Full Description
A guide to the techniques, gear and skills that the ambitious hillwalker needs to tackle Britain's classic mountaineering challenges - from the tricky step of Broad Stand on the traverse from Scafell Pike to Sca Fell, to the mighty Tower Ridge on Ben Nevis - competently. There was a time when climbing and walking were completely distinct activities. But as the number of people getting out to enjoy the wonders and challenges of Britain's mountains has grown, the definition of a mountain 'walk' has changed. The book guides the hillwalker through technical terrain where the unaware can all too easily fall off. Use of the rope to abseil, belay and protect ascents and descents on steep ground, the placement of protection, gear selection, navigation, survival, scrambling and first aid skills are all dealt with as are the basic skills required for safe travel by the winter hillwalker.Features 12 great British mountaineering routes - such as the Aonach Eagach in Glen Coe, Pinnacle Ridge in the Lake District, the Cneifion Arete in Snowdonia, and Skye's wonderful Cuillin Ridge - where the practical skills may be applied when the necessary techniques, abilities and confidence have been acquired.
Contents
Part I - From Hillwalking to Mountaineering; When is a Walk not a Walk? Where do you Start? The Grade Debate; Drawing the Line; Part 2 - The Skills for the Hills; Planning and Preparation; Access; Mountaineering Kit: the Essentials; Bivouacking; Navigation; Interpreting Mountain Weather; Scrambling or Rock Climbing? Technical Gear: Choosing it and Using it; Know your Knots; Belaying; Protecting a Pitch; Tying in to Anchors; Moving Together; Climbing Calls; Abseiling; Water Hazards in the Mountains; The Winter Mountains; Winter Equipment and How to Use it; Avalanche! Keep Practising; A & E; Part 3 - Mountaineering in Britain; Tryfan North Ridge (direct); Forcan Ridge (direct); Fiacaill Ridge/Buttress; Wistow Crags; Scafell Pike - Scafell Traverse via Broad Stand; Pinnacle Ridge; Curved Ridge; Aonach Eagach; Cneifion Arete; Clach Glas - Blaven Traverse; Coire Lagan Round; Tower Ridge
