Steve, Author at Steve Banks Outdoors

About Steve

Steve has a background in recreational and competitive outdoor activities, combined with 30+ years of academic and professional training. This positions him uniquely within the ranks of UK outdoor activity providers. His extensive practical experience in all the major outdoor activities is underpinned by a specialist understanding of the theory behind the practice – it’s a rare combination. This guarantees an expert and personalised approach as well as a commitment to supporting everyone to realise their adventure sports ambitions.

Ermine in Newlands

Whilst out in Newlands recently we had the good fortune to have an ermine running along the hedgerow beside us, the first time we’d ever encountered a fully white coated stoat in the Lakes. Ermine actually refers to the dense white winter coat of the stoat (Mustela erminea), though not all stoats turn fully white in winter: those living in warmer climes may only partially change colour, or not change at all. Stoats are fearless predators with the ability to take prey much bigger than themselves – they can kill a rabbit with a bite to the back of the neck. The stoat is our second smallest mustelid; it has a black tip to its tail and has a bounding gate, which is a good way to differentiate it from the smaller weasel (the world’s smallest carnivore), which runs while remaining level and has no black tail tip. The mustelid family in the UK is also represented in the wild by badgers, otters, pine martens and polecats. American mink are the descendants of escapes from fur farms, whilst ferrets are domesticated, selectively bred polecats.

If you’d like to know more about the nature on your doorstep, Steve will be happy to help. He offers guided nature and mountain walks on which to explore and explain the environment around you. Get in touch on 07796 213817 or at steve@stevebanksoutdoors.co.uk

By Steve|March 26th, 2024|Environment, Keswick Guided Walks, Mountain, natural history|Comments Off

Coastal Navigation & Tidal Planning Course Cumbria

Steve is running a Coastal Navigation & Tidal Planning course on Monday March 25th based in Cumbria. This course is suitable for anyone going out sea kayaking, SUP paddling or sit on top paddling in coastal waters. It covers critical information about weather and tide and their effect on conditions, trip planning and decision making. It will address navigation in advance and on the water, as well as pilotage and buoyage. It is a prerequisite for anyone seeking to take British Canoeing’s Sea Kayak Leader assessment.

If you’re interested or would like more information please get in touch with Steve on 07796 213817 or steve@stevebanksoutdoors.co.uk

By Steve|February 5th, 2024|Sea Kayak|Comments Off

Vertical Cave Leader assessment Yorkshire Dales

Steve finished off a busy caving week with a Vertical Cave Leader assessment in the Dales. The candidate did a good job of leading a group of three on an exciting underground adventure. A great outcome for clients and candidate alike – well done!

Steve runs Cave Leader and Vertical Cave Leader assessments on demand as required. Call him to discuss your needs on 07796 213817 or email steve@stevebanksoutdoors.co.uk

By Steve|February 5th, 2024|Cave|Comments Off

Cave Leader Update Days

Continuing his busy caving week, Steve ran an Update Day for six qualified Cave Leaders. He ran the day entirely outdoors and practically as a field trip covering issues the candidates wanted and needed to revise, along with providing information to extend and develop their knowledge and practice. Cave Leaders have to attend an Update Day every five years to maintain their qualification. All present thought this an excellent and enjoyable day.

Update Days are run centrally by the BCA and Trainers/Assessors deliver them on a rota basis. Steve adds the date of his next Update to his website as and when it’s scheduled.

By Steve|February 5th, 2024|Cave|Comments Off

Cave Leader Training Yorkshire Dales

Steve followed up two assessments with a two day Cave Leader training course for six trainees.

We covered karst geography & geology, hydrology, access & conservation, relevant environmental issues, cave formation & formations, personal caving, appropriate equipment, group management and leadership (with a strong emphasis on making sure everyone has an enjoyable and positive experience), navigation underground and the Local Cave leader scheme and progressions. Steve covered all of this outdoors and in caves in a completely practical and hands on manner – a great time was had by all!

If you are interested in trying caving or developing your current level either for personal recreation or to gain professional leadership qualifications, Steve will be pleased to hear from you and happy to help: steve@stevebanksoutdoors.co.uk and 07796 213817.

By Steve|February 5th, 2024|Cave|Comments Off

Cave Leader Assessment Yorkshire Dales

Steve recently ran two Cave Leader assessments in the Dales for two capable candidates. They both gave their groups an excellent experience and left them wanting to do more. Exactly the response a good trip should generate – well done to both!

Steve is available to run Cave Leader training and assessment on demand. Call 07796 213817 or email steve@stevebanksoutdoors.co.uk

By Steve|January 28th, 2024|Cave|Comments Off

Gone to the Dodds

Steve ventured out on what seemed likely to be the last day of Winter conditions as the weather turned to the West with impending storms from the Atlantic. With the wind speeds already very high and the wind chill severe, a walk from Thirlmere up to Sticks Pass and back over the three Dodds and Clough Head was the order of the day. Visibility was still excellent despite the mini-blizzard of spindrift blasting across the surface. Only a few competent and appropriately equipped folk were about in these challenging conditions.

Even in the Lake District, the difference between valley conditions and those experienced on the summits can be very significant – as was the case on this day. If you would like support to venture into such environments safely and with a very experienced guide, Steve will be pleased to help and advise. Call him on 07796 213817 or email steve@stevebanksoutdoors.co.uk

By Steve|January 22nd, 2024|Environment, Keswick Guided Walks, Mountain, natural history, Winter Mountain Walking|Comments Off

Blencathra in Winter

The recent snow and freezing temperatures led to the winter mountaineering gear being dusted down for a foray up Hallsfell Ridge and down Doddick Fell on Blencathra. A great walk with fabulous views was had in excellent conditions.

If you’d like support to take advantage of these fleeting winter mountain opportunities either in the Lakes or Scotland, Steve will be pleased to help. He can ensure that you have the appropriate equipment and, more importantly, know how and when to use it. He can be contacted on 07796 213817 or by email at steve@stevebanksoutdoors.co.uk

By Steve|January 22nd, 2024|Environment, Keswick Guided Walks, Mountain, natural history, Winter Mountain Walking|Comments Off

Mell Fell

Plunging temperatures encouraged an afternoon foray up both Great and Little Mell Fell. The image is from Little Mell Fell looking West towards Great Mell with Blencathra beyond. Interestingly, The Mell Fells and adjacent Gowbarrow are comprised of conglomerate from the late Devonian geological period (c375 mya). which lasted from approximately 420 million years ago until 360 million years ago. These are the only Devonian rocks in England and are a sedimentary rock formed from water transported alluvium in a desert environment.

If you are interested in broadening your knowledge of the outdoor environment – or would just like some support for your winter walking adventures, Steve will be pleased to help. Just get in touch at steve@stevebanksoutdoors.co.uk or call 07796 213817.

By Steve|January 16th, 2024|Environment, Keswick Guided Walks, Mountain, natural history|Comments Off

Out Foxed

Whilst out on a New Year’s eve bike ride, Steve encountered the Blencathra Foxhounds as he rode past Carrock Fell, along with a large group of people watching them from below. As he rode down the other side of the valley, the fox popped out of the hedge and ran down the road for several hundred metres in front of his bike. Presumably, the fox was not taking any chances that the hounds would obey the law and run right by, so had opted for the safety first approach of escaping unseen behind the foxhounds and their spectators.

Whilst Steve can’t promise personal encounters with foxes, he is happy to provide mountain and natural history days out in the Lakes and further afield. Call or email to discuss your interests on 07796 213817 or steve@stevebanksoutdoors.co.uk

By Steve|January 3rd, 2024|Environment, Mountain, natural history|Comments Off