Axe Edge Moor Winter Walk and I’m a BIG kid at heart

The long awaited snow came to Britain, well, for those who love the snow and winter walking, which I do and I guess many of you who will read this, will also enjoy the snow as much as I do.

My long awaited winter walk for this winter actually happened. Not only that, I actually managed to walk Axe Edge Moor with fantastic clear views!

Before I go any further, winter walking in the snow can be fun, but it can be fraught with danger! The snow can and will cover hidden dangers, holes, loose rocks, which can result in injury.

My pack was set up for winter conditions, with all I would need except for an ice axe and crampons, which really would have been an unnecessary over kill for this walk.

If you would like to know many of the items I carry, have a read of What's in my pack?

Now you might be like me, because we don’t get much of an opportunity to get and walk, no, I’ll change that to play, in the snow, I am like a big kid, I want to be out all day plus!

The first time I walked on Axe Edge Moor was I February 2011 while staying with friends just outside Buxton. It snowed then, but the visibility was poor. But that didn’t detract from a very enjoyable winter walk.


The gate alongside Cisterns Clough to the track leading up to Dane Head


Typical view when I was on Axe Edge Moor, February 2011

Typical view on Axe Edge Moor, June 2013

The next time was eighteen months ago, on a wet June day, which you can read about in Axe Edge Moor, the Cat and Fiddle pub and a Stag Do, where we walked from the Cat and Fiddle Inn.

So for me, it was a double whammy not only to walk in some fantastic snow and countryside, but to have superbly clear views as well!

I had planned for a late start, but didn’t want too late a finish in view of the drive there and back, for I wasn’t expecting the best of road conditions, particularly around Buxton. The journey overall wasn’t of too big a surprise, though Buxton and the A53 were fantastically clear. Well done those maintaining the roads there. However, Staffordshire Roads, particularly the A515 from Rugeley almost up to Buxton, left a lot to be desired, with lots of snow and ice.

I accept that much of the A515 is exposed, but so are the A53, and A54, which sit either side of Axe Edge Moor, and were very clear.

I wasn’t even sure if I was going to get to Axe Edge Moor, after monitoring traffic reports shared via Twitter.

So I put in a plan for an alternative, my old favourite Stanton Moor, which I walked several times, in all weathers and knew I could access.

You can read about one of my winter walks on Stanton Moor in Stanton Moor on a snowy Sunday.

I digress, I’d planned for a three hour drive, and I had a three hour drive, though normally it would be a two and a half hour drive, and kept my walk short to facilitate the slow drive home.

Which is a shame, I wanted to try my new toy out, a Led Lenser H7.2 headtorch.

Incidentally, first impressions, it’s a nice usable headtorch.

I parked up in the layby, which I missed due to the fact it was covered in snow, on the east side of Axe Edge Moor, at Cisterns Clough, and got suited and booted. That also included putting on my Microspikes, then set off along the road in a northerly direction for about 290 metres, to pick up the track heading on to Axe Edge Moor.

Now I’m guilty of not using my trekking poles enough, but today I had planned to use them, as both a walking aid and to test the depth of the snow, but hopefully not as a part of my first aid kit, like I did when descending Moel Siabod and more recently, walking Alport Dale.

Because there was snow and I was expecting deep snow in places, it is a winter walk; I fitted the snow baskets to my poles.

For those who don’t know, snow baskets are not like shopping baskets, but extra wide shields that fit just above the carbide tip, to reduce how far the poles will sink in snow.

Those you can read in Moel Siabod and my old Navigation Training Ground and Alport Castles Alport Dale and River Alport.

I’ve also written a piece about my own personal views on trekking poles, which can be read in Trekking Poles, love ‘em or hate ‘em?

There is a footpath following Cisterns Clough, upstream, but I felt that for today, I didn’t fancy getting caught up on deep snow at such an early stage.

Incidentally, it’s worth noting for those not used to winter walking in the snow, trudging through snow is great fun, but, it will tire you out and also, more importantly, your average walking pace will be considerably slower!

Think of it like walking through thick mud, if you've ever walked through mud, and that will probably give you an idea how hard and slow walking in snow can be.

SO ALLOW EXTRA TIME to cover your route.

So I entered the track through the nearby gate and cattle grid (see first photo) making good progress up the track to Dane Head and on to Axe Edge Moor , where the views were jaw dropping awesome.

...."on to Axe Edge Moor and the views were jaw dropping awesome"....

