AN ARC`TERyX CERIuM LT DOWN HOODy

winter 2014 | ISSUE 89 | GEORGEFISHER.CO.UK
New winter stock now in! See inside for a full round-up of new clothing and equipment
win!
an Arc’teryx Cerium
LT Down Hoody
worth £260 (P6)
Image: © Stuart Holmes
THE SMELL OF
SKI WAX
LAKELAND
APPRECIATION
We love it in the
morning
A reader’s
heartfelt story
Page 3
Page 8
THE 10IN10
Do this charity
walk!
Page 12
TRAIN,
DON’T STRAIN
@georgefisheruk
Tips on dog
training for walks
/georgefisheruk
Page 16
COMFORT INSIDE. PRECISION OUTSIDE.
PERFORMANCE ALL ROUND.
20 YEARS OF BOOT FITTING EXPERTISE HAVE ALLOWED US TO UNLOCK
THE PERFECT BALANCE BETWEEN COMFORT AND PERFORMANCE.
THE SMELL OF SKI WAX
George Fisher director ANDY AIREY is getting itchy feet...
Our Ski Workshop opened at the end of October,
so we’ve had the whiff of hot wax drifting onto
the shop floor for a little while now; the skiers
among you will know just what an evocative smell
that is. You’re immediately transported to an
Alpine resort and can picture the favourite ski
shops you’ve explored. If you’re already thinking
of skiing, then you’ll want to know more about
the ski hardware we have on offer this season.
Salomon X-Pro 100
Ski boots and the way they fit are the most
important factor in any ski holiday; boots should be
relevant to the way you ski and, most important of
all, they should be comfortable. Our boot range was
selected to offer different levels of performance
along with variations in fit, along with a potential
for customisation.
OUTSIDE FIT
CUSTOMIZED SHELL
FOR PERFECT FOOT WRAPPING
HEAT-MOLDABLE SHELL •
ADAPTS TO YOUR FOOT •
IN 20 MINUTES
CUSTOM SHELL 360 PATENTED •
INSIDE FIT
PRE-SHAPED LINER
FOR INSTANT FIT
• PRE-SHAPED FOAM AROUND
ANKLE AND HEEL
• NEXT-GENERATION LINER
WITH SALOMON’S FIT EXPERTISE
• CUSTOM FIT 3D PATENTED
TECHNOLOGY
• CUSTOMIZABLE LINER
The most popular boots from 2013 remain
unchanged, so they are back this year – the
Salomon X-Pro Series. Men have the X-Pro 100
(£290) and X-Pro 80 (£230) and women get the
X-Pro 90W (£290) and X-Pro 80W (£230). Introduced
last season, these are piste thoroughbreds built
to include everything Salomon has learnt about
on-piste performance – the Oversized Pivot and
Twin Frame technologies combine to deliver power
directly to the edge of your ski, giving you greater
control and precision.
The X Pro 100 and 90W also benefit from Salomon’s
360° Custom Shell, where the entire shell can be
customised. Ten minutes in the boot oven makes
the lower section of the boot slightly malleable;
put them on and the plastic shell moulds to your
foot. If you have struggled to find boots with ‘that
perfect fit’, or always suffer from pressure points,
then these will offer a swift solution and instant
comfort.
The 360° Custom Shell technology is also found in
the Salomon Quest Pro 110 (£300), a 3-buckle boot
with integrated ‘Hike to Ride’ mode; this creates a
very different feel to the X Pro series, giving superb
downhill performance as well as the flexibility to
walk into off-piste/backcountry areas. If you want
to explore the entire mountain, or walk back up
the snowfields of the Lakes, then this is the boot
for you!
Maybe your feet aren’t Salomon shaped? Then
try one of the Alltrack boots from Rossignol; men
have the AT Pro 100 (£280) and AT90 (£220) whilst
women get the AT Pro 80 (£255) and the AT70
(£215). The Alltrack series was developed when
Rossignol combined a 4-buckle piste boot with
the walking functionality of a freeride boot; as
well as having ‘hike mode’ on all four styles, these
Rossignol boots offer the same performance levels
as Salomon but with a significantly different fit.
Then we have boots from Nordica to complete our
range, ensuring that we have options for virtually
all foot shapes.
WWW.SALOMON.COM
2
Salomon Phantom helmet
When deciding which boot is best for you, also
consider what’s inside. All ski boots have fairly
basic insoles fitted, so skiers of any level will
get considerable benefit by replacing them with
something more supportive - either an off-the-peg
insole from Sole or Superfeet (from £35), or for
a more precise fit try Superfeet’s Winter Custom
Insole (£65). Using a Sole or Superfeet insole will
give a better fitting boot, better balance, more
control over your skis… and ultimately they will
help improve your skiing! (See our Superfeet article
on page 14)
We have seen an even bigger increase in demand
for ski helmets this season and have models
from Salomon, Smith and Bolle, which, like our
boot range, offer numerous styles and fits. We
all have different shaped heads, so you need to
try various styles to identify which gives you the
ideal fit. Remember it’s mandatory for children to
wear a helmet in virtually all ski resorts; we have
junior styles from Salomon and Smith. Check out
Smith’s junior goggle/helmet combos (£65 or £69
depending on size), top protection at great value.
On the topic of taking kids skiing, remember that
our Junior Boot Exchange scheme applies to ski
boots as well as walking footwear. Buy children’s
ski boots from us, return them when they are
outgrown and get up to 50% of the original cost
back against the new pair; if you ski every season
you will find that this works our slightly cheaper
that ski boot hire. More significantly, you will have
missed the annual melee of the ski-hire shop AND
your child won’t be complaining about badly fitted
boots! Like outdoor footwear, this scheme applies
until your child’s feet stop growing (my 14 year-old
son has just gone into a pair of Salomon X-Pro 80’s
size 27.5… a size bigger than me!). The sooner you
start on our Junior Boot Exchange scheme, the less
hassle you’ll have when skiing with your kids!
