Chris Ensoll Mountain Mentor Four Years On
/WRITTEN by ANNE ENSOLL & OUR MENTEES
In February 2022 we published a blog post called Chris Ensoll Mountain Mentor Two Years On, which included the first seven case studies. This post is an update on that original post.
We’re in the business of helping people to have adventures, but four years ago we set off on a new adventure of our own. We were looking for another way to pass on Chris’s forty plus years of experience of working and playing in the outdoors, and after a year of planning and developing with the help of our five lovely volunteers, we launched our mentoring programme, Chris Ensoll Mountain Mentor.
A personal action plan is central to Levels 2 and 3 (we would encourage everyone to make an action plan if working towards a goal) but the real benefit of the programme comes from the encouragement, advice and accountability from the monthly phone chats with Chris. It’s also really great to see the connections and friendships being made through the private Facebook group. During lockdown we added some Zoom chats to keep everyone inspired even though they couldn’t get out in the mountains.
Our five volunteers on a perfect winter mountaineering day in the Lake District, January 2019
Four years on, we have 120 people who have joined the programme. Thirty people are on, or have been on, Levels 2 or 3, and the rest are on Level 1. We send out a quarterly newsletter, each with a case study, which we’re sharing with you here.
Case Study #1, Spring 2020: Charles Eggleston
Why did you sign up for mentoring?
My rock climbing had plateaued at 6a indoors and occasional VS outside due to lots of excuses! I needed something to get me out of the classic routine of improving in the summer and then falling apart over the winter when other sports took priority or you were rained off.
What were your goals when you started?
By August, to become a solid VS leader on multiple rock types with consistently good gear and belays so I didn’t waste time placing gear or overly constructing belays whilst also staying safe / becoming safer. Also to be quick and efficient, so a wider range of mulitpitch routes at home and abroad were achievable and enjoyable. A key test would be that Chris should be happy to swing leads with me on multipitch VS without stressing. We also set a target of being able to smoothly lead 6c indoors by August as part of this which sounded rather a stretch at the time.
What have you achieved so far?
A great deal! A number of sessions at Kendal wall have seen my climbing improve tangibly with 6a moving to 6b/6b+ and 6c entering the realms of achievability. Equally, a very cold full day out with big boots and gloves, was brilliant to go through all the basics – E.g. - using a points system to asses a belay stance, what really is good and bad gear, equipment choice, improving your belaying technique, getting into better positions to place gear with less physical stress, etc, etc. That was until coronavirus stopped things.
What have you got out of it that you didn’t expect?
It’s very easy to do a sport for years and pick up technique habits that just hold you back and slow you down. Loads of us know the importance of footwork but how many of us really take time to get it right? Yes, I’d read the books but hadn’t managed to put it into practice. The same goes for trying to get stronger rather than getting better. Outside, I was faffing about on belays / changeovers as I’d seen too many people whose belay construction would scare you to death. The thing that stood out for me was having someone who didn’t just repeat the classic climbing instruction book “this is the way you do it, steps one to five” but actually took the time to look at you as an individual and focus on the elements you were getting wrong or could improve. Chris has so much experience, he has probably seen all of the faults a thousand times over and was very quickly able to spot and fix the things that were necessary. My list of tips and comments from Chris has gone on to a few pages now and they really do make a difference. The real test is that the people I climb with have already noticed some big changes in how much more smoothly and efficiently I am climbing.
Have you been disappointed by anything?
No. I haven’t been disappointed by anything except being held back by the wet weather and now, being housebound due coronavirus.
Is there anything that could be done differently or better?
No. I’m really looking forward to getting going again and just hope it’s not too long.
Case Study #2, Summer 2020: Tom Hiley
Why did you sign up for mentoring?
At the start of each year, you set goals and targets as to what you want to achieve but unfortunately life has a habit of getting in the way – which means you either shelve your plans or dilute what you wanted to achieve! With the mentoring scheme, I know that Anne and Chris are aware of what I’m wanting to achieve, so there is a ‘push’ from me and a ‘pull’ from them which makes sure that I don’t come up with an excuse for not doing something and so achieve my goals using Chris’s vast knowledge based on good solid practical experience!
What were your goals when you started?
I started climbing 2 years ago and so want to learn as many new skills and climb as many routes as possible. To do this, and make my wife happy, I realised that I needed a solid and safe understanding of the basics but also someone who would encourage me to push the boundaries and set goals higher than I would do so myself. My climbing partner has also been climbing far longer than I have, so I also wanted to get to a level where I wouldn’t hold him up and also be able to ‘swing leads’ on multi pitch routes and so cover more routes in a day.
What have you achieved so far?
Putting the delay caused by Covid 19 to one side, I’ve had a number of 1:1 sessions with Chris that have covered the basics and had me leading VS. In addition, we’ve also top roped a number of harder routes with this culminating in an E3 to date – which would never come on my radar in 1000 years! The idea going forwards is to do some 2:1 sessions with my climbing partner, where Chris can observe and coach as we climb multi pitch routes.
What have you got out of it that you didn’t expect?
To date the biggest benefit has been the practical ‘common sense’ tips from Chris that have come from his years of ‘practicing what he preaches’ and most probably learning from his mistakes in the past! When I started climbing, I would take information from all directions – some good/some bad – and try and put it into practice, which usually caused more confusion than clarity. Chris’s style is one where he gets you to put into practice what you’ve discussed rather than watch him do it – this visual hands on learning has definitely meant I’ve learned new skills and techniques quicker than I would normally.
Have you been disappointed by anything?
Just factors beyond our control i.e. Coronvirus!
Is there anything that could be done differently or better?
I appreciate that the mentoring scheme is very much in it’s infancy, but to date I can’t think of any improvements! Over time I’m sure it will evolve and adapt, as was demonstrated with the addition of the zoom meetings during lockdown. The only point I would add to the ‘melting pot’ for the future would be an annual mentor mountain day, where we could meet up and have an informal day in the Lake District hills with other people in the scheme – subject to the ‘new norm’ social guidelines!
