Winter Training - Scotland

In preparation for Denali in June I've been getting out in the snow this month for some Winter training.

On the evening of the 3rd March I set off for a long weekend in Scotland on the Caledonian Sleeper. Its so easy from London - jumped on a late train on Thursday evening from Euston to Fort William, settled into my bunk, and woke up the next morning bright and early to the stunning landscapes of Scotland! I was staying in Onich, a village on the east shore of Loch Linnhe, just a short bus ride from the station.

As the rest of the group was arriving later that evening, I decided to make the most of the day and spent the afternoon doing a 14 mile trail run around the local area. It was hard going on the hilly route but the surroundings made it worthwhile, around the Loch and past some beautiful waterfalls, deep into the forest and I relished the change from the monotonous pounding on the London streets. The heavens opened midway through and I found myself struggling against the lashing winds and rain but it also made me feel all the more alive and appreciate the return of the sun as I ran back down hill to the hotel.

Later that evening I met the rest of the team. The weekend had been organised by Adventure Peaks who I booked Denali through, and led by Stuart Peacock (who has a wealth of experience on Everest, Broad Peak, K2, Cho Oyo, Manaslu among others!). Joining him were three other AP clients like myself.

The next morning we set off early to climb Ben Nevis - the highest mountain in the British Isles at 1,344m. We started off up the "tourist track" in Glen Nevis and reached the summit around 3 hours later. It was a good opportunity to practice walking again in crampons and get the legs working up some steeper sections with a rucksack!

After Ben Nevis, Stu led us along the Carn Mor Dearg (CMD) arete and up to the peak. The visibility started to get more difficult, but was a fun route with a few exposed rocky sections. We followed the crest around and then back down to the valley for a hearty dinner and a few celebratory beers at the hotel. Afterwards we had a presentation on Denali and the other peaks that the team are attempting this Summer with an opportunity to ask questions about the trip. It's made me even more excited about getting to Alaska and on the mountain!

The next morning we drove over to Glen Coe, starting off with a scenic trek into the Coire Gabhail, known as the "hidden valley" where apparently the MacDonalds of Glen Coe hid their rustled cattle. We then set off on a steep climb/walk up the side of the valley which was good practice in kicking in snow steps and using my ice axe again - with a brief respite for a lunch with a view!

We followed the ridge round and topped out on a number of other munros (aka mountains in Scotland over 3000 feet high) including Stob Coire Sgreambach. However the weather and visibility started to deteriorate and we eventually descended down into the Coire non Lochan valley around 4pm - a long but another exhilarating day.

Just made it to the station in time for my Caledonian Sleeper back to London! I had a great weekend in Scotland practicing some of my Winter skills in preparation for Alaska, as well as hear firsthand advice on kit and tips for the mountain. Can't wait to get out there...