Page 3 advises onwildlife technical editor Trail Magazine’s THOMPSON GRAHAM New SPRINGNew s PLEASE TAKE FREE A COPY tock now in SPRING 2013 |ISSUE 82 |GEORGEFISHER.CO.UK Page 12 money with Montane Raising path repair FELLS FIX THE ! See insi de for afull r Page 16 recipes favourite outdoor Jetboil wants your KITCHEN THE OUTDOOR WIN! ou n OUR ROPEOUR RECYCLING INITIATIVE (P10) FORMONEY OLD ROPE NEW 3-PIECE CARBON POLES (P7) LEKI TREKKING POLES d-u Page 22 crystal hunter Tales of theAlpine SEATON MARK p ofn ew clothew ing a ONLY) 017687 71801 OVERNIGHT (WEEKDAYS DELIVERED FREE BEFORE NOON ARE ORDERS RECEIVED PHONE &WEBSITE Keep Updated: @georgefisheruk n d equ ip me /georgefisheruk n t

Fell Runner ascending Swinside in Spring. Image: Stuart Holmes WILDLIFE WATCH

GRAHAM THOMPSON, Technical Editor of Trail Magazine is also a fully-qualified pet behaviour counsellor. This month Graham advises how you and your dog can get on with wildlife. Images: Roger Hiley, loweswatercam.co.uk Hiley, Roger Images:

As responsible dog owners it is important that we local restrictions requiring dogs to be kept on a Sadly many dogs also chase birds so don’t allow our dogs to disturb wildlife, if nothing short lead during the bird breeding season, and enthusiastically that they chase them over cliffs. more than to protect our freedom to walk our to prevent disturbance to flocks of resting and In this situation the dog is just doing what it has dogs off lead and to protect our dog’s safety. feeding birds during other times of year. enjoyed and perhaps been encouraged to do in areas further away from cliffs, but in the ‘thrill It is estimated that up to 20% of dogs in the Clearly if we dog owners want to allow our dogs to of the chase’ it doesn’t expect the ground to countryside are running out of control. These dogs go off lead and enjoy themselves, then we need to disappear from beneath its feet. can injure themselves by chasing birds over cliffs, prevent them from disturbing wildlife. Otherwise hurtling across roads to chase deer, or they could we risk losing the freedom to roam with dogs that Dogs can be prevented from disturbing or chasing wildlife through management, such as keeping even be shot by landowners for chasing livestock. we currently enjoy. Clearly it is just as important to keep an eye on them on lead or on a training line, or through the wildlife when outdoors as well as your dog to So it is important to keep an eye out for wild training the dog more effectively. Very often all prevent accidents. animals, which is fun anyway, and carefully watch that is needed is to teach the dog to chase a toy your dog’s reaction. Dogs often chase rabbits, that you control, and to reward the dog for coming To reduce the level of disturbance by dogs, the back when called. squirrels and birds because they enjoy it. Once Countryside Rights of Way (CRoW) Act 2000 they have a taste they will keep doing it, and all too requires that dogs that are not on rights of way It’s also a great idea just to sit and watch wildlife soon the dog is chasing everything that moves. when crossing Access Land are kept on leads with the dog being rewarded for sitting with you. In fact dogs are so good at spotting wildlife that between 1 March and 31 July, which is during A dog chasing a rabbit through a field of sheep is lambing time and the bird breeding season, and once they learn to sit rather than chase you’ll be still disturbing sheep, and if the landowner sees they must also be kept on a lead all year round surprised at how much wildlife they identify for you this take place then the dog still risks being shot. near farm animals. On rights of way, including to watch. Some dogs will follow scent along the ground, and those that cross Access Land, dogs need to be if that leads to a moving animal the dog assumes under effective control which means being on lead Graham Thompson is the Technical Editor or being in sight while the owner is confident it will the best way to find something to chase is to find a scent to follow. The result can be the dog just of Trail Magazine and has a Master of return promptly on command. Science degree in Companion Animal chasing a scent through a field but appearing to Behaviour Counselling. For information visit: In some areas there are additional restrictions; be chasing sheep – an onlooker will just see sheep thompsonoutdoor.co.uk for example on the coast there may also be hurtling away.

2 Phone and website orders received before noon are delivered free overnight 017687 71801 3

Pata_GFisher_Torrentshell_S13.indd 1 2/27/13 4:07 PM THE HIGH STREET SPRING IS IN THE AIR IN YOUR HANDS Lisa Bergerud is looking forward to getting out and active again Andy Airey considers the future of retail

