Innholdsfortegnelse for December 2019 i Trail

• MEET THE MAN WHO CUT THE ROPE While the Touching the Void play hits London’s West End, Simon Yates, the ‘man who cut the rope’, is heading to Cotswold Outdoor in London for a talk called ‘My Mountain Life’ on 12 November. With a mountaineering career that spans more than three decades, Simon will share the stories, photos and video of a life most adventurous for just a tenner that goes to charity! tinyurl.com/mymountainlife • LISTEN TO YOUR INSTINCTS New research by Mountain Safety Advisor Heather Morning has revealed that over the past 7 years over 90% of fatalities in the Scottish mountains have been men. Male bravado is being cited as one reason behind the imbalance, with Heather believing there is a general difference in attitudes towards risk…

I did it! I completed my first Mountain Marathon, in the gloriously lumpy, perennially tussocky Lowther Hills in Dumfries. The idea of a Mountain Marathon is this... Over a weekend, pairs and solo folk navigate around an area of mountainside with map and compass, to reach a remote overnight camp. The next day they navigate back to the start, carrying everything they need for the weekend on their backs. There are two types of courses – the ‘linear’, or the ‘score’ course. The linear gives you a specified list of points to reach and the winners are the team who complete the course in the shortest time. Success is about navigational accuracy, and clever route choice to get from A to B to C without clambering through unnecessary heather or…

Ben Nevis is the UK’s big one. The highest summit in the land and the undisputed heavyweight of British mountains. It is the King of the Highlands, the Clan Chief of the Munros, and the parent of every other peak on mainland Britain. It is, quite simply, The Ben. Conversely, novice summit-bagger Ben Woodcock is just ‘a Ben’. He works in IT. Over the past year he has become increasingly addicted to walking up hills, if only to give him something more interesting to talk about than coding and password security. He’s never been up a mountain in winter, and he’s never been up Ben Nevis at all. He’s a thoroughly nice chap, and we’ve no wish to see him suffer, so what on Earth are we doing taking him,…

I stand alone above a bellowing waterfall, its white water thrashing against boulders below. Behind me, the fog which had concealed the mountains for days prior, lifts slightly. The increased visibility exposes the beauty of the Sleeping Warrior and the great ridge of the Isle of Arran’s Caisteal Abhail mountain. As I look across the deep valley towards Sannox Bay, my lungs feel like juiced lemons, squeezed of their final breath. The North Glen Sannox is spectacular, and under normal circumstances would have calmed the generalised anxiety disorder which plagues my life. But I feel worried and disheartened about what lies ahead. Mountains bring me peace. I trained for this Mind Hike for seven months. I hiked the Brecon Beacons in Wales and dodged poisonous adders in the Drakensberg Mountains…

According to one government estimate, there are currently over 200,000 people flying drones in the UK, with that number set to rise to 300,000 in a few years’ time. On Instagram, #drone brings up more than 11.6 million posts. Spectacular fly-over images of forested valleys, crashing waves and mountain peaks that could previously only be captured by helicopter or plane can now be filmed by devices that fit easily in a backpack and which can cost less than £500. Drones provide film-makers and photographers with new creative avenues and offer conservation workers invaluable insights. But capturing that glorious aerial shot can have its own impact on the landscape, with people and wildlife potentially affected. Many go to the hills to escape from the noise and intrusion of urban life and…

David looks after habitats where some of the UK’s most endangered birds roost, breed and feed, and launching drones is restricted for the protection of wildlife. “The big issue for wildlife is disturbance. This affects both breeding and non-breeding birds, and particularly species that are territorial around nests, such as birds of prey, or others, like waders, which may respond to the drone as though it’s a predator. During breeding season, that takes them off their nests which leaves the eggs vulnerable. “During winter or while birds are migrating, they often gather in huge flocks to feed and roost, particularly in big open landscapes like beaches, estuaries or wetlands. If a drone provokes a predator response in these birds, it could displace hundreds or thousands of them all at once.…

“BENEATH US VERDANT PASTURELAND MET THE TURQUOISE BLUE OF THE SEA” Leaning against the trig pillar on the crest of the mountain, it was bizarre to think the salty water of the Irish Sea had been lapping at my boots less than two hours ago. Yet here I was, on the summit of Yr Eifl and I had gone from sea to summit to get here. In all honesty, myself and Trail photographer Tom had never intended to be here. I’d not even heard of Yr Eifl. Originally, we had been dispatched to Snowdonia for a romp over the secretive wilds of the Rhinogs. Yet, the predictably cantankerous Welsh weather had other ideas, and not long after starting up the slopes of Rhinog Fawr it dropped a proverbial turd on…

Ideally visit in summer, between June and August when the hiking trails are most accessible – unless you’re hiring a guide with a 4x4. It’s pricey! Cut costs by going self-catered and self-guided with basic accommodation. Icelandic weather is even more unpredictable than the UK’s, so travel prepared for all weathers at any time of year. There are well-walked paths, but they’re generally not signposted so you’ll need map and compass skills. Look for the Landmælingar Íslands, The Icelandic National Survey maps – both in 1:250,000 and smaller-scale maps of hiking areas.…

