While trawling the internet I was delighted to see the continued existence of the Gentian Club. In the early seventies I had just left school in Jersey and like many young islanders I was yearning for the experience of large open spaces. Joining the YHA was a natural choice at the time and George Watkins

All, Independent Hostels have posted the ‘Badrallach Bothy on Little Loch Broom’ blog written by Mike following the Clubs’ visit to the area earlier in the year. Included is a short piece about the Club to attract more members. Thanks to Steve B and Ted for organising and to Mike for the article. Have a good

Independent Hostel Guide Independent hostels, like youth hostels, have private rooms and dorms, flexible lengths of stay and self catering kitchens.  Designed with walkers and cyclist in mind they have drying rooms, boot racks and no chintz. Bunkhouses and camping barns are both types of independent hostels.  All hostels welcome groups and are able to let

We have received the following from the BMC regarding the rebrand to Climb Britain. To: BMC affiliated clubs BMC rebranding – engagement with clubs Following my email of earlier this week I am writing to draw your attention to the update article as posted on the BMC website yesterday, see: https://www.thebmc.co.uk/climb-britain-update-from-the-bmc There has been a strong

Down-climbing on soft snow is never a pleasant activity but with a light rain falling and mist thickening to completely obscure the glacier we recalled the old alpine adage of ‘To summit is optional, to descend safely is mandatory’ and reluctantly decided to abandon our objective and return to the hut. In Summer conditions Habicht

Nine Gentians met at Ynysmarchog Bunkhouse near Trecastle on Friday 15th July. Saturday dawned with good promise so we set off south towards Glyntawe by car then headed out to climb Carmarthen Fan to include Fan Hir, Fan Brycheiniog and Picws Du. The weather was appalling! Heavy rain, 20 metre visibility and strong winds were the order

In November we headed to Capel Curig in Snowdonia for a weekend in the Carneddau – but not before climbing Great Orme near Llundudno on the way there. On the Saturday the weather was glorious with lots of lying snow so some of us headed up Nant y Benglog before climbing Pen yr Helgi Du via Y

For the February 2015 Winter Meet we stayed at the Inverardran Cottage Bunkhouse in Crianlarich, Scotland. On the first day we attempted to climb Ben More but did not reach the summit due to excessively high winds. On the second day three of us attempted to climb Ben More via the north east ridge – but again did