Saturday, August 23
Snowdonia Backpacking & Wildcamping
An initial joy of the web is the incredible amount of information that suddenly becomes available. The depth and scope of this limited only by an ability to use a search engine such as Google.
An initial hate of the web is the incredible amount of information that suddenly becomes available. But is irrelevant, outdated, or even offensive.
As time passes this apparent paradox becomes resolved with personal filtering of how to find information, but as it does mining these seams to follow a specific interest will start to dry up, save for any newly established sites that may appear.
Hence the reducing number of site recommendations I make these days; Save for those Outdoor Blogs which continue to attract new enthusiasts with something to say about their view of gear, experiences and trips.
So I was pleased to come across Snowdonia Backpacking the other day. A site that has been quietly building up a store of backpacking and wildcamping experience for others. Trekking a very solitary path.
"...created to put online my accounts of the multiple-day walks with wild camping that I have done in the National Park ....since 1981....my writings tell not only of my appreciation of the Welsh mountains, but also of my trials and tribulations during my self-taught apprenticeship in the wilds.....
I have never been acquainted with any one else who goes backpacking, so everything I do has been learned from books and magazines, and from experience. I live over 200 miles away ...... I am not one of the lucky people who can slip out at weekends for a bit of practice in the hills....I have good stamina but I have always been slightly weaker compared to my contemporaries, and I don't mind admitting I am scared of heights!
It is hoped that the contents of Snowdonia Backpacking will inform you, pass on some of my hard-gained know-how and maybe entertain you, but above all I sincerely hope it will fill you with enthusiasm and inspiration, in much the same way as the books I read around 1980 did for me"
(And Mr Lumley, if your reading this, “Teach Yourself Backpacking” gets a grateful mention BTW)
I really sympathise with this approach. Howard was not alone in learning skills in this way, especially back in the 70s & 80s when sources for those living beyond traditional walking areas were limited, or nil (The modern net savvy generation now have such amazing access to the basic skills these days, especially when trying to contact like minded people)
A great read of one person's autumnal trips, with trial and error lessons for all of us to consider.
A new one for my recently revised links list I think.Labels: Backpacking Advice, Fellwalking, Gear, Wales, walks
Tuesday, October 30
Voice from beyond the grave-Wainwright speaks out
Another interesting use of podcast media has just been announced.
Fancy "Take A Walk With Wainwright to the Lion & the Lamb"? Well courtesy of the GoLakes website and the voice of Nik Wood-Jones "the official Wainwright voice over" (huh?) but better known to you and me as the AW voice on Wainright Walks TV series that I've mentioned before. So you can now jolly along Wainwright's route with an audio accompaniment, if the fancy takes you.
"Wearing full Wainwright garb, Mr Wood-Jones walked Helm Crag and then recorded the famous writer’s thoughts and observations; exactly as they appear in the original 1958 guide book"
Perhaps a little over kill but the approach is an interesting one for people who find these things useful. MP3 download available free here.
Somehow I think AW might not have been amused.
But whatever your thoughts on people walking the fells with a set of ear plugs in (and I hold my hands up here as a practitioner) this is an interesting approach.
It comes on the back of the UK's foremost outdoor podcaster BobC. His latest innovative venture "The Weekly Podzine" offers free of charge a regular outdoor audio magazine. Packed with entertainment in the form of interviews, gear advice, magazine/book reviews and a whats-on-this-week. All tightly packaged up into a 45 minute podcast.
Hopefully Bob may have finally cracked the commercial reality associated with podcasting and blogging. To whit - how to at least cover the costs involved to continue to produce this type of material at a suitable level of quality. In Bob's case I think he may have cracked the conundrum by offering it gratis to outdoor shops, offering potential sponsors the opportunity to directly get their product message straight to the outdoor gear buying public.
Direct marketing at a very low cost, but highly targeted. Clever man.
To see what I'm talking about check the latest offerings to download here.
Hope it works out Bob. Labels: blog media, Fellwalking, Lake District, podcasts
Wednesday, September 19
Wasdale MRT appeals for some bl**dy common sense
".....walkers became disorientated on the summit of Great Gable. They used their mobile phone to call '999' ........ they were unhappy about being given directions over the phone even though they were standing at the summit cairn facing the remembrance plaque.....conditions were not bad and there was no risk to the pair of walkers" (Source: Wasdale MRT Incident report 13/9/07)
No wonder Wasdale MRT "have called for a campaign to reduce the number of people lost or stranded while walking"
As the BBC news item reports "there are more incidents now, particularly people getting lost. This is down to poor preparation, a lack of understanding of the basic skills of map work and navigation, over-ambition and low general fell awareness"
It's only a matter of time I suppose before some fool attempts to sue the MRT for not responding/acting as they potential rescuee wanted.
This is not at all right.
A point concerning a pretty negative aspect of mobile phone usage has been made by me before.
But what I can't help but wonder this time if whether we're now seeing a result of the recent TV programmes based on The Great Outdoors. (Or the "Bradbury Effect" as it may well come to be known) As I commented back in April when discussing self reliance & risk (oh my - this recent archive checking is a worry trait)
"Whilst I'm on the subject of the outdoor media, one of the criticisms I have with the recent Wainwright Walks series on BBC 4 TV was the inference that wayfinding on the hills is done just by reference to one of AW's route guides. I can't remember one appearance in four programmes of a map or compass"
To be fair thw Wainwright Walks second series did include an ascent of Helvellyn in typical crap weather, and a map/compass has started to pop into view. But some folks just never seem to be able to take responsibility for their own safety.
Or to use another recent term - a potential "Darwin Award" candidate?
Who'd be a MRT member in the future if it all carries on like this I wonder.Labels: Fellwalking, Lake District, Mountain Rescue Team(MRT)
Tuesday, September 4
New Welsh Nuttalls
It seems to matter to some people about collecting lists of things. Or to be more precise ticking off items on other peoples lists. Hills especially seem to attract such folk, although this didn't start until the 1890s when Sir Hugh Munro hit inadvertently started a craze. What a groovy cat.
Now we have the The Wainrights, The Munros, The Marilyns, and many, many more.
And then of course there is The Nuttalls - a list of mountain summits in England and Wales which reach the height of 2,000 feet.
Well as of 2nd September 2007 you peak baggers had better plan a quick trip over to Wales as there's now two new summits to conquer: Carnedd y Filiast North Top (SH617631) & Castell y Gwynt (SH654581)
And there was me thinking that the summits were mostly invulnerable to the fleeting whims of us transitory humans.
Next post -the Norfolk Peaks? Ah well, probably not.
;-)Labels: Fellwalking, Wales
Tuesday, August 7
Wainwright Walks - Sun 12 Aug
If you're watching this series on BBC 4, the next programme covers Crinkle Crags and Bowfell.
The presentation still leaves me with a feeling of varying quality, but then its hard to make a follow-this-route that exciting I suppose. But the filming, especially the aerial stuff more than makes up for it. Enjoy.Labels: Fellwalking, Lake District
Sunday, May 13
Weather reports - On the hill
Atkoman's post today, picks up on his earlier 'lessons-learnt' post about updating a weather report when out on the hills.
As a contrast I thought this might be worth a few lines to help with determining your own approach.
Why Worry?
It's always important to get accurate weather forecasting if you intend wild camping on the hills, especially if you will be staying high for a few days. This mainly comes down to two essentials - wind, which can completely destroy any plans how ever well intended; And rain which can at best can turn a pleasant panoramic stroll into a slog through thick murk, or become dangerous if stream levels start to rise (as this weekend Ten Tors walk illustrated); Or thunder/lightening kicks in - in which case get off that ridge fast!
My approach to the weather has always been phlegmatic. Whatever the forecast, the weather will do whatever it will do, especially at a local level. The Lake District is renown for variation between valleys, and the difference between a good and bad day, weather wise, can be as little as being 3 mile further east, and 500 foot lower. Being the right side of a ridge definitely takes the sting out of a 40 mph wind.
Before I go
I usually start to monitor the mountain weather report for the area I intend to visit, a couple of weeks before departure. That way I can get a feel for the sort of ground I'm likely to find, based on prior conditions (muddy - or arid?) and it also gets me in the right mindset to appreciate that northern and southern weather can vary significantly especially during the summer. T-shirt weather down here, will often be windproof weather in the north.
When I arrive
Once in the area, I'll again check the weather forecast for the next 72 hours before going on the hill, and these are usually available via displays in walking shop windows, at the local Youth Hostel, or the Tourist Information Centre.
Largely speaking the pre and on the spot checks all use the same invaluable feed - the Mountain Weather Information Service (I can't think why I haven't already added a feed to this site, this has been so very useful to me over many years - so that's another update for this site's links)
So suitably prepared, off I trot. But what about when .........
