Innholdsfortegnelse for April 2019 i Trail

I love this time of year. When winter hasn’t quite cleared off but spring is starting to stampede over the horizon. There might still be frost in the valleys and snow on the summits, but the days are starting to stretch, temperatures are starting to simmer, and the mountains are starting to sling off their winter coats. It’s a time to start dreaming big, which for most of us means planning our first proper mountain trip of the year. I took the photo above on a March morning alongside Cautley Spout – England’s highest waterfall – on my first visit to Cumbria’s glorious Howgill Fells. I arrived with my crazy old dog braced for a late blast of winter, but instead was treated to full-on shorts and T-shirt weather. This…

VAUDE TRAIL SPACER 18 £140 Some outdoor kit you carry. Other gear you wear. The Vaude Trail Spacer 18 is somewhere between the two. First things first: this isn’t a bag for all seasons. With an 18-litre volume and a load range of 3-8kg, the Trail Spacer is very much a pack for summer when you’re not carrying so much and what you are carrying is light and compact; the bag itself weighs just 530g. However, if you are travelling light, this could be one of the most comfortable ways to shoulder your load. From the back, the Trail Spacer 18 looks much like any other pack, with a zip opening, expanding pockets and bungee-cord attachment points. From the front, though, it looks a bit like a waistcoat. This is…

“If you’re somebody who’s passionate about the outdoors, reaching out and extending an olive branch to a friend or family member who’s struggling or going through a tough time can make a bigger difference to them than you might realise. “It may seem like a small thing to you, but for someone who isn’t particularly outdoorsy and doesn’t spend as much time walking or climbing mountains as you do, just being out in nature could be a huge help. “Whether it’s a short walk, exploring a woodland or climbing a mountain with a group of friends – just invite them. There’s a real camaraderie in being outdoors together, it’s incredibly fulfilling. “All you have to do is laugh together and share the experience – you don’t even need to bring…

Leigh McLean “I love the new campaign. The mountains really did save my life. Ten years ago I was sat in a room with a counsellor because I felt that I couldn’t go on another day. We talked and he listened. He told me about a group of people climbing a mountain and managed to convince me to join them. I did, and it was the best decision I ever made. The day was cold and a little bit rainy but the only thing I felt was warm and happy. Being outside feeling the wind on my face and in my hair, I started to feel truly alive.” Ian McCartney “Here’s me and my mum, Paula, celebrating her 64th birthday, taking on a chilly Snowdon walk. She lost my dad…

Q A couple of times my ice axe has slipped out of my hand when daggering it into the snow. How can I resolve this problem? Toby Dufton, East Kilbride Trail says Along with a set of crampons, an ice axe is one of your most essential tools for staying safe in the winter hills. But if you can’t keep a hold of the thing you may as well not have it in the first place. Some ice axes come with ready-made rubber grips or a leash. However using a leash prevents the ability to swap to the uphill hand easily when zigzagging up a slope, and the majority of classic walking axes have a naked, handle-less metal shaft. There is, though, a cheap and easy fix to the issue…

Q I often get confused between magnetic variation and GMA. Can Trail tell me the difference once and for all please? Linda Wynn, Lymington Paul says Magnetic variation is the difference in angle between ‘true’ north and magnetic north. So, magnetic north is what we use in UK hillwalking as it’s where your compass’s red needle points to. At present magnetic north points to somewhere north-west of the UK in the sea off Greenland, but its exact location moves by approximately 55km every year as the Earth spins. True north, meanwhile, is of rare use in the UK hills – it’s much more common in marine and aviation navigation. Thus, technically, magnetic variation needn’t concern us. What is useful in UK hillwalking is the grid magnetic angle (GMA). This is…

Paul says Micronavigation builds upon your innate ability to create a greater awareness of your immediate environment, using your senses of sight, sound, smell and touch and relating this information to the use of navigation equipment (map and compass). Micronavigation techniques can work on Kinder like anywhere else, but just remember your timing, pacing and estimations of distance will be affected if you are up and down crossing peat hags and groughs. Bearings are also harder to maintain on Kinder, so use leapfrogging if in a group or, if you’re on your own, take extra care sighting features when crossing difficult terrain.…

