Innholdsfortegnelse for February 2022 i The Great Outdoors

IN THE FRAME Catriona Tod Medium: digital illustration 420x297mm WITH 2021 well and truly behind us, it’s time to tentatively look ahead to brighter days. Simple yet striking pops of colour in this illustration by Catriona Tod can’t help but make us feel hopeful and imagine joyous days on the Isle of Arran. “I have always loved the stunning setting of Lochranza Castle,” explains Catriona. “It is the northernmost of Arran’s villages, and it is set on the shore of Loch Ranza, a small sea loch. The rugged ruin provides a dramatic focal point, and is a popular spot to observe the healthy wild red deer population.” Inspired by early 20th-Century railway posters, Catriona uses a variety of mediums to produce her finished piece. “I used a mixture of observation,…

Postal address The Editor, The Great Outdoors, Kelsey Publishing Ltd, The Granary, Downs Court, Yalding Hill, Yalding, Kent ME18 6AL. Please include a phone number and postal address. Social media is changing outdoor culture – for the better The subject of Instagram cropped up a couple of times in the January issue of The Great Outdoors. In his opening editorial, Carey Davies touched on the way it can foster unrealistic ideas of what the mountains are like (although he confessed that magazines like this one may be guilty of the same), while Norman Hadley bemoaned the proliferation of brightly coloured tents in the hills (Readers’ page) and the sense that what looks good on social media is being increasingly prioritised over what blends into the landscape. I have some sympathy…

“Ben More is easily climbed from Dishig on Loch na Keal. An ascent in fine weather reveals the isles from Ireland to the Outer Hebrides, and the Highlands over vast tracts beyond naming. Around the summit, clouds boil up with extreme rapidity: map and compass are essential, but the compass should be read well away from the cairn, which is magnetic.” The Hebrides, WH Murray, 1966 THE LAST TIME I saw beautiful Ben More of Mull was across the Firth of Lorn from the summit of Beinn Cruachan. In clear winter air its steep eastern flanks looked close enough almost to touch. For many Munroists, this is the last peak on the hallowed list that they climb. Yet I’d put it among the top ten of Scottish peaks in terms…

Congratulations to all our award winners! THE GREAT OUTDOORS READER AWARDS are the UK’s democratic celebration of the best of outdoor culture. After a record number of public votes, here we are delighted to announce the winners. In 2012, we launched our first annual Reader Awards, and they’ve come a long way over the past decade – establishing a strong reputation as a democratic celebration of the people, places and businesses that make our outdoor lives better. This year represents a big milestone: the 10th time we’ve run the awards. We’ve marked the anniversary by introducing two new categories – outdoor film or filmmaker of the year, and the Open Outdoors award (for those widening participation and increasing diversity). On top of this duo of new awards, 13 categories have…

GOLD CHRIS PACKHAM RECEIVING A WHOPPING 42.5 per cent of the public vote, conservationist Chris Packham was widely respected by TGO readers for his “passion” and “tireless championing of the environment”, even in the face of adversity. As one voter eloquently put it: “‘Dedication to the cause doesn’t go far enough for Chris Packham – he is relentless in his determination to protect and conserve our wildlife and habitats. Chris experiences personal attacks on his home and abuse through social media for standing up for his beliefs and still remains focused, determined and resolute. We must protect our planet. Who wouldn’t admire that?” SILVER ◂ Russell Moorhouse Russell Moorhouse, otherwise known as A Mountain Bivvy online, is trying to ‘sleep bag’ the Wainwrights by wild camping on the summit of…