On the Hills
If you choose to carry mobile phone/Internet connect gear, then the same approach is possible, assuming the phone signal is available. My basic Orange Nokia 6101 is net enabled, but after a couple of trials I decided the hassle of single finger typing, and a small screen, made its use as a web browser not really work the effort.
So there's two other options I use - Radio reports and Weather Information Services.
Radio Reports
Most places in the UK will get a reasonable radio signal. In the UK, despite providing a better reception for hilly country, the Long Wave frequency has largely fallen into disuse. Medium Wave has a tendency to slip in and out of signal, and FM once locked on, can provide clear access to a variety of sources, but once away from civilisation is very patchy. Short Wave is a good option to cut through all this.
But the real test is the quality of available information. The BBC Radio 4 weather report prior to the 18:00 news provides a good UK wide forecast with little of the dumbing down that their TV equivalent suffers from these days. But it is very broad, and is only an indication of the country as a whole. So that 40 square mile section you're in might not be covered so well! Good for an overview, but not a lot of use for detail.
And that's where Short Wave loses out as most UK services I've discovered there are BBC related, rather than regional.
One possible exception is the BBC Shipping Forecast (Broadcast pre 18:00. & 00:00) Whilst not land related, its a good indicator of weather pattern movement around the UK, especially for air pressure and wind patterns.
But generally the local stations have a more relevant level of detail, but steer clear of the commercial variety. I've never found one yet that could manage a forecast with any real detail beyond the small urban area they're aimed at. More a 'Take in your washing/Nice day for the beach' approach.
The BBC local service is far superior, especially near coastal regions where sailing forecasts are also available; For the Lakes BBC Radio Cumbria (FM: 95.6, 96.1 &104.1) is your source.
One steadily improving access to such services is via Digital Radio Broadcasting (aka DAB). High up, if I can see any sort of largish conurbation I usually find a crystal clear DAB signal, whereas FM can still be patchy. The plus is a further set off radio stations. The downside - DAB can be very susceptible to any physical movement if the signal is weak. So stay put whilst trying to listen to that forecast!
Again, with the Lakes in mind, if I can see Lake Windemere anywhere in the distance, I'm usually assured of picking up radio stations all the way down to the Liverpool & Merseyside area.
And finally. What if the radio signal is transitory, even after moving around the hillside a little in an attempt to improve it?
Weather Services
Again a perverse feature of hills and frequency bounce is that radio and mobile phone signals get through the mush of landscape in different ways. And mobile reception is even more localised. I reported in to home from Sprinkling Tarn last year, despite this being one of the more hill locked locations. It took about 15 minutes of wandering around before signal strength went from nil to 50%, and back again, in the space of a few footsteps. Whereas the radio reception was poor throughout.
That's where the Weatherline service comes in. As well as providing a website for Lake District 5 day forecasts there's also a telephone service (0870 055 0575) which provides an accurate forecast (from memory) with much more detail, aimed specifically at hill walker needs.
If you carry a satellite phone, now becoming more widely available due to rapidly reducing cost and weight, then then this may be an option that you can rely on.
DIY
And finally. Many GPS units these days now include an altimeter function, and with it the ability to flag air pressure changes, a sure way to spot forthcoming variations in weather patterns. This is another whole area of expertise, including use of wind & cloud movement on the spot. I'd recommend Alan Watts 'Instant Weather Forecasting' for a definitive examination of this. The book is aimed at sailors, but I've never found a better condensed source to help understand DIY forecasting.
So to summarise
- Before I go - Mountain Weather Information Service
- When I'm there - same again, but via local shop/hostel
- On the hill - telephone call to Weatherline with BBC Radio for an more general overview
Fair wind and clear skies.Labels: Fellwalking, Gear, Lake District, Trip Planning
Thursday, April 19
Fellwalking - A Definition? (The Answer)
The quotation I posted on Wednesday comes from old AW himself, in his last route guide to the Lakes - 'The Outlying Fells of Lakeland'.
With the large gap since Book 7 was published, AW had mellowed a bit, but he seems very aware of both his mortality, and the walking industry he had unwittingly spawned.
BTW - Nice one Andy!Labels: Fellwalking
Wednesday, April 18
Fellwalking - A Definition for our times?
I came across this in a book preface published in 1973 by a well known outdoor writer, based on their many years experience. It struck me as a good reminder of what I prefer to do, rather than what I sometimes actually get caught up into i.e Sucked into the peak bagging/tick list game.
"Fellwalking. It is not a game, not a sport, not a competing with others, but a pastime : a simple way of spending leisure hours alone or in the company of kindred beings that has as its aim merely the study of nature in some form or other : flora or fauna; geology, the lie of the land ; or of sites of antiquarian interest on the hills : old mine workings, relics of former civilisations, ancient settlements. All harmless pursuits, all instructive."
Any idea as to the author/book?Labels: Fellwalking
All site material © John Hee - ask before you snatch
An initial hate of the web is the incredible amount of information that suddenly becomes available. But is irrelevant, outdated, or even offensive.
As time passes this apparent paradox becomes resolved with personal filtering of how to find information, but as it does mining these seams to follow a specific interest will start to dry up, save for any newly established sites that may appear.
Hence the reducing number of site recommendations I make these days; Save for those Outdoor Blogs which continue to attract new enthusiasts with something to say about their view of gear, experiences and trips.
So I was pleased to come across Snowdonia Backpacking the other day. A site that has been quietly building up a store of backpacking and wildcamping experience for others. Trekking a very solitary path.
"...created to put online my accounts of the multiple-day walks with wild camping that I have done in the National Park ....since 1981....my writings tell not only of my appreciation of the Welsh mountains, but also of my trials and tribulations during my self-taught apprenticeship in the wilds.....
I have never been acquainted with any one else who goes backpacking, so everything I do has been learned from books and magazines, and from experience. I live over 200 miles away ...... I am not one of the lucky people who can slip out at weekends for a bit of practice in the hills....I have good stamina but I have always been slightly weaker compared to my contemporaries, and I don't mind admitting I am scared of heights!
It is hoped that the contents of Snowdonia Backpacking will inform you, pass on some of my hard-gained know-how and maybe entertain you, but above all I sincerely hope it will fill you with enthusiasm and inspiration, in much the same way as the books I read around 1980 did for me"
(And Mr Lumley, if your reading this, “Teach Yourself Backpacking” gets a grateful mention BTW)
I really sympathise with this approach. Howard was not alone in learning skills in this way, especially back in the 70s & 80s when sources for those living beyond traditional walking areas were limited, or nil (The modern net savvy generation now have such amazing access to the basic skills these days, especially when trying to contact like minded people)
A great read of one person's autumnal trips, with trial and error lessons for all of us to consider.
A new one for my recently revised links list I think.
Labels: Backpacking Advice, Fellwalking, Gear, Wales, walks
Voice from beyond the grave-Wainwright speaks out
Another interesting use of podcast media has just been announced.
Fancy "Take A Walk With Wainwright to the Lion & the Lamb"? Well courtesy of the GoLakes website and the voice of Nik Wood-Jones "the official Wainwright voice over" (huh?) but better known to you and me as the AW voice on Wainright Walks TV series that I've mentioned before. So you can now jolly along Wainwright's route with an audio accompaniment, if the fancy takes you.
"Wearing full Wainwright garb, Mr Wood-Jones walked Helm Crag and then recorded the famous writer’s thoughts and observations; exactly as they appear in the original 1958 guide book"
Perhaps a little over kill but the approach is an interesting one for people who find these things useful. MP3 download available free here.
Somehow I think AW might not have been amused.
But whatever your thoughts on people walking the fells with a set of ear plugs in (and I hold my hands up here as a practitioner) this is an interesting approach.
It comes on the back of the UK's foremost outdoor podcaster BobC. His latest innovative venture "The Weekly Podzine" offers free of charge a regular outdoor audio magazine. Packed with entertainment in the form of interviews, gear advice, magazine/book reviews and a whats-on-this-week. All tightly packaged up into a 45 minute podcast.
Hopefully Bob may have finally cracked the commercial reality associated with podcasting and blogging. To whit - how to at least cover the costs involved to continue to produce this type of material at a suitable level of quality. In Bob's case I think he may have cracked the conundrum by offering it gratis to outdoor shops, offering potential sponsors the opportunity to directly get their product message straight to the outdoor gear buying public.
Direct marketing at a very low cost, but highly targeted. Clever man.
To see what I'm talking about check the latest offerings to download here.