Salomon Q-90
all-mountain skis
respectively).
Wider
skis with a
lightweight
wood core that
floats in powder
but skis the pistes
like a carver!
Combine these with
the Salomon Guardian
MNC binding (£270) for
day-touring in the UK,
all mountain exploration
AND on-piste in resort. Buy
one pair of skis… and do
everything!
A final thought. Don’t be confused by Mondo Points,
last width, flex index or in-shell moulding; talk to us
and we’ll keep things simple, listen to your needs
and help you find boots, helmets and skis that
suit YOUR needs. If you have the aroma of ski wax
drifting through your brain, call in and we’ll help
you sniff out the perfect products for your next
winter holiday.
A word on skis. If you only want to own one
ski but do everything, then take a look at the
Salomon Q-90 and women’s Q-88 (£385 and £375
SKI SERVICING
Don’t forget to bring your skis in for a service
so you’re ready for that first day on the slopes.
Our ski workshop is open at all times except
the Christmas period when it is closed from 18
December to 4 January inclusive.
Edge and Wax just £25, Full Service £35.
DESIGNED FOR FREEDOM
Phone and website orders received before noon are delivered free overnight 017687 71801
Phone and website orders received before noon are delivered free overnight 017687 71801
3
WEATHER GUESSING
WINTER TRACTION
Soft goods buyer LISA BERGERUD weighs up insulation options
Equipment and accessories buyer JON WICKHAM on how to stay upright
RAB Microlight Jacket
using Hydrophobic Down
S
ooner or later the ice and snow will be with us,
and when this arrives it is good to consider if
you’re equipped to tackle winter terrain. Clearly,
ice and snow make the fells a lot more slippery
underfoot, so in this issue we will look at what
footwear is appropriate during the colder months.
The first questions that you need to ask are; where
am I going, and what will the conditions be like
there? For a low-level walk then shoes or 3-season
boots are likely to be OK, but if you use shoes then
you may benefit from ones that are waterproof.
Boots will give you extra protection and support,
which you may find useful as well as offering extra
insulation.
Haglofs Women’s LIM Q Barrier Pro Hood
using QuadFusion+ synthetic insulation
I
’ve found it difficult this autumn to decide
what to wear when going out in the hills. Not
because I’ve too much choice in clothing; only
that the weather has varied from being warmer
than July, to the usual cold winter expectations.
I seem to have carried spare clothing more than
I’ve needed; gloves have mostly been carried
not used. It’s felt odd to be out at the end of
November with only a base layer and GORE-TEX
jacket on. The only items that have remained
constant have been my map, compass and
emergency torch.
I always have to think twice when it looks lovely
outside; it can be so pleasant walking along the
shores of Thirlmere, however if I was going to be
heading up Helvellyn and along the Dodds, wind
chill can soon make any warmth disappear from
the sun. On average 6.4 degrees Celsius per 1,000ft
of climbing can be lost and this before any wind is
taken into account. On dry blue-sky days the loss
of degrees increases, and in snowy weather the
differential is less.
Rab Women’s Power Stretch Vest
Insulation used to be simply a choice of fleece,
synthetic fibres or down. Now designers and
technologies have become cleverer, body mapping
different areas, increasing performance levels and
allowing us to wear one jacket all day long.
Synthetic fibres retain their loft if wet, keeping
you warmer than down in damp conditions. The
drawback is that synthetic garments weigh a little
more, don’t quite match down’s warmth/weight
performance, and don’t pack down as small.
Down also lasts longer if looked after. If you’re
planning to use your garment in rough terrain
be aware a hole in a synthetic jacket won’t make
much difference, whereas a hole in a down jacket
results in a snowstorm of feathers. Down is more
expensive to produce, but this is balanced by it
lasting longer.
Some hybrid garments now place synthetic fibre fill
at moisture-critical points where saturated down
might lose its loft/insulation, and add warmer down
insulation in the body sections. Another route to
creating all-weather garments that can be worn
all day.
There is also a new player in the down field:
Hydrophobic Down. This is a relatively new
technology designed to solve down’s drawback vulnerability to moisture. A water-repellent coating
is designed to stop the down from absorbing
moisture, and also allows the down to dry faster
once it has become wet. This is new to the market;
my view is that if you think you’re likely to get
seriously wet, put a waterproof jacket on. This is
Keswick, in the LAKE District!
If it’s icy then the ideal accompaniment will be the
new Kahtoola MicroSpikes Quad. The older model
has been very popular in previous years, and the
new Quad version makes them even better. The
beauty of these is that as well as coming in a wide
variety of sizes, their stretchy ‘frame’ allows them
to attach securely to just about any footwear,
whether that’s walking boots, wellies or street
shoes. The Quads have added spikes at the heel,
making them even grippier in icy conditions.
Though the MicroSpikes Quad will be a substantial
benefit on the fell, its short spikes don’t grip on
powdery snow as well as they grip on ice. The
next step up in grip also comes from Kahtoola
in the form of their KTS (Kahtoola Traction
System). At first look these appear to be similar to
conventional crampons, but there are important
differences. The centre bar is far more flexible
than on a conventional crampon. This allows them
to flex with a summer hill-walking boot in a way
that a more rigid conventional crampon would not
be able to. With two different sizes, each of which
is adjustable, they will fit most walking boots
easily using quick and simple straps. This allows
them to be used with your existing summer boots
rather than needing to buy separate winter boots.
However, conventional crampons attached
to winter boots do still have some distinct
advantages. Winter boots have stiffer, more
substantial soles than summer ones. This gives
you a firmer, more stable platform on which to
stand. You will need this on steeper, snow covered
slopes where steps may need to be kicked into
the snow, or your weight will be supported by only
part of the sole or crampon points. Crampons also
have forward-facing front points, allowing them
to be kicked into a slope as a way of ascending.
This is very useful in winter climbing, but can
also be used winter walking on slopes that aren’t
considered climbing terrain, but are still relatively
steep.
