Winter Skills Courses 2010

New Winter Skills Course dates for 2010

We are pleased to announce the return of our ever popular Winter Skills Day and Winter Skills Weekend courses to our new 2010 programme. We are also pleased to announce the price for these courses has been frozen at 2009 pricing too!

Winter Skills Day Course - £55

This is the absolute minimum course for winter mountain walking and is a basic introduction to, or revision of, the essential skills needed for walking in the hills in winter.

Topics covered include:

• Movement on snow slopes
• Uses of an ice axe
• Self arrests
• Step cutting
• Uses of crampons

Dates for next year are 20 January, 30 January, 4 February, 27 February, 3 March, 20 March.

For more information and to book please see our Winter Skills Day.

Winter Skills Weekend Course - £225

Learning the skills to move around securely in the winter hills in Scotland is an essential part in the development of personal outdoor skills. As with many aspirations, if you don't try it you'll never know what you're missing...

Highly recommended for aspiring winter mountain walkers, this is a detailed practical course in winter techniques.

Topics covered include:

• Movement on snow slopes
• Uses of an ice axe
• Self arrests
• Step cutting
• Uses of crampons

Dates for next year are 15-17 January, 5-7 February, 12-14 March.

For more information and to book please see our Winter Skills Weekend.

New Paramo garments - Autumn/Winter 2009

New Paramo garments - Autumn/Winter 2009

There are some great new additions to the already extensive range of Paramo garments. New to the range this Autumn are:

Ladies Paramo Fuera Crest Windproof Jacket - The NEW Paramo Fuera Crest is designed specifically for women, with a contoured fit and well thought-out features making it an ideal multi-activity jacket.

Ladies Paramo Halcon Jacket - Working with outdoor professionals such as Joe Cornish and John Aitchison, a new deluxe version of the much acclaimed Pájaro Jacket is now ready to hit the hills and wildlife hides.

Mens Paramo Halcon Jacket - Working with outdoor professionals such as Joe Cornish and John Aitchison, a new deluxe version of the much acclaimed Pájaro Jacket is now ready to hit the hills and wildlife hides.

Paramo Torres Sleeves - The new Paramo Torres Sleeves are a radical idea, providing really fast warmth for minimal weight. Warming the arms alone is really speedy and hassle free with real benefits for whole body warmth and for maintaining dexterity in the fingers.

Paramo Torres Trousers - Lightweight insulated trousers for both comfort and survival. The Torres Trousers are designed to maintain good insulation and water repellency in extreme or prolonged cold and/or wet.

Paramo Quito Jacket - This lightweight, close-fitting multi-activity jacket has been designed for high energy activities and warmer temperatures.

Paramo Velez Adventure Trousers - The NEW Men's Velez Adventure Trousers benefit from a contoured shape, reducing fabric bulk and flap, plus long thigh vents for superior ventilation.

Trossachs on 2 Wheels - Sponsored Cycle Ride

Boat, Bike and Barbecue - Sunday 20 September

We are pleased to be associated again this year with the Trossachs on Two Wheels sponsored cycle ride for The Muscular Dystrophy Campaign on Sunday September 20th.

The Muscular Dystrophy Campaign is the only UK charity focusing on muscle disease and with over 30,000 people in the UK with muscle disease and the Campaign has pioneered the search for a cure and treatment for over 47 years.

The Trossachs are accurately described as The Highlands in Miniature and provide plenty of thrills and hills for the serious cyclist and a scenic bike ride for all the family with time to relax at a barbecue at the end of the day.

Choose from one of the following three routes:

Route 1

Start with a trip on the steamer from Loch Katrine Pier to Stronachlachar. Then cycle 23 miles of ups and downs round Loch Katrine, followed by a specially designed route avoiding traffic to Loch Venachar. Registration starts 9:30 - 10:00 am. Registration fees Adult £20 Child £12 Family £64

Route 2

A return trip on the steamer, then on your bike for a 10 mile ride to Loch Venachar on a family friendly route. Registration starts 9:30 - 10:00 am. Registration fees Adult £20 Child £12 Family £64

Route 3

A 10 mile family friendly scenic route from Loch Katrine Pier to Callander. Registration starts at 12:00.Registration fees Adult £10 Child £5 Family £30

More information on Trossachs on 2 wheels

For more information contact visit the Trossachs on 2 wheels web site or contact Glenn Oakes, Volunteer Fundraising Manager for Scotland: 02890 751 497 scotland@muscular-dystrophy.org

Autumn / Winter 2009 Páramo Range

Autumn / Winter 2009 Páramo Range

In a few weeks time we will be taking delivery of some new Páramo outdoor clothing items.

Quito Jacket – a unisex multi-activity jacket in the new lightweight waterproof fabric. If you find your current Páramo jacket a bit too warm or heavy for summer, why not take a look at this one?

Fuera Crest – a ladies specific addition to the ever popular range of Fuera windproof jackets.

Halcon Jacket – a top of the range bird watching and country pursuit jacket with an incredible 9 pockets!

Velez Adventure Trousers – waterproof trousers in the new lightweight waterproof fabric. A lighter weight version of that perennial favourite the Cascada trousers.

We have a separate mailing list for our Páramo customers advising them of special offers, sale events and new garments. Let us know if you wish to be added to it.

Don't forget, if you have been on a holiday or course with us, we will give you a 10% discount on Páramo purchases. Discounts are also available for members of the SYHA, Mountaineering Council of Scotland and Ramblers Association.

If you are looking to pick up a bargain check out our virtual sale rails on our Paramo Clothing web site for some special offers.

Scotland's Rural Past Project

BTO Scotland Free Bird Survey Taster Days

The Scotland's Rural Past Second Annual Conference will take place on Saturday 14 November 2009 at the Ben Nevis Hotel, Fort William. The conference programme, booking form and further details will be sent out in early August and will also be made available on the Scotland's Rural Past website. We look forward to seeing you there!