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SUMMER 2014 | ISSUE 87 | GEORGEFISHER.CO.UK
New summer stock now in! See inside for a full round-up of new clothing and equipment
A LONG WEEKEND IN A LUXURY
EXPEDITION-EQUIPPED LAND ROVER
worth £580 (P6)
Flying above Derwentwater and Ramspholme Island. Photo: Stuart Holmes
TEA, CAKES &
CRAG RATS
STEPPING
BACK IN TIME
CANINE CAFÉ
CULTURE
Early days of
Borrowdale climbing
George Fisher
becomes a film set
Dogs, cafés and
pubs
Page 8
Page 14
Page 20
MARK SEATON
Attempts his first
big wall climb
Page 22
@georgefisheruk
/georgefisheruk
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INSPIRATION FOR
A LIFETIME OF ADVENTURE
George Fisher director ANDY AIREY considers
what gets people into the outdoors
Photo: Jacqui Scott
A
s I write my regular piece for the Update it
often strikes me that I’m preaching to the
converted; if you are reading this then you will
have had some interaction with George Fisher
Ltd and it’s almost certain that you will have an
interest in the outdoors. Like me, you will have
discovered the pleasure exploring the world
outside, experiencing the simple delights of
outdoor activity and finding joy in sights and
sounds along the way.
How many people out there haven’t had the
opportunity to appreciate our world? Imagine if we
could speak to them, and introduce them to our
adventures…
PHOTO: DAMIEN ROSSO
In the 1990s I did some work with the now defunct
English Tourism Authority relating to walking
holidays. They realised that the varied landscapes
and diverse cultural heritage of England offered
the perfect setting for walks and walking-based
holidays. Part of their research tried to understand
why some people walked and others didn’t - the
idea being that if they could discover what turned
an individual into a walker then they would be
able to encourage more people to visit the English
countryside and grow the tourism economy.
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The strange thing was they couldn’t find any
difference between the two groups - other than
walkers walked, and non-walkers didn’t. On
digging deeper it was discovered that at some
stage in a walker’s past something (or more
usually someONE) had acquainted them with the
outdoors… and they’d never looked back. It could
have been a family member, friend, schoolteacher
or scout leader - someone who enjoyed the
outdoors made the connection for them.
In my case the person who made the difference
was Donald Angus; he lived (and lives) in
Threlkeld, my home village. As lads, my friends
and I spent our lives outside - playing football,
running, swimming, messing about and generally
getting dirty, however it was Donald who
introduced us to the Lake District fells. At that
time he was one of the original Lake District
National Park Wardens and, for reasons only
known to him, at weekends or holidays he allowed
us Threlkeld lads to jump into his Land Rover and
join him on his days at work.
We spent hours walking the fells with him. We
also rebuilt walls, put up bridges, cleared paths,
installed benches, plenty of litter-picking… lots
of pretty hard graft but ultimately great fun!
Donald taught much about the Lakes and took us
to places we’d never been to before, but the most
important thing he gave us was an appreciation
of being outdoors.
Time moves on - I still love being outdoors but
it’s now an integral part of my work as well as
my lifestyle, and introducing new people to the
great outdoors is central to the development of
our business. It’s difficult for one shop in Keswick
to make a huge difference but we do our bit; we
also support other organisations in their efforts
to inspire new entrants. In May we were actively
involved in the Keswick Mountain Festival, central
to which is the inclusive, introductory nature of
many activities and presentations.
As the year progresses we look forward to a
number of other events aimed at sparking an
interest in the outdoors. Watch out for…
National Park Week
An annual celebration of all the amazing places,
people and things to be found within the
boundaries of the 15 UK National Parks. This year,
it takes place from 28 July to 3 August with
events in every National Park as well as the annual
photography competition; visit nationalparks.
gov.uk/visiting/national-parks-week-2014 for full
information.
Derwentwater Regatta
On 9-10 August, showcasing the National Trust’s
‘50 Things to Do Before You are 11 ’; as well as a
traditional summer fair there will be opportunities
to climb a tree, navigate with a map and compass,
find a geocache, dam a stream, make a mud pie…
let your imagination run wild! Full details will
appear on nationaltrust.org.uk
Yes, it’s in my interest (and that of George Fisher
and the UK outdoor economy) to encourage more
people to venture outdoors, but it’s also good for
the greater health and wellbeing of the UK. The
natural playground we have at our disposal could
be the vital ingredient in getting Britain moving
again, towards health and fitness. If we could
inspire those elements of the UK population who
were unaware of what was within striking distance
of their home, or were unsure how to take their
first steps towards outdoor adventure, imagine the
difference we could make to thousands of lives.
Why wait for someone else to do something - YOU
can make a difference, YOU could be their catalyst…
who can you take out on your next (and their first!)
outdoor adventure?
www.britainonfoot.co.uk
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3
WEIGHT, AND WHAT
NOT TO TAKE
WARP STRENGTH, SCOTTY
Our equipment and accessories buyer JON WICKHAM
looks at new climbing products
Soft goods buyer LISA BERGERUD on mountain marathons
Photos: Midway camp on LAMM 2014, Strathcarron (Torridon)
I
’ve just come back from taking part in the Lowe
Alpine Mountain Marathon in Scotland. This entails
being self-sufficient for two days, and (depending
on how competitive you are) walking, trotting or
running, navigating between marked checkpoints.
It’s a fun way to get out there and explore, plus
very satisfying when you do find the checkpoints.
I’ve always enjoyed these events, spending the
night with two of us squeezed into a one-man tent,
early mornings in magnificent Highland locations.
If you’re really lucky the weather can be kind - or
thick mist (and midges) can be swirling under your
door...