Hope it works out Bob. Labels: blog media, Fellwalking, Lake District, podcasts
Wednesday, September 19
Wasdale MRT appeals for some bl**dy common sense
".....walkers became disorientated on the summit of Great Gable. They used their mobile phone to call '999' ........ they were unhappy about being given directions over the phone even though they were standing at the summit cairn facing the remembrance plaque.....conditions were not bad and there was no risk to the pair of walkers" (Source: Wasdale MRT Incident report 13/9/07)
No wonder Wasdale MRT "have called for a campaign to reduce the number of people lost or stranded while walking"
As the BBC news item reports "there are more incidents now, particularly people getting lost. This is down to poor preparation, a lack of understanding of the basic skills of map work and navigation, over-ambition and low general fell awareness"
It's only a matter of time I suppose before some fool attempts to sue the MRT for not responding/acting as they potential rescuee wanted.
This is not at all right.
A point concerning a pretty negative aspect of mobile phone usage has been made by me before.
But what I can't help but wonder this time if whether we're now seeing a result of the recent TV programmes based on The Great Outdoors. (Or the "Bradbury Effect" as it may well come to be known) As I commented back in April when discussing self reliance & risk (oh my - this recent archive checking is a worry trait)
"Whilst I'm on the subject of the outdoor media, one of the criticisms I have with the recent Wainwright Walks series on BBC 4 TV was the inference that wayfinding on the hills is done just by reference to one of AW's route guides. I can't remember one appearance in four programmes of a map or compass"
To be fair thw Wainwright Walks second series did include an ascent of Helvellyn in typical crap weather, and a map/compass has started to pop into view. But some folks just never seem to be able to take responsibility for their own safety.
Or to use another recent term - a potential "Darwin Award" candidate?
Who'd be a MRT member in the future if it all carries on like this I wonder.Labels: Fellwalking, Lake District, Mountain Rescue Team(MRT)
Tuesday, September 4
New Welsh Nuttalls
It seems to matter to some people about collecting lists of things. Or to be more precise ticking off items on other peoples lists. Hills especially seem to attract such folk, although this didn't start until the 1890s when Sir Hugh Munro hit inadvertently started a craze. What a groovy cat.
Now we have the The Wainrights, The Munros, The Marilyns, and many, many more.
And then of course there is The Nuttalls - a list of mountain summits in England and Wales which reach the height of 2,000 feet.
Well as of 2nd September 2007 you peak baggers had better plan a quick trip over to Wales as there's now two new summits to conquer: Carnedd y Filiast North Top (SH617631) & Castell y Gwynt (SH654581)
And there was me thinking that the summits were mostly invulnerable to the fleeting whims of us transitory humans.
Next post -the Norfolk Peaks? Ah well, probably not.
;-)Labels: Fellwalking, Wales
Tuesday, August 7
Wainwright Walks - Sun 12 Aug
If you're watching this series on BBC 4, the next programme covers Crinkle Crags and Bowfell.
The presentation still leaves me with a feeling of varying quality, but then its hard to make a follow-this-route that exciting I suppose. But the filming, especially the aerial stuff more than makes up for it. Enjoy.Labels: Fellwalking, Lake District
Sunday, May 13
Weather reports - On the hill
Atkoman's post today, picks up on his earlier 'lessons-learnt' post about updating a weather report when out on the hills.
As a contrast I thought this might be worth a few lines to help with determining your own approach.
Why Worry?
It's always important to get accurate weather forecasting if you intend wild camping on the hills, especially if you will be staying high for a few days. This mainly comes down to two essentials - wind, which can completely destroy any plans how ever well intended; And rain which can at best can turn a pleasant panoramic stroll into a slog through thick murk, or become dangerous if stream levels start to rise (as this weekend Ten Tors walk illustrated); Or thunder/lightening kicks in - in which case get off that ridge fast!
My approach to the weather has always been phlegmatic. Whatever the forecast, the weather will do whatever it will do, especially at a local level. The Lake District is renown for variation between valleys, and the difference between a good and bad day, weather wise, can be as little as being 3 mile further east, and 500 foot lower. Being the right side of a ridge definitely takes the sting out of a 40 mph wind.
Before I go
I usually start to monitor the mountain weather report for the area I intend to visit, a couple of weeks before departure. That way I can get a feel for the sort of ground I'm likely to find, based on prior conditions (muddy - or arid?) and it also gets me in the right mindset to appreciate that northern and southern weather can vary significantly especially during the summer. T-shirt weather down here, will often be windproof weather in the north.
When I arrive
Once in the area, I'll again check the weather forecast for the next 72 hours before going on the hill, and these are usually available via displays in walking shop windows, at the local Youth Hostel, or the Tourist Information Centre.
Largely speaking the pre and on the spot checks all use the same invaluable feed - the Mountain Weather Information Service (I can't think why I haven't already added a feed to this site, this has been so very useful to me over many years - so that's another update for this site's links)
So suitably prepared, off I trot. But what about when .........
On the Hills
If you choose to carry mobile phone/Internet connect gear, then the same approach is possible, assuming the phone signal is available. My basic Orange Nokia 6101 is net enabled, but after a couple of trials I decided the hassle of single finger typing, and a small screen, made its use as a web browser not really work the effort.
So there's two other options I use - Radio reports and Weather Information Services.
Radio Reports
Most places in the UK will get a reasonable radio signal. In the UK, despite providing a better reception for hilly country, the Long Wave frequency has largely fallen into disuse. Medium Wave has a tendency to slip in and out of signal, and FM once locked on, can provide clear access to a variety of sources, but once away from civilisation is very patchy. Short Wave is a good option to cut through all this.
But the real test is the quality of available information. The BBC Radio 4 weather report prior to the 18:00 news provides a good UK wide forecast with little of the dumbing down that their TV equivalent suffers from these days. But it is very broad, and is only an indication of the country as a whole. So that 40 square mile section you're in might not be covered so well! Good for an overview, but not a lot of use for detail.
And that's where Short Wave loses out as most UK services I've discovered there are BBC related, rather than regional.
One possible exception is the BBC Shipping Forecast (Broadcast pre 18:00. & 00:00) Whilst not land related, its a good indicator of weather pattern movement around the UK, especially for air pressure and wind patterns.
But generally the local stations have a more relevant level of detail, but steer clear of the commercial variety. I've never found one yet that could manage a forecast with any real detail beyond the small urban area they're aimed at. More a 'Take in your washing/Nice day for the beach' approach.
The BBC local service is far superior, especially near coastal regions where sailing forecasts are also available; For the Lakes BBC Radio Cumbria (FM: 95.6, 96.1 &104.1) is your source.
One steadily improving access to such services is via Digital Radio Broadcasting (aka DAB). High up, if I can see any sort of largish conurbation I usually find a crystal clear DAB signal, whereas FM can still be patchy. The plus is a further set off radio stations. The downside - DAB can be very susceptible to any physical movement if the signal is weak. So stay put whilst trying to listen to that forecast!
Again, with the Lakes in mind, if I can see Lake Windemere anywhere in the distance, I'm usually assured of picking up radio stations all the way down to the Liverpool & Merseyside area.
And finally. What if the radio signal is transitory, even after moving around the hillside a little in an attempt to improve it?
Weather Services
Again a perverse feature of hills and frequency bounce is that radio and mobile phone signals get through the mush of landscape in different ways. And mobile reception is even more localised. I reported in to home from Sprinkling Tarn last year, despite this being one of the more hill locked locations. It took about 15 minutes of wandering around before signal strength went from nil to 50%, and back again, in the space of a few footsteps. Whereas the radio reception was poor throughout.
That's where the Weatherline service comes in. As well as providing a website for Lake District 5 day forecasts there's also a telephone service (0870 055 0575) which provides an accurate forecast (from memory) with much more detail, aimed specifically at hill walker needs.
If you carry a satellite phone, now becoming more widely available due to rapidly reducing cost and weight, then then this may be an option that you can rely on.
DIY
And finally. Many GPS units these days now include an altimeter function, and with it the ability to flag air pressure changes, a sure way to spot forthcoming variations in weather patterns. This is another whole area of expertise, including use of wind & cloud movement on the spot. I'd recommend Alan Watts 'Instant Weather Forecasting' for a definitive examination of this. The book is aimed at sailors, but I've never found a better condensed source to help understand DIY forecasting.
So to summarise
- Before I go - Mountain Weather Information Service
- When I'm there - same again, but via local shop/hostel
- On the hill - telephone call to Weatherline with BBC Radio for an more general overview
Fair wind and clear skies.Labels: Fellwalking, Gear, Lake District, Trip Planning
Thursday, April 19
Fellwalking - A Definition? (The Answer)
The quotation I posted on Wednesday comes from old AW himself, in his last route guide to the Lakes - 'The Outlying Fells of Lakeland'.
With the large gap since Book 7 was published, AW had mellowed a bit, but he seems very aware of both his mortality, and the walking industry he had unwittingly spawned.
