Innholdsfortegnelse for May 2023 i Trail

You'd have thought that calculating the height of a waterfall would be straightforward, but it's far from it. There's not even an agreement on what constitutes a waterfall. It's been suggested that the horizontal distance between the top and the bottom of a fall should be no more than 25% of the height, but this would exclude rapids, regarded as a type of waterfall by many. Then, once you've decided that it is a waterfall, you need to establish exactly where it begins and ends – simple with a single drop, but more open to interpretation when a fall descends over a series of steps. And then the volume of water can change things, turning a gentle cascade fall into a surging single-drop torrent. It's a tricky business, and as…

The finest alternative to the route described here would be to start at the Glen Vale car park, which provides the tempting option on the way up to take a brief detour to explore John Knox's Pulpit, a small waterfall at the head of a gorge. From there it would make the most sense to do Bishop first, then East Lomond, before ending with West Lomond. Descend from West Lomond – following the gradual path, not one of the steeper routes – to the foot of the hill to explore the fantastic rock structure that is the Bunnet Stane, which includes one shaped like a ‘bunnet’ (a Scots word for a flat capl, and a cave where it is said the spirit of a ‘maiden’ lives who can grant you…

■ ANIMAL STATS RED FOX (VULPES VULPES) SIZE: 40cm to the shoulder; weighing about 5-10kg, closer in weight to a Jack Russell terrier than a collie. LOOKS LIKE: Instantly recognisable with its russet coat and white-tipped bushy tail. Look as well for droppings left in prominent places, such as on a rock or by the side of a path. Droppings are twisted at one end, containing visible remains like hairs and insect fragments. ■ PUB QUIZ A: What is the largest National Park in the UK? B: Who won this year's Scottish Award for Excellence in Mountain Culture? C: Which is the highest peak in the Glyderau? A: The Cairngorms at 4528 sq km 11748 sq miles] B: David ‘Heavy’ Whalley for service in Mountain Rescue, attending more than 1000 rescues and 80…

HOD TO NAIL… ASCENT: 2645m DISTANCE: 19km ROUTE Typically done south to north beginning from Gars-bheinn after catching the boat from Elgol to the west shore of Loch Scavaig. After this comes the complex, very technical and demanding 11 km ridge proper, cresting 11 Munrosand ending on Sgurr nan Gillean. TIME TO ALLOW Hill-runner Finlay Wild holds the astonishing record of 2hrs 59mins 22secs, but most people should allow two very full days – and you need to be fit for that. PERFECT IF You've got a head for heights, high fitness, and either the competency to tackle the several roped sections of climbing and abseiling – or the money to pay for a guide who does. KIT TO BRING The trick here is keeping your pack as light as…

Gothic mountain architecture and iconic rock formations on which to pose, barren moonscapes, hairraising ridges and deep-cut cwms which cradle glacial lakes – that's the Glyderau we all know and love. In just four square kilometres you will find scrambles of the highest quality at every grade, and numerous rock climbs which have thrilled generations of mountaineers. This adventure-packed inner sanctum, however, forms only part of a dog-legged ridge which rises for more than 12 miles from Capel Curig to Bethesda. To traverse the entire ridge is to experience one of the finest hillwalking expeditions in Britain. Strong legs are needed, as is resolve – Tryfan, seen but not touched, will taunt you throughout, tempting you off course. Leave her for another day! Linear routes often enjoy a uniquely satisfying…

FITNESS Suitable for anyone with ample stamina. TERRAIN Mainly coast path, with some quiet streets. Several steep ascents and descents, especially between Kingswear and Southdown Cliff. Beware of unfenced cliffs and some tricky footing. NAVIGATION Well signed coast path. GET THERE Park at Kingswear Marina, take Dartmouth Steam Railway (Paignton-Kingswear), or Stagecoach Southwest 120 bus (Mon-Sat). EAT & DRINK The Ship Inn is an historic pub close to Kingswear station with superb views over the Dart. Good choice of food and beers. STAY OVER In Dartmouth try Hill View House B&B and Royal Castle Hotel. In Paignton, check out Beaches Guest House. BEST MAPS ■ OS Explorer OL20 (1:25k) ■ OS Landranger 202 (1:50k) ■ Harvey South West Coast Path 3 (1:40k)…

TRAIL MAGAZINE Lake District MOUNTAIN HORSESHOE We all love hiking in the Lake District, but driving to this beautiful corner of north-west England can be a nightmare, with M6 gridlock, overflowing car parks and jammed roads. At the heart of Lakeland's traffic problem is the public's unwavering preference for the car. Of 19 million annual visitors – 83% – travel by car, and that is clogging up the rural road network. The solution? Take a train to Windermere, hop on Stagecoach's 555 bus to Grasmere and you'll soon be taking on a classic Lakeland climb like Helm Crag. Alfred Wainwright labelled the summit of Helm Crag as one of the very best in Lakeland – a “rather weird and fantastic place” blessed with a “remarkable array of rocks”. This walk…

FITNESS Good level of mountain fitness required for some steep ascents, rocky paths and scrambling sections, as well as accumulative ascent over varied terrain. TERRAIN A mix of pitched and rocky paths, steep grass and tracks and boulder sections. NAVIGATION Defined mountain shapes help with general route-finding but tracks are less clear to Y Lliwedd and on Yr Aran descent. GET THERE The hotel and bar at Pen y Gwryd is well serviced by the Sherpa'r Wyddfa bus network, especially in summer. Check the S1 and S4 services – Gwynfor Coaches. Limited pay & display lay-by parking near the hotel. EAT & DRINK The Cwellyn Arms at Rhyd Ddu serves lovely meals. Check opening times. STAY OVER 15 mins walk from the start is the popular YHA Snowdon Pen y…

