Mr.Nice. <mr.nice@*nospam*clara.co.uk> wrote in
news:
[email protected]:
> On Mon, 08 Nov 2004 11:59:59 GMT, William MacLeod
> <[email protected]> wrote:
>
>>Mr.Nice. wrote:
>>
>>> I'm going to be working in that area for a couple of days
>>> in late january, I'm after a local insight into the
>>> road/driving conditions and the feasability and location
>>> of some tracks to take me away from the roads somewhat.
>>
>>January is about the time up here when we get snow up here
>>(I'm only a few miles away from Derry). Badger who also
>>posts on here is closer to Aberdeen than we are though.
>
> Handy to know, I could use someone to phone if I get
> stuck...
>
>>> I'm photographing landscapes there for a scottish
>>> magazine, There will be 3 of us but only one vehicle (my
>>> 1984 110 csw).
>>
>>Take a couple of shovels, tow rope and whatever else you
>>need to keep you warm/fed if you get stuck anywhere. I
>>wouldn't personally worry about it - the only piece of
>>advice I'd give you would be to keep your vehicle's fuel
>>tank full as possible in case you need to run the vehicle
>>heater to keep you warm if you get stuck.
>
> Check and check. I'll have my stove fitted in the back
> (butane) and a supply of food, water and 3 sleeping bags.
>
>>If there is snow then you should get some really nice
>>pictures. I wouldn't try going up tracks that are more
>>than 1ft deep of snow on normal tyres - remember you'll hit
>>drifts somewhere that will be much deeper.
>
> Duly noted. I don't yet know what kind of tyres I'll have
> on, they may be 50/50 radials or they may be deestone
> (aggressive mud) cross plies. I hope to have some snow
> chains but iff not I'll have some pre-cut nylon rope for
> the tyres.
>
>>Have fun!
>>
>>Regards
>>
>>William MacLeod
>
>
> Regards.
> Mark.(AKA, Mr.Nice.)
Ditto to Willie's advice.
You'll find this site very useful if you have access to a
computer while up here:
http://www.met-office.gov.uk/weather/europe/uk/nescotland.html
The weather varies a lot according to height above sea level,
area, etc. I have never known more than about 4 inches of snow
here (Easter Ross) but one year got 26 inches in Glenlivet,
Speyside, which stayed for six weeks! I have also known 3 inches
of snow in JUNE in Glenlivet. So there are no rules. Basically,
don't panic. We are a lot better at dealing with snow in
Scotland than you are down south. Having said that,
Aberdeenshire gets more than a fair share of snow when it comes.
As far as I can remember, the only people who ever had to be
helicoptered out were some hippies living at the Bridge of
Brown, near Grantown-on-Spey! The locals had a good laugh!
Considering what you'll be doing and where, I think chains would
definitely be a good idea, but you probably won't need them. If
you get stuck, contact a local farmer. Most are very helpful. I
have had a few occasions to be unpleasantly surprised at how bad
Land Rovers are in the mud, the last time having the indignity
of being towed out by a tractor.
For your tracks, I think I would invest in some 1" Ordnance
Survey maps (or whatever scale they are these days!). Come to
think of it, I may have a set here which I can loan you if you
email me privately -- but they may be 20 years out of date!
Are you restricted to Aberdeenshire or just assume that it will
be typically Scottish and the best bet scenically??
Derry
