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A fairly flexible pair of boots with good
lateral stiffness and well kept vibram sole are okay for hill-walking
, scrambling and simple rock climbing (Skye Ridge). They should
have a high ankle to provide support.
A simple climbing waist belt and karabiner
are adequate, but bring a harness if you have one.
Essential for parts of the course
A medium volume rucsac is best (50/55 litres).
Try not to use an 80 litre back-packing sac. They are heavy!
Essential
Could possibly be of some use at times.
Essential. The map should be made weather-proof.
A guide book can be very helpful on Skye...’Scrambles
on Skye’ by J.Wilson Parker, (Cicerone Press) is a reasonable
book, and comes with some maps. The O.S. 1:25000 map, Outdoor
Leisure Series No 8, Cuillin and Torridon Hills, is worth
buying. For Ben Nevis and Glen Coe, a sheet 41 - 1:50,000
O.S map is okay plus ..'Scrambles in Lochaber'..by Noel Williams
(Cicerone Press).
For blisters, headaches, midges and sunburn!
This could be a light-weight 2/3 seasons
bag and would be used on a bivouac if attempting the main
Skye Ridge Traverse.
If you have a Gore-Tex bag bring it along,
otherwise a large poly survival bag (500gauge)
is adequate.
This should be lightweight and include
packet soups, biscuits, dried fruit, energy bars and dehydrated
meals for two days on the Skye Ridge.
For bivouacs on the Isle of Skye, if attempting
a ridge traverse or camping.
Essential to be able to carry a litre of
fluids at least.
This
should be warm and include mitts/gloves/socks, woolly hat,
breeches or track-suit trousers and two light-weight fleece
tops. Personal preference will largely dictate this area of
equipment. Shorts, floppy hat, sun specs and trainers might
also be useful!! A cheap pair of garden gloves would be useful
for folk wishing to protect their hands from the very rough
rock on the Isle of Skye!!
For people who are self-catering, you can
either bring most of your food with you or shop in Portree
for fresh goods. Portree has all you will require for buying
food plus a number of places to eat out in the evenings.
Please indicate any items you might require to hire before
arriving on any course Please ask before the course starts
if you have any questions concerning the suitability of your
own equipment.
Before arriving on any of these courses it would
be worth learning a few simple knots (Double Figure of Eight;
Clove Hitch; Bowline) and possibly reading up on ropework
and scrambling.
Two books are recommended as follows:
( Available from climbing shops)
- Modern Rope Techniques (Nigel Shepherd)
- Handbook of
Climbing (Fyffe & Peter)
All of these courses require a good level of
fitness. If you have the time, try swimming; cycling; jogging
or walking on a regular basis before arrival. It all adds
to the enjoyment of the course!
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