Ricky Bell first ascent info:





We have some hot news fresh from the oven!



Ricky Bell (Marmot sponsored athlete) has just climbed a new hard trad route in Ireland.

Ricky's new route is called 'Freshly Baked' and rates in at E7 6b. The new route required time being spent over the last couple of weeks cleaning the line to ensure the line was clean, dry and ready to climb when conditions were right. This weekend gave excellent conditions and on Saturday Ricky made the first ascent of Freshly Baked at Fairhead in Ireland.


Uncontent with just one days good climbing, bags were packed once more and after an hour’s walk Ricky and co found finally arrived at the East Face of Lower Cove. Ricky had planned to look at a particular line on the crag but the route appeared wet and was not going to allow an ascent. Not put off Ricky then turned his attention to repeating a route his good friend Andy had put up the year before. The route named 'Easy Lover' gave easy climbing to start with but then lend into a very bold run out which only a small cam protected.



Ricky reported the route to an excellent line and confirmed the routes grade to be E7 6c. Good effort Ricky for getting two hard trad routes done in one weekend

posted by glenmore @ 9:26 am  0 comments

Marmot product of the month:

Marmot Tempo Softshell Jacket 70.00

For trail runners, climbers and anyone who thrives in the out-of-doors, this stretchy and highly breathable jacket is a terrific solution for a wide variety of activities. The Lycra® Bond cuffs and hem comfortably hug your body while you’re on the move, and reflective logos, and zipper tape stand out at night. Includes a zippered chest pocket with a handy headphone port so you can take your tunes with you.



Weight: 454g

Main Material: Symmetry P-730S Softshell

Sizes: S-XL

Colours: Eclipse/Tempest, Black, Cardinal/Fire, Forest/Dark Cedar, Granite/Flint

Features:

Angel-Wing Movement™ Allows Full Range of Motion in Arms so Jacket Doesn't Ride Up
Hem Cord For Adjustability in Serious Weather
Lycra® Bond Cuffs Lycra Bond Cuffs
Marmot M3 Softshell
Reflective Logos
Reflective Trim Better Visibility at Night
Water Repellent and Breathable Ideal for Aerobic Activity and Sheds Water
Zippered Chest Pocket with Headphone Port
Zippered Handwarmer Pockets Soft Fabric to Warm Hands
Marmot M-series fabrics are designed for moving light and fast. They combine stretchable, water repellent, abrasion resistant and highly breathable shell materials with insulating buffer materials on the inside.

posted by glenmore @ 9:22 am  0 comments

Due to popular demand and constant requests for dates, we have got together with the Series Team and here are the dates:

EVENTS / HOST VENUES
There would be a series of 6 one day events being held over 9 weeks, at 6 different host venues as follows:
Avertical Climbing Wall Dundee: Oct 3rd
Ratho Climbing Centre: Oct 24th
Inverness – Nov 7th
Glenmore Lodge- Nov 21st
Xtreme Dream, Aviemore: Nov 28th // Doubling as the Mixed Masters
Ice Factor: Dec 5th

Each host venue is very different in style for setting the challenges, which is exactly what made last year such a success.

THE COMPETITIONS
There will be an agreed set of categories for each one day event as follows:
15’s and under: girls
15’s and under: boys
Female:16 and over
Male Sports: 16 to 39
Male Veteran: 40 +

We have adjusted the categories this year to reflect the number of participants in each. There is never enough female veterans to justify their own category. We will also distribute prizes differently this year so that the largest category (Male Sport) has the most prizes. There will be prizes for each one-day competition.

If a competitor takes part in a minimum of 3 ( we might make it 4 tbc) out of the 6 events, then they are eligible to have their scores put into the Grand Prize category where the top 3 scores are taken for each person in each category to give overall winners of the series.


MC OF S
Kevin Hewitt has managed to get funding from sportscotland on the back of the youth element of the series, to encourage greater participation by young people. So if there are any young climbers out there who want to try tooling, this is the time for them to try. We have tried to make it as affordable as possible for all you parents.

Spread the word and lets get tooling!

posted by glenmore @ 2:50 pm  0 comments

Free Wild Nature Diary when you join the John Muir Trust
Help Protect Wild Land

You can help the John Muir Trust continue to protect wild land and inspire people about wild places.

The John Muir Trust is the leading wild land conservation charity in the UK,. Working with people and communities to conserve, campaign and inspire, the John Muir Trust is a membership organisation that seeks to ensure that wild land is valued by, and for everyone.

