Innholdsfortegnelse for September 2018 i Trail

Kate Worthington weaves through Snowdonia on a journey to savour, and makes some Tolkienesque discoveries along the way p28 Jeremy Ashcroft takes an in-depth look at this knife-edge traverse and considers how you can conquer your fears on the Red Ridge p38 Oli Reed escapes from modern life by heading for an unforgettable wild night in the hills of the Brecon Beacons p46 Simon Ingram visits Lakeland’s watchtower Causey Pike for the first time and finds it leaves a lasting impression p64…

Master manufacturer of mountaineering metal Grivel is celebrating its birthday this year. To commemorate this important anniversary it is launching a range of products in the style of the kit used by the pioneers of Alpinism. With its elegant looks and vintage materials, this retro rucksack is one of our favourites. It even has an axe attachment... and if you want to complete the look, a special 200 Years wooden-handled ice axe is available! WE SAY An old-fashioned pack with huge modern-day appeal…

VISIT… CHRIS BONINGTONTHE EXHIBITION Discover more about the inspirational career, achievements and life of one of Britain’s most successful mountaineers, at a new Keswick Museum exhibition. The Mountain Heritage Trust’s exhibition, Man + Mountain: Chris Bonington, is open to the public until early January 2019. Admission costs £4.50 for adults and £3 for children, and tickets can be purchased on the door. MORE INFO AT www.keswickmuseum.org.uk BOOK UP… BENEDICT ALLEN LIVE TOUR After his headline-hitting solo expedition to Papua New Guinea in 2017, adventure-explorer Benedict Allen embarks on a 28-date UK-wide tour this month. The world-renowned expeditionist will reveal the truths about that most recent trip, plus recall other tales from his extraordinary career and show never-before-seen material from his travels. The live tour kicks off on 22 September…

This year Trail , in partnership with Fujifilm, has £3000 worth of camera equipment to be won. And with entries welcomed from phone snaps to carefully composed DSLR images, no matter your method of capture all UK hill and mountain-scape photos have a chance. HOW TO ENTER Simply send us a stunning photograph of a UK mountain. Each entrant can submit up to three images, and the competition is open now. Upload your photo/s (and find full T&Cs), at www.livefortheoutdoors.com/mountainphoto18 As well as being featured in Trail , and kick-starting your photography stardom, each winner will also become a camera reviewer, with a guest slot on www.livefortheoutdoors.com – where your first impressions of your prize will be shared with thousands.…

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…

A revolution is happening. The consequences of the mountains of waste we produce are 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.ukand Keep Britain Tidy below! Spread the word and send us…

Will Legon, along with neurolinguistic programming expert Brian McHugh, has been running courses helping hundreds of people beat their phobia of heights for the past 12 years. Will provides some advice on controlling your fear of exposure. • Brain hijack In our brain we have an acorn-sized part called the amygdala. In moments of high stress, where our reactions have to be heightened and quick and we need a burst of extra strength, it is then we need the amygdala and its quick thinking. It gives us our fight or flight response, kicks in our adrenal gland and gives us that vital burst of power. Some people’s amygdala is, however, overly sensitive. It triggers for the slightest stimulus, and at that moment the amygdala hijacks the brain and takes over…

Q Can you explain some terms I’ve come across on OS maps please? What are shake holes, grouse butts and sheepfolds? Are they dangerous and/or useful for navigation? Rosie Carlson, Powys Paul says Shake holes are indentations in the ground, usually in limestone areas where the rock has collapsed. They are typically about 10m across but can be larger. As shake holes can be unstable it’s best to steer round them. Sheepfolds are square or round drystone wall features (like a small low hut with no roof) that shepherds used to pen in sheep. Most are in ruin, so just part of a wall may remain. They’re a handy place to take shelter. Grouse butts are where game shooters stand to shoot grouse. Usually found…

Scrambling grades can be slightly subjective but the golden rule is simple – make sure you’re well experienced with one before moving on to the next. Grade 1: Generally straightforward with no route-finding problems. Some exposure and simple moves that experienced hillwalkers should have no problems dealing with. Grade 2: More difficult route finding and holds that are less obvious or frequent. Some difficult moves and exposure. Grade 3: Route-finding, exposure and technical difficulty become serious. A rope and suitable skills should be considered for some pitches. Grade 3S/4: Crossover with entry-level rock climbing, and requires considerable experience both with climbing and rope skills.…

Year-on-year boots are getting lighter and more comfortable, and 2018 has seen a surge in development, with many brands sporting more flexible ankle cuff designs for increased comfort. But AKU’s Tengu Lite GTX has taken this trend a step further than most by not only increasing ankle cuff flexibility and comfort but by also building in the support and sole grip that is needed to make light work of walking over everything from moorland to mountain summits. Could this be one of the best boots for hillwalking this year? Ever since people have walked the hills there has been a quest to make footwear lighter and more comfortable, while maintaining all the performance needed to remain safe. This has been a tough challenge, which at times has resulted in footwear…

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 44 for details of how to subscribe, or visit www.LFTO.com/routes…

