Innholdsfortegnelse for August 2018 i Trail

Jenna Maryniak enjoys some serious hill action on Pen y Fan this month, followed by a Wild Night on Fairfield in the Lakes Simon Ingram takes the First Hill plunge, and gets the whole family up small and perfectly formed Hallin Fell in the Lake District Graham Thompson and friends head out for a night on the hill with tarps, bivvies and single-skin tents to test out the best! Ben Weeks heads to the Isle of Arran for some serious scrambling fun... then celebrates a big birthday with a custom avatar... Twitter @gingerheadben…

After conquering Goatfell on a hot summer’s day, what could be better than taking a seat overlooking Brodick Bay, with views that stretch over to the northern mountains including Beinn Nuis, Beinn Tarsuinn, Cir Mhor and Goatfell itself... and enjoying a cold and tasty reward? Little Rock Café’s freakshakes (pimped-up milkshakes in a range of flavours, including Terry’s Chocolate Orange, After Eight, Reese’s peanut butter, and Oreo) are delicious, refreshing, miraculously restorative, and provide a great incentive when legs are getting tired. Slurp one after a long walk for guilt-free enjoyment!…

ADDER Known as the common adder or common viper, these venomous snakes are identified by a black zigzag pattern on their back and can grow to a length of 60-90cm. They get their energy from the sun, so can often be spotted basking. Be wary though – once supercharged with solar power they can be surprisingly fast. Their bite isn’t as deadly as legend would suggest, but it is still worth getting immediate medical attention if you are bitten. MERLIN The merlin is our smallest bird of prey, with the male (smaller than the female) being about the same size as a missile thrush. Mainly found on open moorland in western and northern Britain, these ground-nesters are part of the falcon family and are extremely good fliers that prey on…

Send us your 400 words on ‘The Day A Mountain Changed My Life’ and every month we will publish the best. Your story could be one of inspiration, revelation, an epic adventure, or a near-miss! Every published entry will receive a year’s membership to the John Muir Trust (the charity that manages mountains including Helvellyn and Ben Nevis), plus £100 credit to redeem on Mountain Equipment clothing. The author of the best story of the year will win the grand prize of a day of tailored adventure on a John Muir Trust-managed mountain with a Mountain Equipment expert guide, some Mountain Equipment kit and the opportunity to write a full-length feature article for Trail.…

Distance 10km (6 miles) Total ascent 975m Start/finish SO034241 Old Crofftau (self-catering cottage), or there’s parking at SO024247 THE TOUGH ONE NEUADD ROUTE A horseshoe that takes in the whole skyline of peaks from the reservoir to the south of Pen y Fan. Distance 13km (8 miles) Total ascent 1181m Start/finish SO036170 Car park near Upper Neuadd Reservoir THE QUICK ONE STOREY ARMS ROUTE A painless out and back from the Storey Arms car park to the west. Distance 8km (5 miles) Total ascent 440m Start/finish SN982202 Car park near Storey Arms Centre…

A revolution is happening. The consequences of the mountains of waste we produce is finally being recognised. Now you can play your part to clean up the hills of Britain and ensure the rubbish is recycled where possible with your free #LitterHeroes bag. Mountain environments are particularly fragile, and it’s crucial that we preserve these last wild places on our island. Sadly, not everyone is conscientious and a minority of thoughtless individuals are littering our most beautiful landscapes. At higher altitudes even compostable rubbish takes even longer to decompose, so we need your help to change attitudes and undertake the selfless act of cleaning up other people’s litter. Find out how to claim your FREE bag in association with www.theoutdoorguide.co.uk and Keep Britain Tidy below!…

Hallin Fell, Lake District Our choice (above), for the views, impressive summit, short distance and unthreatening nature. Diddy, but perfectly formed. Lingmoor Fell, Lake District Little lakes on the top and a stunning 360° view make this little fell full of visual interest. Round it off with a visit to Cathedral Cave and you’ve got a monster bite-sized adventure. Pen y Fan, South Wales Wild ponies, a short up-and-down from the Storey Arms for smaller kids (or from the north for older kids). Roseberry Topping, Yorkshire Again, short – but rocky and surprisingly exposed on the summit. Everything a mountain should be on a miniaturised scale. Snowdon, Snowdonia For older kids, the kudos of climbing the highest mountain in Wales and England, the same one Hillary’s team used to train…

Q I see lots of people stopping to pull their map and compass out of their rucksack, but what is the most convenient way to carry them? Kimberly Rogers, via email Rob says It’s good practice to keep your map and compass handy, either in a reachable trouser or jacket pocket, or stashed under your rucksack shoulder strap or hipbelt. If your map and compass is not to hand then you are not navigating, and the most difficult navigational task is to try to work out where you are when the map has been stored in the bag for a couple of hours and visibility has gone. I cut my maps into smaller sections and laminate them. I prefer an A4 size, as A4 laminators are cheap (less than £20)…

