“If adventure has a final and all-embracing motive, it is surely this: we go out because it is our nature to go out, to climb mountains, and to paddle rivers, to fly to the planets and plunge into the depths of the oceans... When man ceases to do these things, he is no longer man”

Rusty Baille

This course is designed to provide a base of knowledge and skills, so that you can confidently travel around in the winter mountain environment. All the days are designed to be in the mountains travelling up to an altitude of between 650m – 910m using real situations to demonstrate and learn the skills. The course however can be tailored to your requirements, so if there is a peak that you want to climb or an area that you want to get to know, then great, we will try and fit it in.

“In the mountains there are only two grades: You can either do it, or you can't”

Wilfrid Noyce

During the day we will cover the following topics:

‘Winterising’ your kit.
Use of the boot for secure footwork
Appropriate use of an ice axe
Using an ice axe in an emergency
Efficient, safe movement with crampons
Avalanche awareness
Looking at the snow pack and identifying important snow layers
Safe route choice through the mountains and on steeper slopes
Identifying snow hazards

We aim to cover the skills mentioned above and any other areas that are highlighted. But aspects of the course are subject to change, due to the variable weather and snow conditions in the British mountains. However great effort will be taken to cover all aspects of the course as the opportunity arises.

Each participant will be required to bring suitable equipment for their chosen event, please see Kit List tab above.

Group Size	1	2	3	4+
Per Person	£140	£85	£60	£50
Per Group	£140	£170	£180

Where to meet: The Turning Circle, Seathwaite
Postcode: CA12 5XJ
Grid Reference: NY 235 121

Directions

From Keswick: Leave on the Borrowdale Road (from the mini roundabout near the co-op).
Follow this road for approx 8 miles, passing through Rosthwaite until just before reaching the village of Seatoller a narrow lane leads off to the left on the bend, signposted to Seathwaite, camp site and Sty Head. This road can be busy and has passing points (unmarked), blind bends and walkers in the road, also a few sheep for good measure, please drive carefully.
Follow this lane, parking as close to the end near the farm as possible, we will meet at the turning circle before the farm entrance gate.

Bus Services

The nearest bus stop to Seathwaite is Seatoller, around 20 minutes walk away from the meet point

The 78 bus runs regularly between Keswick and Seatoller
The 77/77a also runs from Keswick to Seatoller and then on to Buttermere, this however is a seasonal service from Easter to October

Stagecoach bus timetables can be viewed here

Each participant is expected to bring suitable personal equipment for the event.
This should include the following:

Summer Walks:

Walking shoes / Boots
Waterproof clothing (Jacket and trousers)
Suitable clothing for walking (no jeans)
Warm tops
Packed lunch
Spare clothing
Water
Hat
Gloves

Winter Walks:

Walking Boots
Waterproof clothing (Jacket and trousers)
Suitable clothing for walking (no jeans)
Warm tops
Packed lunch
Spare clothing
Water
Hat
Gloves
Torch (preferably a headtorch)
Spare batteries for the above
Spare Gloves
Flask & Hot Drink

The Following equipment may also be useful if owned:

Snow Goggles
Gaiters

The following equipment will be provided by The Lake District Walker should winter conditions require:

Ice Axe
Crampons

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Questions:

1 Answer

What happens if there is no snow?

Posted by , Wednesday, 11 October 2017 on product 1 Day Lake District Winter Skills: Private Guiding

Question:

What happens if there is no snow?

Answers:

Posted by John Scadding on Wednesday, 11 October 2017
If there is not enough snow to run the course you will be offered your choice of the following options:
- Another course or event on the same date
- Reschedule for another date
- A full refund
We will give as much notice as possible prior to the course but due to the uncertainties of mountain weather the amount of advanced warning may vary.

Once in a while we may need to change the location of the course entirely due to snow conditions, should this happen we will contact you prior to the course and make arrangements.

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1 Answer

Are dogs allowed on this course?

Posted by , Wednesday, 11 October 2017 on product 1 Day Lake District Winter Skills: Private Guiding

Question:

Are dogs allowed on this course?

Answers:

Posted by John Scadding on Wednesday, 11 October 2017
Although dogs are permitted on this course we do advise against it.
- However we do cross farmland and common land where animals will be grazing, there will be large sections of the day, if not all, where dogs will be required to be on a lead.
- For large parts of the day participants will need both hands free and it can be impractical to have a dog with them.

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