What else has Aspect Mountaineering been up to....?
During my time off I spent an awful lot of time exploring the woods, parks, walks and riverside walks in and around Stewarton and the one thing that stood out, was the sheer volume of litter. It was just about everywhere you looked.
I decided to set up a community group Stewarton Against Litter, and do something about the litter within the local area. At first things started small with Aspect donating the first of the litter pickers, high viz vests, reusable bags, gloves and bin liners. Once established the The Groom Room, Stewarton, donated more high viz vests for the larger litter picks that were organised. The Cup and Saucer a local cafe, came onboard to supply the volunteers with hot drinks post litter picks. The group now has the support of East Ayrshire Council and East Ayrshire Vibrant Communities, that donated more litter pickers, an endless supply of bin liners, reusable gloves and arrange collections of the litter that we remove.
So far this community group has cleared the Stewarton Medical Practice grounds of litter and fly-tipped rubbish. The High Street and surrounding areas the heart of Stewarton. The Riverside Walkways, Cunningham Watt Park, Clark's Wynd and Cocklebie Park, including the hedgerows. The play area at Springwell Park, Kilwinning Road, Standalane and the grassed areas surrounding the Rose Reilly Sports Centre. The Railway Station, including both car parks, the rail bridge on Standalane, the rail bridge on Dunlop Road and the viaduct area on Lainshaw Street.
It has a been a great experience and I've met some truly inspirational people along the way. We have been out in all weathers, rain, sleet, snow and gale force winds. Not once has this put any of the volunteers off. We've laughed cried, had our ups and downs. But the main thing is, we have significantly reduced the litter within and surrounding Stewarton.
Andy, 30th April 2023 🙂
Twisted Empire Bakes, JK Church, Senjokai Karate Academy, Stewarton United Ladies, Stewarton United Football Club,
#aspectmountaineering
#stewarton
#thebonnettoun
#ayrshire
#scotland
#litterpicking
#litterfree
#wecandothistogether
#greenspaces
#greenspacesinurbanplaces
You've done a fantastic job xxx
Yass, its good to back! It has been a while since I last posted... So where have I been and what have been doing?
Unfortunately at the end of the season last year, I was very ill. I approached things with the typical "man" response. Ignored it, in the hope things would go away. As I found out the hard way, this was perhaps not the best approach to the problem. In the end I registered with the local medical practice and sought professional help.
I was suffering with serious skin hacks on both hands, which became incredibly painful and very unsightly. Something I tried to hide as I became very self aware of how unsightly it looked. I was also suffering with incredible pains in my joints, chest, I was having difficulties with my breathing and to make matters even worse I developed an inner ear infection not just in one ear, but both.
Following numerous visits to the doctor, it turned out I was suffering with anxiety and stress. The pain I was experiencing in my joints, chest and breathing difficulties was the long-term effects of COVID, although I am not sure when I got it. As I always tested negative. The ear infections were something I suffered from during childhood and it did require surgery, but has never bothered me during adult life until now.
All of these combined left me in a pretty bad way. I decided it was time to take time out and focus on getting myself well physically and mentally. I have spent a lot of time taking things easy. Enjoying the flat I moved into at the beginning of last year. I've spent a lot of time cooking, one of my favourite things and something I really enjoy.
During and after COVID I was not allowed to go home to visit my family due to my Mar being at high risk. By the time I was allowed to visit Mar almost two years had passed since I last saw my Mar in person. Whilst back at home in the Northeast of England I spent a lot of time down on the beach enjoying early morning sunrise walks and evening sunset walks. I even spent sometime re-learning old skills and rebuilt the brakes, both front and back on my car.
I was prescribed anti-biotics and pain killers to help with the aches, pains in my muscles/joints and to ease the pains in my chest. I was given an anti-biotic spray for my ears. It took a little longer than expected for things to clear up, but it has. And I am now physically feeling much better.
During this time, I realised my eyesight was not quite what it should be and I went to get my eyes tested. Something that was long overdue. As it turned out it was not all bad, I now need glasses for reading. I'm not going to lie it took a while to adjust to wearing glasses and using them when I should. But in all honesty, I've come to like them.
Last but not least, during this time I was diagnosed with a hernia. I had suspected it. But like most men, I put off getting it checked out. Fortunately for me the doctor noticed it during an examination. Its not the end of the world, it will certainly not stop me enjoying the things I like, being in the outdoors, climbing and the mountains. The treatments available now are incredible and pretty straight forward. Not sure when I will get the surgery I need to put things right. But lets be honest, there are a lot of folk out there that need surgery more than me.
