Forging Bonds on the Lake District's High Stile Ridge

Ramble Worldwide walk leader Tom continues his steadfast bagging of the Lake District's Wainwright worthy peaks

High Stile Ridge provides a long, hard walk along its length. This is where the weekend format proves itself: clients who were surprised by the demands now approach with earned confidence and proper respect for the fells.

We maintain Guide Pace, that steady 3.2kph that we were very gratified to be told by clients allowed them to make the most of the walks. That's the balance we're after: challenging enough to feel like genuine achievement, measured enough to remain a holiday.

There are some basic scrambles to confront along the way. Nothing technical, but enough to require that sure footedness, head for heights and good balance we emphasize. We watch the group dynamics develop, encouragement flowing freely. Additionally the leader to client ratio of 3:8 allowed for great flexibility; plus safety and security on a challenging and demanding tour such as this.

There is no shortage of great views on this tour, providing the weather allows! The shared experience creates that bonding process unique to fell walking. Everyone understands what everyone else has been through.

We descend towards Buttermere and the Climbers' Bar at the Bridge Hotel. The Climbers' Bar at the Bridge Hotel in Buttermere is the perfect location for a drink at the end of a long, hard day on the fells. It's occasions like these that the bond that grows within the group resulting from their shared experiences during the day is finally forged.