Fast and Light - Outdoor Enthusiast magazine

Transcription

outdoor
utdoor
JULY / AUGUST 2014
VOLUME 10 ISSUE 6
www.oe-mag.com
enthusiast
OVER
£1500
ORIENTEERING
WORTH OF
PRIZES
TO WIN
BIKEPACKING IN
THE CAIRNGORMS
GEAR
GUIDE:
• Trail Running
ALPINISM FOR
BEGINNERS
• Approach Shoes
• Sleeping Bags
• Trousers
SAXON SHORE
WAY
Fast and Light
HOW TO MOVE QUICKLY
IN THE OUTDOORS
VOLUME 10
ISSUE 6 £3.50
WELCOME
Welcome
W
FEATURE BIKEPACKING
Riding
High
e’re talking fast and light in this issue – as
high-tech outdoor materials get lighter
and more affordable the days of lugging
huge rucksacks through the hills while
leather boots gradually destroy your feet
are over. But we’re not focusing on
hillwalking here – alpinism embraces a lightweight approach to
mountaineering, unencumbered by excessive equipment and
allowing a smooth, fluid style of protection. David Lintern tried his hand in the Swiss Alps.
Those looking to move quickly through the mountains could learn a lot from runners –
Felicity Martin suggests orienteering as a way of improving fast and efficient navigation
and building hill fitness. And once you’ve reduced your rucksack weight and boosted your
fitness, multi-day, long distance trails like the Saxon Shore Way become a breeze, as
Rudolf Abraham explains. Those looking to remove the weight from their back
completely yet still cover long distances in the mountains could always take to two
wheels, as Tom Hutton discovered. Our gear expert Lucy Wallace has gathered together
a selection of the latest lightweight footwear and sleeping bags that’ll keep you
moving in the outdoors, and I’ve been putting trail running gear through its paces.
Film-maker Terry Abraham spends much of his time in the outdoors and is forced to
keep his camping equipment lightweight to avoid collapsing under the weight of
camera equipment – Emily Sexton-Brown chatted with Terry to find out more.
We know this stuff – it’s what we do – so don’t hesitate to get in touch via the
usual social media channels if you’ve got a question you want our outdoor experts
to answer.
Tom Hutton PEDALS DEEP INTO THE HEART OF THE CAIRNGORMS ON A TWO
DAY BIKEPACK THAT WAS A LITTLE MORE CHALLENGING THAN EXPECTED.
T
he one essential ingredient in any good epic is that
took over and she (wo)manned up to the job, choosing to soldier on
something goes wrong. I’m not talking about anything
weakly and in pain in preference to two days in the mountains in bad
quite as catastrophic as Joe Simpson’s unbelievable
weather. We pressed Go.
escape in Touching the Void or Aron Ralston’s gruesome
The faffing however, had cost us a morning. So it was lunchtime by
tale told in Between a Rock and a Hard Place. But let’s be
the time we hit the first sweet singletrack trail at Feshiebridge. This,
honest here, an outdoor adventure story that reads ‘we
plus Steph’s necessarily rather pedestrian pace, made it obvious from
went into the hills and had a nice time’ is hardly likely to capture the
the start that we weren’t going to make our planned camp at the Fords
imagination as much as one with a few mishaps.
of Avon by nightfall. If we had realised that we wouldn’t actually reach
This is good news really, because this story definitely had its
it until late afternoon on day two, we probably would have quit there
mishaps.
and then.
They started, in fact, even before the adventure did, when I noticed
But we didn’t.
a huge crack in my chainstay (part of the frame near the back wheel for
Instead, we rolled our way slowly down the glen, soaking up some
non-cyclists). This would be game-over for a normal mountain bike ride
of Britain’s most sumptuous scenery, with the mighty Feshie river to
let alone a two day, 100km+ expedition into very rough terrain,
our right and almost endless picturesque Caledonian pine forest to our
carrying overnight gear and food. Fortunately, Aviemore’s excellent
left. The newly-laid path weaved a fun line between woodland and
Bothy Bikes came to the rescue and hired me a rather nice Ibis Ripley,
water, and a warm afternoon sun lifted our spirits. But then trouble
full-suspension all-mountain bike that may as well have been built
struck. Steph’s discomfort turned to crippling cramp and her legs were
specifically for the trip we were about to undertake.
struggling to keep the pedals turning. Should we turn back? Probably.
Sadly our problems weren’t over yet though: the next hiccup was to
But we didn’t.
have a far bigger bearing on the outcome. Somehow, during our pre
Instead I took all the luggage from her bike and attached it to mine
bikepack carb-loading session – read huge meal ‘cos we like our food’
and we plodded on aiming to go just as far as she could manage before
– partner, Steph, had picked up a nasty dose of food poisoning. We
stopping early and letting her get some sleep. If she felt better
toyed with postponing for a day or two but with a waning forecast and
tomorrow, we’d continue, although it would be a big day. If she didn’t
a journey back south just a few days away, the hardy adventurer in her
we’d simply retrace our tracks and call it quits.The trail turned east
30
www.oe-mag.com
OUTDOOR ENTHUSIAST JULY / AUGUST 2014
p30
ALPINISM
FEATURE
ner’s
A Begin the Alps
o
Guide t
YOU INTO
GETTING
HT.
G WAY TO
M UP RIG
ES A LON
AND TEA
BASICS GO
N, EQUIP
CED
CLIMBING
ALSO PLA
ROPE, BRA
G A FEW
FEAR OF
TIME IF YOU
.
ST
HIS
KNOWIN
MB
FIR
DE
CLI
ASI
E THE
PUT
S FOR THE
HOW HE
D TO LOV
THE ALP
NS
RTE
LAI
STA
D
iviers after
tern EXP
RTS AN
of Val d’Ann
David Lin
at the
ng.
away part
EARLY STA
pitched up
overwhelmi
ntz, in a tucked
cheerfully
FOR THE
d at Grime
pt three
a
intact, and
We arrive
ped with
HIMSELF
rland to attem
with the fridge
well equip
g to Switze
– what
of driving,
ered was
T
ous
hut, a luxuri
the Moiry
was to be
by a two hour
followed
two climbs
for our first
a short drive,
name. The
Our base
reached after
r of the same
ished refuge
After
ide the glacie
in altitude.
newly refurb
metal alongs
er increase
and heavy
y more
with anoth
haul of rope
ce in the slightl
struggled
were
down as we
crevasse practi
baby steps
sun blazed
er dose of
Each of these
ons
d for anoth
ield.
heade
r snowf
new cramp
lunch we
the glacie
with brand
ndings of
the wrong
Equipped
ed them to
testing surrou
it would seem.
tly attach
ially for me
on, I promp
vital - espec
for the occasi
especially
for most hill
y
ased
novelt
purch
a
together,
an
roping’ – not
we were roped
feet.
as ‘death
first time
to
the
d
and
also
it referre
speed
This was
I’ve heard
e between
che and
the balanc
the UK, where
tened avalan
. In the Alps,
walkers in
the heigh
nom de plume
because of
ces on the
encouraging
nt, primarily
larger distan
very differe
lengths of
g over much
by seven
security is
from movin
attached
small
that comes
within our
g together’,
crevasse risk
ions, even
that ‘movin
unicat
ered
comm
discov
glacier. We
ivity and good
took sensit
that
new, and
rope, in itself
this was all
lesson
d to be that
s. The other
team of three.
far seeme
size chunk
slowly
lesson so
ental bite
fall’ is by
The main
dded by increm
get to ‘not
best embe
nt – how you
second
learning is
knots, the
a little flippa
ng
g
that’s
learni
but
day
the next movin
is ‘don’t fall’;
by little. One
campsite,
at least
ience little
crag at the
ork being
gaining exper
t on a simple
ice. Teamw
soft
them in contex
on snow and
a planned
applying
first time
tic to have
up for the
it was fantas
and to allow
together roped
know-how,
and limits,
as technical
s strengths
put the
each other’
as important
day would
know
next
to
The
l.
to get
not critica
start like this,
when it was
ast saw us
to be made
mistakes
ible breakf
a barely digest
g 60m of
the test.
start and
theory to
6:30am. Haulin
of an Alpine
planned at
for the
Our first taste
later than
just in time
and
r-ward a little
we arrived
roping up
heading glacie
work, but
air, before
col was heavy
in the thin
route at
rope to the
t our breath
t beginners
ts
sunrise, caugh
Le is a perfec
lt’. It consis
la
cular
de
difficu
specta
The Pigne
le’ or ‘a little
iate.
the ridge.
– a ‘petit diffici
rock to negot
starting up
d as a PD
or angled
ang
classe
is
fairly
odd overh
3392m, and
for me. I’m
ers, plus the
epiphany
and
big bould
a bit of an
winter, solo
was
mostly of
and
rock
er
er on
r
bles in summ
Moving togeth
add furthe
grade scram
apparatus
trip
on Scottish
the extra
onal
n’t
rtable
additi
comfo
Would
rope is an
or protection.
, no. Yes,
of protection
without rope
yes, but mostly
odd piece
where
risk? Well
placing the
boulders
unnecessary
leader Todd
around the
the
with our climb
friction belays
hazard, but
mumbo jumbo
all of us using
good
technical
nuts), and
angles, plus
Ignoring the
(cam and
friction and
ssed well.
leader
we progre
- it’s all about
key – the
necessary,
this level
is of course
simple at
for more or
unication
ns asking
reality is pretty
y of comm
perso
qualit
end
The
ion.
e and
and when
communicat
leg, the middl
of
they are secure
the next short
a good deal
know when
explaining
well added
each other
unicating
and letting
team comm
less slack
singly
our roped
increa
found
I
but
y
climbing.
onally a liabilit
it and
I was occasi
security.
my chest
d at the summ
camera on
ved. We arrive
d by the
With a big
skills impro
Durand, frame
ence as my
d, a little
to Glacier
Excite
ice
bag.
gained confid
the
precip
t safely in
y over the
Alpine ascen
gawked giddil
ue.
well overd
with our first
tiny
ast
orn,
se,
d breakf
r traver
Obergabelh
our secon
for a glacie
tired, and
and
re-roped
relieved and
a while, we
nt was steep
The desce
on rock for
above
itheatre.
Descending
hanging far
like amph
the ice flow
in a vast bowlthe top of
lifeforms
ed out at
we bottom
steady until
discov
beer and
whatsoever
two days
in a van, drivin
which we
g drinking
hree men
experience
a
break’’,
campsite,
first evenin
points of
no prior Alpine
municipal
fridge could
spent the
n the finer
climbs with
crag. We
? ‘’Well, the
indeed
pting to discer
. The other
ly go wrong
securely bolted bible, whilst attem
An army does
if
r than it looked d pasta in
could possib
the party.
Bruce’s
y wondered
y it was trickie
member of
I cooke
consulting
all of us quietl
quipped one
system. Clearl
our
or twice while
but I think
the least of
ering, were
fell over once
crevasse rescue
its stomach,
e might be
march on
, I was discov
to trees and
chees
y
Knots
There
slings
knots.
and squidg
two tied
going well.
sed a few
warm beer
that
things were
ss and practi
the part nine days.
the sole reason
my harne
for
looked
next
I
the
Alps
least
t
over
voiced
to the
Still, at
our touris
e openly
challenges
our first trip
important.
tomorrow.
along with
But, despit
than
self-guiding
t us
ambition.
was issued
more to learn
be bigger
We were
r than our
ite also bough
would be
a town pass
eyes might
and
at the camps
ncy meant
ts were smalle
that our Alpine
. The first
a free stay
our budge
Swiss efficie
of the trip
ing day in
allowing us
up our sleeve
ring’.
the follow
in advance
as well as
or two tricks
Mountainee
We spent
concerns
g on hired
tax, which
have one
ad’s ‘Alpine
telecabin.
g and puffin
’s bible, it
ies, we did
trips in the
Bruce Goodl
t in Bruce
our tumm
2000m, huffin
us from a
unlimited
pack was
en 1500brightly at
and if it wasn’
tool in the
variety
on betwe
for a
‘the bible’,
level and
Glacier glared
most useful
acclimatisati
known as
biking uphill
the Moiry
a reasonable
ill
y became
to the area,
bikes while
, and made
downh
we also had
g
tain
uction
This quickl
dly,
isation
moun
organ
d introd
freewheelin
doing. Secon
e flair for
and then
gear and
It was a relaxe
anchored
wasn’t worth
d’Orxival,
has a genuin
distance.
with the right
time on the
under Roc
en us. Phil
r with a
right time,
scramble
practice, this
est climbe
of skills betwe
place at the
and then
lunchtime
our strong
for more rope
on a sling
in the right
Todd was
campsite
lead the
ascended
over the
sure we were
together.
to him to
back to the
, we each
and going
to put it all
the
20 years,
so it was left
ing.
progress made
in the UK,
f? Definitely
the right skills
ed in at least
nerve wrack
crag. Some
safely. Mysel
of experience
, was a little
I hadn’t abseil
winter
UK
years
group
maybe
below
of
down.
se,
the
few
drop
ed
for
fair
tion
abseil
a good level
in an icy crevas
a five metre
place protec
fit and with
with only
conditions,
from Mr
climbs and
rope but hill
edge, even
emergency
assistance
ienced with
, Phil (with
n limb?
this be under
d time to
least exper
or a broke
y importantly
How would
which allowe
crampon
ience. Equall
le itinerary,
a missing
that were
skills exper
er a sensib
even with
them on climbs
ag.com
had put togeth
being
then apply
Goodlad)
www.oe-m
s, without
skills and
gain some
Alpine novice
as
atise,
all
us
acclim
h for
exciting enoug
more than
38
T 2014
JULY / AUGUS
ENTHUSIAST
OUTDOOR
SIAST
OR ENTHU
T 2014 OUTDO
JULY / AUGUS
ag.com
www.oe-m
p38
39
Phil
Phil Turner, Editor
MEET OUR CONTRIBUTORS...
David Lin
tern
DAVID LINTERN quit London in 2011 to be
nearer the mountains. Relocating to
Edinburgh after a two month sea to sea trek
across the High Pyrenees, he now splits his
time between development work for wild
land conservation charity The John Muir Trust,
and freelance outdoors journalism. In
between camping, writing, dried food prep
and photo editing, you can find him online at
www.selfpowered.net.
www.oe-mag.com
Felicity Ma
rtin
FELICITY MARTIN is a freelance writer,
photographer and publisher who lives on the
southern edge of the Highlands. Her work
ranges from writing walks guidebooks and
photographing nature to drawing maps and
promoting Scottish food. In her spare time she
orienteers and competes in dog agility with
her border collie. She has walked, biked,
paddled, surfed and sailed around more than
60 Scottish islands, often camping and
wildlife watching as she goes. Catch up with
her at www.felicitymartin.co.uk.
Tom Hutto
Rudolf Ab
n
raham
RUDOLF ABRAHAM is an award-winning travel
writer and photographer whose work has
taken him from the Adriatic to Arctic Norway,
Central Asia and Patagonia. He has written or
contributed to more than a dozen books,
including Cicerone’s new guide to St Oswald’s
Way & St Cuthbert’s Way, and his articles and
images are published widely in magazines.
www.rudolfabraham.co.uk
TOM HUTTON’s passion for the mountains has
led to a successful career as a writer and
photographer and taken him all over the
world. He’s mountain biked in places as
diverse as the Caribbean and New Zealand
but says nowhere beats Scotland. He’s a
qualified Mountain Bike Leader and runs his
own guiding/instructing business:
www.mtbguiding.co.uk
JULY / AUGUST 2014 OUTDOOR ENTHUSIAST
3
contents
JULY / AUGUST 2014
regulars
7
16
19
21
22
NEWS
News from the outdoor world
VOLUME 10 ISSUE 6
features
23
CHARITY CHALLENGE
Outdoor fundraising for a
good cause
HEALTH & NUTRITION
Ian Craig discusses mountain food
25
DISCOVER...
Gorge Walking
SOCIAL MEDIA
Top tweets
26
OUTDOOR BOOKSHELF
OE profiles the latest literary
launches
CELEBRITY INTERVIEW
Terry Abraham tells all
30
FAMILY FOCUS
Why it’s important for children to
experience the outdoors
RIDING HIGH
Tom Hutton pedals deep into the
heart of the Cairngorms
34
THE SAXON SHORE WAY
Rudolf Abraham follows one of
England’s lesser-known footpaths
38
A BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO THE ALPS
David Lintern explains a few alpine
basics
42
ORIENTEERING
Felicity Martin explains why
orienteering is suitable for all
34
38
42
4
www.oe-mag.com
Remember, this issue is available online – visit www.oe-mag.com
CONTACT POINT
outdoor
utdoor
enthusiast
OUTDOOR ENTHUSIAST MAGAZINE
The Old Dairy, Hudsons Farm, Fieldgate
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Telephone: 01279 816300
www.oe-mag.com
EDITOR PHIL TURNER
editor@oe-mag.com
ASSISTANT EDITOR
EMILY SEXTON-BROWN
emily.sextonbrown@oe-mag.com
GEAR EDITOR LUCY WALLACE
lucy.wallace@oe-mag.com
30
55
58
gear guide p48
48
50
52
55
58
60
62
CUTTING EDGE
APPROACH SHOES (HER)
APPROACH SHOES (HIM)
SLEEPING BAGS
TROUSERS (HER)
TROUSERS (HIM)
TRAIL RUNNING SHOWCASE
62
SUB EDITOR JOANNA HANCOCK
GROUP SALES MANAGER
JAMES LLOYD 01279 810069
james.lloyd@oe-mag.com
SALES EXECUTIVE CHRIS KEMP
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hannah.wade@targetpublishing.com
PRODUCTION LEANN LAU
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ACCOUNTS LORRAINE EVANS
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HEAD OF MARKETING AND
OPERATIONS JAMES RIX
james.rix@targetpublishing.com
SUBSCRIPTIONS/ADMINISTRATOR
ALEX OUTLAW
alex.outlaw@targetpublishing.com
MANAGING DIRECTOR DAVID CANN
info@targetpublishing.com
ISSN: 1744-9898
Outdoor Enthusiast magazine is published by Target
Publishing Ltd. Every care has been taken to ensure that
the information in this publication is correct at the time of
going to press, but the publishers cannot accept
responsibility for errors and ommissions. Printed in the UK
by The Magazine Printing Company plc www.magprint.
co.uk ©2013 Target Publishing Ltd. Produced on
environmentally-friendly chlorine free paper derived from
sustained forests. The Publishers cannot accept any
responsibility for the advertisements in this publication. To
protect our environment papers used in this publication
are produced by mills that promote sustainably managed
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produce fully recyclable material lin accordance with an
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EN ISO 14001:2004.
