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Informing and entertaining George Fisher customers since 1992
Image: © Stuart Holmes
Spring 2016 | Issue 94
A PROPENSITY
TO POTTER
JOIN US FOR
THE 10IN10
THE
JOHN DALTON WAY
Passing hill time
enjoyably
Page 12
Our favourite
fundraising event
Page 18
A footpath link to
atomic theory?
Page 21
ONLY A WALK
It should have
been a simple
day out…
Page 26
WIN!
A WESTERN
MOUNTAINEERING
ULTRALITE SLEEPING BAG
Worth £445
Page 6
SPRING FORWARD
George Fisher director ANDY AIREY is looking forward to the new season
MAKE EVERY RUN
AN ADVENTURE
©SALOMON SAS. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
PHOTOS: CHRISTOFFER SJÖSTRÖM.
Image: Brian Sherwen, Courtesy of Cumbria Tourism
Make every trail the start of a new adventure. Thanks to the Wings Pro 2,
enjoy a new running experience that gives you the confidence to handle the unexpected.
A
fter a rather grey, gloomy and wet winter the
arrival of spring is more than welcome! What
better time to look forward to some inspirational
days ahead? This Update is crammed with features
and articles that will spark your imagination.
There’s plenty of information on new products
from Montane, Lowe Alpine, Haglofs, and Hilleberg,
an introduction to Hydro Flask and a piece on the
new books available this spring. Also new to us,
you’ll find a taster for Millican on page 23 – a locally
based brand creating distinctive bags and offering a
glimpse of a unique lifestyle. If you like the bags and
want to know more about Millican Dalton, the man
who inspired the brand, go to see The Professor of
Adventure, a production at the Theatre by the Lake
until April 5th (theatrebythelake.com)
We can’t showcase all that’s new this season in the
Update, so visit us instore or online to find a plethora
of new kit and clothing; enough to excite any gear
freak. But in all honesty, it’s not really the gear that
gets us going, is it? It’s what we plan to do with it!
Are you the kind of person who has outdoor
activities planned for months ahead, has read all the
guide books and needs everything planned to a T?
Or maybe you do things on the spur of the moment?
However you deliberate about your outdoor
passions, then reading the next few pages may spark
a new idea and send you off in a direction you’d not
contemplated before.
How about signing up to this year’s 10in10? Enjoy a
challenging day on the Derwent Fells and help raise
funds for the MS Society. Alternatively if you can’t
make it on June 25th, look at the article on page 18
for details on the 10in10 Everyday – a challenge you
can do any day of the year.
On page 27 you will find details of a broad range
of events and activities we have arranged over the
next few months. The ever-popular ‘Run with Ricky’
dates give regular runners the chance to enjoy
a social run with our local fell running champion,
Ricky Lightfoot. Try the Easter Egg geocache with
Garmin, or spend two days at the George Fisher
Summer Academy – paddle, walk, camp and discover
more about the Lake District, go for a walk with a
Fix the Fells Ranger to learn how our playground
is maintained or win a place on a photography
course to capture your outdoor adventures more
effectively.
Of all the events we’re involved with this year my
particular favourite, and the one I’m looking forward
to most, is the unique showing of Terry Abraham’s
new film, Blencathra – Life of a Mountain. Terry
has proved himself to be a filmmaker who can
capture the intense emotions that time spent in
the mountains inspires. The unique showing of an
abridged version of his latest film, screened in the
open at the foot of Blencathra, will be an experience
not to be missed. For full details go to page 27 or visit
georgefisher.co.uk to book your place.
For a completely different perspective on time
spent in the outdoors, read Mark Wright’s article
Propensity to Potter; as ever Mark has written a
thought-provoking piece that questions our attitude
to the way we plan and approach our days out.
Maybe this will encourage you to venture out with
new expectations. What’s in store for your year;
will you take up a new challenge, strive for some
personal achievement… or will you potter?
Whatever you do in the outdoors, we are here to
encourage you along the way, offer help and advice
when we can and we’ll look forward to hearing about
your experiences and seeing your photos in the
months ahead.
#SALOMONRUNNING
2
www.georgefisher.co.uk | 017687 71801 | Phone and website orders received before noon are delivered free overnight (if over £30 value)
3
FINDING THE RIGHT FIT
BASE CAMP
Soft goods buyer LISA BERGERUD on the lengths we go to, finding the right fit for you
I
must be getting older; the seasons are definitely
getting closer together. Change does happen,
but as it’s often gradual you don’t always see it
coming. This winter has felt tough on Keswick;
storm Desmond forced me to change a lot of my
normal routines. I’ve had to seek out new paths
or have adventures finding new ways around
fallen footbridges. I’m pleased to see lighter
nights returning and spring in the air; winter
didn’t last long.
We’ve recently moved office, which caused me
to have a bit of a spring clean and de-clutter, but
it only reinforced that feeling of getting older.
Looking back over 20-plus years of paperwork,
I discovered an old copy of our George Fisher
‘mission’. Our attitude hasn’t changed; we’re asking
the same questions, looking for the same things
with the same customers, quality walking, running,
mountaineering. One of the most notable reccurring
message was ‘fit’; does an item fit, and will it give
us a different fit? This applies to all our ranges,
footwear, trousers or waterproofs jackets. Full sizes,
half sizes, short legs and long legs, extra-small or
triple extra-large; we do try to find them.
Every season it seems to be tough to find trousers
with choices of leg lengths and sizes. We’re all
different shapes, and trousers have the added
complication of low, mid and high rise waist,
wider leg or skinny leg, all this before we’ve got
to which weight of fabric do you want, and not
even mentioning colour! I was pleased to note
this seasons Haglöfs’ strap line, “We don’t design
trousers to be adjusted. We design them to fit.”
For men, we have three very different Haglöfs
trouser styles. The Skarn (£130) uses a lightweight
reinforced nylon stretch fabric in a slimmer leg fit,
4
while the rugged Fjell II (£120) is a robust, looser
fitting trouser with a mix of two different fabrics.
Then the more classic trekking trouser, Mid II Fjell
(£100) with the all-important back zip pocket. I
think I’ve found a collection of waist sizes, fabrics,
colours and leg lengths from Haglöfs, Arc’teryx,
Rab, Montane, Sherpa, The North Face and Kühl
to complete our trouser range. Women’s Haglöfs
trousers include the Mid II Flex pant in short, regular
and long (£130) which is a heavier weight than their
classic Shale pant (£100) and more relaxed in the
thigh. For women who don’t want a looser fit, or a
traditional looking trouser, Montane have linked a
performance stretch fabric with a skinny fit trouser
to produce the Ineo Pro (£80) which complements
their classic Terra Ridge Pant (£85). Rab, Sherpa and
Kühl bring different fabric weights and there’s even
a splash of colour from Arc’teryx with their Parapet
pant in Allium (£85); I can’t wait for the proper
summer to start, as this also comes in a short at
£50 in a dark blue or a bright pink!
Now if you think finding trousers is hard, try
keeping everyone happy with their feet. That’s a
whole different width, length and height game. It
is surprising year-on-year how regular we are as
shoppers, which helps me but this year so many new
shoes and boots are coming in. I’m excited by the
new Hoka Tor Ultra Hi (£160, pictured above), ladies
I’m sorry they’re a rather loud pinky purple but
wow they’re comfy and I like the colour. I’ve used
Hoka running shoes now for five years, and love
them. The Tor gives running-shoe cushioning in a
waterproof boot.