Q If I develop a blister while out on the hill what’s the best thing to temporarily treat it until I get home? Stuart Anderson, Ashington Jeremy says Being pro-active and stalling blisters before they develop into painful and debilitating problems is the best approach. Wearing well-fitting boots, combined with clean, dry socks, is absolutely key. When you feel the first twinge, choosing to walk on, in the vague hope the rubbing will somehow disappear, is never a good plan. The minute you sense a hotspot developing, stop and deal with it. Adjusting your lacing or re-positioning your socks will help, but the best approach is to add some podiatrist felt liberally to the affected area. Podiatrist felt is an adhesive-backed padding that acts as a cushioned barrier directly between…

Q I’m currently working towards my #EverestAnywhere challenge, and want to know what is the best way to track my ascent when I go hillwalking? Charlie Hutton, via Facebook Paul says Prior to your walk you can plot your route on an app, such as OS Maps or Viewranger, or on a satnav device, to see the total ascent for your whole route. Alternatively, you can track your route on an app or satnav device while you walk, and then save the route once you’ve completed it to view the total ascent. Remember though, using your phone to track a route will consume a lot of battery power, especially in the cold, and your phone may be needed in an emergency. So always carry a charger pack and lead. Knowing…

GET INSPIRED Your goal, if you choose to accept it, is to climb the height of Everest in the most awesome way possible this summer! Ghyll scrambling in the Lakes, coastal walking in the Western Isles, wild swimming in mountain tarns, spontaneous blue sky mountain days. While the sunny season is in full swing, mix in some cooling, fun stuff while you’re driven to count up those metres of ascent. Pack a go-bag and pick your first summer adventure today! GET FIT Build your climb to the height of Everest into a health-kick for mountain heads. This is serious bootcamp business! Set a schedule to climb those mountains, and grab every bit of ascent in-between that you can get. Hillwalking gets your heart pumping, and regular cardiovascular exercise has been…

No hillwalker likes the condensation that inevitably builds up inside a waterproof jacket. While it is proving hard to banish entirely, each year the outdoor industry takes another small step towards ending this clammy sensation. The latest move nearer to condensation-free comfort comes from the Berghaus GR20 Storm jacket, which combines the very latest version of 3-layer Gore-Tex Active with extra ventilation to gain what the brand is tagging ‘Hyper breathability’. Trail took the jacket into the wet and windy Lakeland fells to see what it’s made of. High tech fabrics For 2018, the second generation Gore-Tex Active features a new thin ePTFE membrane, which is more durable than the original. In addition the fabric gets a C-Knit Backer, as used on other 3-layer Gore-Tex fabrics, to manage condensation. So…

Terra Nova Jupiter Lite £210 TESTER: Jon Bennett Type Single-skin, one-pole bivi tent Weight 678g Packed size 9x36cm Best price £179 A popular shelter with front-entry, where two guy lines create a small but annoying obstruction to smooth access. For a shorter person like me (5ft 8in), the length of the bag provides sufficient space to store items at the head of the bag. On warmer nights, the midge net at the head provides excellent ventilation. Unfortunately, one of the pegging-out points at the foot of the bag came off, but a stone placed inside the bag proved a successful alternative! It coped well with the windy conditions we encountered, although the fabric does rustle in the wind. PROS Weight compared to conventional tents, midge door, more headroom than a…

• Type Single-skin tent • Fabric Waterproof and breathable X-Tec 20-denier nylon with carbon coating • Weight 1372g • Packed size 13x46cm • Best price £470 IT'S GOOD My preference is that any solo shelter needs to be stable, offer midge protection, be spacious enough to sit up and cook safely in, and allow me to stretch out my tired 6ft 4in body. The S10 Sigma gives me all this, with the kind of bombproof assurance that also lets me get an excellent night’s sleep. It pitches quickly, with just two long poles and one short which thread into continuous sleeves and secure into eyelets. Being freestanding, I was able to move it around to find the flattest pitch. Plenty of guy attachment points are provided but weren’t necessary, even…

Trail has partnered with Ordnance Survey's OS Maps to bring you the ultimate interactive routes experience. Subscribers to Trail get free access to OS Maps, where you can view and print 1:50,000 and 1:25,000 OS maps at no extra cost, plan your own walks and view this month's routes online. In addition, the free OS Maps navigation app for smartphones and tablets turns this online tool into a powerful navigation aid. Subscribers can upload their own routes, download the routes from the magazine and browse more than 1000 more from previous issues. See page 42 for details of how to subscribe, or visit www.LFTO.com/routes…