SCARPA RIBELLE MOUNTAIN TECH OD £410 Created for the fleet-footed modern mountaineer who wants to tackle high and challenging terrain as quickly as possible, the rather odd-looking Ribelle Mountain Tech OD (OD stands for OutDry – the waterproofing technology found in these boots) are crampon compatible, feature Primaloft insulation for warmth, and yet are lighter than many summer hiking boots – just 620g per boot for a size 42. www.scarpa.co.uk SALOMON OUTPATH PRO GTX £175 Another boot that’s been designed to do more while weighing less is the Outpath Pro. Benefiting from Salomon’s vast trail shoe experience, the Outpath Pro is as light as a running shoe but far tougher than your average trainer. Its seamless welded construction is amazingly strong and durable, while the protective ankle gaiter and Gore-Tex…

• Material Pontetorto Technostretch (88% polyester, 12% elastane) • Men’s S-XXL (Iridium Hoodie) • Women’s 8-16 (Iridium Hybrid Hoodie) • Weight 380g (size M) IT'S GOOD The Iridium Hoodie is made from Pontetorto Technostretch fleece, and has an external ceramic print to enhance durability, while the lower-priced Hybrid Hoodie (for women) doesn’t use this fabric throughout, instead having a light stretch fleece on the sides. The Iridium is a very comfortable jacket to wear, with a fluffy inner and flatlocked seams. The stretchable hood moved well with my head, even though there is no drawcord to make further adjustments. There is a useful third GPS device-sized chest pocket, and both zipped hand pockets are sited high enough to be easily accessible while wearing a rucksack. The full-length zip has a…

16.8 km/ 10½ miles 5-6 hours This stimulating figure-of-eight trail begins by climbing steeply out of Heddon’s Mouth Cleave. Your effort is rewarded with wonderful aerial views of this deep, rocky valley and the beach below from Peter Rock. More dramatic views open out along the coast, with Great Hangman (318m), the highest point on the South West Coast Path, prominent. Crossing Trentishoe Down, the return route through deep woodland in Trentishoe Combe provides a satisfying contrast. The second loop from Hunter’s Inn follows a former carriage drive, giving a gentler gradient up to the high cliff path. Divert to visit the Roman fortlet on Martinhoe Beacon (250m). This was used from AD50 to AD70 by some 80 soldiers. They kept watch on the war-like Silures across the Bristol Channel…

Distance 14.4km (9 miles) Total ascent 670m Time 4 hours Start/finish NG163443 Nearest town Dunvegan Terrain Most of the route is on pathless grassy ground which makes for dry and easy walking along the cliffs but boggier inland. The return is partly along the single-track road. While not at all technical, some sections do by nature of the cliffs have very sheer drops to one side. Don’t venture too close to edges and avoid in windy conditions. Map OS Explorer (1:25,000) 407, OS Landranger (1:50,000) 23 Accommodation Kinloch Campsite, Dunvegan, 01470 508009, www.kinlochcampsite.co.uk Dunvegan Camping Pods, 01470 521469, www.dunvegancampingpods.co.uk, Dunvegan Hotel, 01470 521497 Public transport None to start, bus 56 from Portree goes as far as Glendale, www.stagecoachbus.com Tourist info www.visitscotland.com/ destinations-maps/isle-skye/ Best pub Dunvegan Hotel (as above) GET…

12.6 km/ 7¾ miles 4-5 hours Strumble Head is Pembrokeshire at its very wildest – a lonely, rocky headland that juts boldly into the Atlantic, halfway between Cardigan and St David’s, forming the northern tip of a wonderful section of coast path that runs south-west all the way to the iconic rock tors of St David’s Head. At its highest point, Garn Fawr, the rugged peninsula reaches just 213m above the raging surf. Yet in all but the kindest of conditions, you’d be forgiven for thinking you were walking in the mountains rather than on the coast, with steep steps up and down, vertiginous exposure in places, and, of course, breathtaking views. The skies are alive with birds, with choughs and ravens as common as the seabirds you’d expect to…

Distance 10.9km (6¾ miles) Total ascent 200m Time 3½ hours Start/finish SD302742 parking between snack kiosk and toilet block on Coast Road near Bardsea Nearest town Ulverston Terrain Mostly good tracks and grassy paths, not overly steep. See www.manjushri.org/opening-times for dates when priory grounds are closed (diversion available) Maps OS Explorer (1:25,000) OL6 and OL7, OS Landranger (1:50,000) 96 and 97 Accommodation Ship Inn, Bardsea, 01229 869329 Low Fell B&B, Bardsea, 01229 869304 plus Ulverston Public transport Trains to Ulverston. No. 11 bus between Ulverston and Barrow stops at Bardsea (selected days only), 015395 31995, www.blueworksph.com Tourist info Ulverston TIC, 01229 587120, www.visitcumbria.com Best pub Ship Inn, Bardsea (below), 01229 869329 GET THIS ROUTE ON YOUR PHONE! LFTO.COM/TRAILROUTES…

