Helvellyn Fell Top Assessor
By
Leanne Hyland
Outdoor headlines
11 February 2010 14:45
Most of us climb mountains for fun. Jason Taylor, new fell top assessor for Helvellyn in the Lake District gets paid to do so. Jason beat stiff competition last December to get one of the best jobs in the outdoors. We spoke to him to find out what a typical day in the mountains involves for him.
What exactly does a fell top assessor do?
My job is to look at the ground conditions on Helvellyn, look at the snow cover and assess what impact that has for people walking on the fells.
What does a typical day involve?
Each morning I walk up to the top of Helvellyn. When I get back to Glenridding I put a report on the weather line website.
How long do the ascent and descent take you?
It takes anything from 2.5 to 5 hours really, depending on the route I take and the conditions on the mountain.
What gear do you carry with you?
Plenty of spare hats and gloves, a first aid kit, waterproofs, extra layers, a down jacket for the summit, ice axe, crampons, goggles and plenty of food and warm drinks.
What specific skills do you need for the job?
Good communication skills to put an understandable report onto the website. You need to be fit with good winter skills; climbing Helvellyn in winter is more mountaineering than mountain walking.
How does it compare to previous jobs you have had?
I’ve never had a job like it, my background is guiding, doing tours overseas and mountain leading, I’ve done navigation training, but the job itself is very different, it’s unique.
What is the most challenging part of your job?
This winter it was getting to Glenridding, the road was covered in compacted ice. When you’ve got a 50mph wind blowing across the summit that can be a challenge too.
What advice would you give to climbers of Helvellyn?
Look at the specific mountain weather forecast, get a ground conditions report and choose a suitable route. Take full winter gear, warm clothing, good boots and a map and compass. Have some humility and be prepared to change your plans.
What do you do in the 2 weeks a month you’re not working?
I have my own guiding company called Lake District Guiding. I take people out walking; provide navigation training courses and mountain bike guiding.
http://www.lake-district-guiding.co.uk/
What is the most enjoyable part of your day?
The chance to be outside in the mountains everyday, in all conditions, and to know that no two days will ever be the same.
To find out more about the Lake District national park visit http://www.lakedistrict.gov.uk/index