Winter Munro Walking Week

The aim of this week is to enjoy a wide variety of winter hill walking with a focus on Munros (mountains over 3000ft/915m high). With this in mind the week is aimed at people who have some experience of winter mountains.

This doesn’t have to be a lot. You should be ok walking in crampons and know how to use an ice axe. There will be opportunity within the week to refresh and build on existing skills but this is not the primary focus.

This week is for you if:

• You have previously attended a winter skills course and would like to build on this experience
• You have done some independent winter walking but would like to grow your skills and experience. Including, taking on some more challenging hills and conditions
• You enjoy winter walking and would like to have a break from all the planning. Let an experienced guide take care of the logistics and help you further develop your skills and confidence
• You have a lot of summer mountain walking experience and are confident you will easily pick up walking in crampons and using an ice axe

Anna is a Winter Mountain Leader with over a decades worth of experience of winter hiking and climbing in the Scottish Highlands. She lives locally to Spean Bridge and and knows the area intimately. She is passionate about supporting people to gain skills and confidence in the mountains.

Cal is a Winter Mountain Leader and Mountaineering and Climbing Instructor. He has been living in Fort William for the last four years. He loves spending time in the mountains and helping others to do so too.

The week will include 5 days of guided walking, there will be one full rest day which will be timed to make the most of the weather. We will get out in the mountains whatever the weather and conditions. Winter can bring a wide variety of both in the Highlands and there is a lot to be gained from experiencing them all.

The aim will be to head out each day on a route that includes at least one Munro (mountain) summit. Exactly where we go will be determined by the weather, conditions and interests of the group. This is your week and you will have plenty of opportunity to input into where we walk, any skills you want to focus on and the length of the days.

Although not the main focus there will be the opportunity to work on the following skills during the week:

• Route planning, interpreting weather forecasts and winter navigation
• Avalanche awareness and understanding snow/ice conditions
• Winter movement including use of winter boots and crampons
• Ice Axe arrest

Having two guides gives us the flexibility to go to different locations and complete different routes. We don’t all need to do the same thing each day. If you chose to have more than one rest day you are welcome to do so.

Your base for the week will be the Distant Hills Guest House. We will have exclusive use of this warm, welcoming and comfortable accommodation.

There is a large living area for relaxing in the evenings with a cosy fire and fully stocked bar. There is also an outdoor hot tub for those bold enough to brave the elements.

The week will be fully catered by professional cooks and bakers Nathan and Amalia of ‘Foresta, Forno di comunità’. Having cooked all over the world they are now based in the Italian Dolomites but maintain strong ties with Scotland having lived here for a number of years.

Their ethos is to cook with the seasons, from scratch with menus designed to consider the required nutrition to support mountain activities.

Blending together Scottish ingredients and some delights from their Italian larder they will provide nourishing and delicious meals while accommodating individual dietary needs.