Mr Rutley, along with fellow MP Graham Evans, was shown the ropes in a climbing and abseiling session organised by the British Mountaineering Council (BMC) to celebrate the health benefits and joys of climbing.
The MPs climbed alongside BMC president Rehan Siddiqui and BMC training officer Jon Garside.
MR Rutley, co-chair of the Mountaineering All Party Parliamentary Group, said: “It’s good to see interest in outdoor recreation increasing and the membership of the British Mountaineering Council growing; I think this is a sign that more people are getting outdoors and discovering the adventurous possibilities of our wonderful countryside. Outdoor activities are a positive way to tackle the challenge of physical inactivity.”
BMC president Rehan Siddiqui said: “I was thrilled to share the joys of climbing with David and Graham. We’re calling for politicians to be genuine advocates for outdoor recreation – helping to champion the health benefits and to protect our countryside and green spaces.”