Cover image
Credit:
Berghaus
50
www.oe-mag.com
5
NEWS
News
THE LATEST NEWS FROM THE OUTDOOR COMMUNITY
YHA AND THE EDEN PROJECT TEAM UP
YHA (England and Wales) has announced it will be
providing camping facilities in partnership with the
Cornwall-based visitor attraction, the Eden Project,
throughout July and August 2014. The arrangement is a
pre-cursor to YHA’s planned 58-bedroom Youth Hostel,
which will be constructed by Snoozebox on Strawberry
Car Park at Eden later this year if planning permission is
granted. This will be the first time the Eden Project has
had permanent camping facilities on site. It is
anticipated that as the official accommodation provider
YHA will operate the facilities for 60 days during the
summer season each year, in order to provide onsite
accommodation for up to 80 visitors to Eden. Located
within easy walking distance of the famous Eden
Biomes, the camp site will be located on Little Carne
Farm, which was purchased by Eden last year. The site
will have catering and washing facilities. Prices will start
from £13 per adult per night and £8.00 per under-18. Entry to Eden
Youth Hostel facilities at Eden will enable us to reach many more
can also be purchased with camping via YHA and includes unlimited
young people and their families each year.” The creation of camping
access for the duration of the stay.
facilities at The Eden Project is part of YHA’s larger alternative
YHA camping packages are also being offered for the popular Eden
accommodation offering during 2014. The charity is investing £1.4
Sessions concerts, featuring Elbow and Pixies, which are taking place
million in maximising the use of outdoor space at seven of its Youth
during July. YHA and the Eden Project anticipate high demand from
Hostels by providing camping pitches and camping pods. A number of
families and young people for the camping pitches, particularly
Youth Hostels have camping pods including South Downs, Hawkshead
around the Eden Sessions dates. The Youth Hostel is expected to open
and Grinton Lodge, and they have proved hugely popular with YHA
in the coming months, replacing the nearby YHA Golant which is
members. Snoozebox, which provides portable hotel accommodation
popular with school groups and families visiting Eden. David Harland,
and services, will be creating the Youth Hostel at the environmental
Joint Executive Director of the Eden Project, said, “Working closely
attraction. Caroline White added, “The Eden Project is such an iconic
with YHA will enable us to develop the first-ever public campsite at
place and for YHA to be able to provide first-class accommodation
Eden. We are looking forward to having this in place in time for the
there is really exciting. We can’t wait to start inviting guests to stay
summer season, in advance of our hoped-for Youth Hostel, which is
with us.”
now awaiting planning permission.” Caroline White, Chief Executive of
The investment in YHA Eden is part of YHA’s capital investment plan
YHA (England and Wales), commented, “We are very excited by the
in England and Wales. Since 2011 YHA has invested more than £20
prospect of our partnership with the Eden Project and delighted to be
million in its network, helping to put further distance between the
working with them. As we are both educational charities, there is great
outdated public perception of Youth Hostels and the modern reality,
synergy between YHA and Eden Project and we are committed to
which is proving particularly popular with young families looking for
providing them with a first class experience. Having both camping and
great value, child-friendly breaks.
www.oe-mag.com
7
NEWS
SCOTS PROVE
TO BE THE BEST
WALKERS IN
THE UK
YouGov survey. It showed that 50% of
BERGHAUS AND
BRASHER COMPLETE
INTEGRATION PROCESS
adults surveyed in Scotland are walking for
Berghaus has announced the final stage of the integration of Brasher into its
more than 150 minutes per week, an
business. As of 2015, Brasher’s four core footwear styles will be marketed as part of
increase from last year when only 37% of
a more comprehensive Berghaus range of hiking boots. The Hillmaster, Fellmaster,
people were walking more than the
Supalite and Hilllwalker will be sold, promoted and supported as Berghaus
recommended amount. However, the
products. The Brasher brand will be represented by elements of dual branding on
survey also discovered that 32% of people
the products, in packaging and point of sale, and through extensive marketing
in Scotland would not consider walking for
support. Brasher boasts a long heritage, which reaches back to the initial vision and
more than 20 minutes when planning a
passion of Chris Brasher and his first innovations, inspired by his experience of
journey and, worryingly, a fifth (20%) are
walking the roof of Wales in 1978. The Brasher name (and the contributions of
only walking, on average, for an hour or less
Chris Brasher) will continue to be proactively communicated as part of the Berghaus
per week. Dr Andrew Murray, President of
footwear marketing activities. Meanwhile, the Brasher brand will remain part of the
Ramblers Scotland, said, “Walking is such
Pentland Group, which also owns Berghaus. A range of options for the future of
an easy way for people to meet the
Brasher, and products bearing its name, are being considered and news of longer
recommended guideline to get 150
term plans for the brand will be revealed in due course. Ahead of taking the final
minutes of exercise per week. I enjoy
steps to integrate Brasher into Berghaus, the product team spoke to over 4,500
walking on a regular basis, it’s a great way
consumers – on the hill and in detailed focus group events around the UK - and
to clear the head, spend time chatting with
tested their views on the potential development. The results were overwhelmingly
family or friends and it leaves you feeling
positive, with outdoor users confirming that they would welcome a combined
great.”
footwear offering under the Berghaus name. In fact, many Brasher consumers are
Scots have come out as the best in Great
Britain for walking more than the
recommended amount, according to a
already Berghaus consumers too (including their footwear purchases). Comments
from consumers included, “I’m a fan of Berghaus and I’m a long term wearer of
Brasher boots. It’s a win win seeing both of them together.” “Brasher product as
Berghaus…sounds good to me!”
“As long as the fit is the same and they are as comfortable as my current boots
then I’m happy to buy either brand.” Walkers and hikers who buy the integrated
Brasher boots will also benefit from the additional support of Berghaus’ substantial
quality assurance, sales, marketing, retail training and customer services
infrastructure.
The spring/summer 2015 footwear range will be available in store from March
2015.
8
www.oe-mag.com
NEWS
MARMOT24 MARATHON
visit as many checkpoints as
competitors can choose to pass through the
possible on a score format
event centre during the race, with the
course. Competitors will be able
two-person teams making the choice
to compete in teams of two or
whether to rest, or eat, whilst the four-
four people with an array of
person teams can tag-in their team mates;
trophies on offer for the leading
swapping tired runners for fresh runners.
teams in each category. The
The event centre will be a hub of activity
event will be held in Northern
with a large marquee, race control, catering
England in the heart of a
and camping for competitors and supporters.
spectacular and remote mountain
Supporters are actively encouraged and they
The UK’s first 24-hour mountain marathon,
area. With the 24-hour race starting at noon
can provide help for the competitors (cook
the inaugural Marmot24, will be held on the
Saturday, the 12-hour race starting at
meals for example) at the event centre.
weekend 2nd and 3rd August 2014. This
midnight Saturday and the 6-hour race
Competitors must compete as pairs but can
exciting new event combines the very best
starting at 0600 on the Sunday morning,
enter in teams of either two or four people.
elements of the predominantly British
everyone will finish at 12 noon on the
For the four person teams, this means that
mountain marathon phenomenon with
Sunday in an exciting and dramatic finale to
there is a huge tactical dimension to the
aspects of the more international, 24-hour
a memorable weekend of racing. There will
race, as competitors must choose when to
rogaining events. With mountain running
be a central event centre within the event
tag-in their teammates by returning to the
and navigation at the heart of the event
area where all teams will start and finish.
event centre. Only two team members are
competitors will have 24, 12 or 6-hours to
The location of the controls is such that
allowed on the course at any one time.
LAKE DISTRICT GAINS GREATER
LEADERSHIP
Changes to the make-up of the Lake District
representatives are ideally placed to continue
as a whole.” The new additional member will
National Park Authority signal an exciting new
our work with communities.
be appointed from a South Lakeland parish. A
era with more representation from the local
community.
As well as strengthening our understanding
parish member replacement is being sought
of local issues and opportunities, we also
in Allerdale following the retirement of John
want to improve local awareness about how
Hayton. Defra has called on the public to
the Environment Food and Rural Affairs,
we operate, sharing our aspirations and
contribute ideas for ways to improve the way
parishes will take a greater role in LDNPA’s
priorities. It will appeal to those with a passion
national parks are cared for and make them
future governance, which also sees
both for where they live and the national park
more responsive to community concerns.
Announced by Defra, the Department of
membership reduced by two in the
modifications.
The Lake District National Park will be led
by 20 members, five each from county and
district councils, plus national and parish
appointments made by the Secretary of State.
Increasing the community voice with one
extra member means local people can play a
crucial role in running the Lake District’s 885
square miles.
Bill Jefferson, LDNPA chairman, said the
announcement followed consultation with
partners, including parishes, across the five
distinctive areas of the national park. It
recognised each had different characteristics
and needed a local voice. He explained, “This
marks an exciting new era, our parish
10
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NEWS
JOHN MUIR TRUST AGAINST WIND FARM
IN THE HEART OF SCOTTISH OUTDOORS
The John Muir Trust today expressed bitter
worth many hundreds of millions to its
National Planning Framework and Scottish
disappointment at the decision by Scottish
shareholders. It is unfortunate that SSE’s
Planning Policy and finalising its position on
Energy Minister, Fergus Ewing, to give the
views seem to hold greater sway over
the Core Areas of Wild Land map. Up until
go-ahead to the giant Stronelairg wind farm in
Ministers than the opinions of the Scottish
now, the government has given the
the heart of one of the proposed Core Areas
Government’s own expert body on the natural
impression that it will provide strong
of Wild Land mapped by Scottish Natural
environment.
protection from large scale energy
Heritage. The development, the largest wind
We are concerned about the wider
developments in the 43 areas of wild land
farm ever approved in the Highland Council
implications of this decision for the future of
delineated in that map. The John Muir Trust
area, will consist of 67 turbines, each 135
wild land across Scotland. The Stronelairg
has fought a long hard campaign against the
metres – the height of the Forth Road Bridge
Wind Farm is a massive industrial
Stronelairg development and will now be
– spread over an area larger than Inverness.
development in the heart of the Monadhliath
considering its options.
Helen McDade, Head of Policy for the John
Mountains – Area 17 of the Core Areas of Wild
Muir Trust said,” This development flies in the
Land map. This decision would suggest that
face of advice from Scottish Natural Heritage,
the Scottish Government intends either to
which objected to the development on the
remove the Monadhliaths from the wild land
grounds that it would destroy the character of
map, or to render the entire map meaningless.
one of Scotland’s key areas of wild land. “SSE
We will continue to fight for wild land in
is a powerful multinational company with its
Scotland.” Later this month, the Scottish
HQ in Scotland, and we know this project is
Government will be publishing its new
THE YORKSHIRE GRAND DEPART UPDATE
make history together, giving the Tour de
France a true Yorkshire welcome. Performing
at this event with Alistair in our home county
is going to be a special moment for me.” To
celebrate the collaboration between
Yorkshire and France, million album selling
French singer Pauline Vassuer will perform
The Yorkshire Grand Départ of the Tour de
France 20 14 kicked off with a spectacular
Originally from Brighouse, Embrace have
her hit “Allo le Monde”. Gary Verity, Chief
Executive of Welcome to Yorkshire, said, “We
opening ceremony and team presentation at
three number 1 albums, six top ten singles
know how keen millions of people are to
the Leeds Arena, and a chance for spectators
and over two million UK album sales behind
make sure they get a chance to be part of the
to become a part of history. Defending
them. Embrace frontman Danny McNamara
Tour de France coming to Yorkshire and their
champion Chris Froome and sprint sensation
said, “It’s going to be amazing: to have one of
first opportunity will be at the Opening
Mark Cavendish will be among top cycling
the biggest annual sporting events in the
Ceremony and Team Presentation on
stars to greet the crowd on July 3, as Yorkshire
world coming to our back yard and to be part
Thursday July 3. Thousands of people will be
welcomes 22 of the world’s best cycling
of it is nothing short of massive, we’re really
able to see these cycling stars up close and
teams in a glittering ceremony showcasing
looking forward to it!” Girls Aloud star
hear from them, witnessing a moment in
some of the county’s top entertainment
Kimberley Walsh will join York singer/
history and making the Tour’s arrival an
talent.
songwriter Alistair Griffin on stage to perform
unforgettable experience.” The show will be
the track he wrote called The Road – the
broadcast around the world, with a special
event, which will be their first arena gig since
official anthem of Yorkshire’s Grand Départ
programme in the UK on ITV 4.
their recent sell-out comeback tour and
2014. Kimberley, Girls Aloud, said, “It is going
album. Their latest album went straight into
to be a night to remember and one where we
Yorkshire band Embrace will headline the
12
the national album chart at number 5.
For more information visit:
www.letouryorkshire.com/tickets.
www.oe-mag.com
OE PROMOTIONAL FEATURE
OFFERING A RICH
LANDSCAPE FOR
ACTIVE BREAKS
S
ituated in the sparkling blue
Mediterranean Sea, bathed in crisp
sunshine and boasting breathtaking
natural beauty, Malta is the ideal
destination for an active break.
Whether cutting through the rugged landscape
on new cycling routes, taking in azure coasts and
picturesque villages on newly designed rural
walks, rock climbing amidst majestic cliffs,
kayaking on calm turquoise waters, or diving into
the deep to discover a hidden underwater world
of wrecks and beautiful sea-life, Malta offers
everything for the outdoor enthusiast.
Small and perfectly formed, Malta and Gozo
are both easily explored on two wheels, and with
new cycling routes launched throughout the
islands, there really is no better way to discover
the beauty of Malta than by mountain bike. As
part of a recent initiative, the islands now boast a
network of cycling routes and suggested
itineraries that take in the island’s most stunning
natural sights and most fascinating historical sites.
Stretches of track of varying difficulty allows for
visitors of all kinds of abilities to breathe the fresh
air swept off the sea, gaze upon sublime vistas,
and drink in centuries of history.
14
OUTDOOR ENTHUSIAST JULY
MARCH
/ AUGUST
2013 2014
Taking in hotels, tourist attractions and leisure
stops, the network of tracks can be explored at
leisure depending on ability and preference,
whether as single itineraries, a combination of
routes, or a day trip. From families with children to
groups of dedicated enthusiasts, Malta provides
everything you’ll need for an invigorating and
inspiring cycling holiday.
If you prefer to discover new places with both
feet firmly on the ground, then a long walk or hike
is the perfect way to raise fitness levels while
taking in the culture and scenery.
Escape to the beautiful rural idyll of Malta and
Gozo and embark on a journey that sees you
discover local customs and cuisine, experience
day to day village life, and immerse yourself in a
laid back and friendly culture that is at once
steeped in history and tradition. With new walking
routes recently mapped out, there is no easier
way to enjoy the islands than to embark on a walk
that takes in striking beaches, historic sites, scenic
spots, walks, beautiful churches and picturesque
villages. Why not try the Neolithic Temples Walk,
which takes in and centres on Malta’s famous
prehistoric religious temples which are said to be
the oldest free-standing structures on Earth. Or
take the Fawwara Walk, where you can start your
day high in the clouds looking out on the
Mediterranean Sea at Dingli Cliffs, and end it
enjoying local seafood and watching colourful
boats bob merrily in the small valley of Wied
iz-Zurrieq. With year round sunshine and a
temperate climate, there is no time of year that
isn’t ideal for walking in Malta.
To explore the islands by sea, there is nothing
quite like the sights seen aboard a boat and Malta
has a dazzling array available. If you’re hungry for
the need for speed and want to feel your
adrenaline rush as you skim across clear blue
water, then Malta offers a range of Water-skiing,
Para-gliding and Para-kiting opportunities to many
ability levels, as well as power boat racing. If you
prefer a slower pace, then why not charter a yacht
and spend a day snorkelling alongside the Azure
window or exploring hidden coves.
For those who want to take the keel into their
own hands, then sea kayaking is perfect for
experiencing Malta’s shorelines in an active, but
unhurried way. For the uninitiated, a day tour that
visits unspoilt beaches and diving spots and
includes a leisurely picnic lunch is the ideal option,
while experienced individuals or couples can just
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viewingmalta.com/kurt arrigo
launch off on their own to paddle serenely over
clear waters and spot the exquisite flora and fauna
below.
With a diverse marine life and a seabed
scattered with the captivating remains from some
of the most famous shipwrecks in the world, Malta’s
underwater culture is just begging to be explored.
Voted the top diving destination in the
Mediterranean, Malta’s safe clear waters – there are
no tides or dangerous currents - warm sea
temperatures and beautiful underwater wrecks and
reefs means that diving is a must-do activity when
visiting the islands.
With long stretches of craggy cliffs and rocky
outcrops stretching high into the hot sky and
dropping more than 100m into the deep cool sea,
the Maltese Islands offer a huge range of
opportunities for rock climbing enthusiasts.
Whether abseiling, bouldering or deep water
soloing, Malta boasts over 1,500 established rock
climbing routes in about 30 different climbing
areas as well as unexplored virgin rock for the truly
adventurous. Easily accessible and with trained
instructors on hand, Malta’s crags and cliffs offer all
kinds of exhilarating and challenging experiences
for all kinds of levels.
www.oe-mag.com
THE ROLEX MIDDLE SEA RACE - 13/10/14 - 25/10/14 (11:00-23:00)
The Rolex Middle Sea Race is a highly rated offshore classic, often mentioned in the same breath as
the Rolex Fastnet, The Rolex Sydney - Hobart and Newport-Bermuda as a 'must do' race.
The start of the Rolex Middle Sea Race on the 13th October is from the Grand Harbour in the waters
opposite the Saluting Battery in Valletta and Fort St. Angelo is Birgu as thousands of people gather on
either side of this imposing harbour to enjoy this spectacle of sail. www.rolexmiddlesearace.com
THE MDINA GRAND PRIX - 09/10/14 - 12/10/14 (08:00-17:00)
The Mdina Grand Prix 2014 will be held this year between 9th October and 12th October. As late
summer beckons the arrival of early autumn, the Mdina street track, set in the idyllic countryside
beneath the imposing basstions of the Old Capital City, will be host, for the fourth successive year, to
the Mdina Grand Prix, promising a magical weekend of classic car racing on the various cultural and
other activties being organised for overseas participants and their guest over the preceding days.
For more information visit www.vallettagp.com
JULY / AUGUST
MARCH 2014
2013 OUTDOOR ENTHUSIAST
15
CHARITY
Charity Challenge
INSPIRATIONAL OUTDOOR FUNDRAISING EVENTS AND INITIATIVES
JOIN THE TOUR THIS
SUMMER
Why not embrace your inner Bradley Wiggins this year and raise some money for
charity at the same time? A multi-stage 180 mile road cycling challenge from York,
including some of the areas being covered in the Tour de France this summer, could be
your challenge if you choose to accept it. Being staged by the NSPCC, the event will run
from 19th – 20th July 2014 and will cover 180 miles, climbing 10,000 feet; join the
new influx of cyclists all catching the cycling bug this summer. In turn, this unique ride
gives amateur cyclists the ‘pro experience’ racing on a closed road circuit with
motorcycle outriders, domestiques, mechanics and soigneurs plus a comprehensive
pre-event training program and coaching sessions. Minimum sponsorship for the event
Stonehenge to
Avebury
Trekathon
If you are a keen walker and enjoy the
great British outdoors, why not take part
in a 26 mile trek from Stonehenge to
Avebury in aid of Macmillan Cancer
Support, on Saturday 2nd August?
Get those walking boots firmly on and
sign up here:
www.macmillan.org.uk/get-involved.
is £49, so if this is something you might fancy take a look at www.nspcc.org.uk for
further details.