The retail landscape has changed dramatically Jacket, especially in Blackberry. At £370 it wasn’t The challenge (and opportunity!) for us at George Every year we visit a large trade show in If (when) it’s a wet summer again we have a great over the last five years; more and more of us are a product we expected to sell in numbers, but we Fisher is to maintain and improve the experience Germany to check out the latest range of waterproofs to choose from. The hard choosing the convenience of shopping online over were taken unawares by its popularity – fortunately our customers have in store, while striving to products, and last year one of the wearing GORE-TEX Pro 3-layer fabric is available in visiting High Street stores. In 2008 online sales Lisa secured extra stock to meet the demand. We improve our service online. The question for all of stands that really stood out was garments from Arc’teryx, Berghaus, Haglofs and accounted for 8% of UK retail sales; in 2012 it have stock for spring 2013 but if you’re thinking us as consumers is; what kind of retail world do Haglofs. Luckily for us Haglofs The North Face. In GORE-TEX Active Shell there’s made up over 13%! about buying one of these exquisitely constructed we want in the future? A virtual one, or bricks and doesn’t just make their gear to the Berghaus Vapour Storm Jacket (£230) jackets then I’d advise you to act sooner rather mortar? No doubt we’ll end up somewhere between look good, they also design them featuring clever ventilation ‘gills’ to help dump George Fisher isn’t insulated from this trend and than later! the two but please remember if you want stores with the Swedish outdoors in mind. some of the heat, as used and tested by the we are very aware that the move to online retail is like ours to remain in business you need to support Bog, rock, rain, all to be used and winners of last year’s five-day Dragon’s a huge threat to the traditional bricks and mortar Icebreaker merino clothing is available everywhere, the retailers you appreciate; both online AND on enjoyed which is why they’re such Back Race across Wales. store. However, it also gives us a tremendous consequently our online sales remain relatively the High Street. a good partner for us in the opportunity. It was widely reported that pre- small. However that changes when you look at Lake District. They’ve taken Berghaus Vapour Storm Jacket Christmas web sales were at the highest level ever garments that aren’t widely available. We’re Icebreaker Pizzario Dress a bold step not to lose any of last year; we saw our internet sales almost double expecting to sell as many their active users on the hill In classic GORE-TEX, for fell in the run-up to the festive period! Icebreaker dresses online as with a really bright Intense walking we have great choic- we do in store; the Villa Dress range of colours; Cosmic es from Berghaus, Haglofs, An interesting development we’ve noticed has (£90) in plain black, a key Pink, Firefly and Gale Blue Patagonia and Sprayway. been the significant increase in web sales going piece from last year, returns are all pretty singular, you If you’re weight-conscious out to local addresses. If everything is available and we’ve also introduced the certainly won’t miss them! go for GORE-TEX Paclite at the touch of a keyboard at home, why should Pizzario Dress (£100) in Metro Grey, garments from Patagonia, anyone bother to venture into town? Another we think it will be a firm favourite for There’s an update to the Arc’teryx and Salomon or surprise has been the products we’ve sold online. travel. Haglofs Intense outer shell even try the lighter Pertex When we initially ventured online we were told jackets (the Gram, £230, and Shield fabric by Montane in the that the key to web sales was price; since our The challenging virtual world Gram Comp Pull, £250) with Minimus Jacket (£150) or Minimus company philosophy was always to sell the best remains. We know we can’t stand GORE-TEX Active 3-layer fabric Kühl Revolvr pants Smock (£120) just 143g. Then there’s products supported by knowledgeable staff and still with our website; we definitely Haglofs Gram Jacket which is great for running, biking and a relatively new waterproof fabric from the highest quality customer service, we never need a mobile-friendly version, we moving fast in our British wet summer Polartec; NeoShell 3-layer stretch is used offered discounts as ultimately it impacts on our must work harder to get more of our weather. Haglofs has also linked up by RAB, available later this summer and standards of service. We also felt it unfair to offer in-store range available online, and with partner company Asics to produce the people we know who’ve used this exclusive online deals as this would impact on our we have to ensure we maintain our some great off-road running shoes fabric loved it. shop floor trade; consequently we thought our FREE next-day delivery facility. which are not only bright, but also online sales would be relatively insignificant. How light. Designed again for the Swedish Another memorable moment from last A parting thought – the rapid growth wrong we were! alpine world, rugged trails, marshland summer’s trade show was the Kühl stand; of online sales poses a conundrum and rocky terrain (or Skiddaw, Calva and masses of trousers. I’d liked Kühl the To illustrate the point here are a few brands and for all of us as consumers. If we Blencathra) there’s the Gram Comp (£95) year before, but as it looked so different products we’re expecting to sell well online this continue to choose the online shopping or for the trail runner who’s looking to and we were hurtling into the grips of a Haglofs Gram Comp shoe season. experience over visiting the High Street then we Arc’teryx Women’s Beta AR Jacket in Blackberry avoid wet feet the GORE-TEX lined Gram AM recession we decided to play it safe! This will see traditional stores disappear. Where would GT (£110). time around I couldn’t ignore it. Helena our Firstly, Hilleberg. Famous for making top-quality that leave outdoor enthusiasts? It’s all well and shop manager came to me and said, “I’ve tents and tarps, we’ve stocked the brand for many good being able to buy online, but who Hilleberg Rogen Running shoes look exciting this year; bought this really different pair of trousers, years and it’s always sold pretty well in-store; will you rely on for advice you not only do we have the new Haglofs I have to show you, they’re called Kühl, however our online sales are growing ever faster. can trust? Where will you go shoes, but you’ll need to check out the the fit is lovely.” I agree with her that Kühl This year we’ll be carrying virtually the full to talk to real people about new Anakonda (£100) from La Spor- fabrics have a comfortable stretch; the styles Hilleberg range, so if you’re inspired to get under real experiences? Even tiva; light and low profile. Salomon are flattering and practical. For men too, there canvas you can see the range we’ve got online – or the best website can’t continue on with their Speedcross isn’t just the standard walking trouser, you’ve better still, wander into our Camping Department replicate physically (£95) and for all the speed de- got their ultra tough jeans-style Revolvr and and get Dave to erect some Hilleberg tents for you. handling a product or mons the S-Lab Fellcross at £130 Rydr Pants in different leg lengths. And if the You’ll soon see why they’re popular! discussing the pros La Sportiva Anakonda (luckily for us a Cumbrian local, sun does decide to shine there’s also the Ambush and cons with an We’ve seen similar success with Arcteryx. The Ricky Lightfoot had a huge input into Cargo or Krux short. They’re worth a visit to our experienced user. standout piece from 2012 was the Women’s Beta AR the design of these; he knows what we need!) changing room – you won’t be disappointed.

4 Phone and website orders received before noon are delivered free overnight 017687 71801 5 WIN! Trekking poles from Leki

Two pairs of Carbon Vario Microsticks up for grabs WIN!

Trekking poles should be an essential item in If you’re a more cautious walker, poles are any walker’s gear cupboard. However, there a brilliant aid. There’ll always Carbon Vario are clearly many people out there who haven’t be someone much faster than Microstick actually given them a go. you in front, probably trekking poles shouting “hurry up!” The first thing you need to know is that they’re which will add to your from Leki great for relaxing your posture, not only going anxiety. With poles and the downhill but also going up. Without poles we tend extra points of contact on of their new Carbon Vario Microstick poles away, to hunch up, round our shoulders and dig into the the ground you’ll feel more worth £145 per pair, in our latest competition. climb; with poles your arms are open, your body stable and confident which The 3-piece Carbon Vario Microstick poles are made upright, there’s less tension in the shoulders and will speed you up! credit LEKI Lenhart GmbH air is allowed into the lungs. using carbon fibre and high-tensile aluminium Paths damaged by winter storms leave rough alloy. They are quick and easy to assemble and To the hundreds of you that carry your poles uphill, sections of ground; poles make crossing damaged collapse using a push button release mechanism, only intending to use them downhill – give it a go areas much easier. They give better balance on and very comfortable in the hand because of Leki’s uphill too. Many people when they come in looking steep loose scree, which might only be a few innovative Aergon grip. The linking/tensioning for trekking poles want them for descents, to cope metres across but enough to unnerve the less cord uses Kevlar reinforcement and a PE coating with knee pain. I’ve said it many times; poles are sure-footed amongst us. for durability, and a spring in the lower shaft not a crutch and if you suffer from bad knees you automatically keeps the cord under the correct need to find out why. Often a combination of good German company Leki is generally acknowledged tension. The short packed length of the pole means supportive footwear and poles will be enough to as manufacturer of the best trekking poles in the you can stow it in your rucksack, rather than having reduce tension in the lower body when descending. world. We’ve linked up with Leki to give two pairs to attach it to the outside of the pack.

WIN Carbon Vario Microstick trekking poles from Leki 1. Fill in your details 2. Detach the slip. 3. Hand in at George Fisher, or post to: George Fisher, 2 Borrowdale Road, Keswick, Cumbria CA12 5DA 4. OR go online and enter at www.georgefisher.co.uk

Name:

Address:

Phone Number:

Email address:

[ ] Tick here if you do not want George Fisher to send you future details of news and promotions. [ ] Tick here if you do not want LEKI to send you future details of news and promotions. George Fisher and LEKI will not share your details with anyone else.