As days out go, the Welsh 3000s is a pretty big one. Whether you decided to be a purist and slog through it in 24 hours, or break it up into two or three days, conquering all the Welsh peaks over 3000ft is a considerable and rewarding challenge. Well, how’s about taking on the same challenge in the picturesque Lake District? Sure, there are fewer summits, with only four reaching the 3000ft marker; but don’t let that lure you into thinking it’s easier. This 40-mile epic is significantly further than the Welsh version and with only a few feet less elevation gain. How you tackle it is down to you, but this linear route begins at Skiddaw and heads south to bag Scafell and Scafell Pike, before ending on top…

Distance 18.5km/ 11½ miles Total ascent 1200m Time 8 hours Start Crossroads near Modrydd ( SO001249), finish Road head near Tregaer ( SO071249) Nearest town Brecon Terrain Narrow lanes, steep grassy mountainside, rounded ridges, high mountain cols, narrow summit crests and a high summit plateau Maps OS Explorer (1:25,000) OL12, OS Landranger (1:50,000) 160, Harvey Superwalker (1:25,000) Brecon Beacons East, British Mountain Map (1:40,000) Brecon Beacons Accommodation Llwyn-y-celyn Youth Hostel, 0345 371 9029, www.yha.org.ukCamping at Brecon and Pencelli Tourist info Brecon, 01874 622485, National Park Visitor Centre, 01874 623366, www.visitwales.com Transport No trains, buses only go as far as Brecon. See www.traveline-cymru.info Guidebook Hillwalking in Wales by Peter Hermon…

Comfort on the hill is the secret to success and, much like climbing an actual mountain, it is best achieved by starting from the bottom and working up. Happy walkers have happy feet, yet finding yourself the perfect pair of boots or shoes can prove to be a minefield of complexities. Should you prioritise waterproofness or durability? Do you want ankle support or low weight? Would you prefer a stiff sole or soft flex? What’s your need? What’s your budget? Agghhh! The range of choice and conundrums in today’s outdoor footwear market is a bewildering prospect. You could be forgiven for eventually plumping for a boot on the basis of its funky colour scheme, but that would be a sorry disservice to your feet and your hill enjoyment. So, Trail’s…

Getting a grip Whether you choose a shoe or a boot, it needs to provide grip. Grip is enhanced through the lugs on the base of the footwear, and a series of deep, widely-spaced lugs will generally provide a better grip on soft surfaces than a smoother design of lugs. Deep lugs, though, are useless if they are placed so close together that mud easily lodges between them. To allow mud and grit to clear easily some lugs are slightly tapered. They may also be widely spaced, making it difficult for mud or grit to cling to the base of the shoe. Sole stiffness Whether you prefer a shoe or a boot, the stiffness of the sole will provide further support to the foot if needed. A soft flexible sole…

Why are good socks so important? Poorly chosen socks can leave you with many an ailment, not least blisters, hot spots, cold feet, aches, pains and discomfort. So, a good pair can be the secret to a great mountain day. Here are the factors to consider before buying your next pair… Materials This is one of the most important features to consider, as it determines the impact of sweat and odour. Synthetic materials are excellent at drawing moisture away from the skin and may also contain anti-odour treatments. Natural merino wool is very popular given its comfort and ability to combat odour, but can become saturated with moisture in very warm conditions. As a result, many socks now combine merino wool with synthetic fabrics for the best results. The main…

‘The Day A Mountain Changed My Life’ Judge Dr Robert Macfarlane Judge of ‘The Day A Mountain Changed My Life’ Dr Robert Macfarlane is a well-known, multi-award-winning author. His best-selling books about landscape, nature, memory and travel include Mountains of the Mind, The Wild Places and Landmarks. His work has been published in more than 20 countries, and has been widely adapted for TV, film and radio, and he is currently a Fellow of Literature at the University of Cambridge. Of the year’s winning entries, Macfarlane said: “I’m really impressed by the standard of the writing, and by their cumulative force as a set of stories and turning points. “I was very drawn by Charmaine Biggin’s entry for the sheer simple power of what it tells. Mountains shape our lives…