COMMON MAP NAMES  Afon = river Bwlch = saddle or gap Cefn = ridge Clogwyn = cliff or precipice Crib = crest Cwm = corrie or head of a valley Fach = small Fawr = large Glas = green Goch = red Llyn = lake Mawr = big Moel = bare or bald Mynydd = mountain Nant = stream PRONUNCIATION Au = ‘eye’ (Glyderau – ‘Glidder-eye’) C = ‘k’ (Carneddau – ‘Kar-neth-eye’) Ch = ‘kh’ (loch – ‘Lokh’) Dd = ‘th’ (Beddgelert – ‘Beth-gell-airt’) F = ‘v’ (Tryfan – ‘Trivan’) Ff = ‘f’ G = hard ‘g’ (as in goat) I = ee (diolch – ‘deeolch’) Ll = ‘thl’ (llyn – ‘thlin’) U = ‘i’ (Cymru – ‘Kum-ri’) W = ‘oo’ (cwm – coom) Y = ‘u’, except in the…

Keith Fergus Author of 15 guidebooks to Scotland’s isles and coastline walks. Ronald Turnbull Creator of a whopping 30 guidebooks and 18 unique coast-to-coasts. Chiz Dakin Award-winning writer, photographer and film-maker. Avid traveller. Jamie Rooke This Snowdonia expert works at Pen y Pass and teaches mountain skills. Jonathan Cook Well-travelled hiker and climber with a strong passion for the Lakes. Kate Worthington Lifetime mountain walker, living and working under Snowdon’s grand shadow. Sarah Ryan Trail writer, and a former resident of the Central Highlands. Paul Besley Writer, ranger, mountain rescue volunteer... and our Peak District guru. ALWAYS CARRY A MAP! Trail routes are written as guides, but for detailed mountain navigation you must carry a printed to-scale map. All of our routes come with recommended maps at a variety of…

FITNESS  Some really tough climbs require a good lungs and legs. TECHNICALITY A classic Cairngorms walk with only a little bit of exposure. TERRAIN  Mainly clear paths, with one short, pathless section and a few relentlessly steep climbs. NAVIGATION Visibility on the Cairngorms plateau can change very quickly so good nav skills are a must, particularly above Coire Domhain. GET THERE Coire Cas Car Park ( NH989060 ). Buses and trains from Glasgow, Edinburgh and Inverness to Aviemore. Bus from Aviemore to Coire Cas. EAT & DRINK Cairngorm Mountain Cafe is at the start/finish, with Aviemore home to several pubs, cafés and restaurants. STAY OVER Cairngorm Lodge Youth Hostel, The Cairngorm Hotel, Ardlogie Guest House plus several others in the local area. BEST MAPS • OS Explorer OL57 (1:25k) •…

FITNESS  Experienced mountain legs, especially in snow. TECHNICALITY Depending on snow conditions, some more technical sections on Bwlch Main, requiring good feet and axe placement for security. TERRAIN  Marked paths on lower slopes, snowy rocky paths and scree. NAVIGATION Defined mountain ridges help , but winter nav skills essential in low cloud. Wait for a clear day to enjoy! GET THERE Start from SH571525 – Rhyd-Ddu station/ car park. Limited public transport from Llanberis so use ‘Snowdonia Taxi’, 01286 872447. EAT & DRINK On descent, local ale, tea and cake at Pen y Ceunant Café. Royal Victoria Hotel, Llanberis, for the bar! STAY OVER Stay with Rob and Fiona at Plas Coch Guest House, Llanberis for a warm and inviting base for a winter visit. BEST MAPS • OS Explorer…

DAY 1 START Lay-by parking for Lairig Gartain. FINISH Wild camp in Lairig. 1 NN212559 Cross the road and head west along the track for about 2km to NN187562, where you can cross from the cairn to the start point car park for Buachaille Etive Beag (AKA the ‘Wee Buachaille’). You can always park closer to the start, but that gives a longer walk at the end. Take care when looking for a cross point at the river, particularly after or during rain. 2 NN187562 From the car park, follow the track south-west toward Lairig Elide for about 1km before taking the left turn at NN184558 and heading steeply uphill towards Mam Buidhe. The path is pretty well built but does have some loose steps. Take care with walking poles,…

DAY 3 START Glossop train station. FINISH Edale train station. 1 SK035941 Take the A624 south out of Glossop for 1.8km. Just after the houses on the left finish, cross the road and take the footpath leading to Gnat Hole, then take the footpath next right through woodland exiting on to a road. Go directly across and on to Shaw Moor. Follow the footpath generally south to Harry Hut trig pillar on Chunal Moor, then bear south east to meet the path running to Mill Hill. Go right and follow the path down Burnt Hill to the A624. Go left before the road and follow the well defined footpath south-east across Middle Moor to the Peak and Northern Footpath Society’s Snake Path overlooking Kinder Reservoir. 2 SK052882 Descend the walled…