Terms & Conditions 1. the promotion is only open to UK residents aged 18 or over, and excludes George Fisher, Ardblair and Leki employees and their immediate families 2. a valid email address is required to enter 3. two winners with correct answers (one male, one female) will be selected at random at the end of the promotion (midday 10 May 2013) 4. entries may be made in store, by post or online at www.georgefisher.co.uk and received by midday 10 May 2013. 5. photocopied entries not accepted- entries only on original pages from The Update. 6. the winners will be contacted within 7 days of the draw. In the event that the winner has not responded within 14 days of notification then the promoter reserves the right to reallocate the prize to a reserve winner. 7. the winners’ name & county will be posted online at www.georgefisher.co.uk Alpha SV – arcteryx.com 8. there is no cash alternative 9. By entering the promotion entrants confirm that they have read and agree to be bound by these terms & conditions and by the decisions of George Fisher, which are final in all matters relating to the promotion. Failure to do so will result in the forfeiture of the prize. No correspondence will be entered into. 10. George Fisher will not be responsible for the non-inclusion of entries as a result of technical failures or otherwise. Proof of submission of entry is not proof of receipt of entry. 11. Winners name and county will be available by writing to George Fisher with a stamped addressed envelope after the closing date.

6 Phone and website orders received before noon are delivered free overnight 017687 71801 Phone and website orders received before noon are delivered free overnight 017687 71801 7 A4 Advert- Get out more - Left page.pdf 1 06/03/2013 13:22:39

PACKS FOR ALL! Jon Wickham checks out the latest rucksacks arriving in store / Robert Bösch erdmannpeisker

This summer we have an exciting new range of rucksacks arriving in store. Montane is a company that’s become well known for great British design in its clothing range and its entry into the backpack market last year was a real success. The Medusa 32 was particularly popular and this has been built on with the new Torque 40, which shares many similar features but has a larger capacity for bigger mountain days.

You can’t mention good quality packs without talking about Osprey. This top US company has drawn on its heritage of making superb quality backpacking rucksacks with the new Xena and Xenith for extended trips, and the new Kyte range which is a women’s version of the popular Kestrel packs. As with most Osprey backpacks the beauty is in the combination of well thought-out design coupled with a big range of back sizes and adjustability, allowing each pack to be personally fitted to you by one of our sales assistants.

Montane Torque 40

If this wasn’t already enough, Lowe Alpine is releasing a new range of its AirZone backpacks, the hugely successful mid-size designs that have won numerous ‘Best Buys’ in the outdoor magazines. Updated fabrics, colours and a new streamlined look make these sure to be winners. The new AirZones gain a softer body-contact mesh for the back system, while the Adaptive Fit shoulder strap design now ensures the harness adapts to any body shape. Functionality is improved with many packs featuring harness and hip belt pockets, side entry to the main body, plus plenty of external gear stowage options.

Osprey Xena

Something that goes well with a pack – particularly a heavy one – is a pair of trekking poles. Leki has long been the leader in this area, and their new Sleep Laboratory. Micro Vario range brings even greater innovation. These poles fold, allowing At 2,700 metres altitude and minus 15 degrees, the Mammut them to pack down a shorter length. team is testing the Ajungilak Altitude. No cold feet – even This makes them less in these extreme conditions? Can the sleeping bag really cumbersome so that handle such harsh weather? All details on this test and they can be stored applications for the next one with Mammut friends and fans inside a pack can be found at: rather than on the www.mammut.ch outside. Ideal for travelling light and adventuring far!

Lowe Alpine AirZone ND 32

Denali EXP Alpine UL

8 Phone and website orders received before noon are delivered free overnight 017687 71801 MONEY FOR OLD ROPE SWISS QUALITY We’re launching a new initiative, recycling old climbing ropes / Robert Bösch erdmannpeisker Three products that illustrate Mammut’s Any climber will recognise the problem. You’ve happily been using a rope for a few years, it still special expertise looks in good nick but according to ‘best practice’ it should now be retired. But what do you do with it? You can’t allow an old rope to be used in any safety-related application, but equally you don’t want to throw it away. So it sits there gathering dust in the shed; and if you’ve been climb- The Swiss mountain company Mammut has over 150 years of experience ing for a few years it might be joining several others – hundreds of metres of rope. in making gear for mountain enthusiasts and climbers. Their record in Recycled Rope Lead creating functional and lightweight equipment is second to none, and of Now George Fisher, in partnership with Green Peak course you also benefit from legendary Swiss quality and attention to Gear, Mammut UK and Sterling Ropes, has put in detail. place an initiative that solves the dilemma. This spring we have some interesting new Mammut products in store, and From 4 March the ‘Money For Old Rope’ initiative with the camping season upon us the first item is the Alpine Ultralight means you can bring your old rope into George sleeping bag. Designed for situations where every ounce counts, these 3 Fisher and you’ll get a 15% discount on a new single season bags use extremely light materials and the newly developed OTI™ rope, or pair of half ropes from either the Mammut synthetic micro-filling to give a lower comfort temperature of -2°C and a or Sterling ranges in stock at the time. weight of 900g.

Donated ropes will be recycled by Green Peak Gear, a Cheshire-based Community Interest Company which collects used climbing gear and remakes it into new products. As Dan Firth from Green Peak Gear explains, their aspiration is that none of the Alpine Ultralight sleeping bag climbing gear they collect goes to landfill. “Where possible we remake items into new products, or redistribute the gear for alternative uses. At Those who say style is unimportant when climbing, clearly haven’t been present we make rope rugs, dog leads and skipping to a busy crag in the summer. Some climbing helmets have the ability to ropes and hope to be extending our range soon to make us look a bit like a dork, but with Mammut’s new El Cap helmet there’s include new products. Gear that cannot be reused definitely no excuse for not wearing one. will be recycled; we are setting up arrangements With its visor and narrow design, with companies who recycle nylon (rope), general the El Cap creates a completely plastics (harnesses and helmets) and metals. At new look. In technical terms, present the recycling value of what we collect this hybrid helmet consists barely covers the cost of collection and transfer to of a robust outer plastic the recycler. In other words re-use is (as a rule) bet- shell combined with an ter than recycling from both an environmental and innovative 2K-EPS core a financial point of view.” (two foam layers of different thicknesses combined) to ensure Dan says that dynamic climbing ropes are made maximum energy absorption and from nylon 6 (which can be reprocessed), while the highest possible safety. The El static ropes are made from nylon 6.6 which cannot Cap features ventilation openings currently be recycled. “For old ropes we are cur- and a perfect fit, make it extremely rently exploring higher value fibre-to-fibre recycling comfortable to wear. – although new ropes cannot be made from recycled Rope tests. fibres, the quality of the recycled yarn is high and suitable for many other uses.” El Cap helmet Somewhere between heaven and earth. Safe hold and support whenever you need it. 30 international climbing Profits from Green Peak Gear sales are donated to Sticking with lightweight performance, Mammut’s Serenity is the world’s athletes put the high performance of the Mammut technical the BMC Access and Conservation Trust, the charita- slimmest, and therefore lightest, UIAA-rated single rope. Its small 8.7mm climbing brand to the test on the Klausen Pass. With ble arm of the British Mountaineering Council. You diameter and unbeatable weight (51g/m) makes the Serenity the first impressive results: optimally equipped with the very best can buy Green Peak Gear products through their choice for ambitious sport climbers pushing to the absolute limit – a technical hardware and climbing harnesses from Mammut, Amazon web store at greenpeakgear.co.uk ‘secret weapon’ for successful ascents. With a high proportion of sheath you can climb any route with passion. Jon Wickham, George Fisher Equipment and Acces- for such a thin rope, the 8.7 Serenity is also the most durable rope in its www.mammut.ch sory Buyer set up the ‘Money For Old Rope’ initiative category. As well as meeting the standard for single ropes, the 8.7 Serenity in conjunction with Dan Firth from Green Peak Gear, also meets requirements for half and twin ropes and is therefore suitable Rob Sykes and Greg Connor from Mammut UK and Si for mountaineers looking for versatility. Thanks to its COATINGfinish™ Berry from Beta Climbing Designs, UK distributor for treatment, the 8.7 Serenity also gives outstanding, flexible handling.

