Garry Peasland - 333504

AS previously wrote in my DLOG...

I take full responsibility for my client and ensure his safety throughout the hike and return to his parents home. We walked on clouds this particular day. As soo as we cleared the low fog level - we could see the sun breaking through the fog as we ascended the east side of the North Hill up the zig-zags. My client was amazed at the views as we broke the cloud and was able to look around - photo below. The ground in places were snowy and icy in the shaded areas, however, I was able to guide us around most of these sections. I had yaktrax in my rucksack if I felt we needed to put them on. We walked the complete length of the Malvern Hills from the North Hill, over the Beacon to Black Hill to the South and return via a circular route contouring the side of the hills. Our total distance for the day was 10 miles which was an excellent achievement.

It is a great privilege and responsibility 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. The IMPORTANT FACTORS to remember when undertaking a journey like this is to - HAVE FUN, UNDERSTAND CAPABILITIES, CONTINUAL RISK ASSES, BE FLEXIBLE TO CHANGE, BE ENCOURAGING, BE UNDERSTANDING AND EMPATHETIC.

These journeys I find so rewarding and why I Mountain Lead - more than any monetary value. To see a happy young person who is unable to have these type of adventures like this with their parents, is incredible. These adventures have many benefits to the clients and I find that mental health is always improved.