25.5 km/ 16 miles 9 hours Back in the 1500s, the empty country at the head of North Tynedale was the wildest of all the lawless Scottish Border. Its few inhabitants were described by one visitor as mere savages, half-naked and talking in grunts. High on the border ridge, a huge rock of sandstone squats among the heather. Here rival warlords from north and south would meet up to see if any of their quarrels could be solved without having to slaughter everybody in sight. Don’t be misled by the way that Kielder people today serve utterly civilised cakes and coffee in the Castle tea-room. Kielder Head is still a tough bit of country. Geocachers rather than cattle stealers rendezvous at the Kielder Stone; bike helmets have replaced the steel…

Distance 9km (5½ miles) Total ascent 680m Time 4½ hours Start/finish NY469108 Car park at the head of Haweswater Nearest town Shap Terrain Lakeside path, rough pasture, rocky path, wooded col, narrow ridge, grassy summit plateau, steep fell side, exposed col and rocky corrie Maps OS Explorer (1:25,000) OL5, OS Landranger 90 (1:50,000), Harvey Superwalker (1:25,000) Lake District East, British Mountain Maps (1:40,000) Lake District Accommodation YHA Keswick, 0345 371 9746, www.yha.org.ukCamping, hotels and B&Bs in Shap and Bampton Public transport The closest bus stop is Shap with links to Penrith railway station Guidebooks The Far Eastern Fells by A. Wainwright pb Frances Lincoln Tourist info Penrith TIC, 01768 867466, www.golakes.co.uk Best pub The Mardale Inn, 01931 713244, www.mardaleinn.co.uk GET THIS ROUTE ON YOUR PHONE! LFTO.COM/TRAILROUTES…

26 km/ 16 miles 11 hours The most rugged and challenging group of mountains in the Southern Highlands, the Arrochar Alps are also among the more accessible, rising just west of Loch Lomond and within sight of Glasgow. Though they stand close-packed, the hills rise independently of each other, separated by big drops that make hard work of any link-up of their summits. This is testing ground for walkers – steep, complex and liberally scattered with rock. Compared to the real thing these Alps have been rather over-promoted, bar one. The Cobbler is the star attraction, a triple-topped rock peak with the jagged presence of a Chamonix Aiguille in miniature. For a full day out try combining this most impressive of Scotland’s Corbetts with the four Munros of the range…

Distance 14.5km (9 miles) Total ascent 1004m Time 6 hours Start/finish Altnafeadh NN220563 Nearest town Fort William Terrain The West Highland Way rises to the top of the Devil’s Staircase, after which faint paths and grassy slopes rise onto Am Bodach – this section of the route follows a defined ridge with steep climbs. A good path descends steeply from Am Bodach to the A82 from where a muddy path leads back to Altnafeadh Maps OS Explorer (1:25,000) 384, OS Landranger (1:50,000) 41, Harvey Superwalker (1:25,000), Ben Nevis, Mamores and the Grey Corries Accommodation Clachaig Inn, Glencoe, 01855 811252, www.clachaig.comRed Squirrel Campsite, 01855 811256, www.redsquirrelcampsite.co.uk Heatherlea B&B, 01855 811519, www.heatherleaglencoe.com Public transport Buses 914, 915 & 916 from Glasgow, Fort William and Uig to Altnafeadh Guidebooks Lochaber & Fort…

Distance 18km (11 miles) Total ascent 1050m Time 6 hours Start/finish NY376045 Junction at top of Compston Road by The Climbers Shop, Ambleside Terrain Wide grassy ridgelines, rocky descent into Link Hause, beware of vertiginous crags at north-east edge of Fairfield summit plateau. Navigation on the plateau/high ridges can be challenging in low visibility Maps OS Explorer (1:25,000) OL5 and OL7, OS Landranger (1:50,000) 90, Harvey Superwalker (1:25,000) Lake District East GET THIS ROUTE ON YOUR PHONE! LFTO.COM/TRAILROUTES…

23 km/ 14¼ miles 7½ hours 1 SK159730 At Litton Mill take the footpath marked Monsal Trail opposite cottage number 10, cross the river and follow the footpath up on to the trail. Turn left and pass through the Litton and Cressbrook tunnels. Just before reaching the Headstone Viaduct go through the gate on your left, descend the path bearing right at the bottom to pass beneath the viaduct. Follow the riverside path to the A6. 2 SK170706 Cross the A6 and walk through White Lodge car park then take the footpath south-west through the gate to reach a signpost. Turn left and follow the footpath across pasture and then Deep Dale. Continue along the path and at the signpost turn along a wide trail marked Ashford and Sheldon. At…

The chaotic and wild nature of the Cuillins is a fantastic sight to behold, and although there is a lot of technical ground not all of the main crest is reserved soley for rock climbers. A good number of the major summits, including most of the Munros, can be reached by out and back scrambling expeditions. One absolute classic that fits this bill perfectly is the North Ridge of Sgurr nan Eag. Often referred to as the first Munro on the ridge, this huge mountain dominates the southern end of the Cuillin and is set in an extremely dramatic position, seeming to almost overhang the sea and the wild corries that surround it. The scrambling on the North Ridge can just about top Grade 2 depending on the line you…