Case Study #3, Autumn 2020: Roz Brown
Why did you sign up for mentoring?
Predominantly to maintain momentum through lockdown, and to ensure I crowbarred myself into Chris’s calendar! We met in February at his Contour Masterclass which I found on the Mountain Training website; then we had two days out. His style and approach appealed: everything built from the deliberate intention to make us all into more competent mountaineers. Rolling right back to the fundamentals of movement; putting his pointers into practice was fun and led to quick results. Plus he doled out a healthy dose of confidence and challenge – I signed up for my Mountain Leader (ML) assessment before I’d returned home. Continuing that relationship through the mentoring scheme seemed an obvious step.
What were your goals when you started?
I live a long way from the mountains and didn’t want my confidence eroded by the distance; compounded by lockdown. I aimed to complete my ML and enjoy it; to improve my movement both in walking and climbing; to improve and have confidence in my decision making. I hoped that being part of a community united by a similar outlook would be a positive experience.
What have you achieved so far?
Along with tying friends to trees locally, I spent a couple of weeks in the Lakes when we were released – including time out with Chris and learning with some other folks. Oh, and I passed my ML in August! We were tested in the most unexpected conditions for the Lakes: thirty-plus degree heat all week. It was far removed from the conditions of our QMDs, and as such was a great learning experience. Avoiding heat exhaustion and lightening; being out with other people of comparable skill and varied backgrounds; working and learning together. Basking in the morning and evening warmth wasn’t exactly unpleasant either! Safe to say I enjoyed the week.
What have you got out of it that you didn’t expect?
I was aiming for ML being the end of my journey. Beginning two years ago as a triathlete with a desk job and no mountain experience, after my husband died, I upped sticks and moved to Plas y Brenin for four months. Completing the award this year could have been the close of this chapter and signalled my return to ‘normality’. As it happens, with continued exposure to Chris, I’ve made some friends and pinged straight on to the next horizon. Winter skills booked for the new year; did someone say IML? That’ll keep me busy for a while yet. Fingers crossed the world stabilises and travel becomes more accessible soon: I’m itching to get back to international expedition leading.
Have you been disappointed by anything?
Things have petered out in the past month or so since my assessment, but that’s largely owing to factors well outside the scheme. A lockdown house move being the biggest culprit until I recently fractured my neck (an acrobatics accident – indoors can be more dangerous than the mountains!). It feels a boomerang process, developing consistency in a sport that’s geographically distant in a wholly unexpected world this year. Climbing on Lundy will have to wait until next year!
Is there anything that could be done differently or better?
I’m not a keen Facebook user; always preferring a targeted email (‘sign up for Scotland’!) or an in-person day out. Hopefully I haven’t missed out on too much by avoiding social media. As has been suggested by others, some sort of real-life mentees get-together (when that sort of thing is allowed again) would appeal if practical, though I appreciate the logistics may not be a minor challenge!
Case Study #4, Winter 2021: Mark Campbell
Why did you sign up for mentoring?
I’ve been climbing and playing in the mountains since my teens and have always had a deep love of the outdoors, especially the mountains. For this reason I changed careers in my twenties so that I could spend more time in the mountains. One of the very best decisions I’ve ever made which led me to a new career in outdoor education, bumming around climbing and living in a Transit van. Fast forward twenty years and I find myself spending very little time in the mountains and not having climbed in years. Ironically, this was mainly due to me progressing (debatable) from outdoor instructing to outdoor centre management and the wonderful world of spreadsheets, business meetings and very little free time. There were also a couple of injuries which didn’t help.
I was looking to change things a bit so decided to do some Mountain Training CPD courses and found the Movement and Contour Masterclasses that Chris was running. I booked up because around fifteen years ago I did my SPA assessment with Chris and was intrigued when he started a climbing assessment by asking us all “how do you walk?” This is something that always stuck with me and I was impressed with Chris’s style of instructing, level of knowledge and endless enthusiasm. When I saw the mentor scheme I thought that it was just the sort of thing I needed, so I applied to sign up for level three.
What were your goals when you started?
I wanted to build some confidence for climbing again having had such a long time away from the crags and having discovered that climbing in your forties seems scarier than in your twenties! I was also very keen to get some professional development, advice on working toward my Winter Mountain Leader and inspiration to get back to a decent level of fitness.
What have you achieved so far?
Unfortunately the first Covid lockdown coincided with the start of my mentoring programme so I wasn’t able to get out climbing and follow the training plan that Chris developed for me. On my first mentor phone call, we discussed some training alternatives and I came away feeling really psyched to get fit and climbing again. I managed to attend the Contour Masterclass which was excellent, a great way to hone your navigation skills. The Movement Masterclass was outstanding, I’m moving far more efficiently now and can really feel the difference at the end of a long day. I would recommend this Masterclass to everyone and I only wish that I had known these techniques thirty years ago. I had a 1:1 day multi-pitch climbing in the rain which did wonders for my confidence in both climbing and being able to get out of trouble. The day was more than could have hoped for and the highlight of my mentoring so far.
What have you got out of it that you didn’t expect?
I really enjoyed the day I spent shadowing Chris running a Scrambling Masterclass, it was a great opportunity to observe his instructing style and the way the day was run. This definitely ticked the professional development box that I was looking for. The Facebook group and Zoom calls have been really inspirational; it’s great to meet likeminded people. I can’t wait to be able to get out in the hills and mountains with new people, when we are allowed.
Have you been disappointed by anything?
Honestly no, apart from Covid lockdown!
Is there anything that could be done differently or better?
I can’t think of anything so far…but will certainly let you know if I do! The best way to sum up my mentor experience is to say that I’m as psyched for climbing now as I was thirty years ago, I’m getting fitter and I’ve signed up for another six months on the level three mentoring programme to focus on winter climbing and mountaineering.
Case Study #5, Spring 2021: Lou Hemingway
Why did you sign up for mentoring?