GOLD THE FOX OF GLENCOE Hamish MacInnes A LEGEND in the field of mountaineering, Hamish MacInnes – aka The Fox of Glencoe – pioneered many of Scotland’s most challenging climbs and numerous routes overseas. Tenacious and inventive, he dedicated much of his life to mountain safety and rescue. As well as founding the Search and Rescue Dog Association and the Glencoe Mountain Rescue Team, Hamish’s revolutionary MacInnes Stretcher is still used worldwide, and his all-metal ice axe was a game-changer for modern alpinism. He was also a prolific author. Written and compiled before his death in 2020, The Fox of Glencoe chronicles Hamish’s adventures in his wry, elegant style, as well as including contributions from his close friends. “As he passed away recently, this award would be a fitting tribute…

GOLD ALPKIT.COM SECURING YET ANOTHER gold in this category, Alpkit is TGO readers’ go-to website when it comes to a spot of online retail therapy. The brand’s ethical approach has particularly struck a chord with the outdoors community. “They have a cracking company ethic,” said one voter, whilst another praised the “class-leading company values” including the use of sustainable materials, providing female-specific sizing, establishing in-store repair departments, and funding grassroots projects. Affordable pricing, innovative products and the “nice little notes from whoever has handled your order” were also regularly cited as part of Alpkit’s stellar service. SILVER ▲ ultralightoutdoorgear.co.uk Experienced backpacker and long-distance hiker Mark Richardson started Ultralight Outdoor Gear (UOG) in 2006 with the aim of bringing the best lightweight kit together under one ‘roof’. Since then, the online…

BEST BUY Mountain Equipment Baltoro Women’s Jacket £230 448g (UK 12) construction, traceability, warmth, cut, features nothing Shell: Drilite Loft 20D nylon, PFC-free DWR Lining: recycled downproof nylon Insulation: duck, 90/10, 700 fill power, 148g; Down Codex Sizes: 8-16 (men S-XXL) mountain-equipment.co.uk Mountain Equipment is king of down, through its pioneering Down Codex programme and ongoing innovation in product design. The big shout here, with fresh-to-the-range Baltoro, is a new (and unique to ME) construction technique developed specifically for down clothing. It’s a double-layer, offset-baffle construction with reflective internal scrim, and it’s more wind-resistant and warmer than stitch-through construction but less bulky than box wall, thereby offering a great compromise between the two. The scrim has a coating that reflects body heat and forms part of the baffle structure. ME…

1 Start/Finish Parking area on the waterfront close to Hawes Pier GR: NT135783 Head E past the entrance to the pier. 2 Pass under the railway bridge and bear L onto the track by the shore (John Muir Way). Continue along the shore track past Barnbougle Castle. Beyond Hound Point it’s possible to walk along the beach instead, re-joining the track just before the castle grounds. 3 Where the road enters the golf course at Dalmeny House, turn immediately L and continue on the John Muir Way (JMW) walking route along the shore (the cycle route carries on through the golf course), soon entering woodland again. After around 1.75km stay on the JMW as it turns shaprly R uphill, away from the shore. Always take a map and compass with…

Meera Dattani Meera is a freelance travel journalist and editor. In this issue’s lead feature (p26), she rounds up some of the most mouth watering multi-day walks and ‘thru-hikes’ for 2022, ranging from walks on home turf, like the longest section of the England Coast Path, to exciting emerging trails like the Camino de Costa Rica. She’s just set off for a hiking holiday in Madeira, and she’s looking forward to heading further afield early next year, in particular Uganda and Kenya, to explore her South Asian and East African heritage. Katie Featherstone Katie splits her time between the Icelandic Highlands and Scotland’s Inner Hebrides. She has been working as a seasonal mountain hut warden along the Laugavegur trail since 2017 (see p36 for her feature on the experience), is…

The Hut of Wellbeing project, launched by Reforesting Scotland, aims to build and manage a woodland hut to promote wellbeing in Fife. The hut will be available for short stays to those in need of respite due to health or other problems. Reforesting Scotland member Tony Carter established the project after previously giving up his own plans to build a hut following a cancer diagnosis. He hopes to make the stress-relieving experience of staying in a simple shelter in nature available to others under challenging situations. “Woodland huts are small, simple, low-impact buildings that allow people from stressful urban situations to have a connection to nature and the countryside without costing the earth. They are common in most Northern European countries but quite rare in Scotland for historical reasons,” the…