If you encounter terrain where a fall may result
in a slide, having something to stop you is very
important. Used correctly, an ice axe will allow
you to ‘self arrest’ using the pick of the ice axe to
bite into the snow and prevent a slip having more
serious consequences.
Finally if we do get a ‘big freeze’ and the
pavements become treacherous, then Petzl Spiky
Plus street crampons will fit most footwear and
can be simply taken on and off as needed.
If you would like further information on winter
safety or equipment, then please pop in to store
and have a chat with one of our members of staff.
Don’t forget to pick up one of our free Winter
Safety leaflets containing additional advice. The
leaflet also provides information on a number
of Winter Skills Courses from our recommended
providers. They will give you the skills to use
winter equipment safely, and maximise your
enjoyment of the ice and snow.
Have a great winter!
Despite the advantages of spikes and crampons,
slips can still occur. That’s why it is important to
consider other tools as well. Trekking poles are
an ideal way to add stability on any terrain up to
technical climbing. They provide extra points of
contact on ice or snow, which will substantially
increase your security as well as taking weight off
tired legs!
I enjoy a brisk walk, so I soon build up a bit of heat!
When I know I’m going to be walking on the tops I
either choose Polartec Power Stretch fleece, a gilet
or make sure my insulated jacket has varied levels
of insulation, maybe air-permeable side panels
that aid heat regulation without sacrificing active
comfort ie without making me hot and sweaty! If I
get too hot I easily chill when taking a tea break;
I’ve learnt to combat this by putting on a down
jacket when I’m static that easily packs away when
I’m ready to move on, it’s simple and very effective.
Now all I want is snow!
Kahtoola KTS
Petzl Spiky Plus
Kahtoola Microspikes Quad
4
Phone and website orders received before noon are delivered free overnight 017687 71801
Phone and website orders received before noon are delivered free overnight 017687 71801
5
WIN!
DOWN WHERE IT COUNTS:
STRATEGIC INSULATION
Win a fantastic Arc’teryx Cerium LT Down Hoody
T
rust Arc’teryx to come up with a clever solution to keeping warm in mixed
weather conditions.
Down insulation is a wonderful thing: light, compressible and with the best
warmth-to-weight ratio. The only problem is that once down gets wet, it loses
all its insulating properties which is where synthetic insulation scores – it
remains warm when wet.
The Arc’teryx ‘Down Composite Mapping’ concept places its Coreloft™ synthetic
insulation - which retains warmth when wet - along the shoulders, cuffs,
underarms and front of the garment, areas prone to contact with moisture.
Then there’s 850-fill European white goose down lining the core and sleeves,
where warmth is most needed.
The Cerium LT Down Hoody is a streamlined, lightweight backcountry design
intended primarily as a mid layer in cold conditions. Using Down Composite
Mapping it strategically places synthetic insulation in areas where moisture
may build up, and down in areas for maximum warmth.
Both the men’s and women’s Cerium LT feature an adjustable low-profile down
insulated StormHood™ making sure the draughts stay outside, so you can do
the same. A DWR finish to the outer fabric repels moisture and protects against
light rain. Construction features include an elasticated hem, three-part sleeve
design, and thoughtful attention to detail that allows the use of stronger
fabrics that stand up to everyday use. This is a garment you will want to live in.
WIN an Arc’teryx Cerium LT Down Hoody
We’ve linked up with Arc’teryx to give away two of their fantastic Cerium LT
Down Hoodies, one Men’s and one Women’s, in our latest competition.
Address:
Men’s Cerium LT Down Hoody
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:
Men’s/Women’s:
Size:
Phone Number:
Born in the Canadian Coast Mountain wilderness,
Arc’teryx is built on the principle of obsessive,
precise design and production. Our in-house
manufacturing and design centres allow us to
evolve and build products the right way.
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 Arc’teryx to send you future details of news and
promotions.
George Fisher and Arc’teryx will not share your details with anyone else.
Women’s Cerium LT Down Hoody
Entry deadline is 1 March 2015.
See entry form for full terms and conditions.
6
Terms & Conditions
1. The promotion is only open to UK residents aged 18 or over and excludes George Fisher and
Arc’teryx 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 1 March 2015)
4. Entries may be made in store, by post or online at georgefisher.co.uk and received by midday
1 March 2015.
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.
Phone and website orders received before noon are delivered free overnight 017687 71801
7
A LAKELAND
APPRECIATION
by The Update reader NEAL KEELING
NAVIGATION
UPDATE
Our GPS expert ROGER HILEY on the
latest developments
W
orking at George Fisher is not always hard graft. Recently eight of us had
a training session from Garmin on the Forerunner series of GPS watches
which, along with acquainting us with the fine detail, allowed us to put the
whole range of GPS in perspective.
It was absolutely amazing the information these technical units gain
just from noting vibrations collected via your watch, plus the electrical
signal collected from your heart. With the new inertia heart rate belt they
really give all the information you need for analysing and improving your
running, swimming and/or cycling skills. Information can be fed back into
the computer using Strava, Map my Run, or the really clever and totally free
Garmin Connect website.
If you want to gain fitness at any age via walking, the new Garmin Vivofit
wristbands are like a technical step counter. Moving on up the range, runners
can select one of many Forerunner products from the basic 10s to the 600
series touch screen watches. Venturing out on the fells, you may appreciate a
little navigational help so look at the Fenix 2 watches for fell running.
F
rom the window of a rented cottage in Thornthwaite, I saw him flit in a
spinney below the path to Whinlatter Forest.
It was March 2013, and at the age of 54 I had seen my first goldcrest.
Later that day on a bitterly cold morning, with my wife, Felicity, and
youngest daughter, Anna, I took the boat across Derwent Water. I climbed
half way up Catbells, and I felt euphoric.
A year earlier I had been gripped by chronic fatigue and night sweats. In
May 2012 I was diagnosed with kidney cancer. A kidney was removed, and
then came the hard slog - a year of treatment at The Christie hospital in
Manchester.
