Steve, Author at Steve Banks Outdoors

Castle Crag, Borrowdale.

A beautiful day saw us heading to Borrowdale for a relaxed wander up Castle Crag through the pretty, deciduous woodland with spring flowers and lots of birds busy in the warmth. Rather than approach from Rosthwaite, we went for the adventurous option and took our shoes and socks off to wade across the river near the Bowderstone. Castle Crag is the only fell on the list of Lakeland mountains under 1000ft, though what it lacks in altitude it more than makes up for in stature as its dominant, craggy presence in the ‘Jaws of Borrowdale’ makes it a visible sentinel from far to the North.

Significant slate quarrying and mining took place on Castle Crag and it bears the slate tips and excavation scars associated with that. Most notably, it has the slate ‘cave’ on its North Eastern flank which was inhabited by Millican Dalton (1867-1947) for over 50 years. Dalton, the so-called ‘Professor of Adventure’, gave up his job as an insurance clerk in London to live rough in the Lakes during summers; he survived by offering guiding to visitors and built rafts to paddle and sail down Derwentwater.

The photo shows the view North from the summit with the memorial plaque to the local war dead on the left.

If you’d enjoy Steve’s support for a day in the hills, or a half day like this one, please get in touch to discuss your needs: 07796 213817 & steve@stevebanksoutdoors.co.uk

By Steve|April 20th, 2022|Mountain|Comments Off

Scottish Canoe trip

Steve has his annual wilderness canoe trip in Assynt, Sutherland, NW Scotland coming up in mid May (16th -20th). The trip is definitely running and there are still places available for anyone who would like a five day trip across one of Britain’s most spectacular and unpopulated areas. It’s a relaxed canoe (or sea kayak) journey linking lochs together to traverse the whole area – Steve has been running it for over 20 years so has a pretty good idea of the best ways to do it whatever the conditions. A day is built in to allow you to explore the stunning scenery and wildlife, climb the fortress-like Torridonian mountains or sit with wine and a book contemplating the solitude. On last year’s trip we went nearly six days without seeing another person; at one point we were nearly outnumbered by eagles circling overhead.

This trip is suitable for competent, flat water canoeists and those less experienced if paddling tandem with a more able partner. We have had children as young as eight come along with a parent too. It’s also suitable for any touring kayak, such as a sea kayak, that can carry your equipment – we have a sea kayaker on the trip this year so don’t let those dodgy knees, which may be painful in a canoe, prevent you from joining in.

Please contact Steve if you’d like to chat about this trip: steve@stevebanksoutdoors.co.uk and 07796 213817

By Steve|April 12th, 2022|Canoe|Comments Off

‘En Caw!’

A bitingly cold wind and overcast skies saw us well wrapped up as we tackled a round of Middle Fell, Seatallan, Haycock and Caw Fell from Wasdale. The often vague and non-existent paths were testament to the fact that this is not a well-trodden area. Caw Fell is generally reckoned to be the most remote hill in the Lakes as it’s at least 6km from the nearest road. Caw is a long, whale backed ridge with a high point arriving much earlier than seems appropriate as you approach from Haycock. For this reason we continued on past the shelter marked on the map to the final cairn – more Caw, or as one quick-witted member of the party exclaimed, ‘En Caw!’

If you’d like Steve’s support with your mountain adventures in the Lakes or further afield please get in touch, he’ll be pleased to hear from you and happy to help: 07796 213817 & steve@stevebanksoutdoors.co.uk

The photo shows the Scafells from Middle Fell.

By Steve|April 4th, 2022|Keswick Guided Walks, Mountain|Comments Off

Yorkshire Dales Cave Leader training

Steve ran a two day Cave Leader training course in the Yorkshire Dales with six excellent candidates. Day one was spent covering all the environmental information required by Cave Leaders as well as necessary ropework and personal caving. On day two we looked at leadership approaches in horizontal caves and on simple scrambles, with an emphasis on maximising activity time for participants and on ensuring they have a great experience of caving.

If you are interested in caving for yourself or you wish to investigate British Caving’s leadership scheme please get in touch with Steve who’ll be pleased to hear from you and happy to assist: 07796 213817 & steve@stevebanksoutdoors.co.uk

By Steve|April 4th, 2022|Cave|Comments Off

Scafell Pike and Scafell: A tale of two mountains.

Saturday saw us braving the crowds to tackle Lingmell, Scafell and Slight Side in Wasdale. The vast majority of the people (we estimated over 1000 at the head of Wasdale), were focused solely on ascending Scafell Pike. Fortunately, we were able to find much more space to ourselves by heading up the Western spur of Lingmell before joining the main tourist path at Lingmell Coll to ascend to the Scafell Pike plateau, though we then veered off towards Mickledore and Scafell.

The sheer number of people on the main path up Scafell Pike and on its summit was a sight to behold: the top was so busy there was a queue to stand on the highest point (see carousel image), though most folk showed no interest in the surrounding mountains.