FLY OVER SNOWDONIA
Teenage
Cancer Trust
is getting
involved in
Europe’s
longest and fastest zipline in Snowdonia,
later this year in August. Being hailed as the
“the nearest thing to flying” this is
something for any adrenaline junkie to get
stuck into. Taking place within the Penrhyn
Quarry in Snowdonia, the zipwire is a mile
long in length, with speeds of 100mph
expected. There are two zipwires; firstly
‘little zipper’ will take you down to the
bottom of the quarry, reaching speeds of up
to 40mph. Participation in the little zipper
first provides some useful progression. When
you get to the bottom of the quarry you will
then pick up your specialised vehicle for a
quarry tour in what was once the largest
slate quarry in the world, before zip lining
back down the ‘big zipper’ for a mile,
reaching speeds of up to 100mph. This is a
UK first and will be taking place on the 2nd
August 2014. To get involved, visit:
www.teenagecancertrust.org.
24 PEAKS IN 24 HOURS
Do you fancy taking on 24 peaks in 24
mountains in the UK, it’s the perfect
hours? If so, take a look at this challenge
location to take on a challenge this
taking place from the 8th-10th August
physically and mentally demanding. It
across the Lake District. Participants will
includes long days of trekking, but if you
climb the iconic Scafell Pike along with
think you are up for it take a look at:
numerous other scenic summits.
http://www.charitychallenge.com/
Being in the home of the most rugged
16
expedition/1780/24-Peaks-in-24-hours.
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SPONSORED BY
www.buffwear.co.uk
TOP TWEETS
In anticipation of a sunny weekend @OEMagazine
asked: what outdoor activities have you got planned
for this weekend?
#running, running and some more running, maybe
some #cycling & most definitely some
#slacklining... oh and walk the doggies
Shaun Faulkner @faulkner368
Some trail running on Saturday in the North York
Moors and then Mountain Biking on Sunday…
Can’t wait..!
SOCIAL MEDIA
OUR
FAVOURITE
OUTDOOR
TWEETS:
#GETOUTDOORS
TESSA HILL
@TESSAHILL
‘Just’ another day in the
mountains. @Arcteryx @SilvaUK
Reuben @ReubenTabner
Black Mountains, almost on our doorstep here,
beautiful #welshmountains
Credit to Tessa Hill
WeatherProof Paper @wetweatherpaper
Manchester airport....20 mins away and gateway
to a world of mountains :)
MyOutdoors @MyOutdoors
KERIM MORRIS
@KMADVENCUTEBLOG
A break in the mist
on Snowdon
Check out @OrdnanceSurvey
guide to using maps
#outdoors. http://www.
ordnancesurvey.co.uk/
blog/2014/05/fun-ways-touse-maps-outdoors/ …
#geocaching #orienteering
BMC WALK TALK
@BMC_WALK
Only 17% of Brits have ever
climbed a mountain, say
@TravelodgeUK. Are we a
bunch of scaredy cats?
HELLO
A BIG HELLO TO OUR NEW FOLLOWERS
@oli_broom
@NoHangingAround
@ldshield
@Fieldbarnpark
@YHAOfficial
@UltimatOutdoor
@septemberlegs
@EleRhi
@HLindenberger
@HHTrailTeam
@KeswickFestival
@GardeningGent
@RobJGreenfield
@ThomEdCollis
plus hundreds more...
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BRITAINONFOOT
@BRITAINONFOOT
THE RAMBLERS
@RAMBLERSGB
Happy #volunteersweek! We
want to say a huge thank you
to all our amazing volunteers.
We’d be lost without you.
19
BOOK REVIEWS
Outdoor
Bookshelf
Never Again
By Jeremy Cameron
RRP £12.99
This is a great read,
very comical and
light-hearted but with
a strong theme
running through it; a
love of walking.
Jeremy Cameron, who
has written numerous
other titles all based
around the
Walthamstow area,
has produced a novel entitled ‘Never Again’
centred around a walk he tries to recreate from
1933, when Patrick Leigh Fermor walked from
Hook of Holland to Istanbul. Cameron, who has a
heart condition, in no way mirrors Fermor’s
health, as he was a war hero and historically a
pretty tough guy. This was a little far-fetched, but
an incredible challenge to set yourself by any
means. To give you a better idea of Cameron’s
character the following passage is very fitting:
“Elderly British men display a variety of annoying
habits. They write letters to the newspapers; they
drink too much; they reminisce about the old
days; they make lewd comments to younger
women; they shout at the television screen; they
go for long walks and get lost. Jeremy Cameron
chose the last of these options.” Jeremy has a
very direct and witty writing style, he details his
entire trip in a very blunt way and likes to rant including a very British rant about tea, which I
particularly enjoyed: “Finding a nominal cup of
tea is not the same, of course, as finding a proper
cup of tea. That’s the main trouble with abroad:
they just don’t know about tea… I always
remember to my horror the first time I ever
bought a cup of tea in a French bar. At first I
thought I had got someone else’s order, then I
thought perhaps I had gone colour blind. A glass
of what appeared to be (and indeed was) warm
water was placed on my table.” This is one of the
many insights into Jeremy’s life you can read
about in this very funny book, detailing his
challenging 128 day trek, which he proclaimed
he would do “never again”. ESB
www.oe-mag.com
Wild Running
By Jen and Sim Bensen
RRP £16.99
Do you consider yourself a bit of a
wild runner? Wild Things Publishing
have produced a rather beautifully
presented book detailing perfect
trails and fells to explore in the UK. It
goes without saying that trail and fell
running is a hell of a lot more exciting
than running at your local gym, but
you might not be aware of exactly
where you can go. In this book, the
country is divided into regions, and
each region has very clearly labelled
routes; 150 routes to be exact, which
include runs through mountains,
forests and along coastal tracks. Like
all Wild Things publications the
photography is stand alone,
absolutely faultless and makes you
want to be in these amazing locations
straight away. Now we are entering
the height of the summer months,
why not give it a go? One run that
particularly stood out to me, entitled
‘Peel to Port Erin’ on the Isle of Man,
consists of 13 and half miles with a
total ascent of 1324 miles and
appears to offer some stunning
scenery. At the front of the book
there is also a really helpful section
detailing the ‘best of…’, for example
‘best of urban escapes’, which as
expected showcases the best places
to escape the city and enter into the
great outdoors. ESB
Walking the
Literary
Landscape
By Ian Hamilton
and Diane
Roberts
RRP £12.95
This new book
published by
Vertebrate
Publishing
showcases
fantastic walks
but also injects
a burst of culture, with every walk
detailed having a nice link to a certain
classic novel. Beautifully detailed, the
walks include Bassenthwaite Lake &
Dodd, which is connected to Alfred
Lord Tennyson’s infamous poem Morte
d’Arthur, nicely describing an almost 5
mile jaunt around the Lake District
area. If you’re more of a Dickens fan
then Carrock Fell might appeal, which
is where Charles Dickens actually
enjoyed walking himself, again in the
glorious surroundings of the Lake
District; a slightly shorter route, at 3.2
miles. The lakes are generally a hotspot
for literature, forming the backdrop for
many other famous tales, including
stories by Beatrice Potter and poetry
from William Wordsworth. Moving
away from the Lake District and into
the Peak District and South Pennines
region, walks include the Hurst Green
& Stonyhurst College area, which is the
countryside reputed to have been the
inspiration behind one of the most
famous stories in the world: JRR
Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings; or perhaps a
walk around Daresbury, the area that
inspired Lewis Carroll’s Alice in
Wonderland? If that doesn’t get your
literary taste buds tingling and your
walking boots on, then I’m sure nothing
will. ESB
21
FAMILY FOCUS
Family Focus
FAMILY MAN AND AVID OUTDOOR ENTHUSIAST READER Chris Woodcock
EXPLAINS WHY HE BELIEVES IT IS SO IMPORTANT FOR CHILDREN TO
EXPERIENCE THE GREAT OUTDOORS.
AS A CHILD WERE YOU
ENCOURAGED TO GET
OUTDOORS?
puddles! It’s helped his motor skills, his
Yes, I’ve always enjoyed being outdoors and
flowers and weeds as well as describing the
had an active interest in nature. My dad was
weather and colours. We go away to rural
in the forces so we moved around a fair bit
places on holiday so we can explore
and I’ve been lucky enough to live in a
somewhere new.
fitness and his speech because he can name
a few different bird species and common
variety of areas, from rural East Anglia to the
shoved outside as soon as I finished
HOW DO YOU ENSURE YOUR
SON IS SAFE WHEN OUT AND
ABOUT ON YOUR WALKS?
breakfast with orders not to be seen again
I can’t really think of any dangerous
until tea time! We built dens, explored, went
situations we’ve been in and I try to avoid
on bike rides, climbed trees and got shouted
them as his safety is my responsibility and I
at for climbing on hay bales.
don’t want the guilt of an accident being my
rugged Cornish coast, then finally ending up
in beautiful Shropshire. I grew up being
fault. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t wrap him in
IN YOUR OPINION, HOW
IMPORTANT IS IT FOR
CHILDREN TO BE OUT IN THE
FRESH AIR?
cotton wool, I allow him to investigate
It’s really important for kids to get outside
experience! I guess I ensure his safety with
and there are obvious health benefits. If
good old common sense, I don’t allow him to
there are others present it also develops
climb anything too high unless I’m holding
social skills. Let’s face it, it’s the youngsters
onto him and when we are at the edge of
of today that will be the policy makers of
water we hold hands while he throws stones
tomorrow, so if they are not fit and healthy,
in, as he loves the ‘plop’ sound.
whatever he likes, climbing tree roots and
throwing sticks and things - he knows why
we don’t touch nettles or thorns through
with respect for the world we live in, what
hope is there?
AS A FATHER, HOW DID YOU
INTRODUCE YOUR CHILD TO
THE OUTDOORS?
WHAT IS YOUR FAILSAFE PIECE
OF EQUIPMENT YOU TAKE
WITH YOU WHEN YOU ARE
OUT?
I always take a small rucksack with
My son is just over two years old now and
waterproofs, warm layers, water, sun cream,
was taken out in the buggy daily from day
hats and nappies and food, which can be
one, then in the baby carrier backpack and
used for emergencies or more often to bribe
now whenever you ask what he wants to do
him when he complains he’s too tired to
you get the same answer: “outside dadda
carry on walking! Lad and dad walks on a
walk walk”, whatever the weather! He can
Saturday really are the highlight of my week.
now walk 2-3 miles comfortably on his own;
I’ve never seen a child so obsessed with
22
Chris spoke to Emily Sexton-Brown.
www.oe-mag.com
Mountain
Food
HEALTH & NUTRITION
WHEN IT COMES TO SPENDING THE DAY (OR DAYS) IN THE
MOUNTAINS, WHAT DO YOU EAT? YOUR TRIP MAY BE ONLY
BE A FIVE HOUR LOOP OF THE LAKES OR WELSH
MOUNTAINS, OR IT COULD BE A TWO DAY EVENT WITH BIVI
BAGS IN THE CAIRNGORMS. Ian Craig DISCUSSES EATING.
I
’m at least going to assume that you’re going to
lucozade in sight; nor any brand products that
tomato, cucumber, olives, bell pepper, feta cheese,
be out in the elements for a longer period than
promise instant energy.
olive oil and balsamic vinegar (stored in a small jar
for which a mug of coffee will suffice.
Let’s start with the main nutrients that you
MAIN MEALS
to avoid the salad going soft). Serve with
wholegrain or rye bread.
will need as fuel. If we study a bit of exercise
Sandwiches offer a convenient and easy-to-eat
physiology, we’ll soon realise that our long
mountain option for a main meal, especially when
SNACKS
distance fuel is, without a shadow of a doubt, FAT!
you’re ducking behind a cairn in 50mph winds.
Your backpack should also be filled with lots of
Look at Figure 1 below - it’s very clear that
But, consider quality: sourdough Polish rye bread
nice snack options - remember, better to have too
carbohydrates (CHO) are needed for high intensity
is a far cry from Hovis superwhite; farm-style goats
much than too little. Always allow a ration portion
aerobic and anaerobic exercise - an increasingly
cheese is superior to orange processed cheese
in case of emergency. Here are some snack ideas
high proportion of your energy comes from carbs
strips; and 100% roast beef would actually be a
- the only brands that you’ll find are healthy ones:
as the exercise becomes more intense. On the
better choice than my old favourite, corned beef!
other hand, if you’re out for an all day trek, you
So far, I have talked about macronutrients - the
want volume, not rate of energy, so your food
fat, protein and carbohydrates, which provide fuel
must contain a decent amount of fat.
to the body. Then there is phytonutrition - fruits
and vegetables and so-called superfoods. Using
the analogy of a car, macronutrients are the petrol,
but if the dynamics of the internal combustion are
not working well, the petrol is used very
inefficiently. Phytonutrients, including the
vitamins and minerals that are interwoven, are
essential to the inner workings of our body. For
• Dried Fruit - figs, mango, dates (dates can be
stuffed with peanut butter for a tasty treat)
• Nuts - almonds, cashews, brazils, walnuts,
hazelnuts
• Vegetables - carrot sticks and pepper strips
• Seed packs - pumpkin, sunflower, sesame
(you can buy small mixed packs in health shops)
• Cheese - if not in a sandwich, blocks of
cheese in a sandwich bag
• Biltong - not common in the UK, but if you are
example: to make fuel into energy, our
close to a South African shop it’s one of the best
mitochondria need B-vitamins, magnesium, zinc,
mountain snacks by far
CoQ10 and a host of other micronutrients to
complete the conversion. That is why we need our
veggies - even, or should I say especially, on the
mountain.
With fat in mind, one of my favourite mountain
• Fruit - apples, bananas, oranges
• Bars - there are some lovely bars, packed with
nuts, dried fruit and protein powders
Some of you may be wondering about
foil-packed expedition foods. There are a number
Tupperware containers can contain superb
of companies that produce them, but in my mind,
foods has always been corned beef and cheddar
non-sandwich alternatives. Use these containers
these only come into their own after at least two
cheese sandwiches, with a smear of pickle. That’s
to store last night’s dinner, a nice salad and/or a
days of trekking, when weight is more of a
one way of squeezing in as much fat as possible,
selection of snacky items. Here are a few meal
consideration. You will undoubtedly gain more in
with some slow-releasing carbs - of course, you
ideas:
terms of nutrition by staying with fresh food as
have to choose a nice wholegrain or rye bread.
Add some lettuce or rocket, tomato and cucumber
and you also have a few phytonutrients (more on
this later).
This very much forms the basis of mountain
food - some fat, some protein, some slowreleasing carbs and some vegetables and fruit. No
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• Stir-fried chicken with vegetables and brown
rice
• Sautéed salmon, steamed green vegetables
and sweet potato
• Roast lamb and roast veggies - e.g. carrot,
parsnips, aubergine, courgettes, sweet potatoes
• Tuna Nicoise - a tin of tuna, lettuce, rocket,
long as you can. But if you are heading for a
multi-day outing, carefully inspect the ingredients
list on these freeze-dried foods - you are looking
to maximise on the real food ingredients and
minimise on the additives, (which are the big
words you don’t understand)!
Happy hiking! oe
23
PRODUCT SHOWCASES
LOWE ALPINE
CALDERA
JACKET
What’s HoT
Product
Showcases
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WITH THE MIO CYCLO™ 505
The easy-to-use bicycle navigation device sports a
stylish flat screen and comes with built-in WIFI and
Bluetooth™ 4.0. You are always connected with the
wireless Shimano Di2 support, indoor trainer support
with actual track resistance, music control, call and
text message alerts
and even the ability
to answer incoming
calls. With bicycle
and road maps
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are able to get
started right out of
the box. Check
more information
at www.mio.com
LOWE ALPINE
AIRZONE QUEST 37
The latest version of Lowe
Alpine’s best-selling AirZone
trekking and mountain walking
backpacks gain a softer bodycontact mesh for the breathable
mesh back system, while the
Adaptive Fit shoulder strap design
now ensures the harness adapts to
any body shape. Weighing just 1.2kg the Quest
features easy-access side entry to the main body,
harness and hip belt pockets, plus plenty of external
gear stowage options.The special trekking pole
attachment secures any type of pole and the highquality nylon fabric gives incredible tear resistance
due to its unique silicone content. RRP £90.00. Visit
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24
The Caldera Jacket is a
summer soft shell garment
designed with a slim, formed
fit for minimal bulk, and weighs
just 415g. It uses a tough nylon/
poly stretch version of Lowe
Alpine’s Stormweave fabric to
give wind and water resistance
with freedom of movement.
Designed to give mountain protection with high
breathability, the Caldera features a hood that fits
under a helmet and three external pockets. RRP £90.00.
Visit www.lowealpine.com for more information.
HOBO STOVE
Place this Hobo Stove™
accessory on to the fire
base of your ‘Base Camp’
or ‘Scout’ Kettle to create
a highly effective wood
fired Camp Stove. Any
size pot or pan can be
used on the Hobo Stove™.
Takes up no extra space...
it fits neatly inside the fire base of your kettle for
storage. In fact, the new cup set fits inside our cook
pot, which fits inside the Hobo, which fits inside the
fire base. Made from Stainless Steel.
Note: This Hobo stove will not fit the fire base of the
smaller ‘Trekker’ Kettle.
Visit www.kellykettle.com for more information.
SPRAYWAY
GRENDAL
HYBRID
JACKET
Since 1974 we have been
keeping you warm, dry and
comfortable in all conditions
and all locations. The new
Grendel jacket is no different.
An insulated Gore®
WindStopper® and stretch side
panelled hybrid mountain jacket
that is as at home on the
mountain as it is on the trails. With features
comprising a mountain hood and athletic fit with
stretch sleeves & cuffs, 4 pockets (including stuff
sac inner pocket) and an adjustable drawcord hem;
the Grendal is a must have. For more information
call 0161 366 5020 or visit www.sprayway.com
www.oe-mag.com
DISCOVER GORGE WALKING
Discover...
g
n
i
k
l
a
W
e
g
r
o
G
A MIX OF SCRAMBLING AND WILD SWIMMING; CARL DURHAM, DIRECTOR
OF BLACK MOUNTAIN ACTIVITIES IN POWYS, DESCRIBES THIS
ADVENTUROUS OUTDOOR CHALLENGE.
G
orge walking has become very
guided up a river by an instructor, where they
you’ll need to hire a guide familiar with the area
popular throughout the UK,
get to jump into the river, crawl behind
and ensure you have the correct safety
with Wales one of the premier
waterfalls, scramble up cascades and explore
equipment.
locations. Available all year
holes in the ground. If they’ve got the nerve
round - although summer is
they’ll also have the opportunity to jump from
Black Mountain Activities have been offering
warmer the rivers are at full
height into deep pools. It’s physically
gorge walking in the Brecon Beacons for 25
level in winter - gorge walkers are kitted up with
demanding, exhilarating and ideal for groups,
years. Find out more from them at
wetsuits, buoyancy aids and helmets, then
but in order to avoid running into difficulties
http://www.blackmountain.co.uk/
Enthusiasts
For everything you need to know about gorge walking visit:
www.adventureswales.co.uk
www.adventurebritain.com/gorge-walking
www.nationaltrust.org.uk
www.arranadventure.com/Activities/Gorge-Scrambling
www.lostearthadventures.co.uk/gorge-walking
www.ciadventures.com/canyoning
Equipment
www.riverdeepmountainhigh.co.uk/activities.aspx/general/kitlist
Events
Ironbridge Gorge Walking Festival www.visitironbridge.co.uk/walkingfestival
www.moraywalkingfestival.co.uk/events
www.oe-mag.com
25
INTERVIEW
TERRY
ABRAHAM
A SELF CONFESSED OUTDOOR OBSESSIVE,
TERRY ABRAHAM HAS TAKEN HIS PASSION
FOR THE OUTDOORS AND PUT IT ON THE BIG
SCREEN IN ORDER TO SHARE HIS FASCINATION
WITH THE WORLD. Emily Sexton-Brown
GLIMPSES BEHIND THE CURTAIN.
