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Why steep grass is trickier than it looks

After a grand day on the fells, the path tilts downhill. For many hillwalkers, steep grassy descents feel more unnerving than the climb. Grass can look benign, but when it is wet, long, or lying over loose earth, it offers surprisingly little traction. Add a heavy rucksack and tired legs, and a slip can quickly become a slide. The good news is that a few simple habits can turn a white-knuckle descent into a controlled one. The key is to work with the slope rather than fight it.

The core technique: short steps and weight back

The single most effective change you can make is to shorten your stride dramatically. On steep ground, long steps force your centre of gravity forward and increase the chance of your leading foot skidding out. Instead, take small, frequent steps that keep your feet underneath you. Think of shuffling rather than striding.

At the same time, keep your weight back. This does not mean leaning backwards, which is unstable. Instead, keep your hips slightly behind your feet, knees bent and torso upright. Your weight should feel settled over your heels rather than your toes. On very steep grass, lower your centre of gravity by bending your knees more. This gives a lower, more stable base.

Other essentials include:

• Look ahead: Scan a few metres down the slope for the best line, rather than staring at your feet. Your feet will follow your eyes.
• Use your arms: Let them swing naturally or hold them slightly out for balance. Do not keep your hands in your pockets.
• Stay relaxed: Tension makes you stiff and more likely to stumble. Breathe steadily and let your joints absorb the bumps.
• Engage your core: A braced midriff helps you control your momentum and react to slips.

Reading the ground: grass, scree, and wet rock

Not all descents are equal. On grass, look for short, tussocky turf which offers better grip than long, lush blades. Wet grass on mud or loose soil is the worst combination – treat it with caution. Step on the edges of tussocks or embedded stones. Avoid dark, slick grass and patches where water has run off.

Loose scree – those shifting fields of small stones – demands a different approach. Here, the trick is to keep your feet flat and let them sink slightly rather than trying to tiptoe. Take very short, quick steps and avoid sudden changes of direction. Plunge stepping, where you land on the whole sole of your foot and allow a little slide, can work well on finer scree, but it takes practice.

Wet rock is the hazard to avoid entirely if you can. Even the grippiest boots struggle on wet, algae-covered rock, especially on a steep slope. If your line takes you across wet rock slabs or boulders, look for an alternative route on grass or scree. Stepping onto wet rock on a descent is one of the most common causes of serious slips. If you must cross it, keep your weight over your feet and take it very slowly.

Using poles and boots to your advantage

Walking poles are a huge help on steep descents. They give two extra points of contact and take pressure off your knees. Adjust them so that when you plant a pole downhill, your elbow is bent at roughly 90 degrees. On very steep ground, lengthen them slightly. Place the pole ahead, but do not lean on it heavily – it is for balance, not for taking your full weight.

Your boots matter too. A stiff sole with a deep, aggressive tread is ideal for grassy and scree slopes. Make sure your laces are snug, especially around the ankle, to stop your foot sliding forward. If your boots are muddy, clear the tread when you can – mud packs into the gaps and turns a grippy sole into a slick one. Gaiters can help keep debris out, but they will not improve traction.

When to zigzag, side-step, or sit down

Sometimes the direct line down is too steep. Do not be a hero. Zigzagging across the slope reduces the effective gradient and lets you use shorter steps. It adds distance but can be safer. On very steep grass, side-stepping – facing across the slope and stepping sideways – can work, though it feels awkward. Keep your weight on the uphill foot and place the downhill foot carefully.

If the ground is truly treacherous – wet, steep, and with a bad run-out – there is no shame in sitting down and shuffling on your backside. It is slow and inelegant, but it is far better than a broken ankle. Many experienced fellwalkers have done it. Alternatively, look for a safer line, even if it means retracing your steps to a gentler ridge or path.

A word on confidence and practice

Descending steep grass well is a skill that improves with practice. Start on gentle slopes and build up. Focus on short steps and keeping your weight back until it becomes second nature. Tiredness is a major factor – most slips happen at the end of a long day. If your legs get shaky, slow down, take a break, and eat something. A few minutes of rest can restore your coordination.

Remember: the goal is not to descend quickly, but safely. With time, steep grass loses its fear factor. You will move with quiet confidence, reading the ground and adjusting your steps without thinking. That is when hillwalking becomes truly enjoyable, from first step to last.