Lake District fell assessor completes 750th ascent

Jon Bennett, aged 61, has been working for the Lake District National Park since December 2008 with 2024 being his 16th season in the role.

Jon's work revolves around climbing up mountains and assessing the weather and terrain conditions ensuring that any other adventurers can get the latest information before heading out.

He said: "I've been walking in the fells for up to 50 years now so, even before I joined, I was always using the service.

"I never expected to be given an interview, let alone an actual job, but it's been wonderful to give something back after they helped me."

Jon and his fellow assessors (Image: Lake District Weather Line)

Lake District Weather Line provide daily reports for those heading into the fells, with Jon currently working on a rota with fellow assessors Zac Poulton and Wes Hunter.

"As you go up into the fells, the conditions can vastly change compared to what you see on the ground," Jon explained.

"That means we're providing a vital service - giving as much information about what the snow is like or what the ground conditions are like - so that we can keep people safe."

The weather conditions might not have been perfect for Jon's 750th ascent - but that's all part of the job (Image: Jon Bennett)

For Jon, the landmark ascent was just another day at the office, though it represents the approaching end of his career.

"I'm 61 now so I've been doing it for a number of years, which probably means that it's time for someone younger to be taking over," he said.

"And we'll see if the next person who comes along can beat 750 ascents!"

Whilst Jon's 16th and final season will end at Easter, there is no chance of the fells being removed completely from his life.

"It'll be nice to go out for walks when it's nice outside, rather than looking for poor weather," he said.

"And I've set myself a major target after meeting a man celebrating his 80th birthday by climbing up Scafell Pike - I'd love to spend my 80th doing that too."