Looking across towards the Cat and Fiddle Pub

Zoomed in photo of the Cat and Fiddle Pub

The views around made what seemed a large expanse in low cloud and poor visibility seem so small and beautiful!

Those of you, who know me, know I love taking lots of photos, many photos from this walk can be seen on my Flickr account on the following link: Axe Edge Moor Dec 2014.

It was a perfect day, the sun was out, the skies were blue and the views were awesome. But it was a tad cold with hardly any wind!

...."it was a tad cold with hardly any wind"....



It was just too tempting to extend my walk right out to the Cat and Fiddle Pub, walking past Derbyshire Bridge. But, I had to restrain myself, the A515 was not going to be forgiving, plus, temperatures will drop and ice, particularly black ice, will be prevalent.

But I stuck to my planned route, which was walk up to Dane Head, head south towards Orchard Farm, cut across to Reeve-edge and Danebower Quarries, cross the River Dane, head for the A54, walk back towards Buxton and pick up the track through Dane Head and return to the car.

...."a public footpath signpost on my right, which marks the path
from the A54 and Derbyshire Bridge"....

Following the track, the point at which I would leave the track and head for Orchard Farm was a public footpath signpost on my right, which marks the path from the A54 and Derbyshire Bridge.

Here I head south, that would take me up and over Axe Edge Moor and in to some deep snow, or so I was hoping.

I told you I was a big kid, at heart…..

It wasn’t long before I was in my element, walking the path, in virgin snow and woops, my foot sank deep in to the snow!

From here, I was rewarded with some rather deep patches of snow, which unsurprisingly slowed the pace down somewhat.

I wasn’t worried, I expected that and planned for it when I plotted my route, and using Naismith’s Rule, which also mentions Tranter’s Corrections, estimated my walk time.

Incidentally, I use an Excel Spreadsheet to calculate my walks, which also takes in to account sunset time, but you can find online calculators. This is one Naismith’s Calculator, I found online, which takes in to account Tranter’s Corrections.


The Naismith's Spreadsheet Calculator I use

I’ve digressed. Continuing along the path I eventually reach a dry stone wall, with a style almost in the left hand corner as I approach it. Crossing the style allows me to continue along the path down to Orchard Farm, hand railing the steam that flows along my left.

The virgin snow and the dry stone wall with the style to cross.

The snow covered style!

Take care if you follow this path in poor visibility, for there is a steep drop down to the river on your left.

On previous walks here, I’ve followed the path right down in to the valley, but this time, I fancied staying high up and descending the other side of Orchard Farm.

As I Walked the path, there soon appeared a path/track to my right, going uphill, which allowed me to join the path I was after. Almost at the top, Orchard Farm was in view, so checking my map, shows a path through Orchard Farm.

As I was approaching Orchard Farm, there was no obvious sign of a style
or other appropriate method of following the footpath, so I decided to circumnavigate the wall.


...."approaching Orchard Farm, there was no obvious sign of a style
or other appropriate method of following the footpath"....

 
As I walked alongside the wall, I looked down and still couldn’t see any obvious sign of access, though I could clearly see a route through the farmyard.

I was tempted to shortcut across the moor, but I wanted to follow the wall round and observe what was around, more for future reference.

Following the wall, I soon started to descend down to the path where the path through Orchard Farm came out. Through the gate, then a sharp right to take the path that follows the south-western edge of Cheeks Hill along the Dane Valley Way.

The fence that followed on from the dry stone wall

Through the gate at the end of the fence, then sharp right
to follow the path off to the left

After a short while along the path, there is a dry stone wall, which you continue to hand rail right up to a gap between what were once two upright walls, where you enter Reeve-edge Quarry, then on to Danebower Quarry.

The dry stone wall alongside Dane Valley Way


The gap through which the Dane Valley Way continues through

While walking along this path, my Microspikes seemed to keep filling up with snow!

Not something I’ve encountered before. This may have been down to the composition of the snow and lots of ruts in the track where farm vehicles would have driven through, therefore (my description, not a technical one) creating a muddy type of ice and snow congealed!

It hadn’t happened before and jumping the story a bit, nor did it happen again while walking through snow. So I doubt it was a fault with the Microspikes, just the type of snow!

This would be one of the reasons why crampons should have anti-balling plates fitted, to prevent snow and ice build-up between the crampon and boot sole, and certainly all new ones I’ve seen do have anti-balling plates fitted.

Now back to the blog.