9 km/ 5½ miles 5-6 hours SCRAMBLE SPECIAL The rocky wilderness of the Isle of Skye proves irresistible to hordes of visitors year after year. The Cuillin Ridge is the crown jewel of this magnificent island, with mountaineers flocking to bag the ridge and its Munros, and sightseers coming to gaze on its beauty and the cascading Fairy Pools below. The tallest peak on Skye, Sgurr Alasdair, stands at an impressive 992m, and is also the UK’s tallest island peak. This provides an interesting and exciting route for those wishing to sample what the Cuillin has to offer, whilst also being a short and achievable option for those not quite ready to tackle the ridge in its entirety but still keen to feel its rugged magnificence. 1 NG409204 The route…

Distance 6km (3¼ miles) Total ascent 880m Time 5 hours Start/finish Llyn Ogwen lay-by ( SH661602) Nearest town Capel Curig Terrain Grade 1 rock scrambling with some exposure but good holds. Tussocky and boggy ground towards the end of the route Maps OS Explorer (1:25,000) OL17, Harvey Superwalker (1:25,000) Snowdonia North Accommodation YHA Idwal Cottage (www.yha.org.uk)is extremely well located for the start of the walk. For hotels, try Capel Curig’s Bryn Twrch or Tyn y Coed. There are plenty of campsites, with Gwern Gof Isaf (gwerngofisaf.co.uk) and Gwern Gof Uchaf (tryfanwales.co.uk) very close to the start Transport Train stations at Betws y Coed and Bangor, with occasional buses into Ogwen. In the summer the Snowdon Sherpa S6 bus drops off at Idwal Cottage, close to the start Pubs Bryn Tyrch…

7 km/ 4½ miles 4 hours SCRAMBLE SPECIAL Blencathra, or Saddleback, looks like a long flat monster of a mountain from the south. Its distinctive arching back can be seen from many of the more popular fells. But trapped north of the A66 it is more often seen in the distance than climbed. Its moment of fame came in 2014, when it was put up for sale – the buyer also becoming Lord of the Manor of Threlkeld. Despite a number of offers and a bid from a community group, the mountain was eventually taken off the market. The walk begins in Scales, a small village just above the A66. Instead of heading straight for Blencathra, this route skirts around the side of Scales Fell and north towards Scales Tarn…

Distance 6km (3½ miles) Total ascent 872m Time 4-5 hours Start/finish National Trust’s Stickle Ghyll car park ( NY294063) Nearest town Ambleside Terrain Excellent fell paths to start of scramble, rough and exposed scrambling on crumbly, wet rock on Jack’s Rake, and good fell paths for remainder of walk Map OS Explorer (1:25,000) OL6 Accommodation Ample accommodation in Great Langdale and Ambleside. The new Dungeon Ghyll Hotel is ideal for the walk’s start and finish, 015394 37213, www.dungeon-ghyll.co.uk Public transport Stagecoach’s 516 bus connects Kendal and Windermere with Dungeon Ghyll, via Ambleside Guidebook A Pictorial Guide to the Lakeland Fells, Book 3: The Central Fells by Alfred Wainwright, pb Frances Lincoln Tourist info Ambleside TIC, 0844 225 0544 GET THIS ROUTE ON YOUR PHONE! LFTO.COM/TRAILROUTES In association with…

16.5 km/ 10½ miles 5 hours 1 SD871898 From the Crown Inn, go east along the main road bearing left through a one-way system. Just before this ends, turn left at a road junction towards Hardraw, soon crossing a humpback bridge over the former railway. Cross a side road leading to a business park, then go through a kissing gate onto a flagstone-lined footpath through a field towards Haylands Bridge. 2 SD875902 Emerge onto a country lane, heading left along this to cross the River Ure. Take the second footpath to Hardraw, which comes just after the road starts climbing. This initially runs alongside a wall to the left, then follow the flagstones across fields to emerge on a stone driveway at the edge of Hardraw. Follow this out to…

THIS IS YOUR MOUNTAIN LIFE 1 Been inspired by the amazing images so far in this year’s photo comp (p22)? In this digital age don’t let those magic moments be lost to changing technology. Take an afternoon to rifle through your best shots and immortalise them in a photo album. When your knees have finally given up, and your eyesight is too short to see a small screen, that album will transport you back to those treasured places. THINK DIFFERENTLY 2 Some books can tap into a part of your psyche and ignite a passion and intrigue that was once undisturbed. When the last page is turned they can make you think about the world a little differently. Take a journey into the philosophy of Megan Hine in her book…

I never really understood the expression ‘go out on a limb.’ So I looked it up. It is a reference to tree climbing, and it essentially means seriously limiting your chance of success by shimmying along a particular branch (‘limb’) in the hope of success. So, I’m going to go out on a limb here and say that the best thing about Wales is that it really couldn’t be anywhere else. It has such a defiant signature to it – a feel on the air – that even if you were driven there in a van with no windows and blindfolded (a bit sinister, but bear with me) you’d still know you were in Wales purely by feel. We’ve got a treat for you this month – the brand new…