I first met Chris when I turned up for my Mountain Leader training on a very windy, cold day in October 2018 at the Walna Scar Road car park. To say I was nervous would be an understatement! I had been walking in the hills since my early twenties but never thought I would be in a position to take this next step. There were eleven of us on the course with such diversity that my fears of being too old, being the only female, and not having enough experience, were soon alleviated. From the moment that Chris introduced himself and gave an overview of the week, I knew that I had made the right decision. Chris’s passion for passing on his experience and knowledge meant that I learnt and absorbed so much during that week which gave me the confidence to consolidate everything I had learnt over the following year, returning a year later and passing the Mountain Leader assessment.
Since passing my ML, I’ve had a dream of starting a new career in the outdoor industry, but like most people, my plans were suspended as a result of the pandemic. However, with the situation improving I now feel the time is right to start that transition, which brings fresh fears! I have spent the last twenty years working for a large corporate company, with all the security that comes with - regular income, an environment where I have been successful - and I realised that I didn’t know where to start once I made the decision to leave my ‘safe’ career and start a career in the outdoor industry.
I had previously seen the details about the Mountain Mentor programme on Chris's ‘Five Quick Things’ emails and realised this was exactly what I needed to help me prepare for leaving my job at the end of 2021 and to be in the best position possible for starting out with a new career using my ML.
What were your goals when you started?
Chris and I had an initial discussion about what I wanted to achieve from the programme and what obstacles I had to overcome. I want to use this year to build on my experience, understand what opportunities are available to me and what I have to offer, whilst still working my current job. Following our call, Chris went away and put together a six month action plan.
My action plan is broken down into achievable monthly goals and includes a range of activities, including increasing my fitness level, establishing a network in the industry, finding volunteering opportunities, maintaining navigation skills, and exploring niche opportunities.
What have you achieved so far?
I think one of the biggest things that I have achieved is the realisation that I can make this happen. Through talking to Chris, with his experience and knowledge of the industry and his encouragement, I now have a structured action plan to help me facilitate my career change. I have had a few interviews for freelance instructor work and through Chris, have made contact with people in the industry to start establishing relationships for when I leave work at the end of the year.
I’m pleased to say that I haven’t succumbed to ‘lockdown apathy’ and my fitness levels have increased, and I am maintaining navigational skills by regularly getting the compass and map out. I have also started exploring alternative possibilities, and as a trained Mental Health First Aider I am very interested in the wellbeing benefits of walking.
What have you got out of it that you didn’t expect?
Confidence! Chris is very encouraging and supportive and is great to talk things over, providing a bit of clarity and a different perspective. I also think that being accountable to someone has really helped and has definitely kept me on track.
Have you been disappointed by anything?
Only that we haven’t been able to meet up in person yet, but hopefully that will change as I am booked on a Scrambling Masterclass soon as part of the programme.
Is there anything that could be done differently or better?
Possibly more networking between the ‘mentees’ on the programme as there is a lot of experience and knowledge in the group, which would be great to tap into.
Case Study #6, Summer 2021: Alistair Iveson
Why did you sign up for mentoring?
I first met Chis in 2018 when I attended one of his Scrambling Masterclasses At the time I was keen to get some instruction on best practice to then use for my personal scrambling. I used these skills a lot over the following years. Recently, I have had an increased interest in the Mountaineering & Climbing Instructor award (MCI). As a climber of 20+years I only really got into hill walking in the last 7 years - always saw it as a means to get to the cliffs. I signed up to do my Mountain Leader (ML) and haven't looked back. I loved the process of learning and found it a lot more rewarding than I was expecting. As my main passion was climbing I thought I might benefit from some focus and set my aims for something higher. It's a big step between ML and MCI but I'm in for the long haul!!
I toyed with the idea of signing up in 2020 but it was a difficult year for all and I needed to focus closer to home. We have a young family and managing this, work and aspirations (hobbies) is a challenge. In early 2021 I thought I saw an opportunity to regain some motivation towards my goals and the mentoring scheme offered the extra push I find I need. I signed up to Level 3 in January and have enjoyed the development over that time.
What were your goals when you started?
I wanted to focus on my climbing confidence. At the start of my climbing career I was climbing lots and happily leading E1. Ever since uni, my climbing has been a bit more on the back burner as a very enjoyable, occasional recreational hobby. As such I seem to be in a never ending loop of mediocrity. Each season I lower the grade to get back on the rock and familiarise myself again with multi-pitch climbing, then I only climb a handful of times during the year and never really seem to be as confident on ground I used to find a breeze. I therefore wanted to feel more confident on approaching a route at the HVS/E1 grade and 'go and have a look'. In my experience, if you have the confidence to 'go and have a look', you normally get up it. I wanted to re-gain this confidence.
What have you achieved so far?
A progressive approach to getting back up through the grades, climbing confidently with a good style. Some fall practice does wonders for your gear placement confidence and this has helped. I was taught to climb by my dad using 1970s approaches so I've never really embraced top roping routes and always focused on on-sighting routes. I have now accepted that although not a very impressive grade ceiling, I shouldn't worry top roping and practicing routes at my limit prior to then leading them. This has led me to lead a few routes that have been on the bucket list for a while and have now succumbed. Maybe a little disappointed to not on-sight them, but it has given me confidence to do this on others. If top climbers are doing the same at their grade limits, why shouldn't I?
What have you got out of it that you didn’t expect?
Constructive criticism for my movement. Although overall very positive I find Chris's approach to movement whilst walking excellent and have tried to incorporate it in my day-to-day life. Chris also lumped in some core-exercises into my development action plan which have helped me no end with general fitness.
Have you been disappointed by anything?
My own preparedness for our 1:1. This was my own doing, but I still got a lot out of the day. It was only the on-going struggle of balancing life. I was grateful for Chris putting together the mentoring get-together day. It was a lovely day in the sunshine practicing and observing scrambling skills. I would definitely be interested in further opportunities like this.
Is there anything that could be done differently or better?
