New look Trail

Glyder FachThe Cantilever on Glyder Fach in Snowdonia has been a great photographic subject for generations, but Stephen France captured a superb moment with these Wirral Met outdoor ed students. Careful you don’t break it, guys!

out thereBeen there, climbed that? Send us a picture!out there

4 Trail SEPTEMBER 2011 SEPTEMBER 2011 Trail 5

out there 4-7 sep11 lpswpssi.indd 4 19/07/2011 11:48

out there

SEPTEMBER 2011 Trail 5

Send us your shots, share your adventures Email your photos to us, along with a description of what was special

about your day, and we’ll publish the most inspiring examples! Put ‘Out There’ in the subject box, and send them to [email protected]

out there 4-7 sep11 lpswpssi.indd 5 19/07/2011 11:49

contents Where this month’s issue will take you...

Readers’ adventures 4The best of your photos from on the hill

Text rescue 10How your phone could save your life

Update 12Happenings from high places

Summit or survive? 14 Adele Pennington on the ultimate dilemma

Dream peak 16 Why you have to climb A’ Mhaighdean

Beginners’ guide to GPS 48 Become a natty navigator in five easy steps

Ben Nevis danger spots 52 Don’t get caught out on Britain’s highest

Hydration masterclass 54How much water do you need on the hill?

New! Ask Trail 56Our team of experts solve your problems

Trail Talk 18

Subscribe to Trail 34

Win! A Garmin GPS 44 New! The Trail tall tale 154

Knoydart 22 Twenty miles, one Munro, scary weather... and at the end of it all, mainland Britain’s most remote hostelry. Pack your aspirin...

Great Gable 36 �Scrambler? Ghost hunter? Explorer? There’s something for everybody in this ultimate mountain playground

Northern Ireland 64 Discover the mystical Mournes

a dv e n t u r es

y o u r t r a i l

s k i l l so u t t h e r e

Adventure guaranteed!Walk the Rough Bounds of Knoydart in our 2-day epic route

Great Gable really is this much fun – page 36.a garmin gpsworth £600!

p22

Meet a Welsh

record-breaker: page 12.


contents sep11 swsi.indd 8 19/07/2011 17:28

New! In the news 74 The latest products, the greatest inventions, the stuff you need to know about

La Sportiva boots 76 How do the innovative new Trango Guides perform on the hill? Find out in our in-depth test Ultralight jackets 78Stay dry in a waterproof that weighs less than a packet of Jaffa cakes. We test fi ve models around 300g and tell you which is the best

40-50 litre rucksacks 92 Need a new pack for year-round use? Eight versatile mid-size rucksacks go up against each other in our on-the-hill test

Buyer’s guide to gilets 104 Lightweight, limbless warmth: six body-warmers deserving of a place in your pack

Used and abused 109Hill-walking kit from Berghaus, Rab and Raichle gets the Knoydart treatment

Distance 19.3km (12 miles)Total ascent 900mTime 7-8 hoursStart/� nish Keswick, NY263235Terrain high-level fell-walk over one main peak, with clear paths throughout and

long steady ascents and descents Maps OS Explorer (1:25,000) OL4; OS Landranger (1:50,000) 89; Harvey Walker (1:40,000) and Superwalker (1:25,000)

Lakeland NorthPublic transport railway station at Penrith with regular bus services to Keswick, from where bus services

extend along the A591 – tel. 0870 608 2608; www.cumbria.gov.ukGuidebooks The Northern Fells by A Wainwright, pb Frances Lincoln

19.3km/12 miles

TRAIL ROUTE LAKE DISTRICT

7ULTIMATE WEEKEND

Always take a map on the hill

2

4

5

© C

ROW

N C

OPY

RIG

HT

IN A

SSO

CIAT

ION

WIT

H B

AUER

’S M

EDIA

LIC

ENCE

NO

. AM

105/

09

Trail Routes in association with Mapyx A digital revolution in digital mapping for the outdoors.

www.mapyx.com

Skiddaw

dd

Finish

4

Pen yr Ole Wen

to Millbeck, where a footpath on the right climbs steeply

alongside woods and up the southern slopes of Carl Side.

You can see the path winding steeply up the slopes and

it is clear from the start that this is a tough climb. But

throughout this section the view back over Keswick to

Derwentwater in Borrowdale and the surrounding peaks

provides plenty of reason to stop and drink in the view.