Packing is interesting. How much do you actually
need? It’s a balance of what you want to take extra,
versus the extra weight. There’s a compulsory list
of essential items - tent, survival and sleeping
bags, spare and waterproof clothing, food and
cooking equipment, first aid kit, map, compass and
whistle. High on the list of my priorities is food,
and food is heavy. If I leave my toothbrush (sorry
dentist but its only overnight) and deodorant
out (it’s only a night, smelling might make me go
faster) I can take extra food. After getting sunburn
a few years ago I do now take sun cream, but all
weight counts when you’re trying to run carrying it.
This year I was happy to have my Haglöfs LIMM
GORE-TEX Paclite and Montane Minimus pants, but
was even happier to slip my Skins compression
tights on in the evening for addition warmth. Food
weight can also be saved with specialist highcalorie dried food where you just add hot water;
pudding too, after all that expended energy.
4
A
Day two, after all the food weight and sun cream
has gone, should be easier but there’s always
fatigue after the day before to contend with - am I
selling a mountain marathon to you? I hope so, as
they’re brilliant events to take part in and test your
navigating skills.
We don’t manage to take part in these events
every year as it’s takes too much time out from
our family and work, however we have managed
to apply the ‘less is better’ principal to camping
and we’ve spent many nights with our children,
from a very young age, wild camping. I do insisted
on toothbrushes, but on more than one occasion
a foot has gone into a stream during the brushing
process - Smartwool socks are warm when wet!
As the children have become older we’ve become
more adventurous and taken to epic cycle touring
adventures. Now our children are old enough to
be taking part in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award
Scheme and have the know-how to pack two
essential plastic bags; if your feet are wet at the
end of day one, put dry socks on when you get into
the tent. Then if you need to get out, put the plastic
bags over your feet thus keeping the dry socks
dry. The hard part is putting the wet socks back on
in the morning (dry socks are lighter to carry and
there’s every chance they’ll only get wet again) My
preferred wet sock is Smartwool!
Photo: Arc’teryx
Haglöfs LIM III Q Jacket
Get out there, learn to navigate and take your kids
camping; they love it.
Montane Minimus Pant
Phone and website orders received before noon are delivered free overnight 017687 71801
s you may have noticed, staff and customers
at George Fisher have increasingly fallen
in love with a Canadian brand called Arc’teryx.
Though well known for its beautifully made
clothing, the company actually started out
making climbing harnesses and recently it has
again revolutionised harness design with its
own in-house technique called ‘Warp Strength
Technology’. This involves taking a conventional
climbing sling and, by hand, teasing out all of the
fibres that run across it, leaving just the ‘warp’
fibres. This dramatically reduces the weight and
bulk of the sling whilst maintaining its strength
and increasing its flexibility. These remaining
fibres are then spread out into a broad belt,
laminated, and sandwiched between a lightweight
layer of wicking fabric and a highly durable, water
resistant soft-shell outer.
The process creates a harness that is lightweight
and supple, yet strong and durable, while giving
exceptional fit and comfort. Pop into our Climbing
Department in the basement to take a look for
yourself, these are harnesses that genuinely stand
apart in comfort and performance – you can feel
the difference.
An interesting new product in store is from those
pioneers of climbing technology, Black Diamond.
Their new Camalot X4 Offset camming devices use
a variety of specialist features to create a cam
that will protect you where others can’t. The offset
shape comes from the two sets of camming lobes
being of different sizes on each unit, allowing the
cam to be placed in to non-uniform cracks. This
allows the X4 Offset to work where other cams
wouldn’t, increasing your safety whilst climbing.
As well as this feature, Black Diamond’s attention to
detail is evident throughout the units. Aluminium
beads cover the cable stem, giving both the
flexibility to insert the cam in to awkward cracks,
whilst maintaining their strength and durability.
Additionally the cam lobes, beads and sling are all
colour coded to allow quick selection when you’re
gripped!
Don’t forget we are continuing our ‘Money
for Old Rope’ initiative to promote safety and
environmental responsibility in climbing. If you
bring a worn climbing rope in to the shop, you will
get 15% off the price of a new climbing rope. This
is helping to reduce the amount of worn out ropes
in circulation and ensuring that they are recycled
rather than going in to landfill. Returned ropes are
turned over to Green Peak Gear, a charity which
specialises in turning old climbing ropes in to
functional new products like dog leads
and doormats.
Black Diamond Offset close-up
Arc’teryx ‘Warp Strength
Technology’ harness
Black Diamond Camalot Offset range
Phone and website orders received before noon are delivered free overnight 017687 71801
5
WIN!
WIN A LONG WEEKEND IN
A LUXURY EXPEDITION-EQUIPPED
LAND ROVER WORTH £580
W
e think you’re going to love this issue’s prize competition. Scotland Overland
are experts in fitting out expedition-equipped Land Rovers to a standard
that will get you across the world’s wildest terrain. But they’re also great for
touring the UK in self-contained style! And Scotland Overland are offering a
fantastic prize of the use of one of their Land Rovers for a long weekend (four
days/three nights) starting from Edinburgh or Peebles.
Scotland Overland’s vehicles include roof tents and all the equipment needed
for up to four people to explore and camp in the wildest parts of the country.
Land Rover Defenders enable access to places that ordinary campervans
can’t go, allowing you to set up camp anywhere; on the beach, or deep in the
forest. The roof tents allow you to set camp in under five minutes and provide
comfortable accommodation with a view. Everything needed for wild camping is
included: just turn up with your toothbrush and go!
WIN A LONG WEEKEND IN A LUXURY
EXPEDITION-EQUIPPED LAND ROVER
1. Fill in your details 2. Detach the slip 3. Hand in at George Fisher, or
post to: George Fisher, 2 Borrowdale Road, Keswick, Cumbria CA12 5DA
4. OR go online and enter at www.georgefisher.co.uk
Name:
Address:
Phone Number:
Email address:
[ ] Tick here if you do not want George Fisher to send you future details of news and
promotions.
