Pure Outdoor News

Shortlisted: Berghaus Challenge

noreply@blogger.com (Guy Wilson) — Thu, 04 Nov 2010 19:04:00 +0000

Wow, a good day in the office (via the Climbing Works), my workout was cut short by my eagerness to get back to the computer to promote the fact that we have been shortlisted for the Berghaus Adventure Challenge 2011.

Please could you take a second to vote for us, all you need to do is hit the button - no need to fill any forms in!

The link is here: http://www.berghaus.com/en/adventure-challenge/shortlists

This is what we are planning on doing:

The British Mount Hayes Expedition 2011

The proposed adventure, due in May 2011 is to complete a full traverse of the large and remote Mount Hayes (4216m) in eastern Alaska. For this mountaineering adventure, the party of 3 aim to travel by air taxi to the nearest glacial approach then travel by ski to establish a base camp. The group will seek the best conditions to establish the best route to achieve the objective. A full traverse of this rarely climbed mountain would be the first of its kind. it is likely that the party will come across significant but achievable mountaineering and skiing challenges.

Thanks for voting.

Oct 30-31: Beginner Navigation

noreply@blogger.com (Guy Wilson) — Mon, 01 Nov 2010 13:06:00 +0000

Oct 30-31: Beginner Navigation Course, Peak District

11 course participants this weekend with another popular Beginner NNAS Navigation Course at Pure Outdoor. Two really great groups this weekend with Becky leading one group and me with the other.

We spread out somewhat and ventured around Eyam, White Edge, Froggatt and Back Tor.

Revised Right Way in A Day Gift Packs now available, ideal for Christmas. Have a look here

The Beginner Navigation Course page can be found here:

http://www.pureoutdoor.co.uk/Courses/beginner_navigation_course.php

4 for 3 on RWIAD Gift Packs

noreply@blogger.com (Guy Wilson) — Wed, 27 Oct 2010 11:34:00 +0000

4 for 3 on RWIAD (Right Way in a Day) Gift Packs

New to 2010 is the 'Right Way in a Day' Gift Pack. Just in time for Christmas.

The RWIAD pack includes:

- Course Handbook (printed and enclosed in Pure Outdoor RWIAD Folder)
- Gift Voucher to redeem on a 'Right Way in a Day' Peak District Navigation Course during 2011. Valid on all course dates up until end May 2011.
- Pure Outdoor course brochure
- Silva Ranger 3 Compass (worth £17.95)

All for just £65.00 including Delivery (Packaging does not have Pure Outdoor graphics)

Compass in photo not exact model.

November promotion: Buy 3 Gift Packs and get a 4th pack for free.

Course Gift Voucher can be redeemed on the following dates:

2011
Friday 4th March - Peak District
Saturday 5th March, Peak District
Saturday 26th March, Peak District
Friday 1st April - Peak District
Saturday 9th April, Peak District
Saturday 23rd April, Peak District
Monday 25th April - Peak District
Monday 2nd May -Peak District (Bank Holiday)

Oct 23-24: Beginner Climbing Course

noreply@blogger.com (Guy Wilson) — Mon, 25 Oct 2010 17:27:00 +0000

October 23rd-24th Beginner Climbing Course

What a great weekend with Jackie, Drew, Jason and Liam.

We went to Burbage North on Saturday (in the rain) followed by the Climbing Works. On Sunday we went to Stanage High Neb. What a perfect day!

We ended up trying our best to overcome Kellys Overhang! Well done Drew for pulling through the roof.

Great weekend with the most climbing innuendo's ever.... I am not sure who was the butt of most of the crack jokes...oh dear.

For more information on Beginner Climbing Courses click below:

http://www.pureoutdoor.co.uk/Courses/beginner_climbers_course.php

For more photos, check out the Pure Outdoor Facebook page:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Sheffield-United-Kingdom/Pure-Outdoor/124796844224336

Oct 18-22: Learn to Lead Climb

noreply@blogger.com (Guy Wilson) — Mon, 25 Oct 2010 17:14:00 +0000

October 18th-22nd : Learn to Lead Climb course based in the Peak District.

This week I was joined by James and Adam on a Lead climbing week. It turns out the October is THE month for the weather. Ok, it was fairly grim at times, but we also had our fair share of good weather.

We managed to get heaps of climbing in at about 8 venues throughout the week. By the end of the week both James and Adam were fully fledged lead climbers with a fair amount of experience climbing various grades of routes, different rock types and multi pitch climbing.

