Innholdsfortegnelse for May 2024 i Trail

WILD SLEEPS THIS MONTH Aran Fawddwy Maesglase Cadair Idris Rhinog Fawr TRAIL 100 BIVVY COUNT 84/100 Throughout my existence, I’ve been irresistibly pulled towards the mountains. This magnetic attraction is fuelled by both a conscious appreciation for the Earth’s magnificence and variety, and an unconscious, spiritual longing to connect with the natural world. Here I find my personal sanctuary and discern my place within the vast canvas of creation. And that place this month is in a soggy tent, drenched in clag on a chilly mountain in wet Wales. My feet are tired, and trying to avoid the bog on the long hike over many summits on Aran Fawddwy is impossible. Every col is a quagmire. This feels like nowhere, or at least nowhere you’d want to be. Which is…

There is no right of way in the MacGillycuddy Reeks, as it is all privately owned. However, apart from NO DOGS, there are no access issues on well-trodden paths. Local guides’ best advice is to be seen to respect the landowners. Problems are caused by the usual issues of path maintenance, livestock, litter, damage to fences etc. If heading off somewhere you’re not sure of, ask anyone that’s around or knock on the door of the nearest house to the access and ask if they think it’s OK. It’s a good idea to hire a qualified guide when first visiting, to give you advice on the local area. Wild camping is also tolerated with the usual ‘leave no trace’ principles, staying well away from buildings etc. Again, if there is…

Our one-pot curry recipe blends a rich infusion of aromatic spices with tender simmered minced meat. This is a dish that will really warm up your outdoor escapades. PREP TIME: 10 mins // Cook time: 40 mins // Serves: 2 INGREDIENTS ■ Mince lamb or meat-free alternative ■ 2 tsp ginger paste or thumb size amount of fresh ginger ■ 2 tsp garlic paste or 3-4 garlic cloves ■ 1 onion diced ■ 1 tbsp vegetable oil ■ 1 tin Camping Season Curry Spice Mix (or variation below) ■ 1 tin garden peas ■ Chopped coriander ■ White rice, naan or roti to serve IF YOU HAVEN’T GOT THE SPICE MIX, SUBSTITUTE WITH: 1 tbsp madras curry powder / 2 tsp cumin / 2 tsp turmeric / 2 tsp garam…

TALON/TEMPEST DNA The Velocity shares many of the same well-beloved features as its Talon and Tempest brethren. These include an AirScape Back panel, a low-profile Stow-on-the-Go pole holder, low-profile pole/axe attachments, zippered hipbelt pockets, stretch side pockets [dual access on the Velocity], a stretch-mesh front shove-it pocket [that can hold a helmet], and an external hydration sleeve. SPORTS HARNESS The Velocity’s running-vest inspired harness gives the pack a range of out-front storage options, including soft-flask compatible pockets with stabilisation loops, a large zippered phone pocket, and a small stash pocket. With dual chest straps for added security, it feels more like you’re wearing the Velocity than carrying it. LIGHT WEIGHT Through the use of bluesign approved NanoFly™ material and by doing away with a lid in favour of a simple…

TRAIL MAGAZINE 2 Southern Highlands ACCESSIBLE MUNRO Nestled in the majestic Southern Highlands, the awe-inspiring Beinn Dorain stands out as a captivating Munro, catching the attention and hearts of both drivers and walkers. Its distinct conical peak commands attention as it sits along the A82, en route to Glencoe. Proudly standing among its four siblings, Beinn Dorain offers a remarkable ascent, with views stretching over Rannoch Moor, Glencoe and Loch Lyon. Beinn Dorain’s lush and grassy landscape sets it apart from nearby mountains, a welcoming contrast to the rugged hills and rocky terrain of Glencoe, making the outing more accessible and forgiving. For those seeking an extended adventure, Ben Dorain can be made into part of a larger outing, in tandem with Beinn an Dothaidh or a challenging round encompassing…