What now? I am feeling much better physically and mentally. I am going to continue enjoying a more balanced lifestyle. Its no longer going to be work work. I am going to pay more attention to my mental wellbeing and physical wellbeing. Something I have definitely ignored and learnt the hard way. Most importantly, I am looking forward to the summer, coaching climbing and being back in the mountains guiding. 🙂
More to follow, Andy 28th April 2023 🙂
#mensmentalhealth
#menshealthawareness
#hernia
#mentalhealth
#mentalhealthawareness
#mentalhealthmatters
#sunset
#beach
#balance
#balancedlifestyle
Glad you are on the mend Andy, life and age catches up with us sometimes. Take care
Big Hugs mate, you only get the one so your life shouldn’t just be a chore. Keep us updated, right now I’m super busy work wise but if you’ve any nearby crag days I can get onto I’ll do my best cos I’m working on logging some of that stuff. I’ve just done Lowland Leader training this week so getting in my days pre-assessment is more of a focus but I want to log some climbing stuff as well.
Blimey, thanks for sharing Andy and glad to hear you're looking after yourself.
Speedy recovery 🙏🏼
Self care is so important and often neglected. So pleased you managed it. See you soon xx
Wow Andy please take more care of yourself from now on.I have done similar in the past. Broken hip in 2007. I could not rest. Beating my time and others in Time trails was more important . Now since COVID spending time with the people I want to be and relaxing is way more important. Hopefully see you soon 😊
Jeez, you've not had the best of luck. Good to see you're back on the road to recovery. 👍👍
Sorry to hear that but glad you are recovering and managing to deal with things.
Glad to hear you're feeling better Andy. Great to see you back in the hills ❤️
Wow so glad you shared, glad you are on the mend. Looking forward to - albeit slightly terrified - about my June adventures. ⛰️
Good to hear you are back feeling better. Definitely take it easy and look after yourself. Fab pics 👍
I wonder3d where you had gone. Take care of yourself and get better reqlly soon. Ita good to see u have taken time out to recover and u will be back up those hills in no time x
Wow, sounds like you've had a tough time Andy...was nice to see you last month at bennybeg. Take it easy dude!
Good to have you back pal and hopefully see you in the wall or outside climbing having fun for yourself 😉
The Fannaichs is one of my favourite mountaim ranges within Scotland to guide on. And for some reason every season I seem to get the weather and the views! 😀 This season's trip was no exception. 😀
This is day 1 of a guided trip I did with members of the Scottish Women's Walking Group. We took in the summits of Meall a' Chrasgaidh, Sgurr nan Clach Geala, Sgurr nan Each, Sgirr Breac and finished with A' Chailleach.
The Ladiee set a steady pace, making the most of the day and taking every opportunity to tak photographs and enjoy the views. 😀 A huge well done to all those that came along and made it such a special day! 😀
Dates for next year are live on the website, link in bio! 👍🏻⬆️😀
#aspectmountaineering
#hikingculture
#hiking
#hikingadventures
#hikingtrails
#mountains
#fannaichs
#explore
#explorescotland
#exploremore
#walking
#guiding
#scotland
The Fannaichs is one of my favourite mountain ranges within Scotland to guide on. And for some reason every season I seem to get the weather and the views! 🙂 This season's trip was no exception. 🙂
This is day 1 of a guided trip I did with members of the Scottish Women's Walking Group. We took in the Munro summits of Meall a' Chrasgaidh, Sgurr nan Glach Geala, Sgurr nan Each, Sgurr Breac and finished with A'Chailleach.