Katie B “The YHA is amazing and a great place to stay. It has its own bar and does food, but the whole point of hostelling is to make friends in the kitchen!” Claire Selby “The Log House Restaurant serves gorgeous steak, and THE BEST chips I have EVER had the pleasure of eating!” Steve Perman “Apple Pie Café is amazing. Their bath buns are amazing and a must-have item in any rucksack when out and about on the hills.” Bryony Hutchings “Doi Intanon offers Thai food at its best, especially when washed down with a Loweswater Gold.” Chris Turner “Zeffirellis indie cinema and pizzeria for a food & cinema combo.” Twitter Ciaran Wilson “Definitely…

The Freeflow rucksacks are a mainstay of the Berghaus range. The back system uses a combination of curved design and mesh to keep the pack away from the wearer’s back, allowing air to circulate in this area and preventing sweaty-back syndrome. Now two women-specific models of the latest back system have been introduced – a 25-litre (£75) and a 35-litre (£95) – with the same benefits but tailored to the female form. It seems likely that the women’s versions will prove as popular as the men’s. www.berghaus.com…

“Having travelled extensively in the USA, I’m a big fan of vintage American National Park Service posters. With this in mind, it struck me that there is not, to my knowledge, a coherent collection of posters celebrating the 15 national parks of the UK.” So, artist Jack Franks made one. He’s created a range of beautiful posters promoting the UK’s national parks, plus one or two equally picturesque overseas locations. The prints are available in A4, A3 and A2 sizes with subtle variations in design. You can also buy them in a set of three for a slightly reduced price. “This project is a labour of love for me,” Jack told us.“I’m currently looking at ways to get the prints in front of people who might like them.” Well, we…

When I begin walking, my thoughts are always dull – money things, family worries, job concerns – a pretty tedious loop. My surroundings (the mountains) wait patiently for me to effectively shut up and to let the outside in. That’s when surprises happen. I’ve discovered that mountains can thaw thoughts and feelings from long ago. On Great Gable last year, I suddenly found myself exhaling my deceased sister’s name as I took an upwards step. I’d had no warning this was coming. I hadn’t been thinking about her at all, yet what seemed to come through me was a need to share out loud how much I’d loved her. This doesn’t happen in Peckham. It’s not why I walk though – to plod away until held-onto feelings are unlocked by…

Where are we? A quick glance out of the taxi’s window hints at somewhere between a Tolkienesque fantasy and industrial North Walian reality. Between the lost worlds of mountain, moor, valley and village. This is still north Snowdonia, but from a very different angle... Ross and I are en route to Llwybr Llechi Eryri, aka the Snowdonia Slate Trail. Technically we’ll be doing the slate trail the ‘wrong’ way round, and we only have three days to do the six- to eight-day route, but it’s just too early to natter about any of that in the cab from Nant Peris to our starting point at Bethesda. The solitary and slightly over-ripe banana clearly isn’t hitting the mark, and good coffee is most definitely required. As we’re dropped off on a…

Ragged, razor-sharp and – if reputation is to be believed – risky, the ridge of Crib Goch is a polarising place. Long thought of as the starkest physical illustration of the point that walking becomes something else altogether, this is a rite of passage that combines a unique set of challenges as it slices towards the summit of Snowdon. Technical difficulty? Yep, enough to either excite or unsettle. Long drops? One on each side. Narrow? It’s at least wide enough for two human feet, but not a lot more. Sounds scary? That’s just in good weather. There are fewer places you’re so obviously likely to love – or hate. But Crib Goch is nevertheless irresistible. Thousands do it every year – some of whom quite possibly shouldn’t – because it…

There’s something magical about sleeping on mountains that I find hard to explain. It certainly isn’t carting heavy tents and sleeping bags uphill on my back. Or sleeping in the dirty clothes I walked in on the previous day. Or spending the night with my face crushed against wet nylon. Or brushing my teeth with my finger and a flat bottle of Coke. Or crouching behind a rock with my pants around my ankles ready to… Okay, I’m sure you get the picture. What I’m getting at here is if you think about it for long enough, there are lots of reasons not to go wild camping. Who in their right mind would walk up a whopping big hill in the middle of nowhere, hunt for something resembling a flat…

Q I’ve recently been introduced to scrambling by a friend and am now keen to do it a lot more often. Do you have any tips for scramblers? Mike Whitlock, via email Jeremy says Scrambling tackles the middle ground between walking and rock climbing and can be loosely defined, in its simplest form perhaps, as getting hands-on with rock. As an outdoor pursuit, scrambling is a fantastic way to test yourself on the hill, keep fit and unlock new parts of a mountainous landscape you might not otherwise get to explore. Whether you are a first-time scrambler or have years of experience, there are a number of things that are always important to remember in order to maximise your ability and enjoyment of scrambling and to also stay safe while…

Q What can I do to maintain my penknife I use on the hill? Alex Short, Sheffield Jeremy says Most penknife blades are made from high quality steel, often an alloy that will resist rust. So, it’s generally a question of simply keeping the blade clean after use and sharpening it as it dulls. The hardness of the blade will be affected by excess temperatures, so when sharpening avoid using a high-speed grinder that will overheat it. Instead use a cold stone or a fine hand file. Warm soapy water will clean the blade while not affecting the plastic, wood or rubber components of the handle. Unless it specifically states otherwise, avoid cleaning in a dishwasher. An old toothbrush and a toothpick can be used to dig out stubborn grime.…

