While in Capel Curig I was enjoying a bacon sandwich in the Pinnacle Café (Alan Sloman’s favourite) when I overheard the following conversation.
A Mountain Leader/Guide was meeting up with a group of five or six guys that had hired him for the weekend. They were there to learn more about navigation. The guide asked them about their experience of hillwalking/
“We’ve been doing a lot of hillwalking and have been out in The Lakes, Snowdonia and the Brecons and we’ve never taken a map with us ….”
I almost choked on my butty. The Mountain Guide seemed to cope with this revelation with admirable calm. His reaction though did make to wonder whether this was something he came across regularly. It scares the life out of me though!
Why. How many times have you had to point someone the way down of the tops. I would say lots for me. I have led folks of Kinder in the mist kitted out with good stuff except a map and compass and any hill walking skills. It is shocking how many people follow guide books and not the map with a compass and the skill to use it. Shocked I am not Andy.
PS, how is it you got to eat in the cafe and Alan could not. Do you speak Welsh?
Totally agree with Martin, I am always being asked “how do I get to……etc” and yes the guide book is always in hand when they ask.
Do you speak Welsh Andy ? If I bump into you on the challenge I will find out.