One of our favourite boot families here at George
Fisher is Meindl, and this year they’ve not only
helped us out with extreme sizes but also produced
more boots in different widths. We’ve added the
women’s Oviedo and men’s Burgos boots (£170) in
a slim fit, and also more boots from their comfort
fit range; the men’s and women’s Trento is £200.
Scarpa has been busy with a plethora of new models
taking you from lowland footpaths to scrambles up
Lakeland ridges; the Ranger, R-Evo, Kailash and
Zodiac all fit slightly differently. We also have new
boots from Asolo, Salomon, Keen and Zamberlan; be
prepared to sit down with your socks and an open
mind, as I’m sure there’ll be something that fits.
All that’s left to do then is get out and walk or
run; maybe aiming for afternoon tea and cake
somewhere? Or is that my age…
Montane Women’s
Ineo Pro Pants
Haglöfs
Skarn Pant
Scarpa R-Evo
Equipment and accessories buyer JON WICKHAM checks out the latest camping gear and rucksacks
A
s I write, it’s the time of year when the weather
is pretty miserable and you need to start
making plans to raise your spirits. I’m looking to
make 2016 a year when I get out camping much
more, but if I don’t plan for it, it just won’t happen.
I’ve been eyeing up a few of the UK’s long distance
paths; the West Highland Way, Hadrian’s Wall
and The Ridgeway, and considering what I might
need to pack for a week-long trip, as opposed to
my normal night or two under canvas. What tent
to choose has been high on my priority list, and
luckily we have a good range to look at in store.
those that feel the Akto is a bit coffin-like, and aren’t
going to be camping in the worst conditions. Pop
in to the store to see one pitched in our basement
Camping Department.
The Niak 1.5 is Hilleberg’s new one-to-two-person
tent. It sits in Hilleberg’s Yellow Label or ‘3 season’
range, which includes the Anjan tunnel tents, Rogen
dual-entrance tent and Enan lightweight oneperson tent. If you’re familiar with the Hilleberg
range then the Niak is quite similar in shape to
the existing Unna tent, but with the addition of a
porch. Two 9mm poles cross in the middle and
anchor in opposite corners, giving an elongated
dome shape, with the porch extending on one side.
Using Kerlon 1000 fabric, the weight is decreased
versus using the Kerlon 1200 or 1800 fabrics seen
in Hilleberg’s Red and Black Label, 4 season models.
Although slightly less durable than these fabrics,
Kerlon 1000 is still tougher than most competitors’
fly sheets. Like other Yellow Label designs, the
flysheet does not reach all the way to the ground,
allowing improved airflow through the tent, and
reducing condensation. Interestingly, the flysheet
does curve down at each corner, so it does provide
greater protection from wind driven rain than its
Yellow Label stable mates. At 1.7kg the Niak weighs
the same as Hilleberg’s popular Akto one-man tent.
However the Niak has nearly twice the floor space,
and has slightly more head room than the Akto,
giving a much roomier feel for one person. This
makes the Niak 1.5 an ideal single person tent for
Other new products that may appeal to backpackers
are the Osprey Atmos AG 65 and Aura AG 65
rucksacks. We were impressed with the popularity
of the 50-litre versions (men’s and women’s
respectively) and so have added the larger versions
for this summer. Their popularity is down to the
new ‘Anti-Gravity’ back system, which is the first
back system to incorporate a ventilated hip belt as
well as ventilated back. This might not seem like a
big step forward, but the hip belt really ‘hugs’ your
hips and transfers the load of the pack extremely
comfortably. Feel the difference for yourself by
trying one in store.
If the Niak doesn’t sound like the right tent for you,
then we have plenty of other options. 2016 will see
our largest ever Hilleberg range in store, all of which
we are happy to pitch in the basement to give you
a real feel for the tent. We will also be continuing
to stock the excellent MSR tents, which offer great
value, 3 season options.
Osprey has also incorporated the Anti Gravity back
system into its revamped Poco Child Carriers. The
back system is adjustable to fit parents of most
heights, and definitely makes carrying little ones
less of a chore. Both styles of carrier are fully
equipped for Lake District weather with rain covers
as well as storage for spare clothes, food, water etc.
We also have a variety of new daypacks as well as
these larger offerings. Lowe Alpine has revamped
its popular AirZone range of ventilated day packs,
giving a more comfortable fit and some vibrant new
colours. As always, packs are about fit, so alongside
these we have welcomed Deuter packs back into the
store. With typically German quality, they are robust
and comfortable. Pop into the store to see which
brand fits you best.
Millican is a new brand to George Fisher 2016. This
Lakes-based company approached us a couple
of years ago with prototypes of its new Maverick
Collection. This brings together the build quality
of Millican’s urban bags, with rugged outdoor
fabrics and features. The end result is bags that are
practical for work, but also perform whilst walking
up a Wainwright. Read more about the eccentric
inspiration for the bags, the ‘Professor of Adventure’
Millican Dalton, in our article on page 23.
Hydro Flask is another new brand to George
Fisher. Our staff have been testing these insulated,
stainless steel bottles since Christmas, and we have
all been very impressed. They have kept drinks cold
for the gym, and hot for the hill, all without any taint
or aftertaste. A variety of bright colours makes each
bottle as vibrant as they are durable. We think these
are definitely bottles for life, not just for Christmas!
Osprey Atmos
AG 65
Millican Smith
Hilleberg Niak
5
A WESTERN MOUNTAINEERING
Worth £445
E
ver heard of Western Mountaineering? While not exactly a household
name in the UK, among discerning backpackers and mountaineers this
specialist US company is well known for its top-quality sleeping bags.
Owned and run by the same two northern California mountaineers for
over 30 years, Western Mountaineering bags use the finest materials and
meticulous design across a range of over 30 models, all made in their
factory in San Jose, California.
Along with quality materials and workmanship, Western Mountaineering
design sets its sleeping bags apart from all others. Hood openings are
more contoured in shape, so that even at rest the sides of the hood lie
closer to your face. A differential is built into its bags so that the shell
fabric ‘breaks’ to create better loft across the width of the bags. All of its
sleeping bags with the Full Down Collar are made with Interlocking Double
Draft Tubes; when the bag is zipped, these large stoutly filled tubes rest
side by side rather than on top of each other. That way, the Interlocking
Draft Tubes retain their full loft without being compressed as the zipper
closes. When a bag has a single draft tube it will hang from the top, so
that the zip won’t inadvertently be exposed while moving inside the bag.
A Dacron stiffening tape is sewn alongside each zip to prevent snags, and
velcro closures are backed with fabric to prevent fraying and are placed on
non-integral parts of the bag like the drawcord casing.
George Fisher is one of the few UK retailers to stock Western Mountaineering
products, and we’ve teamed up with UK distributor Beyond Hope Ltd to
offer one of its iconic sleeping bags, the Western Mountaineering UltraLite,
worth £445.00.
A versatile 3-season design, the Ultralite includes the Full Down Collar and
Interlocking Double Draft Tube features, helping to seal in heat without
adding excess bulk. Light and compressible, it’s comfort rated to -2°C with
a -9°C limit, available in Short, Medium and Long versions, and weighs 821g
in the Medium.