Q Can contour lines help me navigate on the hill? Eddie Higgins, via email Paul says In a word, yes! Fences and walls can get knocked down, farmers can plough over paths and small streams can dry up, but the one feature that will remain consistent is the shape of the land. Yet contours are the aspect of map reading people can struggle with most. To understand the basics, put on a medical glove and draw around your knuckles (or just doodle straight onto your knuckles as pictured), following the parts of equal height a few millimetres apart. Then take the glove off, lay it flat and you’ll see it’s the same principle as on the hill. When you’re next on the hill, simply sit and look at the land…

MAMMUT ALNASCA SHORTS £69 Although originally designed for climbers, these men’s shorts have many of the characteristics that you’d want from a high-performing pair of walkers’ shorts. They’re made of cotton, which does not dry as quickly as synthetic fabrics but does make them hard-wearing. They’ve also been constructed with comfort and freedom of movement in mind, so you’ll be happy in these all day long – just watch out for ticks and midges on those exposed legs! www.mammut.co.uk YUGEN EXPLORE SICHUAN BAMBOO TEE £22 Yugen Explore is a new UK travel brand. The name comes from the Japanese word ‘Yugen’ which means ‘an awareness of the universe too deep and meaningful for words’. Grand stuff. Bamboo is naturally antimicrobial and thermo-regulating, so it’ll help to keep you cool when…

HOOD The hood should fit your head snugly so it does not blow off, but it should also move with your head so you can see where you are going. The hooded peak may become bent when the jacket is stashed in a rucksack, so look for a wired peak that can be easily reshaped to allow good vision. Many models featured here are also available in non-hooded versions with a small price reduction. INSULATION Some soft shell jackets have a polyester pile or fleece finish on the inside for extra warmth and comfort. Others do not have this, so they won’t be so warm. However, you can of course wear them all over other thinner insulating layers, such as a fleece or thick base layer. If you want a…

PATAGONIA TRUCKER HAT £28 USED BY Simon Ingram, editor and hitherto not really a cap man USED FOR 2 years I’ve never been an outdoor cap sort of guy. But recently I‘ve taken to wearing one in all manner of weathers and it’s been a sort of revelation. In rain, it gives you a clear area of approximately 3x7 inches in front of your face where rain doesn’t fall. In sun, you get a lovely shady area of approximately 3x... you get the idea. You can even go a bit 1990, spin it round and give yourself some neck shade. That peak is darn useful, and a good compromise if you’re maybe just a little bit too misguidedly macho for a brolly (below). I’ve found it good under a hood…

If this issue’s scrambling routes are tempting you, practice those moves and get into the ‘flow’ before you head off, by treating yourself to a session at Kong Adventure in Keswick. With the safety of a rope and in a controlled environment you can push your boundaries further on its indoor climbing wall, so you’ll feel more comfortable when you get your hands on real rock! Climbing lessons and taster sessions are available, or try unsupervised bouldering with no ropes. www.kongadventure.com…

15 km/ 9½ miles 8 hours SCRAMBLE SPECIAL A steep wall of grass stands before you and one of Scotland’s greatest scrambling ridges. It’s a heart-pounding, thigh-burning 850m climb straight up Sgorr Nam Fiannaidh from your car that will wake you up quicker than any cup of coffee! But once you’re up, you will have reached a wonderful couple of miles of knife-edges, rocky towers, pillars and arêtes to negotiate as you clamber to Am Bodach. It may not be elegant – sometimes you may use a knee jam or a bum shuffle (both entirely valid scrambling techniques, it’s three points of contact after all!) – and sometimes you may have to pause to wrestle with the frightening exposure of the sheer drops below. However, Aonach Eagach ridge is a…

Distance 9km (5½ miles) Total ascent 990m Time 5-6 hours Start/finish Glen Brittle ( NG409204) Nearest town Carbost Terrain Loose gravel and dirt tracks, then steep terrain with exposed and very rocky tracks, with steep scrambling on the approach. Loose and exposed scree on ascent to the ridge, with large loose rocks further up. Narrow and exposed Grade 2 scrambling ridge to the summit with ledges providing another option to lessen exposure Maps OS Explorer (1:25,000) 411, OS Landranger (1:50,000) 32, Harvey Superwalker (1:25,000) Skye: The Cuillin Accommodation YHA Glen Brittle, 01478 640278, www.syha.org.ukCuillin Lodge, www.cuillinlodge.co.uk Glen Brittle Campsite Public transport Very few links in this area. Scottish City Link runs a service from Fort William to Carbost (4h 30m), www.citylink.co.uk Tourist info Visit Scotland iCentre, Portree, www.visitscotland.com Nearest pub…

12 km/ 7 miles 6-8 hours SCRAMBLE SPECIAL No matter how many times you cross Crib Goch, the view along the slender spine towards the shapely pyramid of Snowdon beyond will always stop you in your tracks. There are few places in the British Isles that feel more mountainous than this. More airy. More out there. Inch your way along the ridge, carefully placing hands and feet and taking in the view from the occasional comfy stance, and your stress soon melts away and heart rate steadies – this mountain’s bark is definitely worse than its bite. The pinnacles at the western end present the final barrier, but by the time you reach them you’ll usually find your confidence is high, and hurdling them becomes a fun formality before the…