[ ] Tick here if you do not want Scotland Overland to send you future details of news and
promotions.
George Fisher and Scotland Overland will not share your details with anyone else.
Terms & Conditions
1. The promotion is only open to UK residents aged 18 or over and excludes George Fisher and Scotland
Overland employees and their immediate families.
2. A valid email address is required to enter.
3. Two winners will be selected at random at the end of the promotion (midday 16 August 2014).
4. Entries may be made in store, by post or online at georgefisher.co.uk and received
by midday 16 August 2014.
5. Photocopied entries not accepted - entries only on original pages from The Update.
6. The winners will be contacted within 7 days of the draw. In the event that a winner has not responded
within 14 days of notification then the promoter reserves the right to reallocate the prize to a reserve
winner.
7. The winners’ name and county will be posted online at georgefisher.co.uk
8. There is no cash alternative.
9. By entering the promotion entrants confirm that they have read and agree to be bound by these terms
and conditions and by the decisions of George Fisher, which are final in all matters relating to the
promotion. Failure to do so will result in the forfeiture of the prize. No correspondence
will be entered into.
10. George Fisher will not be responsible for the non-inclusion of entries as a result of technical failures
or otherwise. Proof of submission of entry is not proof of receipt of entry.
11. Winners name and county will be available by writing to George Fisher with a stamped addressed
envelope after the closing date.
12. The prize weekend must be taken before 30 June 2015, and is subject to availability.
13. Scotland Overland’s standard terms and conditions will apply, which can be found at:
scotlandoverland.com
6
The Defender is revered worldwide as possibly the greatest off-road vehicle
ever, as iconic and recognisable as the Mini or the Beetle. Their adaptability and
ruggedness combines with modern comforts on these low-mileage models to
provide self-sufficiency and dependability for visiting the remotest parts of the
country.
All vehicles are five-door Defender 110 models identical in colour and
specification to those shown in the photos. They benefit from the power
and efficiency of Land Rover’s current generation diesel engine and 6 speed
manual gearbox. The luggage area is fitted with a full Mantec cage system for
the efficient storage of the equipment provided, and allows ample space for
personal luggage. ‘Checker-plate’ armour on the bonnet and front wings allows
for maximum versatility.
The prize will consist of one of Scotland Overland’s vehicles with all of the
standard equipment as set out on their website (scotlandoverland.com) with
insurance for one driver. The hire will be from Friday-Monday (4 days/3 nights)
with pick up and drop off anywhere in the Edinburgh area (including the
airport) or from their base in Peebles. Scotland Overland can provide secure
parking for your own vehicle. The winner will be free to choose when to take
the hire (subject to availability) at any time up to 30 June 2015. The vehicles
can accommodate up to four adults, or two adults and three children. Scotland
Overland’s standard terms and conditions will apply which can be found on
their website, but the main provisions are that the driver must be aged 25 or
over with a full UK or European driving licence that has been held for at least
two years. Scotland Overland will require a damages deposit of £750, which will
be repaid in full upon the return of the vehicle in an undamaged state.
Entry deadline is 16 August 2014.
See entry form for full terms and conditions.
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7
TEA, CAKES AND CRAG RATS
DES OLIVER remembers his early days of Borrowdale climbing
Almost without fail, the Keswick lads would assemble on the Market Square
on a Sunday morning on push-bikes and head to Seathwaite Farm for tea and
cakes supplied by Mrs Edmondson. She was the wife of the farmer, ‘Ancient
Stan’, who had a son ‘Young Stan’ (a champion fell runner) who had a son
‘Younger Stan’, who had a son that became ‘Baby Stan’. The farm was flooded
occasionally and I recall seeing the ground floor under water with Young Stan
and his wife Nancy leaning out of the bedroom window inviting us in for a cup
of tea (we were in a Mountain Rescue vehicle).
Gunter Franz abseils off Kern Knotts
W
hen you get to my age you tend to dream and reminisce of climbs of
days (long) gone by. My rock climbing began on Great Gable – in the rain,
naturally – then moved on to Scafell, Pillar Rock and Dow Crag. In between,
a lot of time was spent on the crags in Borrowdale with the ‘Keswick Lads’
and George Fisher in charge. We came under Col ‘Rusty’ Westmorland and
his Borrowdale Mountain Rescue Team (later to become Keswick MRT). We
formed Keswick Mountaineering Club with its ‘head office’ in George Fisher’s
home of Gateys Court (now demolished and part of Keswick’s lost history).
After tea and cakes we would head up Styhead, wearing nailed boots, heading
for Napes Ridges and quite often stopping off at Kern Knotts to climb the Crack
or Sepulchre – this was before the layback block fell off. At Napes, the Needle
was a must – I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve sat on the top block,
once under the glow of a full moon! After a day’s climbing it was back to the
farm for more tea and cakes.
In Borrowdale the locals called us ‘crag rats’ but we mixed with them quite
well. I recall being taught the ‘Gay Gordons’ by a farmer’s wife at the legendary
Rosthwaite Dance. Talking of nailed boots, there was a farmer who had an
artificial lower leg and, when gathering sheep on the fell, to stop slipping he
had ‘clinker’ nails added to the stump.
Most of the Keswick Lads are now “a-climbing the clouds complete with their
halo and veil” (to quote a verse from a climbing song) but the memory of them
all lingers on.
George Fisher becomes film set
Our shop front re-created for the film
W
hen you are next in George Fisher take a look at the photograph behind
the counter near our boot fitting area. It shows the shop as it was
originally built over 100 hundred years ago for the renowned photographic
and climbing family, G.P Abrahams and Sons of Keswick.
The shop recently revisited its past when it featured in a short scene from a
film that tells the story of the Edwardian climber Siegfried Herford, regarded as
the greatest climber to have lived up until his tragic death in WWI.