Sterling Ropes. der

Note that donated old ropes must be dynamic climbing ropes of at least 30m in length and the offer is not available online or through mail order.

Recycled Rope Rug E Mammut/Rainer credit: Mammut Serenity Rope El Cap 8.7 Serenity

10 Phone and website orders received before noon are delivered free overnight 017687 71801 11 with Tim Woods of Car Free Walks

We’re linking up with carfreewalks.org, the website for people who love walking but want to www.haglofs.com/ reduce their impact on the environment, to bring you a classic walk each issue. intense-UK THIS ISSUE’S WALK: A CROSS-VALLEY WALK – BUTTERMERE TO SEATOLLER

A linear, full-day mountain (above 600m) walk starting at Buttermere, about 17km (roughly 11 miles) long. From March to October, the extensive Lake District bus network opens up (almost) all corners of the National Park to walkers. monochrome While it is easy to head up the famous peaks, the real joy is found in starting in one valley, getting up high and finishing somewhere else. This route is a classic – from Buttermere head over Red Pike, High Stile, Hay Stacks and Great Gable before BY haglöfs finishing in Seatoller. With most of the day spent up high, there’s no better way to explore the western fells. Looking into Wasdale from Great Gable hoto: Roger Hiley, loweswatercam.co.uk Hiley, Roger P hoto:

Loop or linear? Linear Start: Buttermere, OS Grid: NY175169

Maps: OS Explorer OL4, The English Lakes: NW area End: Seatoller, OS Grid: NY244138

Total Distance: 17km (11 miles) Bus: Honister Rambler to Buttermere

Total height gain: 1,600m (5,250ft) Unsuitable for: Families with children, prams/pushchairs, wheelchairs

We’re including OS references to allow you to programme waypoints into your GPS. If you’ve never used a GPS unit and would like to try one of our latest Garmin models for the day, just pop into the store and have a word with one of our tech experts.

1. Buttermere OS Grid: NY175169 9. Green Gable OS Grid: NY215106 About 1 km (0.62 miles) from 8 Take the Honister Rambler to Buttermere. Ask for a day ticket that will enable The classic ‘little brother’ hill of the Lakes - 801m, but vastly overshadowed by big you to go home from Seatoller. brother to the southwest.

2. Past Buttermere OS Grid: NY173163 About 1 km (0.62 miles) from 1 10. Great Gable OS Grid: NY211103 About 1 km (0.62 miles) from 9 Take the path across the fields to Burtness Woods. It then climbs steeply One of the Lakes’ classic tops, and the final high point of the day, which weary through the woods. group members may be pleased to hear. From the summit, there is a direct path down to Styhead Tarn, but if you can manage it, take the southwest path to visit 3. Bleaberry Tarn OS Grid: NY165154 About 1 km (0.62 miles) from 2 Napes Needle. The path meets Sourmilk Gill and heads on to Bleaberry Tarn - one of the great viewpoints around Buttermere. Worthy of a flapjack moment. 11. Napes Needle OS Grid: NY211103 About 1 km (0.62 miles) from 10 A monument in the world of UK climbing, many of the early climbers honed their HAGLÖ FS LOGOTYPE 4. Red Pike OS Grid: NY160153 About 1 km (0.62 miles) from 3 skills on this striking finger of rock. Head past the needle towards Styhead Tarn. BASIC LOGOTYPE. TO BE USED AS NEGATIVE WHITE ON A BLACK OR DARK BACKGROUND First top of the day is Red Pike. From here, it’s many joyous hours of high-level 12. Styhead Tarn OS Grid: NY221099 About 1 km (0.62 miles) from 11 walking. At Styhead, a bridleway follows the gill down towards Seathwaite. 5. High Stile OS Grid: NY169147 About 1 km (0.62 miles) from 4 Follow the distinct, but well-maintained (by the National Trust) path along the 13. Taylorgill Force OS Grid: NY229109 About 1 km (0.62 miles) from 12 crest of the ridge to High Stile. You’ll need little excuse for a stop by this stage, so take a moment to enjoy the majestic Taylorgill Force waterfall. 6. High Crag OS Grid: NY180139 About 1 km (0.62 miles) from 5 14. Seathwaite OS Grid: NY235121 About 1 km (0.62 miles) from 13 From High Crag, there’s a bit of a drop down to Scarth Gap… The hamlet of Seathwaite sits at the southern end of the valley. Pick up the 7. Haystacks OS Grid: NY194131 About 2 km (1.25 miles) from 6 Allerdale Ramble path, rather than walking along the road.

…and a spiriting climb back up to Hay Stacks. From Hay Stacks, continue 15. Seatoller OS Grid: NY245137 About 2 km (1.25 miles) from 14 heading southeast to Blackbeck Tarn. Finish at Seatoller for the bus home or, even better, get the bus tomorrow and 8. Brandreth OS Grid: NY215119: About 2 km (1.25 miles) from 7 spend a night camping in this beautiful valley. The flatter ground leads to Brandreth, the high point of the ground around Grey Knotts. Take the path (again well trodden) towards Green Gable.

12 13

SSC2013-Ellis Brigham_210x272mm_UK.indd 1 2013-01-18 14:07

PLEASE CONTACT HAGLÖFS IF YOU REQUIRE ASSISTANCE OR ADVICE WITH THE APPLICATION OF THE LOGOTYPE TEL +46 226 670 00, FAX +46 226 571 59 HELP US FIX THE FELLS

We’re getting together with Montane to raise money for path repair MOUNTAIN HOOD Fully adjustable helmet compatible mountain hood WIRED PEAK Fully stiffened wired peak for extra protection from downpour, improving visibility

ZIP PULLS THREE POINT ADJUSTMENT Easy grab zip pulls Drawcord adjustment to the rear of the head and two points at the front allow volume reduction to suit

FABRIC Exceptionally high fabric breathability FRONT ZIP at 25,000 MVTR with a 20,000mm Full length YKK Aqua Guard® hydrostatic head centre front zip with internal storm flap INTERNAL D-RING Internal D-ring inside chest pocket for secure key storage

ARTICULATED ARMS Walkers, fell runners, lashing rain, snow and ice…the paths in the Lake District Articulated arms for reach certainly take a battering from both man and nature. As headline sponsors of CHEST POCKET high movement and tailored the famous Lakeland 100 and 50 ultra races, the people at Montane are only specifically to reduce hem lift Small chest pocket designed too aware of this. These hugely popular races attract over 1,000 participants to hold a GPS or similar each year and while this is only a small proportion of the number of feet sized essentials pounding the trails the company is well aware of the issue of path erosion and is keen to help maintain paths for the enjoyment of everyone.