DAY 1 1 NN300394 Bridge of Orchy station sits conveniently at the start of the route. You can get the train from Glasgow or Fort William directions. The Bridge of Orchy Hotel sits just across the road, in case you arrive late and fancy a comfortable night and some nice food. The route itself starts on the road right next to the hotel. Walk down the side road and across the bridge and just beyond it is a signpost for the West Highland Way. These marker posts are placed right through the route, so the route-finding is relatively straightforward. The actual path on the ground is very well used and obvious throughout the entire walk. Follow it up through the felled woodland and over the hillside to the Inveroran Hotel,…

DAY 3 10 SD369863 Cross road bridge over River Leven. Turn left on A590, pass Newby Bridge Hotel and turn right, signposted ‘Kendal High Newton’. Head south and south-east to Canny Hill. Just before road forks, turn left and walk east through Crook Hill caravan park. Exit caravan park, fork left, go over wall and cross field to reach A590. Cross it carefully and walk north-east across field. Follow waymarkers to skirt around building at Chapel House. Cross road, go over two stiles, and climb east and south east up grassy slopes. Cross ladder stile, go through copse and ascend trod south-east towards two communications towers. Turn left on more obvious path and ascend north-east. Turn left on forestry logging track. Continue north-east over flanks of Barrow Banks and Raven…

Every month we team up with mental health charity Blackdog Outdoors to organise free guided hillwalks led by qualified Mountain Leaders. They’re perfect events for meeting like-minded people in a supportive environment. Here are just some of the highlights over the next few months: Bleaklow, Peak District, 13 April Buckden Pike, Yorkshire Dales, 20 April Scafell Pike, Lake District, 11 May Ben Lomond, South Highlands, 18 May Pen y Fan, Brecon Beacons, 8 June Ben Nevis, West Highlands, 15 June For more info and to book your spot, visit blackdogoutdoors.co.uk/events…

Flying: Kerry Airport is 20 minutes from Killarney and the MacGillycuddy’s Reeks. There are cheap direct flights with RyanAir from Stansted, Luton, Manchester and Dublin. Flight time is around 1.5 hours, ryanair.com Ferries: Irish Ferries, StenaLine and P&O Ferries offer sailings from Pembroke, Liverpool, Holyhead, Fishguard to Rosslare and Dublin on Ireland’s east coast. directferries.co.uk You can significantly reduce the carbon emissions of your journey by taking a ferry rather than flying. According to DEFRA, a single foot-passenger travelling on a ferry will produce only 19g of CO2e per kilometre compared to 154g for the average short-haul flight passenger, an 88% reduction in travel carbon footprint. WHERE TO STAY We stayed at the Killarney Plaza Hotel, very close to all the bars and pubs for an Irish sing-song. There is…

CAMBRIAN WAY, WALES Stretching from Cardiff in the south to the north coast of Wales, the Cambrian Way takes you up the mountainous spine of Wales, along ancient routes that have shaped the nation’s history. En route it passes through Y Bannau Brycheiniog (the Brecon Beacons], the Elan Valley and Eryri (Snowdonia), all great stopping places for hillwalkers. YORKSHIRE 600, YORKSHIRE This circular route of 609 miles traces Yorkshire’s historic border, passing through a succession of beautiful landscapes including parts of the Yorkshire Dales, the North York Moors, the Pennines, the Cleveland Hills, the Peak District, the Forest of Bowland and the Yorkshire Wolds. A great road trip for keen walkers as well as committed cyclists. RING OF KERRY, IRELAND This scenic 111-mile (179km) loop around the Iveragh Peninsula in…

Montane Fury Lite Hooded Fleece Jacket £100 The super popular Montane Fury Fleece was never renowned for being particularly heavy, but the Lite version (which is always snazzier than a Light version) manages to go lighter still. Sure, you lose a couple of hand pockets, but you also lose 20% off the weight and £20 off the RRP. Merrell Moab Speed 2 Mid Gore-Tex £155 Around 50g lighter per shoe than the standard Mid Moab and with a sportier look, these boots excel in comfort and nimbleness. Plus, because their RRP is £5 more than the standard Moab, even your wallet will feel lighter. And for the real fast-and-Light fans, there’s also a low version for trainer-like performance. Rab Incline Light Pants £90 Rab offers several models of Incline pants,…

