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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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After 59 callouts in August, the busiest month in our history, we think it is time for a serious conversation about what is happening in our mountains.Our volunteers carried out prolonged rescues in darkness and poor weather, dealt with serious injuries, heat-related issues, assisted people stuck in serious terrain and, sadly, attended incidents where people and animals lost their lives.What concerns us most is the increasing number of people taking on difficult terrain while completely unprepared for what they are facing.The mountains have not suddenly become more dangerous. More people are visiting them, and the way routes are discovered and accessed has changed.Routes once mainly attempted by experienced hillwalkers and mountaineers are increasingly attracting people with little or no experience.A photograph or video of Crib Goch can make an exposed Grade 1 scramble look like just another route to the summit. What it doesn’t show is how intimidating that ridge can be in cloud, rain or strong winds or how quickly a manageable situation can become a serious emergency.We want people to enjoy Eryri. We understand the physical and mental health benefits of spending time in the mountains but accidents happen, even to experienced, well-prepared people. That is why we volunteer.But enjoying the mountains also comes with personal responsibility. Too often, people simply don’t know that a route may require specific skills, equipment, fitness, experience and judgement and how quickly conditions can change.Our callout numbers tell the story:147 in 2020237 in 2021233 in 2022308 in 2023327 in 2024359 in 2025Around 440 projected in 2026.This trend is not sustainable. The answer cannot simply be more Mountain Rescue. There has to be greater focus on prevention and personal responsibility.We will always respond when someone genuinely needs our help. The bigger question now is: how do we stop so many people from needing help in the first place?Enjoy the mountains but please try to understand the environment you are entering and if the terrain or conditions don’t feel right, turn around.
A little bit of a change - a trip to Kyrgyzstan for an ascent of #peaklenin.Sadly no Lenin summits mainly because the weather played havoc with our rotations. However, everyone did summit Razdalnaya, which was good.@adventure peaks