Organising a set time for mentor catch ups. I don't think I managed to answer any calls and with the busy lives of both Chris and I it was sometimes difficult to find a slot.
Case Study #7, Autumn 2021: Lathan Ball
Why did you sign up for mentoring?
I first met Chris in 2019 when I attended a Poor Visibility Contour Masterclass. Despite being a glorious day with exceptional and far-reaching views, I still learnt a lot and enjoyed a great day’s teaching. After meeting Chris it was an easy choice to complete my Mountain Leader Assessment with him – where, this time, wet and windy conditions provided poor visibility and a challenging night navigation exercise. After two mountain days with Chris I was impressed by his level of knowledge, his teaching style and his ability to build up and encourage. Completing my Mountain Leader coincided with a house move from South Wales to the Lake District (Kendal) and a change in life that would allow me to work and regularly play in the mountains. When I heard about the mentoring programme, I saw this as a great opportunity for personal development to consolidate and grow my own knowledge and know-how and to kick-start my new found time in the fells.
What were your goals when you started?
I have spent almost 40 years walking, climbing and visiting the mountains. In my teens and twenties these included winter trips to Scotland, summer visits to the Alps and an expedition to the Himalayas. However, over the last 25 years visits to the hills have been less frequent, for much shorter periods of time and consisted mainly of family walks and adventures. Since those early days my fitness has declined, skills have grown rusty or been lost and my mountaineering confidence has fallen. When I started the mentoring scheme my goals were to significantly improve my mountain fitness, consolidate and develop my mountain skills and grow in confidence as a mountaineer. My initial focus was to develop my scrambling skills and rebuild mountain experience. It is many years since I last rock climbed and as a self-taught climber, I thought some teaching around ropework, the placement of protection and movement on rock would support a safe return to mountain climbing. I have always loved the big mountains, longer low-grade routes and full days out and looked forward to returning to these mountain journeys and adventures. Hoping my skills, stamina, endurance and self-belief would quickly grow I set a long-held dream, a complete traverse of the Cuillin Ridge (Skye), as an initial goal. And after this - perhaps some alpine climbing.
What have you achieved so far?
I have greatly enjoyed being part of the mentor scheme and feel I have benefitted immensely. Chris has certainly motivated me and helped polish and develop my mountain skills. All my days out with Chris have started with a look at personal movement and how we walk. This is something I have never considered and has provided a great foundation on which to build. While walking in the mountains I have thought about my posture and movement, staying ‘straight and strong’ and ‘fluid and dynamic’ and this has made a difference. I know because one of my longest mountaineering friends recently said that I moved differently and looked more like a mountain professional - which I fully attribute to Chris.
I found a day scrambling and climbing with Chris harder than anticipated, leading more terrifying than I remember and nothing seemed to flow anymore. After the first route Chris said I looked ugly and my foot work sounded like a herd of elephants passing by. However, his technical input greatly calmed my nerves, his coaching tips (look for something small, tell yourself it is big and stand on it!) helped and I am now beginning to climb with more confidence, much less noise and greater finesse.
Regular and longer days out have improved my general fitness, speed and confidence. In September I enjoyed a trip to Scotland and although the weather wasn’t right for a visit to the Cuillins we still had an amazing time in Glen Shiel completing the Five Sisters of Kintail and classic scrambles such as the Forcan Ridge. The routes were amazing but I will have to go back when the weather is dryer and brighter to enjoy the views.
What have you got out of it that you didn’t expect?
I have greatly enjoyed meeting other mentees and making new friends. Through Chris I have met new climbing partners and am enjoying building new friendships. When I moved to Kendal I set up Mountain Explorer to provide guided mountain walks and mountain photography courses. Observing Chris has provided me with new teaching skills and helped me deliver a better experience for my customers.
Have you been disappointed by anything?
With regard to the mentoring scheme, I have no disappointments. I have fully enjoyed the programme and look forward to continuing in it. From a personal point of view, I was disappointed by a flare-up of a recurring foot injury which severely hampered my mountain visits and interfered with my agreed development schedule. I am pleased to say my foot is now improving and I am getting out more regularly.
I have really enjoyed all aspects of the mentoring programme. I was even surprised during lockdown when I found myself looking forward to the Zoom calls which provided a great opportunity to meet other mentees, discuss a range of mountaineering topics, escape the general doom and gloom of Covid and inspire new projects.
Is there anything that could be done differently or better?
It is hard to think how this programme could be improved. One small suggestion would be around the monthly phone call. The monthly phone call, which provides a great opportunity to catch-up, discuss progress and ask questions is unscheduled. As a result I was generally caught on-the-hop and unprepared. I think better use of this time could be made if the call was scheduled. I know I would then reflect upon progress, consider questions and discuss my development in a more considered way.
Note from Anne: after Alistair suggested this in his feedback (case study #6), we started to schedule the monthly phone calls after Lathan wrote his piece but before it was published.
Case Study #9, Spring 2022: Jo Newell
Why did you sign up for mentoring?
I wanted to get my mountain leader qualification. I had been talking to peers on DofE expeditions and explaining that I have struggled with rope work and steep ground. They suggested I attend a masterclass with Chris. After completing the masterclass, I knew that I would benefit from a longer term support system that would empower me to complete the qualification and hold me to account.
What were your goals when you started?
To complete as many QMDs as possible before the ML assessment.
What have you achieved so far?
I am about halfway through my QMDs.
What have you got out of it that you didn’t expect?
I’ve made some friends that I’ve been out walking with a few times - using their ML knowledge to build on my own skills.
Have you been disappointed by anything?
I had to postpone the assessment by almost a year because I hadn’t gained enough days. I thought I could complete loads in a row and didn’t give myself enough time to take a break, for days that couldn’t be completed due to poor weather, or even just to reflect between days. It was too ambitious but I took a few weeks to reflect on how I had done, then talked through with Chris my updated plans on how to better achieve my QMDs in a way that is more sustainable.
Is there anything that could be done differently or better?
Not sure
Case Study #10, Summer 2022: Grant Barr
Why did you sign up for mentoring?
