So if the weather permits we'll aim for the Carn Mor Dearg Arete. If you've been on Crib Goch in Wales, you'll have had a taster of the narrow ridge joining the two mountains. You'll also get to see what all those trudging up the tourist track miss - the epic north face of Ben Nevis.
On the second day we'll either have a nice stroll beyond the road into the larger glen behind of if people want to, climb two of the Mammores which offer great views of Nevis.
For more info, pricing and to book, please see here.
Get Accredited - National Navigation Award Scheme Courses (NNAS)
I'm as ever running NNAS courses for those wanting more independence in the hills, moors and mountains. It all starts with knowing where you are and where you want to go. How to plan a route and what to do if all goes a bit wrong.
NNAS courses are suitable for those who are absolute beginners (Bronze) and those wanting to take it further (Silver). Courses cost £125 per person and they are two day courses including training, assessment element and certificates. T
18-19th May - Bronze Beginners on the North York Moors.
What better place to le