Today i was teaching and practicing simple hillwalking rope work with Mark.
Why do hillwalkers need to add these simple skills to their “toolbox” of knowledge?

Hills and mountains require respect. The more time you spend in the mountains the more open to risk you become. Increased probability.

When you are out in the mountains you cannot control certain elements like the weather. This can change rapidly and even the best forecasting is simply that…. a forecast.

What you can do is learn skills which expand your knowledge to enhance your and other peoples day in the mountains. Ultimately what you are aiming for is the safest, most enjoyable day on the hill.

Mark has spent a lot of time in Snowdonia walking the hills and scrambling with friends. A previous experience had influenced Mark to contact myself to learn more skills.

When some hillwalkers see a rope being used on a mountain they gasp. As climbers will explain a rope is a means of protection. It is used as a safeguard. So how do we use a rope in a hillwalking context?

Myself and Mark spoke about situations where a confidence rope should be used and how it is a useful skill to know. We also learned and practiced the use of a rope in a direct belay system. A simple way of preventing further consequences occurring when walking on steep ground.

Thank you for a good day Mark. Please bring the alpine weather back to the Peak District again.