Terry’s latest creation Life of a Mountain:
so she’d often take me to museums and other
important aspect of Terry’s life. When asked
Scafell Pike premièred at Rheged and a shorter
places of interest along with reading a great
why he decided to base his film on Scafell
version was shown at the Keswick Mountain
deal of reading books about our history. I
Pike he says, “I’ve always has a special affinity
Festival earlier this year. When asked about
think both of them taught me to enjoy and
with the Scafells and their people and culture.
the audience reaction Terry comments, “I
appreciate all levels of our countryside.”
I often joke that I’m sure I was born a
guess it was a triumph. It all passed me by in a
When Terry was the tender age of 13, he
shepherd in a previous life! I’m never happier
blur to be honest. Hearing the audience laugh,
visited the Lake District for the very first time.
than when camping out on the fells. I adore
cheer and cry at the film gave me such a thrill.
He recalls, “I was in awe of the fells - in fact I
the Scafells, but not out of some blind
Made all the blood, sweat and tears
was desperate to ascend as many peaks as
patriotism or the fact they are England’s
worthwhile, believe me.” He continued, “I
possible and camp out on them!” Passionate
highest tops. I can’t explain why they make me
don’t seek the limelight. I just wish to be out
about outdoors since a youngster, Terry
feel the way they do; I’m no Wordsworth,
on the fells doing what I do. Inevitably of
explained why his enthusiasm soon became
Coleridge or Byron I’m afraid.” He then speaks
course I will have to deal with things like
his career: “It was only after a health scare in
about the Scafells in great depth and his
festivals, screenings and interviews. I don’t
my twenties that my love for the countryside
reasoning behind the film, stating, “I’ve always
mind that so much. I’m a sociable bloke. But
turned into an obsession. I felt compelled to
wanted to see a video featuring the Scafells
it’s not something I seek at all.”
spend more and more time outdoors, thinking,
through the seasons. The idea of that whets
we only get one short life on this earth and I
my appetite to enjoy a scenic spectacle. At
want to make the most of it.”
night too! The area is just as wonderful in the
INTRODUCTION TO THE
OUTDOORS
Hailing from Newark, Nottinghamshire,
A LIFE LONG AFFAIR
Sherwood Forest is Terry’s old stomping
Being in the outdoors is obviously a hugely
ground, in fact he had a very strong link to the
forest itself, he explains, “My grandfather, who
was an immigrant, worked as a gamekeeper in
Sherwood Forest and his love for the British
countryside had a profound effect on me.
We’d regularly go on walks in the forests and
fields of Sherwood, observe wildlife and even
camp out at night. My grandmother was also
an immigrant and she adored British culture
26
dark hours. But the Scafells are much more
than simply a sight to behold. Equally, the
people are important too. So combining the
scenic delights of the Scafells along with the
“I FELT COMPELLED TO
SPEND MORE AND MORE
TIME OUTDOORS,
THINKING, WE ONLY GET
ONE SHORT LIFE ON THIS
EARTH AND I WANT TO
MAKE THE MOST OF IT.”
local farmers, rangers, MRT and well-known
faces who frequent the area seemed the
logical way to go about producing my film.”
Terry obviously felt it was of vital
importance to portray an accurate
representation of Scafell Pike, he reveals,
“Watching the Lakes on TV or DVD, I always
felt frustrated that the areas covered were
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never done any justice. Most TV crews are
on a daily or hourly rate, turn up, film and go
home. As a backpacker I know how good
these places can look, so I always felt I could
truly capture how world-class our
landscapes can be, while camping on the
tops and watching and waiting with my
video camera.”
BACK ON SOLID GROUND
There is no denying that Terry has a real love
for the outdoors, but when asked what his
biggest achievement to date was, he replied,
“Getting married to my wife, Sue. I was a bit
of a ‘Jack the Lad’ until I met her in my late
twenties. She’s brought a great deal of
stability into my life and faith and trust,
which I’ll always be grateful for.”
Prying into his earlier life, I asked what
got him into filming in the first place, he
said, “I always had an interest in video and
am considered a bit of a film buff. Alas,
being a working-class lad I never had the
opportunity (or at least be able to afford) to
play about with camcorders or edit suites to
enable me to get into filmmaking. Despite
being academically bright and considered a
talented illustrator, I never got the chance in
further education to chase my dream of
being a filmmaker.” He continues, “It’s only
in the past few years that technology has
enabled me to afford video equipment, edit
on a PC and showcase work on YouTube to
audiences. My two passions in life have
combined to lead me on the path I’m on
today! It’s been hard work learning the craft
of filmmaking but I’m sure it’s all been worth
it.”
LIFE BEHIND THE LENS
Being totally self taught, Terry has obviously
met a few challenges along the way but
always manages to produce stunning and
vivid films and photography. “It’s been a
steep learning curve I have to say! But an
enjoyable one none the less, I guess my
artistic ability with drawing and painting
helps me a great deal. I’d love to take up
painting again one day! But knowing what
makes a pretty picture and how to create
that helps me with my video work- albeit I
www.oe-mag.com
27
INTERVIEW
don’t create the scenes, I have to capture
Cairngorms as some backdrop or playground
film was well received. It still astonishes me
them. It all comes instinctively to me. I
for action and gung-ho climbing.” Oddly
now. But the experience of working on that
couldn’t possibly explain the hows and
enough, he then goes on to criticise his own
helped me tremendously as I began filming
whys. I just follow my heart to be honest. If it
work, stating, “The film is far from perfect on
properly on my ‘baby’ - the Scafells.”
looks good, I film it. If not, I walk on or wait.”
many levels. I hate most of it in fact! But I
I ended by asking the question I tend to
Commenting on his own work, “I guess I
only had 50-60 days or so to film around
ask everyone, “So, Terry are you an outdoor
have a signature style with my work, but I’m
there. An area I’ve never visited before and
enthusiast?”, he answers, “I’m more than an
not consciously aware of it in truth. I’m just
in the height of winter! Furthermore, I was
enthusiast. It’s who I am. I belong outdoors. I
lucky that it resonates with audiences. After
constantly learning how one goes about
feel like a caged animal when at home or in
all, without the public I’m a nobody. It’s
filming, editing a feature-length video. That
a town. I need to be outdoors or I become a
sharing the sights I see with them on social
was tough. And I’m pleased as a result the
recluse.”
networks or video that gives me the biggest
thrill.”
When asked about the time required to
edit the films, he responds, “I edited the
Scafells film in about 6 weeks in total. That
included sound mixing and rendering
various formats for presentation. I’d be at my
desk for 20 hours a day. No joke. Alas, I did
have tight deadlines to adhere to. Some say
‘it’s all in the editing’. Aye, that’s true up to a
point.” Terry’s previous film The Caingorms in
Winter with Chris Townsend was a huge
success and I asked him if he ever imagined
it would go down as well as it did. “Not at all.
These things are subjective. We don’t all like
DVD: www.stridingedge.com/catalogue/scafell_pike.html
Digital download: www.steepedge.com/categories/trekking-walking-travel/life-of-a-mountain-
the same films do we? I felt what I wanted to
scafell-pike.html
see may not prove to be so enjoyable for
From 1st June the film will be shown every day until the end of October on the IMAX screen at
others. I wanted to focus on the landscape
www.rheged.com
with Chris as a guide - not film the
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29
FEATURE BIKEPACKING
Riding
High
Tom Hutton PEDALS DEEP INTO THE HEART OF THE CAIRNGORMS ON A TWO
DAY BIKEPACK THAT WAS A LITTLE MORE CHALLENGING THAN EXPECTED.
T
he one essential ingredient in any good epic is that
took over and she (wo)manned up to the job, choosing to soldier on
something goes wrong. I’m not talking about anything
weakly and in pain in preference to two days in the mountains in bad
quite as catastrophic as Joe Simpson’s unbelievable
weather. We pressed Go.
escape in Touching the Void or Aron Ralston’s gruesome
The faffing however, had cost us a morning. So it was lunchtime by
tale told in Between a Rock and a Hard Place. But let’s be
the time we hit the first sweet singletrack trail at Feshiebridge. This,
honest here, an outdoor adventure story that reads ‘we
plus Steph’s necessarily rather pedestrian pace, made it obvious from
went into the hills and had a nice time’ is hardly likely to capture the
the start that we weren’t going to make our planned camp at the Fords
imagination as much as one with a few mishaps.
of Avon by nightfall. If we had realised that we wouldn’t actually reach
This is good news really, because this story definitely had its
mishaps.
They started, in fact, even before the adventure did, when I noticed
a huge crack in my chainstay (part of the frame near the back wheel for
it until late afternoon on day two, we probably would have quit there
and then.
But we didn’t.
Instead, we rolled our way slowly down the glen, soaking up some
non-cyclists). This would be game-over for a normal mountain bike ride
of Britain’s most sumptuous scenery, with the mighty Feshie river to
let alone a two day, 100km+ expedition into very rough terrain,
our right and almost endless picturesque Caledonian pine forest to our
carrying overnight gear and food. Fortunately, Aviemore’s excellent
left. The newly-laid path weaved a fun line between woodland and
Bothy Bikes came to the rescue and hired me a rather nice Ibis Ripley,
water, and a warm afternoon sun lifted our spirits. But then trouble
full-suspension all-mountain bike that may as well have been built
struck. Steph’s discomfort turned to crippling cramp and her legs were
specifically for the trip we were about to undertake.
struggling to keep the pedals turning. Should we turn back? Probably.
Sadly our problems weren’t over yet though: the next hiccup was to
have a far bigger bearing on the outcome. Somehow, during our pre
But we didn’t.
Instead I took all the luggage from her bike and attached it to mine
bikepack carb-loading session – read huge meal ‘cos we like our food’
and we plodded on aiming to go just as far as she could manage before
– partner, Steph, had picked up a nasty dose of food poisoning. We
stopping early and letting her get some sleep. If she felt better
toyed with postponing for a day or two but with a waning forecast and
tomorrow, we’d continue, although it would be a big day. If she didn’t
a journey back south just a few days away, the hardy adventurer in her
we’d simply retrace our tracks and call it quits. The trail turned east
30
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beneath Craig na Caillich and the scenery became even more stunning
Geldie watershed it would be downhill all the way. But the climb to the
as we got our first views deep into the heart of the Cairngorms. We stuck
highpoint proved to be just as depressingly peaty and we just ran out of
at it with grim determination, and although I was feeling the extra
go. We backtracked to a grassy riverbank and it was almost dark by the
weight and had slowed considerably, we were actually making good
time we’d eaten and crawled into bed. It had been a long day. Tomorrow
progress. Then we reached what looked like an unavoidable deep and
was going to be longer.
scary-looking ford. One of the golden rules of water crossing is delay
I love bivvying. Falling asleep looking up at the stars is one of life’s
and as the thought of getting wet immediately before stopping to camp,
greatest pleasures. I don’t think I did much star gazing on this particular
didn’t appeal, this then would be our camp. We found an idyllic riverside
night though – I was out like a light.
spot with a grassy floor and a small grove of trees for shelter. While
It was raining when we awoke. No big deal I thought, sure that Steph
Steph fell almost straight asleep, I went exploring and discovered a
was going to want to quit anyway. But she didn’t; and she definitely had
small path that avoided the ford - some good fortune at last.
a bit more spark about her as we set off over the hill again. She even
I was about to crawl into my bivvy for an early night when Steph
took back some of her kit – a relief to me as I could see I was the one
awoke, claimed she felt a lot better and suggested we carried on – a few
that was going to struggle if we carried on as we were. Our patience was
more miles achieved tonight would be a few less tomorrow. I reluctantly
tested to the limit by the next few kilometres and we clambered on and
agreed but not until I’d given some thought to various bail-out options
off the bikes time and time again before finally getting enough help
should things turn worse. We hopped back on our bikes, me now with all
from gravity to roll down to the Geldie Burn and a good track that led us
the gear, and set off again. Steph was definitely moving a bit quicker – or
to Linn of Dee. Our average since breakfast had been little over 3kph,
was it me that had got slower? And the evening sun was gorgeous. We
suddenly we were rolling along at 25-30. This was more like it.
rose out of the forest and out onto the wild, open moorland that formed
the watershed of the Feshie and the Geldie Burn.
The going was lovely: a mix of sweet moorland singletrack and
At Linn of Dee we turned north, up Glen Lui, although we didn’t travel
far before stopping for a brew and a bit of food. It was then that another
realisation dawned on us: we had limited food supplies. We’d planned a
easy-rolling duplex, and I started to believe we might make Linn of Dee
long day, followed by a short day and had stocked up accordingly. We’d
– an arbitrary half-way point - before stopping, but I was soon to be
ended up with a long day, albeit one that didn’t cover much distance,
disappointed again. Suddenly the good going ran out and a rutted, peaty
followed by another long day. Steph was already weak through her bug,
section took over, forcing us off the bikes. With mine now carrying two
and I was tired having done so many miles with all the kit; we were now
person’s worth of camping kit, it was pretty gruelling. A wobbly bridge
as far from the start of the route as were going to get. We tucked into a
over an impressive cascade marked the end of this section and we
few snacks and a cup of hot chocolate and slowly digested our
remained optimistic – especially knowing that once we reached the
predicament. We then got back on.
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31
FEATURE BIKEPACKING
Glen Lui was both easy and lovely – perhaps we wouldn’t find it so
tough after all. It led to the beautiful, wooded Glen Derry, which we
reached just as the sun came out. The combination of mouth-watering
scenery, warm spring sunshine and a well-surfaced path put smiles on both
our faces. We started to believe again. But this was also the biggest single
climb on the whole route and we had no idea how strong Steph’s legs were
feeling. It didn’t take long to work out that they weren’t great. I took her
gear once more and we set off again. Grimaces again replaced the smiles.
We reached the atmospheric Lairig an Laoigh in surprisingly good time
and with some downhill now ahead, things didn’t seem so bad. But we
knew that if we crossed this watershed, we really were committed, whilst if
we turned back now, we could roll downhill all the way back to the
sanctuary of Linn of Dee and Braemar. A look at the map revealed another
20km and around 350m of ascent to the road at Glenmore. If we made it
there we’d have plenty of options. We told ourselves that these statistics
added up to little more than easy spin, which was true on any other day,
but we both knew that it was gone 3pm already and the way things were
panning out, we were going to be up against it to finish tonight at all.
Then things got worse again. The lovely singletrack path we’d followed
up gave way to a rocky horror show that we’d struggle to ride when fit and
without fully loaded bikes and packs. And the hotly anticipated descent to
the Fords of Avon – our original planned camp – turned into a 3km walk.
The crossings themselves were deep and turbulent and we waded through
the icy water using our bikes as props. We stopped by the little emergency
shelter and soaked up a little sunshine, sharing at the same time our last
energy bar and a couple of emergency gels. We then set off northwards
again, not even attempting to ride now, until the trail dipped briefly to
cross another ford. This set us up for the first of two remaining climbs. The
second of which crossed the northern spur of Bynack More, reaching an
altitude of 815m - the highpoint of the whole ride.
As the trail turned tail again, and gravity started to work with us instead
BIKEPACKING GEAR
You can bikepack on any bike but dedicated bikepackers tend to
of against us, we realised that we were still in with a chance. Sure, we still
use hardtail bikes or even fully rigid bikes. We used the same
had over 30km left to the finish, but were currently over 800m above sea
full-suspension, all-mountain style bikes that we usually ride.
level and the finish was little over 200m. And what’s more, there really was
These are heavier but do offer better handling on rough and
little in the way of uphill in between. A 30km descent? Wow! We were
technical trails.
having some of that.
We softened suspension, tightened packs and plummeted - now with a
For camping or bivvying, it’s critical to keep things as light as
possible, so we used alpine climbing style sleeping bags, mats and
final gasp of wind in our sails. We bunny-hopped water bars and skipped
bivvy bags. For cooking, we used a Jetboil between us which we
sweetly down huge granite steps, and we even managed a few brief uphill
used to boil water for dehydrated food.
strokes to gain the Ryvoan Pass above Glenmore. The easy rolling
continued past the azure waters of An Lochan Uaine which looked even
bluer than usual in the evening sunshine; we passed walkers and joggers,
We wore our usual mountain bike gear but also carried an
insulated jacket and a hat for camping.
Whilst it’s possible to carry all your kit in a pack, this isn’t ideal.
reminding us that we’d not seen anyone since Linn of Dee. The smell of
Fortunately you can get dedicated bikepacking luggage systems
chips from Glenmore Lodge almost pulled us off course but we had the bit
now that make it possible to carry most of the kit on the bike itself.
between our teeth now and pressed on, first along the road to Loch Morlich
We used a Wildcat Tiger seat pack and Mountain Lion handlebar
and then on forest tracks into the lovely Rothiemurchus Forest.
harness and an Alpkit Kanga handlebar harness and a Roo pouch.
At Loch an Eilein the forest roads gave way to delightful singletrack and
All these products are used in conjunction with drybags that
our legs responded with a final push that had us both smiling again... and
protect the kit. In our opinion, the Alpkit set-up worked best if you
then suddenly there was the car – we’d made it. We’d been in the saddle
want to keep all the weight up front, especially as a selection of
for over 11 hours. We’d covered over 75 kilometres of pretty technical
pouches can be easily attached. But the Wildcat Tiger seat pack
going, and all that after a tough day the day before. The smiles were more
proved to be our favourite bit of kit, keeping most of the weight
of relief than happiness now: our thoughts turned to food – we hadn’t
on the rear of the bike and allowing us to carry just a light weight
eaten for hours. We should have been tired but we weren’t. Instead we
dry bag on the bars.
were elated. It had been an epic – sure. But would we do it again? Of
www.wildcatgear.co.uk
course we would. oe
www.alpkit.com/bike-luggage
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FEATURE SAXON SHORE WAY
The Saxon
Shore Way
Rudolf Abraham FOLLOWS IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF THE ROMANS ON ONE
OF ENGLAND’S LESSER-KNOWN LONG-DISTANCE FOOTPATHS.