When I saw the goldcrest I was halfway through a tough regime, as the
cancer had spread to my neck, lungs, and hip. The sight of him was as
important as the complex cocktail of drugs that was giving me a second
chance. I saw him and wanted to live. I wanted to come back to the Lakes
- stronger. It had taken cancer for me to break out of my urban cage, and
rekindle the instincts of a nature-loving lad raised in South Staffordshire.
Fast forward to August 2014. I am in full remission and have been back at
work for a year as chief reporter at the Manchester Evening News. I walked
into George Fisher in Keswick and hired a pair of size 44 walking boots Scarpa Rangers. It was the best £10 I had spent all year.
If navigation and safety are of primary concern then the Etrex and Oregon
series of mapping GPS units really make navigation much more certain, and
for that matter, more entertaining. With full OS mapping a handheld GPS is
multi-functional, they will guide you turn-by-turn with road navigation to your
desired start point, walk you round on Ordnance Survey, keep an accurate
record of your walk (due to the improved signal pickup), and at the end will
list many of the pubs and restaurants on offer locally. Afterwards it will
navigate you back to your home or holiday accommodation, where you can
call up your day’s activities on your PC or Mac computer. If you wish, then
you can plan the following day’s adventures using Garmin’s free base camp
mapping program.
M
Y
CM
MY
CY
CMY
K
Remember, at this time of year, if your interests lie above the snowline then
the GPS really comes to the fore when the paths disappear under a blanket
of snow, just as they do when poor weather closes in and the cloud removes
your landmarks from around you. Be prepared with your map, compass and
one of our many and varied GPS units.
INCLUDES 1:50K
ORDNANCE SURVEY MAPPING
FOR GREAT BRITAIN
Garmin really seem to cover the range of sports and the range of aspirations
of all our customers, so call in and see the range. Ask for Roger, Sam, Alan,
Mark, Richard or any of the team who should be able to point you in the right
direction… if you pardon the pun.
Garmin Forerunner 620
GARMIN GPSMAP 64S:
DESIGNED & TESTED FOR THE OUTDOORS
In my boots, my stamina renewed, with Felicity, Anna, and two friends I had
known for 30 years, I made it to the summit of Great Gable. The view from
the top through swirling mist was life affirming.
My scalp tingles as I write this, recalling putting my arm around my nineyear-old girl, on a summit she had reached 45 minutes before her old man.
Only two years earlier the furthest I could walk was just the 50 yards of my
street, as my strength ebbed away.
•
•
•
•
There were many highs and lows during my tussle with cancer - Manchester
City winning the league twice is up there - along with embracing life in my
size 44s.
NEW SUNLIGHT READABLE SCREEN
NEW GLONASS & GPS ANTENNA
NEW SMART BLUETOOTH
FULLY WATERPROOF & 18 HOURS BATTERY LIFE
BUY IN STORE TODAY FOR £349.99
INC FULL GB 1:50K OS MAPPING
We will return to the Lakes this autumn, and a spring offensive is planned to
take Scafell Pike.
Garmin Oregon 600
8
C
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.
THIS MONTH’S WALK:
THE OLD LINE TO THRELKELD
WIRED PEAK
Hood visor stiffened with a foam insert
and a wire on the lip for adjustability
HELMET HOOD
Fully adjustable climbing helmet
compatible mountain hood
HOOD LINING
Hood lined with PERTEX® Quantum Y Yarn for
additional water repellency
ZIP PULLS
External zips feature U-shaped pulls for use with
gloves or mitts
Image: Roger Hiley, loweswatercam.co.uk
ROLL-AWAY HOOD
A circular riverside walk
starting in Keswick, about
13km (roughly 8 miles) long.
Loop or linear?
Loop
Maps:
OS Explorer OL4 and OL5
Total Distance:
13km (8 miles)
r Beeching may have been something of an
enemy of car-free walking, but his closure of
many branch lines in the 1950s has at least left
some disused railway lines, which now make for
fine walks.
Total height gain:
158m (520ft)
Start: Keswick, OS Grid: NY272237
Bus:
If required, the X4 X5 service
runs between Penrith and
Workington along the route
This one, between Keswick and Threlkeld, is featured
in Stuart Maconie’s book on Middle England. The man
knows his stuff - it’s a great low-level walk, passing
along the River Greta to Threlkeld with a choice of
fine pubs. The return skirts beneath the peaks of
Blencathra and Lonscale Fell, with Skiddaw behind.
Unsuitable for:
Buggies, wheelchairs
D
We’re including OS references to allow you to
programme waypoints into your GPS. If you’ve never
used a GPS unit and would like to try one of our
latest Garmin models for the day, just pop into the
store and have a word with one of our tech experts.
GET ACTIVEOUTDOORS
WITH BRITAIN ON FOOT
Internal elastic loop and hook on rear
hood compression drawcord allows hood
to be rolled down and stowed away whilst
not in use in windy conditions
Constructed from PERTEX® Quantum Y Yarn
which provides enhanced downproofness
and a strong tear strength
FINISH
Features Super 100 DWR that
provides excellent water shedding
through extended periods of wear
www.britainonfoot.co.uk
Britain on Foot is an 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, hillwalking, 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!
FABRIC
ARTICULATED ARMS
Articulated arms with engineered
tailoring to prevent seams
constricting over elbows and
biceps and also to prevent arm
lift from raising the lower hem
whilst reaching high
FRONT ZIP
Full length, reversed and baffled
two way YKK front zip for ease
of use with a backpack or
climbing harness
BOXWALL
Full boxwall construction
provides superior warmth
and eliminates cold spots
INSULATION
250g of 90/10 ethically sourced
high quality goose down at 800+
fill power for superior warmth
i THE ROUTE
1. Keswick, OS Grid: NY272237
From Keswick bus station head through the town centre
and cross the river via the road bridge. Follow the road to
the start of the disused railway on Penrith Road.