Montane has long been raising money to support the vital work of ‘Fix The REFLECTIVE DETAILS HAND POCKETS Fells’, since the inception of the Montane Lakeland 100 and 50 through Nurture 360° ‘DUSK TILL DAWN’ Two zipped OS map-sized Lakeland’s award-winning ‘Visitor Giving’ scheme. reflectivity mesh lined hand pockets for storage of essentials Now Montane and George Fisher are getting together to support ‘Fix The Fells’. whilst on the move From March until May, George Fisher and Montane will donate £5 to ‘Fix The Fells’ for every Montane product bought in store and online. INTERNAL STORM FLAP SEAMS ‘Fix The Fells’ has the important task of fundraising for path repair and Extra storm protection behind maintenance. They have already repaired over 200 sections of paths in the last centre front zip with rain drain Micro-taped seams throughout to increase breathable surface area ten years and are aiming to repair a further 120 paths and maintain the existing network in the next decade. Of course this work doesn’t happen for free and ‘Fix CUFFS The Fells’ are looking to raise £500,000 a year for the next 10 years from grants, Adjustable cuffs with grab visitors, local businesses and communities. George Fisher and Montane are hoping tabs for ease of use with to raise around £1,000 to support these efforts. gloves or mitts Says Ruth Kirk, Fundraising Development Officer for ‘Fix The Fells’ partner, Nurture Lakeland, “Every single pound donated makes a real difference. It costs £100 to repair one metre of stone pitched path, so your £5 donated through purchasing ADJUSTABLE HEM Adjustable hem to prevent a Montane product will repair around two boot prints worth of erosion! It’s vital ® funding we need to help us keep the fells fighting fit for the future for everyone to weather entry and heat loss MONTANE STUFF SAC continue to enjoy.” MONTANE® stuff sac perfect for storage on the move So why the partnership? On top of being an important technical retailer for Montane, George Fisher is very much committed to supporting its home area MINIMUS MOUNTAIN JACKET <232g / 8.2oz (Size Medium) of the Lake District. In fact, as a long standing, committed member of Nurture HYPER BREATHABLE ULTRA LIGHTWEIGHT MOUNTAIN SHELL Lakeland, the business already works to support ‘Fix The Fells’, so the Montane/ PERTEX® SHIELD + is a lightweight waterproof fabric that delivers exceptional breathability George Fisher/Fix The Fells partnership is a natural extension.

Look out for the posters in store, buy Montane from March through May, and make Look out for these posters in store a difference to the landscape you love! www.montane.co.uk www.pertex.com 14 Phone and website orders received before noon are delivered free overnight (weekdays only) 017687 71801 15 CALLING ALL WIN a Jetboil Sumo™ Group Cooking System 1. Fill in your details. Please feel free to write your recipe on to a sheet of paper OUTDOOR CHEFS and attach to the entry form. 2. Detach the slip (photocopies are acceptable). 3. Hand in at George Fisher, or post to: Jetboil Competition, Burton McCall, 163 Parker Drive, Leicester LE4 0JP Jetboil is looking for your outdoor recipe! Name: Address: Jetboil stoves have always been well known for their ability to boil liquids Phone Number: unbelievably fast, due to their clever FluxRing technology. And because everything packs down small and light they’ve become the stove of choice Email address: for thousands of climbers and backpackers across the world. Recipe title: However it’s not always all about fast boiling, and many of us enjoy camping List of ingredients (metric): and backpacking as a chance for a bit of al fresco dining and showing off our cooking skills. Jetboil stoves are flexible enough to allow all sorts of cooking options, with especially the all-new Jetboil Sumo Group Cooking System giving Method: an unmatched blend of power, convenience, and efficiency for backcountry Optional: Outdoor activity (eg climbing an alpine route, an overnight camp on a Highland cooking. backpacking trip) that your recipe is ideal for. Larger groups can take advantage of the multiple cooking pot combos [ ] Tick here if you do not want George Fisher to send you future details of news and promotions. offered by Sumo with the companion bowl set, while smaller groups can enjoy [ ] Tick here if you do not want Burton McCall to send you future details of news and promotions. minimalist single-pot cooking. There’s also the option of Jetboil’s own Fry Pan, George Fisher and Burton McCall will not share your details with anyone else. DESIGNED which uses FluxRing technology to provide fast, even heating Terms & Conditions 1. The promotion is only open to UK residents aged 18 or over and excludes George Fisher and Burton McCall employees The question is: “what to cook?” and their immediate families FOR FREEDOM Jetboil needs your help in compiling a Jetboil Cookbook; submit your recipe 2. A valid email address is required to enter Our goal is to inspire runners to go beyond pavement and 3. Entries will be judged by Burton McCall and one winner chosen after the end of the promotion (midday 10 May 2013) enjoy greater freedom to run anywhere, regardless of where and you could win a Jetboil Sumo Group Cooking System. 4. Entries may be made in store, or by post to Burton McCall and received by midday 10 May 2013. they start and finish. The result is lightweight, athlete-driven 5. Entries on photocopied pages from The Update are acceptable. gear for the most liberated running experiences. Here’s what to do. 6. The winners will be contacted within 7 days of the closing date. In the event that a winner has not responded within See more at salomon.com/door2trail 14 days of notification, the promoter reserves the right to reallocate the prize to a reserve winner. Submit a Jetboil recipe, with instructions on how to cook it using a Jetboil 7. The winners’ name and county will be posted online at georgefisher.co.uk stove, using the form below. Jetboil’s UK distributors Burton McCall will judge 8. There is no cash alternative the entries and award a new Jetboil Sumo™ Group Cooking System to the 9. By entering the promotion entrants confirm that they have read and agree to be bound by these terms and conditions and by the decisions of George Fisher and Burton McCall, which are final in all matters relating to the recipe they judge to be best. A Jetboil Cookbook is being compiled and even if promotion. Failure to do so will result in the forfeiture of the prize. No correspondence will be entered into. you’re not the winner your recipe may be included. All those who have recipes 10. George Fisher or Burton McCall will not be responsible for the non-inclusion of entries as a result of technical failures or otherwise. Proof of submission of entry is not proof of receipt of entry. published in the cookbook will get a copy and will see the recipe credited to 11. Winners name and county will be available by writing to George Fisher or Burton McCall with a stamped addressed their name. There are already plenty of ideas at jetboil.com/recipes to help envelope after the closing date. your thinking, so get your creative chef’s1553_Jetboil_SUMO_Backpacker hat on and get busy. A5 copy.pdf 1 07/03/2013 13:55

C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K COPYRIGHT© SALOMON SAS. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. RESERVED. ALL RIGHTS SAS. SALOMON COPYRIGHT© CALIFORNIA. MARIN HEADLANDS, LOCATION: MARKEWITZ. SCOTT PHOTOGRAPHER: 16 Phone and website orders received before noon are delivered free overnight 017687 71801 17 LAST OF THE SUMMER TIME Des Oliver describes the early days of Borrowdale-based climbing LIFE-CHANGING TREATMENT he bet the guide 5 shillings he couldn’t climb it – he lost the bet! I tried it, but was only able to get up with the help of a top rope.

