Winter Mountain Safety Lecture – Andy Spink

“Buy time Cheaply, Planning considerations for the winter mountain season”

Sponsored by Rab

Co-sponsored by Petzl

Presented by Andy Spink

Andy Spink, WMCI, IML, BCU Level 5, Surf Coach, presents the first lecture in the 2027 series of Clachaig’s Winter Mountain Safety Lectures.

About the lecture:

Andy looks at the critical points in the decision making process when preparing for and participating in a trip in the Scottish mountains in winter conditions, and considers how these might improve your chances of keeping safe and having a rewarding and enjoyable day.

Clachaig’s lectures are informal by design, and will hopefully be as entertaining as they are educational. For 2026 lectures will be presented in the Boots Bar. There is no charge for entry. Start will be 8pm approx. If part of a larger group, please give us some advance notice so that we can do our best to prepare accordingly. To help us to continue to improve and develop the series, we’d be very grateful for your feedback after the lecture.

The series is sponsored by Rab and Petzl. Please give them your support and encouragement so that the lecture series can continue to be provided free at the point of delivery.

About Andy:

Andy Spink is the Co Founder and Senior Course Director of Hebridean Pursuits Outdoor Learning. Hebridean Pursuits Outdoor Learning are based in Oban and have been offering specialist adventure training courses since 1989.

Andy holds the UK’s highest mountaineering instructional award, the Mountaineering Instructors Certificate WMCI.  He has mountaineered, climbed new routes and guided all over the world including the Himalayas, South America, Morocco, Norway, the Alps. He completed all the Munros in 2005, mostly under winter conditions.

In his 37th season of instructing and guiding in the winter, the West Coast of Scotland remains his preferred environment for work and play and in particular Glencoe.

About the Lecture Series:

Now in the 42nd year, the Clachaig Winter Mountain Safety Lecture series is the longest running safety initiative of its kind. Designed to be a last port of call before setting off into the winter hills, each lecture will look at key safety considerations which may well be a timely reminder when planning your outing for the next day. Read more about the lecture series…

We are particularly keen to ensure that the lecture series remains FREE ENTRY as it has done since its inception. However, there are costs and we are extremely grateful for the backing and financial support of Rab. Their belief in the value of the lectures has ensured that the series can continue to be delivered for the 2027 season.

Whilst the lectures are free, we will be asking you to part with a pound, or three, as we raise funds for our chosen local charity throughout the course of ClachaigFest.

There are some great prizes from Rab and a range of other local and connected businesses. Read more about The Big Winter Raffle. 

Raffle tickets will be on sale on the night, and throughout February at Clachaig.

Also supported by and with huge thanks to Nevisport Fort William.