NAVIGATION - THE FIVE D'S

Try to avoid navigation without building in a back up;

for example guess the bearing between two points prior to using compass

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Use of the 5 D's is very relevant in bad visibility, but obviously in good vis, you may not need to use them all,

pick and choose appropriate techniques when you require them.

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Have a hierarchy of what you’re using to navigate by in the mountains, for example: contours, water features, man made features. Do not include crags / rocks in this hierarchy if you’re using an OS map!

HAZARDS OF STEEP GROUND

IDENTIFY THE HAZARD

complete a dynamic risk assessment - whats the risk and consequence?

either 

• Verbally mention it / coach them through it

• Physically position yourself in a place to protect the group

• Offer psychical assistance (non-rope)

• and then

• Collect your group in a safe place

USING THE ROPE

When choosing an anchor consider the 3 S's

SIZE - Big is best 

SOLID - It doesn't move / vibrate (visually check it, tap it and then kick it)

SHAPE - The rope doesn't "ride up it

If required select an appropriate rope system

DIRECT

(walkers weight goes directly to the anchor)

anchor must be big, bombproof and the rope moves around it easily. This is quick and efficient

INDIRECT

(walkers weight goes through you prior to the anchor)

WITH CONFIDENCE ROPING

• always be above them

• keep the rope tight

• feet across the slope is more effective than toes pointing down hill

• prepare to stop a slip with every step