Graham Uney, left, and Jon Bennett in their new kit
An outdoor brand that can trace its heritage back to Roald Amundsen, Ernest Shackleton and Sir Edmond Hillary has teamed up with the Lake District’s two felltop assessors.
The pair, who between them make the daily ascent to the top of Helvellyn during winter to provide reports for outdoor enthusiasts, have been kitted out by Bergans of Norway.
Graham Uney and Jon Bennett work shifts on behalf of the Lake District National Park Authority to supply real-life reports on weather and conditions on the area’s fells during the winter months. The men hike up Helvellyn daily to record temperatures, snow depth, wind speed, underfoot conditions and assess risks, including potential avalanches in weather conditions as low as -16C.
The service helps to protect the 15 million visitors and locals visiting the Lake District every year, via the Lake District’s Weatherline. Bergans of Norway has been selected as the official clothing and equipment partner for the pair.
Graham Uney, who is entering his second year as a felltop assessor, said: “I am at the start of my second season as fell top assessor and I’m hoping that it’ll be as varied and exciting as last year.
“Helvellyn is a great mountain to call your ‘workplace’ and I feel really privileged to be able to go up there every day, and help provide a service that keeps thousands of walkers and climbers safe throughout the winter season.
“Having sponsorship from Bergans of Norway and Asolo will make our job a safer and more comfortable one too.”
The Bergans of Norway brand is regularly relied upon by professional mountaineers and extreme explorers for protecting them against the elements. These include include Cecile Skog, Craig Mathieson and David Hempleman-Adams, who is currently leading the Endurance 100 Polar exploration expedition, to complete Shackleton’s final journey.
The company provided clothing for Shackleton’s original Antarctic trip, as well as Amundsen’s successful first journey to the South Pole, and Sir Edmund Hillary’s ascent of Everest.
Andy Nicolson of Bergans of Norway said: “We are delighted that Bergans have been chosen as lead sponsors for this initiative. There is so much synergy between the service offered by these felltop assessors and the heritage of the Bergans of Norway brand, built on protection from the elements.
“In challenging conditions, the correct clothing and equipment is vital. Knowing that the kit they have chosen has been specially developed in close collaboration with seasoned high-mountain climbers for protection from wind, extreme temperatures and changeable weather, will give Graham and Jon peace of mind that their kit is designed to perform when needed.”
Weatherline information is available online or by ringing 0844 846 2444. Calls cost 7p per minute plus your phone company’s access charge.
