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We're running an extra Scottish winter trip this year due to member demand.
It's a slightly longer trip (Wednesday to Sunday) to make the journey to Scotland worthwhile.
The area is one of the UK's premier mountaineering areas, boasting many 'Munroes' as well as plentiful smaller hills and climbing crags.
If the weather plays ball you can expect spectacular views and memorable days out. There are many classic routes near the hostel and hundreds within a short drive, including Ben Nevis a half hour away.
Read more about other things to do in the area here:
https://www.glencoescotland.com/see-do/
Conditions:
So far it has been a mild winter, but the dangers of cold and exposure should not be underestimated. The weather can change abruptly and it will be mandatory to have sufficient winter kit with you. If you are going high, it may be necessary to use ice axes and crampons. If you have questions about this, please contact me (Rob) directly to talk about whether this trip would be suitable for you.
Maps - highly recommended you bring your own map (and compass):
OS Explorer 384 - Glen Coe and Glen Etive (1:25,000)
Harvey British Mountain Map - BMC - Ben Nevis and Glen Coe (1:40,000) (less detailed than OS but easier to manage)
Accommodation:
We'll be staying at the bunkhouse at Glencoe Independent Hostel. Note this will not be as extensive as a full Scottish hostel and so the trip will have a 'cosier' feel to it
https://glencoehostel.co.uk/hostel-bunkhouse/alpine-bunkhouse/
Directions here:
https://glencoehostel.co.uk/location/
Food:
Self catering is available in the bunkhouse and I expect most people will do this. Sharing cooking is recommended to make the most of limited facilities. There are large supermarkets in Glasgow and Fort William. There is a pub serving food approx a 20 minute walk away
https://clachaig.com
Getting there:
Please plan your journey carefully and contact me if you have questions.
Glencoe is approx a two hour drive north of Glasgow, a half hour south of Fort William or two hours south of Inverness.
There are trains to Glasgow, Fort William and indeed Inverness. Flying to Glasgow or Inverness is also a possibility. Car hire is available and car sharing is highly recommended for mobility in the area.
It is possible to get to the hostel by taking a bus from Fort William and walking 30-40 mins from the bus stop.
Live it - visit Scotland :)
MoreStaying at Abbots House Farm (bunkhouse, with camping options, see below) on the edge of the village of Goathland, which does a nice line in being picturesque (it was the main location for the saccharine-but-scenic police drama series Heartbeat and its railway station - part of the North Yorkshire Moors Railway on which steam trains still run - was used in the Harry Potter films as ‘Hogsmeade’. There’s also the photogenic Mallyan Spout waterfall). The cosy Goathland Hotel is the local pub, doing the sorts of food and drinks you’d expect.
Walkers will find loads of options, some from the door, and others nearby (it’s a 20 minute drive to the coast at Whitby (full of history and goths) and not much further to the ludicrously pretty village of Robin Hood’s Bay, endpoint of the Coast-to-Coast walk (which, according to Country Walking magazine is the second-best walk in the world)) .
No shortage of climbing too: lots of seaside routes at Smugglers’ Terrace and inland ones at Bridestones among others.
We have 12 spaces in the bunkhouse however opportunities for camping are also available.Best to pay directly to the farmer, but ensure you notify trip organiser if you're hoping to partake in lift sharing.
MoreTranearth is an excellent base. for the South Lakes. Dow Crag is reached direct from the hut (40 – 60 min walk). There is easy access by car to the Duddon Valley and Langdale. Fell walking from the door includes the Coniston Fells from Walna Scar to Wetherlam. There are also some good off road cycling opportunities.
MoreFirst camping trip of the year and an opportunity to get some outdoor climbing in as well.
We will be staying at a lovely campsite Park House Camping (no webpage) but the friendly owner Peter is very happy for us to come. It will be £7/person and there are pubs in walking distance from it.
We will be staying very close to the famous Horseshoe Quarry a place with a vast variety of sport routes.
There is plenty of walking to choose from in the area as well.
MoreThe Easter trip this year is to Glen Affric for the 18th to 22nd April (That is the Thursday to the Monday) and the booking is now open.
Chat about routes, travel, etc here: http://www.rockhoppers.org.uk/forums/categories/2/forums/7/topics/3345
The booking is for 12 beds in the hostel and camping is possible, but the club would like to fill the bookings for the beds first before people sign up for camping.
We are staying at the Glen Affric youth hostel which is Scotland’s most remote hostel. Situated between Inverness and Skye, it’s about an 8 mile walk/cycle from the closest road. Or about 3 to 4 hours walk carrying everything you need for your stay. The hostel sounds great, is eco-friendly and with warming fires. It even won an award for hostel of the year 2018.
Some claim Glen Affric is Scotland’s finest with stunning views and is home to some native Scots Pine forest. Though I think the main attraction is that the area gives access to 15 Munros and several Corbetts. It is also on the Affric Kintail Way a relatively new route through the area which provides an alternative to the hills. By late April there should be about 15 hours of daylight, that far north, allowing for some long days on the hills.
The Hostel costs £104.55 each for a bed in a dorm. Once the 12 beds have been booked on the website the booking will be open to those who want to camp to sign up and coordinate their travel arrangements with others.
Note that if you camp you will not have access to the hostel at all. We don't have exclusive use and you will not be allowed inside. Nor is there a nearby pub or any other indoor space! You'll be in the tent for four days with nowhere warm to go. Just to make that clear!
Getting the sleeper up to Glasgow or Inverness and public transport onwards makes sense as if you have a car, it will be sat in the Cluanie Inn car park for four days.
MoreA few days in the glorious Peak District for those who want a shorter travel time and shorter routes than Scotland...
For climbers, Stanage Edge alone has enough to keep you going for years; there are a ton of other top-quality gritstone crags around, as well as some excellent limestone (trad and sport). Bouldering is also an option if you must.
For walkers, there are countless options in the Dark and White Peak, of which Mam Tor and Kinder Scout may be the best known.
Other activities include mountain biking, caving and wild swimming. Rainy day options include the Swearing Caves of Dovedale (http://viz.co.uk/2015/06/13/the-swearing-caves-of-dovedale/) - er, I mean the show caves of Castleton - plus the obligatory gear shop faff in Hathersage and the metropolitan delights of nearby Sheffield.
We'll be camping at the wonderful Hardhurst Farm just outside Hope.
MoreJoin the Snowdonia Society for an action-packed weekend of volunteer activities across Snowdonia with camping, music and food on the Craflwyn Estate, Beddgelert.
MoreStaying at the wonderful Eco-Refugi in the remote village of Abella della Conca. A ton of amazing climbing nearby - single-pitch sport, plus multi-pitch sport and trad. Great walking options too, plus mountain biking, rafting etc.
https://abellaclimb.com/info/
MoreStaying in the village of Fadmoor at Bransdale Mill Bunkhouse, a converted mill nestled in a secluded spot in the North York Moors National Park
More