J
ust a few minutes walk up from the busy port of Dover, with the
especially along the North Kent coast, there are also just as many that
stream of cars and trucks being ingested by ferries still visible
aren’t. The Saxon Shore Way crosses one end of the Kent Downs Area of
below, I sit on a bench while Exmoor ponies graze on the lush
Outstanding National Beauty, passes alongside the vast areas of
surrounding grassland and the occasional rabbit hops about in
marshland that encircle the Thames and Medway estuaries, follows the
the undergrowth. Looking to the northeast, the Saxon Shore
course of the River Stour and the edge of Romney Marsh, crosses the
Way stretches back over the magnificent, sheer chalk cliffs of
white chalk cliffs at South Foreland, and takes in a whole raft of SSSIs,
South Foreland – the so-called ‘White Cliffs of Dover’, surely one of the
most iconic spots on the entire British coast, if not in the UK as a whole.
The Saxon Shore Way is a 263km long-distance footpath running from
SPAs and RAMSAR sites.
It is easy to forget that the Thames Estuary, so close to London and the
densely populated southeast of England, is one of the most important
Gravesend on the north Kent coast, to Hastings in East Sussex. The route
wetland areas in the UK. The North Kent Marshes and the Thames and
follows the position of the coast as it would have been during the late
Medway estuaries are vitally important stopping points for birds on the
Roman and Anglo-Saxon periods – that is, in the six centuries or more
migration routes between northern Europe and Africa, and birds can be
leading up to the Norman conquest of Britain in 1066. The Romans built
seen here in their thousands. Grey plover, redshank, brent goose,
or strengthened a line of forts to defend this stretch of coast against
widgeon and marsh harrier are just some of the species that can be
Saxon invaders, and it is in a document referring to these where the term
spotted here, while Northward Hill on the Hoo Peninsula is the site of the
‘Saxon Shore’ is first recorded.
largest grey heron colony in the UK, and one of the country’s largest
The ‘shore’ as it was then is not always the same as the modern-day
colonies of little egrets. Plant life is equally rich and varied, with rare
coastline, and the route cuts across the mainland between Reculver and
orchids growing on the chalk grasslands, and eelgrass and sea lavender
Sandwich, along the course of what was once the Wantsum Channel, a
among the many areas of saltmarsh.
2km wide channel dividing the southeast heel of England from (what was
There is a vast amount of historical interest along the route, including
then) the Isle of Thanet. Once a key navigation route for shipping
an impressive tally of castles – Dover, Rochester, Walmer and Deal, to
between Continental Europe and the Thames Estuary (the Romans built
name just a few – as well as the second oldest cathedral in England
forts at each end of the channel), the Wantsum Channel gradually silted
(Rochester), historic Chatham Dockyard, several of the confederation of
up from the Middle Ages, though its southern half still remains as the
towns and villages of the Cinque Ports (Hastings, Dover, Sandwich, and
mouth of the River Stour. Later the route follows the northern edge of
the exquisitely beautiful Rye) – even the remains of a 2nd century Roman
Romney Marsh – once again, the position of the shore during Roman
lighthouse. The massive, ragstone shell of Rochester Castle is the tallest
times, when Romney Marsh was still a large estuary at the mouth of the
surviving Norman keep in Britain, and one of the tallest ever built; Deal
River Rother.
Castle, built in the late 1530s at the order of Henry VIII, remains one of
Opened in 1980, the Saxon Shore Way remains much less well-
the country’s finest Tudor artillery castles. It was from the Great Tower of
known than other nearby long distance footpaths such as the South
Dover Castle that Henry II ruled the Angevin Empire in Britain and France
Downs Way and North Downs Way. Nevertheless, it crosses a
in the 12th century; and it was from the secret tunnels and bunkers
kaleidoscope of different landscapes, and its route is very clear, with
beneath Dover Castle, enclosed within its enormous, sprawling
good footpaths (and inevitably, some road walking), and waymarking in
concentric walls, that the evacuation of Dunkirk was coordinated
the form of a horned Saxon helmet (though whether or not the Saxons
between May and June 1940.
did ever wear horned helmets is another matter).
While it’s true that there are quite a few built up areas on the route,
34
Much of this area is Charles Dickens country. The churchyard of St
James’ Church at Cooling, which the Saxon Shore Way passes on its route
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“Surely one of
the most iconic
spots on the
entire British
coast, if not in
the UK as a
whole”
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35
FEATURE SAXON SHORE WAY
across the Hoo Peninsula, provided Dickens with his inspiration for the
known as the Stade, where Europe’s largest fleet of beach-launched fishing
opening chapter of Great Expectations, where Pip meets Magwitch, and
boats is based. Appropriately enough, stade is a Saxon word meaning
Restoration House in Rochester provided the inspiration for Miss
landing place.
Haversham’s house in the same novel. All things Dickens are celebrated at
Arrive in Hastings on May Bank Holiday and you will find the Jack-in-
Dickens World in Chatham (Dickens’ father worked at Chatham Dockyard).
the-Green Festival in full swing. Jack-in-the-Green is a traditional May Day
The clifftop walk between Kingsdown (just south of Deal) and Dover,
festival, originating several hundred years ago, in which a man covered in a
across South Foreland, is perhaps the finest section of the Saxon Shore
tall conical green mass of foliage (the ‘Jack’) is paraded through the town –
Way. There are phenomenal views out over the Channel, and the French
typically accompanied by much revelry (and beer) – to mark the end of
coast, some 21 miles (34km) away as the crow flies, is easily visible on a
winter and the beginning of summer. The tradition was originally
clear day. Kittiwakes nest on ledges on the otherwise 300ft sheer cliffs,
associated with chimney sweeps, but went out of fashion in the Victorian
and skylarks are audible somewhere in the sky overhead. Peregrines can
Britain of the late 19th century, replaced by a tamer and less bawdy version
sometimes be seen here, along with a wealth of butterflies and other
of May Day celebrations. However several Jack-in-the-Green festivals were
insects.
revived towards the end of the 20th century – Hastings in 1983, Rochester
The lighthouse at South Foreland, built in 1940 and now managed by
(the ‘Sweeps Festival’) in 1980, Whitstable in 1976. ‘Jack’ is accompanied
the National Trust, watches over the Goodwin Sands – a vast, ever-shifting
by a small army of attendants, painted and dressed in green, known as the
area of sandbanks just offshore, which over the centuries has claimed over
Bogies, together with other characters and troops of Morris Dancers.
2,000 ships. South Foreland was the first lighthouse in the world to use an
It was only a few miles from here that William the Conqueror and his
electric light, and was also used by Marconi during his work on radio waves
Norman army defeated the last Anglo-Saxon King of England, Harold
– the first ever ship-to-shore radio transmission was recorded here on
Godwinson, at the Battle of Hastings in the year 1066 – a landmark event
Christmas Eve 1898; with the first international transmission in March the
in British history, which sees its 950th anniversary in 2016. Walking along
following year. The lighthouse’s historic tearoom is worthy of a visit in itself.
this quintessentially English stretch of coast, it’s often hard to imagine
The proximity of the Saxon Shore Way to London – many points on the
anything quite so turbulent disturbing its peace. oe
route are just 1hr-2hr away from the capital by train – means that those
based in London or the southeast can effectively do much of the route as
day trips. Otherwise, the walk is usually broken down into ten stages,
though plentiful accommodation means there’s plenty of scope to change
these. There are also several shorter routes nearby which are well worth
exploring, such as the Maritime Heritage Trail near Rye.
The Saxon Shore Way descends from the gorse-covered Firehills
(so-named after their blaze of colour during the summer months) and
For further information on the Saxon Shore Way see www.visitkent.co.
uk and www.visit1066country.com. Most of the historical sites visited
on the route are managed by English Heritage www.english-heritage.
org.uk or the National Trust www.nationaltrust.org.uk. Southeastern
covers many of the points on the route of the Saxon Shore Way on its
rail network (including Gravesend, Rochester, Whitstable, Deal, Dover
and Hastings), and often runs promotions with low return fares from
London – see www.southeasternrailway.co.uk for timetables.
Hastings County Park, to finish in Hastings, by the historic shingle beach
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37
FEATURE ALPINISM
A Beginner’s
Guide to the Alps
KNOWING A FEW CLIMBING BASICS GOES A LONG WAY TO GETTING YOU INTO
THE ALPS FOR THE FIRST TIME IF YOU ALSO PLAN, EQUIP AND TEAM UP RIGHT.
David Lintern EXPLAINS HOW HE PUT ASIDE HIS FEAR OF ROPE, BRACED
HIMSELF FOR THE EARLY STARTS AND STARTED TO LOVE THE CLIMB.
T
hree men in a van, driving to Switzerland to attempt three
climbs with no prior Alpine experience whatsoever – what
overwhelming.
We arrived at Grimentz, in a tucked away part of Val d’Anniviers after
could possibly go wrong? ‘’Well, the fridge could break’’,
two days of driving, with the fridge intact, and cheerfully pitched up at the
quipped one member of the party. An army does indeed
municipal campsite, which we discovered was well equipped with a
march on its stomach, but I think all of us quietly wondered if
securely bolted crag. We spent the first evening drinking beer and
warm beer and squidgy cheese might be the least of our
consulting Bruce’s bible, whilst attempting to discern the finer points of a
challenges over the next nine days.
We were self-guiding our first trip to the Alps for the sole reason that
crevasse rescue system. Clearly it was trickier than it looked. The other
two tied slings to trees and fell over once or twice while I cooked pasta in
our budgets were smaller than our ambition. But, despite openly voiced
my harness and practised a few knots. Knots, I was discovering, were
concerns in advance of the trip that our Alpine eyes might be bigger than
important. Still, at least I looked the part - things were going well. There
our tummies, we did have one or two tricks up our sleeve. The first and
would be more to learn tomorrow.
most useful tool in the pack was Bruce Goodlad’s ‘Alpine Mountaineering’.
Swiss efficiency meant a town pass was issued along with our tourist
This quickly became known as ‘the bible’, and if it wasn’t in Bruce’s bible, it
tax, which as well as allowing us a free stay at the campsite also bought us
wasn’t worth doing. Secondly, we also had a reasonable level and variety
unlimited trips in the telecabin. We spent the following day in
of skills between us. Phil has a genuine flair for organisation, and made
acclimatisation between 1500-2000m, huffing and puffing on hired
sure we were in the right place at the right time, with the right gear and
mountain bikes while the Moiry Glacier glared brightly at us from a
the right skills to put it all together. Todd was our strongest climber with a
distance. It was a relaxed introduction to the area, biking uphill for a
fair few years of experience in the UK, so it was left to him to lead the
lunchtime scramble under Roc d’Orxival, and then freewheeling downhill
climbs and place protection for the group safely. Myself? Definitely the
back to the campsite for more rope practice, this time on the anchored
least experienced with rope but hill fit and with a good level of UK winter
crag. Some progress made, we each ascended on a sling and then
skills experience. Equally importantly, Phil (with assistance from Mr
abseiled down. I hadn’t abseiled in at least 20 years, and going over the
Goodlad) had put together a sensible itinerary, which allowed time to
edge, even with only a five metre drop below, was a little nerve wracking.
acclimatise, gain some skills and then apply them on climbs that were
How would this be under emergency conditions, in an icy crevasse, maybe
more than exciting enough for us all as Alpine novices, without being
even with a missing crampon or a broken limb?
38
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Our base for our first two climbs was to be the Moiry hut, a luxurious
newly refurbished refuge reached after a short drive, followed by a two hour
haul of rope and heavy metal alongside the glacier of the same name. The
sun blazed down as we struggled with another increase in altitude. After
lunch we headed for another dose of crevasse practice in the slightly more
testing surroundings of the glacier snowfield. Each of these baby steps were
vital - especially for me it would seem. Equipped with brand new crampons
purchased especially for the occasion, I promptly attached them to the wrong
feet.
This was also the first time we were roped together, a novelty for most hill
walkers in the UK, where I’ve heard it referred to as ‘death roping’ – not an
encouraging nom de plume. In the Alps, the balance between speed and
security is very different, primarily because of the heightened avalanche and
crevasse risk that comes from moving over much larger distances on the
glacier. We discovered that ‘moving together’, attached by seven lengths of
rope, in itself took sensitivity and good communications, even within our small
team of three.
The main lesson so far seemed to be that this was all new, and that
learning is best embedded by incremental bite size chunks. The other lesson
is ‘don’t fall’; but that’s a little flippant – how you get to ‘not fall’ is by slowly
gaining experience little by little. One day learning knots, the second
applying them in context on a simple crag at the campsite, the next moving
together roped up for the first time on snow and ice. Teamwork being at least
as important as technical know-how, it was fantastic to have a planned soft
start like this, to get to know each other’s strengths and limits, and to allow
mistakes to be made when it was not critical. The next day would put the
theory to the test.
Our first taste of an Alpine start and a barely digestible breakfast saw us
heading glacier-ward a little later than planned at 6:30am. Hauling 60m of
rope to the col was heavy work, but we arrived just in time for the
spectacular sunrise, caught our breath in the thin air, before roping up and
starting up the ridge. The Pigne de la Le is a perfect beginners route at
3392m, and is classed as a PD – a ‘petit difficile’ or ‘a little difficult’. It consists
mostly of big boulders, plus the odd overhang or angled rock to negotiate.
Moving together on rock was a bit of an epiphany for me. I’m fairly
comfortable on Scottish grade scrambles in summer and winter, solo and
without rope or protection. Wouldn’t the extra apparatus add further
unnecessary risk? Well yes, but mostly, no. Yes, rope is an additional trip
hazard, but with our climb leader Todd placing the odd piece of protection
(cam and nuts), and all of us using friction belays around the boulders where
necessary, we progressed well. Ignoring the technical mumbo jumbo the
reality is pretty simple at this level - it’s all about friction and angles, plus good
communication. The quality of communication is of course key – the leader
explaining the next short leg, the middle and end persons asking for more or
less slack and letting each other know when they are secure and when
climbing. I found our roped team communicating well added a good deal of
security.
With a big camera on my chest I was occasionally a liability but increasingly
gained confidence as my skills improved. We arrived at the summit and
gawked giddily over the precipice to Glacier Durand, framed by the
Obergabelhorn, with our first Alpine ascent safely in the bag. Excited, a little
relieved and tired, and our second breakfast well overdue.
Descending on rock for a while, we re-roped for a glacier traverse, tiny
lifeforms in a vast bowl-like amphitheatre. The descent was steep and
steady until we bottomed out at the top of the ice flow hanging far above
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39
FEATURE ALPINISM
the hut. More crevasse practice followed to really bring the skillset home, this time with Todd
YOU WILL NEED:
being the ‘man down’ (the hole) and Phil nailing the details of a rescue. Even I began to pick up
some of the nuts and bolts of how this might work. Our Alpine day was done by 1pm, after
A van, a fridge and at least one other willing
which followed a beer and a brownie, a shower and snooze.
soul to share your growing pains with.
The following morning we left at 6am for a PD+, the 3564m Pointes de Mourti. Moving more
slowly but with less rest stops, was more efficient in the long run. The glacier traverse took a
Bruce Goodlad’s ‘Alpine Mountaineering’
good while, before we ditched our crampons and shortened the rope from seven to five lengths
www.pesdapress.com/p47/Alpine-
for an engaging climb over loose and rotten rock. Arriving at the head of this crest around 50m
Mountaineering/product_info.html
under the summit, we ate a few snacks and ogled a snowfield hovering at a slightly obscene
angle above us. The snow was consolidated and safe despite appearances. With the last few
A crevasse rescue kit each (detailed in the book)
metres dry tooled uncomfortably over rock, a cast iron effigy of Mother Mary awaited us at the
and a simple rack and rope, emergency shelter
very top. This climb, for me, was the crowning glory of the whole trip. I’ve never been anywhere
and first aid kit (shared).
quite like it.
The descent by the same route was slow and tiring but not overly complex. More serious was
A harness, crampons, axe and light waterproof.
the glacier, which was very soft on our return. Lots of small crevasses had opened up in the
Softshell recommended. At least B2 boots
three hours since we passed them. It was an object lesson in the real reason for those
highly recommended (I used B1 and got away
uncomfortably early starts, and a powerful reminder that this whole Alpine world is on the move
with it…just, but crampons did slip and this is
and very fragile indeed.
not the place you want them to).
After a beautiful walk-out the following day, we decamped to Tasch ready for the easiest
4000m peak in the alps – Breithorn. Over dinner, we discovered, via the wonders of smartphone
Insurance – BMC do the best by far.
research, that the cable car to the start of the ascent – ‘glacier paradise’ – would cost us £70
www.thebmc.co.uk/modules/insurance/policies.
each. We were still smarting from the ticket price when we swooshed effortlessly past the
aspx
Matterhorn, crowned with a red raw alpenglow early the following morning. All was forgiven.
Breithorn is classified as ‘facile’ or easy and really a short walk in the snow rather than a
THE NUTS AND BOLTS:
climb as such, but there are other considerations. Due to the ease of access, lots of larger
groups were present, so it was useful for us to take hand coils to avoid our rope becoming
The ferry from Dover to Calais was by
entangled with others on the route. A 30 degree slope and the high altitude were also a
myferrylink: www.myferrylink.com/
challenge and slowed our pace considerably, but moving steadily in low gear meant we were
Those further north should consider travelling
soon at a very breezy and somewhat crowded summit. We decided not to move onto the
overnight from Hull to Zeebrugge with P&O
second top as the winds were too high for safe traversing, took photos and got ourselves down
Ferries, skipping a load of driving and waking
as yet more arrived. Suddenly our little group of three felt quite secure, compared to organised
up refreshed: www.poferries.com
gangs of 15 moving up the hill. For these reasons, we all agreed Breithorn was an invaluable
experience for the first timer to the Alps.
Tourist tax: A Pass Liberté or ‘freedom pass’ if
With the weather window closing firmly behind us just hours after we finished our hero’s
staying in Grimentz, Valais – 16CHF gets you a
lunch of sausage and rosti in Zermatt, we headed home early the following day. It had been the
free stay in the town campsite and unlimited
perfect introduction to Alpine mountaineering: the right combination of weather, logistics,
use of the ski telecabins. Available from the
progression in routes and development of our team. Am I glad I got over my phobia of rope and
Tourist Information office in Grimentz village.
early starts? Absolutely - walking amongst those crags and glaciers really is an incomparable
experience. oe
Mountain Bikes are available for hire in town –
approx 35CHF per day.
www.aiglon-Alpine.com/Biking.html Another
16CHF for a ‘bike map explorer’, which shows in
the detail the MTB trails in the area.
For our first two climbs, we stayed in the
luxurious Cabane de Moiry
www.cabane-de-moiry.ch/home.php
We stayed in nearby Tasch at
www.campingtaesch.ch/location.html and
caught the Zermatt shuttle to car free Zermatt,
and then the longest cable car in the world to
begin our climb for Briethorn – 99CHF each.
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41
FEATURE ORIENTEERING
Orienteering
COMBINING THE EXCITEMENT OF A
TREASURE HUNT WITH THE
PHYSICAL DEMANDS OF A CROSS
COUNTRY RACE, ORIENTEERING IS
AN ADVENTURE SPORT FOR ALL
AGES AND ABILITIES. IT’S OFTEN
SAID THAT IT’S A FUN WAY TO GET
FIT WHILE IMPROVING YOUR
NAVIGATIONAL SKILLS. THAT’S TRUE,
BUT IT OFFERS MUCH MORE THAN
THAT. Felicity Martin EXPLAINS.