Look carefully in the window of this image taken from the film footage and
you will see one of the original Underwood folding plate cameras used by the
Abraham brothers to capture their iconic images of pioneering Lake District
climbing. The camera and story of Siegfried Herford is currently featured in an
exhibition by the Mountain Heritage Trust at the recently refurbished Keswick
Museum.
8
The original photograph
You can find out more about the film at
www.gablemedia.com/siegfried .
About the work of the Mountain Heritage Trust at
www.mountain-heritage.org
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9
NAVIGATION UPDATE
Our GPS expert ROGER HILEY on the latest developments
Fell Runner ascending Swinside in Spring. Image: Stuart Holmes
T
here’s plenty going on in the Navigation world
at present. The new Satmap 12 has now given
us an updated screen resolution to put right some
of the complaints about the old unit. The only
complaint now is that they can’t make enough to
deliver to the shops!
The Garmin series goes from strength to strength,
with the Oregon 600 units far outselling everything
else. Call in for that demo you promised
yourself. Many of you did during
the Keswick Mountain Festival
and took advantage of the
Garmin introduction and special
Festival offer - even though
the event is over, the value still
remains. Remember that these
units have Ordnance Survey
mapping on the screen, will also
do in-car navigation, turn-byturn navigation on bikes and
will project their maps onto a
Windows or Mac computer. No
need for internet or extra map
purchases.
Two quick tips. First, if you don’t
intend to use your Garmin unit
for a while, take the batteries
out. Not that they will spoil, it’s
just that Garmin units continually
use a little residual power to speed up the satellite
fix. Brilliant if you use it a lot, but potentially
expensive if you just use the unit for occasional
walks.
The second tip applies to all GPS units. If you get a
long line at the start of your ‘track’ that connects
the walk with your home or your accommodation,
it is because you didn’t wait to get a signal before
clearing the tracklog. When you’ve arrived
at the start of your walk, take a
moment out – maybe put your
rucksack on the ground and
place the GPS on top while do
up your boots. Once the GPS
shows a grid reference, press
the ‘reset’. Garmin’s quick-start
feature mentioned above will
help here, so there’s swings
and roundabouts in most
situations. By the way, don’t
place the GPS on the car roof
as you’ll probably forget it
and have to return to collect it
before re-starting your walk!
Wherever you go, enjoy your
walks and have fun with your
GPS.
Finally, we’d encourage you to download the latest
version of Garmin Base Camp as it now offers the
ability to print out maps. As always, advice on
downloading and use available by phoning the
shop.
So if you have an old GPS that’s past its best; if
you need a Satnav for the car, enjoy road cycling,
need help with navigation generally or have bought
a Mac computer and didn’t realise you could get
mapping on it…then give us a call. We might just
have the answers.
ROGER’S WEBSITE HITS
MILLION MARK
Roger Hiley’s walking website
loweswatercam.co.uk recently passed the
milestone of a million site visits, which is a
pretty amazing achievement. Roger and his wife
Ann set up the website in May 2000 as a record
of their walks with friends and family in the
Lake District. Its regular updates with photos,
walk reports and other items of interest give an
insight on the world as seen from the English
Lake District. Make sure you check it out!
Photography by Alex Buisse.
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11
with Car Free Walks
WALK OF THE MONTH
We’ve linked up with carfreewalks.org, the website for
people who love walking but want to reduce their impact
on the environment, to bring you this family walk.
APEX ACHIEVEMENT
RAB wins Polartec’s annual APEX Award
THIS MONTH’S WALK:
Image: Roger Hiley, loweswatercam.co.uk
BUTTERMERE TO SEATOLLER
F
rom March to October, the extensive Lake
District bus network opens up (almost) all
corners of the park to walkers. While it is easy to
head up the famous peaks, the real joy is found
in starting in one valley, getting up high and
finishing somewhere else. This route is a classic from Buttermere, head over Red Pike, High Stile,
Hay Stacks and Great Gable before finishing in
Seatoller. With most of the day spent up high,
there’s no better way to explore the western fells.
Loop or linear?
Linear
Maps:
OS Explorer OL4
The English Lakes: NW area
Total Distance:
19km (12 miles)
Total height gain:
1,600m (5,250ft
Start: Buttermere, OS Grid: NY175169
Bus:
The Honister Rambler to/from
Keswick
Unsuitable for:
Buggies, wheelchairs
i THE ROUTE
1. Buttermere, OS Grid: NY175169
Take the Honister Rambler to Buttermere. Ask for a day
ticket that will enable you to go home from Seatoller.
2. Past Buttermere, OS Grid: NY173163
About 1 km (0.62 miles) from 1
Take the path across the fields to Burtness Woods. It then
climbs steeply through the woods.
3. Bleaberry Tarn, OS Grid: NY165154
About 1 km (0.62 miles) from 2
The path meets Sourmilk Gill and heads on to Bleaberry
Tarn - one of the great viewpoints around Buttermere.
Worthy of a flapjack moment.
4. Red Pike, OS Grid: NY160153
About 1 km (0.62 miles) from 3
First top of the day is Red Pike. From here, it’s many
joyous hours of high-level walking.
5. High Stile, OS Grid: NY169147
About 1 km (0.62 miles) from 4
Follow the distinct, but well-maintained (by the National
Trust) path along the crest of the ridge to High Stile.
6. High Crag, OS Grid: NY180139
About 1 km (0.62 miles) from 5
From High Crag, there’s a bit of a drop down to
Scarth Gap...
12
7. Haystacks, OS Grid: NY194131
About 2 km (1.25 miles) from 6
...and a spiriting climb back up to Hay Stacks. From Hay
Stacks, continue heading southeast to Blackbeck Tarn.
8. Brandreth, OS Grid: NY215119
About 2 km (1.25 miles) from 7
The flatter ground leads to Brandreth, the high point of
the ground around Grey Knotts. Take the path (again well
trodden) towards Green Gable.