If the wind is right, you can often shelter in Reeve-edge Quarry for a lunch stop, but on this day, the wind was just blowing enough to make it a little too chilly, coupled with it being in the shade from the sun, it wasn’t quite the ideal stop for lunch.

Axe Edge Moor and its surrounding area has been a hive of historical activity, which you can read about on the following two links Peak District Mines Historical Society; Danebower Colliery, Wildboarclough and Reeve Edge quarries.

Moving on, still ascending slightly, I soon reached the point where I would descend down to the River Dane, which can be very fast flowing. However, today, it wasn’t too bad and I was able to cross on the raised, but submerged stones to climb out the other side.

...."River Dane, which can be very fast flowing.
However, today, it wasn’t too bad
and I was able to cross on the raised, but submerged stones"....

The climb up from the River Dane


Once across the river, it’s a short climb up to the first level, where a lot of round shaped stone constructions, possibly remnants of the Danebower Quarry.

A sharp left, then aligns you to the footpath leading up to the A54.

The path from Dane Bower towards the A54

As you walk along this path, there is another steep path leading up to the A54, but I gave that a miss this time, for it could have been a little interesting in the snow.

So I continued on to the A54, seeing a gap in the roadside crash barrier, where the path meets the road.

All that remains is this chimney stack, of the old Danebower Quarry

...."a gap in the roadside crash barrier, where the path meets the road"....

...."sharp right, heading up the road"....

Turning sharp right, heading up the road, I started the roadside trek to pick up the track at Tinkers Pit for Dane Head.

Here I had a good view towards the Cat and Fiddle Pub and Derbyshire Bridge, before setting off along the track.

...."the track at Tinkers Pit for Dane Head"....

The track to Dane Head

...."I had a good view towards the Cat and Fiddle Pub
and Derbyshire Bridge"....

The track by now had been used by quite a few motorists, compacting the snow making it ice and slippery. Now problem for the Microspikes, as they crunched each spike in to the compacted ice, making my walk back an extremely comfortable and enjoyable, each step, filled with confidence.

It wasn’t long before I reached the point where the path from the A54 crosses the track, which is where I turned off earlier to head for Orchard Farm, identified by the public footpath signpost, then, soon after, the high point of the track at Dane Head,

From here, it is downhill all the way back to the car park at Cisterns Clough.

A thoroughly enjoyable day, a great walk, with great views and I encountered quite a few folk out having a wander, but safely so, keeping close to the road and where their vehicles were parked.

The map showing my route

Now the fun drive home. The drive in to Buxton was good, the roads clear, then the A515 out of Buxton, was ok until the Harpur Hill and Longnor junction, where from there, it was some nasty patches of snow, ice and black ice, all the way back towards Rugeley.

For those wondering, I don’t live in Rugeley, it’s just part of the route I use from my home not too far from Birmingham.

Before I finish, a few thoughts I want to share with you if you’re new to winter walking, especially in the snow.

Winter walking in the snow can be fun, but it can be fraught with danger! The snow can and will cover hidden dangers, holes, loose rocks, which can result in injury.

Also, walking in the snow will slow your average pace down considerably, so allow for extra time or better still, shorten your walk so you can finish safely.

If in doubt, leave it out, have an escape route or an alternative plan.

One last thought, if you’re considering winter snow or ice climbing, Microspikes are no substitute for crampons. If you are considering using crampons, then please, take a proper winter skills course, from a qualified Mountain Leader, there is a lot to learn, including how to arrest a fall using an ice axe, different styles of walking up and downhill.

A course like that is a worthwhile investment, for some of the skills you learn, can be used in many other scenarios.

I did one a few years ago, it was hard work, but damned good fun and I learnt a lot.

Finally, happy rambling and thank you for reading,
Peak Rambler

Photo Album  Peak Rambler Flickr Photo Album  

Links to some of the items I’ve mentioned and written about here:
What's in my pack?
Stanton Moor on a snowy Sunday
Moel Siabod and my old Navigation Training Ground
Alport Castles Alport Dale and River Alport
Trekking Poles, love ‘em or hate ‘em?
Axe Edge Moor Dec 2014
Naismith’s Calculator
Peak District Mines Historical Society; Danebower Colliery, Wildboarclough
Reeve Edge quarries

Toughprint Waterproof Paper from Memory map

After reading some blogs regarding various bits of outdoor walking and camping gear, I thought it might be an idea to write a short blog on Toughprint paper, which I used on Sunday 4th March while walking in the White Peak.

