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- …
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 …
I recently completed a Mountain Leader Qualification assessment: an intense, physically and mentally exhausting five days in the Cumbrian fells with two nights out in high winds and sub zero temperatures. We were continuously assessed on our navigation; both day and night, in all weathers and mostly off path, as well as group leadership and …
High, much higher than one can imagine The soaring skyline of Pike O’Stickle Ablaze. Fire-set rock alive again With percussive blows, little by little Rough cut quarry men, rough out axes of greenstone Volcanic tuff exposed in time lost land. They are at one with the stone, names unknown, Everything to hand, everything by hand. …
Touch and Go I was born on grandad’s kitchen table Liverish, sickly, skin like orange peel, Touch and go. Saved by blood from a stranger Freely given voluntary and vagal. 1st Bangor Scouts master on Great Gable: “Take it from here Billy- go as you feel”, A small outstep becomes a life changer- Did he …