Innholdsfortegnelse for July 2022 i Trail

Last weekend, at the excellent Keswick Mountain Festival (if you’ve never been before, stick it in your diary for May 2023), someone walked up to me and said: “I’ve just got here and don’t know much about walking. Which hills are good?” And that summed up everything I love about that event. A few minutes later, a bunch of bedraggled runners arrived back in the festival village after completing a vertical kilometre race up the mighty Lakeland fell Skiddaw. Then a few minutes after that I bumped into mountaineer Alan Hinkes, the only Briton to climb all 14 of the world’s 8000m peaks. Over the next three days we met an endless stream of walkers, backpackers, climbers, families, swimmers, triathletes, paddle boarders… you name it, they were there. All drawn…

Blencathra Lake District “Here’s my son, Kyle, making his way up Sharp Edge onto Blencathra.” David Harrison Beinn a’ Ghlo Cairngorms Martin Reid, Malcolm Forbes and Nicky McQuire on a weekend of Munro-bagging. Ben A’an Trossachs “This is me and my son, Jake (6), on the summit of Ben A’an in the Trossachs. We had a lovely few days climbing the hills in Scotland.” Abbey Boardman Carrauntoohil Ireland “Here I am looking smug on the top of Carrauntoohil after being inspired by the Spring issue of Trail. Had a glorious day, summiting via the aptly-named Devil’s Ladder as part of the Wander Wild Festival. Next time it’ll be O’Shea’s Gully.” Jonathan Pitches Crib Goch Snowdonia “I enjoyed a maiden solo sunset voyage up Crib Goch on a beautiful April evening.…

“Hills can play a key role in our wellbeing” Trail catches up with Ross Cunningham, the founder of the popular Mountains Mend Minds website and a passionate advocate for spending time outdoors to improve mental health. “When I first started climbing Scotland’s highest mountains while going through a period of severe depression over four years ago now, I could never have imagined the journey it would take me on. I’ve now experienced some of the most incredible places in Scotland, most that I never knew existed until I travelled there to go Munro-bagging. Places like Torridon, Knoydart, Sutherland and Assynt are truly special and spectacular locations that I’m so grateful I’ve had the chance to see and explore. “But my journey hasn’t just been about the number of summits I’ve…

[HOW TO] NAIL YOUR FIRST OVERNIGHT BIVVY 1 Check the weather on the day you’d like to go out and 24 hours either side of it – you don’t want to get caught out in a weather system that has come in later or earlier than expected. 2 Pick a flat, dry, sheltered spot. All the more important as you won’t get much protection from the elements. The beauty is though, that it can be very small – pretty much the size of your sleeping bag. 3 Put your sleeping mat under the bivvy to create more space for your sleeping bag to loft and for you to wiggle around. If there are straps on the underside of your bivvy, slide the mat through them to keep it in place.…

THE LATEST INNOVATIONS IN OUTDOOR KIT SERIOUS STUFF SCARPA MESCALITO TRK GTXPRICE £225WEIGHT 600g per boot (size 42)UPPER MATERIAL Water-resistant 1.8mm suedeLINING GORE-TEX bluesign There are a few things you should know before reading any further. Number one is that we are huge fans of the Scarpa Mescalito approach shoes. Both the low-cut shoes and the boot-height mids have found favour on the feet of various members of Team Trail, and have been tested extensively across the UK, on the via ferrata routes of the Dolomites, and even on the dizzying dusty heights of Kilimanjaro. The next thing to note is that these existing models haven’t gone anywhere. If you want a comfortable and easy-going shoe that can handle a bit of scrambling or via ferrata, the Mescalito and Mescalito…

The question of hiking shoes vs boots has become one of the great gear debates of modern times. Obviously, the major advantage of going for shoes over boots is their lighter weight. This makes even more sense in the prime hiking seasons, from late spring through to early autumn. After all, as soon as the warmer months arrive, many experienced hillwalkers ditch their heavier trousers, jackets and other layers in favour of lighter alternatives. So why wouldn’t you do the same with your footwear? Another often-quoted bit of walkers’ wisdom – ‘One pound on your feet equals five pounds on your back’ – adds further weight to this argument. Supposedly, this rule of thumb was first developed by Sir Edmund Hillary and the other climbers training for the 1953 Everest…