Lake District 8 ROMAN ROAD RIDGES & LAKE-SIDE RAMBLING In association with DAY 2 5 NY437067 Head north past a small tarn on your right, go through a gate and descend to the col between Yoke and Ill Bell. Climb steeply north over rockier terrain, keeping safely to the left of the cliffs and crags of Rainsborrow Cove, and arrive at the twin cairns of Ill Bell. To the north lies the precipitous cliffs above Over Cove, so descend north-west on a clear, stony path to the next col. Climb north over grassy slopes to Froswick's 720m summit and descend north-west to yet another col. Continue steadily north on easy slopes and veer left, away from the Roman road to High Street, bearing north-west to Thornthwaite Crag. 6 NY431100 Turn…

In association with 1 NN273413 Starting at the Inveroran Hotel, walk west along the West Highland Way, following the road to Forest Lodge where you break off left and follow the access road to the corrugated Clashgour Hut. The route leaves the access road here and starts the climb uphill (north-north-west). The terrain also becomes significantly wetter. Gaiters will be most appreciated. Slop and slog your way up the right-hand side of the Alt Toaig for about 2km. Try to stay on the path to prevent further erosion. 2 NN253446 Where the path crosses the Allt Caolain Dubh, a small cairn marks the point where you break off right to climb even steeper ground up the southern spur of Stob a’ Choire Odhair. The section here weaves its way up…

TESTING TEAM TRAIL AWARDS Top-scoring product in comparative Trail tests Best overall package of price and performance in Trail tests Celebrating sustainable and ethical gear releases Between our fleet of expert reviewers, we see a staggering amount of outdoor kit. From previews of exciting future products at trade shows and being the first to get hands (or feet) on new gear when it's released, to using and reviewing all kinds of equipment throughout the year and experiencing every weather the UK hills can throw at it (often all in one day), it's fair to say that we know our gear. More importantly, it means you can trust our reviews. Truthfully, there's very little really bad kit out there and lots of very good gear. This guide shines a light on…

TIERRA BACK UP JACKET £260 I got this jacket just in time for winter. Not ideal, as the Back Up is a lightweight waterproof better suited to 3-season use. Still, I gave it a whirl and was pleasantly surprised; the Gore-Tex Paclite fabric offers more protection than I expected. But it's spring and summer where the combination of packability, breathability and protection will really excel, and I'm looking forward to testing it. VERDICT Lightweight, breathable, vent-able, and packable – all the things I want from a ‘Back Up’ waterproof jacket during the warmer months. USED BY Ben Weeks, Trail gear editor USED FOR 6 months MOUNTAIN EQUIPMENT MANASLU £440 If I could only have one waterproof jacket, it would have to be one that will serve me year-round, in all…

BERGHAUS PACLITE PANT £130 There are four things I want from overtrousers: waterproofing, comfort, freedom of movement and a hassle-free experience when putting them on halfway up a mountain. These overtrousers tick all boxes. Paclite technology is ultra-light, flexible and not too stiff, yet you still get an impressive 28,000mm hydrostatic head. VERDICT A lightweight and protective pair of waterproof overtrousers featuring Gore-Tex Paclite technology. USED BY James Forrest, Trail gear reviewer USED FOR 6 years ALPKIT NAUTILUS £150 If I'm packing for a ‘weathery’ day in the hills, I want my waterproofs to feel robust and these really do. They're made from seriously tough 70D nylon, reinforced at the hem and ankles, with articulated knees and a diamond-shape crotch to make walking in all that durable material relatively comfy.…

ARC'TERYX CERIUM LT HOODY £350 This jacket is filled with premium quality 850 fill power goose down for an unrivalled warmth-toweiqht ratio. It's ultralight at just 305g (which is ideal for fast and light adventures), but despite the low weight it feels far warmer than many heavier alternatives. I've found it keeps out the cold effectively, without feeling boxy, and has a streamlined cutthat works well as both as outer or underneath a hard shell. VERDICT Lightweight, warm, comfortable and fully-featured, it's the complete package if you can stomach the sky-high price. USED BY James Forrest, Trail gear reviewer USED FOR 2 years TRAIL MAGAZINE BEST IN TEST…

CROSSFLY IKON 6” MEN'S BOXER £25 A lot of people – well, mainly guys – pay scant regard to their outdoor undies. But think about it: if all you've got on underneath your high-end hillwalking gear is a pair of baggy Y-fronts, you're probably not going to feel very comfortable. Crossfly's soft and super stretchy boxers are a serious step up, equipped with a no chafe ‘Cocoon’ and a quick-access X-Fly. VERDICT Seriously comfortable boxer briefs. Soft, stretchy and supportive, they're ideal for high-mileage hill days – although you might find you also end up wearing them anywhere and everywhere. ARC'TERYX RHO HYBRID HALF ZI £95 This midweight base layer is designed to offer versatile warmth for cooler conditions, employing clever zoned fabrics. It's mainly made from Arc'teryx's excellent Phasic…

HANWAG BANKS LADY GTX £210 Up to size 10 in a women's fit, eight colour choices and a ‘narrow’ option! Which means my size 9.5 feet finally have the luxury of women-specific walking boots. No more “Will the men's fit?” (spoiler alert – no, they won't). These comfy and versatile boots have just had a good sorting on both Crib Goch and Moel Siabod, plus a little Welsh bog-hopping. I have used them locally pretty much most weekends, so they have bedded in a bit more but are still nice and sturdy. They have a decent edge for wet, glassy slopes too. If I had any criticism, it's that they are a little bendy for more technical scrambling, but they did the job well enough. VERDICT At last, an all-rounder,…