Distance 7km (4½ miles) Total ascent 625m Time 4 hours Start/finish Small car park/lay-by above Scales ( NY345272) Nearest town Threlkeld Terrain Well-trodden paths until ridge scramble, open plateau from ridge to Blencathra, route-finding could be difficult in poor visibility Maps OS Explorer (1:25,000) OL5, Harvey British Mountain Map (1:40,000) Lake District Accommodation White Horse Inn & Bunkhouse, www.thewhitehorseblencathra.co.uk Horse and Farrier Inn, 017687 79688, www.horseandfarrier.com The Salutation Inn, 017687 79614, www.thesalutation.co.uk Public transport None Guidebook Scrambles in the Lake District North by Brian Evans, pb Cicerone Press Tourist info Keswick Tourism Association, 017687 75738 Best pub White Horse Inn, Scales (see above) GET THIS ROUTE ON YOUR PHONE! LFTO.COM/TRAILROUTES In association with…

Completed 90 years ago, the Grwyne Fawr Reservoir was an immense undertaking, taking almost 20 years from start to finish. The site was home to hundreds of workers and their families, with a village constructed in the valley below. Once work was completed in 1928, the village and railway that supplied it were quickly dismantled, returning peace to the valley. Today the former pumping house at the head of the reservoir serves as a compact bothy, maintained by the Mountain Bothies Association. Right in the heart of the Black Mountains, it makes an ideal staging post for countless overnight adventures across the broad ridges that surround it. As with any bothy there’s no guarantee of a space for the night, so it’s always worth having a back-up plan – especially…

Distance 16.5km (10½ miles) Total ascent 575m Time 5 hours Start Hawes Market Place, outside The Crown Inn ( SD871898) Finish Thwaite, outside the Kearton Country Hotel ( SD891982) Terrain Long-distance path across sometimes boggy moorland, mostly with stone flags. In low visibility taking and using bearings may be required (particularly Hearn Top to Humsett Crags, where stone flags/cairns very intermittent). Venturing behind Hardraw Force (old notices prohibit this) can be dangerous if wet – slippery outward-sloping shale Maps OS Explorer (1:25,000) 30, OS Landranger (1:50,000) 98, Harvey Superwalker (1:25,000) Yorkshire Dales North West, Harvey XT-40 (1:40,000) Pennine Way Central GET THIS ROUTE ON YOUR PHONE! LFTO.COM/TRAILROUTES In association with…

Distance 11.5km (7½ miles) Total ascent 505m Time 4 hours Start Thwaite, outside the Kearton Country Hotel ( SD891982) Finish Tan Hill Inn ( NY897066) Terrain Varies between good paths with stone flagging or stony base and boggy grassy moorland. Route-finding may be difficult between Keld and Tan Hill in poor visibility Maps OS Explorer (1:25,000) 30, OS Landranger (1:50,000) 98, Harvey XT-40 (1:40,000) Pennine Way Central GET THIS ROUTE ON YOUR PHONE! LFTO.COM/TRAILROUTES In association with…

Distance 14km (8½ miles) Total ascent 100m Time 4 hours Start Tan Hill Inn ( NY897066) Finish Ancient Unicorn Inn ( NY995135) Terrain In wet conditions Sleightholme Moor is very boggy, in dry conditions barely so. Likewise Wytham Moor. In poor visibility you can use the quiet road then track instead of crossing Sleighholme Moor Maps OS Explorer (1:25,000) 30, OS Landranger (1:50,000) 91 & 98, Harvey XT-40 (1:40,000) Pennine Way Central GET THIS ROUTE ON YOUR PHONE! LFTO.COM/TRAILROUTES In association with…

Distance 26km (16¼ miles) Time 10 hours Start Kinlochewe ( NH027619) Total ascent 2060m Nearest town Gairloch Terrain Waymarked woodland paths, stalkers paths, rough boulder-strewn and boggy moorland, moraine, steep rocky corries, scree, stony ridges and summits, narrow rocky ridges, exposed cols and fast-flowing burns Maps OS Explorer (1:25,000) 433, OS Landranger (1:50,000) 19 & 25, Harvey Superwalker (1:25,000) Torridon Accommodation Kinlochewe Hotel & Bunkhouse, 01445 760253, www.kinlochewehotel.co.uk YHA Torridon, 01445 791284, www.hostelingscotland.org.uk Kinlochewe Camping and Caravan Club Campsite, 01445 760239, www.thecampingand caravanningclub.co.uk Tourist information www.visitscotland.com Public transport Trains to Inverness or Achnasheen with a daily bus service providing the only public transport link to Kinlochewe. Trains: National Rail Enquiries, 0845 748 4950. Buses: Traveline, 0871 200 2233, www.traveline.info Guidebook The Munros pb SMC…