El Rhodes (@electra_rhodes, Twitter): I’ve had a Berghaus climbing sack for more than 30 years. I haven’t climbed in forever, but it’s light and perfect for walking too and has done thousands of miles of long-distance paths as well as countless other trips. Still going strong. Brân Devey (@bemdv, Twitter): Got a pair of @ParamoClothing waterproof trousers that are 12yrs old and still going strong. Nigel Vardy (@NigelVardy, Twitter): I’ve had a POD rucksack for over 30 years which has been round the world on expedition more times than I can count. It’s tatty and worn, but keeps going… Tom (@Tommyx46, Twitter): RAB duvet expedition jacket from a Tien Shan trip in 1993 still going strong @rab_equipment Russ Moorhouse (@amountainbivvy, Twitter): I have a Vaude Terraquatro tent that is 12 years…

These are fully exposed mountains, and full winter equipment should always be carried. There are a number of established paths, but care must be taken in mist – particularly when leaving Carnedd Llewelyn, as there are few obvious landmarks. An emergency stone shelter is located on the north side of Foel Grach (GR: SH689659). START/FINISH: lay-by car parking beside Llyn Ogwen – GR: SH661602 Distance: 20.7km/13 miles Ascent: 1230m/4035ft Time: allow 9 hours (an early start is required in winter - but the last 5.5km/3.5 miles, on tarmac, is easily walked in the dark) Map: OS 1:25,000 Explorer sheet OL17 (Snowdon) Public transport: Nearest stations Betws y Coed and Bangor; the Snowdon Sherpa buses provide good links but operate a reduced service in the winter months Accommodation: Roger stayed at…

GOLD SILVER BRONZE There are two parts to The Great Outdoors Awards. This article announces the winners of the Reader Awards, which are nominated and voted for by our readers and the outdoor public at large across 15 categories. The three nominees with the most votes in each category receive gold, silver and bronze awards. The other part of The Great Outdoors Awards is the Gear of the Year awards, which rewards the best and most innovative outdoor gear released this year, as selected by expert judges. The winners were announced in our January issue or can be viewed online at tgomagazine.co.uk. Note: all photos are credited to the award winner, unless stated otherwise…

GOLD KEEP THE BAN campaign against fox hunting FOUNDED IN 2015, Keep The Ban is a non-profit organisation campaigning to end the hunting of wildlife in the name of sport. Its mission is to “create a world in which all wildlife is free from persecution”, and in particular to “encourage future generations to turn their backs on bloodsports”. With 30 per cent of the public vote, the project was described by TGO readers as a “brilliant campaign to close the numerous loopholes”, whilst those involved were praised for their “dedication, diligence and sacrifice in helping animals”. SILVER ▲ Dr Mya-Rose Craig ‘Birdgirl’, wildlife activist Dr Mya-Rose Craig, otherwise known as ‘Birdgirl’, is a 19-year-old British Bangladeshi ornithologist, environmentalist and diversity activist, as well as a writer, speaker and broadcaster. “She…

GOLD THE PINE MARTEN BAR + SCRAN Glenmore LOCATED ON the shores of Loch Morlich, to the north of Ben Macdui and the Cairngorms plateau, The Pine Marten Bar + Scran in Glenmore has shot to the top of this category, dethroning the Moel Siabod Café for the first time in a few years. Voters praised the bar for its approach during the pandemic, as well as its stunning location – “there’s nowhere better to watch red squirrels,” as one voter put it. Others highlighted the “welcoming atmosphere, excellent food and lovely staff,” summing it up succinctly as “an awesome place”. SILVER ▸Moel Siabod Café Capel Curig A regular winner of the gold award in this category, the Moel Siabod Café has had to settle for second place this year –…

