Latest News From Mountain Innovations

 

 

New for 2010 - Superlative Skye 

As a result of a number of requests over the years, we've now put together a great trip on the Isle of Skye. It's scheduled for September, to avoid the worst of the midges and at that time of year we often get some great weather. It's a 6 day trip, incorporating a rest day, giving you an opportunity to explore other aspects of the island before going out to a great local restaurant for some fine dining.

A taster of what is on offer is described below:
Besides the Black Cuillin's scary ridges, the Isle of Skye offers the hill-walker some tremendous days out. This holiday focuses on the stunning Trotternish Ridge with its bizarre landscapes and the dramatic Red Cuillin. Both these areas offer the mountain walker some challenging walking with views than can rival any across Scotland.

For full details go to: http://www.scotmountain.co.uk/courses?id=45

Last minute availability - Highland Easter

For those of you suffering cabin fever, having not gone out into the hills due to the winter weather, how about considering our Highland Easter walking holiday. April can also be a great time of year for sunshine in our area of Scotland so why not blow the cobwebs away and get your walking season off to a flying start. It's a short break designed to make the most of the Easter public holidays and explore those less explored parts of the Cairngorms.

 
Featured Trip - Wild Knoydart
We're running our very successful Knoydart trip again this year. Last year's trip surpassed all previous visits to the peninsular with a fantastic meal at the Doune Dining Restaurant. It came as no surprise to us to read that they'd won the Taste of Scotland Thistle Award for 2009. These are very prestigious awards run by VisitScotland, our national tourism agency. The evening was topped off by an incredible sunset silhouetting the Isle of Skye's serrated Cuillin Ridge.
 
The walking is amongst typical west coast mountain splendour with us staying at a grand old Shooting Lodge. The loch side setting couldn't be more idyllic. The trip is scheduled for the same week as it has been for previous years when we have had some great May weather.
 
Winter season 2010 so far.
Well overall it's been fantastic for snow. It started in earnest at low levels around the 20th December with one heavy snowfall following another. By the time New Year came we had 2 ft at low levels and near to 2 metres on the Hills. Going anywhere was made difficult unless you were on skis or had large Canadian snowshoes. The persistently very cold weather and light winds left the snowpack unchanged The next major weather event was strong SE winds that blew huge quantities (many metres deep) into the ski and climbing areas with the ski road being buried under 3 metre drifts. It took a week of digging to clear the ski road from the Hayfield up. The 5 days that have been sacrificed will have produced many more days skiing into April if not May - barring prolonged heavy thaws. Good Easter skiing is looking very likely  So far this winter has been notable for it's low temperatures and relatively low winds. There have been plenty of sunny winter wonderlands days.
 
Trip Review - Classic Winter Cairngorms
This was a very popular trip this year with a mixed group of clients - a good balance of male and female. Fantastic weather and snow conditions with some rock hard snow in contrast to the hard going at New Year. The last day out on Bynack Mor was voted a favourite day. Everyone enjoyed visiting the "Barns of Bynack" (large rock tors near the summit). Our current WWOOFing (Worldwide Opportunities on Organic Farms) 

 volunteer joined the group as well and thoroughly appreciated the day. Our photos and those of one of the clients can be seen on Flickr if you're interested.

For photos of the trip go to Flickr

Mountain Innovations takes Green Gold

Hot of the presses from the Green Tourism Business Scheme is the news that not only Fraoch Lodge has Gold status, but also Mountain Innovations. Since more than 80% of our courses and holidays are based at Fraoch Lodge, we feel that we can justifiably claim to be the greenest walking holiday provider in the Highlands.
 
Trip Photos 
I noticed when checking the Flickr account that the Autumn Munro photos don't seem to have been uploaded yet. I'll rectify that over the weekend.
 
Winter helpers this year 
We've had WWOOFers in over the winter this year and it's been great! We've managed to make progress inside and out, so the grand plan for Fraoch Lodge and the garden plan marchs on. I'm hoping for a productive season this year and have even managed to get Andy to tentatively commit to the idea of getting a Keder greenhouse.
 
New for summer 2010
Following the overwhelming success of the formula we applied to our west coast trips, we have decided this year to extend some of the summer trips to incorporate a day off. You'll now be able to take the chance on day 4 to explore a little of the national park on your own; or simply take the opportunity to browse the gear shops/cafes in Aviemore; or visit some of the local attractions like the Wildlife Park - then top the day off with a visit to our local, outstanding restaurant - Andersons just a few doors up the road. The following trips all include the opportunity to same a menu at Andersons: Complete Cairngorms, Highland Munros and High Cairngorm Ridge Walking.

We do hope we have the opportunity to catch up with you during 2010.

Regards,

Andy and Rebecca

Guaranteed Departure

Featured Trip

Introduction to Winter Skills - You’ll gain a clear understanding of the principles and quickly attain the skills. You’ll be able to choose the most appropriate technique for the terrain and conditions. With adequate time given over to practise, you’ll finish the course proficient in both the technical winter skills and those essential winter navigation techniques.

more details

Holidays & Courses

Looking for an unusual Christmas or birthday present? Why not buy one of our holidays or courses? We'll design an individualised voucher for you to present to your loved one.

more details

Green Travel Discount

Exclusive offer - In direct response to growing Climate Change, those who travel up to us by train or bus to Aviemore a £15 discount on the price of their holiday or course.

more details

www.flickr.com