NOTICE THE SMALL DETAILS 1 Trail photographer Tom Bailey puts the knowledge gained by spending practically every day of his working life out in the hills and wilds of Britain to good use in Nature Notes (p12). His senses are trained to see the changing seasons or hear the rustle of an animal, and to spot those magical moments to be captured on camera. Train your own senses to pick up on the small things on a trek that can make your walking so much richer. GET SNAPPING 2 There’s £3000 worth of Fujifilm photographic equipment up for grabs for three winners of the 2018 UK Mountain Photo of the Year competition. Whether you’re extremely talented, or just lucky with the light, you could win! If you’d rather just appreciate…

What kicks off a love of the hills? Is it a sensational first walk at the perfect moment, or simply the way you are wired? I’m not sure. I remember my first proper hill being four hours of dehydrated hell followed by ten minutes of mind-blowing awe, then another two hours of dehydrated hell – all at an age when I could have stopped, descended, driven myself home and ditched the clearly depraved human being who had dragged me there. And yet, I didn’t. It’s tempting to think that you only remember the ‘epics’. But based on that day, each minute of pleasure in the hills is 36 times as potent as each minute of pain – which is why we keep going back. Remember that, next time you’re stood…

Jan Knurek “Climb Aran Fawddwy (p101). I could have stayed up there all day admiring the views. Not many people up there either.” Alexandra van Heeswijk “There’s a lovely walk up to the Blue Lake near Fairbourne. A gorgeous viewpoint to watch the sunset from is Cregennan Lakes. Stunning up there.” Jay Mistry “Enjoy the show at ‘Mach Loop’. Just take a seat on the mountains and watch fast jets fly by at the same level as you… it’s awesome!” Lee Ratcliff “It’s a walker’s paradise! Visit Tal y Llyn Lake. The Salt Marsh Kitchen is a superb restaurant in Tywyn. Craig yr Aderyn (Bird Rock) – fabulous little rock with just the best views. Don’t miss Aberdyfi Beach. And Talyllyn Railway…

Off-road vehicles used to be big, cuboid things that looked like they’d been drawn by a child with a geometry set. Today’s versions retain the toughness, but with more style. Why are we talking cars? Well, the Exped Explore is like a modern 4x4. Its design is relatively understated, but start looking at the details – super-tough fabrics, an adjustable harness system, multiple access and tie-on points, metal hook buckles, and a cavernous interior – and you realise it’s a load-carrying beast. No faff or frippery here, just all the tools needed to do the job incorporated into a considered package. ➔ WE SAY a serious ’sack for the serious 21st century backpacker.…

Hillwalkers aren’t overly performance focused – we’re usually more of the ‘wander and wonder’ mindset. But while the apparel from Kymira Sports has been created with athletes in mind, the garments offer advantages we can all appreciate, such as increased circulation, regulated body temperature, and reduced Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (aka post-walk stiffness). We don’t fully understand the technology – something to do with infrared energy recovery – but the range (which includes socks, gloves, leggings and tops) has passed independent clinical trials and been given medical device status in the EU, Australasia, and the USA. Magic it may be, but it would seem it works. www.kymirasport.com…

Rainbow Mountain Peru Stephen Sinclair from Newcastle and his friend Sean climbed the Rainbow Mountain after completing the four-day Inca trail to Machu Picchu. Stephen, who has been climbing for two years, told Trail: “My goal is to climb the seven summits of the world and to visit the seven wonders of the world.” Congrats Stephen – your selfie has won you a Multimat mattress worth £90! Each issue we’ll give away a 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°C, its wedge profile maximises comfort and minimises weight, while a warm zone improves tog value under the torso.…

MARK GILLIGAN Acclaimed photographer Mark Gilligan has been putting the Lake District in front of his lens for 40 years. As well as judging, the Fujifilm ambassador will also add tips and skills through the competition to help you snap a winner. JULIA BRADBURY The face of TV walking, #litterheroes campaigner and co-founder of The Outdoor Guide, Julia's programmes reach millions of viewers – so when it comes to knowing what makes the masses stop and take notice, she knows her stuff. LOUISE PARKER Trail’s art editor for over 20 years, and with a keen eye for unique composition and good light Louise may have professionally handled more pictures of the British mountains than anyone alive. TOM BAILEY Trail’s photographer has 20+ years in the job, and has produced the…

Q I’ve recently bought a new two-person tent, and in the pole bag there was a really short pole piece, but I’m not entirely sure what it’s used for. Kieran Cook, via Facebook Trail says Lots of tents will come with a short aluminium tube, often about 6in long, and they are called pole splints. If one of your tent poles happens to snap while you’re out camping these splints are designed to slide over the broken pole to brace and reinforce it. Getting stuck in bad conditions with a malfunctioning tent can be a nightmare, so these little thingamajigs can prove a Godsend in a sticky situation.…