BTW - Nice one Andy!Labels: Fellwalking
Wednesday, April 18
Fellwalking - A Definition for our times?
I came across this in a book preface published in 1973 by a well known outdoor writer, based on their many years experience. It struck me as a good reminder of what I prefer to do, rather than what I sometimes actually get caught up into i.e Sucked into the peak bagging/tick list game.
"Fellwalking. It is not a game, not a sport, not a competing with others, but a pastime : a simple way of spending leisure hours alone or in the company of kindred beings that has as its aim merely the study of nature in some form or other : flora or fauna; geology, the lie of the land ; or of sites of antiquarian interest on the hills : old mine workings, relics of former civilisations, ancient settlements. All harmless pursuits, all instructive."
Any idea as to the author/book?Labels: Fellwalking
All site material © John Hee - ask before you snatch
Fancy "Take A Walk With Wainwright to the Lion & the Lamb"? Well courtesy of the GoLakes website and the voice of Nik Wood-Jones "the official Wainwright voice over" (huh?) but better known to you and me as the AW voice on Wainright Walks TV series that I've mentioned before. So you can now jolly along Wainwright's route with an audio accompaniment, if the fancy takes you.
"Wearing full Wainwright garb, Mr Wood-Jones walked Helm Crag and then recorded the famous writer’s thoughts and observations; exactly as they appear in the original 1958 guide book"
Perhaps a little over kill but the approach is an interesting one for people who find these things useful. MP3 download available free here.
Somehow I think AW might not have been amused.
But whatever your thoughts on people walking the fells with a set of ear plugs in (and I hold my hands up here as a practitioner) this is an interesting approach.
It comes on the back of the UK's foremost outdoor podcaster BobC. His latest innovative venture "The Weekly Podzine" offers free of charge a regular outdoor audio magazine. Packed with entertainment in the form of interviews, gear advice, magazine/book reviews and a whats-on-this-week. All tightly packaged up into a 45 minute podcast.
Hopefully Bob may have finally cracked the commercial reality associated with podcasting and blogging. To whit - how to at least cover the costs involved to continue to produce this type of material at a suitable level of quality. In Bob's case I think he may have cracked the conundrum by offering it gratis to outdoor shops, offering potential sponsors the opportunity to directly get their product message straight to the outdoor gear buying public.
Direct marketing at a very low cost, but highly targeted. Clever man.
To see what I'm talking about check the latest offerings to download here.
Hope it works out Bob.
Labels: blog media, Fellwalking, Lake District, podcasts
Wasdale MRT appeals for some bl**dy common sense
".....walkers became disorientated on the summit of Great Gable. They used their mobile phone to call '999' ........ they were unhappy about being given directions over the phone even though they were standing at the summit cairn facing the remembrance plaque.....conditions were not bad and there was no risk to the pair of walkers" (Source: Wasdale MRT Incident report 13/9/07)
No wonder Wasdale MRT "have called for a campaign to reduce the number of people lost or stranded while walking"
As the BBC news item reports "there are more incidents now, particularly people getting lost. This is down to poor preparation, a lack of understanding of the basic skills of map work and navigation, over-ambition and low general fell awareness"
It's only a matter of time I suppose before some fool attempts to sue the MRT for not responding/acting as they potential rescuee wanted.
This is not at all right.
A point concerning a pretty negative aspect of mobile phone usage has been made by me before.
But what I can't help but wonder this time if whether we're now seeing a result of the recent TV programmes based on The Great Outdoors. (Or the "Bradbury Effect" as it may well come to be known) As I commented back in April when discussing self reliance & risk (oh my - this recent archive checking is a worry trait)
"Whilst I'm on the subject of the outdoor media, one of the criticisms I have with the recent Wainwright Walks series on BBC 4 TV was the inference that wayfinding on the hills is done just by reference to one of AW's route guides. I can't remember one appearance in four programmes of a map or compass"
To be fair thw Wainwright Walks second series did include an ascent of Helvellyn in typical crap weather, and a map/compass has started to pop into view. But some folks just never seem to be able to take responsibility for their own safety.
Or to use another recent term - a potential "Darwin Award" candidate?
Who'd be a MRT member in the future if it all carries on like this I wonder.Labels: Fellwalking, Lake District, Mountain Rescue Team(MRT)
Tuesday, September 4
New Welsh Nuttalls
It seems to matter to some people about collecting lists of things. Or to be more precise ticking off items on other peoples lists. Hills especially seem to attract such folk, although this didn't start until the 1890s when Sir Hugh Munro hit inadvertently started a craze. What a groovy cat.
Now we have the The Wainrights, The Munros, The Marilyns, and many, many more.
And then of course there is The Nuttalls - a list of mountain summits in England and Wales which reach the height of 2,000 feet.
Well as of 2nd September 2007 you peak baggers had better plan a quick trip over to Wales as there's now two new summits to conquer: Carnedd y Filiast North Top (SH617631) & Castell y Gwynt (SH654581)
And there was me thinking that the summits were mostly invulnerable to the fleeting whims of us transitory humans.
Next post -the Norfolk Peaks? Ah well, probably not.
;-)Labels: Fellwalking, Wales
Tuesday, August 7
Wainwright Walks - Sun 12 Aug
If you're watching this series on BBC 4, the next programme covers Crinkle Crags and Bowfell.
The presentation still leaves me with a feeling of varying quality, but then its hard to make a follow-this-route that exciting I suppose. But the filming, especially the aerial stuff more than makes up for it. Enjoy.Labels: Fellwalking, Lake District
Sunday, May 13
Weather reports - On the hill
Atkoman's post today, picks up on his earlier 'lessons-learnt' post about updating a weather report when out on the hills.
As a contrast I thought this might be worth a few lines to help with determining your own approach.
Why Worry?
It's always important to get accurate weather forecasting if you intend wild camping on the hills, especially if you will be staying high for a few days. This mainly comes down to two essentials - wind, which can completely destroy any plans how ever well intended; And rain which can at best can turn a pleasant panoramic stroll into a slog through thick murk, or become dangerous if stream levels start to rise (as this weekend Ten Tors walk illustrated); Or thunder/lightening kicks in - in which case get off that ridge fast!
My approach to the weather has always been phlegmatic. Whatever the forecast, the weather will do whatever it will do, especially at a local level. The Lake District is renown for variation between valleys, and the difference between a good and bad day, weather wise, can be as little as being 3 mile further east, and 500 foot lower. Being the right side of a ridge definitely takes the sting out of a 40 mph wind.
Before I go
I usually start to monitor the mountain weather report for the area I intend to visit, a couple of weeks before departure. That way I can get a feel for the sort of ground I'm likely to find, based on prior conditions (muddy - or arid?) and it also gets me in the right mindset to appreciate that northern and southern weather can vary significantly especially during the summer. T-shirt weather down here, will often be windproof weather in the north.
When I arrive
Once in the area, I'll again check the weather forecast for the next 72 hours before going on the hill, and these are usually available via displays in walking shop windows, at the local Youth Hostel, or the Tourist Information Centre.
Largely speaking the pre and on the spot checks all use the same invaluable feed - the Mountain Weather Information Service (I can't think why I haven't already added a feed to this site, this has been so very useful to me over many years - so that's another update for this site's links)
So suitably prepared, off I trot. But what about when .........
On the Hills
If you choose to carry mobile phone/Internet connect gear, then the same approach is possible, assuming the phone signal is available. My basic Orange Nokia 6101 is net enabled, but after a couple of trials I decided the hassle of single finger typing, and a small screen, made its use as a web browser not really work the effort.
So there's two other options I use - Radio reports and Weather Information Services.
Radio Reports
Most places in the UK will get a reasonable radio signal. In the UK, despite providing a better reception for hilly country, the Long Wave frequency has largely fallen into disuse. Medium Wave has a tendency to slip in and out of signal, and FM once locked on, can provide clear access to a variety of sources, but once away from civilisation is very patchy. Short Wave is a good option to cut through all this.
But the real test is the quality of available information. The BBC Radio 4 weather report prior to the 18:00 news provides a good UK wide forecast with little of the dumbing down that their TV equivalent suffers from these days. But it is very broad, and is only an indication of the country as a whole. So that 40 square mile section you're in might not be covered so well! Good for an overview, but not a lot of use for detail.
And that's where Short Wave loses out as most UK services I've discovered there are BBC related, rather than regional.
One possible exception is the BBC Shipping Forecast (Broadcast pre 18:00. & 00:00) Whilst not land related, its a good indicator of weather pattern movement around the UK, especially for air pressure and wind patterns.
But generally the local stations have a more relevant level of detail, but steer clear of the commercial variety. I've never found one yet that could manage a forecast with any real detail beyond the small urban area they're aimed at. More a 'Take in your washing/Nice day for the beach' approach.