The Ladies set a steady space, making the most of the day and taking every opportunity to take photographs and enjoy the views. 🙂 A huge well done to all those that came along and made it such a special day! 🙂
Dates for the 2023 season are now live on the website www.aspectmountaineering.com Hope to see you next year! 🙂
Andy, 23rd October 2022 🙂
#aspectmountaineering
#hiking
#fannaichs
#explorescotland
#walking
#guiding
#scotland
Had a fab time, thanks again Andy for your guidance 😎
Was a brilliant 2 days doing this range of Munro’s 👍🏻👍🏻
Was a great couple of days 👍
Yass! Climbing! 🙂 Back to Rosyth Quarry today with Fiona, Maria and son Aaron. All Aspect newbies! 🙂
It was a nice relaxed session today, making the most of the autumn sunshine. Fiona has tried indoor climbing and just wanted to get a taste of outdoor climbing. First time climbing for Maria and Maria's son Aaron is a regular at Ratho climbing wall in Edinburgh. 🙂
Today we went through the basics, a little refresher on belaying and our stance whilst belaying and being aware of our surroundings whilst belaying. Cementing the importance of buddy checks and clear communication between climber and belayer. It was busy in Rosyth Quarry today and something that is quite often overlooked is clear communications. 🙂
Another thoroughly enjoyable session with good company. With Fiona, Maria and Aaron all completing routes ranging from Moderate right through to Severe. 🙂
A huge well done to all, including Mary. Who has recently been brave enough to complete her RCI training and is now getting stuck in with shadowing sessions during her consolidation period! Keep up the hard work, it will pay off at assessment! 🙂
Andy, 16th October 2022
Simply drop Aspect Mountaineering a WhatsApp on Yass! Climbing! for availability! 🙂
#aspectmountaineering
#climbing
#rockclimbing
#rockclimbinglife
#rosythquarry
#rosyth
#edinburgh
#scotland
#explorescotland
Thanks again Andy and Mary for a great day! Looking forward to the CMD next year 😃
The Ring of Steall is one of my favourite routes to guide and it was great to welcome back returning clients Margaret & Catherine and Aspect newbie Bernadette. 🙂
It was a cool day, just right for walking with mixed views. The mist rolled in and out for the duration of the day giving the high tops a mystical feeling. We stayed dry until it was time to descend, thankfully the shower passed and we dried out by the time we returned to the cars.
Another really enjoyable day on the hill with great company. A huge well done to Margaret, Catherine and Bernadette, Ring of Steall completed! 🙂
We still have spaces available, 3rd June 2023 www.aspectmountaineering.com for further information! 🙂
Andy, 9th October 2022 🙂
#ringofsteall
#munro
#munros
#munrobagging
#glennevis
#FortWilliam
#scotland
#aspectmountaineering
Nice one Andy. Fab web site.
Great pics, well done to all. How long did it take you?
This season has been an absolute blast, these photographs are from my third and final guided ascent of Ben Nevis via the CMD Arete with Anne and Eleni. 🙂
It was another stunning day with mixed views, the mist rolled in and out for the duration of the day. Giving Ben Nevis a mysterious and magical ambience. 🙂
It was quiet on the Arete, we pretty much had it to ourselves. The summit of Ben Nevis as usual was busy, lots of folk up there celebrating their success. Bumped into Rich & Mark two fellow guides, always nice to have a little catch up. 🙂
A huge well done to Anne, who was raising funds for the British Heart Foundation and to Eleni for both making successful ascents of Ben Nevis via the CMD Arete. 🙂
Andy, 2nd October 2022
#bennevis
#nevis
#scotland
#hikingculture
#hiking
#munrobagging
#munro
#aspectmountaineering
Two of our guided Ben Nevis via the CMD Arete ascents for the 2023 season have already sold out! 🙂 We still have availability on this event aspectmountaineering.com/event/ben-nevis-via-the-carn-mor-dearg-arete-2-munros-5 🙂 Contact Aspect Mountaineering for further information. 🙂
Thank you, Andy🙂
It is coming to the end of the season for Aspect Mountaineering, and I am already looking forward to the 2023 season. 😀 Lots of interesting and varied mountain days planned, with events starting to go live on the website already. 😀
The photographs in this post are from a Ben Nevis ascent via the CMD Arete, taken earlier this year on an absolutely stunning blue bird day. 😀 The views made up for the early morning midge attack. 😀
It is always fantastic to meet new clients. 😀 A huge thank you to Catherine, Zoe, Susan, Selina & friend for coming a long and making it such an enjoyable day. 😀
New dates for the CMD are on the website link in bio. 👍🏻⬆️😀
#bennevis
#cmd
#cmdarete
#munro
#munrobagging
#ukshighestmountain
#scotland
#fortwilliam
#aspectmountaineering
#hiking
#hikingculture
#hikingtrails
It is coming up to the end of the season for Aspect Mountaineering, and already I am looking forward to the 2023 season. 🙂 Lots of interesting and varied mountain days planned, with events starting to go live on the website already. 🙂
The photographs in this post are from a Ben Nevis ascent via the CMD Arete, taken earlier this year on an absolutely stunning blue bird day. 🙂 The views made up for the early morning midge attack. 🙂
It is always fantastic to meet new clients. 🙂 A huge thank you to Catherine, Zoe, Susan, Selina & friend for coming a long and making it such an enjoyable day. 🙂
Andy, 26th September 2023
#bennevis
#nevis
#CMD
#scotland
#aspectmountaineering
New dates for the CMD are on the website www.aspectmountaineering.com or contact us for availability. 🙂
Brilliant photos of an excellent day!! Looking forward to some more adventures next year 🙌🏻🙌🏻
looking forward to getting more adventures next year
Fab photos, really looking forward to our adventure at Ring of Steall with Aspect next year 😃
Brilliant, so looking forward to our adventures next year with you guys ⛰️👍💙
Looks amazing!