GET ACTIVEOUTDOORS
WITH BRITAIN ON FOOT
www.britainonfoot.co.uk
Britain on Foot is a new initiative with one clear
objective; to encourage more people in Great
Britain to get active outdoors. It’s all about
getting fitter, healthier and happier! This could
mean walking to work, hill walking, geocaching
with the family, trail running or even
mountaineering. Take a quick look at the Britain
on Foot website britainonfoot.co.uk where you
can upload your own activity and share your
experiences with thousands of other likeminded individuals. It’s a socially interactive,
community-led site that’s continually updated.
So take your first step and sign up today!
11. Napes Needle, OS Grid: NY209099
About 1 km (0.62 miles) from 10
A monument in the world of UK climbing - many of the
early climbers honed their skills on this striking finger of
rock. Head past the needle towards Styhead Tarn.
12. Styhead Tarn, OS Grid: NY221099
About 1 km (0.62 miles) from 11
At Styhead, a bridleway follows the gill down towards
Seathwaite.
9. Green Gable, OS Grid: NY215106
About 1 km (0.62 miles) from 8
The classic ‘little brother’ hill of the Lakes - 801m, but
vastly overshadowed by big brother to the southwest.
13. Taylorgill Force, OS Grid: NY229109
About 1 km (0.62 miles) from 12
You’ll need little excuse for a stop by this stage, so take a
moment to enjoy the majestic Taylorgill Force waterfall.
10. Great Gable, OS Grid: NY211103
About 1 km (0.62 miles) from 9
One of the Lakes’ classic tops, and the final high point
of the day, which weary group members may be pleased
to hear. From the summit, there is a direct path down
to Styhead Tarn, but if you can manage it, take the
southwest path to visit Napes Needle.
14. Seathwaite, OS Grid: NY235121
About 1 km (0.62 miles) from 13
The hamlet of Seathwaite sits at the southern end of the
valley. Pick up the Allerdale Ramble path, rather than
walking along the road.
15. Seatoller, OS Grid: NY245137
About 2 km (1.25 miles) from 14
Finish at Seatoller for the bus home or, even better, get
the bus tomorrow and spend a night camping in this
beautiful valley.
Phone and website orders received before noon are delivered free overnight 017687 71801
Image: Ben Winston
A LINEAR, FULL-DAY MOUNTAIN
WALK STARTING AT BUTTERMERE.
I
n June, fabric manufacturers Polartec
announced the winners of its annual APEX
Award, which recognises the finest Polartecbased products available in the shops this winter
and next spring.
Rab, flying the flag for the UK, picked up an award
for its new Neo Guide Jacket and Pant made
with Polartec NeoShell. The judges selected the
winners based on the style, function, workmanship,
and overall design of garments with the most
innovative and appropriate uses of Polartec fabrics.
Hundreds of clothing and accessory brands from
around the world submitted their most innovative
products and 39 APEX winners were selected
ranging from lightweight next-to-skin layers, to
breathable ‘puffy’ products for active warmth using
Polartec Alpha synthetic insulation, to waterproof/
breathable garments using Polartec NeoShell.
for the main parts of the pant, whilst a lighter
version has been incorporated to aid mobility and
flexibility.
“The Polartec APEX Award is all about recognizing
excellence in innovation, function and design, and
encouraging this type of collaboration with our
team as Polartec continually expands the limits
of what fabric can do,” says Allon Cohne, Polartec
global marketing director.
RAB Neo Guide Jacket
Rab’s Neo Guide Jacket is designed as an all
weather garment for climbing, ski touring and
mountaineering. The Polartec Neoshell fabric
keeps you warm and dry and has a soft, supple
‘handle’. The construction of the garment features
two different types of Polartec NeoShell; a flexible
torso, and extra reinforcement on the shoulders,
elbows, cuffs and hips.
RAB Neo Guide Pant
The Neo Guide Pant is the most active waterproof
shell trouser that Rab offers. An extremely durable
version of Polartec NeoShell has been chosen
Phone and website orders received before noon are delivered free overnight 017687 71801
13
BRINGING ORDER TO
THE TRAVEL UNIVERSE
ANDREW’S
WALKING CLINICS
Eagle Creek is on a mission to get you organised
Andrew Stanley’s in-store podiatry
clinics are busy as ever
O
ur walking health clinics continue to be a huge success, with
customers benefitting from the professional medical advice of
podiatrist Andrew Stanley (The Rebound Clinic) who runs our in-shop
Rebound Lower Limb Injuries Clinic.
People want to ask about those difficult-to-solve walking and running
problems. Many simply need advice regarding more appropriate footwear,
supportive insoles, basic exercises or more advanced physiotherapy.
Others opt for specific treatment at our in-shop clinic or in Andrew’s main
location in Settle. People are often amazed that pain and discomfort can
be eased, or even eradicated from just one consultation.
F
or all travellers, the same question arises.
Whether you’re planning an overnight trip
or extended getaway, you’ve got so much stuff
- clothes, toiletries, laptops, phones, cameras,
itineraries, guide books and so on. “How do I pack
it all in?”
Well, you can cram it together, like many people do,
but that makes travel a lot more cumbersome than
it needs to be. It’ll also wrinkle your clothes, crush
documents and potentially damage your electronics.
Plus you’re stuck with a disorganised mess, making
it difficult to find what you need on arrival, slowing
you down at the worst possible time.
There’s a better way to pack and avoid these
headaches, with the Pack-It System from Eagle
Creek. It’s a simple system that eliminates common
packing challenges. With smartly designed packs,
cubes and folders that divide your stuff into cleanly
arranged sections within your main luggage, the
system makes it easier for you to find what you
need, when you need it.
