Innholdsfortegnelse for November 2016 i Trail

The throaty bellow of a rutting stag is skin-tingling to hear. You don’t often see these impressive animals; rather you hear their primeval roar from the depths of mountain valleys. With some careful planning and good luck, though, you can witness this annual battle to mate. The red deer rut begins in September, but peaks in October, each stag trying to round up as many hinds into his harem as possible. To bring them into oestrus, he’ll roll in his own urine. To appear bigger and see off rival males, he’ll scrape undergrowth into his antlers. Stags will size one another up by ‘parallel walking’; and if neither backs down a shoving match may break out, antlers clashing, with each trying to gain the advantage of higher ground. It’s dangerous,…

Go the Lake District Do a new 100 mile route • 100 MILES • HEIGHT OF EVEREST • 39 WAINWRIGHTS • 3 WILD CAMPS...* *...AND 2 VERY SMALL DOGS Films. Such dangerous, evocative things they are. We’d just watched Everest and we were inspired. So much so that we set ourselves a challenge: to climb the equivalent height here in the UK, in a single route. But could we devise our own, and what would that look like? We set to work. We lost our long distance cherry last year on Trail’s 72 mile Lakeland Haute Route. Before we’d even finished, we were asking ourselves if we could manage longer, with some summits and ridges. Here was our chance! By the time we’d finished plotting, we had a route that…

Go east Highlands Do a brand new Way Scotland is home to some of Britain’s best long-distance trails: the popular West Highland Way; the Cape Wrath Trail, picking its way 200 miles through the wilderness of the north-west Highlands; the other-worldly Skye Trail… Often, the names alone will get your boots twitching. But what about the East Highland Way, between Fort William and Aviemore? There, some of the best mountain landscapes in the UK await the adventurous walker eager to take in a summit or three – but the trail mainly sticks to tracks, paths and roads. So, we made up an alternative: the East Highland Way backpacking hillwalkers deserve. We’ve called it the Alder Trail. Firstly, that name. Ben Alder has a certain mystique. It isn’t one of the…

“I unstrapped a French stick from the side of my rucksack, and extracted a bottle of wine from the other side pocket...” Go north Wales Do a cosy night out Close to a road’ isn’t normally a big tick for a bothy. It’s more like the number one thing to avoid. Who wants to kip anywhere near tarmac, traffic drone and scattered litter? Nobody, would be my guess. Zero out of one hundred people want that. But... if your car is only a few kilometres away, then you only have to walk a short distance, and you can carry a bit more stuff. Which means you can transform a bothy and create for yourself a luxurious hillwalking retreat. Premium location, freshly cooked food, a feathery bed… How much do people…

REGATTA BYRNE/ AMELIE II £35/£50 These are well-proven and low-priced trousers for anyone wanting to be careful with their cash. The material is nylon, so it’s more durable than lower-priced polyester, and it has Isotex 5000 waterproof and breathable treatment. Higher-priced products will be more breathable, though. There is no mesh lining inside the men’s Byrne, but the newer women’s Amelie II does now have a liner – and that is why the price tag is a little higher this year than the previous, unlined, version of the Amelie. The waist is elasticated and there is a 30cm ankle zip with a Velcro tab to prevent this area being baggy. The overall fit is more relaxed than some other trousers but it’s still good for general walking. Others have the…

Several sturdy monuments are dotted across the skylines of the South Pennines, but one is particularly prominent. The rocket-shaped tower on top of Stoodley Pike, high above Hebden Bridge and right by the Pennine Way, almost deserves a role in the next Thunderbirds movie. But watch out – International Rescue might want to paint it bright green and put a pod inside! Thankfully, the landmark is still just soot-stained gritstone, though it looks as if it was crafted deep in the bowels of the earth before erupting onto the crest of a memorable moorland escarpment. The monument, completed in 1856 and standing 37m high, was built to replace an earlier tower, from 1815, which commemorated the defeat of Napoleon and the surrender of Paris. This collapsed in 1854, following an…

