Scottish Winter Skills Weekend - A Review by Grace Shephard

I went on the winter skills course this February, not having any experience of Scottish winter, and not knowing what to expect. But I had the best time! Despite a bit of drama getting there, as storm Eunice was happening and flights were being cancelled left, right and centre. I'm beyond grateful mine didn't get cancelled!

As a complete beginner, initially I was a bit insecure. But as soon as I got into my group and met our leaders, I didn't feel out of place at all. Our leaders Charlie Chambers and Hayley Webb were so supportive and experienced I instantly felt safe. Each of us in the winter skills course had come with different goals, different levels of experience and fitness, but it all worked really well.On the first day, we took advantage of the perfect weather and summited the Cairngorm, learning skills along the way.The second day we stayed a bit lower as the weather on the summits turned pretty wild. We had a long walk through the woods, found some snow, made snow shelters and laughed a lot, before coming back to a cafe to do some more in depth avalanche awareness training around coffee and cake.

The whole weekend was just brilliant and I would recommend it to anyone and everyone.I was (and still am) a complete beginner. I had never worn crampons or mountain boots, put gaiters on or even been in snow that wasn't brown slush from a city in the south of the UK! I came away from that weekend with more than I'd anticipated. Not only had I bagged my first Monroe, but I also learnt so much, about weather and avalanche risk, navigation and how to walk and stay safe in the snow. I started to get to grips with navigation skills, but mainly I was absorbing the information and staying present in what was my first experience out on the hills.I learnt a lot about myself and had so much fun with these new friends; like minded, supportive women all looking to gain experience, confidence and independence in the outdoors and who are keen for adventure. 

I'm not sure I could have had a better first time experience. I'm so grateful to the women's alpine adventure club for running these types of events. It was very inclusive and everyone was so helpful and supportive. I'm so excited for the next one! Will 100% be doing it again.