Wasdale’s Jos Naylor: master shepherd, master fellrunner, master stone waller etc. He built this cairn with the love and skill beyond that which is required for mere function. Like an art installation it is a silent witness to place and time- reminding us to do likewise. Reminiscent of the curricks built by miners in the …
Sometimes being willing to explore a little beyond the well trodden path can reveal unexpected gems like this Cumbrian Eyebright. Such fortunity enervates and I was reminded of the wonderful metaphor in Wordsworth’s poem: Lucy: “A violet by a mossy stone Half hidden from the eye! Fair as a star, when only one Is shining …
The famously haunted corpse road crossing between Wasdale Head and Eskdale takes a route frequented by our early ancestors over 4000 years ago. High on Eskdale Moor, above Burnmoor Tarn, is a collection of pre-historic cairns and stone circles- many away from the main path and quite hidden in the rough mat grass. It is …
At a time when our neighbours once again play such an important part in our collective wellbeing I am reminded of my early childhood in Derry/Londonderry. The photograph was taken in my grandparents’ back yard (1957): Number 87, The Fountain The snib string was pushed through grandfather’s door Well-worn by the tug of neighbours’ hands- …
A poem for our times: written on a local hike just before the lockdown. There is hope at the end… The Keening Curlew Hail, blown by Artic Maritime wind Stings. Westmorland whitens, all sound freezes. I take shelter in a hill side lime kiln Stone cold. No fire here, all warmth has been mined. Pulling …
I rarely write about events on the news but after the awful events in New Zealand on 15th March I want to share a poignant story: The next day, on the Saturday, in the driving rain and gusting gales of Storm Gareth I supported a group of students from the University of Manchester’s Islamic Society …
I recently completed a weekend course on winter mountaineering run by the Scotland’s national mountain centre, Glenmore Lodge and covered such areas as avalanche awareness, moving safely on steep, icy ground and winter navigation. Most of it was consolidation of existing knowledge and skills but, as always, there was plenty to take away: top tips …
Recently I took myself off to remote Upper Eskdale and on my back I was carrying a time machine- a tent. Sleeping in a wild and remote place on the banks of a beck in spate with the wind whipping and the rain drumming the flysheet can be very therapeutic! Wrapped up warm and dry …
During the week I work part time as a health and social care consultant- training, mentoring, interim etc and then at the weekend I work as a professional mountain leader. Recently I was asked to do some navigation training- for someone who loves being immersed in the mountains but feels unsafe when the think mist …
The joy of working as a Mountain Leader is not just having the privilege of sharing one’s love of the outdoors with others but also to use the experience as an opportunity to encourage people to reflect on matters important to them. I recently guided 3 people on a hike which involved ascending Helvellyn via …