Blog – Page 5 – Steve Banks Outdoors

Bowscale Tarn

The sun has finally made an appearance in the Lake District following what seems like eternal rain and wind. This led many people to rush to the hills to enjoy the warmer and dry conditions. Not to be left out, we had a half day stroll to Bowscale Tarn which was still quiet and tranquil. Many Lakeland tarns have now become interesting to wild swimmers, an activity which has developed very rapidly in recent years. We did dip a hand in the water and, despite the relatively warm air temperature, the water was bitterly cold – there was still snow clinging to the Northern headwall of the corrie. We’d certainly want a wet suit to go in there!

If you’d like Steve’s support to explore the Lakes, up high, down low or somewhere in between, he’ll be pleased to help – though not necessarily keen to swim! Get in touch on 07796 213817 and steve@stevebanksoutdoors.co.uk

By Steve|April 20th, 2023|Environment, Keswick Guided Walks, Mountain|Comments Off

Cave Leader training

Steve ran a Cave Leader training course in the Ingleborough area this week. We had glorious weather on the first day and quite the opposite on day two. By extending the first day and shortening the second we managed to cover everything and have an enjoyable and interesting time.

Steve will be advertising new dates for Spring and Summer shortly so keep an eye on the website for those if you’re interested in the qualification or just want to to be a more knowledgeable and safe caver. Alternatively, call Steve to arrange bespoke dates, he’ll do his best to help.

steve@stevebanksoutdoors.co.uk & 07796 213817

By Steve|March 30th, 2023|Cave|Comments Off

Vertical Cave Leader training, Yorkshire Dales

We have a Vertical Cave Leader (Level 2) training course coming up on the 30th & 31st March. This is an ideal course for anyone wanting to check and develop their own vertical caving practice and understanding, as well as those wishing to attain this British Caving Association award. Steve is one of the UK’s most active and experienced providers of these courses and will be pleased to support your progress. The two days are entirely practical in nature; Steve works hard to ensure you have the maximum amount of hands-on activity time.

If you are interested in this course, either for personal or professional development, Steve will be pleased to hear from you and happy to help. Get in touch on 07796 213817 and steve@stevebanksoutdoors.co.uk

If these dates don’t work for you Steve runs several courses over the year and can put them on by request too. Check the website for the latest dates.

By Steve|March 15th, 2023|Cave|Comments Off

Winter wandering

A sudden return to winter weather with lots of snow and very cold days led to us venturing out on a walk up Langstrath in Borrowdale, rather than enduring the strong and bitterly cold winds on the summits. Langstrath is an unusual, long Lakeland valley in that is only accessible on foot, this imbues it with a similar feel to that which can be experienced in many valleys of the Scottish Highlands. At this time of year and in this weather it is possible to also have the place to yourself – a rare pleasure in the Lakes! On warm Summer days it can be very busy, as visitors flock to Blackmoss Pot (image) to enjoy the deep pool.

Steve offers guided walks all year round in the Lakes and further afield. If you would like support for your adventures in the mountains and remote valleys please get in touch for a chat. He’ll be pleased to hear from you and happy to help: 07796 213817 and steve@stevebanksoutdoors.co.uk

By Steve|March 15th, 2023|Environment, Keswick Guided Walks, Mountain, Winter Mountain Walking|Comments Off

Cave Leader training, Yorkshire Dales

Steve has Cave Leader (Level 1) training coming up on March 27th & 28th. If you’re seeking to boost your personal caving awareness and knowledge, or to work towards this British Caving Association award, then this is an excellent two-day course for you. Steve is one of the UK’s most experienced and active BCA course providers and is able to augment this provision with his in-depth geographical knowledge – he is a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society.

The course is entirely practical and based outdoors so as to match knowledge, practice and discussion immediately to reality. If you’re interested in enrolling or would like to know more, please get in touch with Steve on 07796 213817 or steve@stevebanksoutdoors.co.uk

Forthcoming course dates can be found on our caving pages here: Caving

By Steve|March 15th, 2023|Cave|Comments Off

Cumbrian Sea Kayak Leader training

Steve ran a Sea Kayak Leader training course based at Roa Island and at St Bees (image) over two days. Cumbria has some very diverse environments which makes it a great location to undertake Sea Leader training. We covered equipment, personal paddling, group management, navigation on the water, different coastlines and their specific issues, a range of incidents to manage and more besides.