As served at ... Gandhi’s Café, Ambleside “We’ve just discovered this fabulous little café serving up the most delicious veggie/ vegan food ever. After huge success serving food at festivals, the owners have just opened this new café in their hometown of Ambleside. Vegan beer, organic wines and spirits, plus Fairtrade tea and locally-roasted coffee are all up for grabs, everything is cooked to order and R you can listen to some funky tunes while you wait! Open Thurs-Sun, 7am-4pm.”…

HEN HARRIER Buzzard-sized, but with thinner wings and a longer tail, hen harriers can be seen flying low over open moorland throughout spring and summer and into autumn. Their prey is anything on the ground, this leads to their heavy illegal persecution, particularly on English grouse moors. They are relatively easy to see on the islands off the west coast of Scotland and the moors of north Wales though. The male has white, grey and black plumage, making them one of our most elegant raptors. PINE MARTEN A member of the mustelid family (otters, badgers, stoats etc) the pine marten is a secretive mammal. A lover of pine forests, Scotland is now a stronghold for a creature that was once numerous in the rest of Britain. Semi-retractable claws make them…

Red Pike Lake District “Taken at the summit of Red Pike on the first day of a walking and wild camping weekend with my friend, David Le Hunte. This was our third trip to the Lakes, and this time we struck gold with four days of glorious sunshine, affording stunning views of the peaks and vales of Buttermere and Ennerdale.” Tony Quigley, Yeovil Congrats Tony – 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.…

GRAND PRIZE FUJIFILM X-T2 with XF18-55mm lens This compact, lightweight and robust camera is the ultimate outdoor photographer’s tool. Superb usability combines with professional quality and outstanding 4K movie shooting. 2 ND  PRIZE FUJIFILM X-T20 with XC15-45mm lens The X-T20 packs the latest technology into its beautifully designed compact and lightweight body, so you get the most from your photography whatever you choose to shoot. 3 RD  PRIZE FUJIFILM X-T100 with XC15-45mm lens The X-T100 combines a 24.2MP APS-C sensor with the image processing engine to achieve fabulous photo quality and ensure you get the right shot, every time.…

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 134km (83 miles) Total ascent 5237m Time 5-8 days (or 3 like this!) Start/finish The Snowdonia Slate Trail guidebook describes the journey in an anti-clockwise direction from Porth Penrhyn-Bethesda, but your start point could be SH592726 (Porth Penrhyn) or SH623666 (Bethesda High Street), depending on direction chosen. Nearest town/village Bangor, Bethesda, Llanberis, Betws-y-Coed – many! Terrain Good tracks, forest and mountain paths, open moorland. Maps OS Explorer (1:25,000) OL17 and OL18, Harvey British Mountain Map (1:40,000) Snowdonia North, GPS route available from www.snowdoniaslatetrail.org Public transport See www.traveline.cymru/for up-to-date information. The Snowdon Sherpa bus serves a number of local villages, but times and days of operation can vary over the seasons. Check Gwynedd bus timetables for local village services. Guidebook Snowdonia Slate Trail by Aled Owen, pb Rucksack…

Susie Cook “My first foray into the mountains was a traverse of Crib Goch, not my choice given my fear of heights... I cried, a lot. Twenty years later, and with lots of exposure training under the belt, I finally confronted my nemesis – and wondered why I’d left it so long...” Gavin Mascall “I’m scared of heights, so the first time we attempted it I didn’t even get up to the ridge. I spent a while getting up my scrambling confidence on other Snowdonian routes like the Nantlle Ridge, Bristly Ridge and Tryfan North Ridge, and when I came back to do it I couldn’t see what the fuss was all about...!” Ian Corten “Went up there with a mate in terrible conditions and got to the café very…

Q Despite popping ice cubes in my water bottle before a summer hill walk, it’s always horribly lukewarm before long. Have you got any suggestions for actually keeping bottled water cold? Robert Spender, via email Trail says There’s nothing worse when you’re on the hill on a baking summer’s day, sweating buckets and feeling parched, than grabbing your bottle to quench your thirst and gulping a mouthful of tepid water or squash. To avoid this scenario, simply fill your bottle three-quarters full the night before a walk and pop it in the freezer. Then in the morning top it up to the brim with cold water from the tap and you’re set for a refreshing ice-cold drink all day. It’s possible to do the same with your hydration bladder but…

Q If a tick latches onto my skin while I’m out walking, what is the correct technique to remove it? James Hitchcroft, Hastings Trail says Once you discover a tick on your skin, it’s crucial you remove it as soon as possible. Using a tick removal tool, available in many outdoor shops, get as close to the skin as you can, twist the tool a couple times and then pull up to detach the tick from the skin. Or use fine-tipped tweezers and pull the tick up as steadily and smoothly as possible – do not twist the tick as you remove it as this could cause the mouth part to break off and remain attached to your skin. Never remove a tick using your fingers as squeezing its body…

Use of a helmet on scrambles is advisable wherever there is potential danger from above. This is not always obvious: on enclosed scrambles such as Jack’s Rake it could be a sticky-out bit of rock that knocks you off balance or a rock coming down from above dislodged by another scrambler. On a scramble that is entirely ridge-crest, it may not be appropriate on the scramble but might be on the approach. It’s a case-by-case consideration but take note of the terrain, and if in doubt, wear one.…