One week to go! We still have spaces available! 🙂
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After all the rain we have had recently it was nice to be back at a sunny Neilston Quarry today with Mick and Steven. 🙂
Both Mick and Steven wanted to gain some experience of rock climbing so they could start to tackle some of the more technical and challenging munros.
Rock climbing can be used to learn about movement on rock. What you can or cannot stand on. How to look at the rock, work out where the hand holds are and the line of the route. All essential skills for those wanting to progress from hillwalking to scrambling.
We looked at belaying safely, correct positioning of the hands and what makes a good belay position. Once the belaying was nailed, the Boys pretty much climbed every route at Neilston Quarry. 🙂
Today's haul of routes included, Pinkerton's Corner S, Corner Arete S, Kristeen's Crack VD*, Ally's Gash HS 4b, Dave's Mildly Moist Crack S, Willie's Route S*, Punk Rock HVS 5a* and Curving Crack HVS 5a*.
Good effort from both Mick and Steven. Looking forward to seeing them both take their climbing forward. 🙂
Andy, 13th September 2022.
#climbing
#rockclimbing
#neilstonquarry
#glasgow
#scotland
#aspectmountaineering
Aspect Mountaineering still has availability, contact us for further information! 🙂
Was a brilliant day mate, thanks again 👍🏻 We will be hopefully be back out with you again in a few weeks 👌🏻
I've been enjoying a busy spell recently, running rock climbing sessions, guiding walks within the mountains of Scotland and enjoying some personal time in the mountains. 🙂
Earlier in the season I was contacted with an unusual request from Tanya Scott-Adie. Tanya suffers with hyper-mobility in both shoulders. This means that when Tanya reaches above head height there is a serious risk one or both shoulders could dislocate.
I've spent a lot of time coaching rock climbing and its many techniques. The first thing we looked was belaying and keeping the shoulders down, not reaching to high and keeping the shoulders square so Tanya was always in a strong position whist belaying but not to much movement in the shoulders.
The next step was to get Tanya climbing without relying on reaching above head height. This involved focussing on footwork and the classic of rock climbing moves the "rock-over" or sometimes called "nose over toes". The slab area at Auchinstarry Quarry proved to be the perfect venue to put this in to practise.
With belaying technique sorted, tying in nailed and Tanya now comfortable with the "T-Rex" method of climbing. 🙂 (Keeping hands below shoulder height). It was fantastic to stand back and let Tanya along with good friend Janie enjoy the climbing at Auchinstarry Quarry has to enjoy! 🙂
Amazing to see such positivity and determination. 🙂 Andy 12th September 2022 🙂
#rockclimbing
#climbing
#positivity
#determination
#success
#aspectmountaineering
Aspect Mountaineering, still has availability contact us for further information. 🙂
Well done Scottie! Xx
Only one week to go! 🙂 We still have spaces! 🙂
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When this happens, it's usually because the owner only shared it with a small group of people, changed who can see it or it's been deleted.I'm doing Nevis via CMDA with you on Saturday. If I do absolutely nothing on Sunday except rest, then I'm considering doing this too. If I don't feel able, or if no spaces left then I'll definitely sign up another time 🥾
This is one on my bucket list am very interested but afraid I might be too slow for the group - did the Glen Lyon 4 last week which took me 9 hrs how would that compare
One week today! We still have places available! 🙂
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When this happens, it's usually because the owner only shared it with a small group of people, changed who can see it or it's been deleted.
A similar story to yesterday. Overnight it lashed it down with heavy rain, strong winds. There was a lull before it started again early morning. Things were not looking promising for the Beinn Dearg circuit.
We set off just after the heavy rain had blown through early morning and followed the River Lael towards the bealach between Beinn Dearg and Meall nan Ceapraichean. Progress was hampered by numerous river crossing, water was running off the hills in huge quantities.
We gained the bealach and ascended to Beinn Dearg. Here the same cold wind that was blowing yesterday. Greeted us again. A few phots and were off back down to the bealach. 🙂
A short lunch break at the bealach and we then continued to Cona'Mheal the second munro of the day. The cloud started to break up and the views got better. Although the same cold wind greeted us. 🙂 Another hasty retreat and we were off to Meall nan Ceapraichean.