Help protect wild places such as Li and Coire Dhorrcail on Knoydart, Sandwood Bay and Quinag in Sutherland, Ben Nevis, Marsco, Glamaig and the Red Cuillin on Skye. As well as owning and managing properties in Knoydart, Assynt and Sutherland, we work in partnership with communities across Scotland.

Help safeguard the wild lands that you enjoy. Join the John Muir Trust.

Join online www.jmt.org quoting ‘GL09’ in the promotional code box to receive your free Wild Nature Diary.

posted by glenmore @ 2:44 pm  0 comments

I am delighted to announce our new UKCC Funding Scholarships for 2009-10.

As a result of direct investment from sportscotland, from 1st April new scholarship funding will be available to SCA Coaches completing UKCC Awards in Scotland. The scholarships are available at 75% of course costs capped at £200 for Level 1, £300 for Level 2, £50 for Level 1 transfer and £150 for Level 2 transfer. At Level 3 we will likely have up to £400 each for the 36 candidates this year. No scholarship is guaranteed until an offer letter is received from the SCA.

I am sure you will agree this is great news and the SCA is the only home nation to have such funding in place.

Further information, conditions and FAQs are found at http://www.canoescotland.com/Default.aspx?tabid=714 .
Andy Murray | Coach Education and Development Manager

Scottish Canoe Association

posted by glenmore @ 10:42 am  0 comments

Scottish Cycling have just got a fleet of BMX bikes, all black and gold, very bling. So SC is getting behind the BMX discipline which has such huge potential and is of course now an Olympic sport.

posted by glenmore @ 4:54 pm  0 comments

Developing and supporting climbing, walking and mountain leaders

MLTA is the membership organisation for ML, SPA, CWA and WGL candidates/holders, providing further training, networking and support opportunities.
Learn something new in your region soon- the following is a selection of workshops heading your way soon

Coming up:-

April 18-19 Perth Getting started with GPS workshop

April 18-19 Lakes ML Refresher

May 2-3 Peak Turbo SPA- Exploring what’s possible within the SPA


For more information: www.mlta.co.uk/docs/further-training.php

posted by glenmore @ 5:23 pm  0 comments

Cairngorm Ski Club Introduction to ski touring session on Sunday past led by George Reid & Steve Hammond.

Our group consisted of 4 boys and 2 girls aged between 13 and 17.
We ascended Cairngorm and had a good view to Loch Etchachan and all the way round to Angel Peak etc. The wind was fairly strong, but we soon were in the lee of the mountain and had a good ski, on spring snow, down towards the Saddle. We skinned back up to Ciste Mhearad and had lunch a snow hole before returning to the piste.

All of the kids really enjoyed it, most had never been out with the ski area before. CSC would like to thank George & Steve and also the Lodge and Mountain Spirit for supplying the equipment.

The Bairns Bucket ski race is set to take place on Cairngorm this weekend. This race has a long tradition (40+years) and we are hopeful that it can run on Saturday. This weekend also sees the end of the Scottish clubs training programme, with some local youths from CSC & CSbC going out over Easter holidays to compete at the British Champs in Meribel and the freestyle skiers & boarders to the BRITS in Laxx, Switzerland. Good luck to everyone.

Snowsport Scotland & Local Active Schools are hoping to run the Sir Frances Walker Schools team race on Cairngorm on Monday 23rd. This is open to skiers & boarders p6 and above in Highland schools. Entries have been flooding in and with no other schools race running this season fingers crossed the weather allows this one to happen. Many of the local schools in Badenoch & Strathspey have teams entered so competition will be tough.

posted by glenmore @ 5:15 pm  0 comments

The whole Lodge team and guests have managed to donate money, look ridiculous, be funny and inspire a laugh for good! The fun started in the bar last night with our own spoof version of Peter Kaye's Amerillo video ( see our video gallery for a laugh). Then we moved onto Alex our bar man wearing a large red nose and a thong being covered in baked beans while sitting on a cold but elevated and rather comfortable seat. There was also culture thrown in with Balvenie offering a whiskey tasting for a small donationg to Comic Relief closely followed by people paying to tell a joke in the hope of winning their very own bottle of Balvenie. The instrucors took the fun to the hills today while obviously maintaining an air of professional responsibility - see Shaun demonstrating an ice axe arrest while the office team paid to have ridiculous hair styles. Steve opted out - he has no hair! We have raised over £200 and going strong.....THANKS TO ALL THOSE WHO HAVE BEEN FUNNY FOR MONEY FOR GOOD!