TREKMAKES NEVIS GTX £50 A good all-rounder at an affordable price, the Nevis GTX is a durable gaiter with a 3-layer Gore-Tex construction for ‘exceptional winter weather protection’, according to Trekmates. A drawcord and snap fastener provide a snug fit around the leg, a metal lace hook at the front hem secures the gaiter over your boot laces, and the strong under-boot strap is replaceable if damaged. VERDICT Waterproof, durable and fully-featured, this gaiter is designed for gnarly weather, despite the surprisingly affordable price. BLACK DIAMOND CIRQUE GAITER £55 These all-purpose, midheight gaiters work well for everything from day hikes to lightweight backpacking trips. Obviously, they'll never be as protective as a full-height gaiter, but the tough waterproof fabric and rugged build still make them a reliable addition to your…

MAIER SPORTS KLUANE 3/4 PANTS £80 Great summer scrambling shorts with 4-way stretch, I've used these shorts now for three summers. And when I say I've used them, I've worn them almost non-stop on and off the hill from the heights of Crib Goch to the daily dog walk, whenever the weather is warm enough. They're more ½ than ¾ length, which for me is the ideal length, and the fit is perfect. I just wish the pockets were a little bigger. VERDICT Hard-wearing shorts for walking, scrambling, climbing, living. I need another pair so I never have to stop wearing them when one is in the wash! USED BY Jenna Maryniak, Trail deputy editor USED FOR 3 years PARAMO MAUI SHORTS £65 I got these shorts back in spring…

BERGHAUS POLARTEC INTERACT GLOVE £30 I've had these gloves so long they don't even exist in their original form anymore. But since 2018 every year out they come, once the worst of winter has passed. When I acquired them they were called the Touch Screen Glove and I had the pleasure of wearing them very recently on a mountaintop in unseasonably cold showers and a driving wind. Somehow, despite not being waterproof, the Polartec Power Stretch fabric seemed to just wick the moisture away and my hands stayed warm and dry. And I didn't need to take them off to fiddle with my phone. VERDICT Comfy, warm, quick-drying glove with touchscreen compatible fingertips. USED BY Jenna Maryniak, Trail deputy editor USED FOR 5 years…

INOV-8 VENTURELITE 25 £140 With its lightweight construction (635g), this 25L pack is ideal for my fast-hiking adventures. Comfort levels are high, with a close-to-thebody fit and figure-hugging hipbelt, while the all-round performance is great. It feels slightly like a larger version of a trail running vest, and thus will suit sportier hillwalkers moving dynamically through the mountains. There is little to no rigidity to this pack, but the comfy, flexible design is fine for light loads. VERDICT A light, minimalist, comfortable daypack with a unique approach. USED BY James Forrest, Trail gear reviewer USED FOR 18 months NEW FOR 2023…

TRAIL MAGAZINE BEST VALUE LOWE ALPINE SIRAC 50L £140 If I was advising beginner wild campers on a burly backpack, the Sirac 50L would be up there because it's made from strong materials and designed for heavy loads. The back system – Lowe Alpine's Air Contour X system with suspended mesh, EVA foam and a steel sub-frame – feels stable with decent flex and ventilation, while the shoulder straps and hip fins do their job competently. VERDICT A sturdy workhorse of a pack at an excellent price and with a traditional design. USED BY James Forrest, Trail gear reviewer USED FOR 6 months DEUTER AIRCONTACT ULTRA 50+ £210 Back in late January, I backpacked the 83-mile Snowdonia Slate Trail over four days. The brief was for a reasonably light but…

PLATYPUS QUICKDRAW MICROFILTER SYSTEM £60 One of my bugbears with hydration systems and water filters is a slow flow rate – it's infuriating when you're parched and desperate to down a litre and all your filter gives you is a pathetic trickle. Not so with this system, which I've used for the past year to quickly filter up to 3L of stream water per minute, dispensing it from the ‘dirty water’ 1L reservoir into my Nalgene. VERDICT A nifty water filtration device with fast flow rates and a hollow fibre microfilter design that removes 99.9% of bacteria and protozoa. USED BY James Forrest, Trail gear reviewer USED FOR 1 year KLEAN KANTEEN CLASSIC 800ML WITH SPORTS CAP £20 A little heavier and less practical than a hydration bladder perhaps but,…

The funds raised from this climb will go towards cost-of-living grants for families with children who are really struggling. These will pay for essentials like food, fuel and energy bills. Here's how some of the money donated this year has helped so far: “It's such a relief to have an extra bit of cash. The electric meter is eating my money, and the worry of putting the washing machine, oven and heating on is so hard to think about all the time.” “One of our families has a disabled son who can't see or speak and is wheelchair-bound. He needs 24/7 care and the energy bills are huge. The allowances they receive don't come close to covering them, but the Cash for Kids grant is helping them pay for it.”…

EAS A’ CHUAL ALUINN, ASSYNT, SCOTLAND (NC281278) With a sheer drop of around 200m, this remote torrent is the tallest waterfall in the United Kingdom. When in full flow it is over three times taller than Niagara Falls and quite a spectacle. AN STEALL BÀN, GLEN NEVIS, SCOTLAND (NN180681) Better known as Steall Falls, this is the second highest fall in the UK (120m). Reached via a wire bridge across the Water of Nevis river, it can be visited at the start of the Ring of Steall. LINN OF QUOICH, CAIRNGORMS, SCOTLAND (NO114913) Proving that size isn't everything, these are a series of squeezed rapids than true falls, but it's a staggeringly beautiful place. Look for the water-carved Punch Bowl feature. CAUTLEY SPOUT, HOWGILL FELLS, ENGLAND (SD680975) Even if it…

Ostensibly, Levison Wood lives in London, but really, he lives on his feet. It's hard to definitively locate a man who, over the course of his 40 years, has walked more than 13,000 miles across more than 120 different countries and who counts friendships across the continents as among his most enduring. For most, he came to attention with his recordsetting attempt to walk the Nile, the world's longest river, from the Nyungwe Forest in Rwanda to the Mediterranean Sea. But this was just the first famous walk, as he built his muscles and desire for adventure long before. “Walking has always been a part of my life,” he says. “I grew up in a little village and my parents always encouraged me to be outside, enjoy nature and go…