If you’re interested in becoming a better informed and safe paddler and/or wish to work towards the Sea Kayak Leader award, then this is the course for you. Many people take the training course purely for their own benefit with no interest in the qualification; this is absolutely fine and Steve encourages all paddlers to attend this training for, at least, their own development, safety and awareness.

Steve runs these courses throughout the year, check the website for forthcoming dates. If you are interested in attending or just wish to find out more, please call or email Steve for a discussion. He’ll be pleased to hear from you and happy to help: steve@stevebanksoutdoors.co.uk and 07796 213817

By Steve|March 13th, 2023|Sea Kayak|Comments Off

Coastal Navigation & Tidal Planning course

Steve ran a Coastal Navigation & Tidal Planning course for five sea kayakers wanting to increase their independence and safety and, for some of the group, to progress their Sea Kayak Leader awards. We covered weather and its interaction with the coast, with implications for sea kayakers; tides and tidal planning, buoyage and pilotage and then some practical planning exercises. An enjoyable and informative day was had by all.

If you would like to understand more above the marine environment so you can venture out on the sea in small craft more safely, then this is the course for you. It’s suitable for sea kayakers, sit on top paddlers and stand up paddleboarders who go out on the sea – we’ve even had wild swimmers on the course!

Steve runs this course regularly over the year and can also put on bespoke events. Check the web page for forthcoming dates or get in touch at steve@stevebanksoutdoors.co.uk and on 07796 213817.

By Steve|March 13th, 2023|Sea Kayak|Comments Off

Skill Acquisition course

Steve ran his two day Skill Acquisition course this week and was able to bring the participants up to date on critical issues in learning as advised by the academic evidence.

It is, unfortunately, still the case that information provided on various coach and teacher education courses still lags significantly behind this evidence base; sometimes it is completely contradicted by the evidence. Steve works hard on his Skill Acquisition course to explain and demonstrate how an evidence based approach is more rewarding for both learners and those supporting them. It is appropriate for all teachers, coaches and learners from all backgrounds and disciplines.

If you’re interested to develop your knowledge so as to better enable your own learning, or to more effectively support the learning of others, this is the course for you. Get in touch with Steve if you’re interested on 07796 213817 or steve@stevebanksoutdoors.co.uk

By Steve|March 3rd, 2023|Skill Acquisition|Comments Off

Level 2 (Vertical) Cave Leader training, Yorkshire Dales

Steve ran a further Vertical Cave Leader training course in the Dales with three competent candidates. We covered personal equipment and SRT, rigging for personal progression, rigging for group progression and the management of issues and incidents. An excellent two days was had by all.

If you are interested in furthering your personal caving or your caving qualifications Steve will be pleased to help you. He runs regular training courses for both Cave Leader and Vertical Leader. The next courses are the final week of March but it’s always possible to see the current dates by visiting the website.

Steve also provides caving training and guiding for people of all levels of experience, so if you fancy trying the dark side get in touch – no cold, wet, crawling in tight spaces needed!

Steve can be contacted on steve@stevebanksoutdoors.co.uk and 07796 213817

By Steve|February 20th, 2023|Cave|Comments Off

Sea Kayak Leader assessment, North West England

Steve ran a Sea Kayak Leader assessment day on the Cumbrian coast for two candidates in cold and windy conditions. This was our third attempt to run the day as we had not had the required moderate water conditions on the earlier two days. The candidates dealt with these delays, kept themselves sharp and current and produced good performances – well done to both!

If you are interested in trying or improving your sea kayaking or in developing your sea kayaking qualifications, Steve will be pleased to support you. He runs personal coaching days at all levels, British Canoeing sea kayak qualifications and courses as well as sea kayaking trips – two weeks in Shetland this Summer!

Sea Kayak Leader assessments are run on demand and by arrangement at mutually convenient times for one or two candidates over a single day.

Steve can be contacted on 07796 213817 and steve@stevebanksoutdoors.co.uk

By Steve|February 14th, 2023|Sea Kayak|Comments Off