You can be part of the Mountains for the Mind campaign. Perhaps you have first-hand experience of the healing powers of the mountains, or maybe you know someone who might benefit from some time in the hills? The best thing about the great outdoors is that it’s free and can benefit everyone, whatever your situation. Visit the website and sign up for free to receive newsletters, inspiration and exclusive offers and discounts to help you get outside. Spending time outdoors can reduce the risk of depression by 30% Being active improves sleep quality, while reducing stress and anxiety levels…

“Foxes, badgers, stoat, weasel, small mammals and upland bird species such as raven, peregrine, ring ouzel, make up the main wildlife found in the hills of the Lake District. “Foxes generally cause no problems in the hills, and are a natural part of our fauna, although lambs can sometimes be bothered by a fox in spring, hence a love/hate relationship with some farmers. “A number of landowners in the Lake District are working hard to improve habitat and diversity. Agri-grant schemes where livestock numbers are reduced certainly help, but it is not a quick-win situation due to altitude, exposure and harsh climatic conditions. Lakeland projects, such as the Wild Ennerdale programme, are working to let natural processes take their course, aided by selected grazing with hardy cattle.” Pete Barron, John…

“What’s that noise?” A regular, subtle, fluid sound; a gentle wish-wash. “I don’t know,” I replied. “Where’s it coming from?” I turned as I walked, trying to locate the source. The sound moved. I stopped. The sound stopped. I started walking. The sound returned. “It’s coming from you,” Tom said. “Ah, it’s the whisky in my hipflask.” I removed my pack and retrieved the flask from the lid pocket. As I buried it in the depths of the main compartment, where I hoped the sound would be muted, the thought occurred that the quiet stillness of a place must be absolute when the faint slosh of a half-full flask disturbed it. Beinn a’ Ghlo is a sprawling mountain, forming the barrier between Glen Tilt and Glen Loch’s southern arm. It…

Paul says Kinder Scout is so infamous for catching walkers out, it has its own unique mountain rescue procedure, known as ‘The Kinder Plan’. The central plateau is featureless and made largely of peat bogs and hags, which are energy-sapping to cross and look uniformly similar. Another issue is the weather, which usually comes in from the west onto the exposed 2000ft-high moor, resulting in wet and windy conditions. Such weather can blow tired or inexperienced walkers off the boundary path into the middle of the barren plateau. It also means in winter, a clear blue morning can precede sleet or snowstorms at lunch. If you get lost on the plateau, head for its edge path and from there you can spot features to get a fix of your location.…

• Materials Polartec Power Stretch Pro (53% polyester, 38% nylon, 9% elastane) • Women’s XS-XL • Men’s XS-XXL • Weight 355g (size M) IT'S GOOD The Kyanite is made from Polartec Power Stretch Pro, a well-proven fabric that has a more elastic and body-hugging feel than others. It also feels really tough thanks to its tight durable outer face, as well as all that nylon, which other fleeces just don’t have. This benefit makes it better for mountaineering and harder use than some other fleeces. On the inside it is fluffier, and overall it feels slightly warmer and more windproof than the others here, making it ideal for year-round use; but it is also breathable enough to wear under a waterproof without becoming clammy. I was also able to wear…

...LOW PRICE AND SIDE POCKETS? Highlander Ben Nevis 65 £115 • Back sizes Adjustable (unisex) • Weight 2051g (inc 77g raincover) Features include adjustable back length, base, front and top access to the main compartment, and zipped bellows side pockets. The floating lid has good pockets and there’s a front stash pocket. No women’s option, not as comfy as others. 72% ...LOWER-PRICED PACK FOR BIG LOADS? Vango F10 PCT 60:70 £150 • Back sizes Adjustable back length (unisex) • Weight 2332g (inc 102g raincover) Well-priced rucksack for heavier loads, with an adjustable back length and extendable lid with a baffle fitted to prevent water creeping into the main compartment. No women’s specific design though. And it’s quite heavy too. ...WOMEN’S VERSION FOR BIG LOADS? Deuter Aircontact 50+10SL £175 • Back…

Distance 16.8km (10½ miles) Total ascent 500m Time 5-6 hours Start/finish National Trust car park and shop, Hunter’s Inn ( SS655480) Nearest town Lynton Terrain Coast path, tracks, footpaths, quiet lanes, mostly signed, some rough footing between points 1 and 2 but mainly easy going Map OS Explorer (1:25,000) OL9, OS Landranger (1:50,000) 180, Harvey National Trail (1:40,000) South West Coast Path 1 Accommodation Hunter’s Inn, 01598 763230, www.thehuntersinnexmoor.co.uk offers bed and breakfast plus self-catering. Heddon Valley Campsite, 01598 763402, www.nationaltrust.org.uk Bonnicott House Hotel, Lynton, 01598 753346, www.bonnicott.com Public transport None Guidebook North Devon Pub Walks by Robert Hesketh Tourist info Lynton TIC, 01598 752225, www.visitlyntonandlynmouth.com Best pub Hunter’s Inn, Heddon Valley GET THIS ROUTE ON YOUR PHONE! LFTO.COM/TRAILROUTES…