■ Distance 225km / 140 miles ■ Ascent 14,000m /46,000ft ■ Time Usually walked in 12-14 days ■ Getting there Fly to Geneva with SWISS (swiss.com) and transfer to Chamonix via Mountain Drop-offs [mountaindropoffs.com) or another airport transfer company. From Zermatt, take a train (sbb.ch) to Geneva airport via Visp. ■ Accommodation Ample campsites, hotels, gTte d'etapes, dortoirs and mountaineering huts are available along the route. Visit sac-cas.ch to book Swiss Alpine Club huts. ■ When to go July and August are the best times to avoid snow in the high passes, but – depending on conditions – mid-June to mid-September can be feasible. ■ Tourist info Visit myswitzerland.com, valais.ch, chamonix.com, or zermatt.ch for information, advice and bookings. ■ Onward travel For additional travel in Switzerland after your trek, Swiss…

It's peak walking season, so a good time to remind yourself of those three #BeAdventureSmart questions. It's all about making a good day better – injuries, getting lost and waiting for Mountain Rescue tend to spoil your day! So before you go, ask yourself: ■ Do you have the right gear? ■ Do you know what the weather will be like? ■ Do you have the knowledge and skills for the day? And pack the following: 1 flask of tea 2 litres of water 3 olives or a pinch of salt to keep electrolytes up when it's hot…

It's the hillwalker's dream, isn't it? To gain the high ground and stay up there for as long as possible. If that's what you seek, and you have the stamina, look no further than the end-to-end hike of the Helvellyn range. Starting from the 726m top of Clough Head in the north, stretching to Dollwaggon Pike (858m) in the south and, of course, taking in the 950m summit of England's third highest mountain, this 12km line of summits never drops below 620m. In fact, it hovers around the 750m mark for much of the time, making it one of the best and longest tracts of sustained high level walking in the Lake District. Like many linear routes either side of the A591, this dream comes courtesy of the 555 bus,…

FITNESS This is a big day requiring good levels of fitness. TERRAIN Boggy ground, bouldery summits, steep scree and broad grassy ridges. NAVIGATION In poor visibility this walk calls for excellent navigation skills. GET THERE Park behind Joe Brown's in Capel Curig. Use the T10 bus service to return from Bethesda. EAT & DRINK Try Caffi Siabod or Ty'n y Coed Hotel, both in Capel Curig. STAY OVER Check out the Dol Gam campsite and The Rocks Hostel, also both in Capel Curig. BEST MAPS ■ OS Explorer OL17 (1:25k) ■ OS Landranger 115 (1:50k) ■ Harvey British Mountain Map Snowdonia North (1:40k)…

TRAIL MAGAZINE Yorkshire Dales QUIET MOORLAND Big views. Big skies. And – apart from the plaintive call of golden plovers and the occasional jarring cackle of grouse – big silence. The expansive moorland of Mallerstang, straddling Cumbria's border with North Yorkshire, is a place apart. This is somewhere you come to escape; to shut out the babble and open your mind to… well, whatever's out there. There's plenty of opportunity for just that on this long walk between stations on the Settle to Carlisle line. Starting from Garsdale, it uses the Pennine bridleway to reach the high ground. Passing close to the sources of both the River Ure and the River Eden, it follows England's watershed over High Seat (709m) and High Pike Hill (642m). The views are impressive, particularly…

FITNESS A relatively easy mountain day for most hillwalkers. TERRAIN Road, tracks, fell paths and optional rocky scrambling on Helm Crag summit. NAVIGATION No navigational difficulties are presented. GET THERE Take the train to Windermere and then Stagecoach's 555 Lancaster-Keswick bus, which stops in the centre of Grasmere outside Heaton Cooper Studio (NY336076). EAT & DRINK Tweedies Bar and Lodge in Grasmere is perfect for a pre- or post-walk pint and meal. STAY OVER Options are plentiful, including YHA Grasmere, The Inn at Grasmere, or Wordsworth Hotel & Spa. BEST MAPS ■ OS Explorer OL7 (1:25k) ■ OS Landranger 90 (1:50k) ■ Harvey Maps Superwalker XT25 Lake District West (1:25k)…

TRAIL MAGAZINE Lake District ULTIMATE WEEKEND ▲ 3-DAY ROUTE ROUTE 7 Windermere train station to Yoke ROUTE 8 Yoke to Hallin Fell ROUTE 9 Hallin Fell to Penrith train station If you fancy ditching the car in favour of rail travel, there are two main access points to the Lake District by train – Windermere (via Oxenholme Lake District) and Penrith North Lakes. This south-to-north backpacking route links both train stations in a 50km route with two wild camps and seven Wainwrights, creating a sustainable weekend adventure by public transport. Day one starts in Windermere with an ascent of Orrest Head (where a young Alfred Wainwright first set eyes across Lakeland), before linking up with the western section of the famed Kentmere Horseshoe. After a wild camp on Yoke, day…

In association with DAY 3 9 NY433198 Descend Hallin Fell back to St Peter's Church in Martindale. Pass to the right of the church, through a car park, and climb south-east up a grassy hillock. Veer north-east traversing the hillside to the base of Steel End ridge. Descend east to cross a road and small stone footbridge over a stream. Turn left along a grassy path, go through a gate, turn right along a driveway, and – opposite the white house at Mellguards – turn left through another gate. Take the path north, skirting the base of Bonscale Pike's western flanks. Pass a couple of stone barns and, at a fingerpost sign, fork right marked ‘Pooley Bridge via Barton Fell’. Arrive at the footbridge across Swarthbeck Gill. 10 NY453208 Continue…