This route is a hillwalker’s dream, with a mixture of climbs, scrambles and stunning views. The Nantlle Ridge provides you with a good deal of exposure without being too daunting. If you’re not sure whether you’re ready for Crib Goch yet, I recommend testing your mettle here first. It’s a quiet walk, too. You’ll be able to enjoy the mountains and tackle the ridge without the pressure of having others at your back. Large rocks make up the ridge, sheltering you from most of the exposure while providing a fun little climb. The walk starts with a flat stroll to the foot of the ascent before you’re faced with a steep haul up Y Garn. Once you reach the top though the fun begins and you will soon forget how…

“...a gateway to the glorious Howgill Fells...” The area covered by the Yorkshire Dales National Park grew by almost a quarter in August this year, and visitors will no doubt be keen to explore some of these newly designated landscapes. The Lune Valley, running east from Tebay, could well become a gateway to the compact contours of the glorious Howgill Fells as well as the little-known limestone scars that stretch all the way from Orton to Crosby Garrett. Ravenstonedale – once in Westmorland – is the perfect place from which to explore the Lune Valley. The village is now firmly part of Cumbria – just like the new western extension of the Yorkshire Dales National Park! TRANSPORT Train to Kirkby Stephen station (Settle-Carlisle line), 3 miles east of Ravenstonedale. Cumbria…

1 NY724040 Leave Ravenstonedale by the lane next to the river and pass the church on the left. Go right at the T-junction and take the stile on the left after 100m. Cross the field, diagonally right, to another stile leading to the A685. Cross the road and look for the footpath sign to Smardale. A path now runs north through fields and past copses to merge with a track after 800m. Descend to Scandal Beck, turn left over Smardale Bridge and walk along the track for 200m. 2 NY718059 Take the path turning sharp right to run north-east and parallel to the line of the former grandly titled South Durham and Lancaster Union Railway. After 450m cross the old line via a stone bridge, turn right and pass through…

    It’s in your hands now. Since the competition closing date, we’ve been sifting through photographs, searching for images with atmosphere, emotion and drama – pictures that make you stop and think, “I’ve simply got to go there!” There were lots of entries, but our judges have now refined that selection to this – the short-list for the Trail UK Mountain Photo of the Year 2016. It’s up to you to decide which one is worthy of the title. So pour yourself a brew and linger over these photos – in the following six pages or in all their glory at at www.LFTO.com/photocomp16 – then pick your favourite and vote online. One of these 25 stunning images will be the winner – but which one? VOTE FOR YOUR FAVE PIC…

BEINN NARNAIN ARROCHAR ALPS This relaxed bunch are Waterside Explorer Scouts from Saltash. For most of these Cornwall dwellers this was their first Munro. The photo, which has a great view of The Cobbler beyond, was taken by Explorer Scout Leader Neil Carvell. GARNEDD UGAIN SNOWDONIA This is 8-year-old Joshua McAlinden on his way to completing the Welsh 3000ers over three days, having just crossed Crib Goch. Joshua, from Cambridge, did the epic walk with his dad Russell (who took the photo) as part of the Duke of Edinburgh’s 60th anniversary Diamond Challenge. Russell told Trail, “We shared laughs, jokes, emotion, sore feet, wet feet, and most importantly an experience which we will both remember for the rest of our lives.” HELVELLYN LAKE DISTRICT This is Mick Maskrey from Swanwick,…