2. Brigham, OS Grid: NY275236
The railway crosses the river again and heads past
Brigham. From here it weaves back and forth across the
river, making for a hugely enjoyable and watery stroll.
3. Near Brundholme, OS Grid: NY297248
About 2 km (1.25 miles) from 2
At a clearing in the woods, there is a great view up into
the valley between the Skiddaw and Blencathra massifs.
4. Townfield Bridge, OS Grid: NY319246
About 2 km (1.25 miles) from 3
The path runs on to the edge of Threlkeld Common.
Here, take the B5322 towards Threlkeld. After 200m take
the footpath on the left-hand side, as this leads you
underneath the busy A66.
5. Threlkeld, OS Grid: NY320253
About 1 km (0.62 miles) from 4
Finish in Threlkeld, a fine Lakeland village with two
good walkers’ pubs - the Horse and Farrier Inn and The
Salutation Inn. Our preference? A pint in both. Buses
run regularly from the village back to Keswick or on to
Penrith if you only want a short walk.
9. Keswick again OS Grid: NY269239
About 2 km (1.25 miles) from 8
Back into town for the bus home.
MONTANE®
‘PENNY CORDLOCKS’
6. Blencathra Field Centre OS Grid: NY302256
About 2 km (1.25 miles) from 5
If you are keen for more, follow the road through
Threlkeld to the Blencathra Field Centre.
MONTANE® ‘penny cordlocks’ on lower
hem sides to create a low profile for
comfort under climbing or rucksack harness
7. Derwentfolds OS Grid: NY295251
About 1 km (0.62 miles) from 6
A footpath takes you past Derwentfolds and continues
beneath Lonscale Fell.
8. Latrigg OS Grid: NY280253
About 1 km (0.62 miles) from 7
At the car park, take the path around Latrigg - climb it
first if you like - and continue back to Keswick.
ADJUSTABLE HEM
Lower adjustable hem to
prevent spindrift entry and
heat loss
CHONOS ULTRA DOWN JACKET
Image: Roger Hiley, loweswatercam.co.uk
HYPER LIGHT WINTER ALPINE DOWN JACKET
Weight (approx.): 650g (M) / 586g (12)
10
Phone and website orders received before noon are delivered free overnight 017687 71801
Phone and website orders received before noon are delivered free overnight 017687 71801
WOMEN’S
VERSION AVAILABLE
BUY NOW AT
GEORGE FISHER
montane.co.uk
11
JOIN US FOR THE 10IN10
Local climber (and ex George Fisher colleague) Duncan Booth
is raising money for MS
Duncan (centre) at the 10in10 start with his brother Simon (L) and son Leo
D
uncan Booth is a 43-year-old father of three
young boys. He was born and bred in Keswick
and still lives in the town with his wife Yvonne.
Many things have changed since a doctor’s words
in June 2010 left Duncan “absolutely devastated.”
Duncan used to be a top-class rock climber. Now he
struggles to walk up the stairs.
Multiple Sclerosis is an incurable illness. It affects
the ability of nerves in the brain and the spinal cord
to communicate with each other. Co-ordination and
movement are impaired. Life expectancy can be
reduced.
MS is not usually fatal in itself, although it can cause
fatal complications. No one really knows how the
condition will affect them, or at what pace.
Duncan lists some of his current symptoms; “Most of
the time I have wooden legs. They feel like someone
else’s. They feel tired and stiff. My feet are always
cold. I’m not as co-ordinated. I walk like I’m drunk. I
forget everything. I can’t concentrate for long. I’m
dizzy. You get out of bed and you’re wobbly. There
doesn’t ever seem to be a time when you’re not
thinking about it.”
MS has forced Duncan to realise there are no
certainties. “But then I look at myself and I think
I’m in quite a good way. I met a bloke with MS who’s
34 and in a wheelchair. That’s what everyone thinks
someone with MS will be like. But you might not be.
The MS people say there might only be a few days a
month when you need a wheelchair. I think ‘I don’t
want one, ever.’”
12
Duncan says he’s never felt angry about having
his life altered like this. He used to be driven by
climbing. When MS took that away Duncan replaced it
with sports that help his condition, inspire other MS
sufferers, and raise money in the search for a cure.
In 2010 Yvonne organised a fundraising walk. “I
decided we needed to help find a cure for this nasty
debilitating disease and came up with the idea of
10 peaks in 10 hours”, she says. “Dunc decided that
although he could not join us walking the 10in10
he could do his own challenge; being stopped in
his tracks at such a young age was a terrible blow,
however he came back fighting and decided to
swim 10 lakes in 10 hours while 100 walkers did the
10 peaks. This is when we realised that everybody
wanted to help and get involved, so decided to
make the 10in10 an annual event. It also helped give
Duncan motivation to keep planning and training
for his challenges! Over the years Dunc has swam
10 lakes, taught himself to row a sculling boat and
rowed 10 hours through the night on Derwentwater
clocking up 40k. The following year he did 72k on
Thirlmere in 10 hours, then this year rowed the
length of 11 lakes. He is currently learning a new
sit-down sport of Drift Triking and planning a trip
to the Dolomites to climb 10 via ferrata/classic rock
climbs and descend 10 Italian mountain passes on his
trike. Last year we had 300 participants and raised
£48,500 for MS Research and our local MS Society.
Since 2010 we have raised an incredible £107,000! In
2015 we hope to double the number of participants
and double the fundraising amount.”
10in10 walkers on the fell
“So, 2015 will be our 5th year of running the 10in10.
Two years ago we introduced the easier 5in5 - 5
peaks in 5 hours - which now runs along side the
10in10. The 2015 event will be on Saturday 27th June,
starting and finishing at the Swinside Inn in the
Newlands Valley.”
Routes will be as follows:
10in10: Maiden Moor, High Spy, Dale Head, Robinson,
High Snockrigg, Whiteless Pike, Wandope, Crag Hill,
Sail, Causey Pike.