In 2020, my family and I moved to the UK from Vancouver, Canada for my wife's job and settled in the Yorkshire Dales. My background is in biology and environmental science but recently I've had the somewhat more demanding job of being a stay-at-home dad for our three young kids. I've spent a lot of time hiking, climbing and skiing in western North America, and now that we're here in the UK, I thought the Mountain Leader certification would be a great way to both familiarise myself with the local hills and to open up a potential new career path.
What were your goals when you started?
My primary goal is to pass my Mountain Leader assessment in October, which means brushing up on movement, navigation and all the other skills required to lead groups safely in the mountains. In addition to that though, I also want to become more familiar with the geography and natural history of the UK, particularly the Lake District, which is where most of my QMDs have been to date.
What have you achieved so far?
After completing my ML training with another provider, as well as steep ground and night nav masterclasses with Chris (which were included as part of the mentoring program), I feel much more confident in my fundamental skills. When it came to navigation, like many people, I'd become very reliant on the GPS on my phone and hadn't used a map and compass in years, so it's been great to dust off and improve these skills. As far as movement skills and rope skills on steep ground, I feel that with Chris's help I've re-learned the fundamentals and corrected some bad habits. Having monthly check-ins with Chris as part of the mentoring program has also been really helpful for keeping me on track and aware of what areas I need to keep working on before my assessment.
What have you got out of it that you didn’t expect?
I was originally scheduled to do both my ML training course and my mentorship with Chris, but a scheduling problem came up and I had to switch to doing my course with another provider who Chris recommended. I was disappointed at first, but in the end, I think this worked really well as I've now had instruction from three different people - Chris for the mentorship and masterclasses, and two other instructors for the ML training. Although Chris is the most experienced of the three, this diversity of perspectives and approaches has been really good. Even if someone is doing their ML training with someone else, I'd strongly recommend a mentorship program with Chris to get this same benefit of multiple perspectives.
Have you been disappointed by anything?
Only that other commitments have stopped me from booking more days out! Chris's years of experience make him such a great source of knowledge and information that even covering the same topic more than once, there's always something new that comes up.
Is there anything that could be done differently or better?
I've been sitting here at the keyboard for quite a while now trying to come up with something, but I'm really struggling. Maybe monthly written quizzes to go along with the mentoring chats? Honestly, the combination of Chris's expert instruction and the wealth of written information compiled by Anne (on the website, in e-mails and on the blog) would be hard to improve upon.
Case Study #11, Autumn 2022: Ivan Evans
Why did you sign up for mentoring?
I grew up in the west of Scotland and in my late teens/early twenties started to tick off Munros with friends from school and university. After moving down south for work it was harder to get away as often. I had met various people who changed careers after taking some outdoor qualifications, and they were very positive about the experience. I was not necessarily motivated to change career, but was inspired to enrol on a Mountain Leader training course. Fast forward several years, I managed to get the Summer Mountain Leader and Climbing Wall Instructor qualifications.
What this made me realise was that to make progress, a clearer goal or path often helps. It is also stimulating to meet people with similar aspirations.
While I had picked up a few qualifications I was struggling to get climbing outdoors very often, and my outdoor lead climbing grades were fairly tame. Being busy with work, having a relatively young family and living in down south away from any convenient climbing spots made it more challenging.
Prior to lock down in 2020 I had two trips to Scotland, hillwalking in the far North and a couple of days on Ben Nevis. In particular I was dragged up the atmospheric ice climb Vanishing Gully in what felt like wild, but quite good conditions. This gave me a real motivation boost to work on my climbing come the summer.
Summer climbing for me, courtesy of the pandemic, did not really happen. So come October 2020 I still had the motivation and thought the mentoring scheme might give me the push I needed.
What were your goals when you started?
My aspirations were a little bit scattergun and unfocused. I wanted to improve my climbing in summer (trad and sport), winter, and indoors. I was also toying with the idea of completing the Rock Climbing Instructor award. It seemed that Chris instinctively could sense that Scottish winter was what inspired me the most, and he steered me more in that direction - a more focused goal.
What have you achieved so far?
I climbed outdoors much more in 2021 than I normally manage, and also attended the Learn To Lead Masterclass with Chris in addition a one to one day. Chris commented that my gear placement was a little slow - perhaps not surprising when it only gets practiced a handful of times per year. I also attended a self-rescue course on the Pembrokeshire sea cliffs. I have sometimes felt that I was winging in a bit when abseiling into routes and sea cliff climbing.
In 2022 I had a short winter hillwalking and climbing trip to Scotland. Again I was lucky with the weather and was happy with what I achieved - more motivation for next time. Fingers crossed, hopefully some more winter climbing come 2023.
What have you got out of it that you didn’t expect?
Partly because I did not have that many climbing opportunities Chris nudged me to make the most of what available time I had and the resources I had at home. This meant fitting in short hang boarding sessions and a core strengthening session four to five times per week, in addition to aerobic fitness work, in my case a little running and cycling. This seemed quite an effective use of time and supplemented my usual weekly indoor climbing session. I think it made me better prepared for my trips in the winter, and I feel my indoor climbing is getting a little better - a grade harder at least.
Also being part of the scheme has also made me focus on what I was doing when climbing indoors. I now tend to work routes a bit more, think through the moves, and think about the best approach. So I am confident with a bit of a further push, when more time is available, I will be able to further realise my indoor and outdoor climbing aspirations.
Have you been disappointed by anything?
Not so much a disappointment, but a realisation that I was trying to do too much. With very limited time, I have learned to focus on a few things and attempt to keep relatively fit and motivated. When the children get a bit older I look forward to getting out more often and taking them with me, assuming they maintain their interest in things outdoors and climbing.
Is there anything that could be done differently or better?
No, I am happy with the scheme. It has given me the nudge / push I needed.
