Fell-top assessor Craig Palmer

Fell-top assessor Craig Palmer

Cumbria’s dynamic duo has once again swung into action – with a warning for ill prepared hillgoers.

The Lake District’s two fell-top assessors have resumed work as the winter weather envelops the area. Former marine commando Craig Palmer and ex-hotel manager Jon Bennett share the job of walking to the top of Helvellyn every day to report on weather conditions.

The pair check wind-speed, snow and ice and conditions underfoot. Their information, they say, can save lives.

Last winter proved to be a lethal one in the Lake District, with an avalanche warning issued for Helvellyn and two deaths of walkers on the mountain. Mr Palmer described conditions as the worst in 30 years.

The Lake District national park’s chief executive Richard Leafe, an enthusiastic mountain walker, said: “I’ve been out with Craig and Jon and seen the fantastic work they do. I want to encourage responsible winter walking and highlight the fragility of these high places, particularly in respect of climate change.

“I suspect milder temperatures in the valleys are tempting more people on the hills. They are often unprepared for the conditions they may find and unaware weather patterns can shift very quickly.”

Mr Leafe said people were too quick to call mountain rescue when they encountered problems.

“They are often unaware that teams are made up of volunteers and not paid emergency services waiting to come and rescue them,” he said.  “We encourage people to be more self reliant in the hills and only call mountain rescue when in real difficulties.”

Mr Palmer, who lives near Carlisle, is himself a member of the Penrith Mountain Rescue Team. He also has qualifications in Arctic survival and ski instruction, mountain leadership, including winter conditions, first aid, health and safety.

He said: “From the age of seven, mountains have been my home. I live and breathe them.

“It has always been my ambition to get paid for being in the hills!

“As a fell-top assessor, I can put something back. The safety parts of the job are paramount, but I also want to help people on the mountain, sharing its history and very special atmosphere.”

Mr Bennett, of Ambleside, is also a mountain enthusiast. He said: “I’ve done a lot of winter mountaineering, both here and in Scotland and backpacked in the Swedish Arctic.

“I am very interested in the science and effects of weather conditions.”

The Lake District National Park Authority has been running the Weatherline for 30 years. Fellwalkers can get their forecast and report by ringing 08700 55 0575. The service is also available online.