I begin the epic reading challenge with this – Whymper’s classic account of alpine mountaineering in the 19th Century. In particular, this book is about repeated attempts to climb the Matterhorn, and what we can learn as a result about gaining success in our lives.

It might not be on the Boardman Tasker winning list, but it has inspired countless adventurers and writers since its publication. There is one quote from this book which is famous, and I’ll write it below in full:

”There have been joys too great to be described in words, and there have been griefs upon which I have dared not to dwell; and with these in mind I say, Climb if you will, but remember that courage and strength are naught without prudence, and that a momentary negligence may destroy the happiness of a lifetime. Do nothing in haste, look well to each step, and from the beginning think what may be the end.”

So what might be the end when you qualify as a mountain leader, or any of the other hiking awards? What are you actually trying to work towards or prepare yourself for?

One answer I find useful is to think about the various expectations. These come from clients, employers, Mountain Training assessors, and not least your own sense of what it means to qualify and complete one of the awards. They also come from the general public. What might these expectations look like?

I’ll treat this topic in a much more detailed blog later on, but for now, broadly I think it is this: a broad knowledge of classic and challenge walks, an excellent knowledge of the area you wish to work in, a detailed understanding of the syllabus and remit of the award you hold and a proactive focus on staying current by attending CPD sessions. Think what may be the end: a client asking you for advice on which route to try next, an employer asking you to lead a group in a different place, an assessor asking you to deliver a talk about ecology to a group of candidates…the list goes on.

How do you achieve all of that then? I’ll look in detail at each of these expectations over the next few weeks.

Next up: Quality Days: Plan – Do – Review with a Yorkshire Dales example