The man who climbs Helvellyn on a daily basis is about to hang up his Weatherline boots.
The man who climbs Helvellyn daily to gather information
for the Lake District's Weatherline service, will make his
final working ascent of the mountain next Friday 13 April.
Pete Collins, an ex-Royal Marine, has spent alternate weeks
for the last five years between December and Easter walking to the summit
of the mountain to check wind direction and speed, air and wind chill
temperatures and conditions underfoot.
Now he's moving north to Scotland, so it's goodbye to his extreme
weatherman role, with more than a few regrets:
"If I wasn't moving to Scotland, I wouldn't give this up for
anything," said Pete. "To have spent five years getting paid for
going up a fantastic hill and helping people has been the best."
"This job has been all the things I enjoy doing most -
being on the fells in all conditions, using and developing mountain
skills, not just for myself but for countless others too".
"I'll always remember 25 December last year, there was temperature
inversion, with cloud below the summits and the tops bathed in warm,
winter sun. People out there were enjoying the experience instead of
being glued to a TV screen."
"Friday the 13th is going to be a tough day. I'm going to miss these
daily ascents but I take away so many happy memories. I want to say a
huge thank you to the thousands of people I've met up there. Their
friendship and encouragement has meant everything."
Pete's one of the nicest guys you could hope to meet and we'd like
to wish him all the best for his move to Scotland where he'll
continue with his 'other job' of testing outdoor clothing and
equipment.
The Lake District's Weatherline service is an invaluable
safety aid for walkers and climbers, you can get the latest forecast
by calling 0870 055 0575.
You can also find some more information about Pete at www.lake-district.gov.uk.