Q What’s the circle symbol with a line through it on my camera? Is it useful for hill photography? Ed Bell, Stoke If you’re getting serious about your photography for our Mountain Photo Competition (page 22) this mark resembling the London Underground logo is the ‘focal plane’ mark. The misconception is that focus is from the end of the lens. It isn’t and this mark shows where the focal plane is located inside the camera. Although autofocus does most of the work, the mark can be useful for macro photography to indicate how far your object is from the focal plane, or just as a good conversation starter!…

With peak hillwalking season in full swing, you may have your sights set beyond climbing the height of one Everest. Like our amazing leaderboard challengers, you could aim for as many Everests as possible, but add a little imagination, a little effort and just a little bit of crazy and you could enter the next level of #EverestAnywhere! Here are some wonderful and wacky ideas from our current Everest challengers… Be a one-hill wonder Steve Glasper took his favourite mountain and climbed it 40 times to reach the height of Everest. In the process not only did he get to know his local mountain like a close personal friend, he discovered it was a completely different experience every time. Do you have a hill in mind that demands some devotion?…

Yr Aran, N Wales The thorn in Snowdon’s side, literally. Pointy and perfect, Yr Aran has a compact and rocky summit you’re almost guaranteed to have to yourself – and an absolutely stonking view of Snowdon’s south ridge and summit. Canisp, NW Highlands Canisp is something of a forgotten masterpiece, as far as mountains go. Riding the rolling sea of Assynt like an 847m iceberg, this slouched triangle is deeply beautiful, but its proximity to the enticing peak of Suilven – of which it holds the most dramatic view – means that given a day or two in the area, most sidestep it for its more famous neighbour. Clach Glas, Isle of Skye Bolted onto magisterial Blabheinn – itself often sidelined in favour of the Cuillin Ridge – Clach Glas…

…LOW PRICED WINDPROOFNESS? Vaude Hurricane III £95 • Men’s S-XXXL • Women’s 34-48 • Weight 394g (size L) This is made from Windproof 100, a 3-layer laminate that fends off wind and water better than many, and the cuffs have Velcro tabs. Only two relatively small pockets whose access is not ideal when wearing rucksack hipbelts. No hood, but price and weight are good. 80% …LOW PRICE WITH GREAT HOOD? Sprayway Palmer £110 • Men’s S-XXL • Women’s n/a • Weight 317g (size L) The stretch TecWeave fabric makes this jacket totally windproof and very water-resistant. The hood is exceptionally good and benefits from a wired peak and adjustment. Drawback is you get only one small chest pocket and no women’s option. 80% …LOW WEIGHT AND GREAT POCKETS? Arc’teryx Tenquille…

Claire Maxted Former editor of Trail Running & Trail writer, Claire’s a mountain pro. Ben James Lover of expeditions and mountain challenges all over the UK. Martin Sweeny Professional mountain leader with a passion for outdoor writing. Tom Hutton Our Wales guru – his knowledge of Cymru's peaks is unsurpassed. Emily Woodhouse Mountain leader, intrepid adventurer and writer, Emily aims to inspire! James Forrest Former newspaper journalist turned adventure travel writer. Chiz Dakin Award-winning writer, photographer and film-maker. Avid traveller. Jeremy Ashcroft Trail’s mountaineering editor and a veteran of every classic UK route. 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 15km (9½ miles) Total ascent 1110m Time 8 hours Start/finish Start of Old Glencoe Rd, 1km from Clachaig Inn ( NN136566) Nearest town Glencoe Terrain Steep grassy/ gravel path slopes, very rocky Grade 2 scramble traverse, very clear paths Maps OS Explorer (1:25,000) 384, OS Landranger (1:50,000) 41, Harvey Superwalker (1:25,000) Glen Coe: Glen Etive & Black Mount Accommodation Glencoe Independent Hostel, 01855 811906, www.glencoehostel.co.uk Clachaig Inn, 01855 811252, www.clachaig.com Strath Lodge Glencoe, 01855 811337, www.strathlodgeglencoe.com Public transport Train to Fort William, buses 914, 915 or 916 to Glencoe and Dalness Visitor Centre, then 2.5-mile walk to Clachaig Inn Guidebook Classic Mountain Scrambles in Scotland by Andrew Dempster Tourist info glencoetourism.co.uk GET THIS ROUTE ON YOUR PHONE! LFTO.COM/TRAILROUTES…

6 km/ 3¼ miles 5 hours SCRAMBLE SPECIAL The Bochlwyd Horseshoe links some of the best spots in the Glyders, including towering Tryfan and the rocky spires of Castell Y Gwynt. The scrambling is sustained throughout, starting with the famous north ridge of Tryfan. The climb is filled with evocative photo opportunities, including ‘The Cannon’ and the bold leap between the twin pillars of Adam and Eve. Descending carefully into the dip of Bwlch Tryfan, the scrambling picks up again on the exposed and more committing Bristly Ridge. The ever-changing views into Ogwen, Cwm Bochlwyd and back to Tryfan are what makes this a classic Grade 1 scramble. The exposed sections on the ridge and precarious downclimb into Great Pinnacle Gap make this a serious route that’s not to be…

