Author: Kevin Wheeler

There are now going to be 10 of us on the Tatras trip. I have just booked 2 extra beds. So now the full list is myself, Andy Stewart, Gareth Williams, Ade Pedley, Dave Palmer, James Forder, Mark Jennison, Robin Illingworth, Jeremy Windsor and Richie Cameron. Had I known this trip was going to be this popular I could have chartered a coach from Manchester! 🤣🤣

This trip is now definitely going ahead next winter. We have 8 beds at the Morskie Oko hut, one of the largest and best huts and conveniently located just an hour’s walk from some of the best winter climbing the Tatras have to offer (so I’m told). Those signed up to go are Kevin Wheeler, Andy Stewart, Gareth Williams, Ade Pedley, Dave Palmer, James Forder and Mark Jennison. That leaves one place vacant. If you want to go, please let me know. Most of us will be flying out to Krakow from Manchester by easyJet on the 22 Feb and staying overnight in the city before getting the train or bus south to Zakopane the next day. I will sort the Krakow hotel and Poland transport nearer the date.

I have been investigating the possibility of organising a trip to the Polish Tatra Mountains next winter. The Polish lass, Anna who I climb with has been useful in providing info. EasyJet fly to Krakow from both Manchester and Edinburgh (for me). It is then 2 hours south to Zakopane by hire car. There are various mountain huts in the national park which can be used. Morskie Oko has been recommended to me. Morskie Oko Mountain Hut (schroniskomorskieoko.pl) Unfortunately, you cannot drive to these huts, so you have to park and hoof it. And it’s 15km … on a road though. There is a very comprehensive guide book which has an English introduction and details on approaches and descents. I’m sure we can all read Polish topos! CLIMBING GUIDE – WINTER TATRAS – Jakub Radziejowski – Międzynarodowy Przewodnik Wysokogórski IVBV (przewodnikwysokogorski.com.pl) One major downside seems to be the unpredictability of the weather, but hey we climb in Scotland, and the fact that the authorities close the park when there is high possibility of avalanches. Large rooms for up to 6 people can be booked at Morskie Oko but I have yet to enquire about availability. Early booking (i.e. a year[…]

At the moment it’s hard to believe that we had snow last year at this time. It’s all green and warm in Glencoe currently. But fret not those of you who would like to join me on my Craigallan meet from 24-26 February. I have it on good authority that winter is returning with low temperatures and more snow the w/c 20 February. Mind you it’ll probably be blowing a bit as well. Fingers crossed we get some white stuff to climb on. Let me know if you would like to join the 5 of us so far signed up. Late applications will be understood; it’s a long way from the NW if conditions are going to be crap!

Many Club members will be making their way to the North of Scotland this summer. I live in Ardgay near Bonar Bridge which is on the route north to Ben Hope, Ben More Assynt, Convial, Klibreck and numerous Corbetts. If you are passing, do drop in and say hello. Tea and cake is always on offer. I might even be able to join you for the day. Kevin Wheeler

Just a quick reminder about the Craigallan Meet on 25-27 Feb. There are still 5 places up for grabs and with the winter having arrived again in the Highlands this weekend, I’m sure a few of you will want to take advantage. Contact Kevin Wheeler to book a place.