Alloa's Kenny Wilson is continuing his training for a trek up Africa's highest peak - Mount Kilimanjaro - for Asthma UK. His latest blog covers a walk up Cruach Ardrain near Crianlarich .

Cruach Ardrain is a very craggy 'Y'-shaped mountain with two parallel long ridges running NW towards Crianlarich either of which can be used for access.

The more westerly of the two NW ridges is the normal access route from the track in Coire Earb to Grey Height (685m) then SE to ascend the West face of the mountain.

If you have come from Stirling you should have Crianlarich train station on your left, pass the first parking place and proceed to the next parking place which is an off road lay-by (2 minutes drive from station) park up here and cross a style and head over a very muddy field to an under-pass under the rail line. Follow a farmer style road over a weather worn bridge, follow this road crossing a few small streams until you reach a gate with a style, there is a path to your left but this is another route that I'm not sure about but I know it's very muddy (other guilds will tell you to hug the forest tree line but this area has been feld) once across the gate look for two large boulders on your right (the river should be on your left) start making your way up the steep shoulder of Grey Height. There is no clear path up this grassy slope but once you reach the ridge there is a clear path which will take along the ridge to Cruach Ardrain.

However, once I reached the summit of Grey Height the conditions changed but that's why I was there. The snow covered mountain was fantastic, armed with a compass and advanced compass readings I made my way for over an hour in sometimes knee high snow but what an amazing buzz, pure white mountain and amazing features.

But please please be warned winter walking is a different experience altogether. Make sure you are kitted out and that you know the dangers. Choose a walk which is appropriate to you or your group's abilities and the prevailing weather conditions, keep away from edges and be aware of avalanches go to www.youtube.com/ice-axe self arrest to learn tips on mountain safety Equipment -always carry a map and compass and know how to use them (Ordnance Survey maps scale 1:50,000 or 1:25,000 are recommended). Carry equipment for use in an emergency such as a torch, snow axe, First Aid Kit and emergency shelter, food & a whistle. The emergency signal is six blasts on a whistle or six flashes with a torch.