If you’re a frequent traveller, you’ll know that a
little bit of organisation goes a long way. Losing
any item causes serious stress. Did you leave it at
home? Did it fall out of your bag? Did someone steal
it? The Pack-It System helps relieve these worries
by organising clean clothes and dirty laundry while
making the most of your space, so you can pack
more.
The Original Pack-It System is a range of practical
folders, cubes, sacs and toiletry bags allowing you
to segment and organise your gear so everything
stays to hand. Then there’s the Pack-It Specter range
of ultra lightweight organisers and digital device
sleeves, constructed with durable, water-resistant
silnylon, the same fabric that’s used in ultra light
tents and backpacks. Plus, the easy-to-see-through
translucent materials make it easy for you to
identify what’s where.
Due to the success, Andrew decided to extend the format. On selected
dates The Rebound Clinic runs normal treatment clinics in the mornings,
and free advisory consultations in the afternoon in our boot room. Ring to
book your slot on 01729 825900 (strongly recommended) or turn up on the
day and wait your turn (may take some time!). Note – These consultations
are advisory and do not include any treatment, services, equipment, kit or
appliances. Next dates coming up: 19 July and 2 August.
Let’s take a look at some examples, and how they
can make your life a lot easier.
CUBES
Our Cubes are perfect for clothes: tees, shorts
and more. They come in a variety of sizes and
options, including two-sided versions that allow
you to separate clean from dirty clothes, as
well as expandable cubes. They are also waterresistant and designed to minimise wrinkles.
If you think that Andrew could help with your foot or leg problems, why
not come and see him? If you suspect you already have a biomechanical
problem, simply book in for treatment at any George Fisher morning clinic.
You can also have treatment at the main Rebound Clinic in Settle if this is
closer or more convenient.
FOLDERS
Our packing folders fit up to 15 shirts, trousers or
other clothing items, keeping them compressed,
neat and organised within your luggage while
also providing wrinkle resistance.
Pack-It Specter Half Cube
SLEEVES
Made in Nepal.
Just like Us.
Our garment sleeve is built specifically for longer
garments and formal wear, keeping them packed
neatly, resisting wrinkles and allowing you to
easily hang the garments upon arrival.
COMPRESSION SACS
Gain up to 80% extra packing space with these
clever compression sacks – no vacuum needed!
Just pack, zip, compress and you’re done.
Now available
in store
Pack-It Specter Garment Folder
The Eagle Creek Pack-It System. Bringing order to
the universe, one bag at a time.
You can win £100.00 worth of Eagle Creek
Pack-It products in our latest online
competition, check out our Facebook page.
Stop painful walking before it stops you.
The Rebound Clinic can diagnose your
condition then provide treatment and an
ongoing programme of care.
WWW.REBOUNDCLINIC.CO.UK
01729 825900
Pack-It Specter Shoe Sac
14
PAINFUL WALKING?
Phone and website orders received before noon are delivered free overnight 017687 71801
20 YEARS EXPERIENCE
HELPING WALKERS!
CANINE CAFÉ CULTURE
STAFF PROFILE
This issue featuring LIZ SMITH
GRAHAM THOMPSON, Technical Editor of Trail Magazine is
also a fully-qualified pet behaviour counsellor.
This month: dogs, cafés and pubs.
H
i, I’m Liz and am one of the newest and youngest members of the team!
I joined George Fisher in May 2013 when I moved up from Bristol.
I love the outdoors, especially jogging, and really like talking about kit and
working in an environment where I am selling the gear I use… apart from GPS and
gadgets, but that’s another story! The downside of the job is being constantly
tempted into buying new items. I must learn willpower…
and ask where you can sit with your dog. Sometimes
you can only sit in one area, or you and your dog
may be welcome if you keep your dog under control
and no one else complains.
What I enjoy most about working here is the people who have helped me settle
so well in the Lake District. They are a really friendly, caring bunch and we
enjoy a right good laugh! I have been on some great fun days out and walking
adventures since I arrived, including a brilliant walk up the Northumberland
coast. For me, nothing beats the freedom of having a rucksack on your back,
filled with food and being out ‘in it’.
Having found your table and promised to keep your
dog under control, then stay focused on your dog,
as now is make or break time not only for your lunch
stop but potentially every other dog owner who
visits this pub or café.
Try to choose a table that is away from the door
and tucked away a little. Dogs will always be more
reactive if they are near a door, as they cannot
predict who or what will appear next. The result will
be that they may remain anxious about what might
appear every time the door opens and frustrated
if they cannot get to them quick enough to check
them out.
Before I go, my other love is football - I’m a lifelong Liverpool and Bolton
Wanderers fan. If you ever fancy a bit of banter, or a more refined chat, you’ll
find me either on the ground or first floor of the shop.
Keeping the dog settled under the table is a training
game. You can use individual treats and give these to
the dog every few seconds and then with longer time
gaps all the time he is settled. An easier method is
often to give the dog a chew toy filled with food,
such as a hollow rubber Kong toy with a squeeze of
cheese, some hot dog sausage or even peanut butter
and marmite inside. Give the dog a signal of ‘settle
down’ so he knows what to expect and he will learn
to stay under the table enjoying its chew toy.
Photo: Cumbria Tourism / Moy Williams
A
t the end of a walk, there’s nothing better than
settling down in a pub or café with your fourlegged friend beside you, snoozing under the table.
‘Dogs Welcome’ signs exist in shops, pubs and cafés.
Many walkers plan their routes around the location
of pubs and cafés, so they can fill up on food and
drink while taking in the scenery. Thankfully, many
countryside areas welcome dogs too, which means
they can come along too and enjoy some tasty treats
or a refreshing slurp from a water bowl.
So how can dog owners encourage even more pubs
and cafes to welcome dogs, and how can we ensure
that places like Keswick remain dog friendly well into
the future? It is of course a two-way arrangement as
dog owners need to make sure they are welcomed
with open arms by owners of pubs and cafes, who
themselves need to be aware of the needs of the
canine community and their owners.