Gina's gear • 55 litre rucksack• Shorts• Long trousers• Waterproof smock•  Waterproof trousers• 2 pairs liner socks• 1 pair thick socks• 2 base layers•  2 pairs pants• Boots• Hat/gloves/Buff• Headtorch• Spare batteries•  Charger• Sleeping bag/mat• Chair• Pegs• Wash kit/towel•  Flip-flops• Food/snacks• Bladder• First aid kit• Spork/mug•  Tent/poncho tarp Total weight 12kg Simon's gear • 65 litre rucksack• Trousers•  Waterproof smock• Waterproof trousers• 2 pairs liner socks• 2 pairs walking socks (waterproof)• 2 base layers• 2 pairs pants• Boots• Crocs•  Food/snacks• Hat/gloves/Buff• Earplugs/ eyemask• Headtorch•  Spare batteries• Sleeping bag/mat• Poncho tarp• Chair• Spork/mug/ cooking spoon• Water purifier• Penknife with corkscrew• Maps/GPS receiver/compass• Stove/fuel• Wine• Loo roll/sanitiser  Total weight 17kg The dogs’ gear • Lights for dogs’ collars• Harnesses• Six packets of dried food• Snacks• Coats/bedding• Foam for warmth  Total weight 2kg…

Arenig Fawr (SH850379)   Location at the foot of 854m Arenig Fawr Distance from parking space 1.85km Stock up Bala, near Snowdonia’s eastern edge Lluest-cwm-bach (SN901704)   Location at the foot of 504m Esgair Perfedd Distance from parking space 1.51km Stock up at Rhayader, mid Wales Penrhos Isaf (SH737238)   Location in Coed y Brenin forest, near 629m Y Garn Distance from parking space 1.24km Stock up at Dolgellau, southern Snowdonia…

A WATERPROOF JACKET Páramo is at the forefront of ethical gear production. All its jackets use Nikwax’s water-based, PFC-free treatment, rather than chemical membranes, to repel water. All Páramo garments are recyclable; and this jacket is made in partnership with the Miquelina Foundation, which provides practical training and a safe working environment for vulnerable women. PICTURED: Páramo Velez Jacket £275 B DOWN JACKET The hydrophobic down in Berghaus's Ramche 2.0 is certified with the Responsible Down Standard,which means live plucking and force-feeding are prohibited. The feathers are treated with Nikwax, to repel water without the use of harmful chemicals. PICTURED: Berghaus Ramche 2.0 £350 C THE EVEREST ORNAMENT When recycling abandoned oxygen cylinders on Everest, lots of metal shavings were created – and used to make baubles. Bag yourself a…

Hill-bagging stats Walking the Wainwrights, the Munros, the Corbetts or the Welsh 3000ers? These routes have got you covered. Gradient profile We map every route for its unique gradient profile, giving you a pinpoint impression of its progressive steepness and the heights you’ll hit. What are the Trail 100? They’re your tick-list of the 100 UK mountains you MUST climb! Download the full list from: bit.ly/trail100 Always take a map on the hill We aim to provide the most accurate information, but you must ALWAYS use an Ordnance Survey or Harvey map on the hill and double-check any directions against it. BEFORE YOU GO... If you’re likely to encounter snow or ice on your walk you need to take precautions. You MUST have ice axe, crampons and the skills to…

While many walkers focus solely on the mountain top, basking in the sense of arrival and achievement that summiting imparts, and others are obsessed with sheer cliff faces, I am a sucker for the tapering tongues, nabs and ends that pour from the tops in this part of the world. The Coledale and Newland Rounds link these mountain chains together in brilliant high-level walks above Buttermere and Borrowdale, and they bag a hatful of Wainwrights to boot. But Knott Rigg and Ard Crags get left out. Hidden in the furthest corners of the Newlands pass, they are fine, lizard-like promontories with something of a ‘lost world’ about them. As with all good ridges, walking these sinuous land forms is a process not a destination. Topping out on a mountain is…

From the north, Cruach Ardrain is a striking sight. Though it’s just one among several mountains that form a great range roller-coastering across the skyline above the village of Crianlarich, it stands divided from its neighbours by deep cols – an independent character that clearly wants to do its own thing. Steep-sided and almost symmetrical in outline, the main peak looms massively at the head of Coire Ardrain, which is a grassy bowl slung between the outstretched arms of two knobbly ridges. We all love a neat circular walk, and Cruach Ardrain’s horseshoe layout has such a compelling logic that you can just tell it’s a classic before even setting foot on the hill. Up close it does not disappoint, proving one of the great hillwalks of the southern Highlands.…

