
A great privilege of being a Mountain Leader is the opportunity to take people with disabilities into the mountains safely - well not mountains for the able but extremely high for those with disabilities. I believe that the Malvern Hills for some people are mountains and this comes down to people's abilities - there are sections of this route that are very steep, as steep and steeper than some of the mountains in the UK. However, keeping within the guidelines this is a low level walk.
I have 2 clients with learning Learning Disabilities and I take hiking. This walk was done at the being of December and there was snow under foot on the walk. A an absolutely excellent day - I learn so much on days like this. I not only learn about myself and my strengths but also the understanding of other peoples strengths and areas they need that extra support. A shorter route than planned however having a back up plan is always a must. And to be able to be dynamically risk assessing as you progress your route and able to change depending on the circumstances or situation. My rucksack was fully equipped for a Mountain Leader - hot drink, additional food, first aid, additional warm clothes, a survival bivvy, first aid kit, walking poles...
The IMPORTANT FACTORS to remember when undertaking a journey like this is to - HAVE FUN, UNDERSTAND, ABILITIES (OF HOW THEY ARE PERFORMING), CAPABILITIES, CONTINUAL RISK ASSES, BE FLEXIBLE TO CHANGE, BE ENCOURAGING, BE UNDERSTANDING AND EMPATHETIC.
These journeys I find so rewarding - more than any monetary value to see a young person is unable to have adventures like this and see them smile with happiness and achievement.
Area :
Herefordshire, Gloucestershire & Borders