5in5: Start in Buttermere. High Snockrigg, Robinson,
Dale Head, High Spy, Maiden Moor.
George Fisher will be taking part – please join us!
Entries at 10in10.org.uk
Phone and website orders received before noon are delivered free overnight 017687 71801
13
IS IT A BIRD?
IS IT A PLANE?
No, it’s Superfeet with its new fitPOD machine
PROOF: CLEANER
GEAR BREATHES
BETTER
We’ve teamed up with Granger’s to offer a
clean-and-proof service
W
hile you certainly wouldn’t go long without washing your underwear,
there remains a strange reluctance by many people to wash their
outerwear.
Maybe it’s understandable, as trusting garments that may cost hundreds
of pounds to your washing machine can feel worrying. But it’s essential
– dirt soon clogs up a garment’s fabric, reducing the effectiveness of the
fabric’s durable water repellent (DWR) treatment, affecting performance
and breathability. Dirt allows water molecules to be drawn into the fabric,
saturating or ‘wetting out’ the material and leading to increased levels
of condensation on the inside. So properly washing your outerwear, and
reproofing where necessary, restores its water repellency and breathability.
But which wash cycle? How much proofer? Should I use the tumble dryer,
and how hot?
We’ve got together with proofing experts Granger’s to provide an in-store
solution for our customers. Yes, it’s a humble washer-dryer. But it’s the
one recommended by Granger’s from their own tests, and we use their
processes and procedures to ensure garments emerge totally rejuvenated as Granger’s put it, “Original performance restored”.
“I’M ENJOYING WALKING AGAIN!”
Another success story for our in-house podiatrist ANDREW STANLEY
“I
’m enjoying walking again, but wish I’d done
this years ago!” (writes Marjorie Duxbury).
“I am a walking guide, so it is essential for me to be able to complete walks that I
am leading. Over the past few years, after about two hours of walking, the pain in
the ball in my left foot was becoming increasingly debilitating. I had purchased
several brands of expensive boots in different sizes, but always with the same
outcome; cramping, followed by severe pain. I was advised by my GP to try the
route of a podiatrist or surgery. The thought of surgery, and having to spend
quite a lengthy recuperation period really wasn’t an option that I wanted to
consider at the time.
“So off I went for a consultation to Andrew Stanley’s
Rebound clinic in Settle. He was optimistic he
could help me and set about making me some
temporary orthotics to try. Immediately there was
a vast improvement and I managed my first ‘pain
free’ walk in years. After a month I returned to
have my custom-made orthotics fitted into my
walking boots. That was in February this year, and
since then I have led several walking trips all over
Europe in mountainous conditions with severe
descents and in hot temperatures, and I haven’t
experienced one painful day. My only regret is that
I didn’t find out about the Rebound Clinic earlier!”
ANDREW SAYS Pain across
the front of the foot is very common. People
complain of a bruising feeling, burning,
shooting pains, tingling, numbness etc.
These symptoms are called metatarsalgia,
a general term for inflammation of the
metatarsal region.
FREE
WALKERS
PODIATRY
CLINIC
Usually the cause is unstable metatarsal
bones. This instability can lead to excessive
pressure and stress on the metatarsal heads,
or nerve entrapment. These conditions can
be tricky to resolve, as the dysfunction
needs to be accurately identified. At The
Rebound Clinic we make everything precisely
for each individual patient, so we have a
much higher degree of success. If you suffer
from this kind of pain, stop letting your
walking be ruined and do something about it.
Many patients have said to me, “Should have
done this years ago!” when they get back to
enjoying their walking.
Andrew Stanley’s next free
in-store podiatry clinic
will be on 30/31 January,
and again on 14 February.
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.
Just drop your garment in, and we’ll ensure it’s ready to keep you warm and
dry again. Charges are £10 for a wash and reproof of one garment, or £15
for two.
D
rop into the store and you may find customers sitting with their feet up - resting
on a curious new green machine.
Superfeet’s new fitPods will start appearing in shops next year, but George Fisher is
one of a very few selected specialist shops in the UK to receive a unit early.
A modern brand. An ancient Philosophy.
Superfeet is a world leader in orthotic insoles for outdoor enthusiasts and its custom
fit system enables insoles to be tailored to every individual’s foot. These help to
alleviate common foot problems, working with your body to place the foot in its ideal
functioning position so that less stress is placed through the foot when walking, skiing
or climbing.
The new fitPOD system takes this concept one step further (pun intended) to create
orthotic insoles that exactly match the shape and architecture of every individual
foot. Using the fitPOD, our trained fitters create a custom pair of insoles from special
two-part Superfeet layered sets, using the heated compartment inside the fitPOD. Your
feet, of course, don’t need to go in to the heater…
The process is quick and comfortable, and we can mould a set of custom insoles for
you in minutes. In particular if you’re off skiing this winter, ski boots have fairly basic
insoles fitted, so you’ll get considerable benefit by replacing them with custom insoles
- a better fitting boot, better balance, more control over your skis… and ultimately
they will help improve your skiing!
14
Available in store now
15
TRAIN, DON’T STRAIN
GRAHAM THOMPSON, Technical Editor of Trail Magazine is also
a fully qualified pet behaviour counsellor. This month: turning
your walk into a training game.
STAFF PROFILE
This issue featuring RICHARD SUDDABY
THE
WORLD’S
BEST BASE
LAYERS
WARM
BREATHES
S
ince starting work at George Fisher in July, I like to begin my
day with a pint of tea and a run from home in Keswick. My 35–80
minute morning leg stretch will always be off road, and tends to be
one of eight circuits, or a variation thereof. During the four weeks
either side of midwinter I’ll light the way with my Petzl headtorch.
Latrigg or Walla Crag in a storm is invigorating first thing in the
morning, but in such conditions it’s more likely that I’ll choose the
shelter of Brundholme Woods, or the shores of Derwentwater.
