Page 41 - Army Mountaineer Winter 2022

HOT TOPICS ONLINE PÁRAMO
In August 2022, Páramo was announced as the official clothing sponsor of the ‘Flight of the Osprey’, an innovative conservation project headed by Sacha Dench, UN Ambassador for the Convention on Migratory Species. Supported by high-pro- file individuals including Dame Judi Dench, Sir David Attenborough and Sir Ranulph Fiennes, the project will gather vital data on the threats faced by this iconic bird of prey and other migratory species over its 10,000km journey from the UK through Europe and Africa.
PATAGONIA
Yvon Chouinard, owner of Patagonia, has revolutionised the company’s support to fighting climate change. By dismissing traditional business models for revenue generation, he has redefined Patagonia as a ‘source for environmental good’; transferring 100% of Patagonia’s voting stock to the Patagonia Purpose Trust and donating 100% of non-voting stock the Holdfast Collective. In doing so, Patagonia can protect its core values whilst defending nature by supporting the fight against environmental crisis.
BRITISH MOUNTAINEERING COUNCIL
The BMC North West Area has consulted on, and agreed, new guidance concerning the use of fixed gear on regional crags. Embracing regional climbing ethics, the consultation agreed the cessation of new fixed gear on natural grit crags; no new fixed protection, lower-offs or removals/replacements of fixed gear on existing routes without prior BMC regional permission (unless dangerous); replacement and installa- tion of new bolts should be undertaken by a suitably experienced BMC North West representative; and wherever possible, first ascensionists should use leader-placed protection; amongst others. Further info from ‘www.thebmc.co.uk/fixed-gear-guid- ance-on-north-west-crags-and-quarries’.
MOUNTAIN TRAINING ENGLAND
Mountain Training England reported the release of a free online avalanche awareness training course – ‘Be Avalanche Aware’ – launched by The Snow and Avalanche Foundation of Scotland and supported Mountain Training Scotland and Glenmore Lodge. The course – comprising an introduction, planning, journey and summary modules – is aimed at understanding avalanche risk factors by individuals operating in the winter mountains. The course can be accessed at: ‘https://be-avalanche-aware. teachable.com/p/be-avalanche-aware’.
MOUNTAINEERING SCOTLAND
Mountaineering Scotland reported in October that the Nevis Landscape Partner- ship’s had introduced of a new registration system to manage the ever-increasing number of charity events taking place on Ben Nevis. The new system was introduced in collaboration with the John Muir Trust, Jahama Highland Estate, NatureScot and event organisers to support charities through the application and planning process. In doing so, it is expected to aid land owners to better manage the impact of these events on the mountain. The registration system is based on the guidance for event organisers contained in the ‘Scottish Outdoor Access Code’ and more broadly in ‘Guidance on Outdoor Events in Scotland’ produced by the National Access Forum.
ARMY MOUNTAINEER / 41
Old friends and a fiery curry
route. As the day went on, the group got progressively tired and pumped, so we opted to head back to the bunk house for showers. Unbelievably there had been a power cut during the day and we had no power or hot water on our return. So cold showers it was and a wander into Hathersage where we had booked the Maazi Indian Restaurant for the evening. The Saturday social is always a great chance to get to know the group. If you’re new to AMA meets you will soon find yourself chatting like old friends over a few pints and regaling each other about the day’s climbing.
Sunday rolled around and this time we had a short weather window in the morning before heavy rain in the afternoon. With the direction of travel for the group to head home before the poor weather struck, we all headed over the Windgather; an aptly named locale, sitting high amongst the peaks, exposed and very often windy up there. The crag is excellent for beginners with the majority of routes being at the lower grades. Couple this with the fact it is only a 10m crag, you can often get loads of solid leads in, ideal for building logbook experience or the prerequisites for your next JSAT course. One of the standout routes of the day was High Buttress Arête, a Top 50 Diff that feels a lot harder in my opinion. With some great climbing done and the skies threating to open we headed home.
I’d like to thank all those who managed to attend the weekend. Organising meets can be time consuming and frustrating; however, when you get a great group of enthusiastic climbers eager to get out on rock, it makes it all worthwhile.