DIFFICULTY MEDIUM SCRAMBLE GRADE 1 DISTANCE 5KM TIME 5 HOURS TOTAL ASCENT 630M PEAK BAGGER STATS WELSH 3000s 1 TRAIL 100s 1 Tryfan is the icon of the Ogwen Valley, and its North Ridge is a classic route – you can’t call yourself a scrambler if you come to Wales and haven’t done it yet! Legend has it that you can never do it the same way twice. With this in mind, following a route description for the North Ridge is tricky, so here’s a few bits of advice to go with… Only go ‘up’ the North Ridge. If you’re new to scrambling, then route-finding in descent is difficult and often leads people into trouble. Always keep a few metres distance between people in your group and between different groups.…

DIFFICULTY MEDIUM DISTANCE 10.5KM TIME 4½ HOURS TOTAL ASCENT 650M PEAK BAGGER STATS WAINWRIGHTS 1 Hindscarth. It’s the awkward pokey-out nail in the middle of the Newlands Horseshoe: quick out-and-back from the main ridge and ‘Oh, I guess that was Hindscarth – what’s next?’ But Hindscarth has a fine ridgeline leading down into the Newlands valley. And for the ascent, there’s a walk in along the cliffy hollows of the Newlands upper valley, and one of those old miners’ paths leading up to Dale Head. But for added fun, and to show a bit of appreciation for underrated Hindscarth, leave that old path and follow up the splashy stream into a V-gorge of bare rock, rough scree, stones and heather, with a wee waterfall coming in halfway up. It’s one…

DIFFICULTY EASY DISTANCE 8.5KM TIME 3 HOURS TOTAL ASCENT 285M This engrossing walk from the lush floor of Nidderdale – the valley the Yorkshire Dales forgot – culminates in an exploration of the natural wonder of Brimham Rocks. Here you’ll find a huge collection of gritstone formations just begging to be climbed. From easy to hard, you’ll feel like a kid again in this rocky playground. It’s a National Trust property, with a refreshment kiosk and visitor centre. Out of peak times when the crowds subside, this is a place to linger, mouth agape, at the shapes that wind, water and a few thousand years can bring to life. There’s a variety of walks to get here too, including from Pateley Bridge, on the Nidderdale Way, returning via the River…

The South West Coast Path is the longest of Britain’s National Trails, measuring a staggering 1014km (630 miles). It is not just a long walk, but an astounding and varied experience, based on the paths trodden around cliffs and coves by generations of coastguards. No other stretch of British coastline compares for scenic splendour, interest, history, heritage, accessibility and provision of facilities all rolled into one. A fit and dedicated long-distance walker would take a month to walk the South West Coast Path. The current record, set by Kristian Morgan in September 2020, stands at 10 days 12 hours 6 minutes. Others are happy to enjoy the experience, savour the delights of the trail, and take two months or more. Hardy backpackers happily carry a tent, sleeping bag and cooking…

1958 years. That’s the amount of hillwalking experience that, with a bit of imagination, I reckon you could say Trail has amassed over the past three decades. Through the contributions of a multitude of mountain editors, experts and organisations, there’s a pure treasure-trove of combined knowledge just waiting to be hacked. So, finally, we’ve gathered together all the top tips, tricks, hacks, facts and nuggets of genius that we wish we’d known when we were hillwalking newbies, and brought them all together into one must-have supplement. Whether you’ve been trekking the trails for years, or are just setting out on a new-found passion, we reckon you’ll find something here to utilise and pass on to the next generation of mountain lovers. Read it, do it, enjoy it! Jenna Maryniak, Trail…

LAKE DISTRICT HINDSCARTH If you’re wondering if you’ve ever heard of this hill before, let us remind you. It’s probably most often climbed on the return leg of the Newlands Round, from Derwent Water, over Cat Bells and Dale Head. Some people have climbed it without really realising, while others have unwittingly missed it out altogether on the Newlands Round in favour of returning via Robinson. Poor ol’ Hindscarth. All that neglect really doesn’t do it justice, you see. While its 727m high summit is fairly unremarkable, Hindscarth’s secret weapon is its ridge that climbs up from Little Town over Scope End. In the shadow of the other honeypot peaks nearby it’s an ascent route that’s often overlooked. Forget Cat Bells, this is a proper mountain ascent. So if you’re…