Case Study #12, Winter 2023: Lou Hemingway update
It’s hard to believe that it has been two years since I joined Chris’s mentoring programme back in January 2021! I had completed my Mountain Leader training and assessment with Chris four years prior and had finally made the decision to leave a twenty-five year corporate career to have a new beginning using my qualification in the outdoor industry - but I had no idea where to start. This is where Chris came in, and together we created an action plan for the year to facilitate the transition. With Chris’s help, I made contacts in the industry, explored opportunities that I hadn’t thought of and used all my annual leave, whilst still working in my ‘big’ job, to gain experience and work utilising my ML. We thought at first that this would be volunteer work, but I soon started to get paid.
I’m delighted to say, that I haven’t looked back since! In April 2022, I left the corporate world and started freelancing full time. I had a poignant moment recently when I was clearing out papers that I had accumulated over twenty-five years of working for a big international company. I had attended a course called Winning Edge in 2005, which challenged the mindset of people, and one of the exercises we had to complete was to draw a picture of what success looked like. I remember thinking at the time what a waste of time it all was. Amongst the papers I was clearing out I found the picture that I drew, and it was an image of me walking up a mountain, leading people behind me. I had completely forgotten that I had drawn it, but it gave me a sign that I was doing the right thing and it was worth going through all the apprehension and fear of leaving the security of full-time employment.
Because I spent 2021 being mentored by Chris and in all my spare time approaching companies, gaining experience and meeting new people in the industry, when I left my job in April 2022 I had secured work throughout the season. The majority was as an Outdoor Instructor on DofE programmes, but I also managed to get work with some private clients, guiding on walks in the Yorkshire Dales and in the Peak District. This was gained through word of mouth and something that I hope to build on in the next couple of years.
One of my major challenges has been the winter! By the end of October 2021, I was exhausted because of working solidly for two years and not having any time to myself, so I took the decision to have some down time over the winter, thinking I would relish the relaxation. The first week was lovely, but then the restlessness and guilt of not working set in (something I hadn’t even thought about!). I have coped with this by having numerous lists (the house has never been so well maintained) and looking towards the 2023 season. There are some things that I want to do differently this year:
More variety in my work
Better logistical planning
Focus on freelancing with companies that I feel comfortable with, rather than accepting every bit of work I can get
Ensuring that I take time off to prevent that burnout feeling at the end of the season
A plan for the winter
With this in mind, I contacted some walking holiday companies and have some work lined up with one of them this year, guiding a Coast to Coast trip and am looking to do more with them going forward. I have focused my DofE work for next year with just two companies, as they fit with my own values and have worked with them to make sure that I am not constantly driving up and down the M6. With more forward planning, it’s also meant that I have factored in some days during in the season to catch up with friends and family and do some outdoor stuff for me, instead of it being all about work. And the plan for the winter is to join an animal conservation project for a couple of months in warmer climes!
So, looking back over the last couple of years, I still pinch myself that I am where I am - living my best life and loving it! I have met some great people along the way and made firm friends that I am having new adventures with. I have surprised myself, and love working with young people and hopefully instilling an enthusiasm for the outdoor world with some of them.
There have been challenges, but as Chris frequently reminds me, it is often the obstacles we put in our own minds that prevent us from moving forward. I had real imposter syndrome at the start and didn’t think I had much to offer, as I’m not a climber, caver, kayaker etc, but over the last year I’ve realised that the ability to relate and connect with people is just as important as technical qualifications, and the time I spent leading teams in the corporate world gave me the skills needed to lead a group of kids or adults on a wet and windy hill. I would encourage anyone looking to embark on a similar journey to find a good mentor, someone to talk over those fears with and give encouragement. My calls with Chris were invaluable, not only with the practical aspects (new contacts, opportunities etc), but to remain accountable and get me through my wobbles.
The other advice I would give is not to be rigid in what you want to do. When I first had the idea of doing this full time, I had a very fixed vision - run my own company and take people up mountains every day! What I have ended up doing is very different from that. I have decided that I don’t want the hassle of running my own company and all the admin that comes with it and whilst I do take people up mountains, it is a small part of it. On a personal level, I have learnt to be more comfortable with uncertainty, be more flexible and explore different opportunities. I am currently in contact with my GP to become a Social Prescriber for people with mental health difficulties in the area - something that as a Mental Health First Aider I am really interested in but until I went to the Adventure Mind conference hadn’t any idea on how to connect the outdoors with mental health.
Final bit of advice, if you are thinking of having a career change, is to take the plunge and do it (the old adage that life is too short), but plan first! If I hadn’t spent that year working with Chris before going full time, I think it would have been a difficult transition and I would have had a lot more panics that I have had!
Case Study #13, Spring 2023: Chris Witter
Why did you join the mentoring programme?
I joined the Level 1 mentoring programme in early 2020. At the time, a year-long contract in the editorial office of a plant science journal had come to an end and I found myself unemployed and somewhat directionless. I had completed a Rock Climbing Instructor (RCI) award in 2019 and secured some part-time work at an indoor climbing wall, alongside a boring admin job. I was wondering whether I could turn my passion for rock climbing and the fells into some sort of viable employment. I was also wondering whether I could tie this in with my background in literature and higher education teaching, e.g. by delivering walking tours related to Romantic poets or by running some form of educational walks and workshops for children.
Then the pandemic arrived....
What were your goals when you started?
Joining the programme was a way of trying to breathe a bit of life into this daydream of working in climbing, walking and the outdoors. I hoped that connecting with other outdoor professionals and aspirant professionals would lend me encouragement and provide me with a bit more of an idea of the viability of working in the outdoors. I also hoped that I would perhaps meet some others who were on this journey.
I had a strong sense that obtaining a Mountain Leader (ML) award would increase my employability; I also enjoy learning new skills, so my first goal was to obtain this qualification, even if I wasn't quite sure yet what I wanted to do with it. At the same time, I had some doubts about whether I was right to pursue this daydream...
What have you achieved so far?