We made the summit in good time. Passed over the munro top and then descended to the bealach with Eididh nan Clach Geala. On our descent we bumped into the guys we passed on our return from Sean Bhraigh yesterday. They looked tired, the overnight weather must have given them a beating at their wild camp spot.
We summited Eididh nan Clach Geala, the forth and final munro of this circuit. Enjoyed the views, and again descended in haste to escape the cold wind. 🙂
Another awesome day with returning clients Lynne D'Agostino and Carol Haddow! Thank you for booking with Aspect Mountaineering 🙂
Andy, 21st August 2022
#munrobagging
#munrobagging
#beinndearg
#circuit
#Lochbroom
#ullapool
#scotland
#aspectmountaineering
Another fab day on the hills, thanks again Andrew James Thorley on your guiding today, you were amazing, will defo be booking with you again xx
What can I say? Today with returning clients Lynne D'Agostino and Carol Haddow we were very lucky with the weather! 🙂
The forecast was for heavy rain early morning with very strong winds. A dry spell followed by heavy rain mid-afternoon with continued strong winds.
As it turned out, the heavy rain rolled through, very early morning. 🙂 Thank goodness! It woke me at 05.30am! And there was no heavy rain mid-afternoon. 🙂
We started the walk as planned from Inverlael near the Braemore Junction. Walking through the forest towards the stalkers track that would lead us to Seana Bhraigh. Possibly the remoteness munro of them all. 🙂
It was a pleasant wander, although we did get battered at times from the wind. At times it felt almost like winter winter was upon us. The wind was that cold! 🙂 Thankfully the spells of sunshine, warmed us up. 🙂
A perfectly clear summit with awesome views all round. 🙂 Unfortunately the cold wind, meant a quick lunch followed by photo's and a hasty retreat! 🙂
A much better than expected day! Andy, 20th August 2022 🙂
#seanabhraigh
#remote
#long
#distance
#munrobagging
#scotland
#aspectmountaineering
Brilliant day thanks again Andy xx
That looks fab. Well done Carol, Lynne and Andy. Great photos
This event has now sold out!!! 🙂 Do not panic!!! 🙂 We have still have spaces available on the 3rd June 2023 🙂 www.facebook.com/events/1442543819598059/?acontext=%7B%22event_action_history%22%3A[%7B%22surface%22%3A%22page%22%7D]%7D 🙂
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When this happens, it's usually because the owner only shared it with a small group of people, changed who can see it or it's been deleted.We'll actually be in Scotland that week!
Being flexible with your hillwalking options and understanding the weather forecast. Can have huge benefits.
Today the forecast was for heavy showers early morning followed a four hour gap of good weather before heavy rain and strong winds moved in mid afternoon.
My hill choice today was a Graham called Beinn a' Chearcaill. This fantastic hill has been on my radar for sometime. It offers some of the finest views of the famous Coire Mhic Fhearchair, The Triple Buttresses of Beinn Eighe and surrounding hills. But it is also characterised by its very bizarre flat summit strewn with boulders.
It turn out to be a good gamble, high enough to enjoy good views, yet sheltered from the strong winds across the munro tops and I missed the heavy rain that is now bouncing off my car windscreen. 🙂
A perfect four hour adventure and another Graham completed! Andy, 19th August 2022 🙂
#grahams
#grahambagging
#torridon
#scotland
#aspectmountaineering
On the 13th August 2022, I was climbing at Auchinstarry with my client Lorna McGregor. 🙂
I was approached by a photographer called Fraser who was out taking photographs on behalf of the Scottish Mountaineering Club - Guidebooks. For the upcoming Lowland Outcrops guide book. 🙂
These pictures are of myself and Lorna on Scream. 🙂
Thanks for sharing Fraser, Andy 17th August 2022. 🙂
Oh. I’ve. I had forgotten about this. Thanks Andrew 😁
Amazing 👌
Cracking photos
It is always a good feeling to have returning clients. 🙂 Lorna from my previous session at Auchinstarry Quarry, had so much fun she decided to sign up for the following day at Rosyth Quarry 14th August 2022. With son James. 🙂
Another awesome session with loads of good routes bagged including, Legover Groove VD, Andy's Route VD, The Waullie HVS* 5b, C.N.D. S* and the classic Heathy VS 4c**. Even some abseiling to top-up the "buzz" factor! 🙂
Nice to catch up with Jimmy and son Chris, both trainee RCI's working hard towards assessment. Thanks for the photo's Jimmy!
Andy, 16th August 2022 🙂
#aspectmountaineering
#climbing
#rosythquarry
#rosyth
#edinburgh
#scotland
We still have availability, contact Aspect Mountaineering for further information! 🙂