Haute Route Pyrenees 2019: background and gear
Updated 2019-07-12 to reflect my final setup on the eve of my hike. My next thru-hike for 2019 will be a crossing of the Pyrenees from Atlantic to Mediterranean via the Haute Route. Here’s a little background on this hike, and some provisional thoughts about gear. Contents * What is
What I’ve been reading this week, 12 April 2019
Some quality reads this week: more on the Cape Wrath Trail, deep dives into outdoor gear, sustainability and environment, and golden rules for Twitter use. Long-distance walking Cape Wrath Trail 2019: Initial thoughts – Trepidation? Why? – Chris writes about why he’s been feeling a little anxiety about his upcoming CWT.
What I’ve been reading this week, 5 April 2019
A bumper week for planning big walks, book news, a classic scramble, and tips on beating imposter syndrome. Planning for long-distance walks Cape Wrath Trail kit and preparation – Andy Wasley’s blog post and video on planning his Cape Wrath Trail. Cape Wrath Trail Planning #2 – Stuart Greig’s second
Electronics for lightweight and ultralight backpacking
This article was last updated on 31 March 2019. “Nothing that uses a battery can be relied upon in the wild.” This is something we hear from time to time, but how true is it? What level of electronic gadgetry is necessary or appropriate in the outdoors? The purpose of
Lessons learned in the search for the perfect backpacking camera
It’s fair to say that, over the last few years, I’ve tried out a few different camera systems. Here’s what I’ve learned. A quick note: this is about my own personal needs, and a few lessons learned in finding them out. Your own requirements may differ.
What I’ve been reading this week, 29 March 2019
Planning for the Cape Wrath Trail, overcoming inertia in adventure planning, a tale from when the Lake District was glaciated, and scams in the world of self-publishing. Outdoors Book extract: Rocks and Rain, Reason and Romance by David Howe – I have this book on my desk in front of me
What I’ve been reading this week, 22 March 2019
The High Sierra Trail, raptor persecution, Glen Etive hydro scheme, and misplaced modifiers. Outdoors Hiking The PCT, Week 24, Northbound to Mile 2,660 – Wayne and Danielle’s final stage of the Pacific Crest Trail. Ten Lightweight Packs for Long-Distance Walking – Chris Townsend takes a look at ten packs worth
World Poetry Day: a poem found at Kearvaig bothy
Poetry and the outdoors seem to go hand in hand. George Mallory said the ascent of a mountain is like a symphony, but I think a day in the hills is more like a poem. In February 2019, at the end of my winter Cape Wrath Trail, I found myself
The Decaying Alps: climate change and glacial retreat in the Playground of Europe
As outdoor writers and photographers, it’s time for us to be honest about the realities of environmental destruction – and how these realities affect the mountain landscapes we love. This feature was first published in On Landscape, October 2017 Think of an image depicting the Swiss Alps. Chances are, you’
The Cape Wrath Trail(ish) in winter(ish) – a very brief account
In February 2019, I hiked 299 miles from Ardnamurchan Point to Cape Wrath, the north-westernmost point of mainland Britain, mostly following the Cape Wrath Trail. Here’s how it went, plus a few photos. Folks looking for a comprehensive trip report may be disappointed this time. I’m a professional