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    Patrick Hickie
    Patrick Hickie In Resources, Rock Climbing, Summer, Tips

    How to tie in when trad rock climbing – Tip #64

    Introduction So much is dependent on context, and this includes considerations of how best to tie in when trad rock climbing. It's supremely ironic that what was always 'standard good…
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    Patrick Hickie
    Patrick Hickie In Resources, Summer, Tips, Walking, Winter, Winter Walking

    How to plan a mountain walk or climb – Tip #63

    Introduction This article is all about how to plan a mountain walk or climb. On the one hand we almost certainly want it to be enjoyable, but also challenging leaving…
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    Patrick Hickie
    Patrick Hickie In Resources, Scrambling, Summer, Tips

    How to find the route on scrambles – Tip #62

    Introduction A very common question is how to find the route on scrambles - or at least the 'right', 'best' or 'safest' route. It's something that I'm asked frequently, either…
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    Patrick Hickie
    Patrick Hickie In Resources, Rock Climbing, Summer, Tips

    Horizontal camming hex placement – Tip #61

    Introduction The horizontal camming hex placement is now something of an 'old-school' technique. But it's one that's well worth knowing about. The humble 'hex' was once a mainstay of the…
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    Patrick Hickie
    Patrick Hickie In Resources, Rock Climbing, Summer, Tips

    Equalising a sling – Tip #60

    Introduction There are many of equalising a sling while climbing, and this month's tip will introduce two of the lesser known methods. Equalising a sling with an overhand knot on…
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    Patrick Hickie
    Patrick Hickie In Navigation, Resources, Tips

    How to use a compass to best effect – Tip #59

    Introduction This month’s tip is all about how to use a compass in the context of mountain walking/hiking. There’s something in it for everyone. For the experienced navigator, maybe it…
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    Patrick Hickie
    Patrick Hickie In Navigation, Resources, Tips

    What is a Col or Saddle? – Tip #58

    Introduction What is a col or saddle in the context of mountaineering? Would you know what one looks like in real life? Do you know how a map depicts one…
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    Patrick Hickie
    Patrick Hickie In Navigation, Resources, Tips

    How to Navigate off Ben Nevis Summit – Tip #57

    Introduction This ‘tips article’ will explain how to navigate off Ben Nevis summit. Or at least it will explain what is involved because an article like this can never replace…
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    Patrick Hickie
    Patrick Hickie In Navigation, Resources, Tips

    Coarse and Fine Navigation – Tip #56

    Coarse and Fine Navigation This tip is all about coarse and fine navigation and I will explain this with an every-day example. Orienteers, and other accomplished navigators, refer to the…
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    Patrick Hickie
    Patrick Hickie In Winter, Winter Walking

    Guided Winter Ascents – Lake District

    Introduction Why not join us for our guided winter ascents of the major Lake District peaks? Winter is the best time in the mountains. The views are so much more…
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    The Summit is Optional

    1 week ago

    The Summit is Optional
    Mountain Rescue noticing that their safety information doesn’t always reach teenagers, who are increasingly become rescue statistics.How can you help? ... See MoreSee Less
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    The Summit is Optional

    1 week ago

    The Summit is Optional
    Photos from Patterdale Mountain Rescue Team's post ... See MoreSee Less
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    The Summit is Optional

    2 weeks ago

    The Summit is Optional
    I’m going to re-post links to some of my articles on mountain weather.Here’s the one on Lapse Rate (or “why is it so flipping cold when you get to the summit?).#mountainweather #weatherforecast #mountainlife #LakeDistrict #eryri #snowdonia ... See MoreSee Less

    Understand the Lapse Rate - Tip #65

    thesummitisoptional.com

    This article explains what you need to know to understand the Lapse Rate and why it is important if you are heading for the mountains.
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