A day in the life of...
During the year more than half a million people telephone the Weatherline or look at the website to check on weather conditions for the fell tops and the rest of the Lake District National Park.
Between December and March, the National Park Authority's fell top assessors undertake daily treks up Helvellyn to record snow, ice and wind conditions above 3,000 feet.
Spotlight on Craig Palmer, Fell top assessor
Former Marine commando, world record breaker and Lake District fell top assessor Craig Palmer is dreaming of a white Christmas.
Snow spells challenge and the adventurer likes nothing better than equipping himself to face the forces of nature full on.
And while the rest of the county might spend a leisurely 25th morning passing presents, sipping seasonal spirits and munching mince pies, this hardy man of the mountains will be scaling 950 metre Helvellyn.
The man who has seen active service in Bosnia, Sierra Leone, Norway and the Caribbean will be gathering information for the Lake District National Park’s Weatherline, a 33-year-old potential life saver for walkers and climbers.
The phone and online reports - used by 500,000 people a year - help protect the area’s 12 million annual visitors and locals from conditions that can change rapidly, and fatally, on the fells.
An outdoor guide and instructor, Craig revels in one of England’s more bizarre posts. Working a week on, week off, from December to April, he faces a daily trek up the Lake District’s third highest peak.
Fell top assessors are the eyes and ears of the mountain, where they check out conditions including wind, snow and ice. A seven-day shift is equivalent to a walk that would almost reach the top of Everest.
Craig’s mountain skills are extensive. He has Ministry of Defence qualifications in Arctic survival and ski instruction, winter and mountain leadership, first aid, health and safety.
He broke a world record in 2003 for the highest ever ascent with a wheelchair-bound mountaineer, when he took a man 5,600m up Kilimanjaro.
He has also led expeditions in the Pyrenees and Alps and is a member of Penrith Mountain Rescue Team.
"From becoming a cub at the age of seven, mountains have been my home. I live and breathe them," explained Craig. "From a very early age, it was my ambition to get paid for being in the hills!"
In two tours of duty in Iraq, he worked with Kurdish refugees and before leaving the Marines served in border territories.
"As a fell top assessor, I can put something back. The safety parts of the job are paramount, but I also want to help people on the mountain, sharing its history, its fauna and very special atmosphere," he said.
Craig’s fitness will be put to the test on Christmas Day. His doctor wife, Rachel, and young son, Archie, will be waiting for him to return to their home near Carlisle to start the festive fun.
Craig shares the fell top assessors’ job with former hotel manager Jon Bennett, from Ambleside, who will be on duty over New Year.
Fell top assessors’ top 10 tips for winter safety
Check a mountain specific weather forecast for the area where you will be walking. Where available, check a ground conditions’ report. Take the advice on board
Choose a route suitable for the conditions, your equipment and ability. If you are unsure, lower your sights
Do not over estimate your ability, know when to turn back
Carry enough kit to look after yourself if something goes wrong, or the weather changes
Always carry a map and compass – know how to use them. Do not rely on a GPS alone
Take spare hat and gloves. They will get wet, and may blow away
In winter conditions take ice axe and crampons - know how to use them
Goggles are essential when snow and wind are combined
Wear four- season stiffened boots which are compatible with your crampons
If in doubt – turn back!