For more information about lead climbing courses, click the link below:

http://www.pureoutdoor.co.uk/Courses/learn_to_lead.php

Here are a few pictures.

Loads more on the Pure Outdoor Facebook page.

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Sheffield-United-Kingdom/Pure-Outdoor/124796844224336

10th October: BMC Student Seminar

noreply@blogger.com (Guy Wilson) — Mon, 11 Oct 2010 10:03:00 +0000

10th October 2010: BMC Student Safety Seminar

I attended the BMC Student Safety seminar this weekend. It was great to catch up with a few regular instructors/volunteers there and discuss the stories of the past year or so.

Dave topping out on Grim Wall

I took Dave and Tim from Cardiff/Swansea climbing at Tremadog for the day. They both were quite established climbers, but we spent time looking at best practice and fine tuning skills for multi pitch climbing. Also we looked at some simple scenarios to prevent problems and explored ways of teaching others. Hopefully they will pass on a great message to other club members. During the day we climbed Grim Wall (VS 4c) and One Step in the Clouds (VS 4C) both stunning classics!

Tim enjoying One Step

Dave looking at different belay set ups on top of Bwlch Y Moch

Oct 9-10: Snowdonia Navigation

noreply@blogger.com (Guy Wilson) — Mon, 11 Oct 2010 09:50:00 +0000

October 9th-10th Snowdonia Navigation Course

A small but fantastic group was formed on Saturday morning in Pete's Eats. Here we went over some fundamental beginner navigation strategies and put them to the test during the day.

On Saturday we circumnavigated Tryfan from the Ogwen valley. Looking deeply into the map, the contours on show and lots of different uses of the compass. Unfortunately we came across a chap who had slipped and cut his leg badly at Tryfan Bwlch. Fortunately, we had Ian on hand (Paramedic) who did a textbook job handling the situation. We were all really impressed by the Ogwen Rescue effort and the couple of chaps from MR who appeared very quickly to our assistance.

Looking at aspect of slope

I had a browse of the Ogwen incident log today out of interest. I have not had a look at it for a few years. Seems like it was another busy weekend. I have not had a lot of experience working with Mountain Rescue but it is a truly great service and incidents like this really remind me to put a few extra quid in the coffers when I walk past. Take note, for an incident of this scale, 20 people (volunteers) attended. Hats off to you all.

Here is the incident log if you are interested: http://www.ogwen-rescue.org.uk/incidents/incidents.php

and you can donate here: http://www.ogwen-rescue.org.uk/online_donations/

Sunday was another lovely day and Simon accompanied the team on a day out looking at Micro Navigation. All team members passed. Another successful weekend with great feedback. Thank you very much.

Feedback from this course:

Feedback: The course content was thorough,easily put across and put into practice as the two days developed. very positive,well structured and full of knowledge. Having 15 years of military experience and to refresh my brainb cells in this valuable skill it was a wothwhile course. It is important I found that pre read and study to understand the basic skills is `important so then it can be transfered into practical skills and assessments. Excellent course and group team work.

Feedback: I really enjoyed the two days, they were challenging and fun. I am amazed at what I can now read on a map in detail and am delighted to finally understand truly the value of the compass. Both Guy and Simon were fantastic in their approach and professional in their training. a great and worthwhile 2 days, I will be back for more!!

Winter Skills Course Promo

noreply@blogger.com (Guy Wilson) — Wed, 06 Oct 2010 14:23:00 +0000

For all bookings on Winter Skills Courses this coming year (2011) we are happy to offer free rental of a Walking Ice Axe and Crampons for use with stiff soled boots!

So with a low course fee and affordable accommodation, come enjoy a whole week in the Scottish Winter Mountains for only £377.50 (course fees, 5 nights in bunkhouse accommodation and equipment hire)

Hope to hear from your soon

Guy @ Pure Outdoor

Pure Outdoor 5* Reviews

noreply@blogger.com (Guy Wilson) — Thu, 30 Sep 2010 09:36:00 +0000

You can now review your experience at Pure Outdoor. If you are interested in booking a course, look what others have written!

http://reviews.pureoutdoor.co.uk/

Pure Outdoor only started receiving reviews in August 2010 and since then we have had 5 reviews from happy customers. Fortunately each one receives a 5* rating! Hooray!

