Seen the footpaths the width of runways , because they do not want to get muddy ?
Hill walking stupidity
- Thread starter Eyebrows of Doom
- Start date
solomon88
LE
There was a problem with donations after the Penlee Lifeboat disaster. So I can understand the delay in setting up the fund with regard to charity law.
There's another train of thought on that. Instead of sticking to the path go well around it, therefore spreading the footprint over a wider area so it's not falling on the same spot.
Another major cause for erosion are mountain bikes. I've noticed this on Dartmoor, When i started walking it 50 years ago it was fine. Paths that had been walked for centuries were still intact. Now in parts they're chewed up, and the tyre marks are there to be seen. I'm not against bikes being used on the moor, just riders to use some sense when riding on a grass surface as opposed to a gritted rocky path. All the weight of the body and pressure of pedalling the bike, plus all the gear is being transferred through the tyres. Instead of going through puddles/soft ground, go around it giving the grass a chance to recover. I give muddy spots as wide a berth as I can. The exception to that is if I'm on boggy ground and there's no easy way round it. Then it's a case of ploutering on till I'm through it. So far I've succeeded.
There's another train of thought on that. Instead of sticking to the path go well around it, therefore spreading the footprint over a wider area so it's not falling on the same spot.
Another major cause for erosion are mountain bikes. I've noticed this on Dartmoor, When i started walking it 50 years ago it was fine. Paths that had been walked for centuries were still intact. Now in parts they're chewed up, and the tyre marks are there to be seen. I'm not against bikes being used on the moor, just riders to use some sense when riding on a grass surface as opposed to a gritted rocky path. All the weight of the body and pressure of pedalling the bike, plus all the gear is being transferred through the tyres. Instead of going through puddles/soft ground, go around it giving the grass a chance to recover. I give muddy spots as wide a berth as I can. The exception to that is if I'm on boggy ground and there's no easy way round it. Then it's a case of ploutering on till I'm through it. So far I've succeeded.
What path?
Far north lifeboat goes to rescue of elderly man unable to move after all
A missing local elderly man, who fell down an embankment near Scrabster beach, is now safe and well after a Thurso lifeboat call-out.
Nice multi-agency rescue after a fall down a hill by the shore
Over £800k raised for Chris Lewis if Patterdale MRT after he was paralysed in a fall. That is a fantastic response.
Chris Lewis Support Fund - Seriously Injured Patterdale Mountain Rescue Volunteer
On 6 February, during a rescue, a member of Patterdale Mountain Rescue Team was very seriously injured following a 150 metre fall. His injuries are life-changing and this fund is to provide the support he will need for the rest of his life.
www.justgiving.com
TamH70
MIA
Yeah, it's a bit funny, but it's also true that it could have been a much different outcome.
I do hope she got the beers in though, and at Icelandic prices, that's going to be a fair few shekels.
AsterixTG
LE
Worst one like this we have is when we get a call in saying someone has seen lights being flashed in an emergency fashion up on some ridge - we get there to find half a Battalion of squaddies cutting about but we can't tell that until we get close, so we have to run around after them shouting, 'Are you lost!' - we give it about an hour then sack it.
Probably happens two or three times a year.
solomon88
LE
An interesting problem @AsterixTG. I often see lights high in the hills, various numbers and random movement makes me think it is just people walking. Personally I try to rely on night vision, and I haven't been out in real darkness for a long time.
So, if I was in trouble I'd try to make a more obvious signal, pointing torch towards a farm, village, road junction, trying a few different directions.
But then what? Do people still recognise six flashes as a distress signal? I mean average "youth of today", not regular walkers? Does the smart phone generation even look up towards the hill tops? Would a strobe, white or red, be better at attracting attention? Would a continuous stationary light be noticed as something abnormal?
I'd be interested to know what you think.
AsterixTG
LE
Just stay constant 6 whistle blasts and or flashes in each obvious direction every few minutes, and stay in the same place.
At some point you'll be missed & reported as such, spotted or heard.
This assumes you can't call it in. We normally work out last known point by where the car is parked and take it from there.
BTW - we have a system (SARlock) that pings your phone and just requires a text acknowledgment back - lot less signal and power needed than a call, just need to make sure you have GPS Location set on the device. Always keep your phone next to your body - most of the time cold kills the battery unless it's designed as a rugged phone.
BTW - if you can get out now/tonight for a bit, walk from home, and it's clear near you, going to be stunning.
I'm just off out to here above the village.
Very lucky to live here.
Moonshadows are always slightly different.
pimpernel
LE
Another act of total lunacy, won't they learn!
A couple and a child had to be rescued after they set up camp on the edge of a cliff in breach of coronavirus restrictions, the coastguard said. Teams from Staithes and Whitby Coastguard were called to reports of two adults and a child camping on a cliff edge in the North York Moors on Saturday.
A couple and a child had to be rescued after they set up camp on the edge of a cliff in breach of coronavirus restrictions, the coastguard said. Teams from Staithes and Whitby Coastguard were called to reports of two adults and a child camping on a cliff edge in the North York Moors on Saturday.
Arse Gravy
War Hero
Just pipped me to the post. Same article from our local comic:
Family with child found camping in a tent on 'dangerous' cliff edge
Two adults and a child were camping on a section of the Cleveland Way
It amazes me, the coastal cliff path is treacherous and is clearly signposted in parts indicating this. Add to this that it's also a favourite suicide spot as well. Could've been a sad entry to the 2021 Darwin awards.
solomon88
LE
Thanks. I'll stick with the Six.
Sorry to bang on, but how well/how far does the sound of a whistle carry. Obviously wind direction makes a big difference. I've never managed to get a good volume out of the cheap orange "rescue whistles". Better results with the good old Acme Thunderer!
I suppose if I was stuck and alone it would be late, there'd be less background noise from traffic etc., but I'm still thinking a light signal would be the best thing.
AsterixTG
LE
Everything helps.
Had a recent rescue (December) up just North of Fan-Brycheiniog (I think there was the picture shown of it earlier in the thread) - blowing a hoolie into our faces as we approached the approximate location, then we saw their light, then heard their whistles, I replied with three blasts back regularly of a decent loud whistle. Stopped when we got close. They never heard a thing, just saw our lamps getting closer.
scoldog
LE
Never heard that one before, but most modern LED flashlights have an SOS mode on them.
I still carry a whistle when I am out and and about, along with a compass.
solomon88
LE
Hadn't you, I'm surprised? Standard mountain distress signal, six flashes or whistles, three to respond when you hear it.
Is "SOS mode" the Morse, dot dot dot etc,? I've only got torches with a strobe function.
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