The BBC local service is far superior, especially near coastal regions where sailing forecasts are also available; For the Lakes BBC Radio Cumbria (FM: 95.6, 96.1 &104.1) is your source.
One steadily improving access to such services is via Digital Radio Broadcasting (aka DAB). High up, if I can see any sort of largish conurbation I usually find a crystal clear DAB signal, whereas FM can still be patchy. The plus is a further set off radio stations. The downside - DAB can be very susceptible to any physical movement if the signal is weak. So stay put whilst trying to listen to that forecast!
Again, with the Lakes in mind, if I can see Lake Windemere anywhere in the distance, I'm usually assured of picking up radio stations all the way down to the Liverpool & Merseyside area.
And finally. What if the radio signal is transitory, even after moving around the hillside a little in an attempt to improve it?
Weather Services
Again a perverse feature of hills and frequency bounce is that radio and mobile phone signals get through the mush of landscape in different ways. And mobile reception is even more localised. I reported in to home from Sprinkling Tarn last year, despite this being one of the more hill locked locations. It took about 15 minutes of wandering around before signal strength went from nil to 50%, and back again, in the space of a few footsteps. Whereas the radio reception was poor throughout.
That's where the Weatherline service comes in. As well as providing a website for Lake District 5 day forecasts there's also a telephone service (0870 055 0575) which provides an accurate forecast (from memory) with much more detail, aimed specifically at hill walker needs.
If you carry a satellite phone, now becoming more widely available due to rapidly reducing cost and weight, then then this may be an option that you can rely on.
DIY
And finally. Many GPS units these days now include an altimeter function, and with it the ability to flag air pressure changes, a sure way to spot forthcoming variations in weather patterns. This is another whole area of expertise, including use of wind & cloud movement on the spot. I'd recommend Alan Watts 'Instant Weather Forecasting' for a definitive examination of this. The book is aimed at sailors, but I've never found a better condensed source to help understand DIY forecasting.
So to summarise
- Before I go - Mountain Weather Information Service
- When I'm there - same again, but via local shop/hostel
- On the hill - telephone call to Weatherline with BBC Radio for an more general overview
Fair wind and clear skies.Labels: Fellwalking, Gear, Lake District, Trip Planning
Thursday, April 19
Fellwalking - A Definition? (The Answer)
The quotation I posted on Wednesday comes from old AW himself, in his last route guide to the Lakes - 'The Outlying Fells of Lakeland'.
With the large gap since Book 7 was published, AW had mellowed a bit, but he seems very aware of both his mortality, and the walking industry he had unwittingly spawned.
BTW - Nice one Andy!Labels: Fellwalking
Wednesday, April 18
Fellwalking - A Definition for our times?
I came across this in a book preface published in 1973 by a well known outdoor writer, based on their many years experience. It struck me as a good reminder of what I prefer to do, rather than what I sometimes actually get caught up into i.e Sucked into the peak bagging/tick list game.
"Fellwalking. It is not a game, not a sport, not a competing with others, but a pastime : a simple way of spending leisure hours alone or in the company of kindred beings that has as its aim merely the study of nature in some form or other : flora or fauna; geology, the lie of the land ; or of sites of antiquarian interest on the hills : old mine workings, relics of former civilisations, ancient settlements. All harmless pursuits, all instructive."
Any idea as to the author/book?Labels: Fellwalking
All site material © John Hee - ask before you snatch
No wonder Wasdale MRT "have called for a campaign to reduce the number of people lost or stranded while walking"
As the BBC news item reports "there are more incidents now, particularly people getting lost. This is down to poor preparation, a lack of understanding of the basic skills of map work and navigation, over-ambition and low general fell awareness"
It's only a matter of time I suppose before some fool attempts to sue the MRT for not responding/acting as they potential rescuee wanted.
This is not at all right.
A point concerning a pretty negative aspect of mobile phone usage has been made by me before.
But what I can't help but wonder this time if whether we're now seeing a result of the recent TV programmes based on The Great Outdoors. (Or the "Bradbury Effect" as it may well come to be known) As I commented back in April when discussing self reliance & risk (oh my - this recent archive checking is a worry trait)
"Whilst I'm on the subject of the outdoor media, one of the criticisms I have with the recent Wainwright Walks series on BBC 4 TV was the inference that wayfinding on the hills is done just by reference to one of AW's route guides. I can't remember one appearance in four programmes of a map or compass"
To be fair thw Wainwright Walks second series did include an ascent of Helvellyn in typical crap weather, and a map/compass has started to pop into view. But some folks just never seem to be able to take responsibility for their own safety.
Or to use another recent term - a potential "Darwin Award" candidate?
Who'd be a MRT member in the future if it all carries on like this I wonder.
Labels: Fellwalking, Lake District, Mountain Rescue Team(MRT)
New Welsh Nuttalls
It seems to matter to some people about collecting lists of things. Or to be more precise ticking off items on other peoples lists. Hills especially seem to attract such folk, although this didn't start until the 1890s when Sir Hugh Munro hit inadvertently started a craze. What a groovy cat.
Now we have the The Wainrights, The Munros, The Marilyns, and many, many more.
And then of course there is The Nuttalls - a list of mountain summits in England and Wales which reach the height of 2,000 feet.
Well as of 2nd September 2007 you peak baggers had better plan a quick trip over to Wales as there's now two new summits to conquer: Carnedd y Filiast North Top (SH617631) & Castell y Gwynt (SH654581)
And there was me thinking that the summits were mostly invulnerable to the fleeting whims of us transitory humans.
Next post -the Norfolk Peaks? Ah well, probably not.
;-)Labels: Fellwalking, Wales
Tuesday, August 7
Wainwright Walks - Sun 12 Aug
If you're watching this series on BBC 4, the next programme covers Crinkle Crags and Bowfell.
The presentation still leaves me with a feeling of varying quality, but then its hard to make a follow-this-route that exciting I suppose. But the filming, especially the aerial stuff more than makes up for it. Enjoy.Labels: Fellwalking, Lake District
Sunday, May 13
Weather reports - On the hill
Atkoman's post today, picks up on his earlier 'lessons-learnt' post about updating a weather report when out on the hills.
As a contrast I thought this might be worth a few lines to help with determining your own approach.
Why Worry?
It's always important to get accurate weather forecasting if you intend wild camping on the hills, especially if you will be staying high for a few days. This mainly comes down to two essentials - wind, which can completely destroy any plans how ever well intended; And rain which can at best can turn a pleasant panoramic stroll into a slog through thick murk, or become dangerous if stream levels start to rise (as this weekend Ten Tors walk illustrated); Or thunder/lightening kicks in - in which case get off that ridge fast!
My approach to the weather has always been phlegmatic. Whatever the forecast, the weather will do whatever it will do, especially at a local level. The Lake District is renown for variation between valleys, and the difference between a good and bad day, weather wise, can be as little as being 3 mile further east, and 500 foot lower. Being the right side of a ridge definitely takes the sting out of a 40 mph wind.
Before I go
I usually start to monitor the mountain weather report for the area I intend to visit, a couple of weeks before departure. That way I can get a feel for the sort of ground I'm likely to find, based on prior conditions (muddy - or arid?) and it also gets me in the right mindset to appreciate that northern and southern weather can vary significantly especially during the summer. T-shirt weather down here, will often be windproof weather in the north.
When I arrive
Once in the area, I'll again check the weather forecast for the next 72 hours before going on the hill, and these are usually available via displays in walking shop windows, at the local Youth Hostel, or the Tourist Information Centre.
Largely speaking the pre and on the spot checks all use the same invaluable feed - the Mountain Weather Information Service (I can't think why I haven't already added a feed to this site, this has been so very useful to me over many years - so that's another update for this site's links)
So suitably prepared, off I trot. But what about when .........
On the Hills
If you choose to carry mobile phone/Internet connect gear, then the same approach is possible, assuming the phone signal is available. My basic Orange Nokia 6101 is net enabled, but after a couple of trials I decided the hassle of single finger typing, and a small screen, made its use as a web browser not really work the effort.
So there's two other options I use - Radio reports and Weather Information Services.
Radio Reports
Most places in the UK will get a reasonable radio signal. In the UK, despite providing a better reception for hilly country, the Long Wave frequency has largely fallen into disuse. Medium Wave has a tendency to slip in and out of signal, and FM once locked on, can provide clear access to a variety of sources, but once away from civilisation is very patchy. Short Wave is a good option to cut through all this.
But the real test is the quality of available information. The BBC Radio 4 weather report prior to the 18:00 news provides a good UK wide forecast with little of the dumbing down that their TV equivalent suffers from these days. But it is very broad, and is only an indication of the country as a whole. So that 40 square mile section you're in might not be covered so well! Good for an overview, but not a lot of use for detail.
