Winter seems to be hanging on and making efforts to keep us in the cold grip of snows and frosts.

In recent weeks I've been out with groups from Hartpury College and Longtown Outdoor Centre on the Black Mountains in sleety, snowy, frosty, and occasionally sunny conditions. One thing that the groups have had in common is a desire to experience what the hills are like in wintry conditions. On a cold windy but dry day on the Black Mountains, we came across an adder, the first I've seen up there - it was basking in a sheltered spot of heather and din't seem happy at being disturbed by six pairs of hiking boots trampling towards it!

On another day I was out with teachers from Shropshire on a navigation day on Brown Clee and came across the stone plaque in the picture - it commemorates the 23 airmen (both British & German) who lost their lives in crashes on the hill during the second world war. A lovely statement to remember those who fought on both sides and gave their lives.

Spring is coming on and climbing outdoors has started - last weekend I was out bouldering at the Plantation on Stanage - the grit was in really dry condition and it was good to be moving on rock and reminding the body what this climbing business is all about.

Climbing courses are starting to fill up and there are still places on Climbing Wall Award and SPA courses for this spring if you are thinking of registering on these schemes.

Currently I'm working on the Isle of Man training staff from the Venture Centre - we've been climbing down at the Chasms as well as practicing rescues from their ropes challenges and abseil station. Tomorrow we start a walking group leader training course for them, and will be exploring the hills on the island in close-up with maps and compasses to hand.