1 NY724040 Take the lane south through Ravenstonedale and veer right by the triangular green. Cross Lockholme Beck and continue along the track to pass the farm at Kilnmire. Go through a gate, with a stream on the right, and follow the rough track uphill past Wye Garth. Continue south to a prominent walled enclosure at Thornthwaite. Pass to the left and walk over rough grassy slopes to the small dome named Knott. Turn west to the top of Knoutberry – there are several faint paths but the going is straightforward. Continue on for 300m to a small dip and climb steeper slopes ahead, with springs rising on the right, to reach the trig point on Green Bell, slap-bang on the watershed between the Lune and the Eden. The springs,…

“the UK’s most imposing and Alpine scenery...” Bounded on one side by the domed Red Cuillin and on the other by the jagged crest of the Black Cuillin, Glen Sligachan cuts straight through the UK’s most imposing and Alpine scenery. Starting from the popular inn at its northern end, a well-walked trail follows the river southwards. It feels welcoming and unchallenging to begin with, but soon the mountain walls draw upwards and the broad river, fed by numerous channels tumbling from above, narrows. At its end lies secluded Camasunary bay, guarded by Bla Bheinn and scrappy Sgurr na Stri; while around the corner is perhaps one of the most enchanting and mysterious places in the world: Loch Coruisk. TRANSPORT Citylink buses 916 and 915 stop at Sligachan from Glasgow May…

When you gaze at the Black Cuillin, you’re looking at the inside of a volcano, its cone and crater long since eroded away. And it feels like it. The dark, sharp gabbro rock that forms the range has the look and feel of something born from a violent, fiery explosion. The ridge forms the main part but the remains of the ancient volcano extend over Glen Sligachan to the Cuillin outliers – of which the 3,045ft Bla Bheinn is the highest. Even without its close relations, this mountain is something special. Its ascent from the south offers delicious scrambling on grippy rock. Below as you climb are the pale sands and clear waters of Camasunary bay, with Rum outlined on the horizon. At the top is a magnificent view: of…

Just thought you might like to know that a few days ago I managed to find and retrieve your lost OL17 map on the summit of Glyder Fach [Ben from Trail dropped this item down a crevice way back in 2010, and in 2014 we put out a call to readers to find and extract it]. It was rather wet and a bit muddy when I lifted it out of the crack in the rocks that it had fallen into, but on first inspection it looked as if it had survived quite well. I’ve now had the opportunity to dry it out and clean off most of the dirt. It has two small rips and some patches of discolouration in places, but considering that it has been up there for…

SNOWDON SNOWDONIA Completing the 3 Peaks in 23hr, 15min are Steve Silver with Steph, Andy, Tristan, Maurice and Sarah. The rambling group from north-west England wanted to get the challenge done before Sarah has a baby in February! Each issue we’ll be giving away the new Summit 25/38 mattress from Multimat’s Expedition range. New materials make this self-inflating sleeping mat tougher and lighter for durability on unsupported expeditions. Tested to -35 deg C, its wedge profile maximises comfort and minimises weight, while a warm zone improves tog value under the torso. THIS COULD BE YOU! Send your shots, marked ‘Summit selfie’ to trail@bauermedia.co.uk www.multimat.uk.com…

Go the Alps Do the Tour of Monte Rosa Find a big mountain, ideally one your mates have already heard of. Then walk right around it. Dip in and out of seven surrounding valleys, contour airily along their steep sides, and climb over seven skylines between. For many, Mont Blanc, the ‘white’ one, is the right one. But for a real party, the champagne you choose isn’t the white but the extra-pretty pink. It’s the colour of the sunrise on the snow. It’s the paint splashes on the Is that really the path? scrambly bit. It’s the alpenrose, the dwarf rhododendron that looks so lovely above the 2000m contour. For the mountain trip that’s extra-special, think pink. Think Monte Rosa. Seven valleys should mean seven passes. Up to a high…