M
el and Grahame Nicoll met through a mountaineering
club and have been keen hill walkers all their adult
lives. The arrival of children made big trips into the
mountains impractical, although they were keen to
get the kids active from an early age. When a friend
persuaded them to come along to an orienteering
event, they found an outdoor activity they could all do together. It helped
that it was a Christmas event, with sweets hidden at the control sites! At
their first events they did easy courses that followed paths and had
undemanding navigation. Laura was sent a few paces ahead to find the
next control, while Alice, from her viewpoint in a backpack, was told to
shout out if she saw the control flag. “I remember when we started
orienteering as a family,” Laura says. “We walked together and worked as
a team. Dad did the navigation really, but we felt involved. It was great
fun to come across something in the woods.” Before long, Laura was
doing courses on her own and getting a real buzz from finding her way
around them. “It seemed different to what I’d done before, as I could go
at my own pace. It felt really good working up to more difficult courses. I
love the challenge and am really pleased when I complete a course
successfully, working my brain as well as my body.”
With start times at orienteering events spread over a couple of hours,
the family soon found it feasible for all of them to do their own courses,
with one parent going for an early run and the other a late one. Now,
nearly a decade after taking it up, 14-year-old Laura can see that
orienteering has benefited the other activities she does. “I started
running a year ago and am now doing hill races. Orienteering has helped
build up my strength and technique for terrain running. My stamina for
hill walking is also much better. And it helped recently on my Duke of
42
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Edinburgh, as I can read maps really well. Last year I went on a training
week with the Scottish Junior squad and met lots of people. Now I go and
have a wee chat with them when I see them around at events. My plan is
to keep doing it, alongside other sports, while always trying to improve.”
The whole family are now passionate about maps and reading them
– what Mel describes as “learning another language”. And – “having never
enjoyed ordinary running” – they are now all trail running around the
woods and hills near home. “Grahame hadn’t run since he left school until
he started orienteering in his 40s,” says Mel. “Orienteering gave a reason
to run, it was a revelation how much fun it is chasing around looking for
things. The sport led us to hill running and now we have made the
transition to doing mountain marathons.” Like the Nicolls, I only started
orienteering after some persuasion. When Steve Hale, the then British
Champion, came to work in my office and founded a new local club, it
seemed churlish not to give it a go. All the lunchtime runners were
recruited, as well as many others who had never dreamt of doing anything
as energetic. One colleague started by bringing her son to events, but
found it boring waiting around for him. She started walking around
courses then jogging. Years later she is over 70 and still jogging around the
controls.
She is by no means alone, as orienteering has a substantial share of
grey-haired competitors, many of whom are remarkably fit for their age. A
lot of them joined the sport when it first became popular about 50 years
ago, after being introduced from Scandinavia. They have brought their
children up with the sport and they in turn have introduced a new
generation to orienteering. Many events offer string courses to entertain
and involve children. As soon as they can toddle, they can follow a string
around a series of control flags, finding pictures of cartoon characters or
animals. The Nicoll family often set up the string course at their club
events, making full use of Alice’s knowledge of dog breeds to come up
with appealing pictures.
Most clubs put on an event every month or so in the spring and
autumn, with a lull mid winter and during mid summer, and many have
training sessions or regular get togethers to run and socialise. Keen
orienteers compete in their neighbouring clubs’ events and many travel
longer distances for league races and national events. The biggest event in
the UK orienteering calendar is the JK, which began in 1967 and is held in
a different region each Easter. It is named after the Swede, Jan Kjellström,
who played an important role in promoting the sport in Britain. The son of
Silva compass founder Alvar Kjellström, he helped develop orienteering
competition, mapping and coaching, but died tragically young in a road
accident.
Once I went on a ‘Pre JK Improvers’ Course’ and spent a memorable
week in Holmbury St Mary’s Youth Hostel in the wooded Surrey hills. We
did interesting training exercises each day and had plenty of time to relax
and chat in the pub each evening (apart from the one where we tried night
orienteering!). Our instructors took us to some very different sorts of
terrain, varying from rolling beech woods to reclaimed sand pits, all areas
mapped for orienteering. Coming from Scotland, I hadn’t orienteered on
lowland heath and got a particular surprise when we visited a military
training area near Aldershot. Although familiar with running through
heather and dodging gorse bushes, I’d never before jumped down into a
control site in a depression to find it full of soldiers. I’m not sure who got
the biggest shock.
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FEATURE ORIENTEERING
That week I made two lasting friends and we began booking a self catering
BEGINNER’S GUIDE
cottage together for the Scottish Six Days, which runs every other year. The
large assembly area and accompanying traders move to a different venue each
Clubs
day, adjacent to woods or moorland where courses have been laid out. Like
Geographically-based clubs run
other multi-day holiday events, the Six Days is held in the summer and has a
events and training sessions, and
carnival atmosphere with a large number of peripheral activities. It has
publicise them through
introduced me to mountain bike orienteering, fast and furious sprint
newsletters and websites. Each
orienteering and trail orienteering, which is mentally rather than physically
club has its own colour and design
demanding and is designed to be possible from a wheelchair.
of orienteering suit (lightweight
Being more of an individual than a team player and not enjoying mindless
nylon top and trousers), which
exercise, orienteering has proved ideal for me. I find repetitive activities quickly
makes it easier to recognise fellow members. The 120 UK clubs
become boring, so love the fact that every time I do it I face a different
are affiliated to regional orienteering associations and the
challenge. The techniques that I’ve learnt while orienteering have rubbed off
British Orienteering Federation. The BOF website will help you
elsewhere. It’s given me greater confidence in exploring the outdoors, so I’m
find a club and learn more about the sport: www.
quite happy to wander off the beaten trail or climb mountains on my own. A lot
britishorienteering.org.uk.
of navigational techniques have become second nature, from basics such as
orientating the map so that it matches the ground ahead, to pace counting as a
Events
means to judge distance or aiming off a target. This has often proved useful, for
You can just turn up on the day to enter informal, local events.
instance in a white-out on Creag Meagaidh, where after pace counting the
They offer a choice of colour-coded courses; the darker the
necessary distance on a bearing, I knew that the summit cairn should be close
colour the longer and harder the course. Children normally
by on my right, as I had deliberately headed slightly to the left. As hoped, I
start with white or yellow courses, adults on yellow or orange.
found it without going round in circles.
Larger events require pre entry and have courses by age class,
Although the sport suits independent minded people, there is always time
ranging from 10 and under to 80 and over! Entry fees vary
to socialise. The introduction of electronic timing devices to replace punch
from about £2/£4 for juniors/seniors at local events up to
cards has made results instantaneous and provides every orienteer with a
£10/£20 for major events.
printout of their split times at each control when they finish, which allows for
close scrutiny of performance. After their runs, groups of orienteers can be
Equipment
seen poring over their maps, analysing who made the best navigational
All you need to start is loose fitting outdoor clothes that cover
decisions. Mel is typical: “I enjoy comparing my route choices with other
your arms and legs. Don’t overdress, as you’ll get too warm, but
people. You gradually get to know others on the scene and develop a friendly
take a lightweight cagoule if the weather is bad. A compass
rivalry with those doing the same courses.” oe
soon proves useful, but isn’t essential for easy courses. You can
hire a dibber (electronic card) for punching controls at events
or buy your own.
Maps
Orienteering maps are produced specifically to cover
competition areas and are drawn at a larger scale than OS
maps, usually 1:15000 or 1:10000. A contour interval of 5m is
used, so small land features are shown. White areas represent
open ‘runnable’ woodland, with shades of green depicting
progressively denser vegetation. Un-wooded areas are shaded
yellow. Black is used to show tracks and paths, as well as rock
features such as crags and boulders.
Starting out
Ask for help – orienteers are friendly folk and will give you
guidance while enthusiastically sharing their expertise. Maps
are usually pre-marked with numbered control circles; you
have to go round them in order, but can choose your own route
in between. It helps to fold your map, so you only see the area
your are concentrating on, and to use your thumb to mark your
place on it. When you find a control, check that the code on it
matches the control description before punching it. Go at your
own pace and enjoy it!
www.oe-mag.com
45
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erman
Rab
Leath
p
Satma
Sole
£1
W
,5
00
IN
OV
E
F
PR R
IZ
ES
O
Biolite
Keen
Montane
Nalgene
PRIZES WORTH OVER £1,500
Alite Designs - Mayfly Chair
￭ Buff® - High UV Protection BUFF® with Insect Shield
￭ CamelBak - Fourteener™ 24 litre
￭ Icebreaker - Oasis Crewe - mens and womens
￭ Keen - The Marshall light hiker
￭ Nalgene - On-the-Fly
￭ Biolite - Camp Stove
￭ Montane - Featherlite Sleeping Bag
￭ Rab - Rab Xiom jacket – mens or womens.
￭ Satmap - Active 12 GB Edition
￭ Sole - SOLE Performance Socks
￭ Leatherman - Juice cs4 Pocket Multi-tool - Columbia Blue
￭ Tilley - T3 Hat
￭ Turbo Flame - Twin Laser Jet V Flame
￭ Vango - Mirage 200
￭ Lowe Alpine - AirZone Quest 37
￭ Kelly Kettle - 2 x High quality single walled Camping Cups
(350 & 500ml)
￭
Kelly K
ettle
Vango
Tilley
Turbo
Flame
lpine
Lowe A
Gear guide
Gear Guide
OUTDOOR ENTHUSIASTS ARE DEMANDING CUSTOMERS – REQUIRING
THEIR CLOTHING AND EQUIPMENT TO PERFORM NO MATTER THE
CONDITIONS. THE OUTDOOR ENTHUSIAST TEST TEAM SPEND THE
MAJORITY OF THEIR WORKING LIFE IN THE OUTDOORS NO MATTER WHAT
THE WEATHER, ENSURING THAT EACH ITEM FEATURED IN THE PAGES OF
THE GEAR GUIDE HAS BEEN SUBJECTED TO EXTENSIVE REAL-WORLD USE.
Lucy Wallace
PHIL TURNER
Gear Editor, Lucy, is based on the Isle of
Arran, Scotland. When not writing about
outdoor equipment, she is putting it
through its paces whilst working as a
Lucy Walla
ce
mountain leader and wildlife guide. In her
spare time she can also be found outdoors
- mountaineering, sea kayaking, mountain biking or just taking it
all in.
Based in Edinburgh, a short hop from the
Scottish Highlands, Phil spends much of his
time finding new and innovative ways to
break outdoor equipment. An experienced
Phil Turner
hillwalker, mountaineer and long distance
backpacker, he’s an advocate of a fast and
light approach and can talk Cuben Fiber and cut-down
toothbrushes with the best of them.
Cutting Edge
Lucy Wallace takes a look at a selection of the latest products to hit the
outdoor shops.
Platypus Big Zip 2L LP
Black Diamond Trail Poles
New to the Platypus family of
hydration systems, the Big Zip LP has
been cleverly designed with twin
compartments to keep the profile of
the bladder neat and slim. This slides
easily into a small pack or purpose
designed pouch, with minimum bulk:
ideal for people who like to pack things
tidily. This design is currently only
available in the Big Zip wide mouth
model, which is an excellent design that
aids easy cleaning and refilling. The hose
clips in at the bottom and comes with a
simple bite valve and clasp to attach to
straps or a lapel within easy reach for
drinking. The bladder is BPA free, plus
odour and taste resistant, perfect for a
refreshing drink on the trail. LW
■ www.platy.com
New for 2014, the Trail Pole features Black Diamond’s
tried and tested flicklock system, which is both secure
and reliable, being less prone to problems arising from
corrosion and freezing up than its competitors. The Trail
is an adaptable trekking pole for mountain walking and
backpacking. It is tough and light, at under 500g for a
pair, with an extended length of up to 140cm and a
packed length of 63.5cm. The comfortable foam grip
extends down the pole- very useful for quick hand
adjustments, especially when heading up on to steep
ground and rapid gradient changes. The carbide tips can
be replaced with rubber ones (available separately) and
the poles come with low profile summer baskets as well
as snow baskets for winter use. LW
■ www.blackdiamondequipment.com
£30
48
£70/Pair
www.oe-mag.com
Gear guide
Approach
Shoes her...
LUCY WALLACE AND PHIL TURNER PUT THEIR BEST FOOT FORWARD IN A
SELECTION OF THIS SUMMER’S TOP ALL-TERRAIN SHOES.
La Sportiva Xplorer
£120
Awarding Editor’s Choice was tough with so many
excellent shoes on test but this was my personal
favourite, outperforming the others on steep terrain. As an
approach shoe it is bold, with top to toe lacing, a slim toe
profile and aggressive rand. Even the wild colours are making a
statement. There is no membrane, so it isn’t waterproof, but the robust mesh
uppers are therefore very breathable. The heel cup is deep, with good Achilles
support and heel cushioning, and the midsole is supportive,
though lightweight (a tad sensitive under the forefoot). The
outsole has a dotty pattern and a climbing zone for
terrific grip on rock. It’s a reasonable walking shoe,
though others here will cope better with mud.
However, it’s a truly fabulous scrambling and
low grade climbing shoe which is why I
love it so much.
■ www.lasportiva.com
Scarpa Zen Pro
£125
I just love the design with their ice-lolly colours and contrast quilting. The
technical details are impressive too, with a heavy-duty outsole, solid lugs
and a generous climbing zone, made from Vibram Spyder 2 (impressively
sticky). The uppers are leather lined with Cocona, which wicks and dries
well (there is no waterproof membrane). There is a lot of cushioning and
stability: they are built to last and should keep going whatever you throw
at them. The trade off is that these shoes are relatively heavy. The fit is a
touch broad, ideal for knocking around in, but never quite precise or
supportive enough on steep rock and rough terrain
for me. That said, people with wider feet
should find them to be an excellent
scrambling shoe.
■ www.scarpa.co.uk
50
Berghaus Cuerra Cuesta Tech
£85
This is a lovely shoe that ticks a lot of boxes for anyone looking for a
solid all round approach shoe for walking and scrambling. It is light,
despite the full grain leather uppers and chunky heel cradle. The
asymmetric technical fit is very supportive with superbly adjustable
lacing right down to the toe. A rubber rand protects the Tardis-like toe
box, simultaneously neat but roomy. I’m a big fan of the outsole, which
is a good compromise of a sleek climbing zone at the toe for gripping
rock, but geometric lugs for cutting in to mud and turf. For pure
scrambling, the rubber feels stickier than average (but some others
perform even better here), and there is no waterproof membrane, so
hardworking feel stay cool (but not necessarily
dry). It’s a kind of “do everything shoe”from travel to technical, and anything in
between.
■ www.berghaus.
com
Mammut Reburn Low GTX
£120
It’s a technical shoe with a Gore-Tex membrane for boggy
approaches and mountain weather. The uppers are a mix of
lightweight textile and hardwearing suede. The fit is precise and
asymmetric, with secure lacing that extends most of the length of the foot.
Initially I found the heel cup to be too deep and aggressive on my Achilles
tendon, until I adapted the fit using a high support footbed that raised my
foot slightly in the shoe. Underfoot everything feels stable and well
protected. The outsole has a good climbing zone at the front and is
wonderfully sticky when clambering about on rocks
(possibly the best rubber on test). This is a
versatile shoe for all terrains and activities,
from mountain biking to easy scrambling.
■ www.mammut.ch
www.oe-mag.com
Gear guide
Asolo Outlaw GV
£130
The latest offering from Asolo’s innovative Natural Shape range, it’s a high
quality construction, with top-notch raw materials, including 1.8mm suede
uppers, a Gore-Tex membrane and a robust Vibram sole. Unlike others I’ve
tried, this one is quite stiff, with plenty of stout underfoot protection, but
losing the impression of reckless barefoot freedom of the lighter models in
the series. The midfoot is broad and shallow; I have high arches and narrow
feet, so this isn’t a great combination for me. Nevertheless, it’s comfortable
for walking around on easy trails, but I don’t feel it is precise enough for
technical terrain. I have found it works well for
mountain biking, with the ridged outsole
lugs hanging on to my flat pedals nicely.
■ www.asolo.com
Anatom V1 Trail
£70
First impressions are of an old school
walking shoe, but whilst it doesn’t look
that exciting, it is a quality option and
very good value. The uppers are well put
together with a tough rubber rand, hard
wearing leather and a quick drying wicking
mesh, sandwiched within which is a tri.aria waterproof membrane. I
think the tongue design could be rejigged to wrap the foot better
but this is a minor gripe. There is plenty of protection and support
for the foot with a chunky midsole and robust heel cradle, and
generous lugs on the outsole that bite in to mud and wet grass. The
overall impression is of a durable workhorse that will cope with
rough trails and even some scrambling.
■ www.anatomfootwear.co.uk
Merrell All Out Blaze
£100
Built to go light and fast, it has leather and textile uppers with a rubber rand at
the toe and a minimalist cradle around the heel cup. There is solid stability
under the heel, with a remarkable amount of flexibility at the front and plenty of
room in the toe box, giving a nice sense of freedom for the toes more akin to a
running rather than an approach shoe. Merrell warned me that the sizing was
snug, so I went up half a size, but needn’t have done as these felt a little too big.
Despite the size error, it was easy to lock my foot down in the shoe with the
laces and keep my mid foot, arch and heel securely in place. The outsole has
studded circular lugs typical of Merrell that I find are less effective on mud than
they are on gravel and rock where they provide
good traction. With no waterproof membrane,
this is a lightweight, breathable travel and
hiking shoe for fine days and warmer
climes.
■ www.merrell.com
Hi-Tec Alto WP
£45
It’s a phenomenal price for a waterproof shoe and if you are walking easy trails and
get along with the Hi-Tec fit then you possibly need look no further than this shoe.
The uppers are a fabric and leather construction. Hi-Tec give no clue as to the
membrane that they use to make the shoe waterproof, but I haven’t found it unduly
sweaty, and it certainly works. Underfoot, the midsole gives reasonable cushioning
and the sole unit as a whole is chunky with a deep tread. I’ve got some questions
about the durability of the sole unit- so this may not suit
someone who does a lot of miles. However my main
concern is the overall fit, which is sloppy and
unstructured, without much arch support.
Subsequently I couldn’t wear them for
long walks, which is why they
don’t achieve the Best
Buy award.
■ www.hi-tec.com
www.oe-mag.com
Keen Madison Low CNX
£100
I was initially surprised at Keen’s claims for these shoes, as they
seem to be a simple plimsoll at first glance. However, when I poked
and prodded them I found there is a lot more going on than meets
the eye. The back of the shoe is made from super lightweight nylon,
whilst mesh wraps the toes. The midsole is very minimalist and
supple, and although this isn’t always a good thing, (I prefer more
shock absorbency when walking), there is some rigidity under the
heel, and the overall impression is of minimalist freedom. The
rubber outsole provides reasonable grip although the tread is quite
low profile. The famous Keen “bumper” protects the toes. These are
an excellent alternative to sandals for walking dusty trails in the
heat; giving much better protection for the foot, just don’t expect
them to perform well on rough terrain. A
pair is spectacularly lightweight at
just over 400g and they pack flat in
a bag: ideal for travellers.
■ www.keenfootwear.com
51
Gear guide
Approach
Shoes him...
