We have previously posted a blog about the Outdoor Capital prize of a days guiding and accommodation in Lochaber that was offered in Dec 2007 Country Walking magazine. Now you can read about what our winner Christine thought - she kindly sent through this update on her prize weekend away.

'We write in connection with the prize of a Winter Walking course and 2 nights Bed & Breakfast which we won through Country Walking magazine earlier this year and would like to thank everyone concerned with the prize.

Due to a hectic social calendar we were only available to take up this break and winter walking course 3 weeks ago and at the time of booking there had been no snow whatsoever. However, a few days prior to our arrival there had been quite a few inches of snow on high ground and coupled with the glorious autumn colours and beautiful blue sky, we had a day to remember.

The hospitality extended by our hosts, Steve & Marilyn Dennis of Riverside Lodges, Invergloy was first class – they couldn’t have done enough for us. They even provided home made cake and mulled wine on our return from our full day’s walking.

Mike Pescod of Abacus Mountaineering collected us at 8 am and discussed our walking itinerary and off we went (Editors note: the prize was offered by West Coast Mountain Guides but Alan Kimber was out of the country and organised for a fellow guide to take the prizewinners out). There was just the right amount of snow for part of the walk for us to use crampons which although we have been hillwalking for several years had never used these. We had already indicated to Mike that we would like to gain some experience doing some high ridge walking and given the fact there was no wind whatsoever, we completed Stob Ban via North Ridge and then Sgurr a’ Mhaim taking in the Devil’s Ridge feeling very pleased with ourselves. Our mountaineer Mike set a suitable walking pace throughout and offered encouragement when needed in tricky situations and we had a thoroughly enjoyable day before being delivered back home to Invergloy.

We added an extra day at Riverside ourselves which allowed to us to climb another Munro on the Monday and as you can see from the photograph we had an extremely enjoyable break.

A big thank you to you all and also Anna (from the Outdoor Capital) for doing the organising. Definitely a good prize to win! '

Note: if you want to brush up your winter walking skills now is the time to book a course - see the Ice Factors special offer of 10% discount if you book before the end of November

A cross country rider on the 'Failte' section of the course - a tricky rock section which means welcome in Gaelic!



If you forgot your camera or didn't make it along the event then there are great pics on the Nevis Range website

http://www.nevisrange.co.uk/summer/mountain/gallerydisplay.asp?id=364

and some brilliant video coverage at http://www.freecaster.com/.

To be truly terrified go to the helmet cam footage of rider Matti Lehikoinen in training

http://www.freecaster.com/live/1000006_1004825

But it’s not all thrills and spills – its a great event to go to even if your idea of a nice bike ride is a pootle down the canal towpath. There is lots to see and do in the event village, such as the VisitScotland and Forestry Commission skills circuit for youngsters.

There was lots to do in town too with free music being provided in Fort William headlined by the Jyrojets with a World Cup Ceilidh following on at the Nevis Centre. Ever seen 250 people do a Strip the Willow (a particularly rowdy Scottish dance)? Well, neither had I until Sat night; and I think that dance alone meant I got my exercise for the day. Great fun, I can not wait till next year!

Anna