And that's where Short Wave loses out as most UK services I've discovered there are BBC related, rather than regional.
One possible exception is the BBC Shipping Forecast (Broadcast pre 18:00. & 00:00) Whilst not land related, its a good indicator of weather pattern movement around the UK, especially for air pressure and wind patterns.
But generally the local stations have a more relevant level of detail, but steer clear of the commercial variety. I've never found one yet that could manage a forecast with any real detail beyond the small urban area they're aimed at. More a 'Take in your washing/Nice day for the beach' approach.
The BBC local service is far superior, especially near coastal regions where sailing forecasts are also available; For the Lakes BBC Radio Cumbria (FM: 95.6, 96.1 &104.1) is your source.
One steadily improving access to such services is via Digital Radio Broadcasting (aka DAB). High up, if I can see any sort of largish conurbation I usually find a crystal clear DAB signal, whereas FM can still be patchy. The plus is a further set off radio stations. The downside - DAB can be very susceptible to any physical movement if the signal is weak. So stay put whilst trying to listen to that forecast!
Again, with the Lakes in mind, if I can see Lake Windemere anywhere in the distance, I'm usually assured of picking up radio stations all the way down to the Liverpool & Merseyside area.
And finally. What if the radio signal is transitory, even after moving around the hillside a little in an attempt to improve it?
Weather Services
Again a perverse feature of hills and frequency bounce is that radio and mobile phone signals get through the mush of landscape in different ways. And mobile reception is even more localised. I reported in to home from Sprinkling Tarn last year, despite this being one of the more hill locked locations. It took about 15 minutes of wandering around before signal strength went from nil to 50%, and back again, in the space of a few footsteps. Whereas the radio reception was poor throughout.
That's where the Weatherline service comes in. As well as providing a website for Lake District 5 day forecasts there's also a telephone service (0870 055 0575) which provides an accurate forecast (from memory) with much more detail, aimed specifically at hill walker needs.
If you carry a satellite phone, now becoming more widely available due to rapidly reducing cost and weight, then then this may be an option that you can rely on.
DIY
And finally. Many GPS units these days now include an altimeter function, and with it the ability to flag air pressure changes, a sure way to spot forthcoming variations in weather patterns. This is another whole area of expertise, including use of wind & cloud movement on the spot. I'd recommend Alan Watts 'Instant Weather Forecasting' for a definitive examination of this. The book is aimed at sailors, but I've never found a better condensed source to help understand DIY forecasting.
So to summarise
- Before I go - Mountain Weather Information Service
- When I'm there - same again, but via local shop/hostel
- On the hill - telephone call to Weatherline with BBC Radio for an more general overview
Fair wind and clear skies.Labels: Fellwalking, Gear, Lake District, Trip Planning
Thursday, April 19
Fellwalking - A Definition? (The Answer)
The quotation I posted on Wednesday comes from old AW himself, in his last route guide to the Lakes - 'The Outlying Fells of Lakeland'.
With the large gap since Book 7 was published, AW had mellowed a bit, but he seems very aware of both his mortality, and the walking industry he had unwittingly spawned.
BTW - Nice one Andy!Labels: Fellwalking
Wednesday, April 18
Fellwalking - A Definition for our times?
I came across this in a book preface published in 1973 by a well known outdoor writer, based on their many years experience. It struck me as a good reminder of what I prefer to do, rather than what I sometimes actually get caught up into i.e Sucked into the peak bagging/tick list game.
"Fellwalking. It is not a game, not a sport, not a competing with others, but a pastime : a simple way of spending leisure hours alone or in the company of kindred beings that has as its aim merely the study of nature in some form or other : flora or fauna; geology, the lie of the land ; or of sites of antiquarian interest on the hills : old mine workings, relics of former civilisations, ancient settlements. All harmless pursuits, all instructive."
Any idea as to the author/book?Labels: Fellwalking
All site material © John Hee - ask before you snatch
Now we have the The Wainrights, The Munros, The Marilyns, and many, many more.
And then of course there is The Nuttalls - a list of mountain summits in England and Wales which reach the height of 2,000 feet.
Well as of 2nd September 2007 you peak baggers had better plan a quick trip over to Wales as there's now two new summits to conquer: Carnedd y Filiast North Top (SH617631) & Castell y Gwynt (SH654581)
And there was me thinking that the summits were mostly invulnerable to the fleeting whims of us transitory humans.
Next post -the Norfolk Peaks? Ah well, probably not.
;-)
Labels: Fellwalking, Wales
Wainwright Walks - Sun 12 Aug
If you're watching this series on BBC 4, the next programme covers Crinkle Crags and Bowfell.
The presentation still leaves me with a feeling of varying quality, but then its hard to make a follow-this-route that exciting I suppose. But the filming, especially the aerial stuff more than makes up for it. Enjoy.Labels: Fellwalking, Lake District
Sunday, May 13
Weather reports - On the hill
Atkoman's post today, picks up on his earlier 'lessons-learnt' post about updating a weather report when out on the hills.
As a contrast I thought this might be worth a few lines to help with determining your own approach.
Why Worry?
It's always important to get accurate weather forecasting if you intend wild camping on the hills, especially if you will be staying high for a few days. This mainly comes down to two essentials - wind, which can completely destroy any plans how ever well intended; And rain which can at best can turn a pleasant panoramic stroll into a slog through thick murk, or become dangerous if stream levels start to rise (as this weekend Ten Tors walk illustrated); Or thunder/lightening kicks in - in which case get off that ridge fast!
My approach to the weather has always been phlegmatic. Whatever the forecast, the weather will do whatever it will do, especially at a local level. The Lake District is renown for variation between valleys, and the difference between a good and bad day, weather wise, can be as little as being 3 mile further east, and 500 foot lower. Being the right side of a ridge definitely takes the sting out of a 40 mph wind.
Before I go
I usually start to monitor the mountain weather report for the area I intend to visit, a couple of weeks before departure. That way I can get a feel for the sort of ground I'm likely to find, based on prior conditions (muddy - or arid?) and it also gets me in the right mindset to appreciate that northern and southern weather can vary significantly especially during the summer. T-shirt weather down here, will often be windproof weather in the north.
When I arrive
Once in the area, I'll again check the weather forecast for the next 72 hours before going on the hill, and these are usually available via displays in walking shop windows, at the local Youth Hostel, or the Tourist Information Centre.
Largely speaking the pre and on the spot checks all use the same invaluable feed - the Mountain Weather Information Service (I can't think why I haven't already added a feed to this site, this has been so very useful to me over many years - so that's another update for this site's links)
So suitably prepared, off I trot. But what about when .........
On the Hills
If you choose to carry mobile phone/Internet connect gear, then the same approach is possible, assuming the phone signal is available. My basic Orange Nokia 6101 is net enabled, but after a couple of trials I decided the hassle of single finger typing, and a small screen, made its use as a web browser not really work the effort.
So there's two other options I use - Radio reports and Weather Information Services.
Radio Reports
Most places in the UK will get a reasonable radio signal. In the UK, despite providing a better reception for hilly country, the Long Wave frequency has largely fallen into disuse. Medium Wave has a tendency to slip in and out of signal, and FM once locked on, can provide clear access to a variety of sources, but once away from civilisation is very patchy. Short Wave is a good option to cut through all this.
But the real test is the quality of available information. The BBC Radio 4 weather report prior to the 18:00 news provides a good UK wide forecast with little of the dumbing down that their TV equivalent suffers from these days. But it is very broad, and is only an indication of the country as a whole. So that 40 square mile section you're in might not be covered so well! Good for an overview, but not a lot of use for detail.
And that's where Short Wave loses out as most UK services I've discovered there are BBC related, rather than regional.
One possible exception is the BBC Shipping Forecast (Broadcast pre 18:00. & 00:00) Whilst not land related, its a good indicator of weather pattern movement around the UK, especially for air pressure and wind patterns.
But generally the local stations have a more relevant level of detail, but steer clear of the commercial variety. I've never found one yet that could manage a forecast with any real detail beyond the small urban area they're aimed at. More a 'Take in your washing/Nice day for the beach' approach.
The BBC local service is far superior, especially near coastal regions where sailing forecasts are also available; For the Lakes BBC Radio Cumbria (FM: 95.6, 96.1 &104.1) is your source.
One steadily improving access to such services is via Digital Radio Broadcasting (aka DAB). High up, if I can see any sort of largish conurbation I usually find a crystal clear DAB signal, whereas FM can still be patchy. The plus is a further set off radio stations. The downside - DAB can be very susceptible to any physical movement if the signal is weak. So stay put whilst trying to listen to that forecast!