The Lake District is particularly well placed to
welcome dog walkers as Keswick received the most
nominations from the public in the Kennel Club’s
2012 Open for Dogs Awards, and took the lead to be
crowned top dog in the Dog Friendly Town category.
You only need to walk through Keswick to see how
many happy dogs there are, and also how many
Firstly it is very important to respect the pub or café
owners’ position on dog access, as through previous
experience some owners may feel they just don’t
want to risk it again. So if you have a dog, find a
café or pub that does welcome you, rather than test
the patience and tact of other establishments. If in
doubt, take a walk inside without your dog in tow
If your dog is startled then redirect him back to his
chew toy, remind him to settle down and reward him
for doing as requested. Of course if your dog cannot
control himself and you are unable to control him
then take your leave, rather that cause people or
the owner to complain. You may wish to seek help
from a pet behaviour counsellor if your dog does not
settle of course, but with a little professional help
most dogs and their owners can become welcomed
members of the canine café culture.
Graham Thompson is the Technical Editor of
Trail Magazine. He also an MSc in Companion
Animal Behaviour Counselling and is a Full
Member of the Association of Pet Behaviour
Counsellors, a Certificated Clinical Animal
Behaviourist and he is on the Animal Behaviour
& Training Council Register of Clinical Animal
Behaviourists.
BORN
in
NATURE
We’ve taken the merino sheep’s miracle fibre and created a warm, breathable
clothing system, so you can enjoy nature the way nature intended.
Explore our collection now at George Fisher.
icebreaker.com
16
IN NEW
ST
OR RA
E NG
NO E
W
Even the most relaxed and friendly dogs need to be
kept on lead as not everyone wants then wandering
around, even if the owners of the café or pub don’t
mind. So clip the lead on and tie it around your waist
or perhaps tie it to the table if the table is heavy and
not going to be dragged about by the dog.
Icebreaker is sustainable, renewable, pure merino clothing from the Southern Alps of New Zealand
Phone and website orders received before noon are delivered free overnight 017687 71801
17
SHORTCUTS
Our man in Chamonix, mountain guide MARK SEATON,
sets out on his first ‘big wall’ climb.
MAGNIFICENT
MEINDL
I
n May, Meindl invited two
George Fisher staff members
to pay a visit to their factory
at Kirchanschoring in Bavaria,
Germany. Carol Suddaby (customer
services Manager) and Carolyn Little (boot floor footwear fitter) were
the lucky chosen ones, and spent the day there being shown around the
factory to see how Meindl’s hand made boots are produced and finished,
and given a talk about the 300-year history of the company, its traditions
and innovations, their pursuit for the best quality products, and their
passion for making reliable boots for outdoor people worldwide. The day
ended with a trip to Salzburg where Meindl boots were tested on a walk up
the Kapuzinerberg, a beautiful wooded hill in the middle of the city.
El Capitan: The Nose takes the obvious prow line between light and shadow
O
ur attempt to climb that iconic route, The Nose
on Yosemite’s El Capitan, did not get off to a
good start. We left the campsite at 6:30am and
immediately got stuck in a traffic jam. In front
of us a car had hit a tree and landed on its roof,
blocking the road. No one was injured, apart from
the drivers’ pride (the idiot had been texting at the
time). It was not a good omen. We lost a good hour,
and in that time the heat in the valley had soared.
During the previous days we had climbed a certain
distance and fixed ropes up the first eight pitches, to
the start of a feature know as the Stove Legs. These
are giant cracks, which were originally climbed by
jamming sawn-off stove legs in place. ‘Fixing’ means
we had left a giant 200metre rope in place so that
we could climb up quickly using special ‘ascenders’
which clamp onto the rope - rather like cleats on
yacht rigging.
As the saying goes, everything in America is big.
Yosemite in particular is home to ‘Big Wall climbing’
and El Capitan is the best example of Big - it is over
3,000 feet of vertical rock.
Our plan was to climb the fixed ropes to our high
point and then haul the pig. Jeff set off up the rope
first. It was as he arrived at a small overhang that he
called down to say that he had torn a muscle in his
back and that he was in considerable pain. I headed
up the ropes to meet him. Jeff’s face was glum.
When he tried to sit in his harness, he was in agony.
We were going to have to descend and abandon our
attempt.
The climbing here is completely different to climbing
in Europe. The method is to pack everything into a
bag, and haul or winch it up after you. These haul
bags are usually nicknamed ‘pigs’ because they can
be a pig to move.
There were three in our team. Me, and my two great
American friends Jeff and Faerthen. Jeff had made
one of the very early ascents of The Nose 40 years
ago, was returning for his anniversary climb and had
invited me along. It was to be my first experience of
Big Wall climbing.
So we eventually parked the car and wrestled the
pig out of the car boot (or trunk, as the Americans
call it). It contained 36 litres of water, climbing gear,
ropes, sleeping bags, food, plus underneath we had
attached a portaledge. As it sounds, it is a portable
ledge which can be erected in minutes, and when set
up you can sleep on it.
All this weighed over 100kg, and it was left for me
carry it to the foot of the climb. As approaches go it
was not very far - about half a mile - but still, 100kg
is the most I have ever carried.
18
Heading up the fixed ropes
Before we could get to grips with the
disappointment (something that is part and parcel
of mountaineering) we had to sort the practicalities
of getting the pig and ourselves safely down. It
made sense to jettison the water in order to reduce
weight. This task was far more difficult than it
sounds because I was suspended several hundred
metres above the ground with nothing to stand
on. Eventually, after some spectacular acrobatics,
I eventually lowered the pig down to the ground
to join the others. We were all disappointed but at
least we were safe and sound and still in a position
to try again sometime in the future. And as a
bonus, we had not been eaten by bears.