A
walk is good for both humans and dogs, but it is a real strain for everyone if
the dog is pulling at the lead, ignoring signals from their owners and generally
running amok with wildlife and other countryside users.
Dogs are very context-specific learners, so training them only in class or at home
is going to have minimal benefit when out on a walk. This is because the dog won’t
necessarily associate the learning that takes place at home or in a training class
with being outside on a country walk. So we need to view walks with our dogs as
training opportunities, certainly until our dogs are well behaved, where we can train
our dogs how we want them to behave so they are less of a strain on our patience
and that of others.
Like climbing Everest, it all begins with the first step. Dogs pull on the lead because
(in their view) owners reward them for pulling, by allowing them to get to the next
metre of interesting smells. If we don’t want our dogs to pull on the lead, then we
have to teach them that the only way they can get to that all-important smell is if
they stand by our side first. This is easily trained by holding a piece of food, or a toy
the dog likes, by your side. The dog will then want that piece of food or toy and will
stay by your side. You can then walk forward with your dog so it gets the reward of
that fresh smell on the ground or, even better, some food from you or the chance to
play with its toy.
Training dogs to walk beside their owners does take a lot of practice, but the main
problem is most people only practice in training classes or at home; many don’t
even do that. Conversely, when most of us go for a walk with our dogs we let them
drag us down the road. The dog learns that, in the context of a walk, it is best to pull
and so that is what it does. But if you turn your walk into a training game, by doing
short sessions where the dog has to walk beside you, then the dog soon learns that
the training that it has experienced at training class and at home is also applicable
on walks. Once that happens, the dog’s behaviour and ability to follow commands or
signals from its owner rapidly improves.
Graham Thompson is Technical Editor of Trail Magazine. He also has an MSc
in Companion Animal Behaviour Counselling, a Member of the Association
of Pet Behaviour Counsellors, a Certificated Clinical Animal Behaviourist
and is on the Animal Behaviour & Training Council Register of Clinical Animal
Behaviourists.
16
NO ODOUR
Fortified with another pint of tea, I’ll cycle commute for three minutes
to the shop for our 08:55 staff briefing.
Top image: Learning to walk on lead during a hill walk takes practice, so do so regularly on every walk
just for a few steps at a time until the dog can do it for longer.
Above: Jess, Maya and Molly all doing a sit stay for Graham. Practicing sit stays regularly throughout
a walk is essential to allow your dogs to learn that what they do at home or in training class is also
applicable outside on walks.
Training dogs to come back when called is another example that needs lots of
practice. Most dogs don’t come back on walks as when they do return, owners often
tell them off or place them on a lead. Both of these events encourage the dog not
to come back. So when it hears the recall signal it stays away, or just ignores the
signal.
The alternative is to train your dog to come back on every walk at least 20 times
and to always provide a reward of food, a toy, or lots of praise. Reward the best 30%
(1 in 3) with the rewards the dog likes the most, and this includes allowing the dog
to run back to the smell it was enjoying before it ran back to you. Practicing recalls
on walks when the dog is distracted is essential as this is the only way the dog will
learn that, in the context of interesting smells on walks, it is worth coming back to
its owner.
The same principles can be applied to training sit, down, stay and all the essential
behaviours our dogs need to learn to become valued members of society! Our dogs
will only be truly welcome in the countryside if we pick up their poo as well, and that
is a training game that owners need to practice on walks too of course…
The boots, clothes and equipment departments are equally fascinating.
I’ll confess to still having some 30 or 40-year-old items of outdoor
gear, which I’m pleased I kept and use occasionally. They are a constant
reminder of how much technology has transformed the way we equip
ourselves, and I appreciate my more modern products’ superior
performance attributes. My old Arctic Patagonia sleeping bag and
Spacepacker tent were expensive, state of the art purchases back in
the early 80’s, bought partly for the Karrimor Mountain Marathon.
Despite considerable use, they are still reliable and in good condition,
testament to the merit of buying the best that you can afford.
I used to do a lot of competitive orienteering, perhaps explaining why
my most treasured piece of kit is almost always a map. In the UK I’ll
take a laminated OS or waterproof Harvey map. On the first floor in the
shop there’s also a great range of overseas large-scale maps.
My most frequently used item of outdoor gear is a bum-bag. I’ll take
it when running and cycling, but I’ll also wear it at the same time as a
rucksack, positioned with the bag at the front instead of the back. That
way it’s effective as an additional handy ‘pocket’ to complement those
on my rucksack’s waist strap.
As some of the greatest technological leaps forward have been in
socks, my museum-piece 1970s felted and scratchy hiking socks are
barely fit for hanging up at Christmas. Instead, I’ll be putting my
merinos by the fire on Christmas Eve, hoping for a high-efficiency stove
set: I need to make provision for that next pint of tea after all!
icebreaker.com
Icebreaker is sustainable, renewable,
merino clothing from the Southern Alps of
New Zealand.
17
WHY SKI WITH A RUCKSACK?
SHORTCUTS
Our man in Chamonix, mountain guide MARK SEATON says it’s essential when off piste
I
f you ski off piste and you want to do it safely, then you have to carry a
rucksack. This is because you must carry a shovel and a probe in case one of
the group is avalanched. The probe is used in conjunction with an avalanche
transceiver to confirm precisely where the victim is buried, and the shovel is
then used to dig them out. Furthermore, in the Aosta Valley in northern Italy, it is
now the law.
All the major rucksack manufactures make models specifically designed for
skiing. If you want a rucksack just for day skiing then it needs to be no bigger
than 25 litres capacity. Anyone wanting a sack that allows them to do overnight
ski tours would need one between 35-45 litres. Any bigger than this and there
is the temptation to put too much in it. A rucksack with too much in it makes
skiing more akin to carrying a bag of wet sand.