Distance 12km (7 miles) Total ascent 1170m Time 6-8 hours Start/finish Pen-y-Pass ( SH647556) Nearest town Llanberis Terrain Rough, rocky paths and plenty of Grade 1 scrambling Maps OS Explorer (1:25,000) 255, OS Landranger (1:50,000) 117, Harvey British Mountain Map (1:40,000) Snowdonia North Accommodation YHA Pen-y-Pass (0345 371 9534) and YHA Llanberis (0345 371 9645). Camping in Nant Peris. Plenty of other options in Llanberis Transport Snowdon Sherpa bus between Nant Peris and Pen-y-Pass. Other buses link Pen-y-Pass with most of the local towns. Railway links with Betws-Y-Coed, 0800 464 0000, www.traveline-cymru.info Guidebook Day Walks in Snowdonia by Tom Hutton, pb Vertebrate Publishing Pub/café Caffi Moel Siabod, 01690 720429 Tourist info Betws-y-Coed TIC, 01960 710426 GET THIS ROUTE ON YOUR PHONE! LFTO.COM/TRAILROUTES In association with…

6 km/ 3½ miles 4-5 hours SCRAMBLE SPECIAL What more could a hillwalker want than a day exploring the jagged, dramatic skyline of the Langdale Pikes? How on earth could you improve a day of walking around the towering, craggy peaks of Pike of Stickle, Loft Crag and Harrison Stickle? Well, if you’ve got a head for heights and a desire for adventure, there might just be one option– Jack’s Rake, a nerve-jangling scramble up the imposing cliff face of Pavey Ark. It’s a Grade 1 scramble – a route that requires a degree of rock climbing skill, employing both hands and feet, without being technical. It is essentially an exposed walking route, but do not underestimate it. Jack’s Rake is an accident hotspot that has tragically claimed many lives.…

19.3 km/ 12 miles 6-8 hours 1 SO239204 From Llanbedr head east on a bridleway, crossing the Grwyne Fechan stream, before bearing to the north uphill through a small area of woodland. Continue to follow the right of way through Henbant Fach farm, and north-west along a track to join the Beacons Way. 2 SO242212 Follow the track over access land to the top of Crug Mawr, then head north along the obvious ridge, keeping the forest on your right-hand side. Pass the cairn on Pen Twyn Mawr and then cross the distinct top of Pen Y Gadair Fawr, just beyond the end of the forest. Continue to the marker on top of Waun Fach. 3 SO215299 From Waun Fach continue northwards for a little over 3km to the crossroads…

Forget the long-distance route march in rain and clag. This is a route for a hot, dry and settled spell, not one of low visibility clag and high-water tables. Rather than flogging yourself to cover substantial mileage each day (as both its creator Tom Stephenson and Wainwright intended) it’s a route to be done at a gentle pace. Indeed, it’s far better to view this section of the Pennine Way as an extended high-level pub-to-pub walk with just a few inns but some wild walking between them. Enjoy a lazy evening at the highest pub in England as the highlight, and beautiful limestone vales, traditional cow’usses* and perhaps a sighting of a black grouse or lapwing on the way. *For definition of cow’us – see Route 10, point 5. TRANSPORT…

“There are two walks, one to the waterfall, one up onto the top” 14 km/ 8½ miles 4 hours 1 NY897066 Take a grassy track just north of the Inn at the edge of Sleightholme Moor. This gradually diverges from the road. Occasional white-topped marker posts (not to be confused with shorter, all-white grouse feeder posts) guide the way over boggy moorland. You’re roughly heading north-east after descending gently onto the moor. A ford at the headwaters of the Frumming Beck is simply soggy in dry conditions. NY911078 Pass an 2 isolated sheepfold on your right near a marker post and dip gently into the shallow main valley – you’ll stay near the valley for a further 2.5km. On the way cross a couple of side-streams (boardwalk bridges), then pass…

“Set foot on Beinn Eighe’s untamed flanks and you are stepping onto the world of true Highland wild walking” 26km/16¼ miles 10 hours An Teallach, Liathach and Beinn Alligin are brazen with their posturing. In full view from the valleys beneath they are rightly admired for the way they look and revered by walkers for the adventure they offer. Amongst these giants of the north-west Highlands however, there is a mountain that in many respects outclasses them all, but as it keeps its face hidden, only those that seek it will unlock its spectacular profile. The mountain in question is Beinn Eighe. As with most mountains in this neck of the woods it’s not just one summit, instead it’s a long massif with a main ridge and subsidiary spurs intersected…

Not all great ridges follow the typical knife-edge-crest-and-yawning-drops model. Some, such as Craig-fawr Spur, are typified by more mundane features, and could almost be described as technically easy. Not being defined by nerve-testing features means these less technical ridges must rely heavily on their setting to remain memorable, and this is where Craig-fawr Spur scores. Sandwiched between two deep, dark mountain lakes, and breaching the complex line of craggy head walls, it provides a lofty stairway onto the main Carneddau ridge. The approach takes advantage of the high start point provided by the road head in Cwm Eigiau. But don’t worry about the crowds, as even though the approach is easy few people head to this quiet corner of Snowdonia. 1 There are two routes to the base of Craig-fawr…