RISK LEVEL 1 The slightest movement caught my eye. A stride away, a dark zig-zag twitched. Amongst the shadow-shapes of the bracken, it would have been invisible. Bathing in the sun, its camouflage was only marginally less effective. The adder coiled as we passed at a courteous distance, but made no attempt to strike or escape. The A’ Chir ridge lay ahead, serpentine in its own way, but, if disrespected, considerably more dangerous than the venomous snake. The trek into Glen Rosa had been uneventful. The only potential danger of the balmy weather was an influx of midges, and a fragile breeze was keeping them dispersed. The trudge up Cnoc Breac was humid and the crest of Beinn a Chliabhain brought airy relief. As a precursor to the A’ Chir…

• Type Single-skin tarp • Fabric Waterproof 30-denier ripstop with silicone and PU coating • Weight 305g (excluding pegs, guy lines, poles or bivi bag) • Packed size 9x14cm • Best price £59 IT'S GOOD The weight, the packed size and the price are instantly appealing, but this handful of nylon has more subtle benefits worthy of admiration. The 2.4x1.4m rectangle of nylon fabric comes with 17 hypalon attachment points, six tie-down/pegging points and five lifter tabs so you can tie on guy lines to raise or tension the middle of the tarp. It is these attachment points that set this tarp apart from others, as they allow a myriad of pitching options with only your imagination being the limiting factor. I was able to create a wedge against the…

VENTILATED BACK SYSTEM Many rucksacks have mesh panels that hold the sack away from the body, to increase airflow and reduce clamminess. SHOULDER STRAPS The shoulder straps take some of the weight, but they need to be carefully contoured and padded to ensure comfort. As we are all different shapes it is important to try them for size, fit and comfort before making a purchase. WAND POCKETS Originally designed for avalanche probes or ‘wands’, these pockets on the side of a rucksack are often made of stretchy mesh fabrics, and are ideal for stashing the ends of trekking poles as well as smaller items including water bottles or snacks. HIPBELT This is designed to carry most of the load if the pack is heavy, but when carrying lighter loads it…

ARC’TERYX BORA MID GTX £250 USED BY Simon Ingram, very fussy-footed editor USED FOR 2 years I have never found a pair of boots that fit me perfectly. And these, I thought, were no exception: my first walk with them left me with numb patches all over the place and I thought, ‘oh bother (or words to that effect) here we go again’. So I put them on ice for a year but then picked them up again, as they are so interesting. Featuring an internal Gore-Tex bootie, an outer of thermolaminated nylon and a massive heel brake, these are a mere 1kg per pair, grippy and (on paper) highly suited for long tramps on mixed ground. The key thing is the Adaptive Fit System – that bootie – which…

If you’re staying in or near to Kielder after reaching the Kielder Stone, then check out the Kielder Observatory. It isn’t far from the castle (the start and finish point of the route) and offers a range of telescopes to give you a unique view of the stars. It makes for a fantastic end to the day, with something for everyone to enjoy. With tickets at a reasonable £20.20 per adult, this spectacular show often sells out, so make sure you book in advance. www.kielderobservatory.org…

8.7 km/ 5½ miles 4 ½ hours Towering above Beddgelert the mighty Moel Hebog reigns supreme at the centre of a five-peaked ridge. To the north, its neighbours (Moels Ogof and Lefn respectively) are occasionally trodden as part of an excellent round while southwards lie two sub-2000ft bumps craving some attention. If I was to say that those two lowly heights give an outing every bit as satisfying as their illustrious brethren you might scoff at the suggestion, but hear me out. Hebog and its chums lay their cards on the table even when seen from the roadside. There are no hidden corners or labyrinthine ways, and barely a tree to be seen once above the dense Beddgelert Forest. Bryn Banog, on the other hand, is shy and retiring, and…

Distance 25.5 km (16 miles) Total ascent 800m Time 9 hours Start/finish NY631935 Roundabout opposite the entrance of Kielder Castle Nearest town Bellingham Terrain Wild moorland, with soggy plateau and heathery flanks Maps OS Explorer (1:25,000) OL42 and OL16, OS Landranger (1:50,000) 80 Accommodation Kielder Village Camping and Caravan Site (also camping pods), kieldercampsite.co.uk, (YHA Kielder closed in 2015) Public transport None anywhere nearby (The international rail station at Deadwater closed in 1956) Guidebooks Walking in the Southern Uplands by Ronald Turnbull Tourist info Bellingham TIC, 01434 220616, www.visitkielder.com Best pub Tea room at Kielder Castle. Also Boat Inn bar and restaurant, near SW corner Kielder Water, 01434 251000 GET THIS ROUTE ON YOUR PHONE! LFTO.COM/TRAILROUTES…

