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Debbie’s story: Fort William Winter Adventures
Hear about Debbie's first walking trip in her own words:
I did want to say thank you, Clair, for all the organisation that went into our Fort William adventure, and for making me feel welcome – especially as for me it was quite a 'last minute' decision. I really enjoyed my week – it was all quite new for me as I have not long joined CSSC and this was the first activity I'd booked onto.
"This trip was particularly good because it gave me a chance to do something I have wanted to do for some time – but without having to do the thinking, planning or organising, and for a really good price"
For a long time, I haven't been away without the family, so it was great to have an opportunity to do something for myself. This trip was particularly good because it gave me a chance to do something I have wanted to do for some time – but without having to do the thinking, planning or organising, and for a really good price. I very much enjoyed the winter skills training on the first day, I wasn't sure I'd have the nerve to try out ice axe arrests but in the event it was fun, rather than scary, as we were well supported by Gillian. And I was really pleased that there were two guides in the group on the first day, so that when it came to the point where we were battered by the wind and I didn't want to go up further, I had the option of coming down with John while some others went on.
I enjoyed going up the Corbett on the second day. Through deep snow and with a bit of a breeze higher up, I found it challenging, but that made it feel like a real achievement to reach the summit. After that my legs were so stiff, I could barely walk downstairs in the hotel let alone down another mountain, so the 'below the snowline' option of the walk along the Caledonian canal was very welcome. I found it a relief to be able to wear summer boots for a day. With a brief visit to the pub along the way, it didn't feel like 11 miles.
"I found it challenging, but that made it feel like a real achievement to reach the summit"
Paul's walk the following day up Glen Nevis was really lovely, being in the mountains without having to slog uphill for long and being out in snow showers and brief spells of sunshine. Given the snowfall and the weather forecast for the next day, the Cow Hill loop worked well as a good long, snowy, hilly walk without being too strenuous.
The trip to Corrour for the walk around Loch Ossian on the final day was excellent too; it was somewhere I had read about, so actually going there was a real treat. If the weather had been kinder, I would have been keen to go up a hill for the final day, but in the end, I was glad I opted for the walk. The snow was quite deep, so it seemed a good distance, and by the time the wind was really strong we were not far from the warmth and shelter of the hostel.
"I admired the drive of the folk who opted for higher mountains and scrambling"
Throughout the week I was received with kindness. I had lots of interesting conversations about much more than mountain walking, and the whole group seemed to get along really well. The hotel was excellent – my room was quiet and comfortable, the food (and the beer) was good, and the bath was much needed for a good soak after being out on the hills. I admired the drive of the folk who opted for higher mountains and scrambling. It was obvious that there were some pretty keen climbers in the group and I realised pretty quickly that I would need to improve my fitness to be able to enjoy walking up a mountain in winter, but it was good that it felt fine to opt for the activities that suited me, without any pressure to do more. Before going I was worried that I might slow a group down or need to turn back and spoil the day for others – and I was a bit worried about whether my knee would hold up. But everything worked out really well, I really enjoyed it and I was so glad I'd booked it and done it. And I'd be keen to more now.
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We have a hill walking album on our Facebook page, where all of the pictures have been taken by our members! Why not take a look and see if hill walking could be for you?