GOLD OS MAPS CLAIMING TOP SPOT for the fourth year in a row, the OS Maps app must be running out of space in its trophy cabinet. The navigation app from Ordnance Survey secured a whopping 62 per cent of the public vote – a convincing victory – and received high praise from many TGO readers. One voter said “the app has changed my outdoors experience” whilst another labelled it “the best in the world”. Hundreds of others mentioned the app’s features, including route plotting, downloading and walk tracking, in their comments. SILVER ▲ Komoot With an ever-growing fan base in the UK, Komoot is a high-quality navigation app with ready-built routes, downloadable maps, route planning and navigation tech that “makes it easier to explore more of the great outdoors”.…

GOLD NEEDLE SPORTS Keswick NAMED AFTER NAPES NEEDLE, that iconic rocky pinnacle on the side of Great Gable, this Keswick-based outdoor store has been catering for climbers, mountaineers and hikers since 1990. Impressed readers consistently cited the customer service and friendly advice on offer. One voter said, “It is a little treasure trove of outdoor gear. For a very small shop there’s an awful lot of stock and the staff are so helpful and knowledgeable”. SILVER Outside Hathersage A regular winner of our independent retailer of the year award, this family-run Peak District shop has made the podium yet again in 2021. Readers deemed it worthy of the silver award for its friendly service, excellent café and great range of products. One voter said “there’s so much choice from amazing…

GOLD PÁRAMO AFTER SEVERAL GOLD awards in a row, it looked like Rab was never going to be knocked off the top spot in this category – but Páramo has achieved that feat in 2021, securing an incredible 50% of the public vote. Richard Pyne, commercial director at Páramo, said: “It’s fantastic and hugely rewarding to know that Páramo plays a role in enabling so many people to enjoy the outdoors. On behalf of Páramo I would like to thank all of the TGO readers for their support.” What do those readers think of Páramo? “The brand of the century” and “the absolute best” said some voters, whilst many others praised the longevity of the brand’s clothing: “it lasts forever”, “long-lasting gear” and “still going strong after many, many years…

TESTING DOWN JACKETS is a real perk of the job: there is nothing so luxurious as feeling that puffy warmth surround your body. And it gets better every time: while innovation in many product areas can feel stagnant, down garments remain at the cutting edge, mainly in construction techniques and fibre management. The restricting factor in the use of down jackets, in Britain at least, is the climate. Damp days, with temperatures above freezing, are why synthetic insulation was invented. But improvements in DWR (durable water-repellent) coatings for the outer shells, and hydrophobic (water-repelling) treatments for the down itself, have made these gorgeous garments easier to wear. Of course, when conditions are dry and cold, such as the classic alpine environments, down is the obvious choice. In its natural state…

BEST BUY Rab Infinity Microlight Down Jacket £240 425g (M) superb hood, recycled down, hydrophobic, good pockets stitched-through construction Shell: 13D Gore-Tex Infinium Windstopper Insulation: 146g of 700 fill power recycled down with Nikwax hydrophobic finish Sizes: men S-XXL, women 8-16 rab.equipment/uk Rab’s Microlight series has been a mainstay of our down jacket reviews for years now. This iteration is described as the ‘most protective version’ of the Microlight range, thanks to the use of a Gore-Tex Infinium Windstopper outer shell. This is a highly windproof and breathable soft-touch fabric, although it didn’t seem much more windproof than other jackets tested. It repels light rain for a while but will eventually wet out. Unlike the older Microlight Summit, which used an innovative seamless construction, this one uses standard stitched-through baffles,…