Go Dartmoor Do a tor-y scramblefest Bouldering is an increasingly popular sport in the UK. If you’re not sure what bouldering is, it’s essentially clambering about on boulders. Okay, that might be over-simplifying it somewhat. Instead of long routes up high cliffs requiring ropes and complex bits of gear for protection, climbers tackle short but challenging ‘problems’ on boulders or low outcrops of rock, protected by nothing more than a few crash mats and their cat-like reflexes. This way they can improve their technique and strength, and have a huge amount of fun, without being geographically restricted to mountainous locations. While certainly hilly, Dartmoor is not particularly mountainous, so it’s entirely reasonable to assume that there’s little scrambling to be found there. And if you mean long, alpine-style traverses, you’d…

To stay warm you need great insulation, but that insulation also needs to be protected from moisture to maintain optimum performance. Gore’s new Thermium fabric is not only waterproof but also highly breathable to ensure no moisture lingers within a jacket’s insulating fibres. The fabric is thin and supple too, making it highly compressible. Gore Thermium will be released in the UK during autumn/winter 2016 and it will appear in a range of insulated jackets, including the ME Prophet jacket featured here. The fabric features a thin 10 denier outer layer with a ripstop design for durability. Inside that you get the Gore Thermium waterproof and breathable membrane, which keeps light rain out but most importantly is extremely breathable so the insulation stays dry from condensation that may gather within…

Visit magnificent old favourites from a different side, or discover the Glyders for the first time, using The Miner’s Track from the historic mountaineering hub that is the Pen-y-Gwryd Hotel – Head of the (River) Gwryd. It can be said that gwryd means ‘fathom’ in Welsh, a way to measure the depth of water. On a wet day it‘s apt; there can be a lot of rain running off the hills into this cwm! A steep climb rewards you quickly with stunning views back across to the Snowdon massif and south towards Llyn Gwynant. The Miner’s Track becomes drier and more defined the higher you go. Is this path a continuation of the similarly named path on Snowdon… for copper miners living in the Ogwen Valley? Walking in their footsteps…

Glenridding and Patterdale got a real bashing under Storm Desmond. As a small step towards restoration, take some big steps on this side of Fairfield, and spend some money in their shops. And even if you don’t care about the local Lakeland economy – well, you’ll want to come here anyway. ’Cause the northeastern end of Fairfield is one of the deepest-valley, ridgiest-ridge, craggiestcorrie corners there is anywhere. Deepest among the valleys is Deepdale (the name is a hefty clue). And the horseshoe around its rim gives a day of deep delight. Arnison Crag, rocky-topped and Ullswater-viewing, has one big disadvantage: it’s far too early to stop for a picnic. Birks ticks off another top before the high ridgeline of St Sunday Crag and the airy adventure over Cofa Pike.…

1 NY705052 Leave Newbiggin-on-Lune to cross the A685 and take the lane signed for Little Asby, soon rising towards the open landscape of Ravenstonedale Moor. Pass the track to Brackenber on the right after 1.2km and then fork left on a grass track leading north-west over the hillside. Continue for 2km to the corner of a wall with footbridge. Go through the next gate and follow a track for 1km, through heather, to a lane and cattle grid. 2 NY666073 Turn due north for 1km, with a wall on the left, past a small plantation and over the boggy stream that feeds nearby Sunbiggin Tarn (Open Access allows you to make a deviation if the ground is particularly wet). Turn left at the next track and walk towards the farm…

1 NG485299 From the Sligachan Hotel, cross the A863 to Dunvegan and pass over the old stone footbridge. On the other side you’ll find an array of boulders, stacked with miniature cairns. From here, Sgurr nan Gillean and the northern end of the Cuillin ridge can be seen in spectacular profile, though when the cloud is low you may not know they’re there at all. Follow the path into the glen, and you’ll soon reach a gate in a fence on your left. Pass this by and continue on the well-defined trail, rising and falling through some boggy patches – be prepared for these to be very bad in wet weather – and after roughly 3km, ford the Allt na Measarroch, continuing on until two small lochans come into view.…