posted by glenmore @ 6:08 pm  0 comments

Scarpa have just launched a new line of cross trainers called Alpine X. These shoes designed as a cross over between approach and running shoes. There are 4 models of men’s and women’s shoes- 2 walking and 2 running oriented and one of each available with a Gore-Tex lining for all year excursions. They are super light and have a shed load new technology incorporated, things like the new Trail Grip and Trail Speed sole, the Trail Plate, Cross Bow heel cage and the Armour Guard toe protection concept. Click on the link below for a short video about Alpine Cross.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uqvp2czwVJI

Alpine Cross has now arrived and will be hitting the shops this week. Click below for more info and stockists…

http://www.scarpa.co.uk/Products/X-Terrain/Alpine/

posted by glenmore @ 6:07 pm  0 comments

NEW TEXT SERVICE TO INCREASE SAFETY IN THE HILLS
sportscotlands acclaimed Avalanche Information Service has launched a new technological innovation today, which aims to ensure walkers, climbers and skiers have access to the latest safety information even once they have left for the mountains.
The Avalanche Report Service, which has only been available via the internet, can now be accessed by subscribing to a text service to mobile phones. The service will operate for any one or more of the five most popular Scottish mountain areas covered by the Avalanche Information Service reports: North Cairngorms, South Cairngorms, Lochaber, Glencoe and Creag Meagaidh.
For only £1 per message, a person can subscribe to the service by sending a key word to the number 88020. The relevant area text will be sent out daily at 1800 hours enabling users to adjust their plans if necessary. Having sent the keyword to the number 88020 subscribers will be sent a free text confirming that the text service is active, explaining the cost and how to terminate.
The SAIS daily forecasted avalanche report is produced by a dedicated team of professionals who assess the avalanche hazard in all weathers and comprises the observers interpretation of the previous days snowpack stability along with the weather forecast.
For winter mountain users it is critical to obtain the Avalanche Report from the SAIS at the correct time, this is essential in that the ‘best time’ for this is at the planning stage. If the weather report and avalanche information are incorporated into the planning of any mountain walk, hill journey, ski tour or climbing excursion before going into the hills it will enable better and safer route choice.
Welcoming the new text service, Sports Minister Shona Robison said: “Our hills and mountains are a great natural asset and are enjoyed by tens of thousands of Scots and visitors to the country every year. However the weather and conditions are constantly changing. This innovative technology will ensure walkers and climbers have the most up to date information available so they are able to stay safe and take an alternative route if they need to.“
Mark Diggins, SAIS Co-ordinator who is behind this new initiative explained what had encouraged him to develop the text service. “It has been demonstrated during recent research that once a plan has been made it is difficult to be dissuaded from that objective, and often, negative observations are brushed aside in the pursuit of a pre determined goal. Therefore the sooner the weather and avalanche reports are incorporated into plans the more likely that good route choice is made when going into the Scottish winter mountains and hills.”
More information on how to subscribe to the text service, which went live today (Friday 27 February 2009) is available from SAIS website - www.sais.gov.uk
ENDS


For further information contact:
Mark Diggins SAIS Co-ordinator, Tel: 01479 861264 07785 736577
OR
Bob Kinnaird, Principal, sportscotland National Centre Glenmore Lodge, Tel: 01479 861350

Notes to Editors:
• The SAIS service operates seasonally from mid December to mid April.
• The report is compiled then verified by the SAIS Co-ordinator and then presented to the public on the SAIS website www.sais.gov.uk. Regional reports are also sent (via fax and email) to specific locations such as local rescue teams, police, shops, tourist and ranger offices.
• The Mountaineering Council of Scotland (MCofS) has the responsibility for communicating the mountain safety message among all those who enjoy the Scottish hills. The MCofS was awarded £155,300 from sportscotland this year. The MCofS has a full time mountain safety adviser.
• The sportscotland Avalanche Information Service (SAIS) provides an up-to-date report and forecast on avalanche hazards in Scotland's five main climbing areas from December to April each year. The SAIS receives £121,700 of Scottish Government funding through sportscotland.
• The Mountain Weather Information Service receives £42,300 annual government funding through sportscotland and covers Scotland's five main upland areas.

posted by glenmore @ 12:45 pm  0 comments

Yes the two images here are a great reflection of our team diversity!

The Lodge are hoping to raise lots of money for Comic relief by inspring a laugh for good.