Thankfully, our objectives allowed us to bypass all the hubbub as we headed towards Scafell. We ascended by scrambling up Lord’s Rake (to the right of the main image of Scafell from Mickledore) and then onto the summit where we found only one other person – the difference between the country’s highest and second highest mountains was stark indeed. From Scafell we headed to Slight Side before contouring back around Scafell and down to the valley. A strenuous and rewarding day out.

If you’d like to explore the Lake District but would like to avoid following the well-beaten path and crowds, Steve will be very happy to support your adventures. Please get in touch for a chat on steve@stevebanksoutdoors.co.uk or 07796 213817

By Steve|March 28th, 2022|Environment, Keswick Guided Walks, Mountain|Comments Off

Cumbrian Sea Kayak Leader training

We ran a Coastal Navigation course last Friday followed by a Sea Kayak Leader training course based at Barrow and St Bees this past weekend in excellent conditions – we actually had too much wind at Roa Island so had to move further up Walney Channel. Some challenging wind and waves on the West coast on Sunday were mitigated by warm and sunny conditions meaning everyone had a great day out.

Steve offers Sea Kayak training and assessment for British Canoeing’s awards as well as personal coaching and sea kayak trips throughout the year. Please get in touch to organise your sea kayak adventure or join in with the ones we already have planned: steve@stevebanksoutdoors.co.uk and 07796 213817

PS If the attached YouTube video doesn’t seem crisp when played on a full screen, you can click on the settings icon and select HD for best video quality.

By Steve|March 24th, 2022|Sea Kayak|Comments Off

Cumbria Canoe Leader Award training (White Water)

Following the Open Water training on March 26th we have the White Water Canoe Leader training day on Sunday March 27th in Cumbria. This day is suitable for anyone wanting to safely paddle rivers up to grade 2 in tandem or solo canoe as part of a group. It covers the required personal skills, group management and control, incident avoidance and how to respond effectively when things don’t go to plan. Equipment and set up will also be covered on this day. This training course is direct preparation for British Canoeing’s White Water Canoe Leader Award for those who wish to continue to the assessment. We can issue BC’s Progressive Canoe Award after this training day to anyone whose paddling is at the required personal skill level.

We have some places available on this course so please get in touch with Steve if you are interested or require further information: steve@stevebanksoutdors.co.uk & 07796 213817

By Steve|March 10th, 2022|Canoe|Comments Off

Cumbria Canoe Leader training (Open Water)

We have the British Canoeing Open Water Canoe Leader training day coming up on Saturday March 26th and have some places available. This courses is suitable for anyone paddling or sailing canoes or canoe rafts on large bodies of inland water in moderate conditions e.g. some waves and wind. It covers the relevant personal skills, group organisation, incident management and necessary equipment. The course also acts as preparation for British Canoeing’s Open Water Canoe Leader assessment for those pursuing this qualification.

For those seeking British Canoeing’s personal skill award at this level (Progressive Canoe Award), we can issue that following this day to anyone paddling at the required standard.

If you’re interested in the course or would like to know more please get in touch with Steve who’ll do his best to assist: steve@stevebanksoutdoors.co.uk & 07796 213817

By Steve|March 10th, 2022|Canoe|Comments Off

Sea Kayak Leader training, Cumbria

Steve is running British Canoeing’s Sea Kayak Leader training course in Cumbria on the 19th & 20th March. This course is ideal for anyone wishing to venture out on the sea in kayaks either with friends or in a more formal leadership role (Sea Kayak Leader). It covers the personal skills, trip planning, group organisation and incident management skills required to safely undertake coastal journeys in sea kayaks. It also provides all the information and knowledge which will be examined for those wishing to continue to the Sea Kayak Leader assessment day.

If you’d like to know more about the course and/or enrol please contact Steve on 07796 21381 or steve@stevebanksoutdoors.co.uk

By Steve|March 7th, 2022|Sea Kayak|Comments Off

Coastal Navigation & Tidal Planning course, Cumbria.

We have a British Canoeing Coastal Navigation & Tidal Planning course running on March 18th and have some places available. This course is based indoors and covers the knowledge and information required to safely plan and undertake coastal journeys in small craft. It is a prerequisite for those wishing to gain the Sea Kayak Leader award, though is very valuable for anyone venturing out on the sea in sea kayaks, canoes, sit on tops or on paddle boards.

There is no assessment, though British Canoeing will issue a certificate (fee) on completion. If you’d like to know more about the content please get in touch with Steve who will explain the day to you.

By Steve|March 7th, 2022|Sea Kayak|Comments Off

STEVE BANKS OUTDOORS

About Steve

Castle Crag, Borrowdale.

Scottish Canoe trip

‘En Caw!’

Yorkshire Dales Cave Leader training

Scafell Pike and Scafell: A tale of two mountains.

Cumbrian Sea Kayak Leader training

Cumbria Canoe Leader Award training (White Water)

Cumbria Canoe Leader training (Open Water)

Sea Kayak Leader training, Cumbria

Coastal Navigation & Tidal Planning course, Cumbria.