13.5 km/ 8½ miles 4½ hours Mull could be described as Skye for softies. Instead of Skye’s 12 fearsome rocky Munros, Mull has just Ben More, with a scrambly ridge on the north end if you wanted one of those. Instead of Skye’s mighty sea cliffs, Mull has, well, some mighty cliffs of its own along the southern shoreline. Instead of Skye’s midge-ridden bogs, Mull has Iona, and grassy shorelines, and slightly fewer midges too. Like Skye, Mull has the basalt landscape, green and black in colour, and built up in steps. Around Loch na Keal is where you go to savour the strangeness. Meanwhile serious softies will head to Tobermory, the story-time town curled around its pretty harbour and one of Scotland’s better fish and chip shacks. Even its…

Distance 12.6km (7¾ miles) Total ascent 320m Time 4-5 hours Start/finish Strumble Head car park ( SM894412) Nearest town Fishguard Terrain Mostly good paths around the coast. The return leg crosses a couple of fields, which can be boggy, and some open hillsides, including the rocky top of Garn Fawr Maps OS Explorer (1:25,000) 36, OS Landranger (1:50,000) 157 Accommodation YHA Pwll Deri, 0345 371 9536, www.yha.org.ukAlso B&Bs in Fishguard and nearby farms and cottages Public transport Limited buses between St David’s and Strumble Head in the summer. Check with the TIC for details Guidebook Pembrokeshire North: Circular Walks Along the Wales Coast Path by Dennis Kelsall Tourist info Fishguard TIC, 01437 776636 GET THIS ROUTE ON YOUR PHONE! LFTO.COM/TRAILROUTES…

24.1 km/ 15 miles 8 hours The wild Berwickshire Coastal Path takes in the second-highest cliffs on the east coast of Britain, traversing the youngest rocks of the area to the oldest. The dramatic scenery, complete with arches, stacks, caves, forts and crumbling castles, includes a revolutionary moment in the history of geology. In 1788 James Hutton discovered unusual rock formations at Siccar Point now known as ‘Hutton’s Unconformity’. The site confirmed Hutton’s theory that the Earth was much older than 6,000 years. This historical route also includes two sets of poles over a measured mile, enabling shipping to test speed across water. The liner RMS Mauretania reached 25.73 knots, making her the fastest ship in the world and securing the mail contract between America for over 20 years. This…

Bryn Gwynant Youth Hostel is the perfect location for a long weekend in Snowdonia. The mountains rise straight from the front door and you can completely forget about the car for the next three or four days. Look out of the panoramic window as you munch your morning muesli and you’ll suddenly feel inclined to get a move on. The view sweeps across gorgeous Llyn Gwynant to the distant Glyderau, though your neck might start to ache as you gaze up the steep slopes of Y Lliwedd. Tantalisingly, the ribs and ridges of Snowdon are just out of sight but the helpful Sherpa shuttle buses mean you can plan an exhilarating walk over the famous horseshoe. This starts at Pen-y-Pass and takes in the fabled ridge of Crib Goch before…

Glen Coe has a brutal charm. There are few valleys, particularly with a main road running along them, that are overhung by such an array of dauntingly dark cliffs and mountains. For the motorist scuttling through the glen, the sight no doubt sends a shiver down the spine. For walkers and climbers the mountains cry out to be explored. The brooding Lord of the Rings-style landscape that occupies the majority of Glen Coe is not, however, the only landform, as at the western end of the pass overlooking Ballachulish there is one mountain group that breaks the mould and delivers pure elegance. The main peak of this group is Sgorr Dhearg, ably supported by its outlier Sgorr Bhan. Together they radiate a selection of clean-cut ridges worthy of any majestic…