12 km/ 7½ miles 6 hours Even on the most perfect of sunny days, Aran Fawddwy’s high summit lays clear of crowds. Lays clear of anything, in fact – except the inquisitive raven who’s met just enough humans to recognise the extra source of food. The sweeping, whalebacked ridgeline of Moel Ffenigl, Aran Benllyn, Aran Fawddwy, Glasgwm and more carves its way into the sky from the southwestern toe of Llyn Tegid, all the way to the east of Cadair Idris. The highest peak, Aran Fawddwy (peak of Mawddwy), shoulders proudly, and slightly aloof, at 905m. Higher than any other summit in Britain now, south of the Snowdon massif. So, why so alone? The quality walking of the jumbled volcanic rock atop the highest peaks, set atop smoother mudstone and…

Distance 26km (16 miles) Total ascent 2700m Time 11 hours Start/finish Car park at Inveruglas Nearest town Balloch Terrain Steep, knobbly and rough, with some boggy sections on the cols. Pathless sections on Ben Vorlich, Ben Vane and Beinn Ime demand good map navigation, plus the ability to route-find through complex ground made up of many small crags. The only scramble is optional – 15m of exposed Grade 3 onto the topmost rock of The Cobbler’s Centre Peak (remember the only way down is to reverse this ascent!). Maps OS Explorer (1:25,000) 364, OS Landranger (1:50,000) 56, Harvey British Mountain Map (1:40,000) Southern Highlands Accommodation Crianlarich YHA, 01838 300260 Public transport Glasgow to Ft. William buses stop on the A82. With minor variations this walk is also possible as a…

Although set back from the town far enough not to tower over it, Fairfield dominates the thoughts of walkers staying in Ambleside. It provides a classic horseshoe from a pleasant town centre, with no less than eight Wainwrights to bag in a single walk. And from the summit, Fairfield’s central position in the Lake District gives it commanding views over the surrounding peaks. The other two walks are no less enjoyable and offer great views of Fairfield from both sides – there’s a surprising challenge in the Red Screes route plus an unusual ‘outgang’ ascent near the start. And the views from Seat Sandal over Fairfield, Dollywagon Pike and St Sunday Crag almost rival those from Fairfield itself. TRANSPORT Windermere is the nearest rail station. From here bus 555 serves…

Get away for the weekend and enjoy a circular tour of the Peak District, crossing from Dark Peak to White Peak and back again. This three-day walk takes in open moorlands, a plague village, the Cathedral of the Peak, limestone gorges, abandoned lead mines, Chatsworth House, gritstone edges, market towns and lots of pubs and cafés. In fact there’s so much to see and do you’ll be spoilt for choice. Choose from accommodation including youth hostels, hotels, B&Bs, bunkhouses or campsites. Travel by car or train or bus. TRANSPORT By car, sat nav postcode S32 1BB. By bus or train, www.derbyshire.gov.uk/transport_roads/public_transport/timetables/default.asp?VD=buses PUBS AND GRUB There are numerous pubs, cafés, takeaways and restaurants at Hathersage, Eyam, Foolow, Tideswell, Litton, Monsal Head, Monyash, Sheldon, Bakewell, Chatsworth, Baslow and Grindleford Station. ACCOMMODATION YHA…

Distance 12.7km (8 miles) Total ascent 1110m Time 5 hours Start Car park beside the B8035 near Dhiseig ( NM494359) Nearest town Tobermory Terrain Coast road, steep-sided glen, waterfalls, broad col, narrow rocky crest, rocky subsidiary peak, narrow arête, stony summit, and open mountainside Maps OS Explorer (1:25,000) 375, OS Landranger (1:50,000) 48, Harvey Superwalker (1:25,000) Mull, Iona and Ulva Accommodation Tobermory Youth Hostel, 01688 302481, www.syha.org.ukTobermory Campsite, 01688 302615, www.tobermory-campsite.co.uk Tourist info Tobermory, 01688 302875, www.tobermory.co.uk Transport Trains to Oban, and then ferry to Craignure on Mull (and then bus service around Mull) Ferries: Caledonian MacBrayne, 08457 650050, www.calmac.co.uk Trains: National Rail Enquiries, 0845 748 4950 Buses: Traveline, 0871 200 2233, www.traveline.info Also Bowman’s, 01680 812313, www.bowmanstours.co.uk and R.N. Carmichael, 01688 302230 Guidebooks The Munros, pb SMC…

In May, Brit Jon Gupta (right) and Australian Steve Plain broke a mountaineering record by climbing the 7 Summits (the highest peak on each of the seven continents) in 4 months, beating the previous time by 9 days. We can’t all be globe-trotting high-altitude mountaineers, so here are some more manageable challenges you might like to consider... 3 in 24 Climbing the national three peaks of Ben Nevis (Scotland), Scafell Pike (England) and Snowdon (Wales) in 24 hours is perhaps the most famous – and possibly infamous – hill challenge in the UK. 3 in 12 The Yorkshire three peaks of Pen-yghent, Whernside (which is at least partially in Cumbria) and Ingleborough are close enough to be linked in 12 hours of gruelling and often boggy trudging. 14/15/16 in 24…