ALPKIT Clothing up to a women’s UK 20 and men’s XXL, with good online size guides. Also roomier sleeping bags and wider camping mats. alpkit.com ALPINE PARROT Women’s plus-size walking trousers up to a US 30 - see online size guides for measurements. vampireoutdoorgear.com BERGHAUS Clothing up to a women’s UK 20 and men’s 3XL. berghaus.com BIG AGNES Long and wide sleeping bags and mats. Various UK stockists but limited range. COLUMBIA Walking trousers up to a women’s UK 20 and some jackets in XXL (UK 18). Men’s range up to XXL. columbiasportswear.co.uk CRAGHOPPERS Clothing up to a women’s UK 24 and men’s 3XL. craghoppers.com FINDRA Women’s clothing up to XXL (UK 18], including stretchy merino base layers and leggings. findraclothing.com GREGORY Plus-size packs from 16 to 681, designed for…

TRAIL MAGAZINE 3 Lake District CIRCULAR WALK What should this excellent horseshoe walk be called? There doesn’t seem to be much consensus in the hillwalking community. Bill Birkett, in his iconic Complete Lakeland Fells book, calls it the ‘Hartsop Round’. Several websites name it the ‘Scandale Round’, presumably because the route centres on the high col of Scandale Pass - but, to be pedantic and technical, a true Scandale Round should start in Ambleside and complete a high-level loop of Scandale Beck. Perhaps instead this walk should be known as the Caiston Round? The route forms a perfect ridgeline loop of Caiston Glen, but this name has never been adopted. But, regardless of the nomenclature anomalies, this ridge route is exhilarating, airy and epic, packing a real punch into a…

DAY 2 5 NN260545 The difficulty ramps up on Day 2. Here, we walk from the edge of Glencoe to Kinlochleven via a more mountainous feeling route. If you’re lucky, you’ll catch the morning light on the Buachaille. Cross the bridge behind the Kingshouse, walk up the road and turn left to walk towards Glencoe. Before you reach the end of the road, where it meets the A82, a signposted gate leads you onto the path which climbs the hillside, just above the main road before dipping back down to road level and eventually to the large lay-by that people use to walk the Buachaille. 6 NN220563 The gate that leads to the hillside here marks the start of the hardest section of the day and maybe all three, The…

10 Lake District MULTI-DAY HIKE DAY 1 1 SD413986 Exit train station and turn left. Go past Booths and turn right across road. Turn right past bench and cross A591. Turn left, heading west. Fork right and arrive at Orrest Head sign. Turn right briefly before veering left at fingerpost sign. Head north-north-west on walled lane. Just before building, veer right. Continue north to reach right-hand turn in wall at Elleray Bank. Follow path as it bends right, fork left almost immediately and then climb steep steps heading east. Beyond gap in wall, continue east. Ignore turn-off to left and instead stick to wide path, which loops north-west and north to Orrest Head. 2 SD414993 Descend grassy path north. Next to gate, turn right over stone stile - signposted ‘Causeway…

CLIMB A STAR OF THIS ISSUE P32 The scramble up Tryfan’s north ridge is a rite of passage for mountain lovers, and brings you face-to-face with this iconic Eryri landmark You don’t so much ‘walk’ the north ridge of Tryfan as climb it; nearly all of it is a scramble. And despite appearing like an obvious ridgeline when seen on the approach along the Ogwen Valley, it’s a bit of a maze. The route starts beside Llyn Ogwen, kinks below Milestone Buttress, then climbs to the start of the north ridge itself. From here it ascends over broken, scrambly rock, past the unmistakable barrel of the Cannon Stone, and onwards and upwards to the summit, where the twin monoliths of Adam and Eve await. THE FACTS START Lay-by beside the…

There are armies out there - vast, uncountable armies - building and defending kingdoms with a frenetic urgency that makes you thank the stars that those six-legged soldiers are actually really tiny. In the pine forests, at the foot of the mountains, are one of Nature’s true spectacles - wood ants. I have a recurring nightmare. I’m having a midday nap in a pine forest. The next thing I know I’m being squirted with acid from the anal glands of my assailants. My skin starts to dissolve as I’m carried away by hundreds of would-be assassins. I’m then cut up and chewed up, before being sicked up in liquid form, into the waiting mouths of my captors’ larvae. Luckily for me, I’m not a caterpillar, because that’s exactly what happens…