It feels odd to talk of achievements, because my goals felt so nebulous and I struggled to commit to the idea of pursuing instructor work. I continued to climb avidly, once coronavirus restrictions eased, and was able to feel that I was continuing to improve - especially after a lockdown of attempting to fingerboard the boredom and frustration away! But, I still felt a lot of doubt about a career in the outdoors.
In October 2021, I moved away from Lancaster and the Cumbrian fells, following my partner to Huddersfield. Without a clear career path lined up, I decided to follow two paths at once: to complete the ML training course and to get a role in a secondary school, to see if a career in school education would suit me.
The ML course happened first. It was a very cold and wet few autumn days, but it was also very rewarding and motivating. I felt my fitness, navigation and hill knowledge were stronger than I had appreciated, despite having worried beforehand about the more technical aspects of navigation. I also found the ropework very straightforward due to my climbing background. But, I was really impressed by the instructors, who managed to create a fantastic aura of knowledge, competence, experience and welcome. I finished the course feeling very motivated to complete my ML and pursue this further.
I then struggled for a couple of months to find work, before starting a role as a teaching assistant in a school. I found this role really rewarding and gratifying, particularly working with the children, and spent some time considering routes to training to be a teacher... leaving the ML behind for a while. However, I also had doubts about becoming a teacher: the unrewarding expense of trying to train; the officiousness of the school environment; the deadening boredom of the curriculum; the stupid battles that were created by senior staff with children over things like uniform or pee breaks; the pervasive culture of overworking and of bullying...
In the summer of 2022, however, all of these plans and schemes became irrelevant, when my partner suddenly passed away.
What have you got out of it that you didn’t expect?
This uneven journey I have been on often feels like a failure... but, it's funny how many different experiences you end up having in the process of being lost. I have worked for over a decade in academia, across various roles; in editorial work and copyediting; in a secondary school... and for the briefest moment as a climbing instructor. I have developed a passion for rock climbing that has only deepened, giving me so many wonderful days in the Cumbrian fells, Wales, Italy, Spain, Morocco... and I spent years loving a wonderful woman, before losing her. I didn't expect so many things.
Over Easter, I headed off for a few days in the Lake District, with a close friend, their sister and their 68-year-old mum. They were all keen to climb and to do some big walks, but looking to me to help make it happen, as the sister and mum are novice climbers and they were all a bit unsure of where to go. First, I took them to Wallowbarrow and we had a great day on Trinity Slabs and the first pitch of Digitation, before catching sunset at Blea Tarn above Langdale. The next day, I took them on one of my favourite walks: Scafell from Eskdale, via Eskdale Gorge, Great Moss, Cam Spout and Fox's Tarn. It was a big day, but everyone was ecstatic in the sunshine, scrambling up beside waterfalls and savouring the views. We didn't see a built path all day. On the third day, I took them to Raven Crag Langdale, leading us up Middlefell before coaching them (and safety lining them) down an abseil and then the steep loose gully below. Everyone was so pleased with these days out and so grateful... and the smouldering ashes of work as a climbing instructor began to glow again, so that I sit here now answering a timely email from Anne about my experiences as a level 1 mentee, and wonder whether I should finally finish the ML and really commit to finding work in outdoor instructing...
Have you been disappointed by anything?
Too many things... but nothing at all about the programme. Apart from helping to keep this daydream alive, through being part of the programme I have been able to join in with several opportunities for learning that have been really helpful, including the mentee day Chris ran in July 2021 and a few days where, in exchange for belaying duties, I was able to learn a lot about Mountain Climbing Instructor level skills. Chris was extremely generous with his time and is a great teacher. His approach to walking, general movement skills and steep ground are particularly original and insightful.
Case Study #14, Summer 2023: Claire Bibby
Why did you sign up for mentoring?
My original interest in becoming a Mountain Leader started when I had completed a mountain skills 2 day course and wanted to progress to the next stage. The leader of that course suggested Chris and his team because of their experience and reputation. I completed my Mountain Leader training in August 2022 with Chris, and set myself a goal to complete the training by May 2023. In order to achieve this challenging timeline I knew that I was going to need help, and Chris’s mentoring programme fit the bill perfectly.
What were your goals when you started?
I wanted to complete the process in 9 months, with Chris and Anne’s help I made a plan of all the tasks I needed to achieve, and by what date, in order to meet this timescale. This included mountain fitness (movement), cardio fitness, wild camping, quality mountain days, knowledge of flora, fauna etc. Each goal was mapped out by month so I could see what needed to happen and track if I was on target to achieve it!
What have you achieved so far?
I am delighted to say that I successfully completed the Mountain Leader Assessment course on 19th May. Sticking to the timeline and in particular squeezing in the QMDs and camping trips was a challenge but totally worth it in the end. The monthly catch ups with Chris, sometimes face to face and other times on the phone, really helped to keep me motivated and chat through any issues.
What have you got out of it that you didn’t expect?
Meeting Chris and Anne and getting to know all the people along the way, on the training courses and on the workshops, Chris made suggestions for courses to attend and people to meet which all helped with my learning. Secondly, the learning I have taken away from spending time with Chris. I was totally new to this environment having spent most of my career at a desk in the legal services industry. Finally, Chris believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself, he helped to give me confidence to achieve my ML qualification through his guidance and experience.
Have you been disappointed by anything?
I am just sorry it is over!!! I hope to be out in the mountains again soon, hopefully to get involved with mental health charities to help people get out into nature who will really benefit from spending time in our wonderful countryside.
Case Study #15, Autumn 2023: Lathan Ball update
It is hard to believe that it is three years since I first met Chris and almost two years since I appeared as a case study in the mountain mentoring newsletter. Since then, I have spent a lot of time in the mountains and have continued to develop my own skills base and grow my mountain walking and mountain photography business.
What kind of clients/work have you been getting?
When I moved to Kendal in 2020, I completed my Summer Mountain Leader qualification and set up Mountain Explorer to provide guided mountain walks and mountain photography courses. This has brought me into contact with a wide range of clients. Many of my walking clients have no or very limited mountain experience and are looking for a safe and enjoyable day in the hills. They are often concerned by their fitness (or lack of), their ability to keep up with the group and a fear of the unknown. How steep is the hillside? How loose is the path? How exposed is the route? These are the most frequent questions.
