INSTRUCTORS TIPS
On this page you will find links to various articles and top tips that I have written, some to supplement courses and some as an aide memoir. Others are just top tips that are useful in their own right to help you enjoy the mountains safely.
Choosing an axe and crampons for winter walking
Choosing an axe and crampons for winter walking Winter offers the ideal excuse to head off to the nearest gear shop and spend some of your hard earned on shiny new gear. Even better, some [...]
How to get started as a mountaineer
Occasionally people have a vision, a dream, a fantastically great idea...but they don't know how to get there, or perhaps even what it means! This little article is for anyone that has ever dreamt of [...]
Ropework for scrambling
This is a series of videos that I presented for the Association of Mountaineering Instructors and The BMC that looks at rope work for scrambling. Rope Work for Scramblers: Introduction Rope Work for Scramblers: Part [...]
Route finding advice for scrambling
Here I look at route finding advice on scrambling terrain. How to: route find when scrambling
How to choose kit for scrambling
Here I show what we should consider carrying on an easy scramble, from basics like food and water to emergency kit in case the weather changes or something goes wrong. How to: choose kit for [...]
How to move when scrambling
Tips on how to move when on an easy scramble. Giant strides or tiny steps? Which is best on steep ground? How to: move when scrambling
Navigation Timing Card
Navigation Timing Card Here is a navigation timing card that you can print off, laminate and keep with your compass. It will help you work out timings and save you from having to do maths [...]
How to take a bearing
How to take a bearing A reminder on how to take a bearing - by Rob Johnson How to use a compass Grid North, Magnetic North & True North There are three norths commonly in [...]
Understand Contours
Understand Contours - by Rob Johnson If you can get your head around contours then your map reading will improve massively. When map makers sit down with a blank piece of paper the first thing that [...]
Winter Skills with Trail Magazine
Winter Skills with Trail Magazine Desperate to walk in winter but scared off by ice axes, avalanches, blizzards and snowholes? Trail has the answer: book yourself on a winter skills course. Words by Oli Reed [...]
When should I tell people to worry?
When should I tell people to worry? We all know walks can take longer than expected… but at what point should the person left behind waiting start to worry and call for help? Its really [...]
What is Mountain Navigation
Mountain Navigation is quite simply the ability to plan and follow a route in the mountains. If the weather is fine then it is a relatively simple matter but when the weather changes, as it [...]
Mountain Leader Training with Trail Magazine
Mountain Leader Training with Trail Magazine ‘Expedition’ is a damn fine word, guaranteed to send shivers up your spine. And if it’s adventure you’re a er, a big-scale mountain trip is the place to find [...]
How to pass your ML Assessment
How to pass your Mountain Leader (ML) Assessment For many people, becoming a Mountain Leader is the gateway to a whole new world of opportunities. Assessments aren't everyone’s favourite pastime, however, so here are some [...]
Learning to Climb
The Learning Process This is the teaching model that I have designed to teach multi-pitch and lead climbing, you won't see this in any books! The idea is that on the 1st day I will talk you [...]
Mountain Leader Definitions
Mountain Leader Definitions Mountainous Country, Quality Mountain Days and Wild Camping 1.1 Mountainous Country For the purpose of the Mountain Leader scheme ‘mountainous country’ may be defined as wild country which may contain unavoidable steep [...]
Work in the Outdoors
Can it work for you? For many people the idea of turning their hobby into their full or part time occupation is a dream, the idea of these pages is to help you establish whether [...]
Climb your first 4000m peak
How to climb your first 4000m peak "I want to climb an Alpine 4000m peak – how experienced to I need to be and what should I start off with?" If you are heading out [...]
Mountain Incidents
Mountain Incidents - how to avoid them Heading into the mountains means different things to different people. It can involve escapism, physical challenge, camaraderie or perhaps freedom. Whatever our motivation we want to enjoy the [...]
Winter Kit List
Winter Kit List: I have prepared it and modified this list over many years and there is nothing on here that you can make do without. If we are very lucky and have perfect weather [...]