The Alpine Club, the world’s first mountaineering club, was founded in 1857.  For over 150 years, members have been at the leading edge of worldwide mountaineering development and exploration. 

With membership, experienced and aspiring alpinists benefit from a varied meets programme, regional lectures with notable guest speakers, reduced rates at many alpine huts, opportunity to apply for grants to support expeditions, significant discounts at many UK retailers, extensive networking contacts, access to the AC Library and maps - and more! 

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The traditional bank holiday weekend inclement weather forecast seemed set to continue, although with a notably unseasonal tinge.

Myself and John Bramwell couldn’t resist the opportunity of winter mountaineering on Arran, even if it was nearly May. Thankfully the low cloud and cold rain cleared to leave the peaks around Glen Sannox glistening white against a blue sky. The ridge crests were reasonably well frozen and provided an excellent winter traverse with fantastic rock architecture and great views over the sea to the Highlands and down to the Southern Uplands, as well as Northern Ireland! Meanwhile Nick and Dave were questing for snow free rock on The Bastion, but unfortunately were repelled by slush covered ledges. The sunset over the Glen Rosa campsite provided a fitting end to the day and great start to the meet.

The following day was blessed with more seasonal April showers, with dramatic scenes as they passed over the fine granite peaks of Arran. The North ridge of Goat Fell provided a fine day for Kate, Margaret and Keith, whilst John and I opted to traverse the excellent 3 Ben’s on the other side of the Glen. Meanwhile Nick and Dave continued their quest for dry granite on the impressive Rosa Pinnacle, which unfortunately still had a liberal coating of slush on the exit ledges. The east side of the Glen Sannox traverse provided a fine (if slippery) day out for Mark and Laura, who followed it up with running up Goat fell on the Sunday! The traverse of Beinn Tarsuinn provided an excellent outing for Margaret and Keith, who was suitably impressed by the granite peaks of Arran on his first trip to the island! The scenery of the island is superb, with some fine waterfalls too. Hopefully the weather next year will be good enough to enjoy the excellent granite rock climbing on the island!

By Adrian Dye