If you are around and want to join in the fun on Thursday night in the bar after 7:45, you are more than welcome. Pay £1 and tell a joke that is guarenteed to get a laugh because the Lodge Chuckle Team will be in the audience. Ever wanted to thrwo beans over a man in a thong...it is now possible. Ever wanted to pay £1 for an hour Balvenie whiskey tasting with a man in a red nose?

All this ane more...watch this space for more news and views of who is prettier, Bob or Steve? Ansers on a postcard.

posted by glenmore @ 3:19 pm  0 comments

Developing and supporting climbing, walking and mountain leaders

MLTA is the membership organisation for ML, SPA, CWA and WGL candidates/holders, providing further training, networking and support opportunities. We have some exciting plans this year to develop the Association. Membership numbers are growing and plans for 2009 include a redesigned website, regional membership groups and a joint conference with BAIML planned for December, in addition to the MLTA conference in October

Coming up in April:-
April 18-19 Getting started with GPS workshop Perth

If you’ve ever wondered what all the fuss is about, this is the workshop for you- an introduction to the use of GPS during a day out on the hill with Stuart Johnston

For more information: www.mlta.co.uk

posted by glenmore @ 5:12 pm  0 comments

World Mountain Bike Conference on Sustainability
In 2007, over £65 million was spent by almost 200,000 visitors who mountain biked as part of a holiday in Scotland, virtually double the previous year's figures .... mountain biking is big business, contributing to sport, economies and society worldwide, but it has to be managed sustainably - come and participate, share your stories, learn from some of the world's experts.
Registration for the conference has now opened on the website www.worldmountainbikeconference.com and we're keen to boost early bookings. 100 registered delegates' names will be drawn at random on 31st March to receive £50 cashback when they arrive in Dumfries.

posted by glenmore @ 11:22 am  0 comments

Join NOW and receive FREE your choice of either a Hill Walking Essentials DVD worth £17.50
or one of 3 British Mountain Maps
(choose from Ben Nevis & Glen Coe, Cairngorms & Lochnagar, or Knoydart & Kintail) worth £12.95.
AND Get 15 months for the price of 12 months when you pay by Direct Debit.*
Eligibility - anyone with an interest in Scotland’s mountains, no matter where you live. Lower cost subscription rates apply for families, under – 18’s and concessions. Refer to the application form for current membership rates. If you register for a MLTS award you qualify for MCofS Individual Membership at a discounted rate. To find out more see www.mcofs.org.uk/join-us.asp or phone 01738 493942. *Offer applies only to new Individual, Concession, Family, Joint and Youth memberships.

posted by glenmore @ 5:43 pm  0 comments

If people have forgotten what the atlas involves they can look at www.birdatlas.net or follow link at www.bto.org.

The course is at the National Trust for Scotland's visitor centre in Glencoe on Saturday 9th May. It will run from about 10-4 and be a presentation am and an outdoor session pm (with lunch and tea/ coffee provided). It will be an introduction to bird recording in the uplands, so will cover some ID stuff and also info on the Bird Atlas. It is free to anybody interested in taking part in bird surveys. If people want to book on it the contact is Robin Anderson: robin.anderson@bto.org or 01786 466560.

posted by glenmore @ 5:18 pm  0 comments

Grangers and Oxfam join forces to collect old outdoor gear at The Outdoors Show


New Fabric4Life initiative recycles outdoor gear and funds Oxfam projects
Walkers and outdoors enthusiasts are being encouraged to spring-clean their cupboards and bring any old fleece or waterproof garments to The Outdoors Show at the NEC 27th to 29th March.
Oxfam will be collecting all your old garb for its Fabric 4 Life campaign. Conveniently located right next to the Elements Theatre where you can try out and buy new gear, its super easy to drop off unwanted kit and help a good cause.
Once safely in Oxfams container all the donations will be re-waterproofed by Grangers and returned to Oxfam and either sold in its shops or donated to those in need.
Cleaning and proofing specialists Grangers International is announcing a new partnership which aims to recycle used outdoor equipment and raise money for Oxfam projects.

Called Fabric4Life, the scheme was rolled out in Oxfam shops nationwide in 2008. Outdoor garments left in Oxfam shops will be restored where necessary by Granger’s using their specialised cleaning and proofing products and then supplied back into the shops ready for purchase or donated to good causes.

posted by glenmore @ 2:29 pm  0 comments

Meet Your MCofS - Members' Meetings
During June MCofS will be holding a series of 5 meetings across Scotland – in Inverness, Perth, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Aberdeen. This is your chance to meet directors and staff from YOUR MCofS.
The evening starts at 19.00 with arrival and refreshments. The meeting proper will commence at 19.30.