Back in the day when camping was all knee-high socks and canvas ridge tents, nothing marked you out as a proper camper as clearly as an enamel mug dangling from your rucksack straps. But with the tide turning against plastic, and aluminium and titanium equivalents lacking the soul of the old-fashioned originals, perhaps it’s time for the humble enamel mug to make a return. Certainly cool designs like this from Mountain Warehouse will help – and especially when you can pick them up for under a fiver (£4.49, to be exact). And in case you’re wondering, ‘Not all who wander are lost’ is a line from the poem All That is Gold Does Not Glitter written by JRR Tolkien for The Lord of the Rings. That could be a pub-quiz…

You may have read the sunglasses review in last month’s Trail. Sadly we didn’t find out about these ones in time, but if we had, we’d have almost definitely included them. And here’s why. These shades were initially developed and created for golf. Wait! Wait! Come back! Don’t let that cloud your judgement. The characteristics that make them good for golfers – who are also outside for long periods of time, need good vision contrast to be able to interpret the roll of the land, and like to look good when relaxing at the bar afterwards – also apply to hillwalkers. There are several things that make the RXWs a bit special: they’re made in the UK, can be customised to your own personal tastes with a range of colours,…

I have chosen to climb Cam Crag Ridge, a gnarly Grade 2 scramble ascending 200m of grippy, volcanic rock on the eastern flank of Glaramara. The first few metres of it are easy-going on rough-textured rock. I top out above Woof Stones and the scramble begins in earnest. As I am on an overhang, moving my right hand up toward the next hold, both feet flick out from under me. I am suddenly hanging on my left arm. I can get no purchase with my right hand nor either of my feet. I dangle on my left arm until it goes dead. Then I drop 5m onto uneven ground, where I snap my right tibia and fibula. As I bounce 30-40m down a rock-studded slope, I hear more bones popping…

Ian Kimber “A school trip that sealed my love of the mountains.” Luke Hinds “Jacob’s Ladder covered in black ice on the return leg of the Fan Dance (shudders).” David Brice “My first mountain. And the beauty of the Brecon Beacons.” Kerry Forkner “A challenging day fighting strong winds on the tops while losing each other in the low cloud. Even the smaller mountains can prove exciting in difficult weather conditions!” Roj Wholey “It has always been my family’s favourite walk, and my wife’s ashes are there.” Darren Wood “A return to the hills and normality after our 7-year-old’s kidney transplant – now an 11-year-old who still loves the hills.” Jeremy Ashcroft, author and Trail mountaineering editor: “For me there is no better time to be on Pen y Fan…

1 Go little Walk up something your child can walk all the way up (and preferably down again) themselves. This will enhance the sense of achievement, and will save you from having to carry them – not the best thing to be doing on a mountain. Always go smaller than you think they can manage… even if it’s just a pimple. You can always go bigger later, but it’s hard to recover from over-ambition. 2 Involve them This will vary depending on the child, but give them a job to do, however small, to make sure they know what they’re doing and ensure they feel a part of the decision-making process. It’s all good practice! 3 Get them excited This is what it’s all about! Associate the experience of climbing…

Q A lot of summer shorts are made from cotton but given it‘s a bad choice up top, is this a good idea for hillwalkers? Geoff Sampson, via email GT says Cotton has lots of benefits, as it’s super comfortable against the skin and breathable. The drawback, though, is it is slow to dry, so when it gets wet it stays wet. So a better option would be shorts made from either 100% synthetic materials, such as nylon or polyester, or just a small percentage of cotton. A pair of shorts made from nylon, or primarily polyester with a low cotton make-up, will dry quickly and be more durable and less likely to rip on rocks. As these fabrics dry so rapidly, you can often get away with wearing fast-drying…

Type Single-skin, twin-pole bivi tent Fabric Waterproof, breathable, 50-denier nylon ripstop with PU coating Weight 1096g Packed size 12x27cm Best price £107 IT'S GOOD The Stratosphere has two short poles crossing over at the head of the bag, creating a mini dome. This allows a very useful feature to be added in the form of a netted small storage space for valuables, or anything that you don’t want to be squashed in the bivi bag if you are either disorganised or a restless sleeper – which can be an issue when minimalist camping! This mini dome also provides excellent headspace compared to bivi bags or even some poled bivi tents. The foot of the bag is then simply pegged out. What sets this apart compared to other bivi tents, is…

…LOWER PRICE? Highlander Hiker 30 £32 • Unisex One back size • Weight 860g (includes 52g raincover) This low-priced pack has raised padded zones on the back to allow airflow, while the wide, padded hipbelt can take some of the load. There’s a zip-around opening of the main compartment, plus four external zipped pockets. No top tensioning straps on shoulder straps or back size options. …LIGHT WEIGHT AND DURABILITY? Berghaus Fasthike 20 £70 • Unisex One back size • Weight 527g New for 2018, this lightweight pack has a roll-top lid to save weight, but it’s also built from a slighter tougher fabric than other superlight packs and benefits from a padded back and shoulder harness that really hugs the body for comfort when moving fast. There’s no external zipped…