I NEED MY FOOTWEAR FOR… Walking on level paths and summer scrambling Trail shoes, approach shoes, multi-activity shoes – call them what you will. Often these are nothing less than a lower-cut walking boot (although mid-height versions are available). They are lighter and typically cheaper than boots, allow greater ankle movement and are fine for gentler ground that requires less ankle support. Being low-cut they let water in far easier than boots, but for those who find 3-4 season boots too heavy and stiff for scrambling, these can be a good option. I NEED MY FOOTWEAR FOR… Walking year-round in easy valley and hill terrain Even in the best summer weather, mountain terrain can be tricky – so a pair of 3-season boots (B0 rated) with good ankle protection and…

Hi-Tec Wild-Fire Low i WP £70 • Men’s 6-13 • Women’s 3-8 • Weight 1202g (size 11) PROS Price, weight, comfort on level paths without rocks, waterproof. CONS Even level rocky paths caused the sole to flex too much to maintain comfort, lack of heel breast limits grip on muddy slopes, upper is unlikely to be as durable as those with less stitching and less mesh. BUY IT IF  You want a shoe just for forest tracks or moorland paths rather than anything too rough and rocky Keen Targhee II £100 • Men’s 6-16 • Women’s 2.5-8.5 • Weight 824g (size 7) PROS Good lugs for grip, reasonable stiffness to make rocky paths comfortable, good toe protection. CONS Wider forefoot is a drawback on rockier ground, needs deeper heel breast…

INTERNET PROS ✔ Great deals ✔ Great range of choice ✔ Delivery to your door CONS ✘ Can’t try before you buy ✘ Can’t compare fit of different boots ✘ No personalised service ✘ May end up with the wrong boots ✘ Returns may be expensive and you can end up paying more SHOPS PROS ✔ Fitting service ✔ Expert advice in reputable outdoor stores ✔ Try before you buy ✔ Compare the fit of different boots ✔ See and feel the look and quality ✔ May price match CONS ✘ Sometimes more expensive ✘ Travel to store ✘ Potentially less choice…

Bridgedale is excited to be supporting Mountains for the Mind, so to help you get out walking in comfort and for that extra incentive to get a pal out in the hills, it is giving away 10 sets of Hike Midweight Endurance performance hiking socks – one for you and another for a friend. Bridgedale’s socks are developed from passion, experience and care for every tiny detail, from the fit, its Fusion Technology and its quality guarantee, to create socks that are supremely comfortable and hardwearing. HOW TO WIN: Enter at www.mountainsforthemind.co.uk/bridgedalegiveaway and tell us who you’d like to get out on the hill and why. The closing date is 18 March 2019. Terms and conditions can also be found on the website. The Hike Midweight Endurance ensures dry and…

It’s the one that kicked ‘rounds’ off and it’s a good one for starters. Set in the Lake District it follows a superb horseshoe from Ambleside, with far-reaching views of Lakeland tarns and peaks. Navigation around Fairfield’s summit can be tricky in mist but generally follows well-defined ridge-top terrain.…

Due to its diverse plant-life, Beinn a’ Ghlo has been rewarded and protected with the status of a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and Special Area of Conservation (SAC). The terrain on its slopes – which varies from wet and boggy to dry and rocky – supports rich heaths and grassland, and both alpine and marsh plants. It’s also an important site for two minute and endangered whorl snail species – Vertigo geyeri (right) and Vertigo genesii. You’ll have to be keen-eyed to spot them, though, because their shell only grows to about 2mm long.…

Now run by the third and fourth generations of the Zanatta family, Asolo have been devoted to manufacturing high quality walking boots since 1975. They’re extremely proud to maintain the traditions and values associated with their labour-intensive craft, and even prouder to be one of the few remaining handmade boot manufacturers still operating within Europe . Asolo are a progressive company with a rich history in pioneering new technologies. Their long-standing relationships with leading material suppliers, including Vibram, Gore-Tex, Perwanger and Schoeller, means they are often at the forefront of development. Asolo’s end goal has always been to improve the comfort and safety of those exploring the mountainous regions of the world, whether undertaking expeditions to the highest peaks or winding along trails through the valleys between. To Asolo, the…

Paul says • Lay your compass on the map so the edge of the base plate cuts through your location (point A) and your destination (point B). • Turn the compass bezel until the ‘N’ is pointing grid north (the top of the map). Then twist the bezel until the red orienting lines are parallel with the blue grid lines on the map. • Read the number next to the bearing indicator on the compass – this is your grid bearing. • As this bearing is relative to ‘grid north’ and all compasses point to magnetic north, you need to adjust for the difference, called grid magnetic angle (see how to do this on page 63). • Leaving the bezel alone, hold the compass flat and rotate your body until…