Purpose of the meetings
MCofS will present their new Strategic Plan for the period 2009-2013, and discuss organisational changes which have been approved by the MCofS Executive, which are considered necessary to improve the management of the organisation and to ensure the effective implementation of the plan.

Open Forum
There will also be an open forum and this is a great opportunity to put your views and suggestions direct to the MCofS.

Enjoy the Venues
All venues except Perth offer climbing and other entertainment and refreshment opportunities.
Check with the venue direct or through their website if you want to enjoy the use of these facilities and to obtain directions.


Inverness - Tuesday 9 June
The Projectile Room
Inverness Leisure Centre
Bught Lane
Inverness
IV3 5SS

Venue 01463 667500
Directions and venue information / activities
http://www.invernessleisure.com/find-us.asp


Perth – Tuesday 16 June
The Centenary Suite
McDiarmid Park
Crieff Road
Perth
PH1 2SJ

Venue 01738 459099
Directions and venue information
http://www.mcdiarmidpark.co.uk/locationdirections.html


Edinburgh / Ratho – Thursday 18 June
The Moray Lecture Theatre
Edinburgh International Climbing Arena: Ratho
South Platt Hill
Newbridge
Edinburgh
EH28 8AA

Venue 0131 333 6333
Directions and venue information / activities
http://www.eica-ratho.com/content/map-&-directions/1183/


Glasgow / Braehead - Tuesday 23 June
The Cuillin Suite
Xscape / SNO!zone Scotland
Kings Inch Road
Braehead
Renfrew
PA4 8XQ

Venue 0871 222 5672

Directions and venue information / activities
http://www.xscape.co.uk/snow/braehead/how-to-find-us/?PHPSESSID=3dd923b3ce4abd83407325b1a2bed1fe


Aberdeen - Thursday 25 June
Transition Extreme
Links Road
Queens Links
Aberdeen
AB24 5NN

Venue 01224 626279

Directions and venue information / activities http://www.transition-extreme.com/location.htm

posted by glenmore @ 11:23 am  0 comments

Product of the Month: Marmot Aegis Jacket £95.00

Marmot has combined superior weather beating performance with a wealth of creature comforts to create the Aegis jacket. MemBrain® Strata™ fabric sheds water and breathes easily to keep you dry. Hand warmer pockets featuring water resistant zippers, DrimClime® lined collar and cuffs, PitZips™, and an adjustable hood that rolls into the collar, all add up to an essential backcountry companion.

If you need a jacket offering great performance and price for a multitue of various outdoor activities then the Aegis jacket is for you.

Price: £95.00

Weight: 397g

Main Material: Concord 100% Nylon Membrain Strata

Size: S-XXL

Colors: Black, Eclipse, Forest, Cardinal, Inca, Bonfire

Ideal activity use: Walking, Climbing, Scrambling, Mountain Biking

Features

100% Seam Taped For Full Waterproofness
Angel-Wing Movement™ Allows Full Range of Motion in Arms so Jacket Doesn't Ride Up
Attached Adjustable Hood that Rolls Into Collar gives you the option to tuck-away when not needed
DriClime Lined Collar and Chin Guard Moisture Wicking Fabric for Comfort Around Your Neck and Face
DriClime Lined Cuffs with Adjustable Velcro® Tabs
Elastic Draw Cord Hem For Adjustability in Serious Weather
Hand Warmer Pockets with Water Resistant Zipper
Marmot MemBrain Strata Waterproof / Breathable Fabric
PitZips Underarm Zip That Extends Into the Body for Aggressive Venting
Sleeve Pocket with Water-Resistant Zipper Sleeve Pocket with W/R Zipper

For stockist details for the Aegis jacket call Marmot UK on Tel: 015395 63616

posted by glenmore @ 3:16 pm  0 comments

Marcus Ehlig from Marmot’s German HQ has been getting out quite a lot recently in search of deep powder found through out the European Alps. Marcus also recently hooked with Marmot’s very own Pro Skier ’Marc Künkele’ for a weekends Telemark ski festival held in Sulden, Italy. Marc and Marcus reported superb skiing conditions to be found in the Sulden area and spent most of the weekend skiing knee deep untracked powder.

He has a nasty habit of calling the team in the UK on a Monday morning and saying what great weekends skiing he keeps having...how to win friends!

posted by glenmore @ 2:54 pm  0 comments