Climbing Lochnagar...we think

These are photos from this weekend's expedition up Lochnagar with 6 members of the Mearns Academy Silver DofE group.

It looks like it could be anywhere, but they swear they were at the summit, in pretty gnarly conditions!

The group did exceptionally well on a tough day in rain, wind and mist, due to good teamwork, good gear, fitness and high spirits.

It took them 8 hours, but Ailie McWhinnie, Hannah Rickman (1st munro) Sam McGuigan, Callum Mcguigan, Callum Smith and Cameron Mowatt all completed it successfully. Thanks to their Leaders Alistair Beeley, Kerstin Kramer and Teacher support from Liam Tait.

John Muir team on FAM

The team at John Muir Award asked us to post their experience of the Flag a Munro Challenge up on the blog, so here it is!

“Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature's peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their energy, while cares will drop away from you like the leaves of Autumn.” - John Muir

Thank you to the Duke of Edinburgh's Award staff in Scotland who are helping to make Flag a Munro such a fab challenge to follow and participate in. 

Enjoying, connecting with ('Nature's peace'), and caring for wild places is important to us all. Not only does it help us foster our own sense of place (home, Scotland, UK, Commonwealth, Earth, Universe...), but it also helps us focus on skills such as planning, decision-making, and cooperation - so important in all areas of our lives. 

People are climbing hills, organising picnics, and planting seeds everyday. But if schemes such as the Duke of Edinburgh's Award can encourage more to get involved, then they should be supported. 

More power to your elbow, and good luck with the rest of your challenge.
Toby
John Muir Award

PS -
we loved climbing Ben Nevis!

Ben Chonzie is Flagged

 Rowena and Dave from the Tarbert DofE group flagged Ben Chonzie on 11th May. As you can see, the clouds threatened to make it a long day, but things got a bit brighter and they managed some spectacular photos with their Flag a Munro flag!

Well done to Rowena and Dave! Have you signed up to flag your Munro yet?

Woodmill High School Get Artistic

Pupils at Woodmill High School set off on the 7th May to climb Geal Charn (Drumochter) with the Bronze DofE group. They set off very cheery and looking forward to the climb.

It was hard going as some parts, as you can see from the tired faces below...

 But it was worth it for the stunning views, and even a lucky rainbow to brighten the day!

As typical of Munro climbing, it got a bit chilly as they got higher, so hoods became necessary. The participant still managed to display their flag though!

And finally the top! And a very artistic photo it is too. It'll look great in the collage that will be created for our celebratory event in July. Stay tuned for the final piece of work.

Well done to everyone at Woodmill who flagged and congratulations for scrambling to the top of Glean Charn (Drumochter).

ACFA First!

The first group of Army Cadet Force Association climbers took to Ben Wyvis on the 10th May. Despite inclement weather on the summit of Ben Wyvis, the group achieved their aim without difficulty and in fine spirits. This was the first time any of the cadets had attempted to climb a Munro and doubtless they will go on to climb many more!

The group are pictured sheltering beside the summit cairn with the Flag a Munro Flag: Cpl Jade Walton, Cpl Lucy Burnside, Cpl Grigor Forbes, LCpl Scott Dawson, Cpl Finlay Rae and Cdt Dominic Walker.

All of the cadets are currently doing their Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award with the Army Cadet Force, except Grigor Forbes, who recently completed the Silver Award and is now attempting the Gold Award.

ATC Flag in the Fog

Air Training Corps South East Scotland Wing braved the elements to climb not 1, but 2 Munros for the Flag a Munro Challenge! 

They went out in the fog and the snow at the end of April to conquer both Ben Macdui and Cairn Gorm.

 The team on Cairn Gorm

And Ben Macdui

Thanks to their dedication there are now 4 groups who have sent in their photos - don't forget to send in yours to make your participation count! Email us your photos at flagamunro@dofe.org

John Muir Award Takes up the Challenge

Ben Nevis was climbed this week by a group from John Muir Award. Toby and his group started out in cooperative weather and captured a photo with the Commonwealth country flags of Tanzania and Zambia.

So far so good. 

The climbed up into the cloud and you can see all the snow that's still at the top, making the challenge all the more ambitious!

Thanks to Toby and his team for making the most of the Challenge and not letting a bit of snow get in their way!

The John Muir Award pairs well with your DofE. It's an environmental award that focuses on wild places and Munros are definitely wild! If you're interested in finding out more take a look at their website.

Feeling inspired to climb? You can sign up here. You have until June 16th to complete your climb and hopefully the snow will be gone by then.