Entry deadline is 1 June 2016, see entry form for full terms and conditions.
6
WIN A WESTERN MOUNTAINEERING
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/competitions
Name:
Address:
Phone Number:
Email address:
Select sleeping bag size: S / M / L
[ ] 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 Beyond Hope Ltd, UK distributors of Western
Mountaineering, to send you future details of news and promotions.
George Fisher and Beyond Hope 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 Beyond
Hope Ltd 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 June 2016)
4. Entries may be made in store, by post or online at georgefisher.co.uk and received by midday 1
June 2016.
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.
WE BRING PEOPLE CLOSER TO NATURE
www.haglofs.com
7
Wear it,
don’t carry it
A PERFECT
VACUUM
The secret of keeping cold drinks cold
(and hot drinks hot) is all in the vacuum
Hydro Flask Spring 2016 colours
N
ew to George Fisher this Spring is Hydro Flask, a range
of stylish, ultra-efficient, high-quality flasks from the
USA. Founded only six years ago in Bend, Oregon, the
company’s products have gained awards and grown rapidly;
it’s now the number one insulated, and number three overall
American hydration brand.
With a stated mission to “To save the world from lukewarm!”,
it’s all about the vacuum technology. Hydro Flask’s TempShield
Insulation uses special techniques to gain a very high vacuum,
which keeps liquids at their original temperature for longer.
Hydro Flask’s proprietary toxin-free glass seal is unique, and its
‘getter’ (a small disk located between the two walls) absorbs any
excess moisture and gasses during the vacuum process – and
continues to absorb minute particles – to ensure the highest
vacuum possible (10-6 atmospheres atmospheric pressure).
The flasks are made using the highest quality pro-grade 18/8
stainless steel which won’t retain or transfer flavours, ensuring
drinks remain pure in taste.
LI G H T WEIGHT
WITHOUT COMPROMISE
The result is a product that can keep cold drinks the same
temperature for up to 24 hours, and hot drinks for up to six hours.
George Fisher is stocking the super-versatile Hydro Flask 21oz
bottle (£23.95) which, at 621ml, is the perfect size for a day on the
fells (or on the daily commute, for that matter).
Available in bold, bright colours, Hydro Flask uses a proprietary
powder coat for easy grip and extra durability.
N EW FANG 5 PACK
Fe ath e r we igh t tra il r u n n in g sp eed p a c k w ith
S of t Flask s an d e las tica ted b rea th a b le c h es t h a r n es s
mon ta n e. co . u k
8
Backed by a lifetime warranty, Hydro
Flask also has a charitable arm
called ‘5% Back’ where you can allocate a
portion of the net profit of your purchase
to a charity of your choice; details at
www.hydroflask.com/5-back
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 great walk.
THIS MONTH’S WALK:
St Bees and its Lighthouse
C
M
Y
CM
A
circular, half-day coast walk around the
spectacular sandstone headland near St Bees,
best-known to walkers as the starting point for
the Coast to Coast walk.
There’s plenty to enjoy on this shorter walk,
including the lighthouse and the bird colonies
on the cliffs around the headland.
i The Route
1. St Bees station OS Grid: NX969118
Start the walk from St Bees station.
7. St Bees lighthouse OS Grid: NX940144
About 1.9 km (roughly 1.2 miles) from 6
As you turn the corner, you reach St Bees lighthouse.
This is a new lighthouse; the old one was the last coalpowered lighthouse in Britain.
2. Scale Barrow OS Grid: NX967122 A
bout 0.4 km (roughly 0.2 miles) from 1
Head left out of the station, then right along Abbey
Road. At the junction, turn left along Scale Barrow
towards the coast.
3. Rottington OS Grid: NX960126
Not the most charming of village names, but don’t let that
put you off. Continue through the village along the road.
4. Sandwith Newtown OS Grid: NX961143
About 1.7 km (roughly 1 miles) from 3
At Sandwith Newtown, turn left at the first junction.
5. Lane to the beach OS Grid: NX957149
Follow the road and keep heading towards the beach.
6. Saltom Bay OS Grid: NX956154
You join the coastal path at Saltom Bay. Head southwards
along the path.
10
8. St Bees Head OS Grid: NX943134
Continue along the path to St Bees Head, home to
thousands of black guillemots
9. South Head OS Grid: NX953118
Continue past Fleswick Bay and on to South Head. This
is the start of the coast to coast path (not marked on OS
maps as it’s not an official long-distance path).
10. Beech Road OS Grid: NX962117
Just beyond the camping and caravan park, head up
Beech Road into St Bees.
11. St Bees OS Grid: NX971118
The Queens Hotel near the station is a good spot for a
post-walk drink, and popular with those setting off on
the Coast to Coast.
Loop or linear?
Loop
Maps:
303
Whitehaven & Workington
Total Distance:
15.2km (9.4 miles)
Total height gain:
559m (1833ft)
Start &
Finish: St Bees
OS Grid: NX969118
Public transport:
Either the Cumbrian Coast
Railway to St Bees station,
or bus services from Keswick
Unsuitable for:
Children, buggies, wheelchairs
MY
CY
CMY
K
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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
like-minded individuals. It’s a socially interactive,
community-led site that’s continually updated. So
take your first step and sign up today!
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life and the most brilliant, multi-touch display we’ve ever made.
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forums. Pre-loaded with Ordnance Survey 1:50,000 full Great
Britain mapping, this is the perfect companion for any adventure.
Images: Roger Hiley, loweswatercam.co.uk
Oregon 600 & 650 GB Bundle
A PROPENSITY TO POTTER
Training and Development Coordinator MARK WRIGHT reflects on passing the time enjoyably
I
am often accused of the overuse and at times misuse of the word potter.
Friends will often say to me, “But you don’t potter Mark, you walk quickly” or
they’ll protest, “Pillar via the Shamrock Traverse is not a potter.” It’s true, I
don’t deny, I have a tendency in conversation and on social media, more often
than not, to use the term, “I enjoyed a good potter.”
I suppose it’s how we define potter. To move around without hurrying, and in a
relaxed and pleasant way, would appear to be the common consensus. In the
main, that’s exactly how I pass my time when walking. Whether that be on the hill,
countryside and coastal walking, or in my other favourite environment, urban
walking. I simply set out to pass the time enjoyably. To have a bit of a potter. Far
too often I walk with my hands in my pockets and although my pace can at times
be fast, I don’t in myself feel hurried, and believe me when out for a walk I am as
relaxed as you’ll ever find me.
Phrases such as “We had an epic” or “We conquered” such and such, don’t really
sit very comfortably with me. Even the common declaration “We did Helvellyn”
rather than walked over Helvellyn troubles me a little. I confess I do at times use
it myself but I’m never quite happy with myself for doing so. Also heroic tales of
white-outs and 80 mile per hour winds seem all too often to me an exaggeration.
But it’s for other folk themselves to describe their own adventures I suppose.
I think my pottering is derived from the intention. The intention is to go for a
potter. Very often without a clear goal in mind other than to head off with a fairly
vague idea of what, if anything, I’d like to achieve, and simply see where the day
takes me. Some days that can be no further than along the riverbank, other days
it can be the entire Scafell range and home over Allen Crags and Glaramara. The
intention remains the same; to go for a look, have a wander around, perhaps
even sit back and daydream for a while, and at any time happily change course
or call it a day. Reaching the summit is not crucial and certainly isn’t integral to
the success of the day.