With the dreamy hope of some crispy blue-sky days, some crunchy névé and some epic adventures, we’re excited to bring you the 2019 Trail Winter Gear Guide ! It’s jam-packed with our selection of top kit to help keep you warm, dry and safe in the hills this winter. Check out our buyer’s tips for what features and functions to look out for, as well as our top-rated products from Trail tests. Every item has been hand-picked by our experts for quality and performance in the mountains – which means that you’ll be ready for whatever the British weather has in store for you! So, dust off your thermal undies, reproof your waterproofs and enjoy the next 32 pages of all the new kit you might really need or want…

Alpkit Definition Jacket £215 ■ Men’s S-XXL (515g) ■ Women’s 8-18 (465g) Designed for harsh mountain conditions, this tough, 3-layer jacket sandwiches a PU/PTFE waterproof membrane between two layers of super-durable but slightly crackly nylon. Cut to allow freedom of movement for climbing, a decent range of features includes pockets and vents positioned away from rucksack straps and climbing harnesses; adjustable, peaked, helmet-compatible hood; pit zips; chest pocket and draft excluders. Verdict Lots of jacket for the money, this well-featured 3-layer waterproof works hard in tough conditions. Paramo Alta III Jacket £300 ■ Men’s S-XXL (805g) ■ Women’s XS-XL (702g) Made in Colombia’s Fairtrade-certified Miquelina Foundation, this protective jacket uses Nikwax Analogy directional waterproofing to rapidly move moisture away from the skin to prevent chilling. More breathable than a traditional…

Asolo Elbrus GV £250 ■ Men’s 6-13 (1600g, pair) ■ Women’s 4.5-9 (1360g, pair) Designed for classical mountaineering, hard trekking and via ferrata, these substantial yet very wearable boots are C2 crampon-compatible. The upper is made from a light but durable soft shell and suede leather with a Gore-Tex lining and protective toe cap, while the Asolo/Vibram sole is shock-absorbing, protective and offers excellent traction and braking on a variety of terrains. Verdict Fairly heavy but more than makes up for it with comfort, grip and precision. A good value all-round mountain boot. Hanwag Ferrata II GTX £290 ■ Men’s 6-13 (1440g, pair) ■ Women’s 3.5-9 (1200g, pair) Excelling on technical, rocky terrain, this boot is aimed at those taking on high alpine tours or via ferrata. Stiff and solid…

Osprey Kestrel 48/Kyte 46 £140 • Men’s S/M, M/L (1630g) • Women’s One size (1540g) These well-made, well-featured, stable and comfortable rucksacks have an adjustable AirScape back panel that fits snugly while allowing airflow. Features include compression straps, easy-access front and side pockets, side access zip, separate base compartment, generous lid pocket, waist pockets and a waterproof cover. Verdict Good-looking, well-made packs that fit a variety of sizes. Great features, storage and access, and superb comfort for all-day wear. Vaude Brenta 30 £110 • One size (1130g) An all-round outstanding pack that’s a joy to use whether you’re on a family day out or on a strenuous day walk. The back suspension system keeps you cool, while both straps and pack tensioning are easily adjustable. Generous, well-placed pockets and attachment…

Petzl Actik Core Headtorch £50 • 450 lumens (75g) Lightweight, compact and stable, this good value headtorch packs a dazzling 450 lumens on its brightest setting, giving you 2 hours of use on a single charge (12 hours at 100 lumens, 130 hours at 6 lumens, 60 hours red light). It tilts, has two beam modes, and uses a Core battery with integrated micro-USB socket for recharging, or three AAA batteries. Verdict Bright, lightweight, versatile and comfortable to wear – a well-priced, USB rechargeable headtorch ideal for walking, running and cycling. Komperdell Trailstick Carbon C4 Vario £160 • 235g each Made from strong, lightweight carbon fibre, these adjustable poles pack down to a tiny 39cm at the push of a button. Quick and easy adjustment utilises a tough, anodised aluminium…

Early last year I had one of those ‘Road to Damascus’ moments. While visiting Scotland’s Southern Uplands, I was shown the Carrifran Wildwood project. When I got there and looked into the glen at Carrifran, I was bowled over by what I saw. From the low rising ground near the road stretched a native mixture of young broadleaved woodland. Right up into the glen it went, trees of at least 10 years of age, if not more. Why was this important? For the first time, in this environmentally challenged world, I could see progress. Real progress. The sight of these trees stirred something inside me. The long distant past was here, yet more importantly so was the future. And it’s green. Apart from the obvious hope of there being more…

“Light is the only connection we have with the Universe beyond our solar system, and the only connection our ancestors had with anything beyond Earth. Follow the light and we can journey from the confines of our planet to other worlds that orbit the Sun without ever dreaming of spacecraft. To look up is to look back in time, because the ancient beams of light are messengers from the Universe’s distant past.”Professor Brian Cox, Wonders of the Universe In 2019, pollution is all round us, both figuratively and, sadly, literally. Cars and planes spew carbon gasses, plastics are clogging up the oceans, and even the quest for renewable energy is bringing toxicity to previously pristine parts of the globe. We can’t claim to be oblivious. But there is another form…