1 Start/Finish Royal Oak, Braithwaite GR: NY231236 Outside school hours, park in the nearby school car park; alternatively, there is roadside parking in the village. Standing beside the B5292 with your back to the pub, turn L and L again. After Coledale Beck, take road on R (but not sharp R along beckside lane). Go left at T-junction. 2 About 1km beyond lane-end gate, leave main path by stepping R to gain fainter trail up Stile End’s NE ridge. Always take a map and compass with you. ©Crown copyright 2022 Ordnance Survey. Media 051/19 3 From summit, descend SW. Keep to most obvious route across heathery ground. At peaty dip near Low Moss, bear right at fork. 4 From Outerside’s summit cairn, take faint trail SSW. At pile of stones,…

1 Start Plumpton station (car park at station) GR: TQ363161 At Plumpton station cross railway to S side. There are two footbridges; either is fine, but you’ll need to walk right along to far/western end – where one of the footbridges is –-of whichever platform you choose. From here head S on paved path that runs alongside racecourse, Covid testing site currently on other side. Continue past racecourse buildings and along access road to T-junction. 2 Turn L to road, cross and follow track to East Chiltington Church. Carry on along drive/track via Novington Manor to Plumpton Lane. Turn L to Plumpton and T-junction with B2116. Always take a map and compass with you. ©Crown copyright 2022 Ordnance Survey. Media 051/19 3 Cross to track opposite and turn L alongside…

Tony Ball (@tony.b.photography, Instagram): Sometimes you just gotta get your feet wet.. Other times you slip on a wet rock! Sally Phillips (@getyourbootsonandhike, Instagram): Lunch time walks on the West coast, in between hail showers and a busy day of site visits. I found a little path up through the forest, which took me to this viewpoint above Plockton. Scott Parry (@theloneexplorer__, Instagram): Great End, frosted like a cake, tarn like a mirror and the MSR Advance Pro 2 looking stunning. Marianne Pritchard and Ossian (@crowparty, Instagram): Nippy up top Meall Ghaordaidh!…

GOLD CHRIS LEWIS Mountain Rescue volunteer ON FEBRUARY 6, Patterdale Mountain Rescue volunteer Chris Lewis was part of a team attempting to rescue a wild camper in trouble on Red Screes, near Ambleside. On his way up, Chris fell 150m down a steep slope and suffered “life-changing injuries”. He was airlifted to hospital but “will remain wheelchair-bound and need significant support for the rest of his life”. The tragic story hit the headlines and sent shockwaves through the outdoor community and beyond, with an outpouring of support for Chris. Almost £866,000 was raised for the Lake District Search and Mountain Rescue Association. “Selfless”, “heroic” and “a committed expert” were just a few of the emotive comments from voters in support of Chris. SILVER Mountain Rescue England and Wales (MREW) The…

GOLD THE SCOUT MOVEMENT FOR OVER A CENTURY, the Scout movement has been encouraging children and young people to develop life skills by spending time outdoors – and this mission continued in 2021, despite issues and restrictions posed by the coronavirus pandemic. TGO readers recognised this commitment during difficult times, with 22 per cent voting for the Scout movement. Voters described Scouting as a “lifeline for lots of young people during the pandemic” and “a great organisation that gets everyone outside and learning about the outdoors, nature and conservation”, whilst leaders were commended for showing “incredible creativity, despite Covid”. SILVER ◂Black Girls Hike Founded by outdoors advocate Rhiane Fatinikun, Black Girls Hike is a community interest company (CIC) providing a safe space for Black women to explore the outdoors. The…

GOLD TORRIDON YOUTH HOSTEL Torridon MUCH-LOVED by Munrobaggers and home to a trio of sandstone behemoths, Torridon is a hillwalking and scrambling paradise. Beinn Alligin is a Scottish masterpiece featuring the charismatic and imposing Horns of Alligin pillars; Liathach is a scramblers’ playground with razor-blade ridgelines and rocky pinnacles; and Beinn Eighe is a rock-strewn wilderness topped by grey-white quartzite. So perhaps it’s no wonder Torridon Youth Hostel is so popular amongst TGO readers. Voters called it a “home-from-home where nothing is too much trouble” and a “fantastic hostel with a stupendous setting”. Others praised the managers for “superb service, always with a smile”. SILVER ▸ Loch Ossian Youth Hostel Corrour Oozing rustic, get-away-from-it-all charm, Loch Ossian Youth Hostel is a remote yet homely hostel nestled on the southern shores of…

