Can anyone help me remember the title of this book?

[Monkerina]

I remember reading a book at middle school, so mid-90s, and I'd like to read it again and possibly have it around for DCs when they're old enough, but I just can't think what it was called and I'm hoping someone here can help!

It was set in a vaguely fantasy land, and the characters had to climb a snowy mountain. They had a map on a scroll which only updated itself when they passed some sort of test at each point- at each test one of the band flaked out and went home, so that all the original brave strong confident members left and it was only the scared puny child left to face the biggest challenge, which of course s/he (can't remember the sex!) overcame and all was right in the world again.

Does this ring any bells with anyone?? It's driving me mad!

That very, very vaguely rings a bell with me .... possibly...

Can you remember if it was a recently written or an "old book?

Colour of cover, anything physical about the edition you had?

Oh and in a weird way I'm reasonably certain cheese was involved?! Like the main character was a shepherd or milk maid or something, but not necessarily cow's milk cheese.

If anyone can find this book from these rubbish half-recollections I'll be astonished!

🧀! Aha....

I think it was reasonably recent, it would have been about 96, 97 I read it so I'd say maybe 80s or early 90s? It certainly wasn't an 'old' book- I read lots of Just William, Enid Blyton, the Tripods series, John Wyndham etc and the writing style was more modern. I don't remember much about the book cover but I think there was maybe white and fuchsia pink on it?

The cheese bit really rings a bell for me!

I've been thinking about it and I feel like maybe the magic map/scroll thing was on the wrapping for the cheese the protagonist made, some of which they had to take to sustain them on their journey, and that's why the protagonist was allowed to tag along despite being wimpy and not full of self confidence and bravado like the others

I'm low key obsessing a bit now

Rowan of Rin seems to fit what you describe?

YES! That's it! @LiveintheNow you are an absolute star. I am amazed!

Looking at the synopsis online, I'm also amused by my half-remembered plot points- the cheese thing was there!
Rowan of RinEdit

Rowan is a weak and timid boy, with a strong heart and mind but a frail, sickly body and a love for the gentle Bukshah. He is an oddity in Rin, the people of which value physical strength, chest hair and courage, and is looked down upon by all those that feel ashamed that he does not live up to his late father's reputation. He is designated the Keeper of the Bukshah, a domesticated form of cattle. However trouble strikes when the stream that flows from the top of the Mountain dries up. Without its water, their precious bukshah herds will die, and Rin will be doomed. The six strongest villagers must brave the unknown terrors of the Mountain to discover the answer to their problem. And Rowan, the unwanted seventh member of the group, must go with them.

Fab, well done!