Overall, Carol came away from Meindl amazed that the boots don’t cost twice
as much, having seen how much time, care and attention to detail goes into
each pair. The enthusiasm, dedication and integrity surrounding brothers
Lukas and Lars Meindl’s approach to boot making is second to none and this
is the main reason why we, at George Fisher, are confident and happy to
supply their footwear.
INTERNATIONAL
MOUNTAIN GUIDE
Based in Chamonix below Mont Blanc, Mark Seaton
offers guiding services for all mountain activities.
These include alpine mountaineering in the summer
season, and off-piste skiing and ski touring in the
winter. With over 20 years experience Mark offers
options from single day one-to-one instruction, to
multi-day programmes for small groups.
Email: markseaton@wanadoo.fr
www.markseaton.com
RAB AND
GEORGE FISHER
EQUIP NATIONAL PARK
G
eorge Fisher was contacted by the Lake District National Park
Authority, which is increasing the number of guided walks it offers,
especially targeting families new to walking. In particular they wanted
advice about walking safety so we ended up approaching RAB to see if
they would supply five of their Group Shelters. These are designed to be
used as an emergency shelter or for planned stops in bad weather, and
happily RAB were pleased to be involved.
MAY THE
FORCE BE
WITH YOU
M
THE
T I L L E Y H AT
GUARANTEED FOR LIFE
ay 4th is Star Wars Day (May the 4th be with you, “May the force be
with you”, etc). Never ones to pass up a Facebook opportunity, we
posted a special Chewbacca image with prizes for anyone brave enough
to come in and repeat the phrase to a staff member. In the end we had 15
to 20 people saying the Star Wars words, and Facebook got really busy. In
fact Chris Blackwood from GORE-TEX was moved to write, “In my opinion,
this is the best retail marketing campaign that I have ever seen in the UK!”.
SHEEP
OUTRAGE
N
Are you a confident walker?
Want to widen your experience
into alpine mountains?
Carolyn (L) and Carol at Meindl
APPOINTMENT WITH THE CAPTAIN
o, it’s not what you think… Andy Airey was in fact stuffing the
Icebreaker Lucky Sheep Dip on Saturday morning during the Keswick
Mountain Festival. We would say the sheep looks a bit shocked, however.
I N D I S P U TA B LY T H E F I N E S T
OUTDOOR HAT IN THE WORLD.
HANDCRAFTED IN CANADA SINCE 1980,
FOR MEN AND WOMEN WORLDWIDE.
PRIZE WINNERS
The winner of the two-night break at the Skiddaw Hotel from Issue 86 is
Mark Ryan from Berkshire. Many thanks to Lake District Hotels for this
superb prize.
The Garmin geocache prize winner from Issue 86 is Reg Gay from
Yorkshire.
Tel: 01326 574402
www.Tilley.com
Staying locally? Ask your accommodation provider for a George Fisher
Walk Plan and you could be a winner. The winner of this quarter’s ‘Walk
Plan Draw’ is Sid Horn, who was staying at the Sunnyside Guesthouse
in Keswick. Sid and the guesthouse owner both get £50 George Fisher
vouchers.
19
ZOCA WOMEN’S RUN
DATE ANNOUNCED
FIND THE RIGHT
GORE-TEX® SOLUTION
PRODUCTS
EVERY DAY
VERSATILITY
Low to mid activity level for one or more days
Weather Conditions: variable, rain and snow
Hiking
ZOCA performance clothing is designed specifically for women
who love being outdoors and active. Using technical fabrics and
manufactured to exacting standards in the EU, ZOCA’s ranges are
developed with integrity and offer long-term value. Focusing on the
Run-Bike-Hike categories, garments offer multi-purpose benefits... as
well as looking great off the hill too!
Trekking
Skiing
Freeriding
FAST PACE,
HIGH
INTENSITY
Styled to reflect different women’s body types and individual preferences,
ZOCA’s garments are distinctly feminine, and full of subtle, functional
details. Colour palettes are drawn from nature. Based locally, yet stocked
in premium stores throughout the UK and beyond, ZOCA’s founders
are particularly proud to be represented in George Fisher – a favourite
destination of theirs from childhood.
Following previous year’s successes, the Women’s Run is due to take place
on Sunday 21 September at 11am. Starting and finishing at the George
Fisher store, women are invited to take part in an event that aims to be fun
and inclusive.
There will be ZOCA running clothing to be won, goody bags for all, plus the
chance to be part of a ZOCA focus group – the first 10 registrations secure a
top worth £50.00 for free.
Welcoming refreshments on return to the store, and a good deal of support
should encourage all to join in – whether it’s your first run, or you’ve been
doing this for years. Former elite athlete and triathlon champion Christine
Johnson will be on hand to offer tips and advice.
High aerobic activity level done in a day
Weather Conditions: cool, mixed weather
Ski Touring
Mountain Running Mountain Biking
ENGINEERED
FOR THE
EXTREME
Registration at sleekerswim.co.uk or in store at George Fisher
- £10 in advance or £12.50 on the day.
Published by George Fisher Limited, 2 Borrowdale Road, Keswick, Cumbria CA12 5DA
Tel: 017687 72178
Website: www.georgefisher.co.uk Email: customerservice@georgefisher.co.uk
The publishers of The Update would like to thank all contributors to this edition, noting
that the opinions expressed in submitted articles are those of their authors, and not
necessarily of George Fisher Ltd.
Intense activity level for multi days or weeks
Weather Conditions: extreme rain, snow and ice
Editor: Clive Allen | Design: MountainCreative.co.uk
Printed by Reeds Printers Penrith (Tel: 01768 864214)
Mountaineering
Printed on 100% Recycled Paper
Freeriding
Ski Mountaineering
gore-tex.com
© 2014 W. L. Gore & Associates GmbH. GORE-TEX, GUARANTEED TO KEEP YOU DRY,
GORE and designs are trademarks of W. L. Gore & Associates