GOLD LIFE OF A MOUNTAIN: A YEAR ON HELVELLYN directed by Terry Abraham THE FINALE of the Life of a Mountain trilogy, this film from multi award-winning filmmaker and photographer Terry Abraham showcases the very best of iconic Lakeland peak Helvellyn. Originally shown on BBC Four, the film is also now available on DVD. One voter commented: “Terry has produced another incredible film for us all to enjoy, and captured one of the Lake District’s most-loved mountains perfectly whilst including information, education and adventure.” Another decribed it as “the most incredible filming with absolutely stunning views”. SILVER ▲ Robin Wallace, ‘Walk With Wallace’ (YouTube channel) Robin Wallace is a Munroist, hillwalker and all-round lover of Scotland’s wild places who loves to “visit old favourites and new hills regardless of their height…

GOLD COTSWOLD OUTDOOR A COMMON SIGHT on high streets up and down the country – despite the rise of internet shopping – Cotswold Outdoor is perennially rated the best chain retailer by TGO readers, and it has scooped the gold award yet again in 2021. The firm, which has over 70 stores across the UK, was praised by voters for “the very best of customer service” and “knowledgeable and helpful staff ”. The retailer’s price match scheme, wide product choice and excellent online service were also singled out by appreciative readers. One voter described the Cotswold Outdoor shopping experience as involving “always good stock and friendly staff ”. SILVER ▴ Go Outdoors TGO readers appear to love Go Outdoors for two main reasons: its big stores with a huge range…

Fit You’ll usually want a loose fit so that it can go over multiple layers. If it’s advertised as an ‘athletic’ fit, then you’ll need to size up. Sometimes, however, down jackets are sized correctly to fit over layers. It’s always best to try before you buy. Fill Down’s insulating ability is measured in ‘fill power’, describing how much the down will ‘loft’ (fluff up) when uncompressed; the higher the fill power, the warmer it’ll be for the weight. Hydrophobic down makes your jacket much more resistant to moisture, although it still won’t be waterproof! Traditionally, down is held in place by baffles; but some newer technologies blend synthetic fibres in high-wear areas (such as the shoulders) or can hold the down in place without the need for baffles. Shell…

1Start/Finish Glen Doll car park at head of Glen Clova GR: NO284760 Take track heading W past Acharn Farm, and continue past turning on right for Jock’s Road to reach bridge over White Water. 2 Cross and stay on track, which eventually narrows to path through woods to emerge in Corrie Fee. Always take a map and compass with you. ©Crown copyright 2022 Ordnance Survey. Media 051/19 3 Follow path up corrie as it climbs through rocky terrain to reach plateau, then head SSW to summit of Mayar. 4 Descend ENE for short distance then turn E along wide ridge by line of old fence posts to top of Shank of Drumfollow and take path SE and finally E to Driesh. 5 Return to Shank and descend this ramp to…

1 Start/Finish Llandogo Church GR: SO526040 Walk around green to R and turn L up lane by shop. Where the Freedom lane (signed to The Priory) turns off, take path by Cleddon Brook into woods. Pass yew tree and take path steeply up to zig-zag. Follow zig-zag to Cleddon Falls. 2 Cross lane and pass Falls Cottage on R. Follow Wye Valley Walk through Cuckoo Wood. Leaving wood, head slightly to R along wide, level track (not downhill into Cuckoo Wood), with plantation to L. Follow to gate, stretch of narrow fenced path, and second gate onto lane. Always take a map and compass with you. ©Crown copyright 2022 Ordnance Survey. Media 051/19 3 Follow Wye Valley Walk signs, branching off R onto track. Cross another track and emerge after…