The Ochils Mountaineering Club

Hi all

Amanda Bond is from Lancs, and is in the Southport Fell Walking Club. She met some OMCers on the top of Ben Oss recently (Jim McK - were you one of them?) and so heard about our club and our cottage.

She comes to Scotland about three times a year (Jan, May, Sept), the next time being the first fortnight in September. She won't be available between 5-7th, but would love some company on the hills either before or after that if anyone is available and would also like some company. She's done about 20 Munros so far, and is keen to do more.

I'm just giving a wee bit advance info, although I know it's a while yet till September. I'll post again nearer the time, and/or Amanada will post as a guest. She's done Munros on her own, but would very much enjoy some company if anyone is up for it.

If anyone wants to get in touch outwith the forum, I can provide her e-mail or phone number.

Jean

Jean thankyou for posting this I very much appreciate it.

I thought I would put alittle bit about myself then your members will be more in the know!

I love Scotland and used to travel up as alittle girl with my family, this is where my passion for the mountains started I think. I am hopeful to be able to do my Munro's, lots to go yet as I have only done 20 so far. I have done a few winter skills courses with Brian Crowe from Outdoor Dimensions basic ice axe and crampon work, this was about six yrs ago. I also did my silver navigation award. I have been up a few times in winter but if I am honest I would say I am not competent to navigate solo in full winter conditions though I especially love the winter. I have treked in Nepal and been to Everest Base Camp, it was fabulous (went Feb 06 great visibility no crowds).

I am 46yrs young married to my long suffering husband Andrew for 23yrs, he cant walk anymore as his knees are shot and he is waiting for replacements! Two kids 20yrs and 17yrs used to love walking now wont be seen dead on a mountain, usual grumpy teenage thing going on! I am a Police Constable with the Lancashire Constabulary, a traffic officer with the road policing unit PLEASE DONT HATE ME I AM NORMAL HONEST. I am also a family liasion officer for fatal RTC's and the only female officer on the department! We live on a farm nr Southport, Lancashire, I love camping, cycling anything outdoors really.

I used to come up to Scotland and walk with my friends but they are happy to stay in the Lakes. I have been coming up by myself recently, I dont mind walking by myself but alittle company would be nice. I would have more confidence to navigate in bad weather if I was not solo. I am intent on doing my Munro's but so many times I have travelled the 300mls only to hit bad weather which sadly compromises my plans.

If anyone would be interested in walking with me that would be brilliant. I am next up early September though crewing a yacht at Rhu Marina 5th to the 7th. I have also booked holidays from work in January.

Keeping my fingers crossed for some positive replies.

Amanda

Hi Amanda,

I'd probably be on for something but, as yet am unsure as to what weekends I would have free. It would probably have to be a Sunday as I work most Saturdays, but if you post nearer the time I and possibly others too would be able to let you know when we are avaliable. I am afraid I am not on holiday then but, as I have said could probably manage an individual day or two. I have done the Munros twice and can usually find my way round, though rather embarasingly thought I had already climbed my final Corbett, which I plan to do in a couple of weeks, only to discover a few years later that I had climbed to the wrong summit! Even worse I wasn't in the mist on that day!

Even more embarassingly, at the age of nearly 42 and a quarter, I cannot drive, so you would have to provide transport, though there could be some other club members up for something that would be willing to be chauffer.

Andy Whitehead

I am available then as well

Well it looks like Amanda has the choice of two 42 year old non-drivers

Amanda,

I would be only too pleased to accompany you on your hillwalking. I am reasonably experienced, and have done winter skills/navigation courses.

It would be good to go out as a small group if some other OMC members are available.

Hopefully nearer the time Jean can update us on your exact dates and we can all check our diaries.

Also, let us know if there are any specific hills/areas that you are interested in. It's a long journey up, so make the most of it!

Gordon

Hi Amanda, Sorry about the delay in replying but I was in Iceland - no, not the shop next to Farmfoods - until last night. The three OMC members that you met up with on Ben Oss were Murray Airth - the small elf-like loquacious one, Jim Shanks - the tall quiet one, and myself Jim McKenna who defys description.
I must say that I was impressed by your enthusiasm to drive north to climb the hills solo. I'm sure that it will be possible to meet up with OMC members on some of your trips north, and they will be in touch nearer September.

Cheers, Jim McKenna

I'm likely to be at the cottage most of the 2nd week in September.
If you can put up with my snoring (its scares away the deer outside) you're welcome although check with Christina for space.
I'm sure I can totter up something & hopefully we won't get shot at.

Thanks to everyone that has replied.

Most of the Munro's I have done are quite Southern, apart from Ben Assint and Conival way up north. It was great when Ryan Air had the flight from Liverpool to Inverness, just an hour and you were walking on scottish soil. But they do not seem to be running it at present. I am happy to walk anywhere, if people have plans of there own.

I will be in contact with exact dates for September but as I am off from the 1st I hope to concentrate on getting up the first week prior to sailing on the 5th! As there are still lots to do south side of Glencoe maybe this will be a good destination for September!

Hi all

I've had an e-mail from Amanda, firming up her dates for coming up north. She is heading for Tyndrum on 2 September, and would like to walk on Wed, Thurs and Fri (3-5 Sept) and then again on Mon and Tues (8-9 Sept), probably around the Tyndrum area, and would love some company.

She would also like to come along to the club for the Quiz night on 4 Sept, and meet a few people. Unfortunately, I won't be there, as I'm on holiday that week, but if someone else could take Amanda along that would be great.

As I said, I'm going to be away, so please can you get in touch with Amanda via this forum, or text me, and I will give you her direct e-mail address and/or mobile number.

Jean