Following Richard Sumner’s article about the rest step, the above picture shows(Sadly this could not be displayed here for technical reasons) RS demonstrating the RS to a small but enthusiastic audience, which would have been bigger but for the fact that we were all rolling about laughing ! The picture was taken by someone who wishes to remain anonymous but who lives in Loveclough, has long, slender legs and is wont to wear yellow shorts. The recipients of Richard’s knowledge are Elaine and Frank. The latter has now become a major exponent of the rest step and is often observed giving graphic and animated demonstrations to fellow walkers at every opportunity.

The three lonely old men are still sitting, weeping in their ale at the Griffin Pub on Tuesdays, looking for company from other members. We have had some company of late but can always use a little more. We tend to spend the evening solving the problems of the world. Join us, do.

by Richard Sumner

I first came across this technique when contemplating a holiday in Nepal and bought a guide book. It is the most exiting thing I’ve learned this year and I would like to share it with others who walk with our group but who sometimes feel that the climbs involved in our Lake District, or North Wales walks are too daunting. Maybe we are not as fit as we would like, or the passing years are taking their toll.

Briefly it is a method by which you have a minuscule rest at every step and it enables you to climb the longest and steepest slopes without distress. Now I am in my late fifties it has suddenly increased my enjoyment of the mountains. I find I am no longer apprehensive of big climbs and in fact even seek out the steeper routes of ascent (So what’s new - Ed.)

I had thought of reproducing a paragraph of text which describes the technique in detail but realised it would infringe the author’s copyright. So if you want to read it you will have to buy the guide book yourself. It is the Lonely Planet Publication, 'Trekking in the Nepal Himalaya' by Stan Armington and to me that around 300 word passage is worth more than the book.

Or ask me to show you how it is done ! I know when I have demonstrated it to my friends in slow motion they must have thought I looked like an automaton and fell about laughing - but both Walter and Susan have tried it on our recent Scottish holiday and found it very helpful. Especially, I remember, on our Sgurr na Ciche expedition when we had a continuous climb of 2000 feet from Glen Dessary to gain the ridge of Garbh Chioch Beag - easy !

So you will have to come on one of my RA walks (or read the book) and your hill climbing will be given a new lease of life. On the 5th July I will be leading a walk from Nant-Gwynant (Snowdonia). Think on !

by Walter Waide

· I don’t feel much like walking today.

· Let’s not call at that little pub in the valley serving real ale.

· Isn’t that a well-maintained stile.

· Wasn’t he a nice farmer and he made a lovely cup of tea.

· Shall we take a walk around the industrial sites today ?

· That walk was exactly ten miles Walter.

· Isn’t this steep gradient delightful.

· There’s no rush; let’s just take it easy.

· I’ll mow the lawn on Sunday.

There must be lots of you who have a list of ten things ramblers never say, or indeed, anybody never says. So if you're out there and you have a contribution to make, drop me an E-mail and you might get it published in the next edition of the Rossendale Rambler.

In fact, if you have any contribution at all to make, drop me an E-mail and I'll see if it can be used.

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