In association with 1 NN297396 Start at the bridge of Orchy Hotel. Cross the road and head up to the train station and through the tunnel to the gate. Turn left at the gate and head to the signal mast where the track heads east uphill alongside the Allt Coire an Dothaidh. This section is simply a straightforward slog up into Coire an Dothaidh, handrailing the allt all the way up to the headwall of the coire. The ground can be quite boggy in parts and the path breaks up into splits here and there. On reaching a first level with a notable boulder, continue up the next, which is the bealach. It has a large cairn. 2 NN325398 From the large cairn, turn right (southward) to head up the…

OUR EXPERT S AYS… “A great route to the summit of a magnificent mountain, weaving its way through some impressive terrain.” It's impossible not to be impressed by Buachaille Etive Mor. The ‘Great Herdsman of Etive’ – known more affectionately as simply The Buachaille – guards the junction of Glen Coe and Glen Etive like a proud sentry and is unashamedly mountain-shaped. In fact, as you approach from Rannoch Moor, its near perfectly pyramidal shape could fool you into thinking that it's just a cone of rock, with steep, sheer flanks lacking much in the way of detail. But this is one of those illusions of distance and perspective that mountains are so good at. As The Buachaille's eastern profile is approached and passed, the multiple ridges, buttresses and gullies…

1 WHAT WILL YOU USE YOUR JACKET FOR? If you've stared at the endless options for waterproof jackets in gear shops, you'll know there are loads of different styles depending on the kind of mountain adventure you're planning. You get specific hillwalking options, lightweight summer shells, heavy-duty winter jackets, and high-spec designs built for high mountains and alpine terrain. The key is to find one or two that will work across all of your mountain trips. 2 KNOW YOUR GEAR JARGON Water-resistant or water-repellent isn't the same thing as waterproof. The vast majority of waterproof jackets are based on the ‘hard shell’ concept, using a face fabric bonded to a waterproof-breathable membrane or laminate. The most famous example is Gore-Tex, but it's far from the only technology out there – many brands…

1 FLEECES For versatile all-round performance, fleece is still the most popular mid layer. Warm, comfortable and breathable, polyester fleece comes in multiple variations; from lightweight, breathable gridded microfleece tops to uber-cosy, high-loft fleece hoodies. Its main drawback is environmental: polyester is a synthetic fabric made from petrochemicals, which is not great for the planet. Many fleeces are now made from recycled polyester, which partly addresses this issue. But disturbing research has also shown that fleece's fluffy fibres can also release tiny strands and particles – called microplastics – into the environment, especially during the washing process. The outdoor industry is trying to find solutions to this serious issue. 2 INSULATED JACKETS If you're looking for optimum warmth for weight, a synthetic or down insulated ‘puffer’ jacket is the obvious choice. They're…

JACK WOLFSKIN ROUTEBURN PRO HYBRID M £100 Honesty time: I got given this for a Jack Wolfskin event for which I was obliged to wear it. With some products, this would be the one and only time it'd get any use. But I immediately loved the Routeburn. Thanks to its temperature regulation and stretch comfort, it's one of those layers you can put on and almost forget about. And while that may sound like faint praise, it's one of the highest compliments I can give it. VERDICT A warm, comfortable, and functional jacket I never knew I needed and now never want to be without. USED BY Ben Weeks, Trail gear editor USED FOR 6 months FINISTERRE BEACON INSULATED JACKET £195 The Beacon, Finisterre say, is fully biodegradable, its 100%…

FINDRA MARIN MERINO COWL NECK TOP £100 I started my hillwalking career in a stripy woolly jumper and will continue until I can walk no more. This one is 100% merino wool with discreet practicality. As well as the natural odour resistance, moisture wicking and temperature regulating properties of the fabric, it has reinforced elbows and cuffs and minimal seams. VERDICT Not cheap but materials are premium and you can wear it anywhere. USED BY Sarah Ryan, Trail gear reviewer USED FOR 1 month OVERMUCH TECHNICAL TEES £41 I have two great passions: mountains and heavy metal. You can only imagine how excited I was to discover OverMuch. Its fully licensed rock band t-shirts are made from highly wicking, quick drying and breathable technical fabrics, emblazoned with a range of…

MEINDL VAKUUM GTX £310 Outside of snowy winter conditions, these boots do it for me, every time. Comfortable and extremely supportive around the ankle, their heaviness is off-set by their robustness. The high rand around the base of the upper, protects them from rock abrasion, while the lowness of the lacing hooks allows the foot to be slipped easily in or out. They're boots that have become like old friends… VERDICT Solid foot protection from one of the most reliable boot makers I've encountered, although their quality comes at a price. USED BY Tom Bailey, Trail photographer USED FOR 1 year INOV-8 ROCFLY G 390 £175 I have walked more than 2000km in these non-waterproof boots on long-distance trails in the UK and the Alps, so it's fair to say…

SALOMON XA PRO 3D £120 My feet have been a lifetime's pain in my butt, as they're a size 9.5 and narrow. So the key for me is getting a pair with a lacing system that makes them hug my whole foot. Although these are aimed at running, which I do, they have been amazing on two visits to the rough dry terrain in American deserts. They also fit my criteria of a lowish cut around the Achilles – so many hill shoes have a higher cut, and it bloody well hurts! So these have proved winners on all fronts – great fit, good grip on rock and a decent toe bumper. Success! VERDICT Airy for the summer months, but I could do with the Gore-Tex version pronto. USED BY…

1 WHICH WEIGHT? Socks are normally classed as lightweight, midweight or heavyweight, offering different levels of warmth and cushioning for different seasons, conditions and activities. Wear lightweight socks for summer walks, midweight socks for outings from spring through to autumn, and heavyweight socks for winter – though if you suffer from cold feet, wear thicker socks. 2 PAIR YOUR SOCKS WITH YOUR BOOTS Your footwear and socks should work together to deliver walking comfort. Heavy-duty mountain boots are usually built to accommodate thicker walking socks, whereas lightweight trail shoes may not be. On that note, it's good practice to try on new boots or shoes with the socks you'll be wearing when you use them. 3 CHOOSE THE RIGHT LENGTH The most popular style of hillwalking sock is mid-length, which usually sits just…

