hilltrek

The Ski tourers have been in the local hills, here is a great view of Deeside from Morven.  The lights of Tarland, Aboyne, Aberdeen and and Durres Mast.

For a start you have too be super fit.  If you don’t find the walk comfortable to achieve in summer conditions then do not attempt it in snowy conditions, especially when drifting snow can give snow depths of over 1 metre.

Preparation is key, know the weather forecast in detail, apply your local knowledge, tell some one where you are going and when you will be back.  Clothing in many layers, compass, map and all the common sense basics.   If you are not first out in the hills then you will gain the advantage of following in the footsteps of others but there will come a time when you need to cut a virgin trail through the snow, this is when things will get extremely tough going.  Take the space steady and work on a technique of walking that gives the best cutting motion through the snow,  I like to lead with my knee to shin and lean my weight slightly forward.  Walk on paths you know well,  it will surprise you how different they look when covered in deep snow, all the trees look the same, there is no path to guide your eye.  So, you need to work harder on examining the terrain and not just the terrain but the patterns on the snow.  Paths often are cut into the hill thus with any wind they get blown full of snow, often the deepest now will be on the path.  Examine the wind direction and see where the snow is being stripped down from, often a ridge line of a hill.  The snow will be more wind packed there and the pattern of the snow will resembles sand waves in a dessert.  But a word of warning, these are not golden rules, pocket of really deep snow will catch you out, the snow will give under you feed on snow condition that look identical so the only rule to follow is to concentrate on each step and be prepared to break through the snow with out warning.  This dictates a slow steady walking rhythm.  Listen to your body, it is easy to over heat, take on board liquids on a regular basis and food.  And start the return to home when you still feel energised as it will be just as hard getting back as hiking up as tiredness takes it toll.  Why, put yourself through this?  It can be fun making the first tracks, views to be had and just for the joy of walking in powder snow,  also the joints get a nice soft landing cushion.  There is much pleasure to be had but take care and be prepared.

Walking in powder snow is fun.  However, to keep it that way you need to make sure the wet does not get into your hiking boots.  Easier said than done, powder snow has that ability to find its way in regardless how tranquil the weather conditions are.  The only solution I have found to work is to wear a pair of snow gaiters.  The tip on buying gaiters is to select a good fit and make sure they have strap under your hiking boot.  In deep snow it is just so easy for the gaiter to ride up your leg.  The team at the Hilltrek store will be happy to share their advice with you.

With the higher hills in Scotland now sustaining snow cover, deep cover in places due the strong winds that accompanied the precipitation.  This has been to the benefit of getting safer conditions for early back country skiing.  Already, the enthusiasts of this pursuit have been out.  For example, here is a back country skier touring around the mountains south of Glas Maol.  Clearly a blue sky day in these photos but conditions can change fast, so this group of individuals really take the performance of the clothing and equipment seriously.  When you are miles from home and the elements turn again you, then you need all the support you can get.  Often the layering of the clothing is critical as the up hill climbs require the clothing to keep the body cool and allow moisture to escape, while an exposed plateau walk may produce a high wind chill and the need to keep warm.  Not forgetting the flexibility of the clothing the activity of skiing requires.  One way to ensure all these demanding features are met is to invest in  made to measure clothing.

The Lecht webcams show the snows of the last few days are hanging around dispite it being a touch milder right now.

The current northerly wind direction has brought the first covering of snow to the highest plateaus in the Cairngorms.  The day broke brighter than of late today so I headed up the Fungle to see if a view to the Gorms would be on offer?  The wind had kept a frost at bay but the wind was fresh and I expected it to be even fresher at the top of Craigendinne Hill so I opted for my ventile walking trousers, their first outing of the autumn.  Sure enough the Ben Avon plateau has lying snow in the gullies.

A cold spring day in the West Highlands and another Munro -An Caisteal- a perfect test of my fitness after recent 57th birthday celebrations.

I set off late from Glasgow after a breakfast in the Tapa coffeehouse‎, where my daughter works, hoping to reach the hills at the north end of Loch Lomond by 10.30. The weather was as predicted in the mountain forecast, low cloud and rain at low levels.

My preparation was not the best after a very late but excellent curry at the Pakastani Cafe‎ and a long drive down from Aboyne the evening before.

I had planned to take the route via the north ridge to Sron Garbh over the Twistin Hill to the summit of An Caisteal and then south east to Beinn Chabhair returning back down the track along side the River Falloch.

Deep snow on the approach was testing to my fitness, so much so, that I had to take off my Lochnagar Karisma fleece and pack it in my rucksac.  I was wearing Paramo’s new lightweight Velez Trousers to test their effectiveness in the conditions -I would normally have worn Paramo Cascada or perhaps Aspira Trousers which are warmer but heavier.

Above 600 meters the rain turned to snow but, as the day wore on, the showers lessened and the cloud lifted opening up superb views all around, as forecast.

My late start, the poor forecast for the late afternoon, the icy conditions on top and the long drive home to Aboyne dictated that I return on the same route.

The Velez Trousers were perfect for the conditions light wind and temperatures around zero degrees. If the wind had been stronger I would have been warmer in Cascada or Aspira Trousers but probably perspired much more lower down.

You can  find out more about Velez Adventure Trousers on the Hilltrek website. 

If you are planning to walk or climb in the Scottish Mountains try the Mountain Weather Information Service - the forecast was very accurate.

An excellent overview of the route can be found on  Munro Magic website, which also has 3D views.

The sky has awoken bright and clear in Aboyne this morning.  With great visibility the opportunity to get out in the hills to stretch the legs and to take in some majestic views arises.  Here are some tips on powder walking:

1. Wait for the weather to give you a clear blue sky day or at least favourable conditions

2. Choose a walk that you have done many times before i.e. you know it well.  It is amazing how such familiar surrounds look so different when under 50-100cm of snow.

3.  Equipment, map, compass and in terms of clothing, Gators are the top tip.  The powder snow can get everywhere, especially when its up to your knees.  A band around the sole of the boots is also invaluable to save the gators riding up.  Carry plenty of liquids.

4.  The walk will take up to 2 or 3 times as long and it will be tough going so keep an eye on the clock.  NB. day light is still short.  Leave information on your plans and arrival time back.

5.  If at all possible walk with a partner, helps with sharing the burden of breaking new ground.  Life is better to share any how!

Lastly remember a camera.  The views will be stunning.

The new year brought a lot of new snow with it.  A local Hilltrek customer got on his made to measure ski jacket and gators and hiked up the Fungle, through the trees and on to Carnferg, 1700ft (often referred to as the highest point in Aboyne but over 4 miles away!).  The video shows how powdery the conditions were.. .