Most of my photography clients have some knowledge of picture taking but want to explore new and off the beaten track locations. Others want to focus on an aspect of photography such as composition, capturing movement or use of filters. My night sky photography courses are very popular - capturing the sunrise from a mountain top and descending after dark to photograph the Milky Way and bright starlit heavens. Perhaps the biggest challenge this year has been the cloudy skies and limited opportunities to observe and photograph the sun, moon and stars.
What has been your biggest challenge?
Away from the vagaries of the weather perhaps the main demands are reassuring, encouraging and ensuring a positive and enjoyable experience. Teaching people the basics of mountaineering, such as what to carry, how to walk and convincing them they can achieve their goal are a common part of most days. Making the mountain day interesting by pointing out plants and animals, recounting local tales and legends, highlighting points of interest and engaging with people from all walks of life can be challenging and great fun. Days with clients are very different from personal mountain days when I can pursue my own goals and objectives and just enjoy being in the great outdoors.
Away from the mountains, business management and development swallows my time but I am getting more organised. Perhaps the biggest challenge this winter will be marketing and growing the business.
What has been your biggest joy?
As the winter approaches, I am already looking forward to next year. I enjoy being with people, teaching, encouraging and introducing them to both the mountains and new skills. Seeing people develop skills, grow in confidence and enjoy the experience is highly rewarding. I have had several customers return more than once which is both satisfying and uplifting. Reading the positive reviews is a great pleasure.
What has been much easier than you thought it would be?
Going out in good weather is always easy and going out in wet and windy conditions has proved easier than I thought. It always amazes me how much fun can be had even in the most inclement weather. It also amazes me how much clients enjoy being out in thick cloud and poor visibility. They certainly seem to enjoy the grey shapes looming from the mist, the eerie silence and atmospheric surroundings.
How would you like to develop your business in the future?
At present I work part time in the outdoors and most of my guiding and teaching takes place during the spring, summer and autumn months. Although I am happy to continue working part time, I would now like to grow my business and provide guided walks and mountain photography courses all year round. In support of this I have decided to complete my Winter Mountain Leading qualification. I have therefore enrolled on a Winter ML course at Glenmore Lodge and l am looking forward to February’s training course! I am also looking forward to visiting the mountains to record some winter QMDs - if anybody wants to join me please get in touch. I’m sure I will soon be contacting Chris about his relevant mountain masterclasses and to discuss some personal coaching.
What advice would you give to someone who is thinking of switching to a career in the outdoors?
If you love the outdoors, enjoy working with people and are considering switching careers then I would say do it. It may not be well paid, but it is fun and it is highly rewarding. However, there are a lot of people and organisations working in this market so decide upon your niche and expect it will take time to grow and develop your endeavour. I am fortunate in that my family has grown-up, left home and I now have fewer financial demands. So plan carefully, put as much in place as possible and then go for it.
Good luck and I hope we meet on the hills.
Case Study #16, Winter 2024: Brian Meakin
I joined the mentoring programme right at the beginning, back in 2019. Chris & Anne were looking for a group of volunteers to run a trial whereby he would take us on various days out and we would discuss what a mentoring programme might look like. There were five of us ‘guinea pigs’ and the trial lasted about a year, by the end of which I think Chris had worked out how he wanted his scheme to be structured.
2019. James, me, Jill, Ros and Phil on one of our first outings with Chris. Where are they now?
All of us had different reasons for wanting to be there. Mine was that I already had my Summer Mountain Leader and was working towards my Winter Mountain Leader. Back then I was only really interested in walking and a bit of scrambling. For others it was wanting to improve their climbing skills/grades or just get out in the hills more.
One of our days out was at Brantrake Crag over in Eskdale. I wasn’t much of a climber back then but we did a few routes, many of which I fell off or grunted up in very poor style. One of the other lads (James) was working towards his Mountaineering & Climbing Instructor qualification. He breezed up a route called Central Crack, VS 5a. I followed and it was the most desperate thing I’d done in a very long time but I became absolutely hooked on the sheer joy of spending your day on steep rock.
I live in the Lakes and have plenty of free time to get out whenever I want (almost). I do realise how fortunate I am and never take it for granted. Mountaineering is now a passion, not just a pastime and I’ve been using the Mountain Training awards to develop my skills. I know I’ll never be very good, but that doesn’t stop me trying to be as good as I can be. Many people gain these awards to make a living. I do it to be a better, safer mountaineer. In the past four years I’ve completed my Rock Climbing Instructor training and assessment (with Chris). Last February I passed my Winter Mountain Leader assessment with Plas y Brenin and I’ve recently been accepted onto the Mountaineering & Climbing Instructor scheme, with the nine day training course booked for this coming June.
After the trial ended I kept in touch with a few of the other mentees and had some fantastic days out, making lots of mistakes but having a great time doing so. It’s one of the things I wish the mentor group could do more of - be a resource for linking people up for days out. The Facebook group offers the opportunity but I haven’t seen people use it that much (I’m as guilty as everyone else). I seem to remember Chris did arrange a mentor group get-together, but I couldn’t make it and I’m not sure if this has continued. Meeting people face to face is a great way of sizing them up and deciding if you would trust them on the other end of a rope or be comfortable with them on a big hill when the weather turns bad or just enjoy their company and want to spend more time with them.
I’ve stayed at level 1 because at the moment I don’t feel I need the motivational support to plan my adventures/development, but do appreciate being part of a community who share the joy of the outdoors and have someone as experienced and respected as Chris Ensoll to use as a resource. Of course things could change if I feel I need a bit more help as I focus on my next project. And it is great that there is the opportunity to move up and down the mentoring levels as and when you want.
What about you?
If you’re looking for some help with a particular goal, or you just need a bit of support from like-minded people, our mentoring programme will definitely help. Check out the details here. We’re looking forward to hearing from you!