Those early days we would assemble on a Sunday morning on Keswick Market square then cycle up to Seathwaite Farm, with George Fisher as our ‘leader’. ANDREW STANLEY of the Rebound Clinic is hopefully at Andrew, and he in turn said the magic Now I am back to doing whatever I like After tea and cakes at the farm we would head up Styhead, enroute for Napes. our visiting podiatrist, with clinics in Settle words “I think I can help.” outdoors. I recently bought some new running My first climb that I can recall was Needle Ridge on a misty, damp day. My two and at George Fisher. Over the years Andrew shoes from George Fisher and although they Sheep rescue mission: companions kept calling down instructions but I never saw them until we met has managed to change the lives of many He suggested I combined a visit to his clinic in are same brand and type I had used before Paul Ross, George Fisher at the top of the ridge – a bit daunting for a beginner! hillwalkers and runners; here Tara Booth Settle with a trip to see osteopath John Brewster. (Salomon Wings), the design has changed and the farmer head for It turned out to be a magic combination. John Iron Crag, Shoolthwaite recounts her experience. slightly and didn’t feel quite right. Cue another While there were plenty of wet summer days – we used to carry a ‘dry change’ didn’t go in for the bone-cracking noises, but he visit to see Andrew in the shop clinic... he in our rucksacks to replace our wet clothes when we got back to the Farm – Before having children I walked, ran, climbed, did some manipulations that got me into line and shaved a bit of the Salomon insole off, and hey there were lots of glorious summer days and Kern Knotts was a popular venue swam, cycled, snowboarded and kayaked. You name gave me exercises to keep me there. I still do these presto all is good again. Readers of my articles in The Update may have got the impression that I on such occasions. I have done all the routes there, one way or another*. I it; if it was outside I did it. religiously. spent many years on the crags, but in fact it only lasted five years from recall taking a 14-year-old Paul Ross there, who kept demanding to lead all the when I was 20 to 25 years old. time but with his mother’s final comments ringing in my ears, “Look after our My ligaments were extra stretchy during both Andrew carried out an assessment, looked at a Paul, Des”, I had to curb his enthusiasm. It didn’t last long. At the other end of pregnancies and this played havoc with my hips. wide collection of my shoes and trainers and how I had a pair of nailed climbing boots made by a Keswick shoemaker, now long the age scale I met Bentley Beetham who at the time had a hut near Mountain After my first son, things gradually returned to I walked with and without them. He listened to gone, plus I had a pair of army boots which I kept after demob with Vibram View, from where he ran climbing courses. some sort of normality but after the second one, my list of niggles, took a mould of my feet and (also known as Commando) soles fitted. All my mates who wore nailed boots some niggles remained. disappeared into his workshop. said Vibrams would be useless, but eventually changed their minds. My clothing The group known as the ‘Keswick Lads’ founded a climbing club and acquired was an old uniform. I bought a 120ft full weight climbing rope; they had just Dubs Hut. On a Saturday night after the pubs shut (10pm closing time!) we Two years later and I was getting a bit bored with I left the clinic with a bright orange pair of become available from Papes Stores in Keswick, the only outdoor gear shop in would cycle up to Honister to spend the night before an early start to places my aching hip, fed up of the sciatica and my right temporary orthotics to try for six weeks and also Keswick before George Fisher. like Pillar Rock or Gray Crag, Burtness Combe. knee was giving me a bit of pain. Since having the two other inserts to play with in my right shoe to boys I had visited two different physiotherapists; see which felt best. As a boy, most of our child’s games were played out in Castle Head, which has I’ll talk more about these ‘Last Of The Summer Times’ in future issues. I did as I was told, did my exercises, but no little outcrops near the top. One outcrop has a crack, which was then called improvement. They referred me on to two different There was no ‘eureka moment’ with the orthotics. I ‘five bob crack’ (as in five shillings in old money, or 25p). Why ‘five bob’? George *I climbed Sepulchre before the layback block fell out, and the chimney before the ‘extended practitioners’ and again, after some time, used them as instructed, wore Birkenstocks around Abraham had brought a Swiss guide over to the Lakes to sample the crags and chockstone was removed. See photo in ‘Cumbrian Rock’, page 17. still felt no change. the house and carried on. I slowly noticed that I ached less and I was doing more. Moved on to an osteopath. Lots of cracking noises ensued, but essentially the problem remained. I did I went back to Settle to see Andrew after a find one physio who brought temporary agony and telephone consultation, where we agreed which combination was working the best, and he had a little relief by grinding her elbow into my back An ecstatic Tara Booth but essentially I was wonky, in pain and frustrated. made up my new blue-and-red ‘best friends’. These official supplier little things that sit in my shoes - my orthotics - Carol (who works behind the scenes in George changed my life. Six months after we got together I Fishers) suggested I see Andrew Stanley at the did the Great North Run; that’s 13 miles of running! Walkers’ Weekender Clinic shop to see whether orthotics might help. So one Something I could never have contemplated before. in the Lake District Saturday morning I stood there barefoot looking It can be difficult for many walkers to get specialist biomechanical treatment for leg and feet problems near where they live. M E That’s why The Rebound Clinic offers a RIN O special ‘Weekender’ at their clinic at George Fisher in Keswick. Midweight HIKING The Rebound Clinic Now when you come to The Lake District for made from Organic Merino Wool your walking weekend you can have lower & recycled polyester limb problems diagnosed and treated while

©outdoor games 2008 / c margot Pain when walking or running? Visit the W you’re in the area. So all those conditions, UK’s premier outdoors podiatry clinic. from the irritating niggles that you’d rather TORE NO be without to debilitating injuries that NS The Rebound Clinic specialises in the diagnosis E I actually prevent you from pursuing your NG and correction of biomechanical dysfunction in the A R leg and foot. Using the latest analysis technology favourite activity, can be addressed while EW N and treatment techniques, expert podiatrist Andrew you are on your Cumbrian break. Stanley treats walkers and runners of all ages and These clinics are extremely popular so to

activity levels. T L

A avoid disappointment it’s definitely worth K /CO B Andrew is the biomechanics consultant for Trail C IRA L A K calling to make sure we have appointments L T C E ADE T B A T T K L C AD M Magazine and George Fisher. Appointments can / E N B

J T A N T E D I available before you book your stay. E RO C K B J

A S

be made at the or at the C Rebound Clinic in Settle, T GGP L CHERU B S CRI C E

T SS S HO O

S L

K T HO R E N S .

