22/10/2026
Today Scout and I nipped up to the summit of Blencathra before Storm Austen arrives. I was fully prepared for the strong winds, low cloud and hailstones .. but it’s worrying how many people I see out on the fells who aren’t, and lack the appropriate skills, clothing and equipment.
Please please everyone be careful this weekend, there are big storms incoming. You can check mountain forecasts for your region on and even find specific mountain summit forecasts on the app. If you aren’t mountain skills trained, or are in any doubt of your ability, save the hike for another day or hire a guide.
I’ve fallen out of love with social media this year, ‘contentism’ and ‘Instagram over reality’ can give false confidence to those without the appropriate training and equipment to cope with challenging conditions. I just hope there will be a social media shift soon.
In the meantime ‘stay safe out there’ and don’t put yourself in a situation that puts your life (or those of the volunteers who would have to come and rescue you, like ) in danger.
