Using Trekking Poles on Rocky Descents

There's a moment on every rocky descent when your knees start to complain. You've summited, enjoyed the view, and now face the loose, steep path down. That's where trekking poles earn their keep. They're not just for show – used properly, they reduce the load on your knees by up to 25 per cent on descents and give you a second and third point of contact on shifting ground. If you're staying in a Lake District cottage and planning a day on the fells, a pair of poles might be the best kit you pack.

The Hidden Toll of Rocky Descents

Descending is harder on your body than climbing. Every step down, your knee absorbs roughly three to four times your body weight. On loose stone, that force is unpredictable. Your quadriceps work eccentrically to control the movement, which leads to fatigue and, eventually, that shaky-leg feeling. Poles change the physics. By planting them ahead, you transfer some of that load to your upper body. On a steep, rocky path – think the descent from Scafell Pike via Brown Tongue or the loose zig-zags off Helvellyn – poles act as a brake and a balancer. They also give you confidence, which makes you less tense, which in turn makes you safer.

Adjusting Your Poles for Comfort and Control

The most common mistake is setting poles too long or too short. Start on flat ground. Stand upright with your poles vertical. The grips should sit at hip height, and your elbows should be bent at a comfortable right angle – roughly 90 degrees. That's your baseline. For descents, lengthen each pole by 5 to 10 centimetres. This lets you plant them further ahead and lower your centre of gravity. For ascents, shorten them by the same amount. Many poles have marked sections, so you can note your settings. If you're using flick-locks, check they're tight – a collapsing pole on a rocky descent is dangerous. Twist-locks need a firm hand too, but don't over-tighten.

Mastering the Technique on Loose Stone

Technique matters more than the poles themselves. On rocky ground, place your pole tip on a stable rock or firm earth, not on a loose stone that will roll away. Aim to plant the pole just ahead of your foot, then step past it. Don't stab the ground; a gentle, deliberate plant is enough. Use your poles as outriggers for balance, not as crutches. Keep your arms relaxed and your shoulders down. On very steep sections, you can lengthen the poles further and use them like a handrail, lowering yourself down step by step. Walk with shorter steps than usual. If the path is really loose, consider side-stepping or zig-zagging. And remember: two poles are better than one for balance, but one pole is better than none.

• Grip lightly: Don't strangle the handle. Use the straps – slide your hand up through the loop from below, so the strap supports your wrist.
• Plant, don't push: The pole is for stability, not propulsion. Pushing off can cause you to slip.
• Watch your tips: Carbide tips grip rock well. Replace them when they dull. Rubber tips are for pavement, not fells.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even experienced fell walkers make errors. Setting poles too long on descents forces you to lean back, which reduces control. Setting them too short makes you hunch. Using poles without adjusting the straps means you grip too hard, leading to forearm fatigue. Some people plant poles too far ahead, which pulls them off balance. Others swing them wildly, which is tiring and annoying for companions. And a surprising number forget to check the locking mechanisms before setting off. A quick pre-walk check – extend each pole, lock it, and press down firmly – takes ten seconds and saves a lot of grief. Also, don't use poles as a substitute for good footwork. Look where you're stepping, not just where your poles are going.

Poles, Knees, and Your Lake District Cottage Holiday

After a day of rocky descents, your knees will thank you for using poles. But the benefits don't stop at the trailhead. Back at your Lake District cottage – whether it's a cosy bolthole in Borrowdale, a converted barn near Keswick, or a cottage with a view of Wast Water – you can relax properly. Rinse your poles with fresh water to remove grit and salt, then dry them fully before collapsing them. Store them extended if possible, as this keeps the locking mechanisms clean. Hang your wet gear in the porch or utility room. Then put your feet up, have a cup of tea, and plan tomorrow's walk. With poles in hand, you'll be ready for another day on the fells – and your knees will carry you back to the cottage for many holidays to come.