Walking is reckoned to be the biggest recreational activity in the UK. As a sport it is gentle and certainly low impact yet the pleasures and benefits are tangible - even a short walk can invigorate and refresh you.

Possessing an ice axe is one thing - knowing how to use is quite another. On snow or ice your ice axe is your most valuable asset. Allen Fyffe explains the key techniques to get you out of trouble.

Before you set off, you must be as well prepared as possible to avoid any mishaps or inconvenience. Bruce Goodlad looks at the preparations for a winter walking or mountaineering trip.

Crampons are a foolproof way to traverse ice or hard, slippery snow - provided you know how to use them. Allen Fyffe shows you how to master them quickly and safely.

Scott Muir offers some valuable information on dealing with emergencies and looks at ways of avoiding them.

Allen Fyffe is a qualified British Mountain Guide, was an instructor at Glenmore Lodge for 25 years and is now the Executive Secretary of the Scottish Mountain Leader Training Board. He has been involved in every aspect of mountaineering and climbing, and in Scotland has done over 200 new routes in both summer and winter.

Scott Muir MIC is an outstanding mountaineer with over 16 years of trekking and climbing experience exploring and guiding routes and peaks around the globe up to 7000m. He is a fully qualified mountain instructor, full time athlete and Scottish Youth Team coach. Visit Scott's website for more details.

Nigel Williams MIC, BASI is Head of Training at Glenmore Lodge, the National Outdoor Centre in Scotland. He has trekked and climbed in the Himalayas, including Mt Everest.