So apart from avoiding being arrested, there are other advantages to skiing
with a rucksack. Firstly if you are caught in an avalanche, the rucksack will
give you extra buoyancy, which could help you float nearer to the top of the
avalanche debris. The nearer the surface the faster you will be found. Secondly,
a good well- fitting rucksack will protect your back from injury, not only in an
avalanche but also in any fall, slide or collision with a tree or rock.
There are two main designs; clamshell, with an all-round zip enclosure, or the
more traditional top loader. The clamshell design makes
it potentially easier to open and find the contents,
while the top loader will carry more kit.
These are two pretty convincing reasons for carrying a rucksack and it also
allows you to carry such things as food, water and a spare top. It also means
that if you get too hot you can take some layers off and have somewhere to
store them.
What you have to be careful about is getting on and off a chairlift. If the sack
is small enough then you can potentially keep it on. But what can happen - and
the skiers amongst you may have experienced this - is that you are pushed
forward in your seat, resulting in the safety bar cracking you on the head when
it is brought down.
I have also seen people get their rucksack entwined with the chair at the point
of disembarkation, which has left them suspended by the shoulder straps
hanging from the chair. A terrifying experience for them, but very funny for the
rest of us!
Of course the simple solution is to take off your rucksack before getting on the
chairlift. It is also polite and good ski etiquette to remove your rucksack when
you get into a cable car, because you will occupy less space.
My own choice is to go for a rucksack with the right back length, a good hip
belt, clamshell zip opening, straps for carrying skis, and a hydration facility for
a drink reservoir and tube.
The minimum equipment you should carry in your rucksack when you are offpiste skiing might be the following:
Snow shovel
Avalanche probe
Spare gloves, spare hat
Spare sunglasses
Sun cream, lip salve
First Aid kit
Map, compass, piste map
Space blanket (emergency foil
blanket)
Whistle
Energy bars and a drink
Spare warm layer
Mobile phone (with the
local emergency number
programmed in)
WINTER SAFETY
LEAFLET
Winter walking is potentially more serious, but
more rewarding than summer. Make sure you
have the right kit – pick up our FREE Winter
Safety Leaflet in store, which is packed with
recommendations on gear and usage.
HAGLOFS IS SQUARING THE
SUSTAINABILITY CIRCLE
One of our favourite and most successful brands in the store, Haglöfs is
a Swedish brand with a recognisable, clean design signature – and (like
us) a strong emphasis on sustainability. In 2008 Haglöfs committed to
integrate sustainability into its business development plan, shaping the
whole of its business around sustainable development. We like that kind of
commitment.
You can check out Haglöfs product sustainability info by looking for their
Take Care labels – this winter, more than 60 percent of their range will
have the Take Care symbol which means the product will be a bluesign®
product or made of recycled materials, or made of organic cotton. Haglöfs
has committed that from 2016 onwards all its products will qualify to
carry the Take Care label.
SIR CHRIS AT 80
The Mountain Heritage Trust is hosting an evening to
celebrate Sir Chris Bonington’s 80th birthday at the
Royal Geographical Society in London on Wednesday
February 11th.
Sir Chris celebrated his 80th by climbing the Old Man of Hoy with Leo
Houlding proving, if proof ever were needed, that he richly deserves his
place in the pantheon of great British climbers. At this special event he
will be joined by climbing friends and family including Doug Scott, Charles
Clarke, Mike Thompson, Jim Fotheringham, Paul Ross and John Porter who
have shared his 65 years on rock, snow and ice.
Tickets from World Expeditions worldexpeditions.com
or from Mountain Heritage Trust 01768 840911 (cheques only).
PRIZE WINNERS
The winners of the Petzl NAO head torch competition in Issue 88 are Beth
Diamond from Glasgow and Lou Carter from the West Midlands.
Staying locally? Ask your accommodation provider for a George Fisher
Walk Plan and you could be a winner. The winner of the latest ‘Walk Plan
Draw’ is Tom Clark from Preston who was staying at Leonard’s Field House
in Keswick. Mr Clark and the guesthouse owner both get £50 George
Fisher vouchers.
THE
www.wainwright.org.uk
In addition everyone should
wear an avalanche transceiver,
which is switched on, and
everyone should have been
trained in how to operate it.
T I L L E Y H AT
GUARANTEED FOR LIFE
Happy and safe skiing!
A top-loader winter pack; the Lowe
Alpine Mountain Attack 45:55
A clamshell design; the
Osprey Talon 22
THE society for lovers of the
Lake District and fellwalking.
Annual Subscription of £12 which includes 4 copies
per annum of the Society Magazine, Footsteps.
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,
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THE WAINWRIGHT SOCIETY HAS CHOSEN
CUMBRIA WILDLIFE TRUST AS THEIR MAIN
FUNDRAISING BENEFICIARY FOR 2012.
18
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Photograph by Derry Brabbs
Tel: 01326 574402
Phone and website orders received before noon are delivered free overnight 017687 71801
www.Tilley.com
19
CAFÉ WITH A VIEW
Abraham’s Café – the perfect place to unwind
A
t the heart of our store - or rather high up on the top floor, with
spectacular views - is Abraham’s Café.
The George Fisher building was originally the Abraham’s photographic
shop, built in 1887 by George Abraham to house his famous
photographic business and continued under his illustrious sons George
and Ashley.
In 1967 George Fisher acquired the premises and this iconic building
became an outdoor equipment store. This link with the past has been
maintained in our Abraham’s Café, where we use locally-sourced
produce to create a wide-ranging menu for lunch, tea or just a reviving
coffee.
The Café is open from 10 am to 5pm Monday to Friday, from 9.30am
to 5pm on Saturday, and from 10.30am to 4.30pm on Sunday. Drop in
anytime to relax in our comfortable surroundings, and take in the view.
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
Contributions welcome: deadline for Issue 90 is 20 February 2015. 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.
Editor: Clive Allen | Design: MountainCreative.co.uk
Printed by Reeds Printers Penrith (Tel: 01768 864214)
Printed on 100% Recycled Paper
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