Skiing in Scotland

Snow. It’s a wonderful thing isn’t it? It’s one of the few things that can make a whole office stop what they’re doing and run to the window to communally watch the small soft white flakes float majestically to the ground. Snow means Christmas and holidays are near, and for some that spells a skiing or snowboarding trip to some wonderful far flung country.

But… The thing is, it doesn’t have to be far flung. Scotland has recently been named one of the top 15 best value skiing destinations in Europe. And to be more specific, Cairngorm. In fact the place is already covered in snow and pretty chilly too, with the temperature over the next few days looking to drop to -4C.

Beginner or pro, Cairngorm Mountain has a lot to offer. And if you’re not into skiing or snowboarding, you can always do a spot of sledging, walking or climbing. Being one of the coldest and wildest places in Britain, the Cairngorms offer some of the best rock and winter climbing. And if you’re a keen photographer, I hear the Mountain Garden has some beautiful wild flowers.

Cairngorm earlier this year

Guitars and mountains

Plas Y Brenin’s Big Acoustic Walk sounds like the perfect escape from a hectic lifestyle

I’ve always been one who enjoys being in the mountains, so my face lit up when I heard Plas Y Brenin was holding a musical walking weekend called The Big Acoustic Walk on 8-9 December.

The idea of spending a weekend walking in the mountains and evenings in a cosy pub listening to acoustic music sounds like the perfect escape from the hectic journalism masters I currently find myself on.

The weekend is designed to suit walkers and musicians of all abilities, allowing you to choose guided walks ranging from ‘very gentle’ to ‘highly challenging’. It’s a great place to catch up with friends and family and meet fellow mountain enthusiasts too.

the perfect escape 

I’ve always wanted to walk in Snowdonia. The closest I’ve been is Cadair Idris, at the bottom end of the park. That was awesome, but I’ve heard the further north you go the more beautiful it gets.

So the days will be spent walking in the mountains with Plas Y Brenin’s guides and instructors. I find it’s always great walking with people who know what they’re doing – you can learn so much.

Post walk will involve a hearty cuppa tea (or coffee) and some freshly baked cakes, followed with a warming meal and an open mic night in the bar. If you’re one for getting your guitar or ukulele out, this will be your opportunity to shine. Or if you’re like me, you’ll just sit back and enjoy.

I hear there are fantastic views of the Snowdon Horseshoe from the bar – the perfect end to an adventurous weekend. The bar boasts some lovely locally brewed ales and hearsay has it Brenin Beers is pretty good!

You can book via the website. Plas Y Brenin also runs a number of other brilliant courses, including the Scottish Introduction to Winter Climbing, Discover Mountain Biking and Adventure Sports Holidays.