12
My use of the word potter is in no way an effort to downplay my activities and
my aim is certainly not to belittle the attempts, aspirations and achievements of
others. There are many times I don’t potter and absolutely do not set out with
the intention of pottering. Quite the opposite in fact. Very often I have a set goal
and the task in hand is to get on with it. It’s worth mentioning here that distance
or difficulty play no part in categorising any given walk a potter. For example, my
decision to purposefully walk the Woolpack Round comprising; Harter Fell, Hard
Knott, Crinkle Crags, Bowfell, Esk Pike, Scafell Pike, Scafell and Slight Side was
not a potter. Not for a single minute of the nine hours it took me. Likewise my
decision to park up at Honister and make the relatively short trip directly onto
Grey Knotts to photograph the setting sun was also by no means a potter. Even
though it was only three quarters of an hour. The pace was hurried the intention
was clear. By contrast however when I parked up at Fangs Brow Farm, got out
and wandered off hoping to get a better view of Grasmoor only find myself on
Burnbank Fell, Blake Fell and Carling Knott, that, certainly in my mind, remains
a bit of a potter. Curiosity had got the better of me, I was relaxed, moving well,
simply passing the time enjoyably and the inclination to see what lay over the
side of the hill drew me onwards. The entire afternoon was spent with a happy
heart and a smile on my face and crucially in the knowledge that at any point I
might just call it a day and wander off back to the car.
The irony for me now as I sit here writing is that I’m not really too sure where
this article is going. If anything it perhaps says to me, and hopefully to you,
that walking is not necessarily about the summits, or completing the Walk of
the Month with its predetermined route and multiple grid references, it’s more
about the quiet places, the places in between, the places without a name. It’s also
about the peacefulness of pottering. Not feeling pressured into completing the
Coledale Round say, or the Newlands Horshoe, but rather finding enjoyment and
contentment from wandering aimlessly.
I haven’t given up on challenging walks both here and further afield that do
require planning and preparation but I find these days, particularly closer to
home on relatively familiar ground, I do have a propensity to potter.
13
BOOKS FOCUS
George Fisher stocks one of the most extensive selections of outdoor-related books in the UK.
This Spring we have several new books in store which are specific to our area, so here’s a
preview of two wildlife-related titles to whet your appetite.
The red squirrel represents a fantastic subject for a
wildlife photographer, being undeniably beautiful and
full of character; the red ear tufts and bushy tail are
instantly recognisable. In many places around the Lakes,
red squirrels are easy to see and do not require years of
field craft practice to get close for some good photos.
Always remain quiet and as still as possible. Ideally, wear
dull-coloured or camouflage clothing made from soft,
rustle-free fabrics to get the best views. Bird feeders
or specialised squirrel feeders create good locations to
see squirrels coming regularly for food. Leaving a few
hazelnuts on top of a log will encourage the squirrels to
approach and stay in view long enough for a photograph.
Red squirrel hotspots in the Lake District include the
visitor centre at Whinlatter and the Borrowdale valley,
Thirlmere forest and the Haweswater Hotel on the side
of Haweswater.
Squirrels are quick and commonly live in dense woodland
where light is limited. Winter, spring and late autumn
are good times to find them, when the leaves are off the
trees. A good zoom on a compact or bridge-type camera
can get some fine images, but for best results use a
digital SLR with a long zoom or telephoto lens. You will
usually need a fast shutter speed and a wide aperture to
capture these enchanting little characters.
In Photographing Wildlife In The UK, Andrew describes
70 of the best locations for wildlife photography across
the country. Lavishly illustrated, and featuring over
450 stunning wildlife photographs, the guide includes
detailed advice on locations and how to achieve the best
images in each situation. Look out for more fotoVUE
books coming soon: The Peak District, Scotland, Devon
and Cornwall, Yorkshire Dales, The Dolomites, South
Wales and Iceland.
PHOTOGRAPHING WILDLIFE
IN THE UK
by Andrew Marshall
Among the more recent additions is the fotoVUE series of photography location
guidebooks that show you where to take the best photographs in an area, while
also giving practical advice on how to improve your photography. Current titles
include the Lake District by Stuart Holmes and North Wales by Simon Kitchin,
but there’s also a new fotoVUE book about where to go and how to photograph
the UK’s wild creatures, Photographing Wildlife In The UK by Andrew Marshall.
“The red squirrel represents a fantastic
subject for a wildlife photographer,
being undeniably beautiful and full of
character; the red ear tufts and bushy
tail are instantly recognisable.”
Andrew is a wildlife photographer born and raised near Keswick, the perfect
place for being close to wildlife. He spent days in his youth watching roe deer
and red squirrels in the local woods, dreaming of one day encountering rare
animals such as otters and ospreys in the wild. It is a dream come true that,
thanks to recent conservation measures, these enigmatic species can now be
seen again thriving in the local area where he grew up.
Now living in the Cotswolds and returning frequently to the Lake District to visit
friends and family, Andrew always tries to grab a day or two to look for the local
wildlife that cannot be found in the south of the country.
High on the list for any visit is the very photogenic red squirrel. Absent now
throughout most of England, the red squirrel is restricted to a few enclaves like
the Lake District where it has remained isolated from the deadly squirrel pox
carried by the non-native grey squirrel.
14
LAKELAND – WALKING WITH WILDLIFE
Described as ‘The jottings of a fell-walking
naturalist’, this book by Alan Gane consists of
137 short chapters, illustrated with 16 colour
photographs. A genuine ‘dip into’ book full of
interest, information, anecdote and advice; a
great companion for locals and visitors alike.
The author’s background has equipped him
well. A life-long naturalist, following a working
life in agricultural research, he has spent much
of his time walking and scrambling in the
Cumbrian mountains and the lower woods and
valleys, seeking out and photographing superb
viewpoints and all manner of wildlife. The walks
listed are varied in the extreme, from summer
strolls through oak woods and around the lakes,
to climbs of the highest fells. Similarly, there are
descriptions of the countryside as seen by relatively few, such as sunrise witnessed from
high in the fells as the early morning light extends across the horizon.
Lord Inglewood, President of the Cumbria Wildlife Trust, has reviewed the book as
follows:- “There is a kind of climber for whom getting to the top is the be all and end all.
By Alan Gane
This is not a book for them; rather it is for the person who
enjoys travelling hopefully as much as arriving. Alan Gane
is a naturalist and a walker who conveys the enjoyment of
both, in this collection of short jottings which are reminiscent
of the almost random pleasures and experiences of being
out and about in the fells. In a series of short vignettes he
captures the whole point of it all.”
The writer has walked the year round too, and accordingly
there are detailed descriptions of walking in each season. But
that is not all. The writer is nothing if not a keen observer
of the natural world. There are a great many references to
plant life, from the insectivorous sundew and butterwort
of the bogs, to the sub-alpines associated with the rivulets
among the crags. Walks are described which were undertaken
deliberately to find and identify particular species, common,
uncommon and rare. Similarly, there are many references to
birds and animals from peregrine falcon and dipper to fox,
badger and red squirrel.
