Comments on: On readiness for winter walking

By: John

John — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 15:35:03 +0000

As you say regarding winter skills, it’s having the knowledge that matters. Without it, all can seem that little bit more foreboding than it should be, especially when thoughts of avalanches start entering the mind.

I have passed the Howgills far too many times so it was about time that I explored them. I only got a taste so there’s plenty more to be explored.

Glad that I was of some assistance with Harris. Yes, it is maybe that bit far flung for most which may explain why information is not as readily available as it could be. Maybe, that idea of a new national park might help, even if it became Scotland’s answer to the one in Northumberland and that’s no bad thing.

By: John

John — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 15:20:01 +0000

Very true. It’s worth overcoming all obstacles, mental and otherwise, just to get out there…

By: john hee

john hee — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 16:54:02 +0000

…….and lets not forget the key thing …….. there’s far less people about to spoil the joy of it all
;-)

By: Alistair

Alistair — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 09:44:21 +0000

Interesting post John. I’ve always wanted to visit the Howgills. They seem so expansive and quite remote for that area. I imagine they’re really nice in winter, especially when the snow consolidates. Lots of walkers go on winter skills courses, not to learn winter mountaineering but to learn how to use ice axe and crampons and to recognise different types of snow and what ones to avoid. You may never use them in anger but it’s the knowledge of how to use them safely that gives you confidence to enter that white world and as you say, conquer those stresses and strains, without adding to them! BTW – thanks for that series of articles on walking on Harris – that was the only info I could find on the walking routes!