Not content with beautiful snow conditions in the Peak, a large contingent of team members headed North last weekend on the team’s annual winter skills training event.

They based themselves in Crianlarich, Scotland for two days on the slopes of Meall nan Tarmachan and Beinn Challuim.  Lady luck shone on the team as did the sun, with two days of glorious weather.  Day one saw wall to wall sunshine and no wind – not a typical Scottish winter mountaineering day at all – as the group ascended a steep snow slope to the summit of the 1044m peak of Meall nan Tarmachan.  Then followed the Tarmachan ridge and the peaks of Meall Garbh and Beinn nan Eachan.

After refuelling in the local pub they were ready for day two. Another stunning day but this time the wind had a bite.  The objective was Beinn Challuim, 1025m, and with the winds at approximately 40mph on the tops it was definitely the tougher of the two days. The whole group made it and were again rewarded with stunning views.   The descent provided an opportunity for the team to practise ice axe arrest skills before being greeted back at the accommodation with a stunning sunset.

The weekend was under the close supervision of team member and professional Mountain Instructor, Mark Williams.   This annual event, self-funded by all participants, gives team members the chance to brush up on winter mountaineering skills which they don’t often get to use in the Peak District.

Photo Credit:  BMRT  –  Stunning winter conditions on Tarmachan Ridge,