Again, with the Lakes in mind, if I can see Lake Windemere anywhere in the distance, I'm usually assured of picking up radio stations all the way down to the Liverpool & Merseyside area.
And finally. What if the radio signal is transitory, even after moving around the hillside a little in an attempt to improve it?
Weather Services
Again a perverse feature of hills and frequency bounce is that radio and mobile phone signals get through the mush of landscape in different ways. And mobile reception is even more localised. I reported in to home from Sprinkling Tarn last year, despite this being one of the more hill locked locations. It took about 15 minutes of wandering around before signal strength went from nil to 50%, and back again, in the space of a few footsteps. Whereas the radio reception was poor throughout.
That's where the Weatherline service comes in. As well as providing a website for Lake District 5 day forecasts there's also a telephone service (0870 055 0575) which provides an accurate forecast (from memory) with much more detail, aimed specifically at hill walker needs.
If you carry a satellite phone, now becoming more widely available due to rapidly reducing cost and weight, then then this may be an option that you can rely on.
DIY
And finally. Many GPS units these days now include an altimeter function, and with it the ability to flag air pressure changes, a sure way to spot forthcoming variations in weather patterns. This is another whole area of expertise, including use of wind & cloud movement on the spot. I'd recommend Alan Watts 'Instant Weather Forecasting' for a definitive examination of this. The book is aimed at sailors, but I've never found a better condensed source to help understand DIY forecasting.
So to summarise
- Before I go - Mountain Weather Information Service
- When I'm there - same again, but via local shop/hostel
- On the hill - telephone call to Weatherline with BBC Radio for an more general overview
Fair wind and clear skies.Labels: Fellwalking, Gear, Lake District, Trip Planning
Thursday, April 19
Fellwalking - A Definition? (The Answer)
The quotation I posted on Wednesday comes from old AW himself, in his last route guide to the Lakes - 'The Outlying Fells of Lakeland'.
With the large gap since Book 7 was published, AW had mellowed a bit, but he seems very aware of both his mortality, and the walking industry he had unwittingly spawned.
BTW - Nice one Andy!Labels: Fellwalking
Wednesday, April 18
Fellwalking - A Definition for our times?
I came across this in a book preface published in 1973 by a well known outdoor writer, based on their many years experience. It struck me as a good reminder of what I prefer to do, rather than what I sometimes actually get caught up into i.e Sucked into the peak bagging/tick list game.
"Fellwalking. It is not a game, not a sport, not a competing with others, but a pastime : a simple way of spending leisure hours alone or in the company of kindred beings that has as its aim merely the study of nature in some form or other : flora or fauna; geology, the lie of the land ; or of sites of antiquarian interest on the hills : old mine workings, relics of former civilisations, ancient settlements. All harmless pursuits, all instructive."
Any idea as to the author/book?Labels: Fellwalking
All site material © John Hee - ask before you snatch
The presentation still leaves me with a feeling of varying quality, but then its hard to make a follow-this-route that exciting I suppose. But the filming, especially the aerial stuff more than makes up for it. Enjoy.
Labels: Fellwalking, Lake District
Weather reports - On the hill
Atkoman's post today, picks up on his earlier 'lessons-learnt' post about updating a weather report when out on the hills.
As a contrast I thought this might be worth a few lines to help with determining your own approach.
Why Worry?
It's always important to get accurate weather forecasting if you intend wild camping on the hills, especially if you will be staying high for a few days. This mainly comes down to two essentials - wind, which can completely destroy any plans how ever well intended; And rain which can at best can turn a pleasant panoramic stroll into a slog through thick murk, or become dangerous if stream levels start to rise (as this weekend Ten Tors walk illustrated); Or thunder/lightening kicks in - in which case get off that ridge fast!
My approach to the weather has always been phlegmatic. Whatever the forecast, the weather will do whatever it will do, especially at a local level. The Lake District is renown for variation between valleys, and the difference between a good and bad day, weather wise, can be as little as being 3 mile further east, and 500 foot lower. Being the right side of a ridge definitely takes the sting out of a 40 mph wind.
Before I go
I usually start to monitor the mountain weather report for the area I intend to visit, a couple of weeks before departure. That way I can get a feel for the sort of ground I'm likely to find, based on prior conditions (muddy - or arid?) and it also gets me in the right mindset to appreciate that northern and southern weather can vary significantly especially during the summer. T-shirt weather down here, will often be windproof weather in the north.
When I arrive
Once in the area, I'll again check the weather forecast for the next 72 hours before going on the hill, and these are usually available via displays in walking shop windows, at the local Youth Hostel, or the Tourist Information Centre.
Largely speaking the pre and on the spot checks all use the same invaluable feed - the Mountain Weather Information Service (I can't think why I haven't already added a feed to this site, this has been so very useful to me over many years - so that's another update for this site's links)
So suitably prepared, off I trot. But what about when .........
On the Hills
If you choose to carry mobile phone/Internet connect gear, then the same approach is possible, assuming the phone signal is available. My basic Orange Nokia 6101 is net enabled, but after a couple of trials I decided the hassle of single finger typing, and a small screen, made its use as a web browser not really work the effort.
So there's two other options I use - Radio reports and Weather Information Services.
Radio Reports
Most places in the UK will get a reasonable radio signal. In the UK, despite providing a better reception for hilly country, the Long Wave frequency has largely fallen into disuse. Medium Wave has a tendency to slip in and out of signal, and FM once locked on, can provide clear access to a variety of sources, but once away from civilisation is very patchy. Short Wave is a good option to cut through all this.
But the real test is the quality of available information. The BBC Radio 4 weather report prior to the 18:00 news provides a good UK wide forecast with little of the dumbing down that their TV equivalent suffers from these days. But it is very broad, and is only an indication of the country as a whole. So that 40 square mile section you're in might not be covered so well! Good for an overview, but not a lot of use for detail.
And that's where Short Wave loses out as most UK services I've discovered there are BBC related, rather than regional.
One possible exception is the BBC Shipping Forecast (Broadcast pre 18:00. & 00:00) Whilst not land related, its a good indicator of weather pattern movement around the UK, especially for air pressure and wind patterns.
But generally the local stations have a more relevant level of detail, but steer clear of the commercial variety. I've never found one yet that could manage a forecast with any real detail beyond the small urban area they're aimed at. More a 'Take in your washing/Nice day for the beach' approach.
The BBC local service is far superior, especially near coastal regions where sailing forecasts are also available; For the Lakes BBC Radio Cumbria (FM: 95.6, 96.1 &104.1) is your source.
One steadily improving access to such services is via Digital Radio Broadcasting (aka DAB). High up, if I can see any sort of largish conurbation I usually find a crystal clear DAB signal, whereas FM can still be patchy. The plus is a further set off radio stations. The downside - DAB can be very susceptible to any physical movement if the signal is weak. So stay put whilst trying to listen to that forecast!
Again, with the Lakes in mind, if I can see Lake Windemere anywhere in the distance, I'm usually assured of picking up radio stations all the way down to the Liverpool & Merseyside area.
And finally. What if the radio signal is transitory, even after moving around the hillside a little in an attempt to improve it?
Weather Services
Again a perverse feature of hills and frequency bounce is that radio and mobile phone signals get through the mush of landscape in different ways. And mobile reception is even more localised. I reported in to home from Sprinkling Tarn last year, despite this being one of the more hill locked locations. It took about 15 minutes of wandering around before signal strength went from nil to 50%, and back again, in the space of a few footsteps. Whereas the radio reception was poor throughout.
That's where the Weatherline service comes in. As well as providing a website for Lake District 5 day forecasts there's also a telephone service (0870 055 0575) which provides an accurate forecast (from memory) with much more detail, aimed specifically at hill walker needs.
If you carry a satellite phone, now becoming more widely available due to rapidly reducing cost and weight, then then this may be an option that you can rely on.
DIY
And finally. Many GPS units these days now include an altimeter function, and with it the ability to flag air pressure changes, a sure way to spot forthcoming variations in weather patterns. This is another whole area of expertise, including use of wind & cloud movement on the spot. I'd recommend Alan Watts 'Instant Weather Forecasting' for a definitive examination of this. The book is aimed at sailors, but I've never found a better condensed source to help understand DIY forecasting.
So to summarise
- Before I go - Mountain Weather Information Service
- When I'm there - same again, but via local shop/hostel
- On the hill - telephone call to Weatherline with BBC Radio for an more general overview
Fair wind and clear skies.Labels: Fellwalking, Gear, Lake District, Trip Planning
Thursday, April 19
Fellwalking - A Definition? (The Answer)
The quotation I posted on Wednesday comes from old AW himself, in his last route guide to the Lakes - 'The Outlying Fells of Lakeland'.