See Alan’s latest wildlife article on page 19.
15
ADAPT
TO YOUR
ENVIRONMENT
LIGHTER THAN AIR
Lowe Alpine’s latest AirZone rucksacks pack in even more comfort
F
rom its beginnings as a specialised technical gear manufacturer back in the
1960s, when the Lowe brothers started creating truly innovative climbing
and mountaineering kit from their Utah-based workshop, Lowe Alpine has
since grown into a globally famous backpack brand.
The mesh itself has been reduced to an absolute minimum, so there’s less in
contact with your back which in turn maximises the air space and breathability.
The mesh contact area is anatomically shaped, removing the need for additional
reinforcing parts without compromising on comfort and support.
These days Lowe Alpine is based in Kendal in the South Lakes, where they have
a world-class team of rucksack designers and production experts. Like the Lowe
brothers, however, they’re all committed mountain people who like nothing
better than to use and abuse their latest creations out there in the real world.
The shoulder harness and hip belt are new. The harness edges now wrap around,
and the breathable contact mesh is now even softer, increased the stability of
the pack and ensuring prolonged comfort during long days in the mountains.
On of Lowe Alpine’s most popular designs is its AirZone series of trekking packs,
which use a unique suspended air-back to ensure you stay cool, comfortable
and in control, whatever the conditions. The third generation of AirZone packs
launches this Spring, and here at George Fisher we stock several styles and sizes.
So what’s special about the new AirZones? Lowe Alpine says that they’ve been
redesigned from the ground up, and are now more comfortable and even more
breathable than ever before.
All AirZone packs use a tough nylon 6.6 Mini Rip fabric throughout the body. You
get new larger hip belt pockets, big enough to hold a phone, GPS or small camera.
There are high quality 4-way stretch mesh side pockets, giving additional, easyto-access storage. The unique ‘Tip Grippers’ attach walking poles easily and
securely, working with both spikes and rubber caps. Plus, there’s an integrated
and detachable rain cover.
FEATURING
EXPERT VENTILATION
TECHNOLOGY
With its sophisticated ventilation technology AirZone helps
you keep your cool. The suspended mesh system maximises
breathability and adapts to you, supporting your load. Whatever
path you tread, adapt to your environment with AirZone.
AirZone Z 20
AirZone Trail 24
AirZone Pro 35:45
www.lowealpine.co.uk/airzone
16
17
BROCK THE BADGER
JOIN US FOR THE 10IN10
In an occasional series, ALAN GANE MBE looks at the flora and fauna of the Lake District.
This issue: the badger
Our favourite MS fundraising event is on 25 June; and there are new challenges!
O
ne of the best-loved though seldom seen
inhabitants of the countryside, the badger is
one of the oldest and can be found locally.
A member of the same family as the weasel, stoat,
pine marten and otter, it is carnivorous by dentition
but omnivorous by diet. It has the well-known
striking black and white mask and a thick coat of
grey fur. It is heavily built, with short sturdy legs
and trundles along with a distinctive bear-like gait,
but has quite a turn of speed when necessary. It
has strong claws, which it uses with great effect
to excavate its burrows or ‘setts’, which in some
cases extend to over 1km in length, may have over
100 entrances and is kept meticulously clean, with
outside latrines. Badger setts can therefore be very
extensive indeed, and are often occupied by many
generations. In fact some setts, which were recorded
as such in the Domesday Book, are still in use today.
The badger has a very varied diet indeed which
includes young rabbits, frogs, birds eggs, nuts,
fruit, even bees and wasps, but one of its prime
foods is undoubtedly the earthworm, of which an
adult badger may consume over 200 in a night of
‘hoovering’ grassland.
Primarily nocturnal, typical behaviour is for the
boar to be the first to emerge at dusk, often very
tentatively sniffing the air to detect the scent of
any unwelcome visitor nearby. The sow, and any
cubs that may be present usually follow him. The
adults are then likely to wander off in search of
food, while the cubs may be seen playing, rolling
and scampering around. Badgers do not hibernate,
in the true sense of the word, but in severe weather
they do sometimes sleep for a few days.
Sadly the badger is a carrier of bovine TB, and
consequently culling is sometimes approved by
the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food
(MAFF) although the benefits of such measures
are at best in doubt. Some investigations have
appeared to show that when an area is cleared of
badgers - which is very difficult to do - badgers from
surrounding areas will move in to take their place. If
there are infected animals among them, the disease
is likely to be spread even more. However, research
is in progress to develop a vaccine. The badger is
protected by law, and neither they nor their setts
must be damaged or disturbed.
Let’s hope we get similar weather for this year’s 10in10!
T
he 10in10 is a walking challenge that raises money for the Multiple Sclerosis
Society. Yvonne Booth was inspired to get involved when her husband,
Duncan, was diagnosed with MS in 2010. A local climber, Duncan was a teacher
in Keswick and worked in George Fisher while he went through college.
Multiple Sclerosis is an incurable illness. Duncan used to be driven by climbing,
but when MS took that away Duncan replaced it with sports that help his
condition, inspire other MS sufferers, and raise money for research. In 2010
Yvonne organised a fundraising walk; “I decided we needed to help find a cure for
this disease and came up with the idea of 10 peaks in 10 hours”, she says. “Dunc
decided that he could do his own challenge, swimming 10 lakes in 10 hours while
walkers did the 10 peaks. This is when we realised that everybody wanted to get
involved, so the 10in10 became an annual event.”
Because it’s an event close to our heart - and there’s a George Fisher team taking
part - we want to encourage you to get involved as well! This year’s 10in10 is
on 25th June, with hundreds of walkers tackling ten Lake District mountains in
ten hours. The main 16-mile route starts in the Newlands Valley and heads over
Causey Pike, Sail, Crag Hill, Wandope, Whiteless Pike, High Snockrigg, Robinson,
Dale Head, High Spy and Maiden Moor. The easier 5in5 Challenge starts in
Buttermere and walks over High Snockrigg, Robinson, Dale Head, High Spy and
Maiden Moor.
18
This year there are two new events; the Everyday 10in10 and the No Cure Always
Hope ultra run. The Everyday 10in10 is a challenge which can be done anytime –
fit it into your holiday or just a weekend at any time of year. Simply register on
the website and you’ll receive a route guide and fundraising pack to raise money
for the MS Society. Complete the Challenge, drop into George Fisher and you’ll
get a Berghaus 10in10 Buff to wear with pride.
Duncan’s brother Simon is an elite fell runner and last year he came up with the
No Cure, Always Hope Ultra challenge - a 37-mile monster combining the three
10in10 routes, taking in 26 mountains and tackling 17,000 feet of ascent. Simon
ran it in eight hours and 20 minutes; now you can try it and aim to beat that
benchmark! Again, successful runners receive a 10in10 Ultra Berghaus Buff from
George Fisher.
So far Yvonne and Duncan have raised a magnificent £169,000 for Multiple
Sclerosis research. Big thanks also to Berghaus who sponsor the T-shirts and
Buffs, and event patron Sir Chris Bonington.
Information and entries at 10in10.org.uk
A modern brand, an ancient philosophy
Available at George Fisher
19
WHEN TRAINING ISN’T WORKING
GRAHAM THOMPSON, Technical Editor of Trail Magazine is also a fully qualified pet behaviour
counsellor. This issue: You’ve trained your dog but it still doesn’t behave; what next?