Asolo Plasmic GV
£125
The Plasmic GV is part of Asolo’s Natural Shape range, which has resulted in a last that more
accurately reflects the shape of the foot. The forefoot is a bit wider than usual, and the sole and heel
unit more curved to cradle the foot. It’s a good idea, and the shoe certainly feels supportive and the
foot cradled, yet the forefoot has space to spread out naturally. I’m not
sure if it’s a consequence of this technology, but the footbed seems
to shift around within the shoe a little – nothing too drastic, but
it’s a bit disconcerting. The tread pattern is good – deep with
self-clearing lugs and Vibram rubber. The upper has a
Gore-Tex membrane, which I find self-defeating in a
low shoe, but as it’s a common feature
throughout this review I guess I’m in
the minority!
■ www.asolo.com
Keen Marshall WP
£110
La Sportiva
Boulder X
£100
The best true approach
shoe in this review, the
Boulder X ticks all the
boxes for me. A clever lacing
system that sees the laces
themselves form the eyelets then run around the
heel, means the foot feels really cradled, much
like a climbing shoe. But unlike a climbing shoe,
there’s a bit of padding around the ankle and
under the tongue, adding some comfort when
walking. La Sportiva’s typical narrow fit tapers the
shoe to a point – ideal for climbing performance
where weight can be focused over the big toe. The
tough leather uppers need a bit of breaking in,
and it’s a fairly stiff affair overall to suit edging
and create a stable platform. The Vibram outsole
seems to be a good combination of stickiness and
durability, with the usual flat ‘climbing zone’ at the
toe plus effective yet shallow lugs elsewhere.
www.lasportiva.com
The Marshall WP has the classic Keen rubber toe bumper and generous forefoot, yet doesn’t look
quite as eccentric as other models. A good lacing arrangement with webbing
straps locks the heel securely into the shoe for good stability. The upper
has a proprietary KEEN dry waterproof, breathable membrane (sigh) and
pleasant styling. There’s not much in the way of underfoot cushioning
– this gives good terrain feedback but can take some getting used
to on rough ground. The usual large lugs are present on the
sole so it’s not the best on wet rock, but performs well
elsewhere. The low weight is pleasing too.
■ www.keenfootwear.com
Hanwag Approach II GTX
£150
A serious approach shoe (hence the name), with a sticky rubber outsole, ‘climbing zone’ and deep lacing. The good, stiff sole
makes this a great choice for scrambling or via ferrata, and the full rubber rand means they’re capable of coping with
being wedged in cracks and general crag abuse. The tough Cordura and leather uppers enhance the general
feeling of ruggedness (though the weight is also quite high). Coupling a durable upper with a soft rubber
outsole sounds like a recipe for disaster as the tread wears down to nothing and you’re left with a pair of
stiff leather slicks, but Hanwag highlight that their construction techniques permit easy resoling – much
better than adding to landfill.
■ www.hanwag.com
52
www.oe-mag.com
Gear guide
Anatom V1 Trail tri.aria
£70
Anatom specialise in foot stability, so it’s no surprise that
the V1 feels positive and secure. The substantial heel cradle
probably has something to do with this – there’s an obvious
external support structure that combines with the lacing to
hold the foot securely in the shoe. The rest of the shoe is
unremarkable, with a suede and mesh upper protected by a
toe rand and a tri.aria membrane (a non-membrane version
is available). Omni-directional lugs on a proprietary outsole
work well in varying conditions and as they’ve not had to
consider licensing it no doubt contributes to the low price
of £70, which represents excellent value.
■ www.anatomfootwear.co.uk
Berghaus Prognosis II £100
A good multi-purpose outdoor shoe. Trainer styling and comfort mean they get called into
action for a variety of activities, from walking to mountain biking, with a level of cushioning
and stability that copes with everything I’ve thrown at them short of technical climbing. The
Vibram sole can handle a bit of mud and wet rock and is stiff without
restricting the walking action. Mesh uppers are perfect for low
shoes, keeping things cool and allowing any water that has
entered the shoe to drain out. Sadly I was supplied with
the Gore-Tex model, which reduces the
effectiveness, but an unlined version is available
and is £15 cheaper. That’s the one to
go for.
■ www.berghaus.com
Hi-Tec South Trail WP
£70
Merrell Grassbow Sport
£80
The Grassbow Sport is a real hiking shoe/running
trainer hybrid, both in appearance and performance.
The lightweight, yet durable upper is breathable
thanks to a lack of membrane (there is a Gore-Tex
lined model available) and features some distinctive
styling, including a seam running lengthways along
the toe. Merrell like to ensure that their footwear
looks good with jeans as well as trekking trousers,
and the external TPU heel counter has been
incorporated into the overall styling to good effect.
The forefoot contains a shock absorption pad and the
heel includes an air cushion – neither are overt, but
the shoes feel light and offer a good walking action.
Interestingly, no leather has been used, making the
Grassbow Sport vegan friendly.
■ www.merrell.com
www.oe-mag.com
A good, solid outdoor shoe, there’s not much to dislike about the South Trail. The sole is
bendy yet possesses good torsional stability, and the heel counter is well padded yet
structured enough to offer the requisite level of security. The upper
features a high proportion of very fine mesh, backed up by
Hi-Tec’s own waterproof, breathable membrane, which
reduces ventilation somewhat. The level of
cushioning is appropriate and the outsole is
grippy and suitably aggressive. A good price
for a well-performing shoe.
■ www.hi-tec.com
Scarpa Vitamin
£140
While many shoes claim to be approach shoes, the Vitamin is a
shoe that really deserves the moniker. Designed for technical use –
for the walk-in to a crag, the climb and the walk back to the car – it’s
not as stiff as I expected, though has a sticky Vibram rubber
outsole that is aimed at climbing performance rather than
bog-wading. There’s a selection of wide-spaced lugs at the
heel and forefoot and a large, flat ‘climbing zone’ at the toe
with sharp edges and good toe rand. The suede upper
is attractive with lacing right down to the toe to
facilitate a close, tailored fit. Beneath this
is a Cocona lining, which aids
moisture transfer and does a
good job of handling odour.
■ www.scarpa.co.uk
53
Gear guide
2-3 Season
Sleeping Bags
FROM BUDGET CAR CAMPING, TO LIGHTWEIGHT AND LUXURY MODELS, LUCY
WALLACE HAS BEEN SLEEP-TESTING A SELECTION OF THE BEST SLEEPING BAGS
ON OFFER THIS SEASON.
Mountain Hardwear Ratio 15
£240
It’s a bit of a beast with a lavish helping of 650 fill power
goose down and generous dimensions (length 198cm),
which is reflected in the weight at 1.14kg. However, it’s by
far the warmest bag on test, with a comfort rating of -6°C. I
wasn’t able to test it at this temperature, but I’d be more
than happy using it below freezing, if not in the depths of
winter, and the Q Shield hydrophobic down copes well with
damp camps. The shell is tough 33 denier Nylon, and there is
a smart diagonal baffle construction that keeps the down
locked in place. All this is offered at a stupendously good
price, making the Ratio 15 a very good budget option for
anyone looking for a reliable three season bag that will extend
in to the colder months if necessary.
■ www.mountainhardwear.com
Rab Women’s Neutrino 400
£350
At first glance it’s a simple down bag with a hefty price tag,
and easy to wonder what all the fuss is about. However,
behind the scenes, Rab have put a phenomenal amount of
research into raw materials and baffle design, and it shows:
for comfort and warmth relative to weight, this bag beats all
comers. Filled with 400g of superb, ethically sourced 800 fill power
goose down, the lofting (fluffiness) is wonderful, giving the bag an almost
inflatable feel. The down has a PFC-free hydrophobic treatment, developed in
partnership with NikWax, to help maintain loft in damp conditions. This is good
because the lightweight Quantum Pertex shell does not repel water as well as
heavier fabrics. The bag has an adjustable neck baffle and internal zipped pocket,
but not much else. The women’s version is shorter than the men’s and it just fitted
me at 5’8”. The weight is 790g: brilliant for a three season bag. Comfort
rated to 2.5°C, I happily found this to be realistic, with
many comfortable nights’ camping in
Scotland in spring conditions,
down to about 3°C.
■ www.rab.uk.com
www.oe-mag.com
Highlander Voyager Super
Lite
£38
Generally you get what you pay for, but every
now and then a product comes along that bucks
the trend: the Voyager Super Lite is one of these.
I’ll get the negatives out of the way first- it isn’t
“Super Lite” with an advertised weight of 1.39kg;
on my kitchen scales the packed weight is more
like 1.6kg. That said, everything else about this
bag is a nice surprise. There is a lot going on,
including an adjustable neck baffle, a roll away
midge net, a generous mummy hood and very
accommodating dimensions (215cm long). On test I
was a bit fed up about carrying all that bulky weight,
(it’s also less compressible than more expensive
options), but was very happy to sleep in it in cool
spring conditions that were close to the comfort
rating of 6°C. It’s the perfect bag for family camping
trips and Duke of Edinburgh’s Award participants on a
budget.
■ www.highlander-outdoor.com
Vango Venom 200 £120
This bag and I got off to a bad start. It arrived packed into a tiny stuff
sack, which for me speaks volumes about a manufacturer’s lack of
regard for its raw materials; in this case 200g of 700 fill power goose
down, (which should never be stored squashed). After a little TLC, the
bag and I were able to move on, and I could appreciate its finer
points. It’s very light at just 650g and is a great summer weight bag
for overseas travel where space is at a premium. Features include a
half zip- long enough for venting, but keeping weight down, and
an internal pocket. The shell is a tough 30 denier nylon that
should stand up to a fair bit of use. It is comfort rated to
10°C, and would be perfect for summer cycle
touring and backpacking around the Med or
further afield where nighttime
temperatures are higher than
the UK average.
■ www.vango.co.uk
55
Thermarest Women’s Mira
£330 (reg) £350 (long)
Continuing the anthropomorphic theme,
the Mira is the mad scientist of the sleeping
bag world. Filled with 380g of 700+ fill
power down, positioned mainly on the top
where it is needed most; underneath, loops
of stretch fabric slot over your sleeping mat
to hold it in place. This system works best
with one of Thermarest’s Neo Air mats
(thinner mats may not have sufficient
insulation). Inside, reflective fabric helps
keep heat in. With an optimistic comfort
rating of -3°C and a weight of just 820g for
the regular length (168cm), I was keen to put
it to the test. At 5’8” I opted for the longer
length (183cm/930g), which is also wider- less
good for my skinny shoulders where cold spots
were a drawback. I liked the elastic sleeping
pad loops- I’m prone to rolling off in the night
and they solve this problem perfectly. The
reflective liner must work as the bag is
surprisingly warm, and it may even offer
additional benefit as a vapour barrier, but it makes
a rustling sound and has a crispy texture. Overall verdict: a very
clever and slightly idiosyncratic bag, suitable for three season
use, but I’d be cautious about using it below freezing.
■ www.thermarest.com
Montane Prism
£175
As the first ever sleeping bag to be filled entirely with Primaloft
Eco (made from recycled bottles), it is not only innovative, but
also very hardy and environmentally friendly too. Primaloft Eco
stays warm when wet, like other synthetic fills, but generally
offers a higher degree of warmth and compressibility too.
Realistically rated to a comfort level of 5°C and weighing
around 1.2kg, it is marginally lighter than its competitors, but
when I tested it I was surprised that it isn’t warmer. However, it’s
the attention to detail that makes this bag stand out as Montane
have evidently put a lot of thought in to the design, including a
shaped footbox, internal zipped pocket and rubberized dotty
pattern on the base to prevent sliding around. I particularly like
the giant draft excluder for a neck baffle, ideal for exposed
bivouacs, though the draw cord closure could do a little
tweaking as it slips (I tied it off). Montane supply it with a
cleverly shaped drybag, much more packable than the usual
cylinder designs, and also a cotton storage bag, as like down,
Primaloft Eco lasts longer if stored loosely. I do a lot of soggy
backpacking, and at the end of a long day in the rain it is always
a relief to snuggle into this bag and get warm.
■ www.montane.co.uk
www.oe-mag.com
Gear guide
2-3 Season
Sleeping Bags...
The North Face Gold
Kazoo
£200
The hilariously named Gold Kazoo is a
lightweight, intelligent down bag at an
entry level price. Features usually
available only to premium bags are here, and the low weight
(reg length is 183cm and 878g) makes it a potential choice for
serious lightweight types too. The soft nylon shell is filled with
650 fill power down, which isn’t treated, but there is a DWR
finish to repel moisture. The clever bits are the Climashield
Prism inserts, located on the base at the head, shoulders,
backside and feet; areas where the bag is compressed, and the
synthetic fill maintains loft under pressure, giving a pleasant
cushioned sleep. There is no neck baffle, but the mummy hood is
a good shape and the bag still feels cosy. The fit is snug and
contoured to minimize cold spots, with a shaped footbox. Rated to
2°C, this felt a little optimistic to me, but I was warm and snoozing
at around 5°C. A good sleeping bag should feel like a friend on long
trips and this a three season hug in sleeping bag form.
■ www.thenorthface.co.uk
Snugpak
Chrysalis 2
£80
A versatile synthetic bag, that works
for large or small sleepers courtesy of the
expander panel in the side that doubles as a zip
baffle when not in use and the footbox that clips out of the
way if you don’t need all 220cm of length. As a smaller sleeper, I wonder why I would
want to carry all that extra around with me, (it weighs 1300g) but if the bag is to be
shared between two very different sized people it’s a good idea. Filled with
Snugpak’s compressible Softie insulation, it’s comfort rated to 2°C, which I found to
be optimistic. Since 2005, sleeping bags have been tested to conform to European
standards, but there is a big variation in personal comfort levels. For me it was
sufficient for spring temperatures of 6°C and above. Other innovations include a
reflective layer built in to the construction, and a handy LED light in the hood.
■ www.snugpak.com
Mammut Nordic EMT
£90
The Nordic EMT is a hard working synthetic bag at an affordable price. The shell is
polyester and the lining has a pleasant cotton-like feel. There isn’t a neck baffle and
the fit is fairly broad, so smaller sleepers may suffer from cold spots. I had to do a
fair bit of adjusting to get the bulky but shallow mummy hood to stay on my head. It
works best when the draw cord is cinched right in, when it is agreeably warm and
cosy. Happily the comfort rating of 5°C seems pretty close to reality. It’s a robust
three season bag, at a very good price, with a slight
weight penalty at 1350g packed weight.
■ www.mammut.ch
57
Gear guide
Trekking Trousers r...
he
LUCY WALLACE AND PHIL TURNER HAVE BEEN PUTTING WALKING TROUSERS
TO THE TEST.
Paramo Atca
Trousers
£60
Berghaus
Allalinhorn
Mountain Trouser
£85
Simply one of the best pairs of summer
weight trousers I’ve tried. With an athletic cut, the stretch
polyamide/elastane mix material has been treated with a
DWR finish to repel water, and is also extremely tough despite
being lightweight and cool to wear. Mesh lined thigh vents
help with temperature regulation on hot days. There are four
zipped and mesh lined pockets, all usefully sized- the one on
the thigh even takes a small guidebook. A possible tweak could
be to move the zips on the hip pockets so they don’t interfere
with a rucksack harness. The waistband has a micro-fibre lining,
agreeable against the skin, and a low profile belt is included.
Sadly only available in black- I could cheerfully own several
pairs of these if they made other colours.
Keela Peru Trousers
£43
These simple and quick drying cargo
pants have a loose fit and four way
stretch that makes them very
comfortable. With lots of handy pockets,
including an internal zipped pocket on
the hip, they are perfect for travellers.
The webbing belt supplied with them
also has a hidden zipped pocket for
stowing currency- but I found it
uncomfortable under a rucksack belt, so
swapped this for one of my own.
Available in three leg lengths.
■ www.keela.co.uk
58
Ideal for exploring in hot
climates, Parameta A
Cotton+ is a tough 73%
cotton mix that feels
wonderfully cool next to
the skin, aided by the loose
fit of these lightweight
trousers. They can be
converted in to capri pants
by rolling up the legs and
fixing with button down tabs
on the side. There are mesh
lined hip pockets, and a
hidden zipped pocket, as well
as a supple fabric belt, that
wasn’t stiff enough for me, so I
swapped it for a webbing one
of my own. Available in short
and standard leg lengths, I
found the regular too short.
Paramo- take note: more trousers for tall women
please.
■ www.paramo.co.uk
Craghoppers Nosilife Pro
Stretch Convertible Trousers
£65
Nosilife clothing comes with permanent insect
repellant, which is a major plus for anyone
heading to warmer climes, especially if there is a
threat of insect borne diseases. These zip-offs have
a soft stretch, and an elastic waistband that is
cleverly hidden for a smooth shape. Unfortunately I
found the zips rubbed on my legs- not good for
trekking. If your legs are slim, they are worth a look
as there are lots of other great attributes including
three zipped pockets and two hand pockets,
removable sunglasses cloth, security clip for keys, and
reinforcing tape at the hem. The Nosilife fabric is a
particularly good idea, and this model is available in
non-convertible format too.
■ www.craghoppers.com
www.oe-mag.com
These packable lightweight trousers
are made from zoned areas of tough
and water resistant stretch fabric at
the knees and seat, and quick drying
nylon canvas elsewhere. They are very
comfortable and cool to wear, and their
tiny pack size makes them ideal for
backpacking expeditions. They have a
relaxed but active fit, two hand pockets,
and the legs can be gathered up using
nifty draw cords behind the knees to
create a pair of capri pants for hot days.
I’ve had these to test for a while and
despite their simplicity, (or perhaps
because of it) they have become a
staple for walking and climbing trips.
■ www.sherpaadventuregear.co.uk
Sprayway Escape Pant
£55
Sprayway’s Tecweave fabric is a
lightweight and stretchy polyamide/
spandex mix that packs down small and
dries quickly. These trousers are simple
and comfortable to wear, and have three
handy zipped pockets (one hidden) and a
soft microfiber lining to the waistband.
There are elastic draw cords at the leg
hems, a possible point of wear in the fabric,
which is something to watch out for. The
sizing is generous, and comes in short and
regular leg lengths, although the regular
doesn’t seem overly long.
■ www.sprayway.com
Silverpoint Nordic
Outdoor
Lillehammar
£55
A no nonsense pair of
traditional walking trousers
from a brand that is inspired by
the Swedish countryside. These
are cut from a polycotton mix
with a touch of elastane for a
subtle stretch. The fabric is
tough- they feel like they will last
forever. The design is classic, and
the fit is relaxed, with an
elasticated waist and three
zipped pockets. Available in two
leg lengths, short or regular.
■ www.silverpointoutdoor.com
www.oe-mag.com
Gear guide
Sherpa Adventure
Gear Baato Hybrid
£70
Lowe Alpine Java
Convertible Pant
£65
Made from tough nylon with a subtle
stretch, these versatile quick drying
trousers are easily converted to shorts.
