A new guide to Winter Climbing Conditions in the Lakes
- Wednesday 28th January 2015
Jan 28th, 2015
As previously reported in our earlier piece about winter conditions (see here…) the BMC’s new guide to winter climbing conditions in the Lake District is an invaluable aid to those heading out into the mountains.
And given that the latest forecast is for another icey blast coming in from across the pond the authorities are reminding those venturing out into the mountains to take care. As recently as a week or so ago a lone teenager was rescued of the hills near Snowdon. Rescuers said that he was “lucky to be found alive”.
The new BMC guide is specifically target at climbers however. It has been produced by the BMC in partnership with the Fell and Rock Climbing Club, the Lake District National Park, the National Trust and Natural England.
The free booklet contains a wealth of information not only on which crags are best for climbing on but also how to avoid damaging the sensitive mountain plants and thus it’s looking to protect the environment as well.
Rob Dyer, BMC Access & Conservation Officer, said: “The BMC has a strong environmental ethic and the new Lake District White Guide is the latest in our series of guides to help climbers look after mountain habitats when climbing with axes and crampons.
“Climbers, hill walkers and mountaineers are generally very clued-up and respectful of mountain habitats and by publishing this guide we’re ensuring they continue to get the detailed information and advice they need in an easy to understand format. It’s a must read for any winter climber, new or experienced, who is heading for the Lakes.”
The Lake District provides an important habitat for a number of rare arctic alpine plants. These have been drastically reduced in numbers over the years through intensive collection in the Victorian era and heavy upland grazing.
Specifically, the booklet includes:
- Topos for all sensitive crags in the Lakes, with clearly marked areas (showing where rare arctic alpine plants are located), which should be avoided unless turf is frozen solid.
- A detailed insight into when and where to find good winter conditions in the Lakes, with information on the weather patterns needed to bring different crags and types of climbing into condition.
- Details of the types of plant found on the crags of the Lake District and how they have become so rare.
- Advice on how to look after turf and why it is important for both winter climbing and conservation.
- An easy to understand map showing where crags and buttresses which have been agreed as ‘rock climbing only’ areas are located as well as details on how this came about.
The booklet is available to download for free . You can also order a free hard copy booklet from the BMC Shop and it will soon be available in local Lake District climbing shops, walls and visitor centres.
Click through here to go to the BMC website for more info and to download the guide.
The guide follows the publication of a similar guide to North Wales.