With the large gap since Book 7 was published, AW had mellowed a bit, but he seems very aware of both his mortality, and the walking industry he had unwittingly spawned.
BTW - Nice one Andy!Labels: Fellwalking
Wednesday, April 18
Fellwalking - A Definition for our times?
I came across this in a book preface published in 1973 by a well known outdoor writer, based on their many years experience. It struck me as a good reminder of what I prefer to do, rather than what I sometimes actually get caught up into i.e Sucked into the peak bagging/tick list game.
"Fellwalking. It is not a game, not a sport, not a competing with others, but a pastime : a simple way of spending leisure hours alone or in the company of kindred beings that has as its aim merely the study of nature in some form or other : flora or fauna; geology, the lie of the land ; or of sites of antiquarian interest on the hills : old mine workings, relics of former civilisations, ancient settlements. All harmless pursuits, all instructive."
Any idea as to the author/book?Labels: Fellwalking
All site material © John Hee - ask before you snatch
As a contrast I thought this might be worth a few lines to help with determining your own approach.
Why Worry?
It's always important to get accurate weather forecasting if you intend wild camping on the hills, especially if you will be staying high for a few days. This mainly comes down to two essentials - wind, which can completely destroy any plans how ever well intended; And rain which can at best can turn a pleasant panoramic stroll into a slog through thick murk, or become dangerous if stream levels start to rise (as this weekend Ten Tors walk illustrated); Or thunder/lightening kicks in - in which case get off that ridge fast!
My approach to the weather has always been phlegmatic. Whatever the forecast, the weather will do whatever it will do, especially at a local level. The Lake District is renown for variation between valleys, and the difference between a good and bad day, weather wise, can be as little as being 3 mile further east, and 500 foot lower. Being the right side of a ridge definitely takes the sting out of a 40 mph wind.
Before I go
I usually start to monitor the mountain weather report for the area I intend to visit, a couple of weeks before departure. That way I can get a feel for the sort of ground I'm likely to find, based on prior conditions (muddy - or arid?) and it also gets me in the right mindset to appreciate that northern and southern weather can vary significantly especially during the summer. T-shirt weather down here, will often be windproof weather in the north.
When I arrive
Once in the area, I'll again check the weather forecast for the next 72 hours before going on the hill, and these are usually available via displays in walking shop windows, at the local Youth Hostel, or the Tourist Information Centre.
Largely speaking the pre and on the spot checks all use the same invaluable feed - the Mountain Weather Information Service (I can't think why I haven't already added a feed to this site, this has been so very useful to me over many years - so that's another update for this site's links)
So suitably prepared, off I trot. But what about when .........
On the Hills
If you choose to carry mobile phone/Internet connect gear, then the same approach is possible, assuming the phone signal is available. My basic Orange Nokia 6101 is net enabled, but after a couple of trials I decided the hassle of single finger typing, and a small screen, made its use as a web browser not really work the effort.
So there's two other options I use - Radio reports and Weather Information Services.
Radio Reports
Most places in the UK will get a reasonable radio signal. In the UK, despite providing a better reception for hilly country, the Long Wave frequency has largely fallen into disuse. Medium Wave has a tendency to slip in and out of signal, and FM once locked on, can provide clear access to a variety of sources, but once away from civilisation is very patchy. Short Wave is a good option to cut through all this.
But the real test is the quality of available information. The BBC Radio 4 weather report prior to the 18:00 news provides a good UK wide forecast with little of the dumbing down that their TV equivalent suffers from these days. But it is very broad, and is only an indication of the country as a whole. So that 40 square mile section you're in might not be covered so well! Good for an overview, but not a lot of use for detail.
And that's where Short Wave loses out as most UK services I've discovered there are BBC related, rather than regional.
One possible exception is the BBC Shipping Forecast (Broadcast pre 18:00. & 00:00) Whilst not land related, its a good indicator of weather pattern movement around the UK, especially for air pressure and wind patterns.
But generally the local stations have a more relevant level of detail, but steer clear of the commercial variety. I've never found one yet that could manage a forecast with any real detail beyond the small urban area they're aimed at. More a 'Take in your washing/Nice day for the beach' approach.
The BBC local service is far superior, especially near coastal regions where sailing forecasts are also available; For the Lakes BBC Radio Cumbria (FM: 95.6, 96.1 &104.1) is your source.
One steadily improving access to such services is via Digital Radio Broadcasting (aka DAB). High up, if I can see any sort of largish conurbation I usually find a crystal clear DAB signal, whereas FM can still be patchy. The plus is a further set off radio stations. The downside - DAB can be very susceptible to any physical movement if the signal is weak. So stay put whilst trying to listen to that forecast!
Again, with the Lakes in mind, if I can see Lake Windemere anywhere in the distance, I'm usually assured of picking up radio stations all the way down to the Liverpool & Merseyside area.
And finally. What if the radio signal is transitory, even after moving around the hillside a little in an attempt to improve it?
Weather Services
Again a perverse feature of hills and frequency bounce is that radio and mobile phone signals get through the mush of landscape in different ways. And mobile reception is even more localised. I reported in to home from Sprinkling Tarn last year, despite this being one of the more hill locked locations. It took about 15 minutes of wandering around before signal strength went from nil to 50%, and back again, in the space of a few footsteps. Whereas the radio reception was poor throughout.
That's where the Weatherline service comes in. As well as providing a website for Lake District 5 day forecasts there's also a telephone service (0870 055 0575) which provides an accurate forecast (from memory) with much more detail, aimed specifically at hill walker needs.
If you carry a satellite phone, now becoming more widely available due to rapidly reducing cost and weight, then then this may be an option that you can rely on.
DIY
And finally. Many GPS units these days now include an altimeter function, and with it the ability to flag air pressure changes, a sure way to spot forthcoming variations in weather patterns. This is another whole area of expertise, including use of wind & cloud movement on the spot. I'd recommend Alan Watts 'Instant Weather Forecasting' for a definitive examination of this. The book is aimed at sailors, but I've never found a better condensed source to help understand DIY forecasting.
So to summarise
- Before I go - Mountain Weather Information Service
- When I'm there - same again, but via local shop/hostel
- On the hill - telephone call to Weatherline with BBC Radio for an more general overview
Labels: Fellwalking, Gear, Lake District, Trip Planning
Fellwalking - A Definition? (The Answer)
The quotation I posted on Wednesday comes from old AW himself, in his last route guide to the Lakes - 'The Outlying Fells of Lakeland'.
With the large gap since Book 7 was published, AW had mellowed a bit, but he seems very aware of both his mortality, and the walking industry he had unwittingly spawned.
BTW - Nice one Andy!Labels: Fellwalking
Wednesday, April 18
Fellwalking - A Definition for our times?
I came across this in a book preface published in 1973 by a well known outdoor writer, based on their many years experience. It struck me as a good reminder of what I prefer to do, rather than what I sometimes actually get caught up into i.e Sucked into the peak bagging/tick list game.
"Fellwalking. It is not a game, not a sport, not a competing with others, but a pastime : a simple way of spending leisure hours alone or in the company of kindred beings that has as its aim merely the study of nature in some form or other : flora or fauna; geology, the lie of the land ; or of sites of antiquarian interest on the hills : old mine workings, relics of former civilisations, ancient settlements. All harmless pursuits, all instructive."
Any idea as to the author/book?Labels: Fellwalking
All site material © John Hee - ask before you snatch
With the large gap since Book 7 was published, AW had mellowed a bit, but he seems very aware of both his mortality, and the walking industry he had unwittingly spawned.
BTW - Nice one Andy!
Labels: Fellwalking
Fellwalking - A Definition for our times?
I came across this in a book preface published in 1973 by a well known outdoor writer, based on their many years experience. It struck me as a good reminder of what I prefer to do, rather than what I sometimes actually get caught up into i.e Sucked into the peak bagging/tick list game.
"Fellwalking. It is not a game, not a sport, not a competing with others, but a pastime : a simple way of spending leisure hours alone or in the company of kindred beings that has as its aim merely the study of nature in some form or other : flora or fauna; geology, the lie of the land ; or of sites of antiquarian interest on the hills : old mine workings, relics of former civilisations, ancient settlements. All harmless pursuits, all instructive."
Any idea as to the author/book?Labels: Fellwalking
"Fellwalking. It is not a game, not a sport, not a competing with others, but a pastime : a simple way of spending leisure hours alone or in the company of kindred beings that has as its aim merely the study of nature in some form or other : flora or fauna; geology, the lie of the land ; or of sites of antiquarian interest on the hills : old mine workings, relics of former civilisations, ancient settlements. All harmless pursuits, all instructive."
Any idea as to the author/book?
Labels: Fellwalking
All site material © John Hee - ask before you snatch