LIT E Outreach Clinic at George Fisher, Keswick For appointments at the George Fisher in- A SHO R T T TRO

T A A T CH CH CH SS V U E E E T SEEKER SS CRE W VI S Q T VIA SHO R T store clinic as well as at the Rebound Clinic in Settle, call 01729 825900 or email via Tel: 01729 825 900 | www.reboundclinic.co.uk reboundclinic.co.uk Wherever you nd yourself this spring, stay cool in Icebreaker facebook facebook.com/TekoSocksOffi cial merino. Silky soft Icebreaker packs light and is naturally odour resistant, so it can be worn for days without washing. twitter twitter.com/TekoSockMonkey

web www.tekosocks.co.uk icebr18eaker.com Icebreaker is sustainable, renewable, pure merino clothing fromPhone tPhonehe Southe randn Aandlps owebsitef N ewebsitew Zealand orders orders received received before before noon noon are aredelivered delivered free free overnight overnight 017687 017687 71801 71801 Phone and website orders received before noon are delivered free overnight (weekdays only) 017687 71801 19 email [email protected]

fishers_advert_teko_feb13.indd 2 28/02/2013 11:25:43 LOOK KüHL A cool new brand just arrived in store

Kühl (pronounced ‘cool’) is a German word meaning: cool. In Scandinavia, Kühl is slang for fun. And in clothing, Kühl is an outdoor apparel company located in the Wasatch Mountains of Utah – home to the lightest, driest powder snow in the world.

Kühl began as Alfwear in 1983 with the Alf hat, a Peruvian-inspired design that many ski bums equipped themselves with in the mid-80s. Updating it with polar fleece, John ‘Alf’ Engwall designed the hat that would become the choice for serious Rocky Mountain powder skiers. Engwall, Conrad Anker (the now legendary mountaineer), and brothers Jay and Kevin Boyle set out to introduce Alfwear to the skiing and mountaineering world. The four co-founders consisted of three skiers and a rock climber, all of whom aspired to build a business and lifestyle around their beloved sports.

After a tragic car accident resulted in the death of Alf Engwall, the three remaining partners nurtured Alfwear until in 1989 they set out to pursue individual passions: Conrad Anker as a sponsored climber, Jay Boyle attended graduate school and Kevin Boyle took over the company.

At the time the trio dispersed, Alfwear consisted of nine plastic bags of the Alf hat. Boyle set out to transform Alfwear into something more than a hat company. In 1990, Kühl introduced the Jacquard fleece jacket, which gained cult status and went on to win the Polartec Apex Award. Now, Kühl creates ergonomically designed pants, jackets, and tops with organic cotton and merino wool, using sustainable materials and natural vegetable dyes. These are garments built to last for years of service.

Kühl employees ski, mountain and road bike, backpack, camp, mountaineer, and travel worldwide. At Kühl, the passion remains to get outdoors and have fun. Kuhl Rydr Pant using

Pertex® Equilibrium® high performance fabric chosen by Rab® – breathable, wind resistant and weatherproof.

A pioneer of the soft shell concept the Rab® Vapour-rise system provides superior levels of comfort and protection. Pertex® Equilibrium® effectively transports moisture to the outside of the fabric where it evaporates – maintaining perfect body temperature ‘equilibrium’ through a wide range of activity levels and weather conditions.

