Lake District felltop assessors Jon Bennett, left, and Graham Uney. Photo: Bob Smith/grough
Lake District bosses are on the lookout for a new member of a top team.
The national park authority is expanding its felltop assessors line-up next winter with an extra part-time outdoors expert.
It is inviting applications for the post, which will involve walking to the summit of England’s third-highest mountain Helvellyn to provide on-the-ground weather and conditions reports for outdoor enthusiasts thorugh its Lake District Weatherline service.
The successful applicant will join existing assessors Jon Bennett and Graham Uney, and will also help provide winter skills courses for visitors.
An authority spokesperson said: “The Lake District national park is inviting applications from Winter Mountain Leaders to join its team of felltop assessors who provide first-hand weather updates and safety advice for fellwalkers during the winter months.
“The service depends on a team of professionals to hike up one of England’s highest peaks, Helvellyn, from December through to April to obtain weather readings and assess walking conditions.”
The winter skills course involves teaching others how to understand and judge snow conditions for safe winter walking. Applicants should have a Winter Mountain Leader qualification and ideally a Mountain Instructor Certificate.
The post involves working two days every two weeks, complementing the service offered by Mr Bennett and Mr Uney.
Graham Uney said: “This is a wonderful opportunity for someone who really loves the beauty and challenges of our fabulous fells.
“It’s incredibly satisfying providing a service that is valued by so many people.
“With the safety of our visitors being our top priority, this is a key job and will be an immensely fulfilling role for the right person. They’ll find a great welcome and the satisfaction of being part of team of real enthusiasts.”
Last winter the two felltop assessors helped promote a #summitsafely campaign providing top tips for walkers who tackled the fells in sometimes treacherous conditions. The #summitsafely education will continue through the winter skills courses which are due to start again later this year.
Páramo produced a short film of Jon Bennett on the mountain during one of his shifts
Details of the post and how to apply are on the Lake District national park website.