Before I go any further, these views and are my own, I am not employed, nor do I have any connections with Memory Map, other than the fact I use Memory Map on my computer at home.

I am employed in the automotive industry and my role involves liaising with engineers in new product development.


Just a little personal background first, which will explain why I have opted to use smaller maps.


As a keen outdoors person, I became involved in Scouting, sharing my skills with fellow adults and young people alike.

I saw an advert in our local Scout circulars, for leaders to partake in a Mountain Experience weekend, where we stayed in a very neat Victorian house in Betws-y-Coed. From there, we ascended Tryfan via the North Ridge from Milestone Buttress, returning via Bwlch Tryfan, Llyn Bochlywd back to Milestone Butress.

Wow, a great day, with qualified ML's (Mountain Leaders), ready to train Scout Leaders for the Terrain 1 and 2 Summer permits. I picked up some very useful skills, shared experiences with fellow outdoors folk and Scout Leaders.

Many more weekends with these guys followed over time and I learnt and acquired great many tips and skills from these guys, many helping me to improve my basic map and compass skills along with group management under good conditions and when things got bad.

Once these guys had got their winter ML permits, the opportunity to go winter climbing arose, using ice axes and crampons. Wow, a dream fulfilled, something I had wanted to do from my very early hill walking days, but wouldn't because of the safety implications.

I digress. One of the tips shared was to make a map compact and usable, no uncontrolled flowing sheets, or the need to keep folding and refolding the map to follow the route. Everything was to hand, tidy, easy to read and plan from.

This is where Toughprint comes in.

How often has it been a pain to fold a map, stuff it in a map case only to find you need to get it out, refold it for another stage of your hike?

Yes, we've all been there.

Then I progressed on to Lamfolds. Waterproof, tough and no need for map cases to keep it dry, but a pain to fold and keep folded. Since then, I've started to replace my Lamfolds with Tuff Maps.

I'll save that for another blog later.

So, tip one, using a large elastic band, wrap it around to keep the map folded. Great until the elastic band breaks.

So I started to print on A4 paper, slide it in a plastic sleeve, seal the end with waterproof tape and off I went.

One problem, trying to take a bearing or reading, the paper moved inside the sleeve.

Then, I saw Toughprint paper advertised on Memory map's website. I had to give it a try.

I purchased Toughprint paper for Ink Jet printers.

Toughprint waterproof paper is supplied in two categories, one for Inkjet printers and the other for Laser printers.

So I printed a map, using my HP Photosmart Plus B210 printer, with genuine HP ink, showing my intended route plotted, using Toughprint Waterproof paper for Ink Jet Printers.

Well, on my recent walk, Alport to Stanton Moor, the weather was ideal, it was raining, followed by sleet and snow; I had the opportunity to get the map, printed on Toughprint waterproof paper, wet and abuse it.

The objective was to follow a route, in the rain, sleet or snow, whatever the weather threw at me, with normal usage, see how resilient the waterproof paper was.

I folded the map, so I could use it sensibly, kept it out in the wet as much as possible, only twice putting it in my pocket to stop it being blown away while I needed both hands, once while scrambling, the other, whilst eating my lunch.

Perhaps I should have put the map in and out of a pocket more, to create some rubbing and creasing, but the objective was really to see how it faired against getting wet.

I did however, rub my fingers over the printed area to try and smudge the ink or rough up the paper, but it withstood both tests with flying colours.

One thing I noticed while out on my walk, in the rain and snow, the map seemed to become a little tacky to touch. I did think, “Ah ha, sweaty hands, it’s met its demise, its going to start to rough up and disintegrate”.

Even on such a cold wet day, my hands can sweat, but not even that caused any smudging, roughing up or any degradation of the map, which stayed as good as when I started the walk.

The only thing I didn't do was drop the map in a puddle, which I suppose I should have done, to complete the test. But that was remedied back home. I dunked the map in a puddle.

However, on a later wander in the Peak District, I did find some rather peaty water to dunk a map in, and it was still as durable for the remainder of the walk as it was at the start.

Testing the waterproof paper in the peat waters of the Peak District

Making sure the map was  well and truly dunked

Once again, the surface became a little tacky to touch, but it wouldn’t smudge, rough up or falter one little bit.

I can only guess that the tacky feel I felt while out on the walk and after dunking the map in a puddle was the waterproofing doing its job, protecting the paper and ensuring the ink didn’t smudge.

I can put up with the tacky feel when wet. It wasn’t uncomfortable, I didn’t loose my grip, in fact, it probably aided the grip while the map was very wet.

