Like a lot of walkers, I tend to find coming downhill far more arduous than going up the way. I'm quite tall (6'1") so my legs maybe have more work to do? My pal who i sometimes walk with is 5'7" on a good day, and he fairly pelts down hill, always managing to head off way ahead of me.
In going uphill, I try and employ the 'Alpine Plod' method. ...slow, steady, short steps.....so I don't get knackered too easily. Maybe I should adopt this technique for the downhill bit too?
Oh, and poles. Two of. Very handy things to stop your steps turning into a canter, turning into a gallop, turning into a full on uncontrolled sprint.
Slips and falls? I've had a few. But then again, too few to mention.