Nick Livesey Acclaimed Snowdoniabased photographer and rarely off the hills. Ronald Turnbull Creator of a whopping 30 guidebooks and 18 unique coast-to-coasts. Jeremy Ashcroft Trail’s mountaineering editor and a veteran of every classic UK route. Kate Worthington Snowdonia-based guide Kate holds Summer and Winter ML awards. Dan Bailey Author of Scotland’s Mountain Ridges and a huge fan of big routes. Keith Fergus Author of 15 guidebooks to Scotland’s isles and coastline walks. Chiz Dakin Award-winning writer, photographer and film-maker. Avid traveller. Paul Besley Ranger and writer of guidebooks – our Peak District guru! 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 use them and navigate in winter, and you…

Distance 8.7km (5½ miles) Total ascent 814m Time 4½ hours Start/finish SH597461 National Trust Nantmor car park on the A4085 approximately 250m beyond Pont Aberglaslyn Nearest town Porthmadog Terrain Easy walking on mainly pathless terrain where good route finding and navigation skills are essential in poor visibility. The ground around Oerddwr-uchaf can be boggy in all but prolonged spells of dry weather Maps OS Explorer (1:25,000) OL17, OS Landranger (1:50,000) 115 Accommodation YHA Bryn Gwynant, caeducampsite.co.uk Public transport Regular buses pass through Beddgelert from Porthmadog and Caernarfon, as well as the Snowdon Sherpa service which runs from late March to early November, 0845 748 4950 Guidebooks A pictorial guide to the mountains of Snowdonia Vol 2, John Gillham, pb Francis Lincoln Tourist info Betws-y-Coed TIC, 01690 710426 Best pub…

9 km/ 5½ miles 4½ hours The great east face of High Street forms a formidable barrier, and separates the Far Eastern, and Shap Fells from the main bulk of Lakeland. The only way up it for walkers is to make use of one of the truncated spurs, which reach eastwards towards Haweswater. The best of these is the craggy crest of the Long Stile. A wonderful narrow arête, it lifts you easily from the moody shores of Haweswater and the flooded village of Mardale direct to the lofty summit plateau of High Street with its wide-ranging views and its handy wall for a sheltered lunch stop. The descent via Mardale Ill Bell opens up new scenery with a superb view down the length of Kentmere, then leads you via…

Distance 12km (7½ miles) Total ascent 910m Time 6 hours Start/finish SH852187 Car park (donations welcome) Nearest town/village Dinas Mawddwy or Dolgellau Terrain Faint paths, steep grass and heather, rocky mountain Maps OS Explorer (1:25,000) OL23 Accommodation Bryn Sion Farm B&B, 01650 531251 Public transport Buses 33/T36 (Dinas Mawddwy only), Lloyd’s Coaches, 01654 702100 Guidebooks Great Mountain Days in Snowdonia: 40 classic routes exploring Snowdonia by Terry Marsh, pb Cicerone Press Tourist info Bala TIC, 01678 521021 Nearest pub Y Llew Coch (The Red Lion), Dinas Mawddwy, 01650 531247 GET THIS ROUTE ON YOUR PHONE! LFTO.COM/TRAILROUTES…

14.5 km/ 9 miles 6 hours To find a quiet spot when walking in Glen Coe is like finding the proverbial needle in the haystack, but there are hidden gems amongst the many fashionable jewels of Scotland’s most famous glen. Not least this joyous walk that includes the Devil’s Staircase and Am Bodach (translating from Gaelic as the old man) in a wonderful high level tramp, encompassing all the diversity of Glen Coe’s awesome landscape, but without the crowds. Although Am Bodach clambers well above the 3000ft mark, it isn’t classed as a Munro but simply an outlying top of Meall Dearg, the eastern Munro of the famed Aonach Eagach. Therefore this route provides none of the technical challenges that the knife-like ridge of the Aonach Eagach bestows but it…

Distance 14km (8½ miles) Total ascent 1050m Time 5 hours Start/finish NY376045 Bottom of North Road, Ambleside (opposite upper entrance to Gaynor Sports) Terrain Straightforward ascent to Red Screes on grassy ridgeline, but vertiginous descent from Red Screes to Kirkstone Pass has a couple of hands on rock awkward moves. Some boggy ground between Woundell and Baystones. Route finding could be hard in poor visibility Maps OS Explorer (1:25,000) OL5 and OL7, OS Landranger (1:50,000) 90, Harvey Superwalker (1:25,000) Lake District East GET THIS ROUTE ON YOUR PHONE! LFTO.COM/TRAILROUTES…