mountaineering

Winter walking climbing Snowdon, in Snowdonia national park

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The Snowdon horseshoe

The Snowdon horseshoe

We had beautiful winter conditions on Snowdon but the weather came in during the afternoon. Just shows you how it can all change. We Walked up the PYG track which is sheltered from the wind with some excellent views of the Snowdon horse shoe on the way. http://mountaineeringjoe.co.uk/mountaineering/

Patey’s Route IV, 5 Winter climbing at Sneachda in the Cairngorm.

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Patey's Route crux pitch

Patey’s Route crux pitch

The base of the route was banked out with snow but the first ice bulge was good but thin with the snow was powdery so pulling over did not feel so secure. The crux pitch was also thin on ice but made for some good climbing. An great route.

The Prodigal Principal V,5, winter climbing at Sneachda in the Cairngorm

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The Prodigal Principal V,5

The Prodigal Principal V,5

The route was well banked out with snow at the bottom, but the two pitches were excellent particularly the top pitch which is an ice up gully with some hard moves to enter it. A good day!

Want to improve your navigation? Try our contour navigation approach to finding your way around.

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I can see what is going on when I understand the contours of the landscape

I can see what is going on when I understand the contours of the landscape

Do you find it hard calculating routes from a-b using compass bearings, timings and pacings, and a storyboard based on map features like walls, boundaries, cairns or sheepfolds etc. This method of navigating has such a complex story board that it requires constant referring to the map and compass. Complex pacings and timings, not conducive to a comfortable walk in the hills and an interesting conversation with your companions.

Want to be able to navigate with your map and compass, for the most part, zipped inside your pocket. Navigating using contours can simplify your navigation on most days being able to identify complex train around can allow you to put simple story board together so you can navigation with your map in your pocket and actually speak to people in your group!
Have a look at what you can do http://mountaineeringjoe.co.uk/mountaineering/navigation-courses-snowdonia/

Fancy doing the Welsh 3000s?

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Tryfan looks magnificent from the Carneddau range

Tryfan looks magnificent from the Carneddau range

This is the ultimate Snowdonia extended ridge adventure. Traverse the three main mountain ranges, the Snowdon Massif, the Glyderau and the Carneddau. Summit all of Snowdonia’s peaks over 3000ft in 24 hours, from Snowdon to Foel Fras. Traditionally known as the 14 Peaks Challenge, with various route options, the total mileage covered from start to finish is in excess of 30 miles. A support team is provided on the day. The traverse of the Welsh 3000’s is a serious undertaking. Have a look at what you can do http://mountaineeringjoe.co.uk/mountaineering/mountain-challenges/welsh-3000s-14-peaks-challenge-in-24-hours/

Mountain Skills Course

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Beautiful paths through the mountains

Beautiful paths through the mountains

This course develops the mountain skills you need, with the ability to navigate, finding routes on steep ground, selection of kit, all the skills required for walking at a high level in the mountains. If you are a beginner, hill walker, or looking to improve your skills for walking in the mountains, this course is just what you need to start extending your walking experiences. There is a on line walk logging system available to record your outdoor experience which would be useful if you continue your qualifications into the outdoor world. Click on http://mountaineeringjoe.co.uk/mountain-skills-courses-snowdonia/ to see what is available to you!

Winter Climbing on Ben Nevis – Castle Ridge grade III

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Moving up to the crux

Moving up to the crux

Castle Ridge is a good winter route on Ben Nevis which takes one of the ridges on the north face. The good thing about it being a ridge is far less prone to avalanche then the gullies. In fact it was on the thin side making for some interesting moves. The crux felt more grade 4 then 3. By the time we finished on the top ridge the wind had got up which kept us roped up until the main top before Carn Dearg.

Mountain Navigation and Map Reading Courses available 2014

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Planning is important

Planning is important

Good navigation and map reading skills are of vital importance particularly if you are caught out in bad weather. We all know being prepared makes you much safer. Mountaineering Joe runs courses and offers private instruction, to help you to improve your navigation and contour interpretation skills. What you learn will enhance your enjoyment of mountaineering, scrambling and hill walking. For more information click here http://mountaineeringjoe.co.uk/mountaineering/navigation-courses-snowdonia/

A great winter climbing route in the Cairngorm.

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The second Ice pitch on Central Gully on Lurcher's Crag

The second Ice pitch on Central Gully on Lurcher’s Crag

A great winter climbing route in the Cairngorms. We got a one day weather window and got a route in the Cairngorm. Central Gully on Lurcher’s Crag. Three ice pitches with a alternative finish adding in a mixed pitch which made this a fantastic day out.

Winter Conditions Navigation Course in Scotland

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Taking a bearing and walking on it in winter conditions is hard!

Taking a bearing and walking on it in winter conditions is hard!

We had a good time navigating in a white out for 5 Hours. Typical Scottish winter conditions, high winds, spin drift and freezing temperatures. This really effects your bearing taking, with the compass freezing up, but it’s good that you can get off the mountain in any conditions! http://mountaineeringjoe.co.uk/mountaineering/navigation-courses-snowdonia/