Zip-offs usually cause me problems as I have
muscular quads, but these were a nice surprise, with a loose fit and
careful design that prevents the zips from chafing. The attention to
detail is superb, with a beautifully finished hem, articulated knees
and large zipped, mesh lined pockets- two on the hips, one on the
backside and one on the thigh. The waist is low profile, with a
double poppered fastening and belt loops, (no belt supplied). I’m
happy to say that the Java’s comfort, quality and wallet friendly
price tag have converted me to convertibles. If you are not
convinced, a non zip-off version is available too, as well as short,
regular and long leg lengths.
■ www.lowealpine.com
Mountain Hardwear Chockstone Pants
£100
Perfect for walking in cooler climates, the Chockstone Pant is butter
soft and very stretchy, with a slim and athletic leg shape. The
polyamide/elastane mix soft shell fabric has a DWR finish to shed
moisture and has good abrasion resistance too. The waistband is lined
with soft wicking micro fibre and features a low profile integrated belt.
All of the three pockets are zipped and secure. In summary, these are
tough, comfortable, practical and warm: an excellent pair of trousers for
all year UK use and treks in Alps or greater ranges where temperatures
can drop.
■ www.mountainhardwear.com
Didriksons Trickett Stretch Windproof
Pants
£110
Here’s the good news- these stretch, wind resistant
trousers have a flattering clingy shape, and really
good freedom of movement. The elasticated waist fits
well and sits neatly under a harness or rucksack hip belt and they
come in one leg length- super long, with unfinished hems for the
user to adjust themselves. This could be annoying but I’m quite tall
and being in a rush, just left them long. There are five pockets, the
two thigh ones have zips and are big enough for a guidebook. It’s no
wonder I thought they would make great rock climbing trousers.
Unfortunately I scuffed the fabric badly on some rough French
sandstone and they have never recovered from a bobbly pilling
effect, looking like I’ve had them for eons. I still think they are nice for
walking, but I’d avoid slithering over rocks while wearing them.
■ www.didriksons.com
59
Gear guide
Trekking Trousers ...
him
Sherpa Adventure Gear Baato
Convertible Pants
£70
I have a love/hate relationship with zip-off trousers – if
located badly the zip can rub, but that’s not the case with
the Baato Convertible Pants. Designed to cater for travellers
as well as walkers, they’re a sensible choice, reducing the
need to pack separate shorts. The fabric is a combination of
stretch nylon at the seat and knees, and a more durable
canvas-esque nylon elsewhere, both with a good DWR
coating to resist precipitation. The styling is attractive, which
makes them acceptable in the pub as well as the hill. There’s a
zipped rear pocket and two handwarmer pockets, a zipped fly
and popper fastening. I’d prefer a way of cinching in the ankles
to form a good seal around boots and prevent flapping.
■ www.sherpaadventuregear.com
Didrikson Trickett Windproof
Stretch Pants
£110
A straight-forward yet accomplished pair of trousers from
Swedish brand Didrikson. The polyamide/elastane blend
fabric has four-way stretch for ease of movement, and as
the name suggests, resists wind and drizzle. Unusually,
the bottom of the legs are unfinished, allowing one
waist size to accommodate a variety of leg lengths. You’ll
need to find someone handy with a sewing machine
unless you’re happy with turn-ups though. There’s a
zipped pocket on the left thigh, two handwarmer and two
rear pockets. The clever locking press-stud waist fastening
works well (just don’t forget it isn’t a normal one and
panic) and the zipped fly – with contrast zip pull – is
protected to prevent draughts.
■ www.didriksons.com
Sprayway Compass Pant
£55
Simple, functional outdoor trousers – they’re stretchy, lightweight
and resist wind and rain well. The cut is close but not skinny-jean,
and a shockcord and toggle arrangement cinches in the ankles.
The waistband is semi-elasticated, fleece-lined and fastens with
a button and zip fly, and also conceals a small zipped valuables
pocket. There are two zipped handwarmer pockets, a zipped thigh
pocket and a Velcro rear pocket. One colour, one fabric
(polyamide/spandex blend) and no frills – excellent value
outdoor trousers.
■ www.sprayway.com
60
Houdini
Twill
Action
Pants
£120
Swedish brand
Houdini are newcomers in
the UK market, and if the Twill Action
Pants are anything to go by, they are one
to watch. These trousers embody the
trend for crossover wear – garments
suitable for everyday or ‘lifestyle’ wear as
well as outdoor use. Available in three
colours, the fabric is almost denim-like in
appearance and comfort, though in reality a
blend of 68% polyamide, 28% recycled
polyester and 4% elastane, which gives a
bit of stretch and moisture resistance. The
fit is close but nonrestrictive, and the
ankles can be further tightened for cycling or
general anti-flap by a simple button arrangement. A perfect
combination of form and outdoor function.
■ www.houdinisportswear.com
Black Diamond Lift-off
Pants
£65
Despite the high percentage of cotton in
the fabric (71% cotton, 29% nylon) the
Lift-off Pants dry surprisingly quickly.
Nonetheless, I’ve found them more
suitable for trips to the crag and climbing
wall than serious foul weather
expeditions, with plenty of climbingspecific features integrated. The integral
ladder-lock webbing belt is really clever,
remaining clear of a harness and button
fly and incorporating the quality metal
hardware used throughout. The pocket
arrangement is jeans-style, with an
additional small slip pocket on the thigh
useful for a mobile phone. The price is
excellent for a such high quality trousers,
but for serious outdoor use there are
better options.
■ eu.blackdiamondequipment.com
www.oe-mag.com
Gear guide
Berghaus VapourLight
Fast Hiking Trousers
£80
Mammut Runbold
Pants
£90
Made from a thin, lightweight softshell
material, these comfortable trousers
are ideal for summer use where a
thicker material could cause
overheating. They’re stretchy and
non-restrictive, but don’t offer as much
wind protection as others. However
– they breathe very well, which is
welcome in the warmer months. The
fit is relaxed and the waistband
non-elasticated, fastened with a
press-stud and zip fly. The lower legs
can be rolled up and secured with a
neat tab-and-loop system similar to
that found on the sleeves of some
trekking shirts, to form three-quarterlength shorts. The fabric is durable but
won’t cope with being repeatedly
dragged across rock – similarly there’s
no wear patch on the inner calf so these
are really summer walking trousers, and for this they’re excellent.
■ www.mammut.ch
Páramo Maui II Cargo
Trousers
£60
Very much a travel trouser rather than
outdoor-specific, the Maui II has features
such as a hidden zipped passport
pocket inside the left cargo pocket
– one of many pockets – and an
included belt. The Nikwax Parameta A
Cotton+ fabric is a blend of cotton with
synthetic yarns which performs that
classic Páramo trick of actively sucking
moisture from the skin before it spreads
out on the surface for quick evaporation.
Two gusseted cargo pockets on the
thigh accept an OS map and are secured
with easy buttons (one contains the
zipped inner pocket), there are two
handwarmer pockets and two rear
zipped pockets. The waistbelt has
elasticated sections and the belt is
practical. Good, comfortable, general
purpose outdoor trousers. ■ www.paramo.co.uk
www.oe-mag.com
Whereas the rest of the Berghaus
VapourLight range is filled with
minimalist, stripped-down equipment
aimed squarely at fast and light
adventure racers, the Fast Hiking Trousers possess a full range of
mountain features despite a low weight of around 360g. The
knees and seat are a stretch fabric, with thicker fabric panels at
the thigh and lower leg. Best of all, there’s a simple Velcro tab
tightening system at the ankles which makes me happy. The
waistband is lined with fleece and a semi-captive webbing
belt, with low profile buckle to avoid a clash with hipbelts or
harness. Two long mesh-backed double-ended zipped vents
allow a welcome breeze in, and there are two handwarmer
pockets plus a zipped thigh and rear pocket.
The North Face Speedlight
Pant
£85
These have the classic walking trouser style that
tends to polarise opinion – a stretchy grey main
fabric with black knee patches that instantly singles
you out as a hillwalker! Looking beyond that they
are very functional trousers, the cut is excellent and
the attention to detail top-notch, with quality
hardware and stitching all round. Even the supplied
elesticated webbing belt is superb, with a
low-profile buckle and TNF branding. The press-stud
fastening is plastic, which is unusual, but feels
secure and durable. All pockets – two handwarmer
and single thigh – are zipped and mesh-lined to
perform as vents when not in use. Lovely trousers, at
a good price for this level of quality.
■ www.thenorthface.co.uk
Keela Paraguay Zip-Off
Trousers
£45
Keela can be relied upon to produce highperforming kit that belies the low price, and the
Paraguay Trousers are no different. The cut is
baggy and casual and they look more like travel
trousers than other close-fitting, articulated
outdoor trousers in the review, but movement
remains good. The leg zips are high enough to
prevent clashing with the knee, and once
unzipped the legs can be stowed in a little pocket
and clipped to the belt. A nice touch. With a nylon
and spandex blend the fabric stretches nicely and
dries fast, as well as being lightweight and
low-bulk for packing. A versatile option, but I’d
prefer a less flappy cut, particularly at the lower leg.
■ www.keela.co.uk
61
Gear guide
Trail Running
Showcase
DRIVING TO THE GYM TO RUN ON A TREADMILL IN A HOT AND SWEATY ROOM
IS RUBBISH. RUNNING ALONG A FOREST TRAIL OR MOUNTAIN FOOTPATH IS
NOT ONLY EASIER ON YOUR BODY, BUT THE SCENERY IS FAR BETTER AND THE
SENSE OF FREEDOM AND ADVENTURE HARD TO BEAT. PHIL TURNER EXAMINES
THE KIT THAT WILL GET YOU OUT THERE.
Inov-8 Trailroc
245
£110
Your usual gym or
pavement trainers
probably won’t cope with the
varying terrain encountered offroad, so it’s a good idea to invest in something
designed specifically for hard-packed trails, perhaps a bit of peat bog and a
scrambly summit ridge. The Trailroc 245 has a minimalist sole that enables you to
feel the underfoot conditions and allows the foot and supporting structures to do
their job efficiently, so there’s just a 6mm footbed with a rockplate to provide
protection. The tread pattern features an array of lugs that are spaced enough to
cope with mud, and three different rubber compounds – the toe is a high-wear
area made from a more durable rubber, the midfoot from a slightly softer,
longer-lasting rubber and the instep from sticky rubber for scrambling on rock. It’s
an adaptive, flexible design that works well. In the outdoors the chance of
plunging into a bog or stream (intentionally or otherwise) is very real, and a
waterproof lining is just going to ensure that water stays inside the shoe. It makes
more sense to use a mesh upper that allows the water to simply drain out, and the
Trailroc does just that. The upper is almost entirely mesh, with a weave close
enough to stop debris entering, but water just flows out and the shoe dries
quickly. At 298g per shoe in size 11 they’re extremely lightweight too.
n www.inov-8.com
Silva Race Jet
£65
It’s important to take the usual
navigational precautions when trail running,
so don’t leave the map and compass at home
along with your walking boots. It’s even
more important if progressing into the
realms of competitive running – things
like orienteering (see page 42) or
adventure racing – where fast, accurate
navigation is critical. There’s no time to
stand around twisting the bezel and
waiting for the needle to settle though, so
most choose to use a thumb compass like the
Race Jet, which comes at a price, but makes a normal hillwalking
compass look antiquated. Designed to be strapped to the thumb of
the hand holding the map it allows for fast orientation and a simple
‘go this way’. Specialist, but once you’ve tried it it’s hard to go back to
a conventional compass.
n silva.se
SOLE Lightweight Sport Ankle Socks
£9.50
F Lite Ultralight 70 GP
£35
F Lite claim this to be the lightest
baselayer in the world, and at 79g for my
size L they’re probably right. The fabric is
tubular knitted to avoid any side seams
that might rub or ruin the shape – baselayer
moisture transmission works best with total skin
contact. And this is a figure-hugging baselayer yet
it’s extremely comfortable. The sleeve seams are
flat and unobtrusive and are off the shoulder to
remain clear of rucksack straps. The conventional
synthetic polypropylene/polyamide blend works
well to regulate temperature, though the polka
dot design inspired by American free-rider and
extreme skier Glen Plake is quite unconventional!
n www.f-lite.com
62
A bad sock can undo all the benefits of a good running shoe; no
matter that you have found the perfect shoe if it’s ruined by a sock
that bunches up, becomes sodden and causes blisters. SOLE socks
are brilliant – they’re foot-specific (and marked L or R) to reflect the
anatomical fit, which gently hugs the foot with no hint of excess
fabric. There are no obvious
seams either, and the
fabric dries and
breathes
particularly well. I
have the ankle
length, but they’re
available in
‘no-show’ or crew
length too. The black
colour makes a lot more
sense for outdoor use too...
n www.yoursole.com
www.oe-mag.com
Gear guide
Mammut MTR 201 Micro Jacket
£120
Vivobarefoot Trail Freak
£85
When running, being able to feel the terrain through your feet is
generally a good thing – being cut off from the ground
underneath you doesn’t allow your body to work effectively, and
some people take this to extremes by running barefoot. That’s
probably not going to work for everyone, so companies like
Vivobarefoot have produced shoes that offer a degree of
protection while fitting like a second skin and allowing feet to
perform naturally. The Trail Freak is totally flexible, easily bending
in half, with a mesh upper that breathes and allows water to drain
out. The thin sole is puncture resistant without offering too much
cushioning to act as a barrier. Even with lugs to provide traction in
mud, wet grass and loose ground, they still offer a barefoot feel.
Transitioning to this kind of footwear takes time, but it’s a
wonderful feeling.
n www.vivobarefoot.com
Arc’teryx Aerios 10
£70
Designed to hold a hydration
bladder, some snacks and
protective layers, the Aerios
10 is the perfect size for trail
running. Inside there’s a
divider with hanging strap to
secure the hydration
bladder, with a covered exit
port that allows for a left or
right hose routing. A simple
ridged plastic back panel
prevents the pack from
collapsing in on itself
with a dimpled mesh
outer introducing
some air between back and
pack. The main compartment will hold a
shell jacket plus some insulation and a packed lunch, and
valuables can be carried in a separate zipped internal pocket.
Externally the bungee cord system on the front is ideal for
stashing wet waterproofs, and unusually there’s a simple
elasticated and removable waistbelt to stop the pack bouncing
around.
n www.arcteryx.com
www.oe-mag.com
A windproof shell is often all that is required for
trail running – runners tend to keep moving and
therefore stay warm, so there’s no need for a
thick waterproof that will probably also result in
overheating. The MTR 201 is a compressible yet
weather-resistant shell that packs down into the
chest pocket, fitted with a simple elastic band
to enable it to be worn around the waist when
not in use. Despite the low weight of 100g,
achieved by the use of gossamer-thin 10
denier fabric, there’s a full-length zip
protected by an internal storm flap, an
adjustable hem and ‘finger gaiters’, which
unfold over the hand in bad weather to offer
a bit of protection. The fabric is treated with
a DWR coating to shrug off drizzle, and
breathability is enhanced by underarm
mesh vents.
n www.mammut.ch
Mountain King Trail Blaze Poles
£79
Walking poles are a common sight in the hands of hillwalkers, but the Trail Blaze is
aimed at trail runners who needs poles for stability on insecure ground rather than as
crutches – the shafts are 11mm thick and really not designed to be heavily weighted.
They’re essentially a beefed-up tent pole with a handle and tip. The four pole sections
join like an avalanche probe, with a length of cord running internally to emerge
through the top of the handle. All joins feel surprisingly solid with little play, and in the
event of breakage or excessive wear it’s easy to replace just the problem section by
untying one knot. The handle is soft foam with a mesh cover that compresses just
enough to provide comfort without losing contact and feedback. The cord runs through
a notch in a plastic cap on the top of the handle – pull the cord to
seat the pole sections until a knot appears, this is then held captive
by the notch and the excess cord secured under a Velcro strap just
below the handle. It’s a simple
system that works well, and
weighing 250g a pair can easily be
collapsed and strapped to a rucksack
when not in use.
n www.mountainking.co.uk
Berghaus VapourLight Hyper
Smock £100
The Berghaus VapourLight range is a collection of
trail running equipment and apparel; the
HyperSmock was developed for Berghaus athlete
Philippe Gatta for his attempt at the Great
Himalayan Trail. It looks and feels like a windproof
shell – the fabric is 7 denier polyamide ripstop,
which is translucent and feels pretty
unsubstantial, coated with PU to provide
waterproofing. It’s not the normal membrane
laminate found in waterproof breathable
hardshells and does rely on the integrity of
the PU coating to maintain waterproofing.
This type of fabric works by the fibres
themselves transmitting moisture through
the fabric from the inside rather than the
microscopic pores of a membrane, but it’s a considerably lighter option. The
seams are taped – as much to reinforce the stitching through the gossamer-thin
fabric as to stop leaks – and allows it to qualify as ‘waterproof’ within the tough rules
and kit regulations of adventure races. At 105g for my size L it’s hard to imagine a
lighter waterproof shell.
n www.berghaus.com
63
READERS’ PHOTOS
William Bridges @BridgesWill2
Dave Slack @Daveslack1973
Went up Bird Rock. Beaut.
Taking a much needed breather!
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Readers’ Photos
PROOF THAT OUTDOOR ENTHUSIAST READERS
#GETOUTDOORS. DO YOU?
Chris Woodcock @Chrisw00dcock
coolcampkit @coolcampkit
Sickeningly sweet hilltop selfie...
Enjoying the elements and
#scenery on Harris!
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OUTDOOR ENTHUSIAST JULY
MARCH
/ AUGUST
/ APRIL 2014
2014
Eleanor Morris @EleRhi
I #SupportTheWalk!
#CumbrianChallenge
#WalkingwiththeWounded
Team comp, so excited to be
involved!
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OE CLASSIFIED
OUT AND ABOUT
SCOTLAND CLASSIFIED
HIKING AND ADVENTURE
L’Haras Guest House /
Alderney
Alderney, the most northern
of the Channel Islands has
uncrowded beaches, 50 miles
of foothpaths with some
spectacular views, unusual
birds and flowers and you may
WALKING EQUIPMENT
even spot a blonde hedgehog.
It has a quaint harbour and a
fully-functional airport as well
as a 9-hole scenic golf course.
For historians, there are
fortifications from Victorian
times as well as the German
occupation to be explored.
SELF CATERING HOLIDAYS
L’Haras Guest House is just
minutes away from the beach
and located between the
harbour and town, nothing is
OVERSEA ADVENTURE HOLIDAYS
far on Alderney! Any guests
aged 10 or over are very
welcome to stay with us.
Know your routes
with the Wales Coast
app
CHANNEL ISLANDS
ALDERNEY
The Wales Coast app is the
Channel Islands
ideal tool for exploring and
B & B from £30pppn. Situated
between the harbour and town,
only 5 minutes walk to the beach.
getting the most out of
the Wales Coast Path and
Welsh coastline. It is full of
extremely useful information,
including walk and trail
INSURANCE
recommendations, handy area
guides, weather reports and
L’HARAS Guest House
Newtown Road, Alderney, Channel
Islands GY9 3XP
Email: lharas@internet.alderney.gg
Website: www.internet.alderney.gg/lharas
Tel/Fax: 01481 823174
ROPE CLEATS
66
OUTDOOR ENTHUSIAST JULY/AUGUST 2014
www.oe-mag.com

Fast and Light - Outdoor Enthusiast magazine

Transcription

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