My Cumbria - Craig Palmer
Last updated at 15:18, Monday, 26 January 2009
Until March, former Marine commando Craig Palmer, 35, will be climbing Helvellyn seven days a week on alternate weeks to record snow, ice and wind conditions for the Lake District National Park Authority’s Weatherline. Craig moved to Cumbria three years ago and runs an outdoor activities and training company, Mountains to Water. He lives in Ainstable in the Eden Valley with wife, Rachel and son, Archie, 18 months.
What is the best thing about living
in Cumbria?
The outdoors, the mountains without a shadow of a doubt. During my 15 years in the Marines I worked all over the world. But if I was in the UK and not working, I was always in the Lake District or Scotland climbing. I absolutely adore Cumbria, you can’t find anywhere better.
Who’s the most interesting person you’ve met since you’ve been in Cumbria?
Keith Smith who is 72 and has been in Penrith Mountain Rescue Team, to which I belong, since it started. He’s as fit as a butcher’s dog, out on the hills all the time, attends callouts, and most weeks cycles from Penrith to Kendal to Keswick and back to Penrith.
On a winter skills course I was running, we were ice climbing and he was flying up and down vertical ice walls. His enthusiasm
is amazing.
What’s your favourite place in Cumbria?
Striding Edge on Helvellyn, where I was standing today, more or less by myself, looking down to Red Tarn, with snow on the ground and great light. I try to vary the route but on weekends I stick to Striding Edge and Swirral Edge; that’s where people are and if anything is going to happen it’ll be on the edges. I keep an eye on what’s going on and offer advice and assistance if needed.
What do you do to unwind?
I’m a bit of all rounder, enjoy paddling, climbing, caving, any outdoor pursuits. If I start a new hobby it leads to work. Paddling led to teaching canoeing, for instance. But I’ve just started clay pigeon shooting and there’s no way I’m going to teach it. It’s nice to stay in the Eden Valley to do it.
Where do you recommend for a decent pint and a good bite to eat?
I love the Fox and Pheasant at Armathwaite, especially after I’ve been been paddling or for a walk through the woods. There’s a nice open fire, the food’s good and the beer is good. And I love the home-made beers at the Old Crown at Hesket Newmarket. For a special meal, we go to Fantails in Wetheral.
Tell us something that not many people know about you.
I enjoy gardening, pottering around. It’s something different from the hills. When I’ve had a busy time in the hills, I’m happy to stay at home and cut the lawn.
If you could change anything about Cumbria, what would it be?
I’d make the hills higher, an extra 1,000 metres would be enough.
What’s your favourite walk in the county?
I like the walk from Armathwaite, through the woods to the weir, up past the sandstone outcrops, back to the Fox and Pheasant then home. It’s a great walk with
children too.
Which season do you like best here?
Winter definitely. I’m addicted to snow, I just love it. I’ve been winter climbing and I love skiing – my wife’s an alpine skier and I’m
a telemarker.
If you had to sum up Cumbria in a single word, what would it be?
Outstanding.
For the weather on the fells,
tel 0870 055 0575 or see
www.lake-district.gov.uk/weatherline.
First published at 11:54, Monday, 26 January 2009
Published by http://www.cumbrialife.co.uk
