It just isn’t possible to say for sure how long natural fibre rope will last, there are too many variables. The main thing is to understand that it won’t last for ever and that sooner or later you’ll need to replace it with new rope. As you use your rope and get to know it, you’ll also develop a sense of how it is responding to wear and tear and just plain time. And you should always run your rope through your hands, feel it, get to know it, look after it.

Once a rope begins to show wear (often around the mid-point and near the ends), you can cut it down and turn it into one or more shorter ropes. Eventually these may be “retired” into other roles around the house and garden, where they will remain useful and radiate happy memories...

Natural rope won’t last for ever, especially in the most demanding roles. The best advice is not too buy too much at once, and not to delay buying replacements when the time comes.