Conquering a mixture of fear, foul weather and the habit of a lifetime, each of these challengers climbed their first mountain this year. Was it worth it and what did they learn?
‘I’ve never felt so proud of myself’
Fiona Robertson, 46, from Norfolk climbed Pen y Fan (2907ft / 886m) in the Brecon Beacons
How long have you been 'a walker' and what made you want to climb a mountain?
Since getting a dog owner about four years ago. My sister invited me to go mountain climbing and I wanted a challenge.
How did it go?
It was definitely a challenge – my walks are usually very flat. I really struggled but persevered, and when you get to the summit the sense of achievement is unbelievable. I’ve never felt so proud of myself. I couldn't see any views but that may have been a good thing as I couldn't see the sheer drop that was next to one of the routes we took. I'm glad I went with my sister and niece who are both very experienced and know the area well.
What advice might post-mountain-climber you given pre-mountain-climber you?
Take energy snacks like mixed nuts, drinks and layers of clothes – it gets surprisingly cold as you get higher.
How much did you expect to enjoy the experience before you did it?
How much did you ACTUALLY enjoy it?
‘I was chanting come on Jo!’
Jo Lees, 43, from Oxford made her mountain debut on Snowdon.
How long have you been 'a walker' and what made you want to climb a mountain?
About 18 months seriously. The thing is, my friend persuaded me to book a trekking holiday to Bhutan with her and I’m terrified! So I've been in training ever since and I've lost 4 stone. I wanted to climb Snowdon was proof to myself that I could do this!
How did it go?
Up the Pyg track I really enjoyed the walk even in the rain. But then came scrambling... I got up the first bit and then had a melt down. There were tears. I couldn't bear the thought of going back down those scrambles. I was up for the train down. My friend had planned to go back down the miners track but I wasn't doing that scramble down either. We were stuck until someone reminded my friend about the Llanberis path and all was happy again. Even strangers encouraged me in the moment of my mini meltdown. The 40 minutes to the summit were tough – cold and poor visibility. I kept chanting ‘Come on Jo’. There was no view but I was overwhelmed by my journey this year and I can say I've climbed Snowdon. The walk down was longer distance-wise but I got to wave at the train, and perhaps I was overly cautious. The café at the bottom was amazing. Hot chocolate, barra brith and a log fire.
Notes to self?
Take your time, go at your own pace. Eat Kendal mint cake. Your waterproofs aren't anymore. Use your poles from the beginning. Those loos in the cafe are probably worth queuing for.
‘Do it sooner – and be confident’
Pete Hardwick, 55, from Warwick broke his mountain duck on a mountain skills course in Wales.
How long have you counted yourself a walker?
About two years. I wanted to challenge myself and so I booked us on a mountain skills course on which we climbed Moel Siabod.
How’d it go?
Really well and it was all the more enjoyable due to the experienced mountain leader.
What advice would you give the pre-mountain you?
Do it sooner – and be confident in what you’re doing.
What about others?
Go on an organised walk, especially if you are first timer and considering one of the more tricky routes. The advice of an experienced mountain leader is invaluable. We’ve climbed another 3 since June, Scafell Pike, Helvellyn via Striding Edge and an evening climb up Snowdonia to see the sunset and descended in the dark, loved it.
‘Don’t be put off!’
Susan Harrison, 61, from Brentwood chose Skiddaw via Ullock Pike ‘Because Wainwright said so!’
What was it like?
It was a hot day and walking up to Ullock Pike was exhausting, I thought I was going to pass out! But drinks and snacks came in very useful. I had to convince myself I could get to the summit having seeing what looked like the narrowest path in the world ahead! Two very nice chaps, a father and son, happened along at just the right time to give words of encouragement and moral support. The way up the scary path wasn't as bad as I imagined and I was extremely chuffed to have got to the top! We walked back down the 'tourist route' to Keswick and then onto the campsite. The longest walk I've done since I was 16! So glad I did it that way round as the views en route were amazing.
What did you learn?
Plan the route carefully! Take a close look at those contour lines. Don't be put off by how paths appear in the distance. Take more water, take more photos!
You’ll do more?
I enjoyed it loads – yes!
‘It couldn’t have gone better!’
Richard Crooks, 51, from Derby climbed Snowdon after admiring it from afar.
How long have you counted yourself a walker?
I started walking seriously in February this year, after reading my fist copy of Country Walking. I wanted to climb a mountain just to prove to myself that I could actually do it!
Why did you choose Snowdon?
The wife and I had visited Porthmadog on holiday in 2015 and 2016. From there we could, at times, see Snowdon and, as it was often cloaked in low cloud, we referred to it as The Mythical Mountain! In July 2017 we were once again in Porthmadog and I had set my heart on walking ‘my’ mountain. After much research I decided that the Snowdon Ranger Path would allow me to reach the summit, alone, without risking nasties such as Crib Goch – I'm not great with heights!
How was it?
Honestly, it could not have gone better! The path was easy to follow and provided a safe but challenging route to the summit. The weather was almost too good to be true – dry, clear, sunny, warm and with little or no breeze. Setting off from the car park at just after 7:00am on a Monday morning, in mid-July, meant I avoided the crowds and didn't actually see a single person until around a quarter mile from the summit. By the time the first tourist train was arriving at the top I was on my way back down.
What’s your advice?
Know your limits and work within them. Research, then more research, it pays off in the end. Take photos!
Will you climb MORE mountains now as a result of your experience?
‘More than just a mountain’
Pat Akerman, 58, from Halifax climbed Scafell Pike (3209ft / 978m) conquering fears and proving points along the way.
What motivated you to climb England’s highest peak?
I found myself alone after a break up and with a huge loss of confidence. I decided to try it alone to see if I could do it in the hope conquering that mountain might help conquer some of my insecurities.
How did it go?
It was extremely tough! I'm a large lady and not at all sure of foot. I had a few mini panics in my head about 'whatever was I thinking' but I didn't want to give in and at the end of the day but realised I'd conquered much more than just that mountain!
What do you learn?
Slow and steady can still triumph and facing fears helps quash them. Take your time, enjoy the view and celebrate your achievements – especially the tough ones. The challenge Facebook group is great for this.
The views were amazing and actually worth every step. I conquered several fears and proved even a relatively unfit, overweight, not in the first flush of youth woman can do anything if she puts her mind to it. I'll never be like the cool guy I met at the top carrying a guitar who'd already summited three times that day and was heading down to start his fourth ascent – but I do now believe that my own achievement was pretty cool too.
