Innholdsfortegnelse for February 2026 i Trail

The thing that worried me most, when I became Trail editor back in 2019, was that I might end up being its last ever editor. At the time, this great publication was a year short of its 30th anniversary, with a legacy I'd found inspiring as a reader but daunting as an aspiring editor. Over the previous three decades, the bar had been set almost untouchably high by some of the most talented names ever to work in outdoor media – mixing journalistic skill and creativity with an infectious passion for hillwalking that made every issue an adventure in itself. One of my favourite jobs as editor has been digging back into Trail's archives for inspiration and reliving the storytelling that pours from these pages, beautifully brought to life by…

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH “On the 10th of August I was on my way to complete the Welsh 3000s. An early start to catch sunrise on Snowdon, and I was surprised by how many people were already there at 5am on a Sunday. “As I approached the trig point, the frame came to my mind and I took a few photos before moving on to the next peak, just to show the early-hour traffic. It was only when at home looking through my photos that it caught my attention of how much of a story that photo told. For my liking there were too many people – I prefer to experience empty mountains, the vastness and serenity of it. With crowded summits I don't want to stay there long, even though…

*OTHER ARGUMENTS ARE AVAILABLE Doing justice to Stac Pollaidh using words is a difficult task. Like Arthur reaching for Excalibur, I can only hope to be counted worthy to try, having been borderline obsessed with Assynt's littlest and most famous peak for more than a decade. Still though, trying to sum up the majesty of this mountain in the final print edition of Trail feels like being a newly qualified dressmaker at Alexander McQueen and noticing that the first client to walk through the door is the Princess of Wales. Do forgive me, Ma'am. This may tickle. But we've found a royal thread so let's pull on it. Stac Pollaidh is the prettiest, sparkliest jewel in the crown of Scotland's hills. She – and she is most certainly a she…

Helvellyn is the most popular peak in the Lake District. That's such an established fact that it barely needs repeating. But if you want to check, stick ‘Most popular Lake District peak’ into Google and the immediate ‘AI Overview’ responds with “The most popular peak in the Lake District is Helvellyn”. And while our soon-to-be overlords are, for now, still capable of making very human errors, in this AI is absolutely correct. Ask around your family, friends, neighbours and colleagues, and the chances are that a significant number will be familiar with its name (and isn't it a name rolls deliciously off the tongue?) and many will have walked the paths to its summit. Such is Helvellyn's appeal that, despite its significant height (it would be a Munro if it…

After 30 years of muddy boots, dog-eared maps, sunrise summits and Type 2 fun, the Trail team has gathered more mountain wisdom than an owl could cram into the lid pocket of an Osprey Talon. And as we shoulder our packs for the final time in this issue, it felt only right to ask some of the voices who've shaped this magazine what they learned out there over the years – on the ridges, in the storms, and in those heart-thumping moments when the hills feel like they're speaking just to you. And sure, some of these answers stray into ye olde tips and tricks territory. But for the most part, our experts have dug a little deeper and found something to say about the stuff that stays with you…

Hats off to Beinn Sgulaird. But why? Well, Beinn Sgulaird is Gaelic for ‘the hat-shaped hill’, but most importantly for its views, some of the best in Scotland. Tucked away behind Loch Creran and hidden from sight sits this solitary Munro. But Beinn Sgulaird's isolation is a key part of its attraction. It is not a well-known mountain as it's hard to spot, but it's a fine one. The views from its rocky summit rival that of any in the Highlands. On a clear day the vista stretches from Ben Nevis and Glen Coe in the north, Ben Starav to the east and Ben Cruachan to the south, both brushed by the impressive Loch Etive. Spin round to the west and the scenery changes from that of mountains to lochs,…

The muscular contours of the Staffordshire Moorlands rise from the fertile fields south of Leek and reach their crescendo on the long, high gritstone escarpment of the Roaches. The small but characterful peak of Hen Cloud, above the village of Upper Hulme, marks the start of the ridge and a classic walk through a Tolkien-like mix of rocks, heather and woods – as well as a strange dark chasm. It's a landscape full of legends. Doxey Pool, unexpectedly perched on the high ground, is said to be bottomless and home to a wicked mermaid. The damp gulch known as Lud's Church, 60ft deep and half-hidden in the atmospheric Back Forest, was once used for secret worship but some tales say Robin Hood and Friar Tuck might have hidden here. Keep…

1 SD229960 From Seathwaite Parish Rooms’ parking area, walk north along the road and, in 60m, take the footpath on your left. After a footbridge, continue through the trees. Having crossed the River Duddon via a humpback bridge, take the path heading away from the water. After the next gate, you will see a gate in a fence corner straight ahead; the path you want is at the top of the short slope to the right of this. Follow the wall on your right and enter the farmyard at High Wallowbarrow. 2 SD220963 Turn right after a barn – through the gate beside the farmhouse. The bridleway soon swings right to begin climbing. When the gradient eases, go through the wall gap and bear right. 3 SD224981 At Grassguards Farm,…