Beginner Navigation Course‎‎

By Leebrierley - 6 Oct 2010

Great course, just the right balance of information and practice to ensure you are no longer getting lost :). Will definitely be back for the intermediate course!‎

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Beginners Navigation‎‎

By Dean - 3 Oct 2010

Thanks so much Guy, Had a marvellous time. Just the right balance between information and opportunity to practice and get it right. The weekend was challenging and fun. If I ever get lost in the fog again then it won't be Guy's fault!‎

Beginners Navigation Course‎‎

By Adrian - 30 Sep 2010

Definitely recommend this course for anyone wanting to get more confidence in navigation. The instructor passed on lots of good information.‎

Brilliant experience!‎‎

By Dawn - 27 Sep 2010

Pure Outdoor's 2 day beginner navigation course has taught us loads of useful things to help prevent us getting lost when out walking. The learning element was made very enjoyable and the whole group had a great weekend. Will definitely be recommending Pure Outdoor to friends. Thanks Guy‎

Great outdoor company!!!‎‎

By Helen - 23 Aug 2010

We spent a day with an instructor from Pure Outdoor at Stanage Edge in the Peak District. We had a great time learning new techniques and skills. Our instructor was really friendly and helpful. The company's boss is super enthusiastic and accommodating. I'd recommend this company to anyone, anytime! Can't rave about them enough!‎

maps.google.com

Sep 25-26: Navigation Course

noreply@blogger.com (Guy Wilson) — Mon, 27 Sep 2010 09:34:00 +0000

September 25th-26th Peak District Navigation Course

A big group this weekend and a great opportunity for everyone to get stuck into some basic map reading skills in the Peak District national park. We also moved onto some more of the 'heavy stuff' and everyone passed the Bronze NNAS syllabus.

Thanks to everyone this weekend, it was great to have such a fun bunch out on the hills!

Hope to see you all again soon. I have attached the notes we made here. I hope they are legible! Pictures coming soon!

Guy

For more information about our popular navigation courses, click below:

http://www.pureoutdoor.co.uk/Courses/navigation_course.php

Aug 23-27: Cornwall Learn to Lead

noreply@blogger.com (Guy Wilson) — Sat, 28 Aug 2010 08:13:00 +0000

23rd-27th October : Cornwall Learn to Lead Course

Wow. What an amazing week Dave and I have just had. I was running a learn to lead climb week in Cornwall on behalf of Highpoint Mountain Guides. Could not have had a better 5 days of work really. One day rained off (went indoors) and on the other days we visited Sennen, Bosigran, Lands End and Chair Ladder. Dave and I had only one cheeky evening cragging session and during the day we ticked the Classic Rock Cornwall section.

Great week with clients Dan and Antoni.

Dan on Demo Route, Sennen.

Antoni seconding Dan on Cracked Corner, Sennen.

Doorpost, Bosigran

Pen Olver, Lands End

Our final day at Chair Ladder enjoying the classic Terriers Tooth and Pendulum Chimney

Aug 21-22: Lakes Navigation

noreply@blogger.com (Guy Wilson) — Sat, 28 Aug 2010 08:11:00 +0000

21st-22nd August : Intermediate Navigation Course & ML Refresher

Dave and I headed out to the Lakes this weekend for an enjoyable 2 days out in the Hills with Cathy, Alison and John.

We managed to get stuck into heaps of navigation and Alison and John passed the Silver NNAS award.

Aug 14th: Stanage Rock Climbing

noreply@blogger.com (Guy Wilson) — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 10:50:00 +0000

Aug 14th: Stanage Rock Climbing
Duncan went out with a group from Birmingham. No photos but some fantastic feedback.

"I just wanted to email to let you know how the day went yesterday. We've got aches and pains today in places we've never felt before but it was well worth it. We climbed some great routes and exceeded our own expectations with our climbing abilities!
The range of techniques we tried out was great; we all especially enjoyed the abseiling! We didn't do any walking or anything, because we found we were enjoying the climbing so much, and we wanted to take full advantage of Duncan's equipment and expertise. Duncan has given us a leaflet from you, and we've had a look through. There are some other activities which take our fancy, but I'll also pass it around to people at work, because some of them are keen on outdoor activities. When term begins in October I'll also spread the word around the climbing and other 'outdoor' societies at universities. I've been really impressed by how helpful you've been throughout this entire process. Is your company already listed on tripadvisor.com?
When I get back to the office on Monday morning I'll write you as glowing review as I can manage. If I can't find your company listed there already then I'll try to add it to the website and write a review when I can. Are there any other websites where I can write a review for you?

