Sir Chris Bonington: 'stay active'. Photo: Bob Smith/grough

Mountaineering elder statesman Sir Chris Bonington has offered his thoughts on coping with lockdown during the coronavirus crisis.

Octogenarian Sir Chris, who is firmly in the government’s decreed vulnerable category, uses the analogy of being cooped up in a tent during expeditions.

But he also says it’s essential to keep active during the lockdown, something he is able to do from his doorstep on the fringe of the Lake District.

In his short YouTube film, the Everest summiteer who has led and taken part in expeditions around the world, also recalls one of his favourite mountain ascents, to Suilven in Sutherland.

The Berghaus director and ambassador urges outdoor enthusiasts to follow government guidance during the lockdown and reminds the public: “The hills will still be there.”

Sir Chris has produced a short YouTube film