THE JOHN DALTON WAY
A new 45km footpath links the development of atomic theory, the scenery and villages
of North West Cumberland, and the 250th anniversary of the birth of John Dalton
dalton-cover_A5 no price 02/11/2015 17:20 Page 1
I
n celebration of the 250 anniversary of John
Dalton’s birth, a new walk has been devised in
West Cumbria from Cockermouth to Seascale. The
walk is 45km long and can be completed over two
days, or in five shorter sections using existing
footpaths.
th
John Dalton was born in 1766 in Eaglesfield, near
Cockermouth, and is best known for his discoveries
of atomic theory and colour blindness. The walk
links Dalton’s birthplace with Cockermouth then on
to Calder Hall, the first commercial atomic power
station in the world when it was commissioned in
1956. The walk, and the associated Guide Booklet,
celebrates the development of atomic theory over
the intervening 200 years.
Training on the hill
Reward!
D
espite your best efforts, sometimes training
won’t be effective without professional help.
Human behaviour is primarily a series of repeated
habits that we have learned to be effective
over time. So most of what we do is similar to a
computer running a program that reacts to the
signals we enter via a keyboard.
When our computers crash, we have to go inside
to work out what has happened and when our own
human brain spots an error in itself we become
stressed and have to go into our own brain
consciously to resolve the problem. In some cases,
humans may need an external teacher to help them
overcome the problems in their own brain or that of
their computer. So getting help is something we all
need sometimes and it should not be something to
be anxious, embarrassed or worried about. Indeed,
learning to seek help when needed is probably the
smartest thing we can do for ourselves, our dogs and
our computers!
In terms of their ability to resolve emotional
problems, dog behaviour slots somewhere in
between a computer and a human. The result is that
in some situations, they choose a behaviour that
we approve of, such as moving away from a sheep,
wandering back to us on a walk and sitting quietly in
the corner of a café waiting for attention. In other
situations, their choice of behaviour is to chase a
sheep, not to check in with owners and not to sit
and wait for attention. Just like the computer, an
external teacher may be needed and if that teacher
is the owner, then they too may need a teacher to
help them manage their dog in more challenging
situations.
Most dogs behave well, despite what humans do,
and so they don’t need much training. Others,
20
however, need a lot of help. The owners’ use of
past experience with other dogs, books, magazines,
the internet and a friend’s advice may sometimes
provide the information needed to teach their dog
how to behave. However, this approach is fraught
with danger and may also limit progress, so you
reach a ceiling where no matter how much you try,
and no matter how many books or friends you ask,
there is just no more improvement.
The reasons for reaching this ceiling can be numerous
and may include that the owner just does not have
the right information to hand. This is because there
is far more misinformation available than the right
information on how to teach dogs. Another reason
may be that the information is correct for the dog,
but it has not been transferred to the owner in a way
that is appropriate to allow the owner to learn and
apply it. If you think teaching dogs is a challenge,
then think again; changing the behaviour of humans
is far more challenging than any dog training.
It is also common that inconsistency is causing the
problem. You may not be aware of this, as don’t
forget all behaviours are primarily habits, and it is
hard to get into the habit of recalling your dog 20
times on every walk if you have not practiced it and
been encouraged by an effective teacher, trainer,
instructor or counsellor.
If the basic information is correct, the owner
understands it, is applying it and is overcoming
old habits then very often the ceiling in training is
reached due to there being other factors involved.
Commonly this can be the dog is frustrated, fearful,
anxious, bored or may even have medical problems
that are slowing down the learning process. Without
gaining an accurate diagnosis of why the training
is not effective it is not possible to move forward
and seeking more poor information, no matter
how well intended, can actually make the problem
worse. For example, the use of aversive training such
as throwing bottles, shouting at the dog or leash
jerking isn’t necessary to change behaviour and very
often just makes the problem worse. It is rather like
assuming that getting angry at your computer and
banging it with your hand will make it work again.
Yes, occasionally it does work, almost everything
works sometimes, but more often than not you get
a sore hand, a dented computer and hefty bill when
your IT support arrives to sort out the mess.
The walk itself not only links areas of interest to
John Dalton and atomic theory, it passes alongside
some of the most beautiful countryside in England
on the north-western fringes of the Lake District,
including views of Scotland and the Isle of Man. It
follows the River Calder for a while, passes Calder
Hall and finally ends on the coast. Picturesque
villages encountered include Eaglesfield, Dean,
Ulloch, Mockerkin, Lamplugh, Ennerdale Bridge,
Calder Bridge and finally Seascale.
For the serious walker, the walk can be easily done
in two days, taking a break at Ennerdale Bridge at
just over halfway. It is recommended, however, that
a break is also made at Mockerkin so that time can
be taken to linger at the many points of interest on
the way. Of course the walk can also be staged over
individual days by just walking single sections from
village to village.
from Cockermouth
to Seascale,
West Cumbria
Eaglesfield, near
Cockermouth
Birthplace of
John Dalton
John Dalton
John Dalton was always interested in walking,
returning to visit friends and relatives in the
Cockermouth and Eaglesfield area. This walk and
booklet therefore also celebrate the scenery and
villages of Cumberland where John was brought up
and regularly visited in later life.
Pioneer in Atomic Physics
and Colour Blindness
The path passes
the world’s first
Atomic Power
Station
A 45 km footpath
For each leg, this guide booklet provides a general
overview, an outline map and detailed instructions,
including map references, distances and guide times
excluding rest and sight-seeing stops.
Calder Hall,
near Seascale
WHEN THE
TERRAIN
IS TOUGH,
GE T TOUGHER
The answer to resolving training or behaviour
problems is to seek professional help. To safeguard
the welfare of your pet, and to be confident that
your concerns are treated respectfully, DEFRA and
the Government refer to the Animal Behaviour and
Training Council (ABTC) with respect to trainers
and behaviourists. You can find them at abtcouncil.
org.uk and within this organisation you will find
members of the Association of Pet Behaviour
Counsellors, the Association of Pet Dog Trainers
(UK), the Canine Behaviour and Training Society and
ASAB Certificated Clinical Animal Behaviourists; all
these organisations can also be contact directly via
their respective websites.
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.
WALK THE
JOHNDALTON
WAY
ULTRALIGHT
TRAVEL GEAR
EASILY
STORED
WITH THE HOKA ONE ONE SPEEDGOAT
VISIT US AT THE KESWICK MOUNTAIN FESTIVAL!
hokeoneone.com
EC LYNC™ (Video)
www.eaglecreek.eu
21
LIVING LIFE YOUR OWN WAY
ABRAHAM’S CAFE TAKEAWAY
Millican bags are inspired by a Borrowdale maverick
No, we’re not offering a takeaway service from our famous
Abraham’s Cafe just yet. But by popular demand we do have
two new offerings; the Abraham’s Café Recipe Book, and our
iconic placemats are now available to buy in store or online
at www.georgefisher.co.uk
ABRAHAM’S CAFÉ
THE RECIPE BOOK
At the heart of our store is Abraham’s Cafe
with its spectacular views; the perfect
place to relax, unwind and plan your next
adventure. We create our delicious dishes
from locally-sourced produce to create a
wide-ranging menu for lunch, tea or just a
reviving coffee. Here’s the perfect present for
fans of Abraham’s Café in the George Fisher
store! We hope that you enjoy recreating some
of our café’s favourite recipes at home as much
as we have enjoyed serving them to you since
1991.