SALEWA ALPINE HEMP LIGHT PANT £115 Hemp, you say? How very bohemian. Well, maybe, but hemp is a great fabric for outdoor gear. It's tough, wicking, breathable, quick drying – you know, all the classic features. It's also more sustainable with less environmental impact that many fabrics. But my favourite thing about these is that they perform like hiking trousers while looking far more casual, making them more usable in a range of situations. VERDICT A casual look hides the superb technical performance of these Alpine trousers, and I like everything about that. USED BY Ben Weeks, Trail gear editor USED FOR 2 years INOV-8 RACE ELITE 5” SHORTS £55 I used to walk in traditional hiking shorts – the kind with a longer, heavier and tougher design – but…

1 CHOOSE BY ACTIVITY Walking rucksack categories are often split into trekking, backpacking and mountaineering. Trekking daypacks vary in size from around 15-45 litres and are designed for everything from summer hikes to scrambling routes and winter mountain days. Backpacking and expedition bags have a large capacity, plus lots of features to help you carry and access everything you need for multi-day trips. Mountaineering packs tend to be more stripped back in terms of features to keep them light and simple. 2 MEASURE YOURSELF As well as different capacity sizes, some packs also come in different fit sizes or back lengths. We're all different, and although many packs come with adjustable back lengths, start by measuring yourself and make sure you try it on when you buy. 3 BACK SYSTEMS You've got a…

GREGORY JUNO 24 £120 I use this all the time. Really. I regularly cycle across Sheffield with it to pick up my veggies and I've worn it across hill and dale in the Peak District. At 24L, it's small but has all the right pockets in all the right places, a perfect fit at the waist and shoulders, and (essential for absent-minded old me) a key clip in the front pocket. VERDICT My everyday pack. Small but wellfeatured, ideal for simple summer days with a neat fit that's particularly good for scrambling. USED BY Sarah Ryan, Trail gear reviewer USED FOR 1 year…

OSPREY LUMINA 45 £220 The Lumina 45 (men's is the Levity) is my favourite-ever backpacking rucksack. It weighs an incredible 800g but has tons of space to pile in all my summer wild camping kit. I'm pretty sure there's way more space than 45 litres with its cavernous side pockets, but it sits quietly on my back, making light work of big loads. Distressingly, it's been discontinued… BUT the £230 Eja Pro/ Exos Pro (men's) has just come out, and weighing just a fraction more at 900g, it manages to include lots more useful features than the stripped-back Lumina. VERDICT A backpack that adds less than a kilo to your summer backpacking load is now available in a new and improved package! USED BY Jenna Maryniak, Trail deputy editor USED…

WILD SLEEPS THIS MONTH Lochnagar Devil's Point Ben Macdui Braeriach TRAIL 100 BIVVY COUNT 29/100 A dark winter's night in a vast desolate landscape. It's -10°C and the Met Office issues a yellow snow warning. Why am I camping four Trail 100 peaks in this? The reason is I'm searching for the Ghost of the Cairngorms. Ten years ago, Trail published an article about a ski tour across the plateau. Led by a seasoned wild camper with short legs and a long grizzly beard, he told tales of the time he climbed all the Munros in a continuous round, walking the distance in-between on foot. When the magazine was published his image was not in any of the photos. Is he a real man or a ghost? Magical light on…

Some mountains attract the attention of the master scavengers. No, not ravens, but the ‘Chip Thief General’, the bird that'll spot an opportunity for a meal a mile off. Yes, you've guessed it – seagulls. In reality there is no such thing as a seagull, just lots of different species of gull. In the mountains it's more than likely going to be what I think is the most striking of this family, the herring gull. Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon), at 1085m above sea-level, is the most unlikely place you'd expect to find a bird more usually seen at sea. But just think how close the sea actually is, then think about how long that's going to take a mighty flier like the herring gull to get there. We're talking no more…

FAVOURITE WALKING SNACK? “Oh. Er, I never take any snacks. Maybe some trail mix.” PERFECT DAY IN THE HILLS? “Well, why not Kinder Scout in the Peaks and then finishing up in the pub at the bottom.” INDISPENSABLE BIT OF KIT? “The obvious one's having your phone with digital maps on there. To be honest, I don't bother with paper maps any more. People are always shocked. ‘Why don't you take a paper map?’ I'm like, ‘Well, we've moved on.’” FAVOURITE BOOTS? “I'm quite disloyal when it comes to boots, because there are so many good companies out there. I used to be Altbergs all the way – they were great, they're a Yorkshire company – but I usually wear Akus now, or I've got some ONs that are good.”…

FIRST: Pitch up with a view of the stars beyond your tent, on a summit or near an edge. THEN: Light your tent with your headtorch, diffusing the beam through a water bottle or light material like a Buff. NEXT: On your camera, set your ISO to 1600+ and y^jur shutter speed to 20 seconc^F If you're using a phone, you can get apps which allow you to control this. FINALLY: Use a tripod or prop up your phone against something sturdy, and use the 2-second timer to avoid wobbling it when you press the shutter button.…

66° NORTH Founded in 1926 to provide survival gear for Icelandic fishermen, and search and rescue teams, Reykjavik-based 66˚ North makes kit that's not only rugged enough for the “nearmythical challenges of the unpredictable Icelandic climate”, but also dripping in gorpcore swagger. 66north.com SNOW PEAK Heavy-hitter in the gorpcore scene, Japanese brand Snow Peak makes climbing, camping and outdoor gear known for its beautiful craftsmanship. Its technical apparel has earthy tones and boxy fits, allowing “the wearer to easily move between urban and natural environments”. snowpeak.com GOLDWIN With a purpose to “unify minimalist urban design with technical alpine performance”, Japanese brand Goldwin brings timeless style to outdoor clothing, skiwear and active apparel. Its gorpcore philosophy “emphasises thoughtfulness and uncompromising attention to detail”. goldwin-global.com/eu DESCENTE ALLTERRAIN Another Japanese brand in our…