In future, I will comfortably be using Toughprint waterproof paper for my maps, but, for commonsense purposes, I WILL keep a Lamfold or Tuff Map in my pack as back up.

NOTES;
  • Toughprint waterproof paper comes in two categories, one for Ink Jet printers, the other for Laser printers.
      • Ensure that you purchase the correct paper for your printer.
  • The printer used was a HP Photosmart Plus B210 Ink jet printer
  • Ink was GENUINE HP ink

Links
Memory Map
http://www.memory-map.co.uk/

Toughprint Paper
I would like to extend a special thank you to Colin James, Elaine James, Andy Jackson, Sarah Jackson, Gareth Hopkins, Nikki Hopkins, Bob Tansey and Andy Ward, for their support, training and sharing of experiences. Without you guys, I would never have learnt so much so quick and put in to practice, with confidence, these skills. The Woodlands Weekends were a real pleasure, which I will miss.

Finally, I would like to say thank for reading.

Peak Rambler

Early walking days, time to reflect before we judge

"Hindsight is a wonderful tool.
But sadly, it can only be applied after the event!"

What a statement to open with.....

Here I want to share some thoughts with you, which I have already shared in an earlier posting; “Peak Rambler’s Ramblings; another year ends and time to reflect
 
At the end there are some links to postings and sources of information that might be of interest.

I'm not alone, there are many more who like me, started in very much the same way, and taken the opportunity to learn from our elders, to enable us to enjoy our hobby more safely.
I've provided a link to Martin's story towards the end and also in my list of links to look at.
 
A time to reflect,
an enjoyable and successful winter walk


We all have done it, many still do, criticise those who have to get rescued from the hills and moors that we so love and cherish. We don’t wish to see gates and permits permitting when and when not folk can get out and enjoy the outdoors, or even restrict the areas they can go based on their skills.


Or is it a good idea?




I'm not writing this to be judgemental, merely to share some thoughts that might help those out there who are vulnerable and hopefully guide them nicely the right way.

One of life’s great teachers, is experience!

Remember, we’re all vulnerable, it’s just that training and experience have helped to reduce, not remove, the risk.
 
Believe it or not, learning hill skills is fun
This was the end of a night navigation session, on open moorland in Snowdonia
 
There is a wealth of information out there, but often, for the newcomers to our wonderful hobby, it's not always easy to find, or even grasp.

However, while there is a wealth of information, there is also a minefield of mis-information, assumptions and other sources of misleading reports and details regarding routes, equipment and many other aspects.

At this point, I will say you can't beat a proper training course, where you will learn a lot from a qualified and experienced instructor, and also have fun.

One brilliant way to teach children, and animals, is fun, and making it a game. After all, search and police dogs are taught that if they do their job properly, there’s a toy, usually a ball, at the end of it. Perhaps as adults, we still like the adventure and play to learn just the same?

So here it is, the piece I wrote back in January 2015, though the photos are a today's addition.

My early walking days, not something to be proud of, but neither am I ashamed, for things were not like they are today were equal to what many of us today, condemn when we see inadequately skilled and kitted folk on the hills and moors.

Back then, I didn’t have the knowledge or skills I have today, but to the best of my ability and skills at the time, I got out and enjoyed the outdoors.

There was a wild camp on Kinder, in the late seventies, with friends, using old ex-army heavy canvas ridge tents, no real map skills, no real appreciation for clothing, not that clothing was very technical back then and pure guess work.

Ok, we never really hit the plateau, even though we thought we had, but it was still fraught with issues, that we were totally ignorant of. 
 
Kinder Low in winter dressage
Beautiful but dangerous

Dangers of hill and moorland walking, fog and low cloud!
This was about an hour later than  the above photo
when descending from Kinder Low
 
It wasn't long before it was 'WHITE OUT' conditions!
Visibility was severely reduced
and serious navigation skills are required


But we were out in the wilds, really enjoying the life!

As time went on, I started to accrue the knowledge and basic skills, but nothing to what I have today. There were no obvious courses, some books and magazines, but I was a bad book reader back then…..

So, what am I saying?

Many of us have been there, poorly kitted out, little or no knowledge, out in the hills or on the moors etc, but subsequently we’ve gained the skills to a reasonable level and upgraded our kit accordingly, budgets permitting.

Perhaps many of the folk we see out in the wilds, on the hills and moors, inadequately kitted out, poor or no navigation skills and outdoor knowledge, are just that, innocently out there, enjoying what we enjoy.
 