• Material Polartec Thermal Pro (100% polyester) • Men’s S-XXL • Women’s 8-16 • Weight 347g (size L) IT'S GOOD I’ve been wearing this fleece regularly for a year and it has proved its worth. It is made from a good fleece material that offers warmth for year-round use, although in winter I need an extra fleece layer under it to take off the chill. It is very breathable, so it also works well under a waterproof jacket without allowing condensation to build too easily. The two main pockets both take an OS map and can be accessed above rucksack hipbelts. The addition of a hood means I don’t need to find a hat when the temperature drops for short periods, and of course a hood cannot be dropped or…

Berghaus Spectrum Micro FZ 2.0 £55 TESTER Graham Thompson • Material Micro fleece (100% polyester inc 50% recycled material) • Men’s S-XXL • Women’s 8-18 • Weight 372g (size L) The Spectrum Micro FZ 2.0 is part of Berghaus’s Made Kind commitment, so it uses 50% recycled content in the fleece. It’s a soft fleece, and it allows a little more airflow than some, as well as good insulation for summer. Combined with other insulating layers it works well in winter too. There is a full-length zip, and you also get two map-sized pockets that are accessible above a rucksack belt. Flatlocked seams help to improve overall comfort. The hem and cuffs are elasticated without additional adjustment. On me both areas had a poor fit, so I’d have benefited from…

STRENUOUSNESS How tired will this route make me? The times quoted for Trail Routes are based on estimates of 4km per hour, plus 30 minutes for every 300m of ascent, with another hour for rests every 8 hours. The blocks give you an at-a-glance guide: • Quickie •• Short day ••• Full day •••• Very full day ••••• Endurance test NAVIGATION How tricky is this route to follow? • Clear, well-marked paths in a valley or following a linear feature like Hadrian’s Wall •• Valley, moor or mountain paths that are normally clear but low cloud could affect your ability to follow ••• Almost pathless in valleys; less clear paths on moors and mountains, but generally following clearly defined hill shapes •••• Some paths but not clear, not well used…

14.4 km/ 9 miles 4 hours Wherever you are in Scotland you are apparently never more than 65km from the coast, and the Scottish coast doesn’t come much more dramatic than that of the west coast of Skye. While it might be famed more for its world-renowned peaks, Skye’s coastline is well worth exploring. And the coastline to the south of Dunvegan is home to the island’s highest cliffs, indeed some of the highest in the UK. From the top of Waterstein Head, it is a straight 296m – or almost 1000ft in old money – vertical drop to the crashing sea below. This route arrives at the high point of Waterstein Head from the south after making its way along the cliffs and over the tops of The Hoe…

Distance 13.5km (8½ miles) Total ascent 250m Time 4½ hours Start/finish Dervaig, Isle of Mull NM431519 Nearest town Tobermory Terrain Mostly tracks, with 3km of rough coastal going Maps OS Explorer (1:25,000) 374, OS Landranger (1:50,000) 47 Accommodation SYHA Tobermory, 01688 302481, www.hostellingscotland.org.uk Dervaig Village Hall Hostel, 01688 400313, www.hostel-scotland.co.uk Public transport Bus 49 from Tobermory. The Mull ferry from Oban to Craignure books up in high summer (www.calmac.co.uk) but it’s quite feasible to cross on foot and use island buses, 0871 200 2233, www.traveline.info Guidebooks The Isle of Mull Mull, Ulva, Gometra, Iona and Erraid by Terry Marsh Tourist info VisitScotland Craignure iCentre, 01680 812377, www.isle-of-mull.net and www.tobermory.co.uk Best pub The Bellachroy at Dervaig, oldest on the island. Nice pub open through the afternoon, 01688 400314, www.thebellachroy.co.uk GET…

10.9 km/ 6¾ miles 3½ hours The great thing about Cumbria’s coast is how connected it feels to the mountains. This is not a mountainous walk. It won’t test your mettle against the worst that Lakeland can throw at you. It’s not even the biggest hill you can climb from the sea. But it is a stunning introduction to the scale of Cumbria’s coast, and a tantalising taster of much more to come in the way of sea-to-summit routes, as stages of the England Coast Path open around the country over the next couple of years. Birkrigg Common is special for far more than its epic 360˚ views of sea and fells. Various tumuli and ancient enclosures are scattered over it, remnants of Cumbria’s earliest human settlers. Its most famous…