Nothing quickens the pulse quite like a razor-backed ridgeline, and if you’re looking for something to stretch your day in the mountains beyond a simple hillwalk then north Wales is the place to go. The peaks in this weather-beaten corner of the world have some serious edge, with rock so sharp in places you’ll feel like you could clip your toenails on it. And the best bit is, with the exception of Cadair Idris in the south of Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park, the names on this list are clustered close together, meaning you could link a few of them for one memorable mountain weekend of ridge raiding. We’ve tried to find something here for every level too. There are daring hillwalks, heart-thumping scrambles, and even a mini-mountaineering classic to pick…

■ ASK AN ANIMAL BEAVER Castor fiber Q Why do you make dams? A Not to catch fish! We’re obligate herbivores, which means we only eat plants. We build dams to create ponds in which we build our lodges. The lodge is our home and is a covered island in the pond made of twigs, logs and mud with a few underwater entrances. In winter, it provides us with a safe, warm place to raise the kits (baby beavers). ■ PUB QUIZ A: What did long-distance walker Chris Lewis spend six years doing? B: Which is the busiest Mountain Rescue team in the UK? C: How many Munros in Scotland are over 4000ft high? A: Walking the coastline of the UK, including as many islands as he could reach. B: Llanberis…

SAVVY SHOPPING If you’re of a nervous (financial) disposition, don’t look at the prices in an outdoor shop these days - it’ll send your head into such a dizzying spin that you might need to sit down. Those zeros at the end of the price tags aren’t typos. That Gore-Tex Pro waterproof jacket genuinely does cost £600, those leather boots will unapologetically burn a £300 hole in your pocket, and that ultralight tent is - without a hint of irony - worth more than your old banger car. Is it time for a new, less expensive hobby? Since the onset of Britain’s cost of living crisis, the high price of outdoor gear and hiking kit has never been more obvious. Of course, rising prices have affected all aspects of spending,…

DAY 3 10 NN187619 This is by far the hardest day of the three days. It’s the longest and has the most ascent. The Lairig, which makes up the bulk of the journey, is isolated and feels remote when nobody is around. The positive - as with the other days - is the route-finding is easy and the path is massive and well made. There are signposts at key locations. That being said, on your third day of walking, especially with a wild camping pack, you will probably have to dig deep on occasions. Unless you do it in the depths of winter, there will almost always be someone, somewhere along the route. Head north across the main bridge and follow the main road to exit the village. About 200m…

DAY 2 6 NY344035 Head south to cross road bridge over River Brathay. Where A593 bends sharp right, turn left and follow minor road south to community centre. Bear left and follow road south-east towards Skelwith Fold. Fork left, walk past cottages, at T-junction turn right and, next to a red postbox, turn left signposted ‘Pull Wyke ½ mile’. At caravan park entrance, fork right and head south-east. Drop down to B5286. Cross road, turn right over footbridge and climb south-east on path parallel to road. When path disappears, continue south-east on road (or an off-road alternative is available via Pull Woods). Turn left onto minor road. Follow road and parallel paths to Low Wray Bridge. Beyond gate, turn right to cross bridge over Blelham Beck. Ascend road south past…

KEY FACTS This is the third in our current series of guides shining a spotlight on some of the UK’s finest mountain ridge adventures. But while our previous two (Ben Lomond’s Ptarmigan Ridge and the western side of the Kentmere Horseshoe) have been primarily walking focused, now we’re upping the technicality by a level or two and clambering headlong into scrambling territory. Bristly Ridge isn’t north Wales’s longest ridge, but the entertainment it packs in rivals any other in terms of thrills per metre. This is partly because of its technicality. It’s a scramble and, depending on which guidebooks you read, one that’s given either a 1 or 2 grading. Despite its linear appearance from afar, Bristly Ridge is a labyrinth of gullies and buttresses. It’s easy to get ‘off-route’.…