“This photo was taken at the end of December last year. Just 36 hours earlier, I had climbed the same mountain in the dead of night beneath a star-filled sky, capturing a similar image. Even then, I sensed the shot would be more powerful with my silhouette set against the backdrop of a cloud inversion. So I set the timer, stepped toward the edge, and gazed out in awe. Mountains have a way of transforming the moment; they carry you into a space of tranquillity and calm. You feel humbled and uplifted, as if nature itself is reminding you why the journey was worth it. “Winning this recognition is incredible. To have my work celebrated alongside such outstanding shortlisted images is deeply rewarding. It reminds me that every early morning,…

“This photo was taken during a winter night ascent of Pen y Fan and it was actually a planned shot. I had a clear vision of how I wanted the scene to look, and I'd been waiting for the right conditions to bring it to life. When the forecast aligned, I set out before dawn and reached the summit in low visibility and strong winds. “The experience felt just as dramatic as the photo suggests: cold, wild and incredibly atmospheric. Despite the harsh weather, there's something special about moving through the darkness with only a headlamp to guide you. I genuinely enjoy night hiking – the silence, the solitude, and the way the landscape feels completely transformed. “What I love most about mountain photography is the sense of discovery. Mountains…

Mannen, Norway “Hiking to Mannen in Leknes, Norway, this past August I ran into a very friendly local. She was a bit of a ‘chatty uphiller,’ but one you can't help but love! If you happen to see her on the trail, be sure to say hello for me!” Francesco Lasco THIS MONTH'S WINNER King's Tor, Dartmoor “This is Eddie Melvin (age 7) on King's Tor. First time wild camping.” John Melvin GR20, Corsica “Day 3 of 13 on the GR20 in Corsica. The background is the Muvrella Col and the sea is in the distance below the cloud. Very tough stage. 5km took 5 hours to complete without any breaks! Lots of scrambling and steep, rocky descents. Brilliant challenge. Managed to complete the GR20 10 days later with a…

Fizan Snow and Ice Crampons £27 While not true crampons, and not suitable for high mountain or technical terrain, a set of packable microspikes like these from Fizan could save your skin in winter. Coming in sizes S, M, L and XL, the silicon uppers can be stretched over almost any footwear, allowing the stainless steel under-spikes to boost grip on hard snow and ice – perfect for frozen paths and easy but icy ground. Kahtoola KTS Hiking Crampons £125 The Kahtoola KTS is a lightweight, packable, adjustable 10-point crampon. Its folding heel bail means it collapses small enough to stash anywhere, while the independent binding system makes getting the perfect fit easy on almost any suitable footwear. With aggressive spikes for bite and patented LeafSpring Flex Bar tech that…

What a difference a day in northern Eryri (Snowdonia) makes! And this day's walking encompasses varied and characterful moments, typifying this very special corner of north Wales. Showcasing ancient oak woodland and the lively Afon Glaslyn encased within an ancient gorge, as well as a linear parade of modest but enticing summits, the base of Beddgelert nestles at the meeting point of mountain rivers, surrounded by stories of the slate and copper industry. If you prefer to explore and discover a little bit further afield than the big-hitters of Eryri, then you will find reward with a little work in the legs. Views from the higher aspects of this route offer more expansive vistas than usual, with the eyes able to roam towards the Moelwynion, Rhinogydd, Nantlle and Yr Wyddfa…

To some they are dull, featureless and downright boring; to others they are a quiet, isolated paradise where you can escape the annoying crowds. Love ‘em or hate ‘em, the Back o'Skiddaw fells – the rounded, grassy hills to the north (or ‘back of’ Skiddaw) – will be on your radar if you're completing the Wainwrights. Alfred himself embodied the polarising nature of Back o'Skiddaw. He lambasted the area as “vast sheep pasture… unexciting in scenic quality”. But then eloquently added that he felt like “the only man on Earth” enjoying “days of absolute freedom” walking these forgotten fells. Hopefully you'll have a similar experience. Certainly the Back o'Skiddaw hills are grassier and more rounded than classically rugged Lake District ground. Exhilarating knife-edge arêtes, I'm-on-top-of-the-world summits, precipitous crags and naked…

1 SD229960 From Seathwaite Parish Rooms’ parking area, walk south along the road for 110m – as far as a bend to the right. Go through the gate on the left here. After a couple more farm gates, the bridleway bends sharp right and begins steadily ascending. 2 SD223946 About 440m after a gate across the track, step up to the left – almost heading back on yourself – on to an old quarry incline supported by a low wall of stones. This later zigzags up to an old quarry building near an opening into the disused workings. 3 SD228948 The climb proper begins just before the building. Head south, straight up the fellside without the benefit of a clear path, although a faint trail does materialise from time to…