FITNESS A strenuous day involving lots of ascent, although there are several places to drop off the ridge if needed. TERRAIN Lanes and quarry paths to start, then mostly open fell, sometimes rocky. NAVIGATION Path from valley to Clough Head unclear and potentially confusing; otherwise straightforward ridge walking. GET THERE The 555 Lancaster/Kendal to Keswick bus serves both ends of the walk; bus stops can also be easily reached from various escape points on the ridge. EAT & DRINK If you're early for your bus, the Traveller's Rest is just 130m from the bus stop. STAY OVER Grasmere has the best range, including The Yan at Broadrayne, near the end of the route. BEST MAPS ■ OS Explorer OL4 & OL5 (1:25k) ■ OS Landranger 90 (1:50k) ■ Harvey Superwalker…

Choose a clear day to enjoy the superb coastal views on this stimulating walk. Begin at Kingswear Station, beautifully restored in period Great Western Railway style, and return by the wonderfully scenic Dartmouth Steam Railway. Part of the main network between 1864 and 1972, it includes the 106m-long Hookhills Viaduct and the 454m Greenway Tunnel, plus coastal and riverside embankments. Parts of the coastal path also give lineside views of the trains. There is much of interest besides, including 15 varied coves and beaches, many of which were notorious smugglers’ haunts in the 18th and early 19th centuries. The route offers a fine view of Kingswear and Dartmouth medieval castles, built opposite each other to protect the strategically vital harbour. Brownstone Battery was built in 1940, again as protection against…

FITNESS Moderately demanding day due to distance involved, but the ascent is steady. TERRAIN Mostly open moorland, boggy in places; return on lanes and disused railway. NAVIGATION Some of the moorland paths are indistinct, so might cause difficulties in poor visibility; straightforward in valley at start and end. GET THERE The Settle to Carlisle Railway serves Garsdale and Kirkby Stephen, the stations at either end of the walk. EAT & DRINK Nothing after Moorcock Inn, 1.6km into the walk. Towards the end, detour into Kirkby Stephen for pubs and cafes – keeping a wary eye on train times. STAY OVER Kirkby Stephen has a range of accommodation, including a friendly hostel in a converted chapel. BEST MAPS ■ OS Explorer OL19 (1:25k) ■ OS Landranger 98 & 91 (1:50k) ■…

TRAIL MAGAZINE Eryri (Snowdonia) HIGH-LEVEL TRAVERSE This route offers a grand outing over Yr Wyddfa's three classic summits, and more. What better way to bookend this high-level trek than by including two characterful local hostelries? Walk in the historical footsteps of mountaineers setting out from the Pen y Gwryd Hotel, as they embarked upon training over Yr Wyddfa's heights in preparation for expeditions in the Alps and Greater Ranges. Sir Edmund Hillary, Tenzing Norgay and team stayed at the Pen y Gwryd for training before their 1953 Everest expedition. A steep ascent from the Miners’ Track on Yr Wyddfa's lower slopes abruptly ends atop a fine outlying summit of Gallt y Wenallt; worth the initial effort from the cosy hotel bar below. The route then encounters the rocky summits of…

In association with DAY 1 1 SD413986 Exit the train station and turn left. Go past the bus stops and Booths supermarket, and turn right to cross the road at a zebra crossing. Turn right past a bench and the Windermere train station sign, and take caution as you cross the A591. Turn left, heading west. Fork right off the main road and arrive at a prominent white sign stating ‘footpath to Orrest Head’. Turn right and head north briefly before veering left at a fingerpost sign to ‘Orrest Head viewpoint 1 mile’. Head north-northwest on a walled lane through woodland. Just before reaching a building, turn right at the next fingerpost sign. Continue north on the winding path to reach a right-hand turn in the wall at Elleray Bank.…

TRAIL MAGAZINE Central Highlands ULTIMATE WEEKEND ▲ 3 ROUTES ROUTE 10 Stob a’ Choire Odhair & Stob Ghabhar ROUTE 11 Beinn an Dothaidh & Beinn Dorain ROUTE 12 Ben Inverveigh Book a few nights at the Bridge of Orchy and make the most of the Highlands’ public transport service by getting dropped off right at the foot of the mountains for three days of walking with amazing views from every peak. There are a few great hotels in the area and we have walks from each of them here. The routes are all nicely circled around the train station, so you get to admire them all from the tops of themselves and each other. There's a little bit of ridge action – nothing too heavy – and even a few…

In association with 1 NN297396 Start at the Bridge of Orchy Hotel and cross the bridge behind it to pick up the West Highland Way (WHW). This leads you gently uphill, (northwest) passing through a gate early on. The path is well made and obvious. Follow it until the climb levels out near the large cairn on the knoll. 2 NN285410 At the large cairn, leave the WHW and pick up the track that breaks off left (south-west) to climb uphill. It starts as an obvious vehicle track and thins out as it gets higher. As you near the top of the first summit, the track splits in two. They both end in the same place but it's probably easier to just keep to the central line and tackle the…

INOV-8 VENTURELITE MID HOODIE £110 Better known for its trail running gear, Lake District based brand inov-8 launched its first ever line of hiking clothing in June 2022. My favourite item in the range is this midlayer. Why? It hits a sweet spot between warmth, comfort and breathability. I love the hood, the slightly fleecy inner and the lightweight, athletic cut. It adds a touch of warmth when you need it, without being overly bulky or restrictive. VERDICT A lightweight, hooded mid-layer with a textured, hexagon-shaped, inner grid of fleecy insulation for a good compromise between warmth and breathability. USED BY James Forrest, Trail gear reviewer USED FOR 1 year FJÄLLRÄVEN EXPEDITION X-LÄTT SHIRT £185 You don't tend to see many walkers wearing buttoned shirts in our hills and mountains.…