Distance 24.1km (15 miles) Total ascent 601m Time 8 hours Start/finish NT780717 (Cove) or NT919673 (St Abbs) Nearest town Cockburnspath/ St Abbs Terrain Waymarked Coastal Path, undulates with easy clifftop paths. Some exposed drops and steep ascents and descents near Siccar Point and Fast Castle and Tun Law (highest point of path at 500m). Very exposed clifftop paths between NT879697 and NT907690 – caution advised in wet, windy weather Maps OS Explorer (1:25,000) 346, OS Landranger (1:50,000) 67 Accommodation Fast Castle Cottage, Dowlaw, 01890 771210, www.fastcastlecottage.co.uk Coldingham Loch self-catering cottages/ chalets, 01890 770960, www.coldinghamloch.co.uk Public transport Perryman’s bus no. 253 (between Edinburgh and Berwick upon Tweed), www.borderbuses.co.uk Guidebook Lothian & Berwickshire Coast by Keith Fergus Tourist info St Abbs Visitor Centre, 01890 771672, www.stabbsvisitorcentre.co.uk GET THIS ROUTE ON YOUR…

Sportswear brand Adidas has made forward steps in the outdoor market and released a new lightweight trail shoe. Even better, the quick-drying ‘amphibious’ Terrex Voyager shoes have unique drainage holes built into the soles to release water. But what makes these shoes super exciting – and potentially game-changing – is that they are one of the first outdoor footwear products to feature the anti-odour Polygiene technology. Polygiene treatment is already relatively common in outdoor apparel as a means of preventing the growth of odour-causing bacteria and controlling stinky clothing. But up to now it has not been seen in outdoor boots or shoes. In combination with Climacool open mesh fabric that allows all-round cooling for the foot, the Terrex promises to be breathable and with the added bonus of pong-beating…

The terms 4-season, 3-4 season and the like are useful as a general categorisation of footwear, and similarly B0 to B3 ratings are often used to describe crampon compatibility, but not all boot manufacturers acknowledge the ratings uniformly, if at all. Here’s a handy guide to boot ratings and their respective crampon compatibility: 3-season Boots not suitable for snow and ice. 3-4 season Boots for all seasons. 4-season Boots for winter only. B0 rated Flexible 3-season boots for year-round use on valleys, hills and mountains, and for backpacking and scrambling. Not advised for use with crampons or on snow in the mountains. B1 rated Stiff but flexible 3-4 season boots for autumn/winter hillwalking. Recommended for use with crampons and on snow in the mountains. B2 rated Very stiff 4-season boots…

BEST IN TEST TRAIL SHOES Keen Targhee III WP £100 ■ Men’s 6.5-16 ■ Women’s 2.5-8.5 ■ Weight 1088g (size 46) This shoe offers more durability than others at a similar price, thanks to a robust full-grain leather upper with relatively little stitching, no open mesh and a rubber rand around the toe box. The Targhee III WP also boasts a good fit at the heel and is spacious at the forefoot area too. Its lugs will provide decent grip on softer ground, while there is waterproof lining inside. Higher priced shoes may offer slightly more comfort on rocky terrain, but on earth and grass it performs well. VERDICT Ideal for easy-going path walks with a spacious forefoot and durable design. OVERALL SCORE 84% Oboz Bridger Low B-Dry £130 ■…

The saying ‘a boot is worthless if it doesn’t fit’ is not only old, it’s true. A boot could be the highest specification on the planet and have every innovation baked into it, but if it hurts after three miles and renders you incapable of movement after ten, it clearly isn’t the right boot for you and you won’t go near it again. But finding the right fit isn’t simply about boots that don’t fit – it’s about understanding the kind of boots your unique feet need. And critically, if that boot can’t be found straight off the shelf, where to find a solution. And like all great journeys on foot, it just starts with a few steps... STEP 1 MEASUREMENT You may have wide feet, narrow feet, raised arches,…

Salewa Wildlife Pro Shoes £145 USED BY fancy-footed news and features writer Ben Weeks USED FOR 3 years For a long time I was of the opinion a sturdy pair of boots was the only footwear for the mountains. How I chuckle at that poor misguided me now. You see, while shoes aren’t for every occasion (these high-tech approach shoes are not crampon compatible, for instance), if the weather’s dry and the going not too ankle-breaking in ferocity, why wouldn’t you choose a lighter-weight and more comfortable alternative? I first took a punt on these Salewa Wildfires for a via ferrata trip to the Dolomites where, aside from the very occasional small pebble or scree getting in at the ankle, they performed flawlessly. They’ve since been worn with equal success…