Scottish winter

[MG1]

The plan was just to hit the hills. But Chris s mate told him we might die without proper training.

I don't think anythings set in stone yet.

[Tim]

The course sounds good, but if we can learn the basics from your mate i'd prefer to do that.

It means we're not tied down till a 2 day course which is going to take up all our time in Scotland.

And its cheaper.

I'm with MG1 on this one, purely for the cost factor really.

[suspectmonkey]

Other than that I know a mountain leader who says he would charge £140 for the day and show us all we need to know (depending on what we get out of a "proper" course I'd be more inclined to give a mate some work). Bear in mind that this trip will probably require the use of at least an ice axe (which you can pick up for around £30) who would still be up for it?

Do you think there is any chance we could get a day with a ML organised in the Mournes soon whilst there is plenty of snow in the hills?  Surely its a cracking opportunity at the moment to learn how to wield an ice axe locally without having to get on a boat?  If we can do it, I'm in

[Tim]

Do you think there is any chance we could get a day with a ML organised in the Mournes soon whilst there is plenty of snow in the hills?  Surely its a cracking opportunity at the moment to learn how to wield an ice axe locally without having to get on a boat?  If we can do it, I'm in

I would definitely be up for this

[MG1]

I'd be up for it too but do we need the crampons and ice axe?

Or are they supplied?

[suspectmonkey]

I reckon I could stretch to buying an ice axe, but I wouldn't want to go down the crampon route as my boots aren't even rated. I assume plenty of folk do winter walking with just an ice axe though?

[twentyclicks]

The axe is more important- for self-arrest, step cutting & emergency belays.  Crampons are only really for hard ice or steep climbing.

Kahtoola's will fit any boot/shoe and are a decent half-way house for those times you need extra bite when hill walking in the UK.