“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
Day 1
- ‘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
Day 2
- Taking in a major peak
- 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
- Basic emergency rope work techniques
- Winter navigation techniques
- taking a bearing
- walking on the bearing
- white out techniques
- identifying mountain features
- use of timing and pacing
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.
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
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