WEIGHT AND BULK Most water purification options are relatively compact and lightweight, but some are more so than others – it all depends how much water you’re likely to need to purify; a big, heavy filter that takes up as much space in your pack as a large bottle of water may be of limited value on a short day-hike. TASTE Some chemical treatments, such as chlorine tablets, can give the water an unpleasant taste, making it much less palatable, albeit safe to drink. STERILISING AND FILTERING Some treatments will sterilise water but won’t remove impurities. Others can filter out certain microscopic particles but can’t necessarily be relied upon to remove viruses. Know what water dangers you’re likely to face and choose the most appropriate treatment for those risks. VOLUME…

DIFFICULTY MEDIUM SCRAMBLE GRADE 1 DISTANCE 15KM TIME 7 HOURS TOTAL ASCENT 1010M PEAK BAGGER STATS WAINWRIGHTS 3 TRAIL 100s 1 Feel like you’ve ‘done’ the Helvellyn ridges? If you’re just a bit uninspired by the usual options, this might be the route for you. Skip the flagstone step paths and go straight up Dollywagon Pike via The Tongue, then grab a piece of the classic ridgeline before descending via Swirral Edge, back to Glenridding. What the ascent doesn’t have in scrambling prowess, it makes up for in the incredible view down Grisedale Valley. Although this route up The Tongue isn’t classic rocky scrambling, you will need your hands to get up short crags between several grassy ledges. It could make a great introductory route, bridging the gap between steep…

DIFFICULTY MEDIUM SCRAMBLE GRADE 1 DISTANCE 8KM TIME 6 HOURS TOTAL ASCENT 780M The classic North Wales Scrambles guidebook, by Garry Smith, describes Gyrn Las (Cyrn Las in some guidebooks) as ‘a sheep in wolf’s clothing’. And that sums up the scrambling aspect of the ‘Grey Horn’, sitting high above the Llanberis Pass, looking as threatening as it does. In fairness though, if you think of it more as a walk with a bit of scrambling, it takes on a whole new character. And the views up and down the length of the Pass really are spectacular, especially if you get good light. Considering Snowdon is one of the busiest mountains in the world, there are times when this route feels like the quietest. It’s best enjoyed by parking in…

ULTIMATE WEEKEND ▲ 3-DAY BACKPACK The behemoths around the Lairig Ghru get most of the attention in the Cairngorms, but other giants, less frequently walked but just as dramatic, lie in wait. Beinn a’ Bhuird (pronounced bayn-a-vurst) at 1197m is the 11th highest mountain in the UK, its sprawling summit plateau bitten away in the east by plummeting corries. Neighbouring Ben Avon (pronounced bayn ahn) at 1171m is only marginally lower but just as vast, its broad plateau scattered with weather-worn tors. The final hill on this journey, Carn na Drochaide, a mere Corbett at 818m, has perhaps the finest views of all. Located at the edge of the plateau it looks into the mass of the northern range; south onto mighty Lochnagar; and down to the snaking River Dee.…

7km DISTANCE 745m ASCENT Grade 1 SCRAMBLE RATING GO THERE… on a clear day to get the best of those fantastic views. Hall’s Fell Ridge is a fantastic way to reach the top of a mountain. Fact. But it has one problem, and that problem is Sharp Edge. You see, try as it might, Hall’s Fell Ridge just doesn’t attract the same kind of attention and devotion as its Blencathra rock-mate. This would be travesty enough if it simply led to Hall’s Fell Ridge being ignored, but it’s worse than that. Instead, Hall’s Fell Ridge is often spoken of – and usually in the same sentence as it knifier neighbour – when ascent routes of Blencathra are the topic of discussion; it’s almost inevitably ‘up Sharp Edge and down Hall’s…

ESSENTIALS PREPARE A GO-BAG Save prep time, don’t forget the essentials and be ready for the mountains at the drop of a hat by having a ‘go-bag’ ready packed. Just add food, water and phone. TRAINING GET MOUNTAIN FIT The best exercise for hillwalking is walking up hills. In terms of strength, you need to keep your core strong, as well as your thighs, calves, knees and ankles. Lunges and squats are excellent exercises for building lower body strength, and you can easily up the intensity of both exercises by wearing a packed rucksack. Trail running on rough ground builds fitness and ankle strength. Low-impact cardiovascular workouts like swimming are perfect for stamina and total body conditioning, while taking regular brisk walks, including a bit of ascent with a rucksack,…

