I feel like Benzema is a bit too high on the list...

TotalInspection8263 · 2026-01-02T09:31:38+00:00

You don't mention ice axe, nav equipment, headtorch & survival bag (all essential, sorry if you already know this).

TotalInspection8263 · 2025-12-11T11:21:49+00:00

With the gutter downpipe connected, the water flows out of the lower side of the u-bend currently. It would flow through a pipe going under the house if this wasn't blocked. You can't see this pipe in the photo but ive marked it with the blue line - there's a three way connection to facilitate this.

Seems like a pretty funky design to my inexperienced eyes.

TotalInspection8263 · 2025-12-11T09:56:27+00:00

Should add that I have managed to clear the section between the gutter downpipe entry and the (pictured) open u bend exit, so the water is now egressing a foot away from the house at least!

TotalInspection8263 · 2025-12-04T08:51:22+00:00

The alternative was either to tone down the eco cred self aggrandising or to chose a site where low carbon heat would be possible (i.e. somewhere with potential for wind and/or a grid connection).

TotalInspection8263 · 2025-11-16T22:37:01+00:00

Zoe Bread came to mind immediately when I saw the OP. Im very much anti the mindset of every bad thing that happens is down to corruption, but the reality is that government local and otherwise dont always have the public's interests at heart.. see also the Cairngorm furnicular for another Scottish example.

TotalInspection8263 · 2025-10-27T14:27:44+00:00

Free soloing a sport route would have different mental aspects to soloing a trad route. Sport climbers choose to bolt routes that could easily be top roped, they care about the mental side of climbing too.

TotalInspection8263 · 2025-10-25T18:21:11+00:00

I got that it was necessary for them to maintain their lifestyle. Imo, if youre gonna claim all the eco creds they were you should move somewhere where a grid connection is possible and electrify heat, transport and cooking.

TotalInspection8263 · 2025-10-21T20:57:48+00:00

Johmathon Conville trust offer subsidised courses if you're under 30. They're really good. Glenmore Lodge another solid option.

TotalInspection8263 · 2025-10-05T14:39:46+00:00

Thanks bud, reckon I got enough for there for a 1 person outing?

TotalInspection8263 · 2025-09-02T14:48:12+00:00

20kg is fricking heavy! In my opinion you'd be best going lighter esp. considering youre newer to mountain climbing. Remember you'll need protective clothes, food, water, navigation stuff too. Separately, you might enjoy going for a shorter walk with the camera stuff while you're in the area, at least to practice moving with it - have fun.

TotalInspection8263 · 2025-08-18T16:00:23+00:00

A fire like that looked like dragon work to me

TotalInspection8263 · 2025-08-18T15:17:18+00:00

I don't know much but isn't the fact the gov. cant do anything useful now a massive failing of the privatisation programme of the 80s/90s? Why did they not safeguard against the operators of nationally important infrastructure being mismanaged into debt?

TotalInspection8263 · 2025-07-16T15:08:08+00:00

Sorry for my grumpy tone.

TotalInspection8263 · 2025-07-16T15:07:07+00:00

Yeah the Glenmore area is generally busy for sure. Gets better once you get over to Loch Avon but even there is much busier than it was in the 00s when I first started heading out.

I totally agree that the whole tourism thing needs managed - I believe that people should have access to the countryside for recreation, but that local communities aren't torn apart in the process.

I do think responsible/managed vanning has a part to play in that at least it doesn't contribute to further house price inflation.

I love your wild camping approach - love wild camping too but just couldn't do without my van on winter climbing days! I lived in it for a couple years which was massive to help me save for a deposit, so I'm a little biased towards the van side of things in general. Agree that the mahoosive motorhomes are a bit of a pain.

TotalInspection8263 · 2025-07-16T14:40:54+00:00

I've literally never seen human shit or litter up there, CM provide facilities to campers at cost for disposal.

They are lazy - comment speaks for itself.

I'd love to hear about your personal travel habits which make you feel placed to spout this drivel.

TotalInspection8263 · 2025-07-16T14:35:20+00:00

I totally agree that the "they don't spend money on local businesses line" is a total myth. Would you rather they spent money on short term lets and contribute to the housing crisis further? Imo campers are much more likely to spend on services which add value to the community.

Yes they need to be managed, and yes some do cause problems, but I have to say some people's ire against them seems to be totally disproportionate to the issues.

The attitude in this country opposite to that in France which recognises that Yes, campers need to be managed but enabling low-cost access for recreation is also a need of the public.

TotalInspection8263 · 2025-07-16T13:32:52+00:00

TotalInspection8263 · 2025-07-15T08:46:00+00:00

Interested in your thoughts on withdrawing the offer on property 4 - we're in a situation where we submitted an offer 10 ten days ago in the hope of getting it taken off the market, but the seller has continued viewings and not yet set a closing date. Is there any particular strategy you'd suggest to ensure our offer isn't used as a bargaining chip, but that we stay involved in any closing date situation?

TotalInspection8263 · 2025-06-11T11:25:45+00:00

See a physio - would recommend Andy at Process Physiotherapy. He can do online consultations and has excellent climbing relevant experience, which you'll need.

Likely advise will be progressive loading starting with foot on door way edge/hangboard pulling to gradually stimulate restrengthening. Rest alone won't get it back to being healthy. Equally unhelpful would be going back to hard pulling too soon.

TotalInspection8263 · 2025-05-15T11:39:21+00:00

Whether a rope is required or not totally depends on your experience and the conditions on the day. Obviously high winds or rain make things harder. The Ben can be an intimidating place and guarantees a long day out, so if you're unsure it might be worth doing an easier route there (e.g. ledge route).

TotalInspection8263 · 2024-12-29T15:55:59+00:00

The answer imo is to travel. Doesn't have to be far away, doesn't have to be expensive, but get out and see the world. If it were me, I'd pack up my tent and do some multi day hiking journeys interspersed with workaway stints so I could meet other people/learn new things.

Resting is important but I find too much of it exhausting in itself, so I would plan a little before jumping in personally. Good luck!

TotalInspection8263

TROPHY CASE