Our Ambleside Store Manager Emma and MD Elliot were invited by Rab to test out some Gore-Tex kit in the Scottish highlands. Emma gives us the lowdown on their trip!
Having heard many stories of gnarly Scottish Wintertime, it was, (in the words of The Godfather), an offer we could not refuse.
“How many bags are you taking”
“A carryall and a small rucksack”
Wishful thinking - A full car later and we were en route. The scenic drive heading Northbound always adds a sense of calm and excitement as we eagerly awaited the sign proclaiming you are now in Scotland! Approaching the Cairngorms we kept our eyes peeled on the hilltops in hope of snow-capped peaks. However, this time, Scotland and global warming left us brown and bare, pondering a thought of what the week of winter skills will have in store for us.
Nestled on the outskirts of Loch Morlich you will find Glenmore Lodge. One of the UK’s largest outdoor centres and now what I would call the perfect base for your Cairngorms adventure. As the evening drew in, we were welcomed by the crackling fire in the lobby and an open bar. A good night’s sleep to build energy for a full itinerary week.
Day 1 – All you think you know about Gore-Tex
We woke up to the sun shining over the Cairngorm Massif and a full English to fuel body and mind for a day of learning from the best. Retail teams from all over the globe were brought together to learn from Rab and Gore-Tex, exploring and debunking the new EPE membrane from Gore-Tex before revealing the Autumn Winter line for Rab. By the afternoon we had a woodland walk to finalise our knowledge from Gore-Tex and of course start our exploration of what Cairngorm has to offer. We tried out the Rab Microlight with the new ‘Windstopper – By Gore-Tex Labs’ a light down jacket that keeps the wind off and packs away when not needed. The evening entailed a fun way of learning how to wash your jacket with Grangers and an open bar. Who doesn’t like rum punch to finish off a day of learning whilst making many friends along the way.
Day 2 – Get your Winter Skills on
After a day at basecamp, I think we were all biting at the bit to get out on the hill. We split into teams based on skill and set out with our guide for a day of experiencing what winter in the hills can be all about. We opted for the Winter Skills course, but with no snow had no idea what they would have in store for us. The walk went by quickly as we chit chatted about gear, snacks and days out on the hill. Dave our guide knew all the right places and we found a bowl that had been sheltered from the wind and retained enough snow for us to be able to get hands on with some crampons and ice axes. The sun was shining, vibes were high and with our lunches packed by Glenmore Lodge we were all fuelled by penguins – that took me right back!
“Why can’t penguins fly?”
“Because they’re chocolate biscuits”
Overall, 10/10 day
Day 3 - Where there’s weather there’s Scotland
Some may look at today’s forecast and opt for a more leisurely low-level day. Not us. Prepped in Gore-Tex Pro, compass and map at the ready. The low visibility, high wind, minus 15 wind chill may put some people off but we wanted to experience a Scottish Mountain Day of hardy weather. Something to make you work for that cup of tea after a big day on the hill. We set off on our navigation day and ready to embrace the elements. It was a test of the kit and a day to put all our layering knowledge into practice. As we reached the summit and found the shelter, we huddled in, frosty eyelashes and frozen gloves. The wind whipping around us and an endless view of white haze. A taste of what Scottish winter can hold.
Thank you Rab and Gore-Tex for hosting us!
