The BMC ran a brilliant and highly successful day-long seminar on trip and expedition planning at Plas y Brenin on 12 January 2013. The seminar was for those wanting to know more about the practicalities of planning and taking part in trips and expeditions to the Greater Ranges.

The event had been designed to help those considering going to the greater ranges for the first time and also for those with more experience wanting to top up their skills and knowledge and was split into two parts.

The first part of the day consisted of a series of workshops.  

First off, George Cave amazed everyone with how IT and Google Earth can be used to help plan and plot the progress of a trip.

Adele Pennington, a guide who has also climbed five 8,000m peaks, delivered a workshop on on the physiological and psychological preparation of climbing high.  Complimenting Adele's workshop, Rob Spenser talked about medical issues of expeditions and climbing high. 

Rob Greenwood spoke about going light - and what that means in terms of gear choice. Nick Colton gave an informative talk about raising money and how to apply for various grants schemes.

Spike Green gave a workshop that looked at how to assess what resources you have available - time, money, etc - and the various trip options that then throws up.  Ian Parnell and Dave Wilkinson looked at  different mountain regions in the world to both inspire and inform.

The second part of the day was a series of awe inspiring lectures by people who have recently been on trips and expeditions. These were:

• Gojung (Mugu Chulli), West Nepal, by Mick Fowler
• Amuri-Tepui, Venezuela, by George Ullrich
• Rimo III, East Karakoram, by Simon Yearsley
• Kangertittivatsiaq, East Greenland, by Matt Traver
• Nick Bullock talked about his adventures on his trips to Sharks fin in India,  Annapurna III in Nepal, and the Slovak direct route on Alaska's Denali. All delivered in Nick's unique and gripping style.

There was a great buzz about the day as participants and speakers mixed easily and discussed ideas and gave advice. Nick Bullock's final talk was absolutely rammed and rounded off the day leaving everyone fired up to go to new places and seek out fresh challenges. 

The event was supported by the Alpine Club and Tangent expeditions.

Although the day was specifically for those wanting to learn about expeditions to the greater ranges. It also showcased what younger mountaineers are doing in these exciting times. It also highlighted what the BMC does to support those wanting to go on small independent expeditions. The event also helped to raise money for BMC expedition grants. These grants enable young cash-strapped mountaineers to go on expeditions. 

The BMC would like to thank all the amazing speakers who generously gave their time and shared their knowledge, as well as all the staff at Plas y Brenin for being such good hosts, and also the Alpine Club and Tangent Expeditions for supporting the event.

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