Recipe Book: £6.00
ABRAHAM’S CAFÉ PLACEMATS
George Fisher’s Cafe
At long last, and in response to years of requests… here they are! A series
of laminated Lake District pictorial maps that make perfect presents. Plan
a walk over breakfast, reflect on a ramble in the afternoon, or remember
great days on the fells and travelling around. A great conversation piece
for your table settings or a chance to daydream from a distance.
At the heart of our store is Abraham’s
Café with its spectacular views
Placemats: £10.00 for a set of 4
Specialist coffees and teas
With A View
Wholesome food made using fresh,
local produce
The perfect place to relax, unwind and
plan your next adventure
tripadvisor
2015 winner
certificate of
Excellence
“I
found the simplest life is the
happiest.” So said Millican
Dalton, a Lake District legend who in
the early 1900s left his conventional
city life to pioneer a sustainable
outdoor lifestyle, spending much
of his time living in a cave in
Borrowdale, near Keswick.
Nick the Messenger Bag
Inspired by the life of a cycle-tourer, but
designed to meet your everyday needs,
Nick the Messenger is a streamlined,
weatherproof 17-litre canvas messenger bag.
On the outside there’s an easy-access laptop
sleeve, U-lock loops, light attachment,
reflective strip and a zipped pocket, while
inside you’ll find multiple organiser pockets.
The 13-litre Nick is a more compact version
of its older brother but retains the same
strength, durability and weatherproofing.
That simplicity is reflected in designs from a company that
took the Millican name and settled in the same area. Millican
specialises in “sustainable bags for the conscious traveller,
the deep-thinker, and for personal journeys across the globe”.
Founded by Jorrit Jorritsma with his wife, Nicky, the move to
the Lakes was “In search of fresh air, freedom and a slower
pace of life”, says Jorrit. “We didn’t want to live in a cave. But
we were inspired by Dalton’s maverick streak – his conscious
choice to live life his own way, to challenge conventional
thinking. Millican chose experience over material gain, and
inspired us to do the same.”
This is reflected in Millican’s conscious selection of sustainable
materials and its functional, creative designs. This Spring,
George Fisher is excited to be stocking Millican bags for the
first time, including:
Smith The Roll Pack
Smith the Roll Pack is a lightweight, weatherproof,
roll-top 18-litre daypack with a concealed laptop
sleeve. Made using sustainable and weatherproof
Bionic Canvas (57% recycled and up to 30% stronger
than regular canvas), reduces production waste,
and minimises seams for outstanding durability. All
buckles are tough aluminium - no plastic.
Image above: Millican Dalton in Keswick Market Square
22
23
‘REBOUND’ WALKING CLINIC DATES
STAFF PROFILE
Podiatrist Andrew Stanley’s in-store Rebound Clinics continue this Spring
This issue featuring VICTORIA KIMBER
Our walking health clinics continue to be a huge success, with
customers benefitting from the professional medical advice of
podiatrist Andrew Stanley from The Rebound Clinic in Settle, who
runs our in-shop Rebound Lower Limb Injuries Clinic. People are often
amazed that pain and discomfort can be eased or even eradicated
from just one consultation.
If you think that Andrew can help, why not come and see him? Simply
book in for treatment at any George Fisher morning clinic.
On selected dates The Rebound Clinic runs normal treatment clinics in
the mornings and free advisory consultations in the afternoon in our
boot room.
Dates: 1/2 April, and 20/21 May during the Keswick Mountain Festival.
As always, ring to book your slot on 01729 825900 (strongly
recommended) or turn up on the day and wait your turn (may be take
some time!). Note – These consultations are purely advisory and do
not include any treatment, services, equipment, kit or appliances.
You can also have treatment at the main Rebound Clinic in Settle if this
is closer or more convenient – call the same number.
THE
T I LLEY H AT
H
aving only moved to Keswick in June 2015 and starting work at George Fisher in the July
as Marketing Coordinator, I’m one of the newer members of staff, bearing in mind a lot of
my colleagues have been here for 15-20 plus years!
I’ve been made to feel very welcome since starting, by colleagues and customers alike. You’ll
usually find me behind a computer as opposed to on the shop floor, creating content for our
new community website, sharing tales of adventures and new products on social media, making
sure the instore George Fisher experience is available online for everyone to enjoy, if they can’t
be in Keswick itself.
Growing up in Fort William and spending my summer holidays in The Alps, I’ve been in and
around the outdoors a lot, enjoying different activities and trying new ones, my most recent
being ski touring and I’ve been lucky enough to get in a few tours this winter. I still visit The
Alps regularly on holidays, and after years of looking up at it, in 2013 I summited Mont Blanc! (In
boots bought from George Fisher).
I’ve travelled a bit too. Spending a year in Canada travelling from the West Coast to the East,
visiting all 10 of the provinces (with a cheeky 3 week trip to Chile). Working in the Okanagan
Valley in the summer, enjoying weekends hiking, biking or on the beach and then Vancouver
in the winter, with weekends spent skiing or snowboarding at Whistler and Grouse Mountain.
In 2014 I spent 6 months in Africa, travelling overland around Kenya, through Tanzania, Malawi,
Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, and Namibia to South Africa. I enjoyed lots of different activities,
biking, canoeing and lots of hiking, and I went on 7 safaris in all and was lucky enough to see
the Big Five. It was one of the most amazing travel experiences!
PAINFUL WALKING?
G UA R A N T EED F O R LI F E
INDISPU TABLY THE FINEST
OU TDOOR HAT IN THE WORLD.
HANDCRAF TED IN CANADA SINCE 1980
FOR MEN AND WOMEN WORLDWI DE.
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
+44 (0)1326 574402
24
www.tilley.com
20 YEARS EXPERIENCE
HELPING WALKERS!
NEW SEASON AVAILABLE AT GEORGE FISHER NOW
25
ONLY A WALK
WHAT’S ON
Our man in Chamonix, mountain guide MARK SEATON, describes what should have been a simple day out
Latest news on George Fisher events in and around the Keswick area
EASTER GEOCACHE WITH GARMIN
FIX THE FELLS: BEHIND THE SCENES
Dates: 25–26 March | Location: George Fisher
Date: 16 April | Location: Borrowdale | In association with Patagonia
Ever tried Geocaching? It’s a digital treasure hunt, and this Easter weekend
you can borrow a Garmin GPS unit preloaded with a straightforward
Geocache trail. As well as each Geocache being full of treats, inside will be a
code. Collect five codes to win a prize; there’s also a draw to win £100 worth
of George Fisher vouchers. Info will be released in store and on our blog on
25th March.
An opportunity to learn about Fix the Fells from
Richard Fox, lead ranger. Find out why your money
is needed, and how it gets put to good use; spend
the day looking at the Borrowdale valley in detail
through the eyes of an experienced ranger.
Places cost £20 and are limited to 10, available on a first come, first served
basis. Visit ‘Events’ at georgefisher.co.uk or call in store. All proceeds go
to Fix the Fells.