We've loved every minute of our weekend in the peak district, and I've got a feeling three climbers have been born this weekend. Looks like you've kick started an addiction!

Thanks again for everything! Hopefully we'll be in touch again soon about another trip.
Kindest regards, Helen"
more climbing course information available here: http://www.pureoutdoor.co.uk/Courses/rockclimbing.php

Aug 10-11: N Wales Climbing

noreply@blogger.com (Guy Wilson) — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 15:54:00 +0000

10th-11th Aug: North Wales Climbing
Fun in the Sun at Gogarth Main Cliff on Wednesday with Dave. An amazing Multi Pitch Climbing Venue.

5th August: Team Building

noreply@blogger.com (Guy Wilson) — Fri, 06 Aug 2010 09:01:00 +0000

5th August: Team Building with a local Ambulance Team

Cracking day. What a laugh! Scrambling, climbing, free-hanging abseiling, weaseling, walking, exploring and adventuring. Nearly Geo-Caching (but it packed in!).

Thanks to Chris, Paul, Chrissy, Sam and Shane
To Enquire about Group and Corporate Team Building events, click here.

Scottish Winter Skills Weeks only £378 inc Accommodation. Book Now

noreply@blogger.com (Guy Wilson) — Wed, 04 Aug 2010 20:48:00 +0000

Scottish Winter Skills Weeks only £378 inc Accommodation. Book Now

Dates now available.

We have teamed up with Aviemore Bunkhouse and the Old Bridge Inn to offer you a 5 day winter skills course including bunkhouse accommodation for only £377.50.

Click here for more information:
http://www.pureoutdoor.co.uk/Courses/winter_skills_week.php

July 28th-29th: Cuillin Hills

noreply@blogger.com (Guy Wilson) — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 17:06:00 +0000

July 28th-29th: Isle of Skye, Cuillin Mountains

A long way north for a couple of days in the mountains. Not so much work this time but a couple of day out with some old friends guiding the Pinnacle Ridge on Sgurr nan Gillean, an amazing ridgeline with 5 towers en route. Very reminiscent of the Alps, except with a load more rain.

On the second day we drove round to Glen Brittle and had another magnificent scrambling day on Window Buttress followed by the Inaccessible Pinnacle. Great exposure, an abseil descent and a quick run down to get Fish and Chips.

If you are interested in Scrambling and Mountaineering or a guided trip to the Cuillin (including the classic ridge traverse) see the links below.

http://www.pureoutdoor.co.uk/Courses/scrambling.php

http://www.pureoutdoor.co.uk/Guiding/cuillin_ridge_skye.php

July 25th: 3 Peaks Event

noreply@blogger.com (Guy Wilson) — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 17:01:00 +0000

July 25th: Scafell Pike Guided

With a large group from Manchester's 'Social Circle' we were destined for a good day out. Unfortuntely, the start time was 4am! Still, this didn't mean there was no singing and merriment on the slog up the hill!

With a large group but plenty of support, everyone made the summit and were on their way to Snowdon. I left them at that point and headed north to the Isle of Skye... (see next post).

Here is a link to the Social Circle, Manchester:

http://www.social-circle.co.uk/event-view.asp?id=1832

24th July: SPA Refresher

noreply@blogger.com (Guy Wilson) — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 16:57:00 +0000

24th July SPA Refresher Course

(Photos to come)

With a 1:1 SPA Refresher course, Joanne and I headed up to a Western Grit crag to get stuck into looking at rope techniques for the Single Pitch Award. The rain held off, we looked at setting up slick belays, group abseils, utilising high and low anchors and some rescue/recovery scenarios.

To enquire about an SPA refresher or SPA course, click this link:

http://www.pureoutdoor.co.uk/Courses/spa_refresher_course.php

July 17th-18th: Beginner Navigation

noreply@blogger.com (Guy Wilson) — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 10:02:00 +0000

Getting lost on the open moor...

July 17th and 18th Beginner Navigation Course NNAS

Thanks to all who attended. A pleasant couple of days. Course Report to come soon but here is some feedback for now!

"A great weekend, learning new skills from a talented and patient instructor. The group size was just right with lovely formerly "lost" souls! We're looking forward to putting our new skills into practice and would certainly strongly recommend Pure Outdoor !"

