GET READY FOR WINTER

I remember my first proper winter mountain walk as clearly today as when it happened 20 years ago, mostly because of how crazily unprepared I was for the experience. Along with my dad and brother-in-law, we made a late decision to climb Sca Fell on Boxing Day after spotting a clear forecast, chucking a few bits of outdoor gear in the back of a little hatchback and heading for the Lakes. Wrynose Pass was shut because of ice so we had to drive the long way round, meaning we arrived late and spent the day racing against the clock.

I quickly realised my boots weren’t up to it when I slipped over and lost the new watch I’d just got for Christmas. I was cold and hungry most of the day, left my camera on the summit, ran out of headtorch battery on the walk down, and promised myself on the drive home I’d never make the same mistakes again. I think about that trip at this time every year, because if experience has taught me anything it’s that the key to successful winter hillwalking is preparation. So in this issue you’ll find advice on preparing your kit and skill-set for winter ascents, plus the added bonus of our biggest ever Winter Gear Guide.