ABOUT THE GATHERING
The Scottish Highlands in winter can be challenging and intimidating, but they can also be awe-inspiring and magical.
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With the right skills and knowledge, you can make these mountains your playground throughout the winter months.
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Celebrate International Women's Day with a sociable weekend of winter adventures and an opportunity to try new things in a safe, supportive environment. We have a range of winter events and workshops on offer, with everyone invited to stay together in our cosy lodge accommodation (discounted for attendees) at Roam West (optional). There is a bar/restaurant with open fire on site for relaxation and sharing tales with new mountain buddies! Our location also gives us easy access to the hills of both Fort William and Glencoe.
Whether you're interested in winter hillwalking, winter skills, winter running or cold-water dipping, there is something for everyone - led by our experienced local guides.
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See below for details on all courses/workshops taking place as part of the Women's Winter Gathering on 8th & 9th March 2024. Simply sign up for any event/s that take your fancy and join us in a celebration of women outdoors this winter!​
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*Photo credit Hannah Shaw
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FEATURED TALKS
We also have some truly empowering and inspirational talks for you on the Saturday evening (8th March at Roam West bar).
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The session will be hosted by Girls on Hills Co-Founder and Running Challenges guidebook author Keri Wallace, who will also take questions about her recent Winter (unsupported) West Highland Way FKT.
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INTO THE DEATH ZONE
Lee Donald. A touching, motivating and highly inspiring story of how someone can overcome and channel obstacles, setbacks and mental health issues into resilience, strength and success. Award-winning Fitness Entrepreneur, Mum of two and Everest Summiteer, Lee will be sharing her personal story of summitting Mount Everest; a truly remarkable journey 'from rock bottom to the top of world'. Lee Donald is the 7th Scottish woman to conquer the highest mountain in the world.
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FROZEN MILES, UNBREAKABLE SPIRIT
Sabrina Pace-Humphreys. How to not only survive but THRIVE in winter ultrarunning races and challenges. Sabrina is a Granny, an ultrarunner, published author, social activist, public speaker and co-founder of the community and campaigning charity, Black Trail Runners! She will be joining us to share her experiences of training for and racing winter ultra events, including the Winter Downs 200 and the Arc of Attrition. She will also be talking about her work to increase inclusion, participation and representation of ethnically diverse populations in trail running in order to create a truly inclusive sector for all.
PROGRAMME
Friday evening - Girls on Hills 'meet n greet', Roam West Bar 8pm (optional)
Saturday
8:30am tbc - Meet your guide/s for Winter Skills 101/ Glencoe in Winter/Microspikes Run (08:30 tbc), Roam West
4pm approx. - Tea and cake back at Roam West on your return from the hill
7pm - Group meal in the Roam West bar/restaurant (optional)
8pm - Speaker evening; Everest Summiteer and PT Lee Donald and Black Trail Runners founder and ultrarunner Sabrina Pace-Humphreys (hosted by Keri Wallace, Girls on Hills), Roam West
Sunday
8:30am tbc - Meet your guide/s for Winter Skills 101 or Glencoe in Winter, Roam West
9am - Short walk and Cold-water dip (waterfall dip!) with certified Open Water Swim Coach (no experience required), from Roam West
WORKSHOPS
Winter Skills 101 (accomm & meal optional)
DATE: Sat, 8 Mar 2025 08:30 - Sun, 9 Mar 2025
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PRICE: £195 - £260 per person
If you're a keen summer hill-walker but lack the skills to venture into the winter mountains, then this is the course for YOU! It is also part of the Girls on Hills 'Women's Winter Gathering', with lots of events and sociable get-togethers over the weekend. The event falls on International Women's Day, so is also a great way to celebrate this important occasion, with an awesome bunch of likeminded outdoor women!
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The mountains of Scotland are a breath-taking sight when covered with snow, but without the skills and knowledge to negotiate them safely, they can be very dangerous. ‘Winter Skills 101‘ is a two-day course which aims to give women the skills and confidence to continue hill-walking safely into the winter months.
Microspikes Run: Guided Winter Trail Running Adventure
DATE: Sat, 8 Mar 2025 07:30 - 15:00
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PRICE: £85
Have you ever tried running in snow or wearing a pair of microspikes over your trail shoes? If not, then this is your chance! Sponsored by Katoolah, all runners will receive a pair of microspikes to wear as we explore the rugged trails Lochaber in search of snow and ice! Also supported by Petzl, Dexshell and Mountain King poles, we're going to take you on a winter journey where the right clothing and equipment will transform your experience of Scottish winter running.
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We can't tell you what the weather will be, but we can tell you it won't be warm! - we may face snow, rain, hail or ice but we will be prepared no matter what. Contact us if you wish to add on any accommodation at Roam West.
Glencoe in Winter (accomm & meal optional)
DATE: Sat, 8 Mar 2025 08:30 - Sun, 9 Mar 2025
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PRICE: £195 - £260
The mountains of Scotland are a breath-taking sight when covered with snow but they can also be intimidating. If you've been on a winter skills course before (from Girls on Hills or another provider) or if you already have winter skills experience but are feeling rusty, then this is the weekend for you!
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Brush-up your prior knowledge and put new skills into practice in a safe and supportive setting.
The weekend is also part of the Girls on Hills 'Women's Winter Gathering', with lots of events and sociable get-togethers over the weekend. The event falls on International Women's Day, so is a great way to celebrate this important occasion, with an awesome bunch of likeminded outdoor women!
Winter Mountaineering or Scottish Winter Climbing
DATE: Sat, 8 Mar 2025 and/or Sun, 9 Mar 2025
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PRICE: Varied. Contact us for availability and quote
Whether you're looking to try winter mountaineering (single-axe routes), Scottish Winter Climbing or develop exisiting skills, we have a number of female Winter Mountaineering and Climbing Instructors (WMCI) on our team who would just LOVE to take you out! You will need to have/hire mountaineering boots and crampons but the rest of your kit will be provided. Ratio 1:1 or 1:2 only.
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As part of the Girls on Hills 'Women's Winter Gathering', your bespoke climbing day will be part of a sociable get-together over the whole weekend, should you choose to join us at Roam West. Why not come along and celebrate International Women's Day, with an awesome bunch of likeminded outdoor women!
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Get in touch and let us know what you're keen for any we'll get it booked in!