Lena Drapella: “What I love about this shot is that it perfectly captures the classic outdoor photographer's gamble: wake up at a ridiculous hour, hike in the dark, hope the weather plays nice… and occasionally get rewarded. The light skimming across the ridge is stunning, and the whole scene has that ‘yep, totally worth the effort – this time’ feeling we all chase.” Kat Lawman: “This image powerfully captures the solitude and wonders of being in the mountains. The lone figure above a sea of clouds evokes a sense of awe and reflection, transporting you into that moment of quiet triumph and perspective. It goes beyond a beautiful landscape – it tells a deeply human story of journey, reward, and connection with nature at its most ethereal. The dramatic light and colours add emotional…

Kat Lawman: “This image captures the vastness and mystery of the mountains at night in a way that feels both intimate and epic. The lone climber illuminated against the ridgeline, under a blanket of stars, speaks to the quiet courage and curiosity that drives people into these wild places. It tells a story not just of physical journey, but of wonder – of being small beneath a vast universe and choosing to keep moving forward. Technically stunning and emotionally evocative, it's a moment that feels both personal and universal” Lena Drapella: “This image resonates because taking a long exposure on a snowy ridge at night is one of those ideas that always sounds better in your living room than it does in real life. But when someone actually stops, freezes, and gets the shot…

I know you're not going to believe me, but just imagine if… It's the start of the year 2126. Our mountain range – surprise, surprise – still exists, but in places, you'd hardly recognise it. One hundred years of a collective ecological awakening have left their mark. And as far as biodiversity, the planet and humankind are concerned, it's changed for the better. Down in the valleys there's an obvious difference. The remnants of the Caledonian pine forest that heroically struggled on have been successfully supported, protected and enlarged. The seeds that were harvested by volunteers, potted up, grown into tiny saplings, then planted out back in the area they came from, now thrive. All this was done many years ago and those trees that grow at a glacial pace…

Simon Stokes Mountain Leader and Instructor in Scotland and the Peak District. Nike Werstroh Hiker, trekker, traveller, and Cicerone writer based in southern England. James Forrest Record-breaking UK mountain peak bagger and author. Hannah Collingridge Writer and guidebook author with a focus on all things hilly. Kate Worthington Professional mountain leader, living and working under Snowdon's shadow. Roger Butler Roger likes to tick off remote Hebridean islands as well as mountains. Nick Livesey Acclaimed Snowdonia-based photographer, guide and writer. Vivienne Crow Award-winning writer Viv's worked on over 20 walking guides. GET TRAIL ROUTES ONLINE Every Trail magazine route is published digitally in OS Maps, allowing you to view, download and follow it using the Ordnance Survey's award-winning app. All you need to do is scan the QR code on each…

Scenic views will accompany you as you follow the undulating path on the longest stretch of undeveloped coastline of the south coast. The Seven Sisters, a series of chalk sea cliffs separated by the remnants of dry valleys, stretches between the mouth of the Cuckmere River and Beachy Head, and the long-distance trail, the South Downs Way, runs along the clifftops. The stunning white cliffs appeared in the opening scenes of Robin Hood, Prince of Thieves, and Harry Potter fans might also recognize the area, as it provided background for a Quidditch World Cup in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. And during WWII, as part of the British anti-invasion preparations, Cuckmere Haven was heavily fortified with pillboxes and anti-tank obstacles, some of which can still be seen today. It'll…

Foel Fras, while being a member of the much-vaunted 3000ft club, is neither glamorous nor popular. Its near neighbour, Llwytmor, is even less in demand, perhaps due to its reputation for the brutal beastings it meets out to those attempting a direct ascent. Ostensibly, these two peaks are lacking in appeal, but when combined in a horseshoe walk around the captivating Cwm Anafon, there can be no better example of the whole being greater than the sum of its parts. This outstanding round deserves to be a classic, yet remains largely undiscovered and during your journey you will almost certainly see more wild ponies than other walkers. Those who consider sub-2000ft hills unworthy of attention will look at the map and note the tempting track which leads directly to Drum.…

1 SD229960 From Seathwaite Parish Rooms’ parking area, walk north along the road for 500m and then turn right along Turner Hall Farm's access track. As the lane bends right, bear left through a gate. Go left at a track junction and through a gate. Pass to the left of the buildings at High Moss. After the next gate, cross the rough pasture to a lane, along which you turn right. 2 SD239968 When the way ahead splits, bear right to climb the stony Walna Scar Road. It's a long uphill trudge, but the rewards come later… 3 SD258964 At the top of the pass, turn left along a clear path. On reaching Brown Pike, all the tedium of the Walna Scar Road is forgotten as you gaze across the…

KEY FACTS It feels right to finish the final print issue of Trail with possibly the most accessible mountain in Britain. Fair enough, the word ‘mountain’ is doing some heavy lifting there. At just 320m, Roseberry Topping barely troubles anyone's definition of a mountain per se. It's lower than Mam Tor, Helm Crag or Yes Tor. And yet, Roseberry Topping clearly thinks it's a mountain, and we will not presume to debate it. Moreover, this is a summit on which hillwalkers are made. How many toddlers, teens or even reluctant adults have been cajoled up this sandstone fang at the top edge of the North York Moors National Park, grumbling about the 16 things they might rather be doing – only to see that astonishing view from the summit and,…