Pillar Rock and last of the 541 Birketts with Sam as a guide. - At the second attempt the weather gods relented and I met Sam on the track above memorial bridge.
After a steep climb up to pillar cove and the shamrock traverse... read more we kitted up for the climb up pillar rock the last of my Birketts.
Sam carefully explained the equipment and the route and off we went.
Now as a word of advice for all you Birketts people out there do this one first when you are likely to be both younger and fitter.
So onto the slab and a bottom slide down. Not bad and then the climb up to the notch. These old legs did not like the big step ups but Sam kept calm and encouraging. He explained every action and kept me tightly fastened to the mountain side.
As so to the summit and magnificent views all around.
Now if my climbing skills rated 1 out of 10 then my abseiling was somewhat on a minus scale. However Sam got me down safely and back to my rucksack.
So thanks Sam for all your patience and for the photo opportunities.
A day I will never forget.

  Sunrise climb up Helvellyn - Me and my finance went on a sunrise climb up Helvellyn. This was our first ever walk up a mountain and as such we were a little nervous. Mark... read more made us feel calm and safe - he was super knowledgable and brilliant company. I cannot recommend Mark enough and will be sure to do another walk with him soon! Thank you, Mark!

  Church Beck Ghyll Scrambling + Canyon descent - Excellent and thoroughly recommended. Had ghyll scrambled before, but this was much better. Mark was an excellent guide, patient and helpful. Very well organised. Really nice... read more to do the scrambling in a small group with Mark rather than a much larger (processional) group. Gear was good and all the administration really easy - Mark was very responsive and helpful, especially in explaining what to expect (we had a couple of nervous participants. The descriptions given by Mark were all spot on. The location (Church Beck, Coniston) was brilliant for scrambling with some great jumps, climbs etc. Ideal for teenagers. Would recommend doing the double activity (ghyll scramble + canyon descent)