Drone pilot Nick lives and works in the mountains of Snowdonia. He is a mountain leader and author of Photographing the Snowdonia Mountains, a photo-location and hillwalking guidebook. “I want to make films that are quiet, beautiful and make people think about the landscape, and that’s why I got the drone. I don’t use it for photography because stills photography to me is about having some kind of connection to the land. I don’t see how you can feel connected to something when you’re abstracted from it, like you would be when you’re flying a drone hundreds of feet up in the air. “Drones have brought the ability to capture incredible cinematic footage to people who would never have been able to do that before. And that allows creativity, which…

The Peak District National Park covers 1437km² of publicly and privately owned land, including protected wildlife sites and popular walking and climbing areas. “Probably one of the big misconceptions about UK National Parks is that the Park Authority owns all the land within the Park boundary. In our case we own less than 5% of it. Responsible drone use always includes getting the permission of the landowner, so we’ll address queries about our land, but if it is privately owned it is down to the individual to trace the landowner themselves. “The land we manage tends to be very important for wildlife and rare habitats. Stanage Edge, for example, is a very popular landscape shot and also a nesting site for the very rare ring ouzel (mountain blackbird). So there’s…

The geography of the UK mainland dictates that mountains adjacent to the coast are relatively few in number, especially in England and Wales, but there are a handful of gems. One is Black Combe in the southern Lake District, which can be walked directly from the shores of the Irish Sea. Its secluded location makes it a wonderful mountain on which to avoid the crowds, and the views from the top are stellar. The western fringes of the Scottish Highlands are relatively bountiful for sea to summit possibilities. One we can specifically recommend is the conical Corbett of An Stac in the wilds of Moidart. By their very nature, the Hebridean islands also offer a number of potentials, including the Isle of Mull’s lone Munro, Ben More, or any number…

• The traditional Icelandic delicacy of Hakarl is toxic shark meat prepared by 4-5 months of fermentation, and it smells of ammonia. Yum. • The capital Reykjavík has a Phallological museum with an enormous collection of penises! • Iceland is the most sparely populated country in Europe, with just 350,000 people compared to the UK’s 66.5 million. Half live around Reykjavík. • Tree cover is less than 1% in Iceland due to high deforestation. • Geothermal heating meets the heating and hot water requirements of almost 90% of the nation s housing, plus 30% of its electricity. • There are 156 Icelandic words to describe wind!…

Over the next year, I’m going to share 12 simple techniques that will allow you to navigate confidently in hillwalking areas, in fair to moderate weather conditions, using your smartphone, GPS and/or map and compass. No.1 SEND A MESSAGE At the start of your hike, text the grid reference of where you are to a person you trust, telling them where you plan to go and when you plan to return. If you’re late, this person calls you, and if unsuccessful they call the rescue services. The free ‘OS Locate’ app from Ordnance Survey makes this very simple. It pinpoints your exact location without a phone signal, using your mobile’s in-built GPS. HERE’S HOW... 1 Open the OS Locate app to see a digital compass and location details on the…

■ ENHANCED BATTERY The 6X offers 60 hours of GPS tracking. In ‘max battery GPS mode’ that goes up to 120 hours, while ‘expedition GPS mode’ will track for up to 46 days. If you don’t need GPS the battery will run for 80 days in ‘battery saver watch mode’. ■ SOLAR AUGMENTATION The fenix 6X Pro Solar Edition’s 1.4in Power Glass lens uses sunlight to extend battery life for off-grid adventures. Under the right conditions it can extend battery life by 10-50%. ■ ROUND-TRIP ROUTING Want to go for a walk or run but don’t know the area? Enter a distance you want to travel and the fenix 6X will get suggest circular routes that will bring you back to your starting point. ■ MULTI-GNSS SUPPORT The ability to…

Technical scrambling pack Mountain Hardwear Scrambler 25 £110 This isn’t a classic hillwalking pack, but it is a very useful option if you’re planning a mountain trip on technical rocky routes like scrambles or via ferratas. What you sacrifice from the off is a supportive hipbelt and the usual glut of pockets, but what you get in return is a lightweight rucksack you can customise to your needs. The floating lid and sternum strap are removeable, so you can strip it right back if you want to, with compression straps letting you tighten and loosen just about every part of the Scrambler 25. The shoulder straps are well padded, the quick-release toggled opening works well, and it’s fully compatible with hydration reservoirs. The main lid closure is by a tensioned…

Walking in the UK mountains can be dangerous, with rough terrain, exposure and changeable weather. Always check weather forecasts and make sure you have suitable clothing and navigation tools. Ice axes and crampons are essential for walking in snow and ice – as are the knowledge and skills to use them. USEFUL RESOURCES Met Office Mountain Weather Forecast: metoffice.gov.uk Mountain Weather Information Service: mwis.org.uk Avalanche forecasts: sais.gov.uk Mountain rescue: Call 999, ask for police, then mountain rescue Skills courses: mountain-training.org We take all reasonable steps to ensure Trail routes are safe and correctly described. However, all outdoor activities involve a degree of risk. The publishers accept no responsibility for any errors or omissions, or for any injuries or accidents that occur while following these routes.…

FITNESS  A long day out, but on easy-going ground. TECHNICALITY High mountain ground, but with no scrambling or exposure to contend with. TERRAIN  Smooth, well-used paths, slightly rougher moorland on the descent. NAVIGATION Generally straightforward. Pathless ground on the final part of the walk will need a little attention, especially if in hill mist. GET THERE The high car park above Pentwyn Reservoir ( SO056175), which can only be reached by car or taxi. EAT & DRINK Old Barn Tea Room, Ystradgynwyn (on route). STAY OVER YHA Brecon Beacons Danywenall. The Star Bunkhouse, Bwlch. Or the more upmarket Ty Taf Fechan B&B, Dolygaer. BEST MAPS • OS Explorer OL12 (1:25k) • OS Landranger 160 (1:50k) • Harvey Superwalker Brecon Beacons West (1:25k)…

FITNESS  With 8 peaks over 12 miles, this requires a high level of hill fitness. TECHNICALITY  Long chain of summits but little exposure and no scrambling. TERRAIN  Vague paths, undulating grassy ridge, rocky summits and almost featureless moorland. NAVIGATION Good nav skills essential. Mostly very good paths, but these are high mountains that need solid navigation skills in poor visibility. GET THERE Start at the stile near Snowdonia Mountain Hostel ( SH630635). Finish at the car park at Capel Curig ( SH720581). Taxi, bus or car between. EAT & DRINK There are plenty of options in Bethesda and a few great places in Capel Curig, especially Moel Siabod Cafe and the four-star Bryn Tyrch Inn. STAY OVER Snowdonia Mountain Hostel at the start. The Rocks at Plas Curig Hostel. The…

DAY 2 START Your wild camp in Lairig Gartain. FINISH Lay-by parking for Lairig Gartain. 1 NN198542 Cross the river and head steeply uphill into Coire Altruim. At around NN201534 there is a stream junction. The path here can be a bit scrambly, and easy to lose sight of for a moment or two. Aim left, then regain the path which gradually pulls back right as the steepness eases out. The top of the valley is a key spot where snow patches may hold after winter. 2 NN201529 From the belach of Coire Altruim, bear roughly west to Stob Coire Altruim, and following the well-walked path up and over it, and on towards Stob Na Broige. You will cross an exposed-feeling ridge line that has some great photo potential on…

DAY 1 START Hebden Bridge train station. FINISH Marsden train station. 1 SD995268 Turn right out of the station to a minor road, then right under the railway bridge to the end of a row of houses on your right. Go behind the curved wall and ascend the track, crossing one trail before turning left at the second taking you to Old Chamber. Cross the minor road and continue south to a track. Turn right up the slope then right again to reach a wall running up a steep hill. Go left and follow the wall past Rake Head and on to Erringden Moor. Keep south until you arrive at the junction of a walled track with a derelict building behind the left-hand wall. 2 SD986246 Head along the track…

Tryfan SNOWDONIA WALKED BY Ben Weeks I can’t actually remember the first time I walked up Tryfan. This might seem surprising. After all, when a mountain is as iconic and beloved as north Wales’ Tryfan, surely your inaugural journey up it would be etched in your memory? Except, climbing Tryfan – whether that be by its classic north ridge route, a southern approach via Australia-shaped Llyn Bochlwyd, an edgy scramble up its eastern gullies, or some other finger-clenching clamber – is always an event. Rocky sculptures and monoliths, feral wildlife, classic views of the Ogwen and a freedom-gifting leap, all combine to make every journey I’ve ever taken up Britain’s best-loved mountain a memorable one. And they’re all etched in my mind. The problem is not that I don’t remember…

Craghoppers Compresslite III Hooded Jacket £65 • Men’s S-XXXXL (475g) • Women’s 8-20 (375g) If you’re after a great value, packable, lightweight jacket for year-round walking you can’t go far wrong with the updated Compresslite. The cut is a bit square, there are only two pockets, and the hood isn’t adjustable, but it’s comfortable and works well as a standalone jacket or as a mid layer under a waterproof shell. PFC-free and ethically traded. Verdict Great value and versatile enough for year-round use. Rab Nebula Pro Jacket £175 • Men’s S-XXL (586g) • Women’s 8-16 (525g) Warmer and more protective than the Cirrus Flex, the Nebula Pro uses the same soft, puffy synthetic insulation all over under a durable, weatherproof Pertex Quantum Pro shell. The adjustable hood is cosy and…

SUPPORT A sturdy and supportive boot is an essential part of your winter equipment, helping you kick steps in snow and taking a crampon. Boots with a stiffer sole and more support are better for use on mountain terrain and in winter. A stiffer sole can feel less comfortable to walk on in the valley but can reduce fatigue on the foot on uneven ground. OUTSOLE Look for grooves that are spaced at a distance of at least twice the thickness of a pound coin. If the lugs are less than the depth of a single coin, they’ll offer less grip on soft terrain and will wear down quickly on harder surfaces. The heel breast (the cutaway section between forefoot and heel) should be around three times the thickness of…

We all know that walking with painful feet isn’t much fun, that’s why people travel from across the country to visit Whalley Warm & Dry. We look at some common problems and discover how their award-winning Specialist Boot Fitting & Customisation Service can help you to avoid painful feet on your next walk. STOP BLISTERS & PAINFUL TOES To avoid blisters and sore toes, it’s essential to get the fit just right. Unfortunately knowing what is the right fit is not an easy task, and so often people are forced to compromise. This is where Whalley Warm & Dry’s expertise, range of footwear and free customisation service comes into its own. Whalley Warm & Dry don’t just measure your feet, they use their in-depth knowledge and expertise to match your…

Rab Vector £90 ■ Men’s S-XXL (510g) ■ Women’s 8-16 (415g) Made from a durable, stretchy, weatherproof midweight soft shell, these trousers are a great choice for colder weather and general mountain use. The articulated knees move with you as you walk, while a removable belt ensures a good fit. There’s plenty of storage with two zipped hand pockets, one thigh pocket with internal phone sleeve, and a rear pocket. Verdict Versatile, durable all-weather mountain trousers in a comfortable, stretchy soft shell. Athletic fit works well with a climbing harness. Rohan Fjell £140 ■ Men’s 30-40 (575g) ■ Women’s 8-18 (505g) Made using Rohan’s hard-wearing Multiflex four-way stretch fabric and designed to articulate at the knee, these midweight trousers are versatile, protective and super comfortable. Zipped ankles offer a good…

LENGTH Walking socks often come in different lengths. For hillwalking a medium-length sock that protects against the ankle cuff of your footwear is most popular. FIT It is the combination of sizing, materials, carefully placed seams and elastication that leads to a close, foot-hugging fit. Always try your socks and boots together, as it’s the combination of both that gives ultimate comfort. SIZING It’s vital that socks fit well, as loose areas may lead to rubbing and blisters. Some even come in a designated ‘left’ and ‘right’ to improve fit further. SEAMS The quality of the seams is a key feature of socks, and they need to be smooth to prevent sore spots. In the best socks, the seams are barely noticeable. MATERIALS Synthetic materials are excellent at transporting moisture…

We first featured Summit Junkie’s range of mountain themed t-shirts way back in 2012. We were big fans of the tees, although the range wasn’t huge at the time. Fast-forward seven years and Summit Junkie has undergone something of a renaissance. Its line-up of men’s and women’s tees has expanded exponentially, the designs are more varied and the subjects more diverse (from Kirk Fell to Kilimanjaro), and its new website even lets you choose your mountain tees via an interactive map of the world – give it a whirl at summitjunkie.co.uk/ mountains OUTSIDE IN Life can be stressful enough, so indecisiveness over what colour jacket to buy is a worry nobody needs. Well, stress no more. Not only does Mammut’s Whitehorn IN Jacket use recycled natural down filling in the…

Chris has been walking nonstop for two years, carrying everything he owns on his back. Currently in the Scottish Isles, and now joined by his rescue dog, Jet, his end goal is to walk the 18,000 miles around the entire coastline of the UK. But as well as raising £66,000 of his £100,000 target for SSAFA (the Armed Forces charity) so far, walking has become a salvation from his crippling depression. “On a personal level, getting outside and into the mountains and wilderness of the UK is what this whole thing has been about. I was severely depressed for such a long time – in truth it probably started before I joined the army, but when I came out I was thrust into being a single parent. Over 10-12 years…

Here’s the key equipment you’ll need for a winter ascent of Ben Nevis: Map and compass and know how to use them GPS handy in poor vis, but not a replacement for map and compass Boots stiff soled and crampon compatible Crampons compatible with your boots Ice axe basic walking axe is fine Trekking poles for use before the axe comes into play Gloves thick, and at least two pairs, possibly three Warm hat bobbles are a nuisance under a hood Scarf/buff for keeping your neck to your nose warm Goggles to protect your eyes from spindrift and bright sunlight Waterproofs sturdy jacket and trousers Gaiters keep snow out of your boots Winter socks thick and warm, plus a spare pair in case the snow gets in Walking trousers quick…

If you’re a glass half-empty hiker, you may see the Northern Fells as featureless, grassy slopes. If you’re a glass half-full walker, you’ll see them for what they are; rolling, colourful hills of remote paradise. Alfred Wainwright dedicated his pictorial guide to the Northern Fells to ‘the solitary wanderers on the fells, who find contentment in the companionship of the mountains.’ As the Lake District grows in popularity, the fells are becoming busier places, with the National Park receiving over 15 million visitors each year. This statistic is positive to most, yet daunting to the lover of secluded walks. As selfish as it may sound, there are days where we desire mountain tops to ourselves. The Northern Fells are a sanctuary to escape the crowds, hidden gems for the lone…

Don’t fly near airports or airfields. The flight restriction zone is approximately 2.5km from the site, but further around airstrips and runways. Remember to stay below 400ft (120m), to avoid collisions with manned aircraft. Observe your drone at all times – stay 150ft (50m) away from people and property and 150m (500ft) from crowds and built-up areas. Never fly near aircraft. Enjoy responsibly. You are legally responsible for each flight and can be prosecuted for irresponsible flying. Find out more at dronesafe.uk /drone-code You can find a free map of the UK showing restricted areas at noflydrones. co.uk This is not exhaustive however, and doesn’t indicate all private property or protected wildlife sites.…

Tom has made a business from his love of drone photography. He’s filmed footage for Terry Abraham’s Life of a Mountain series, and teaches keen pilots safe, legal drone usage. “Drone photography gives you a different perspective, an aspect no-one’s ever been able to get before. It opens up the world. When you’re operating a drone, the most important thing is safety. The CAA regulations state you should always be 50m away from a person, unless you’ve already discussed it with them. The same goes for vehicles, vessels, boats and structures. Of course, out in the wild you don’t have as much of a problem with this as you do in urban areas. “If you’re filming on the hillside, I’d recommend that you stay aware of your surroundings and other…

The landscape of Iceland is like no other on Earth. Volcanoes. Geothermal lakes. Mountains. Waterfalls. Geezers. Glaciers. It’s a land of fire and ice, changing at a rate that is alien to us. Even arriving at Reykjavík airport is like landing on the moon. Outside the man-made buildings, a shroud of volcanic rock chokes out all life in the bleak lava fields that surround it. There are no trees. Barely any people. It feels harsh, remote, inhospitable. My whistle-stop hiking tour came in March. And Iceland was icy. Blue skies punctuated slushy snowstorms that rolled in one after another, and ferocious waves attacked the black-sand beaches. Iceland has only one major road and it circumnavigates the whole country. Venturing east along it, the barren lava blanket is soon replaced with…

Trail’s outdoor gear guru Graham Thompson picks out the new releases you really need to know about. PVC-free travel luggage The Eagle Creek Cargo Hauler 60L duffels come in five sizes and are ideal for travels at any time of year. They benefit from being made of Bluesign approved 100% PVC-free material, instead utilising the less environmentally harmful thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). eaglecreek.eu (£110) Large capacity pack comfort The Berghaus Panamax 70 large capacity packs feature a harness that mirrors the body’s movements, with a free-floating hipbelt and wider shoulder straps to distribute loads. The lid can be removed and attached to the front of the body to allow easy access to smaller items. berghaus.com (£180) Technical waterproof jacket Designed for mountaineering, alpine climbing and ski touring, the Mountain Hardwear Exposure 2 Gore-Tex…

Grivel Ran £30 There are 11 spikes ranging from 5mm to 15mm in length. These are held in place with two metal frames to prevent splaying apart, so they are good for uneven paths. • Weight 504g (Size XL, pair) Yaktrax Diamond Grip £45 For durability, a wire frame is threaded with 34 rotating metal beads, each with eight 2mm deep spikes. This provides durable grip on level paths with thin layers of snow. • Weight 328g (Size L, pair) Edelrid 6 Point Grodel Crampon £45 The six points are 25mm long, so ideal for deeper snow or ice, but as they don’t cover the toe or heel a stamping walking action is required. Good for more uneven paths. • Weight 502g (Size adjustable, pair) Kahtoola Microspikes £50 The 12…

FITNESS  Good hill legs required due to over 1000m of ascent. TECHNICALITY Challenging varied walk with rocky sections and some exposure on Cofa Pike. TERRAIN  Typical Lakeland fells with a steep rough ascent up Deepdale Hause and a steep descent near Houndshope Cove. NAVIGATION Mostly clear, well defined paths. In poor visibility good navigation skills are a must. GET THERE Start and finish at small public parking area at Bridgend ( NY399143) near Brothers Water. Bus: Take the 508 to Patterdale from Penrith. EAT & DRINK There are lots of good options in Patterdale and Glenridding, which are the closest villages. The White Lion in Patterdale serves good pub food. STAY OVER YHA Patterdale, White Lion (also Patterdale), The Glenridding Hotel, and Skyeside Campsite – near Brothers Water. BEST MAPS…

FITNESS  England’s highest peak – pack your hill legs! TECHNICALITY  In dry non-icy conditions it’s a rough hill walk with a scrambly downclimb. In winter/wet, it’s a lot more challenging – be prepared to turn back. Beware iced gill crossings, cornices and avalanche risk at +600m. TERRAIN  Mostly good rocky paths, scree, steep descent. NAVIGATION Could be quite challenging in clag. GET THERE Route starts in Wasdale at the NT car park by the campsite – you’ll need a car, unless you fancy a long walk in from Drigg railway station. EAT & DRINK Wasdale Head Inn is legendary, but you could also try Strands Inn at Nether Wasdale (own brewery) or Woolpack in Boot (fab pizzas). STAY OVER Both the Wasdale Head Inn and YHA campsite are very convenient…

DAY 3 START/FINISH Viewpoint car park. 1 NN170568 Start at the main viewpoint car park or nearby. There are a couple of lay-bys. Pick up the big path just below and head east then south to the footbridge at NN173563 to start the climb into Coire Gabhail: the Hidden Valley. This is where the local clan used to hide their stolen goods! And also where villagers fled during the massacre of Glencoe. Look it up. The climb up and into the valley is straightforward, running parallel to the river for the most part. You will eventually reach the main floor of the valley. 2 NN166554 Head straight across the valley floor in a southwest direction to around NN162551, where you will again start to climb. Follow the well walked path,…

DAY 2 START Marsden train station. FINISH Glossop train station. 1 SE047118 Take the canal towpath towards Standedge Tunnel. At the visitor centre take the footpath opposite up the bank to a minor road. Turn left then cross the A62 and take the track south-east towards Intake Head Farm. Just before the farmhouse go right through the gate and uphill to the Standedge Tunnel airshaft, passing the Duke of Wellington Regiment memorial. Follow the path along the western edge of the hill until you pass a sign for Pule Hill. Shortly after take a track down to the right into the quarry, passing the top of the steep incline. Explore the quarry to find Snow Poem by the Poet Laureate Simon Armitage carved into one corner. Retrace your steps and…

21km DISTANCE 1000m ASCENT 10hrs ON THE HILL WHERE DO I START? From the small car park west of Glencanisp Lodge near the small fishing village of Lochinver (grid ref NC107220 ). Space for 13 or 14 cars. WHAT’S THE TERRAIN LIKE? A real mixture of road, track, bog, riverside path, steep and rocky mountain path, narrow rocky ridge, rocky plateau and a rocky scramble. HOW HARD IS THE WALK? This is a long but relatively straightforward mountain day, which looks longer than it is when you first start out. Though the scramble up to the eastern top should be reserved for experienced scramblers. WHAT MAP SHOULD I USE? OS Explorer 442 (1:25k) OS Landranger 15 (1:50k) Harvey Superwalker Suilven (1:25k) WHERE CAN I STAY? This is a remote part…

EXMOOR NATIONAL PARK IS HOME TO SOME OF THE DARKEST SKIES IN BRITAIN – THE PERFECT PLACE TO STARGAZE ON A WINTER WILD CAMP.…

Icebreaker Descender Long Sleeve Zip Hood £160 • Men’s S-XXL (480g) • Women’s XS-XL (400g) Made with a blend of 84% responsibly sourced merino wool, nylon for durability and Lycra for stretch, this midweight technical top combines a cosy brushed fleece with clever heat-trapping channels and thinner side panels for extra movement and breathability. It looks great and feels soft and comfortable to wear – ideal for cold weather layering or even on its own. Verdict A great-looking, technical yet cosy full-zip hooded mid layer with moisture wicking, naturally antimicrobial merino wool. Fjällräven Keb Fleece Hoodie £185 • Men’s XS-XXL (510g) • Women’s XXS-XL (430g) This smart, fitted, full-zip fleece hoody is made from a mixture of breathable and naturally antimicrobial wool, lightweight polyester and elastane for stretch, with Fjällräven’s…

FABRICS & COATINGS Waterproof jackets are usually made from a 3- or 2-layer fabric. The usual balancing act is between breathability and waterproofing – the more breathable a fabric is, typically the less water-resistant, and vice versa. Jackets usually feature a DWR (Durable Water Repellency) that repels water, causing it to ‘bead’ and roll off the fabric’s surface. DESIGN Ideally you should be able to pull the cuffs down over the gloves to stop water getting in when walking. But when scrambling, it’s best if you can fit gloves over the cuffs. Take your gloves into the shop to make sure you can operate all the drawcords, zips and press studs with them on. SIZING Trying before buying means you can pick a ‘cut’ that suits your body shape and…

Asolo Lagazuoi GV £210 • Men’s 6-13.5 (1560g, pair) • Women’s 4-9 (1274g, pair) Designed for long distance walking on technical trails, the uppers of these boots are made from a single piece of 2.4mm nubuck leather with a Gore-Tex lining and a full rubber rand. Really comfortable straight out of the box, they’re supportive and cushioned inside, with impressive traction on a range of surfaces from the Asolo/Vibram sole. Verdict A great choice for technical, long distance trails when straight-from-the-box comfort that lasts all day is key. Salomon Quest 4D 3 GTX £180 • Men’s 6.5-13.5 (1280g, pair) • Women’s 3.5-10.5 (1150g, pair) With their light yet supportive feel, and good balance of protection and grip, these boots are a great choice for multi-day backpacking or day walks when…

If you’ve always struggled with foot pain or aches and niggles during or after a walk, you’re not alone. The best answer is to identify the biomechanical reasons behind these aches and pains and address them with bespoke custom-made insoles, tailored precisely to the unique shape and structure of your feet and perfectly fitted to your walking boots. The Foot & Insole Clinic looks at some of the more complex feet problems walkers face and how their state-of-the-art facilities can help. HEEL PAIN Plantar fasciitis is inflammation of the fibrous band of tissue (the plantar fascia) that extends from heel to forefoot. It becomes irritated and inflamed, resulting in heel pain (often the first steps in the morning are especially painful). WHAT WE CAN DO At The Foot & Insole…