www.rab.uk.com

Rab® is a registered trademark of Equip Outdoor Technologies Ltd Pertex® and Equilibrium® are registered trade names of Mitsui & Co., Ltd 20 Phone and website orders received before noon are delivered free overnight 017687 71801 21 THE CRYSTAL HUNTER STAFF SHORTCUTS Peter and I returned to our beers and wondered PROFILE Our man in Chamonix, mountain guide MARK SEATON, who might now cook our evening dinner. experiences an eventful few days in Switzerland This issue featuring PAUL As if by magic a young women arrived from the val- WHITTAM from the rucksack ley to take over. The afternoon had proved pretty FRANCESCA RACE eventful. and navigation, camping and UPDATE The next morning breakfast was at 4am. When I climbing departments. arrived, Peter was already tucking into his while Last year George Fisher started giving some assistance to Franc- opening his birthday cards, which he had packed. I I have lived in Troutbeck my whole life, which is only nine miles from esca Lee, a very keen 13-year-old Keswick-based ski racer with big wished him a Happy Birthday but unfortunately had Keswick. It wasn’t until I joined the Scouts that I started to appreciate ambitions. Francesca continues to develop fast, and this winter no card or present for him. the outdoors. This seemed to inevitably lead to a career at George has been using the latest Salomon slalom skis. She won the Anglo Fisher, where I have now been for three years! I tend to work upstairs, Scottish slalom race in January, and placed 8th in the Grand We set off in the dark along what is called the specialising in the rucksack and navigation departments. It’s amazing Slalom. Francesca was delighted to be 3rd Overall U16 girl in the ‘Himalayan Highway’; apparently a Nepalese bloke how many people still don’t realise that rucksacks come in different back championships - she was consistent and it obviously paid off. constructed this path. lengths. At the time of writing she’s looking forward to a few weekends training in Scotland before the British championships in Meribel The ridge is a magnificent rock climb, not very dif- I try to cycle into work as often as I can, but sometimes I can be persuaded by at Easter. ficult but in a wonderful situation and the quality The hut guardian is rescued after his accident the weather to take the van. The trip to work is a good time to test kit; I’ve had a make its one of the outstanding granite ridges of GORE-TEX Active Shell jacket for about a year now and it has taken a beating, but the Andermatt area. We did manage to stay ahead it still performs remarkably well. For the past two years I have completed the of the weather, but it was bitterly cold and windy We were sitting in a cafe in Andermatt attempting rience this is not the case. I speak French but not Fred Whitton cycle challenge (a tough 112-mile cyclosportive around the Lakes, when we finally climbed onto the summit block. to use one of the alpinist’s most important tools: German. Nevertheless it was clear that something taking in every major pass – Ed), which is a phenomenal amount of fun and the internet. We needed a weather forecast for had gone badly wrong. The descent was tricky, requiring careful route find- torture. Unfortunately I have entered again this year; so I will have to be out BLACK SAIL our next mini adventure. Peter Little and I had just ing and several abseils, the last one being onto a training on the bike a lot in the next few months. I have also recently started Peter and I left our beers, rushed out of the hut descended from climbing the south ridge of the steep glacier. After the glacier we found ourselves climbing again, as a new years resolution, and can’t believe I ever stopped. MAKEOVER door and headed back down the path. Shortly we Salbitschijen, possibly the finest rock climb of it on a moraine with no discernible path. A few hun- came across the other path builder as he pointed Fortunately due to the help and support of my colleagues, especially Helena grade in the Alps; maybe the world. Keen to capi- dred metres below we could see that the ground Remote Black Sail is one of the towards a small cliff. At the foot of the cliff was the (Whone), I’m about to head for Durham University to study Engineering. But talise on our momentum we had had a quick wash mellowed out, yet we found ourselves having to oldest, and most remote Youth Hostels in the UK. Nestling at the head of unfortunate guardian nursing a very badly broken don’t fret; I will be back in the holidays. in the icy river by the car and were now looking to down-climb over steep walls where the glacier had the Ennerdale Valley and surrounded by Great Gable, Pillar, Red Pike and ankle. Apparently he had tripped and tumbled over Steeple, the former shepherd’s bothy can only be accessed by foot or walk up to the Albert Heim hut in preparation to retreated. Eventually we negotiated the last cliff The most important thing I do here is being honest. If a piece of kit isn’t right while looking for a suitable rock to fill a hole in the on bike. Urgent repair work is now required and to celebrate Black Sail’s climb the south ridge of the Gletschhorn via the and decided to take a well-earned break. for you, I will say. I will also let you know if it will make your experience of the path. 80th anniversary, YHA is giving this much-loved hostel a makeover. The Lochmatter route. Lake District, which is my favourite place in the world, better and therefore you Peter said “Look behind you” and pointed at a scheme will cost £260,000 with £200,000 already raised – they need Fortunately Peter is a member of Keswick Mountain will be more likely to come back! We were not finding it easy to get online and the spade, crowbar and a lump hammer leaning up support to fill the £60,000 shortfall and continue to provide simple, low Rescue team and he quickly took charge of the cafe owner, while sort of helpful, was much keener against a small cave. They appeared to be the cost, accommodation to those who ‘use their own steam’ to get to this immediate first aid while I busied myself calling a to tell us about his prowess as a Crystal Hunter. tools of a Crystal Hunter. I crawled into the tiny unique, remote site. If you are in a position to help, any helicopter and finding some blankets to keep the He seemed to be one of the few people in the Alps alcove and could see that he had been busy, there THE contribution will be gratefully received. casualty warm, because he was suffering from who was benefitting from the dramatic effect were bits of crystal scattered around but it looked shock. global warming was having on the glaciers. As the that the excavation had been done. Still I did see glaciers recede, more and more ‘crystal ovens’ are something that might have been overlooked, stuck TILLEY HAT The helicopter arrived about 20 minutes later. The being discovered. These crystal ovens are like mini paramedic gave the casualty some medicine for in the ice. I dug around and eventually got hold caves where the crystals are formed. GUARANTEED FOR LIFE the pain, splinted his ankle and then spectacularly of a fist-sized crystal. I crawled out of the cave clutching the crystal triumphantly; “Here you are! The Crystal Hunter proudly told us about how winched him into the helicopter which flew off to CHOCOLATE MAPPING Happy Birthday, Peter!” he wandered around with the tools of his trade; the nearest hospital. It’s a great idea from Friars of Keswick - chocolate namely a crowbar, shovel and lump hammer. with Ordnance Survey mapping on the packaging. Interesting as all this was, he couldn’t actually get Friars, whose excellent shop is in Keswick Market Square, has created four us connected to a weather forecast and time was so far - Ambleside, Grasmere, Keswick and Windermere – and hopefully plan to roll the idea out further. The chocolate bars retail at £2.00, and we pressing so we decided to head up to the hut and Are you a confi dent walker? take pot luck. will have them in the store for Easter. Want to widen your experience The walk to the Albert Heim hut is only an hour on a good path. As we neared the hut, the guardian into alpine mountains? came bounding toward us and welcomed us pro- PRIZE WINNERS fusely. He explained that he was just going to help INTERNATIONAL his pals who were making some repairs to the path. MOUNTAIN GUIDE Based in Chamonix below Mont Blanc, Mark Seaton Winner of the great Ski Break for Two Competition from Issue 81 is “Just go and make yourselves at home and help off ers guiding services for all mountain activities. INDISPUTABLY THE FINEST Julie Teasdale, from Cumbria. Huge thanks to Zuba Ski for organising yourself to a couple of beers and I’ll see you later” These include alpine mountaineering in the summer OUTDOOR HAT IN THE WORLD. everything; we recommend them wholeheartedly, check out zubaski. com for the best ski breaks in Italy’s Aosta Valley. he said. Peter and I duly did just as he suggested. season, and off -piste skiing and ski touring in the HANDCRAFTED IN CANADA SINCE 1980, We were the only guests. winter. With over 20 years experience Mark off ers options from single day one-to-one instruction, to FOR MEN AND WOMEN WORLDWIDE. It was ten minutes later that one of the guard- multi-day programmes for small groups. ians’ pals burst through the door looking rather [email protected] agitated. Despite Switzerland having at least three Email: www.markseaton.com official languages and most of its inhabitants are meant to be able to speak two of them, in my expe- Tel: 01326 574402 www.Tilley.com 22 Phone and website orders received before noon are delivered free overnight 017687 71801 23 KESWICK MOUNTAIN FESTIVAL Loads to see and do!

With over 130 activities and events over five includes Pete Whittaker and the Wideboyz days, this year’s Keswick Mountain Festival film screening, plus the Festival Bike Night (15-19 May) is bigger and better than ever. showcasing the latest bike films. The Whether you’re on two feet, learning the Festival Village is open 17-19 May and is climbing ropes, spinning those wheels, packed full of have-a-go activities including making a splash or having a dabble with climbing walls, paddling taster sessions, a paddle, the Festival offers an exciting bike demo teams, the amazing bike programme for all ages and abilities. You airbag plus stands, music and a fantastic can try triathlons and trail races, cycle atmosphere. sportives and open-water swimming. Speakers include Monty Halls headlining George Fisher has its own ‘fringe event’ Saturday night, plus there’s Simon Yates, on Saturday 18 May in association with Andy Kirkpatrick, Sir Chris Bonington, Nick Salomon. Filmmaker Terry Abraham Bullock, Alan Hinkes and Paul Rose. Other premieres his new film ‘The Cairngorms in amazing speakers include Paralympic Winter with Chris Townsend’ featuring the medallist Karen Darke, BBC documentary outdoor legend himself and focusing on maker Mark Beaumont and top cyclist the western area of the Cairngorms. Both in our Abrahams Café; tickets are available from Graeme Obree. Terry and Chris will be there, and a lucky the George Fisher website or by calling the store, 40 people will be able to see the premiere we’re charging £5.00 a head which we’ll donate to New for 2013 is the film evening, which and participate in a Q&A. It’s a 6pm start Keswick Mountain Rescue Team.

Published by George Fisher Limited, 2 Borrowdale Road, Keswick, Cumbria CA12 5DA Tel: 017687 72178 Website: www.georgefisher.co.uk Email: [email protected] N108579GOR_GFU04_12697.indd 1 04.03.13 07:48 The publishers of The Update would like to thank all contributors to this edition, noting that the opinions expressed in submitted articles are those of their authors, and not neccessarily of George Fisher Ltd. Editor: Clive Allen | Design: Lavahouse Associates | Printed by Reeds Printers Penrith (Tel: 01768 864214) Printed on 100% Recycled Paper