■ STAY CALM Sit down, take a few deep, steady breaths into the belly and have something to eat and drink. Don’t panic. Layer up and get into a sheltered position if necessary. ■ THINK Where was your last known location and how long ago? How far are you likely to have walked since then and in which direction? Do you have a GPS? Check it. ■ OBSERVE the landscape. Contours and water features can be very good indicators of your location. What have you seen since your last known point? Was it what you expected? Ensure you have your map oriented correctly and take your time about it. Linear features can help you confirm where you are. Take a bearing off them and check it against the map. ■…

1 Dry-bags are designed to keep water out but they are just as effective at holding it in too, meaning they can double as impromptu water buckets should you need to collect some river water for camp cooking or showering. 2 They can also function as a makeshift washing machine. Fill the sack with water, chuck in your dirty clothes, add some eco-friendly detergent soap, close the roll fold and give the bag an extreme shake. Drain the soapy water and repeat the process with plain water to rinse the clothes through. 3 Fill with either air or a spare jacket or fleece to make a camping pillow. 4 Use it to keep essential gear (or even your entire backpack) dry while making a river crossing. 5 Or simply sit…

Now in its 9th year, the UK’S most prestigious mountain photo competition is back for 2022! With some even bigger prizes up for grabs, this year’s judges will be looking for images that capture that sense of indescribable awe we feel when we’re in the mountains. Don’t panic though – you don’t need to be a professional photographer to win. You simply need to make sure you’re ready to capture those inspiring mountain moments that leave a lasting impression. Read on to find out how to enter, then turn to page 58 to hear how our previous three winners captured their winning images. THE PRIZES FUJIFILM X-T4* + XF18-55mm, PLUS a £500 MPB voucher FUJIFILM X-S10* + XF18-55mm, PLUS a £250 MPB voucher FUJIFILM X-T30 II + XF18-55mm and a…

CHASE THE SUNSET Whether it’s an evening walk or a summit sleep, nothing beats watching the sun set from a hilltop. So, with the lighter nights and increased chance of clear skies, Sealskinz has analysed historic weather data (including levels of sun, rainfall and wind speeds) going back to 2010 to find the ideal hiking spots for a special sunset. While any high and pointy place will do, according to the research these are your best bets in England. SOUTHERN ENGLAND Walbury Hill, Berkshire Leith Hill, Surrey Black Down Hills AONB, Somerset NORTH-WEST ENGLAND Scafell Pike, Cumbria Helvellyn, Cumbria Skiddaw, Cumbria NORTH-EAST ENGLAND The Cheviot, Northumbria Burnhope Seat, County Durham Simonside, Northumbria Pennine hut shut! Greg’s Hut bothy on the Pennine Way on Cross Fell is getting a makeover with…

It’s been a day and a half. Hard, high and hairy at times, but it’s almost over now. Just one more thing to sort; a wild camp spot, not too far from the car… From the road, it looks like paradise. The evening sun is still high in the western sky, what with it being late spring, yet twinkling diamond highlights on the flat, untroubled surface of the sea give the impression it has all the time in the world. I’m on the far north-west coast of Scotland and I think I’ve just found what I’m looking for. Sunlight at this time of year can act like a drug. It seems to fill your whole being with relentless energy, yet blisses you out, opening up those receptors that normally remain…

1 JOSEPH HILL (2021 WINNER) Joseph took this picture in the tiny window of time when the clouds parted and sun beamed down on the ridge. He might not have known it was going to happen, but his preparations made sure he was in the right spot when it did. ■ LOOK FOR DEPTH: Th is image draws the eye along the rope, to the climber and across to the sunlight on the skyline. This provides a sense of scale and context, with the small climber in the amphitheatre of challenging mountains, and it tells a compelling story. ■ USE DEPTH-OF-FIELD: In order to capture depth like this, you want the fore, middle and background to be in pin-sharp focus – that requires a deep depth-of-field. To achieve this, put…

Fit for all feet Despite offering an impressive amount of support and underfoot cushioning, the Lowa Renegade GTX Mid (£190) manages to be both lightweight (sub 600g per boot) and nimble, thanks in part to the supple nubuck leather upper. They’re also available in wide, regular, and narrow fits for both men and women, meaning they’ll fit almost any foot. A Trail favourite Another boot that’s been built to be tough, capable, and yet relatively easy on the feet is the Salewa Mountain Trainer 2 Mid (£220). As the name informs, this is the second generation of Salewa’s excellent Mountain Trainer boot (which is also available as a shoe) – footwear we’ve used, abused and become greats fans of. Quest for adventure With its high level of support and protection…