SAXX QUEST QUICK DRY MESH BOXER BRIEF £26 I've many pairs of both every day and hiking boxer shorts from SAXX, and while their tonguein-cheek marketing makes me smile (“Ball chafe? We've never heard of it”), it's the performance of the products has impressed me. Supportive, soft, wicking – all those dull sounding things that are really important when it comes to underwear – are present. And all jokes aside, their patented ‘Ballpark Pouch’ works. VERDICT Simply the most comfortable underwear I've worn. Pricey? Maybe. Worth every penny? Absolutely. USED BY Ben Weeks, Trail gear editor USED FOR 4 years HELLY HANSEN LIFA ACTIVE BASE LAYER PANTS £45 I don't like merino wool, even though many people swear by it. I find it quite itchy and it irritates my skin.…

SCARPA MESCALITO TRK GTX £250 I've made no secret of the fact that I'm a fan of Scarpa's Mescalito range of shoes and boots, and the latest addition to that collection – the Mescalito TRK – is no exception. Supple enough to be comfortable on long hikes, tough enough to tackle mountain terrain, and supportive enough to handle heavy loads, these are perfect for all my trekking and backpacking exploits. VERDICT Another first-class product from Scarpa's Mescalito stable that has found its way onto my ‘Favourite Footwear’ list. USED BY Ben Weeks, Trail gear editor USED FOR 1 year…

LA SPORTIVA TX5 LOW £180 When I'm taking on a graded scramble – anything from Crib Goch to Aonach Eagach – I want a pair of technical approach shoes that fill me with grippy, slip-free confidence. The La Sportiva TX5 Low is my go-to pair. The Vibram Megagrip outsole has a flat climbing zone at the toe for edging, grippy lugs in the centre and U-shaped braking lugs at the rear. You also get a 360° wraparound rand, sturdy rubber toe box and a Nubuck leather upper. VERDICT A technical approach shoe that not only makes you look like a mountain pro, but also delivers first-rate performance on graded scrambles. USED BY James Forrest, Trail gear reviewer USED FOR 1 year MERRELL MOAB SPEED ECO WP £120 You see loads…

1 FINDING THE RIGHT FABRIC Unlike denim jeans or cotton joggers, hillwalking trousers are made from quick-drying performance fabrics to provide durability, breathability, weather-resistance and comfort. Most are made from tightly-woven nylon or polyester soft shell, often with elastane for stretch. They usually have a durable water repellent (DWR) treatment for added water-resistance. Other outdoor trousers are made from polycotton, which can often be waxed for additional weather protection. 2 CUT, COMFORT & FIT You'll spend a lot of time and cover a lot of miles in your trousers, so comfort is key. You need a pair that feel good when you first put them on, and also while you're moving around on steep and rocky terrain. Cut is down to personal preference, but your trousers should offer good freedom…

What capacity do you really need? Buy too big and you'll fill it with unnecessary junk. Go too small and you'll end up leaving stuff behind. Here's a rough guide to the size you need for specific types of walk… 15-25 LITRES Fast or superlight hillwalk. 25-35 LITRES Shorter hikes in spring, summer or autumn. 35-45 LITRES Longer mountain walks, scrambling and mountaineering. 45-55 LITRES Winter mountains, lightweight wild camps, hut-to-hut trips. 55-75 LITRES Camping expeditions, long-distance trails. 75+ LITRES Epic expeditions!…

SUMMITEER TOGO 40L £160 This British-made pack is beautifully designed, superbly made, and incredibly tough. That should be enough to persuade you to try one. But here's another reason. Summiteer is based in Kendal, and in 2022 its workshop was devastated by flooding. The company is back on its feet – just – but needs the support of the UK hiking community more than ever. If you need a new pack in your life, give these guys a look. VERDICT Comfortable to carry and built to last, this is the kind of pack that will become a life-long hiking companion. USED BY Ben Weeks, Trail gear editor USED FOR 3 years OSPREY TALON EARTH 22 £160 Disclaimer: I am a huge fan of Osprey rucksacks. I am also an advocate…

SIERRA DESIGNS FLEX CAPACITOR 60-75 £190 I'm a sucker for a witty name and a clever design, so the Flex Capacitor was always going to appeal to me. Its novel approach to an extendable volume sees the pack expand outwards, rather than up. This makes it much easier to access contents of the pack, and also makes the Flex Capacitor more functional in a wider variety of volumes, reducing the need for a range of different sized packs. VERDICT I continue to be mightily impressed by the clever design that solves an old problem. And I still love the name. USED BY Ben Weeks, Trail gear editor USED FOR 2 years…

NALGENE SUSTAIN BOTTLE £17.50 I've owned loads of water bottles over the years and none of them compare to the Nalgene: it's bombproof strong, perfectly shaped, never leaks and has a great 1L capacity with a wide mouth. The one I use is two years old and looks almost as good as new, despite regular use and some serious thrashing in gnarly mountain environments. As an added eco bonus, the Nalgene Sustain bottle is made from 50% recycled plastic. VERDICT A strong, sturdy water bottle made from recycled plastic. USED BY James Forrest, Trail gear reviewer USED FOR 2 years…

1 BATTERIES Most modern headtorches use rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, while others use AA or AAA batteries. Consider how easy it will be to change the batteries, possibly in the dark with cold/wet hands and away from an electrical supply to recharge them. 2 TILT FUNCTION This will allow you to direct the beam of light – for example to the ground ahead of you, a map, or to the tent guy line you're tightening. This needs to be easily adjustable, but not so loose and floppy that it fails to stay in place. 3 LIGHT OUTPUT Light output is measured in lumens up to 200 lumens is ideal for camping and general walking, 200+ lumens for navigating open hillsides. Higher powers are useful for terrain with few features, and activities such as…