Archives: Projects

This breathtaking triptic depicts the panorama of the Cairngorm massif, viewed from Drumuillie in the Spey valley.

Commission 2020.

This imposing gully overlooks the spectacular Loch A’an basin and provides great winter climbing when in condition. In bad winter weather the spindrift cascades down the face, engulfing the unwary.

This piece was commissioned by the Coker family for the Cairngorm Mountain Rescue Team.

‘This painting is the view climbers get as they enter the jaws of Hells Lum, a well known route in the Loch Avon basin in the heart of the Cairngorms.  I climbed this with my Father, Iain.  After a lifetime of hillwalking in Scotland, including nearly two rounds of the Munros, Dad started getting into some more vertical exploits with me later in life, climbing his first winter route on his 60th birthday.  This day out was probably the pinnacle of our joint efforts, made memorable by some steep ground, an airy belay and meeting the renowned mountaineer Al Hinkes on the route. Joining the RAF Mountain Rescue was the start of my Father’s career in the hills and the stories from it were a large part of my motivation to join CMRT.  The painting is dedicated to the simple pleasures and shared experiences that time in the mountains brings to us’ 

Simon Coker

Commission for Cairngorm Mountain Rescue Team 2019.

Sitting on the east side of the Lairig Ghru, Braeriach is Scotland’s third highest Munro at 1296m. Steep cliffs south of the summit lead back down into the valley below. This painting is a true reflection of my experience of Braeriach. This adventure, alongside two strong, skilled and wonderfully adventurous women was a day to practise winter navigation skills. Hunkering down like a Ptarmigan to set maps, calculate distances and take bearings.

Original sold in 2019 exhibition

Whilst this corrie is one of the most accessible venues in the Cairngorms, its grand cirque of cliffs acts as the gateway to the Cairngorms. With the lochans at its base the Corrie acts like an amphitheatre, magnifying wind and setting the stage for adventure. It’s one of my favourite places, I love that it acts like a door keeper to the spectacular places beyond it.

Original sold in 2019 exhibition

As a climber arrives in the upper reaches of the t’Sneachda amphitheatre the iconic twin granite towers that give this distinctive route its name emerge. For as long as I can remember I’ve been fascinated by the block shapes and forms of these towers. The layers of rocks, precariously stacked upon themselves call to be explored and climbed.

Original sold in 2019 exhibition

One of the most beautiful and spectacular places hidden behind the Northern Corries, Loch A’an is nestled under Carn Etchachan and the south side of Cairn Gorm. The Loch feeds the River Avon, which meanders out of the National Park to Tomintoul. Loch A’an is one of the most special places in the world for me, peaceful and secluded – you feel truly in the wild.

Original sold in 2019 exhibition