DIFFICULTY HARD SCRAMBLE GRADE 1 DISTANCE 10KM TIME 6 HOURS TOTAL ASCENT 995M PEAK BAGGER STATS MUNROS 1 TRAIL 100s 1 The highest point of Skye’s Cuillin Ridge, indeed the highest point on the UK islands, is within reach for walkers with commitment and nerve. Not all of Skye’s high points are, so this feels like a blessing. The Great Stone Chute however, which forms a hefty chunk of the route, feels more like a curse. Don’t let this put you off though, because this is a magnificent mountain day. It begins from Glenbrittle, a sandy bay at the foot of the ridge with a halfway point at one of the most spectacular little corries in Scotland. A giant chalice of buttresses, unassailable crags and sweeping slopes of rockfall at…

DIFFICULTY MEDIUM DISTANCE 10KM TIME 5 HOURS TOTAL ASCENT 1070M PEAK BAGGER STATS WELSH 3000s 2 TRAIL 100s 1 Leaving the relative summer bustle of the A5, as it sweeps past the waters of Llyn Ogwen, the eyes are drawn up to the sometimes sullen-looking, grey cheeks of Glyder Fach and how its northern cliffs hang over Llyn Bochlwyd (‘lake of the grey cheek’) just out of view above the road. But the quiet demeanour of these and many other rocky walls and ridges beckon, and this journey weaves its modest way to the heights of Glyder Fawr, and then Y Garn, via some unexpected vantage points and moments. Wander through heather and bilberry at times and revel in the rocky architecture as you arrive into Cwm Cneifion, to make…

ULTIMATE WEEKEND ▲ 3 ICONIC WALKS What is scrambling? If you’re Edward Whymper in 1865, ‘scrambles’ involves the first ascent of the Matterhorn. The upper grades of today’s scrambling guides involve ropes, helmets and fancy shoes with Blu-Tack soles – which is what normal folk refer to as rock climbing. But when you’re in Wasdale, what does it matter? There’s loads of stuff for crag danglers who want to go all English and understated and call that scrambling. But it’s also the place for somewhat rocky ridges, and awkward corners, and whole hillsides of gently sloping knobs and knobbles. The airy Screes Path around the side of Great Gable and the chunky rocks of the White Napes ridgeline. The grim recesses of Lord’s Rake. The airy scary moment at Yewbarrow’s…

BAG THE LESSER-KNOWN ‘OTHER’ TRYFAN BEFORE VISITING THESE VIVID BLUE QUARRY POOLS, SURROUNDED BY PURPLE SLATE. WALK IT This route offers the chance to bag two little-visited summits – Moel Tryfan and Mynydd Mawr – and takes in a seldom-used quarry, where there are a series of spectacular quarry pools, surrounded by equally impressive purple slate cliffs. Start from Rhosgadfan and head south-east, making directly for the unmistakeable hump of Moel Tryfan. Pass the cemetery and a few isolated houses before picking up the footpath on the left, which snakes past a huge slate tip. Ascend the grassy flanks of Moel Tryfan to reach the distinctive rocky outcrop that marks its summit, topped by a trig pillar. From here, head south-east and drop down to the southern edge of the…

WATCH OUT – CATTLE ABOUT 1 Make sure you pay attention to any signs or warnings before entering a field or walking near cattle. 2 Look out for young cattle and cows with calves – the former will be more curious and the latter extremely protective. Don’t get between mums and babies. 3 Where possible give herds a wide berth. You are permitted to stray from a right of way in order to bypass cattle blocking it. 4 Stay calm and quiet, even if cattle are following you – in which case aim for the shortest escape route from the field. 5 Keep dogs on a short lead – cattle are far more likely to react to canines than people, especially if they are noisy. 6 If cattle become threatening,…

GREAT NIGHTS SLEEP SOUND IN THE WILD Top tips and tricks for a restful night outdoors. LOAD CALORIES BEFORE BEDTIME Munch on a calorific treat, like some chocolate or a handful of nuts, to give your body some fuel for warmth through the night. DO PRE-BED EXERCISES Get your heart rate going by doing a set of star jumps or sit-ups. Heat radiated from your body will help warm up your sleeping bag. MAKE A MAKESHIFT HOT WATER BOTTLE Fill a basic drinks bottle with hot (not boiling) water, then wrap it in an insulating layer or stuff it in a sock and give it a cuddle. LINE YOUR SLEEPING BAG Sleeping bag liners weigh little, take up minimal space in your rucksack and are a quick way to add…