OUTDOOR SCREENING OF
‘LIFE OF A MOUNTAIN: BLENCATHRA’
Date: 20 May | Time: 9.00pm | Location: Threlkeld Cricket Club
In association with Patagonia
A unique opportunity to see ‘Life of a Mountain: Blencathra’ screened
outdoors, after dark, at the foot of the mountain itself. This special hourlong version will be introduced by filmmaker Terry Abrahams and hosted at
Threlkeld Cricket Club, in the shadow of Blencathra, using a mobile solarpowered cinema supplied by Patagonia. All proceeds go to Nurture Lakeland
to support footpath maintenance.
T
he Dent du Midi (3,257m) is a magnificent, striking mountain when viewed
from afar. The Swiss guide book describes it as “An extraordinary edifice of
stone”, especially when viewed from the Rhone valley.
Breakfast was at 6.00am and we were away by 6.30. At this time of year it is still
dark, so we set off with head torches and plodded up to the col du Susanfe in
just over an hour.
However, close up it is actually a tottering pile of rubble. The Dent du Midi has
several summits, which make up its ridge of ‘dents’ (teeth). At each end there
is a Cime (top). The East Cime (3,178m) is pretty much untenable, unless it is
glued together by snow and ice. If you are really set on climbing this particular
Cime then a strong belief in one’s immortality is a necessary bit of kit to have
with you. In the middle of the ridge is the Dent Jaune (3,186m). This is an
anomaly, in that it is a delightful climb. I ascended this in 2006 with my very
good friend and client Peter Little from Keswick, with whom I have done so
much exploratory climbing over the last 25 years. At the west end is the Haute
Cime, the true summit which can be reached without stepping on a glacier and
without specialised mountaineering kit (in summer, anyway). This makes it a
very attractive destination for the seasoned George Fisher customer: Someone
who wants to experience the very high alps, but does not want to necessarily get
involved with all the climbing paraphernalia which is usually part and parcel of
alpine mountaineering.
A pause and a drink, and then we were off up the Haute Cime proper. There was a
surprising amount of snow around, which did a lot to enhance the scene because
without it, you could have thought you were on some lifeless planet. Acres of
shale.
The Haute Cime was to be our objective. Vin, Tony, Dave and I drove around to
Champery, from Chamonix where I live. We set off from the Paradis car park on a
beautiful autumn Saturday morning. We trudged up through a very uninteresting
forest, following a tedious path for over an hour. Eventually we broke out of the
forest, and it was worth the slog because we were rewarded with beautiful views
of Champery and in the distance the Rhone valley. The path from here is fantastic,
snaking around and above several cliffs before going through a gorge where you
turn left and head up a valley to the Susanfe Hut and two very welcome cold
beers each; one for the thirst, and one for the pleasure.
A very cosy and, considering it was late in the season, very busy hut. We enjoyed
a sociable evening and the food was washed down with a couple of bottles of the
local rouge. Yet my major gripe was that inevitably we were presented with an
insipid dessert which seems to be part and parcel of staying in Swiss huts. This
time: apple puree. Baby food.
26
WIN A PLACE ON A MELVIN NICHOLSON
PHOTOGRAPHY COURSE
Date: 23 April | Location: Keswick | In association with Haglöfs
Here’s a chance to win a one-day workshop with professional landscape
photographer Melvin Nicholson. You could be one of three lucky people to
spend the day with Melvin, here in the Lake District.
It might be ‘just a walk’, but it is over 1,100 vertical metres from the hut to the
top and it took us a lung-busting four hours to get there. But it was worth it as
the views were very, very good. Mt Blanc to the south, and Lake Geneva and the
Oberland to the north.
Now all that was left was the matter of going home. This was to be a brutal,
unrelenting 2,000 metre descent, back the way we came, stopping briefly at the
hut just long enough to buy some drinks and for the legs to seize up. By the time
we arrived back at the car we were knackered. Dents du Midi may be only a walk,
but you underestimate it at your peril.
Are you a confident walker?
Want to widen your experience
into alpine mountains?
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
GEORGE FISHER SUMMER ACADEMY
He’ll teach you the tips and tricks to help you capture your best images yet,
all in the beautiful surroundings of the Lakes. Each competition place is
worth £150; enter online at georgefisher.co.uk/competitions where you’ll
find details. Closing date for entries is 31st March 2016.
Date: 10–12 June | Location: Lake District
In association with Haglofs and Hilleberg
We’re offering ten lucky people the chance to have
a Lake District experience like no other. If you love
walking in the Lakes, and want to push your skills
and experience to the next level, join us over two
days as you journey via an overnight camp from the
valley bottom to the highest peaks.
RUN WITH RICKY
Dates: TBC | Location: George Fisher | In association with Salomon
Learn about backpacking skills, kit selection and
packing, navigation basics with GPS and map, hill
craft, campcraft and safe movement over steep
ground. You’ll be carrying all you need for two days
and a night out in the fells, so a certain level of
physical fitness is required. The weekend includes
accommodation in Keswick on Friday night and all
camping equipment. Two IFMGA mountain guides,
James Thacker (L, above) and Bruce Goodlad (below),
will be looking after you on the hill. Cost £175;
bookings available shortly on our website.
Your chance to take past in one of
our regular runs from the store with
local hero (and World Trail Running
Champion) Ricky Lightfoot, in
conjunction with Salomon. Warning:
may feature extra Salomon athletes!
We’re still tying dates down with
Ricky (he’s also a local fireman so
it has to fit in with his roster!) so
check our website or in store for
the latest news.
27
KESWICK MOUNTAIN FESTIVAL ROARS BACK
The 10th anniversary Festival is 19-22 May
K
icking off the 2016 summer season. Keswick Mountain Festival has grown
into one of the biggest and best-loved outdoor events in the UK.
Running from 19–22 May, this unique event presents a mix of live music,
sporting events, adventurous outdoor activities, high profile speakers,
camping and family-friendly activities. The beautiful shores of Derwentwater,
on the edge of Keswick, provide the main base for this one-of-a-kind Festival
with the Lakeland fells as a backdrop.
The sporting events programme includes triathlons, trail runs, open water
swims, cycling and mountain biking across 10 events. The Hike programme
Join the George Fisher community:
-BInt-AdGeorgeFisherUK
2016 GFisher 148.5x210v2.qxp_Layout
Published by George Fisher Limited
2 Borrowdale Road,
Keswick, Cumbria CA12 5DA
Tel: 017687 72178
Website: www.georgefisher.co.uk
customerservice@georgefisher.co.uk
1Email:
22/02/2016
15:03 Page 1
features a wide range of guided walks for all levels of fitness and ability, giving
visitors the opportunity to explore the Lakeland countryside and fells in safety,
while gorge and ghyll scrambling, canoeing and stand-up paddle boarding, and
wild camping are also on offer. Live music to get you in the festival spirit comes
from headliners Scouting for Girls, Toploader and top Abba tribute band Björn
Again, while high-profile speakers include Julia Bradbury, James Cracknell,
Monty Halls and renowned mountaineers Alan Hinkes and Mick Fowler.
Plus for families of all ages there’s the ‘tower drop’, tree climbing, mud pie making,
den building and a climbing wall. More info at keswickmountainfestival.co.uk
or by calling 03300 555 734.
Contributions welcome. 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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