July 14th-15th: Climbing Course

noreply@blogger.com (Guy Wilson) — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 15:27:00 +0000

July 14th - 15th Peak District 2 Day Climbing Course

Kish and Andrew joined me on Wednesday and Thursday this week in the Peak District. Good to see some people taking the train up to the courses here in the Peak. I am always happy to do the driving for those who use public transport.

We went to Burbage North on Wednesday and over to Stanage Popular End on Thursday. As the weather was touch and go we needed to move fast between climbs and get loads in.

A bit of a treat on Thursday with a deserted Stanage crag and loads of starred routes to go at. Plenty of star meters achieved (star rating x length of route).

Andrew on Agnostics Arete 5A

The 'Be-muzzled' look

Again .. The 'Be-muzzled' look

The solution, pull harder and trust the feet

To find out more about climbing courses please visit: http://www.pureoutdoor.co.uk/Courses/rockclimbing.php

July 12th-13th: Climbing Course

noreply@blogger.com (Guy Wilson) — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 16:33:00 +0000

July 12th-13th : Private 1:1 Climbing Course in the Peak District

So it rained pretty much for the duration of the 2 days but we got plenty done!

With a low ratio private course you can cover a lot of ground over just a few days. David came not knowing too much about outdoor cimbing. He had climbed indoors and out a few times but wanted to know more about Outdoor climbing and lead climbing. Over the 2 days we looked at a vast amount of skills including becoming a competent second, placing and removing protection, fixing top anchors, abseiling, belaying from the top and bottom of the crag, holding a fall, lowering, building top and bottom rope systems, climbing grades, equipment and loads more!

David seconding a HVD in the rain.

David seconding Cardinals Arete at Yarncliffe

We ended the couple of days (in the rain) in the Climbing Works looking at movement coaching to allow David to have a little more confidence when it comes to him leading some more climbs in the future.

We visited Harborough Rocks, Yarncliffe, Stanage and the Climbing Works.

One of Davids lead climbs. Black Hawk Hell Crack S 4A

To find out more about climbing courses please visit: http://www.pureoutdoor.co.uk/Courses/rockclimbing.php

July 10th-11th: Navigation Course

noreply@blogger.com (Guy Wilson) — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 16:26:00 +0000

July 10th-11th : NNAS Beginner Navigation Course based in the North York Moors.

Summary: For those looking at getting started in the outdoors, or those wanting to start again from a clean slate. We will look into all of the basics including some basic uses of the compass. A great introduction to the navigation skills you need to get out and about. On completion of this award, participants will be able to plan and follow simple walks in the countryside mainly on paths and tracks.

Thanks to Peter, Ann, Keith and Hayley who attended the course and for bringing the sunshine to Yorkshire.

We managed to cover all of the syllabus and a lot more. The group left with lots of top tips and new techniques to allow them to navigate their way in the hills.

A few photos attached and also a little debrief form and some feedback from the group.

Feedback: The course was really informative. The tuition from Guy was relaxed, informative, hands-on and very relevant. We were shown all the techniques we needed to fulfill our requirements. At all times we felt completely comfortable,safe and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. We would have no hesitation in recommending this course.

Feedback: I really enjoyed the weekend and learnt a lot from it. I learnt a lot about maps I didn't know before. I will be a lot more confident when out walking in using a map and compass. Thanks to Guy he was a great instructor.

Find out more here: http://www.pureoutdoor.co.uk/Courses/beginner_navigation_course.php

July 4th: Beginner Climbing Course

noreply@blogger.com (Guy Wilson) — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 11:53:00 +0000

July 4th: Another day working for Highpoint Mountain Guides.

A nice day at the Roaches getting stuck into some great climbs. We finished once again up Classic Rocks - Technical Slab. It was wild and windy!

July 3rd: Lead Climbing Workshop

noreply@blogger.com (Guy Wilson) — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 11:44:00 +0000

July 3rd : Lead Climbing Workshop at Pure Outdoor

I spent today working with Mikael and Chris looking at different aspects of Lead Climbing and most importantly setting up good quality systems for creating sound belays.

Mikael making light work of leading up at Stanage High Neb

Cut the nonsense, we focused on creating simple, quality belays.

If you would like to find out more about Lead Climbing. Think about signing up for a lead climbing course at :

http://www.pureoutdoor.co.uk/Courses/learn_to_lead.php