Rod White - Outdoor Guiding & Instruction

All done and just in time before it blew! A big northerly swell made for relentless clapotis over the last few days - physically and mentally tiring, but an increasing following wind made for exciting sailing on the final day. Thanks to David Williams and Chris Forrest for good company throughout, to Sam, Joy and the Annas for meeting up and feeding us a couple of times and to Conor at Ewe Canoes and Ken at West Coast Mountain Guides for help along the way.

After a few days battling head winds, the weather gods have been kind to us. Calm seas for the big crossing from Target Ness and following winds for the last few days. Some great sailing has enabled decent distances up the spectacular east coast.
Currently waiting for the tide by the Merry Men of Mey and enjoying the sunshine. Only a couple of days to go all being well....

Well, we made out to the North Sea. Strong g wind meant we couldn't good around Ardnamurchan Point so a devious iLoch Shield - Loch Eil nner route was taken involving some epic up river paddling, lining and dragging followed by a 5km portage to get to the sea again. The Great Glen was lovely but hard work against some persistent head winds over the last couple of days. It appears to have blown from the east and north for the whole of this month!

After a couple of days holed up waiting for the wind to drop, we made up for it with a 75km day yesterday with sunshine and following winds. Even managed fish n chips in Kyle. Another good day today, but quite challenging winds with F6 coming down Loch Hourn. Wet and cold, cafe and laundette stops in Mallaig to revitalize. Doesn't look like the winds are going to let us get round Ardnamurchan Point, so cutting the corner via Loch Shield.

Not quite so idyllic now - 2.5deg and snow this morning! We had a blowy night on Priest Island and weren't sure we would escape but a weather window allowed a run to Poolewe and shelter. Dave and Chris valiantly portaged over to Gairloch but I was rescued by Conor of Ewe Canoe who kindly took all our kit to a campsite. Looks like we're sitting out the wind until Friday but looking good from then. Joined by friends last night which was great.

After a challenging day on the north coast around Whitten Head we had a perfect night at the bothy just before Cape Wrath and then a perfect day around the Cape. Conditions even allowed a route through the arch. Now waiting for the tide to round the Point of Stoer and south to the Summer Isles. Light following winds and a fair tide should make for good kayak sailing.

Ben Hope - most northerly munro in the UK. A day in the hills tomorrow before sea paddling to Cape Wrath at the start of our Roof of Scotland sea paddle.

One of the best things about North Wales is the sheer variety of adventures for all weather's in such a small area. This week was whitewater paddling Monday, a scrambling grand tour of Ogwen on Tuesday and sea kayaking adventures on Anglesey today - what a place!

Good to get out with the team for some hands-on training before the hills open up.

Making good use of those lockdown evenings. Definitely recommend this if you live/work in the park. Looking forward to when we can work with visitors again.

WMCI vs MCI

Winter Mountaineering and Climbing Instructors (WMCI) are qualified to instruct and guide clients in a range of environments from winter climbing and walking to summer mountaineering and climbing.

The Mountaineering and Climbing Instructor (MCI) is qualified to instruct and guide clients in all aspects of rock climbing, the coaching of lead climbing, and mountaineering in non-winter conditions.

Members who hold the WMCI or MCI qualification also work as technical experts, NGB course providers and safety experts for television and film.

For more information visit -
www.ami.org.uk