Learn how to use a map and compass, correctly

I enjoy chatting to folk when I’m out walking, whether in my group, or not, and also when I’m solo walking, I’ll stop and chat with passers-by, sharing briefly their days experiences and wish them a safe and enjoyable day.

At times, I’ve offered advice, even though not asked for it, some hadn’t even thought of the consequences, but all, have been grateful.

On one occasion, one young couple on Kinder changed their route, avoiding the plateau and were extremely grateful, for they never envisaged Kinder plateau being so wild!

It’s not always easy to tell who is innocently ignorant, and those who are blatantly arrogant.

But there are those blatantly arrogant and push their luck!
 
Not even all the kit and skills can make you totally safe!

I took a tumble atop Alport Dale back in October. An ML I know took a very nasty tumble off a mountain while solo winter walking. The local mountain rescue team rescued him and he required a hospital stay, in a local hospital before being transferred to a hospital near his home.

His embarrassment, one of his rescuers was on the same Glenmore Lodge Winter course as him!
 
It can be very bitterly cold walking in the British winter


And windy!

There are hidden dangers when winter walking,
like cornices that you might be walking on, if close to an edge!
 
We’ve heard of mountain rescue team members falling to their deaths on home ground!

Kit and skills are not guaranteed to stop the inevitable happening, merely reduce the chances and improve our chance of survival should things go wrong.


It can be very hot walking in the UK!

Enjoy the views and tranquillity

To finish this, I know many of you are like me, will stop and share the day’s experiences, so what I’m going to say, you will most likely do. But those who don’t, perhaps a little time tactfully taken to get to know inadequately kitted folk might save a life and put them on the right road to safety!
 
Remember, stay safe and enjoy the outdoors, and if it looks dangerous, or unsafe, the chances are, it could easily be the case, so change your plans, or turn back if necessary.
 
Also, always leave a route plan and estimated times and instruction who and when to call for help, with a responsible adult. So if you're delayed and need help, then your rescuers have a good idea where to go.
 
Take the time to learn outdoor skills, like
  • map and compass,
  • clothing and equipment
  • when and where to walk
Learn how to stay safe, how to call for help when there is no mobile phone signal;
  • Your call                   Six blasts every minute
  • Your rescuers call   Three blasts every minute
Above all else, don't be afraid to share your experiences, not only could you learn something new, but someone else could benefit from your experiences and stay safer as a result.
 
Yes, I was innocently foolhardy in those early days
Yes, I was lucky, well, we all were
Yes, I've since taken part in many training sessions and learnt the skills I need to try and stay safe out on the hills and moors.

And what's more, I've been happier exploring areas that I wouldn't have deemed possible, especially in winter.

Hindsight is a wonderful tool, but sadly, it can only be applied after the event!

A proper training course, lead by a qualified and experienced instructor, is not only educational, but also can be good fun, and what you take away from the instruction is invaluable.

It won't stop you having an accident, merely reduce the chances, and you will alert yourself to possible dangers and workout the best way to reduce the risk, if you can't eliminate the risk.

That's called RISK ASSESSMENT.

It's something many people feel is a dirty phrase, but in reality, you do it subconsciously all the time. When you cross the road, or if you're driving, pulling out on to a busy road, you hold back, assess the situation, them, when you're satisfied its safe to do so, make your move.

A simple acronym I was once taught while completing a Remote First Aid Course:
STOP!

S    STOP          Before you go any further, are YOU safe?
T    THINK         Think what dangers there might be around
O   OBSERVE   Observe your location, look for hidden and obvious dangers
P   PROCEED   Once you're satisfied you're safe, then proceed

Incidentally, a Remote First Aid Course, is exactly as it sounds, a first aid course designed for those who spend a lot of time out in remote and wild places. It teaches you first aid, and probably more importantly, TRIAGE, which is how to assess who needs to be treated first.

Before I close, the story I'd like to share with you, from a fellow hill walker, Martin, who like me, and a good many others, started the same way, but we developed our skills. Martin's story is about his very early hill walking days, and it called: Hillwalking in the 1980’s – My First Mountain, Great Gable and Wasdale, no gear and no idea!

Martin's story is worth a reading.

A phrase to remember: 
"If in doubt - Leave it out"
 
The hills and moors will still be there another day.
 
Finally, happy rambling and thank you for reading,
Peak Rambler
 

 
Links to postings and sources of information that might be of interest: