Innholdsfortegnelse for April 2020 i Trail

If you love walking in the Lake District, you certainly aren’t alone. More than 15 million people visit England’s largest National Park every year – and just like you and me the majority are drawn there by the mountains, lakes, pubs and picture-perfect villages that combine so perfectly to create the ultimate location for hillwalkers. You often pay for that perfection with crowds – particularly on the highest peaks – but that just gives you an excuse to get creative. Wake up a bit earlier, go to bed a bit later, pick a more daring line of ascent, head for the more remote ranges, or stick a tent in your pack and head off-grid for a couple of nights. If you’ve never walked in the Lakes before, shame on you!…

FOR URBAN EXPLORERS • BANFF MOUNTAIN FILM FESTIVAL WORLD TOUR UK-wide, January-May The hottest new films from the world’s most prestigious mountain film festival go on tour yet again, with screenings all over the UK. Check the website for the full list of dates and locations. banff-uk.com • LONDON MOUNTAIN FILM FESTIVAL Royal Geographic Society, 2-3 May This is a brand new event for 2020, calling itself the ‘Mountain Festival of the South’ and delivering a packed line-up of talks from leading British adventurers including Sir Chris Bonington, Doug Scott, Mick Fowler, Steve Birkinshaw and Sean Conway. You can buy tickets for the whole weekend, or just pick the sessions you want to attend. • CLIFFHANGER 2020 Sheffield, 10-12 July This free inner-city festival is dedicated to outdoor adventure, taking…

• Now equipped with KEEN’s KonnectFit heel-stability system which anchors the foot. • No-sew construction keeps weight to a minimum. • Enhanced KEEN.ALL-TERRAIN rubber outsole features a more aggressive design with 3mm lugs. • Heel pillow provides extra comfort around the Achilles. • Breathable mesh lining and KEEN.DRY waterproof membrane keeps feet dry and comfortable. • Abrasion resistant lightweight mesh upper with overlays gives protection and structure. • Addition of an under-foot shank to deliver torsional support and stability. • Upgraded to feature 5mm of underfoot cushioning for incredible comfort. • Removable dual density footbed with sock liner and in-built arch support cradles the natural contours of the foot.…

Arenig Fach Snowdonia “Took ourselves up Areing Fach for another 689m to bring 2020 total to 1106m. A tough climb, glorious views from the summit.” Tracey Williams, Abermule Ben Lomond Trossachs “Perfect start to the new year with Brian Sinclair, and a great way to kick off my Everest Anywhere challenge for 2020 – although Marv looked like he had one too many sherbets last night...” Michael Casey, Uddingston Sea to summit idea! “May I thank you all for a year of happy memories. I was given a subscription to the magazine as a present last year, and have regularly compared my outings over the years with your features. “It was the ‘Sea to Summit’ feature in the December 2019 issue that took me right back. In the early ’60s…

1 Fairfield Horseshoe An iconic round taking in no fewer than eight Wainwrights on a high-level traverse overlooking Windermere, Ullswater and almost all of the Eastern Fells. A classic Lakeland day that you can start from Ambleside without any use of a car. 2 Crinkle Crags & Pike of Blisco Starting and ending at The Old Dungeon Ghyll, a pub beloved of generations of walkers, this is another sky-high walk, with plenty of scrambling over the towers and folds of Crinkle Crags. Or none at all, if you simply want to stroll among the heights. 3 Blencathra via Hall’s Fell If the knife-edge Striding Edge whetted your appetite, try Blencathra via Hall’s Fell for a similarly delightful, not too technical Grade 1 scramble up a Lakeland beast. Sharp Edge is…

CWM IDWAL, SNOWDONIA “There’s so much amazing rock and so many ridgelines to explore around Snowdonia. This shot of scrambling on the west-facing slopes above Cwm Idwal really benefits from the photogenic backdrop of the mountain in the evening light, making it a magical place to photograph.” TORRIDON, NORTH-WEST HIGHLANDS “Joe, Heather and I had been on a road trip around Skye and the far North-West Highlands, shooting images for the final sections of my book, Extreme Scotland . We were super lucky with the weather, getting perfect conditions in Torridon for our big walking and scrambling images. The walk up and into Coire Mhic Fhearchair is probably one of the best views and mountain locations in the UK. It’s almost Dolomitic in its sense of size and grandeur, and…

The North Face is aiming to cement its position as a manufacturer of top-end mountaineering apparel with the introduction of its Summit Series Advanced Mountain Kit this spring. The 21-product system includes clothing, footwear and equipment, and features 5 innovative fabrics. 1 CLOUD DOWN uses offset baffles and an asymmetrical inner and outer construction for increased thermal performance in a lighter package. 2 50/50 DOWN pairs down-proof baffles with a highly air-permeable face fabric, which creates a ground-breaking breathable down layer with less bulk. 3 FUTUREFLEECE features a full-loop fabric construction made with octagonal shaped yarn for higher thermal performance. 4 DOT FLEECE base layers pull moisture from the skin with hydrophobic inner yarns. Hydrophilic outer yarns pull moisture through engineered holes in the layer. 5 FUTURELIGHT enhances air permeability…

You only have to look to popular adventure literature to realise how important a good backpack is for a positive hiking experience. In A Walk in the Woods , Bill Bryson recalls his companion Stephen Katz – a rather unstable, fiery character – finally losing his temper over the weight of his backpack and emptying half of its contents over an Appalachian cliff edge. And who could fail to empathise with Cheryl Strayed, of Wild fame, rolling around on the floor, trying to get her ridiculously humongous rucksack – aptly nicknamed the Monster – on her back. But fear not, you can easily avoid a similar back-busting, progress-hindering fate. Here we outline six of the best 50-65 litre backpacks currently available: packs that are sufficiently lightweight, supportive and so feature-rich…

The moorland village of Belstone is a great place to start a walk. You’re already high up on the northern slopes of Dartmoor, and tracks lead straight onto open hillsides with views across half of Devon and, on a clear day, a chunk of the English Channel. This part of the National Park is wholly outside the military area and a circuit over Belstone Tor and Cosdon Hill makes a fine outing on a crisp winter’s day. There’s plenty of history too: an atmospheric stone circle, Bronze Age remains and a crumbling arrow-straight structure known as the Irishman’s Wall. Stories say this was built by two incomers who hoped to enclose a parcel of commoner’s land, but today it guides you down to the marmite-coloured River Taw. The sweeping bulk…

In the far west of the Lake District, the National Park meets the sea. The small fishing village of Ravenglass is one of the Cumbrian coast’s most famous destinations, and rightly so. Firstly, it’s simply beautiful. It also boasts double World Heritage status, as part of both the Hadrian’s Wall and Lake District sites. Muncaster Castle, and the Ravenglass and Eskdale (‘La’al Ratty’) miniature railway, are well worth it, if you have the time. The imminent arrival of the England Coast Path will place Ravenglass on the world’s longest coastal footpath too. And finally, you can go from picturesque seaside to absorption in the fells in just a few short miles. While it may not scale the highest heights, Muncaster Fell’s prime position showcases everything the Lake District has to…

1 NG971138 Leave the A87 through a gate signed to Loch Quioch and follow the middle path heading slightly right then curving left, generally walking south. Cross the footbridge over the Allt Mhálagain and continue uphill, between the river and the wall. Cross a few tributaries and trend right to a flatter, boggy area after about 2.5km. Follow the path left and up the steep stalkers’ trail, following the cairns to Bealach Duibh Leac. 2 NG968112 Turn left onto the southern Glen Shiel ridge and follow the path generally east over several small summits, trending right until the final climb up and left to the summit of the first Munro of the day, Creag nan Damh, at 918m. 3 NG983111 Continue on the ridge path, descending steeply to the small…

On those long drives into north Wales, one peak in particular lets you know the mountains of Snowdonia are imminent – Moel Siabod. And it’s this 872m beauty that we’re going to climb today. Normally overlooked in favour of the usual suspects down the road, Moel Siabod deserves your attention. Proof of this is just east of the village of Capel Curig, as the drive along the A5 nears its end, where you’ll see the most dramatic aspect of the mountain. Thrusting skywards, it forms the most perfect pyramid. Add to this an airy ridge, plus the best view of Snowdon, and you have the recipe for a mountain day you’ll remember for a long time. There’s a couple of car parks by the cool, shady woodland south-east of Capel…

La Sportiva Trango TRK Leather GTX £215 • Men’s 37-48, 1440g (pair) • Women’s 37-43, 1190g (pair) The TRK brings classic Alpine credentials of the Trango range into the hiking market, with a reduced weight and greater flex through the foot and ankle. The water-resistant Idro-Perwanger leather outer is Gore-Tex lined, while the sole is precise and grippy with an integrated Climbing Zone and all-round foot protection. Verdict A comfortable, year-round boot with outstanding grip, protection and precision for more technical walking and scrambling. Asolo Greenwood GV £200 • Men’s 39.5-49, 1352g (pair) • Women’s 36.5-43.5, 1352g (pair) These year-round hiking and trail boots are made from a one-piece water-resistant Perwanger leather upper with Gore-Tex lining. The Vibram Megagrip technical sole with self-cleaning lugs is excellent on a wide variety…

Fairfield is a big, complicated lump of a mountain, with a personality that shifts wildly depending on the angle you approach it from. Most people know Fairfield by the horseshoe walk that makes it famous, starting and finishing on the tourist-heavy streets of Ambleside and meandering in a giant hook around its broad southern ridges. From that angle, the peak appears grassy, lumpen and (whisper this bit) almost boring. But like so many mountains, that all changes when you sneak a peek at its weather-ravaged north face. This photo was taken on the ascent from Brothers Water, while we picked our way up the knotty ridge atop Hartsop Above How. The scenery turns dramatic here, with the fractured northern walls of Hart Crag and Fairfield flaunting their finery high above.…

Anticipation is building for the release of the finale of the Life of a Mountain movie trilogy by Terry Abraham. For anyone who has a soft spot for Helvellyn and its edges, it’s a stunning celebration of nature and people, with inspiring cinematography over the course of all four seasons. Tickets for the world premiere on 9-10 May are available now from the Lake District’s Rheged Centre, and a special screening will be held on 15 May at the Keswick Mountain Festival, along with a live performance of the musical score. Watch the trailer at tinyurl.com/lifeofhelvellyn WATCH IT! Daredevil Kilian Jornet’s latest Top Gear-style challenge, where he races a BASE jumper down a mountain! tinyurl.com/youtubekilian GIVE AWAY THREE PEAKS IN 3D Artist Peter Bolt has just finished an impressive 3D…

Rucksack fit probably doesn’t get the attention it deserves. But there’s a vast range of shapes, sizes and features that can hugely influence comfort and freedom of movement. And until you try a variety of different packs, you won’t know what suits you best. When it comes to carrying loads, fit matters. Weight distribution is key to how heavy the pack feels. The shape will determine the freedom of movement of your head and hips. The design and padding will impact on your comfort. Then you’ll need to consider how much litreage you’ll need and what activity you want it for. And all these things combined make so much more difference than you would believe if you’ve never had a properly fitted rucksack. Trail headed to Joe Brown’s gear shop…

CAPACITY A battery’s capacity to store power is measured in units called milliamp hours, or mAh. Portable power devices with the ability to store power will have a capacity in mAh, as will the battery of your phone or other electrical device. The higher the power pack’s capacity, the more recharges of an electrical device it will be able to perform. CHARGING METHOD Some power packs charge from a mains supply, others can be topped up from a computer or via a solar panel. There are even hand-powered and wind-powered devices. The charging speeds and effectiveness of each method can vary considerably. WEATHER RESISTANCE Because of their electric nature, it’s helpful if a power pack has some resilience against weather. An IP (ingress protection) rating provides information on how dust…

Fixed my feet! Keen Karraig Waterproof boots £160 I’ve walked, scrambled and climbed all over the world in the past decade, and the one constant I’ve always had is stabbing foot pain. Since being diagnosed as Morton’s neuroma (nerve damage between my toes), I’ve tried every kind of footwear going to ease the pain. It isn’t easy to mix technical performance with great comfort, but this women’s-fit boot from Keen is the best I’ve found by miles. I still get the occasional pang of foot trouble, but far less since I started walking in the Karraig. Verdict  Supportive, grippy and incredibly comfortable. USED BY Sophie Reed, Trail contributor USED FOR Trails from the Alps to the South Downs Great winter bag Osprey Kyte 36 £130 I’m guilty of over-layering in…

The area around Pen-y-Gwryd provides a snapshot of Snowdonian history spanning 2000 years. The hotel is situated on a Roman army marching camp, and dug into the surrounding hills are a series of WWII pillboxes. The location is also the meeting point of three main routes through the mountains of Eryri – one of which is Dyffryn Mymbyr. Our walk takes us on a high circular tour of this valley, visiting Moel Siabod and the far eastern peaks of the Glyderau mountains. It’s a bog-fest at times and has a whopping 1350m of ascent! But before you feel too sorry for yourself, the Pen-Y-Gwryd Hotel was the training base in Snowdonia for the 1953 Everest expedition team, and if you stay over you’re allowed to take a peek at some…

Sale Fell (359m) and Ling Fell (373m) mark the northern terminus of Lakeland’s North Western Fells. Although the pair are not ‘giants’, many walkers wonder if it is possible to combine these two often neglected summits to give a decent round. And the answer is ‘yes’, with plenty of ups and downs and a descent of a lovely ridge. Sale Fell and Ling Fell are seen often by travellers on the A66 heading for Cockermouth, with Ling Fell (as its name suggests) being heather covered and taking the form of an upturned pudding. On sunny days the summit is a grand place to sit and while away some time. As for Sale Fell, the top is bare with great views, but it is the West Ridge that is the ‘jewel…

ROUTE 7 The Roaches ROUTE 8 Parkhouse & Chrome Hill ROUTE 9 Shutlingsloe The Peak District is prime walker’s territory. To the north are heathery, gritstone behemoths. To the south, flowering limestone dales. And to the west, a quarter of pointy, craggy mini-mountains that erupt from the rolling farmland. The Roaches, Shutlingsloe, Parkhouse and Chrome hills may be small but they are mighty. The first is a 3km crest of exposed rock. Secreted on its north-west flank is Lud’s Church, a fissure formed by a landslip, place of Arthurian legend and safehouse for secret meetings in the 15th century. Parkhouse and Chrome hills are twin spiny mounds, like Alpine peaks buried to the neck. Shutlingsloe, the ‘Matterhorn of Cheshire’ with its twist of a rocky top, is visible for miles.…

1 NH005135 Starting from the lay-by on the A87, follow the signed path through a gate and into the woodland. Follow this steeply zig-zagging path uphill through the trees to the forest boundary and through another gate onto the open mountainside. Continue up the path, which is initially clear but becomes less defined as you near the ridge. You’re walking generally north-west, climbing diagonally towards the rocky summit of Sgùrr na Ciste Duibhe. When nearing the summit, the best approach is to traverse to the south of the summit and follow a rocky ridgeline to the summit itself. 2 NG983149 After taking in the magnificent view and recovering your breath, turn around and follow the ridge path east. The initial descent is steep and rocky, then continues on easier ground…

WHERE DO I START? You’ll start and finish in one of the car parks at grid ref SH736571 at Pont-Cyfyng. The nearest town is Betws-y-Coed, a few miles east down the A5. WHAT’S THE TERRAIN LIKE? A real mixture of road, track, boggy moorland, plantation, deciduous woodland, riverside path, rocky mountain ridge, boulder field and mountain stream crossing. HOW HARD IS THE WALK? This is a classic, rocky Snowdonia mountain route. It’s not too long or too high, but you’ll need to be comfortable with Grade 1 scrambling terrain on the Daear Ddu ridge. WHAT MAP SHOULD I USE? OS Explorer OL17 & OL18 (1:25k) OS Landranger 115 (1:50k) Harvey Superwalker XT25 Snowdonia North (1:25k) WHERE CAN I STAY? The Rocks at Plas Curig is very fancy for a ‘hostel’.…

Boreal Mazama/Kerala £160 ■ Men’s 39.5-46.5, 1295g (pair) ■ Women’s 37-42, 1095g (pair) Made in Spain, the Mazama and women’s-fit Kerala 3-season trekking boot has a mix of leather and synthetic materials in the upper for a great balance of lightweight support, durability and flex. Sympatex waterproofing and a rugged Vibram Due Rocce sole are perfect for wet, muddy conditions. Verdict A great looking, great value, 3-season lightweight trekking boot. Made in Spain but perfect for year-round walking in muddy Britain. Lowa Baldo GTX/Badia GTX £200 ■ Men’s 42-47, 1350g (pair) ■ Women’s 37-42.5, 1100g (pair) Comfortable straight from the box, and with a fit and variable lacing system that suits most feet, the Baldo and women’s-fit Badia is a decent all-round lightweight boot. The Vibram Trac Lite II outsole…

AKU Tengu Low GTX £180 • Men’s 3-13, 1266g (pair) • Women’s 3-9, 800g (pair) This is a superb all-round walking shoe. Grip on mud or loose ground is great and there is lots of stiffness toe-to-heel and laterally in the sole, which makes this ideal for rockier ground. It's robust and well-protected, with a rubber rand for more durability. Verdict An all-rounder, ideal for muddy paths, rocky walks and easy scrambles. But for fast and light action, easier terrain or technical scrambles, others have benefits. Salomon X Ultra 3 GTX £130 • Men’s 6.5-13.5, 882g (pair) • Women’s 3.5-10.5, 660g (pair) This is a well-proven, lightweight all-rounder for general use on the hills. It has a sole unit with deep, well-spaced lugs for grip on mud and grass. This…

Vivobarefoot Tracker FG £190 ■ Men’s 39.5-50, 936g (pair) ■ Women’s 36-43, 738g (pair) These stylish, minimalist, yet supportive boots are made from responsibly sourced leather – a by-product of meat from small-scale, free-range farms – and recycled synthetic webbing with a waterproof membrane and thermal insole. The low-profile sole grips well on rocky terrain and hard-packed trails but doesn’t offer much traction or clearing in mud. Verdict A smart, minimalist leather boot with good ethical credentials. Comfortable and supportive for easier trails and everyday wear. Keen Innate Leather £140 ■ Men’s 39.5-48, 1140g (pair) ■ Women’s 35-42, 950g (pair) This smart-looking waterproof leather boot is comfortable, grippy and ideally suited to easier trails, travel and everyday wear. The leather is tanned in environmentally conscious tanneries; the anti-odour treatment utilises…

For such a small collection of islands, the UK has a remarkably impressive and varied collection of mountain ranges. And in recent years, those ranges have spawned an equally remarkable collection of mountain festivals, which show off everything that’s great about our uplands. From the Lakes to the Outer Hebrides, and the Peak District to the streets of London, this year’s line-up of festivals serves up something for just about every type of outdoor enthusiast. There are walking challenges, award-winning movie screenings, live music played against magical mountain backdrops, bushcraft masterclasses, inspirational talks, craft ales, fresh-cooked local food, family activities, secondhand gear sales at bargain prices, and loads more – all delivered without the usual crazy festival prices. Here’s Trail’s guide to the best of this year’s outdoor festivals, from…

There’s nothing better on a cold morning in a frost-coated tent than eeking out every last minute in a deliciously toasty sleeping bag. Well thanks to Mammut you can put off the inevitable misery of leaving your cosy nest for a few minutes longer. The Protect sleeping bags feature a newly developed shape for an especially restorative sleep, are available with down or synthetic insulation with a comfort limit down to -13°C, and have two extra chest-height zips that allow you to free your arms to perform tasks like eating or sorting your kit while leaving the rest of you ensconced within the bag. Bliss. mammut.com…

Sgurr Eilde Mor Mamores Janet Villars and whippet Roxy pause for a moment on the descent from the summit of Sgurr Eilde Mor, as captured by Janet’s husband, Chris. “This was one of those magical moments when the clouds break and reveal the stunning scenery,” says Janet. “A fabulous end to a long, hard day around Kinlochleven in mixed weather, successfully bagging Binnein Beag and Sgurr Eilde Mor in the Mamores.” Black Mountains Brecon Beacons “The combination of young children (wouldn’t change it!) and not living in the foothills of a mountain range make getting away a rarity. So when the chance comes for a weekend wild camping then Barley and I don’t need a second invitation!” Adam Bettiss, Shaftesbury Moel Siabod Snowdonia “Here is a picture of my daughters,…

Dear reader We’re camped up for the night almost as far north and west as you can get on the British mainland. Surrounded by a kind of wilderness that I’d never imagined, I find myself thinking of you. All I can think of is how much you’d love it. How much I love it. Our view as the sun sets is of a faraway place called Assynt. A rainbow points to its pot of gold at the base of Suilven – the great dome that’s dominating the skyline. Our days have been filled with mountains, white sandy beaches, mountains, wildlife, more mountains… And with the help of Raelene (a 6-metre long Citroen Relay Quirky Camper), our mountain-dominated trip has taken a form of simplicity and freedom only possible with accommodation…

What is it about Switzerland that makes the whole country, and everything in it, feel so effortlessly excellent? You may never have even been there, but I know you know what I’m talking about. The chocolate, the pen knives, the trains, the watches, the cuckoo clocks, the cheese, the bank accounts, the chalets, the topspin on Roger Federer’s backhand… and the mountains. Oh my word, those mountains. Even by Alpine standards, Switzerland is a seriously special place. Say the word Matterhorn or Eiger to anyone with even a passing interest in big pointy pieces of rock and watch them start to wobble at the knees. The mountains here aren’t just famous, or iconic, they’re legendary. That legendary status has been earned not just by their size and beauty, but by…

1 Don’t leave your winter gear behind. The sun may be shining and the snow melted at sea-level, but the summits can remain frozen for weeks longer. Check conditions and pack accordingly. Or as the Scots say it: ‘Ne’er cast a clout til May be out’. 2 Microspikes can be great for the shoulder seasons, when snow cover isn’t deep enough to require crampons. They’re smaller and lighter but give good traction in icy conditions. 3 Take your gaiters. It doesn’t matter how waterproof your boots are – if your trousers get wet, socks and feet soon follow. 4 Pack your poles. Winter thaw means rivers will often be in spate, and even small streams can become torrents. Walking poles offer invaluable balance when crossing moving water. 5 Plan a…

1 GET YOUR BODY USED TO CARRYING WEIGHT It’s important to prepare your shoulders and hips for carrying a larger backpack, so when out training carry a bag with a load in it. Every few weeks you can increase the loads, to get used to a heavier pack. 2 BUILD UP YOUR ANKLE STRENGTH Cross-training the ankles and lower legs with different types of exercise is crucial for long mountain backpacking days, so rather than focusing on just gym work, try to build in off-road training sessions, to prepare your feet and ankles for the mountains. 3 BUILD HILL REPS INTO YOUR TRAINING PLAN Walk as fast as you can up a hill (or even steps in a city) for at least 30 seconds, then walk slowly…

Sitting near the craggy Arrochar Alps, overlooked by Ben Lomond, and bounded by Glen Fruin in the south and Glen Douglas to the north, the often underrated Luss Hills reach their high point of 713m on Beinn Chaorach. Beinn Dubh and Mid Hill are two of the most popular Luss Hills and both rise above Loch Lomond’s western shore, combining to make a wonderful route. When up high the rugged topography and deep v-shaped passes wouldn’t look out of place in The Lakes, and the views across both the Southern Highlands and the Lowlands are exceptional. A good path climbs steeply from Luss village onto Beinn Dubh before rougher ground rises above Coire na h-Eanachan and the highest point of the route. Once across Mid Hill a steep path drops…

ROUTE 10 South Glen Sheil Ridge ROUTE 11 Sgùrr na Ciste Duibhe ROUTE 12 Ciste Dhubh via Am Báthach There is surely nowhere else in Scotland where such a density of Munros is so easily accessible yet so utterly rewarding as Glen Shiel. Based at the freshly refurbished Cluanie Inn, deep in the heart of the glen, this hat-trick of high-level walks kicks off with the seven summits of the South Glen Shiel Ridge. The trail is well-defined and the terrain isn’t overly technical – a good thing when the views are this spectacular. Day two takes you north of the glen and over four further Munros on the Brothers Ridge, adjoining the Five Sisters of Kintail. Day three is an enjoyable adventure straight from the pub door. Traversing the…

1 NH076117 Follow the A87 east for almost 1.5km then take a path left shortly after the fenced woodland area and just before crossing the Allt a’ Chaorainn Mhòir. Follow this track uphill, initially along the fence line and then continuing up the grassy hillside that is the southern flank of Am Báthach. Continue following the winding path uphill to gain the ridge where the walking gets much more pleasant. Follow the ridge to the first minor summit at 734m, marked with a small cairn. 2 NH077136 Continue along the path that follows the ridgeline slightly downhill and then back up to the summit of Am Báthach, a Corbett at 798m. 3 NH073143 Carry on following the ridge in the same direction, descending the path down the grassy/boggy hillside, trending…

While ‘The Saddle’ (the name of the peak to which this sublime ridge scramble is mounted) sounds accommodating and comfortable, the name of the scramble itself is anything but. The Forcan Ridge sounds more like an exclamation than a title, and the physique of the arête is deserving of such an outcry. This route begins gently enough down in the greenery of Glen Shiel, climbing westward towards The Saddle – perhaps the finest looking peak in a valley saturated with Munro summits. But it’s not long before the real Forcan Ridge makes itself known. Narrow, exposed, and tricky in places, if taken head-on it’s a solid Grade 2 scramble. It has a softer side: a bypass option exists for much of it, varying from left to right of the main…

Berghaus Expeditor Trek 2.0 £100 ■ Men’s 40.5-47, 1010g (pair) ■ Women’s 37-42, 830g (pair) With a good balance of comfort and grip, this boot is a great choice for year-round walking on lower-level, easier terrain. The suede upper offers a nice degree of flex, while AQ waterproof lining keeps your feet dry. The lower cut ankle, soft internal padding and standard fit will suit most people. Verdict A well-priced, comfortable boot for everyday walking. Decent grip and waterproofing works well for easier trails all year round. Regatta Samaris II Mid £100 ■ Men’s 39-47, 920g (pair) ■ Women’s 36-42, 760g (pair) This lighter weight hiking boot combines a durable mesh outer with an Isotex waterproof membrane and a durable carbon rubber outsole offering reasonable grip and mud clearance. Reinforced…