Manchester

MiddlesbroughKendal

Skipton

Sheffield

Peterborough

Birmingham

Derby

Betws-y-Coed

Pembroke

Brecon

Bristol

Plymouth

PooleBodmin

Minehead

Brighton

Southampton

Oxford

Berwick-upon-Tweed

Newcastle-upon-Tyne

Edinburgh

Glasgow

Aberdeen

Inverness

Fort William

Oban

MallaigInverie

Shiel Bridge

Ullapool

Braemar

Killarney

Tralee

Dingle

Kenmare CorkWaterford

Dublin

Belfast

LondonderryDonegal

Hay-on-Wye

Llangollen

IngletonBenthamLancaster

Stranraer

Ballantrae

Ayr

Dumfries

Portree

MULL

ISLE OF SKYE

ISLE OF LEWIS

Lairg

Thurso

Invergarry

Aviemore

Newton Stewart

Jedburgh

Leeds

York

Northallerton

Barmouth

RhylConway

Cardigan

Aberystwyth

SwanseaCardiff

Gloucester

Exeter

ISLE OF ARRAN

JURA

ISLAY

HARRIS

Bodelwyddan

Liverpool

Carlisle

Penrith

Windermere

Keswick

FACTS

GRADIENT PROFILE

2

METRESABOVE SEALEVEL

140012001000800600400200

MILESKILOMETRES

Start

Finish0

0

Skiddaw

Carl Side

Applethwaite

Skiddaw House1

2

3 45

6

2 2

4 46

68

810

1012

12

1416

18

Lakes’ 4th highestpeak

128 TRAIL SEPTEMBER 2011

SEPTEMBER 2011 TRAIL 129

1 NY263235 Leave Keswick by walking along the main road away

from the centre of town and cross the River Greta. At the

next road junction a footpath on the right can be traced

through Great Crosthwaite, past Keswick School and then

over the A66. The footpath continues through fi elds to

Applethwaite.

NY264255 Quiet lanes lead from Applethwaite

NY254281 The long climb ends gradually as the angle of the slopes

decreases and you take the fi nal few steps onto Carl Side.

Carlside Tarn nestles in the saddle ahead, while Skiddaw

dominates the scene. A clear

path climbs the western slopes of Skiddaw and this

brings fi ne views west across Southerndale to the long

arm of Longside Edge, one of Skiddaw’s most shapely

features and a great way to approach the mountain.

The path onto Skiddaw is another long haul; it’s loose underfoot thanks to the crumbly Skiddaw slate.

Finally you reach the summit ridge and a short walk north

leads to the summit.NY260290 At 931m/ 3,054ft Skiddaw is

the fourth highest peak in the Lake District. Return south for 500 metres and

then descend in an easterly direction down the slopes

to Sale How and onward downhill to Skiddaw House.

NY287291 Skiddaw House lies at 1,550ft above sea-level. A clear path

continues south around the lower contours of the

steep, crumbly slopes of Lonscale Fell and high above

Glenderaterra Beck, with spectacular views. The path

leads easily back to the car park at Latrigg.

NY281253 A path now descends around the slopes of Latrigg through

woods at fi rst before crossing the A66 and leading back

into Keswick.

3

6

Autumnal slopes of Skiddaw rise above the car park on Latrigg.

YoSkiddaw

Pic 1 Autumnal slopes of Skid-daw rise above the carpark on

Latrigg.

High SeatPic The vast moorland extend-

ing south from High Seat.Cat BellsPic The clear path to Cat Bells provides an easy start.

Tags:Ideas:

Skiddaw Lakes 4th highest peakBag a Lakeland 3000 footerHigh SeatMassive moorland among the

mountainsRough and wild moorland chal-

lengeBig views from mountain

moorlandClassic views from moorland traverseMore than just moorlandCat BellsQuintessential Lakeland Fells

The ultimate classic walkKeswick's classic walk

The greatest views of KeswickIncredible views from Lakeland

Classic

1

2

3

4

5

6

STRENUOUSNESSNAVIGATIONTECHNICALITYTRAIL 1OO

��1

7-9 lake district sep11 swhlps.indd 128

14/07/2011 15:46


140012001000800600400200

MILESKILOMETRES Finish0

0

112

33 45

6

2 2

4 46

68

810

1012

14


is another long haul; it’s loose underfoot thanks to the crumbly Skiddaw slate.













into Keswick.

Distance 19.3km (12 miles)Total ascent 900mTime 7-8 hoursStart/� nish Keswick, NY263235Terrain high-level fell-walk over one main peak, with clear paths throughout and

long steady ascents and descents Maps OS Explorer (1:25,000) OL4; OS Landranger (1:50,000) 89; Harvey Walker (1:40,000) and Superwalker (1:25,000)

Lakeland NorthPublic transport railway station at Penrith with regular bus services to Keswick, from where bus services

extend along the A591 – tel. 0870 608 2608; www.cumbria.gov.ukGuidebooks The Northern Fells by A Wainwright, pb Frances Lincoln

19.3km/12 miles


7ULTIMATE WEEKEND


2

4

5

© C

ROW

N C

OPY

RIG

HT

IN A

SSO

CIAT

ION

WIT

H B

AUER

’S M

EDIA

LIC

ENCE

NO

. AM

105/

09

Trail Routes in association with Mapyx A digital revolution in digital mapping for the outdoors.

www.mapyx.com

Skiddaw

dd

Finish

4

Pen yr Ole Wen

to Millbeck, where a footpath on the right climbs steeply

alongside woods and up the southern slopes of Carl Side.

You can see the path winding steeply up the slopes and

it is clear from the start that this is a tough climb. But

throughout this section the view back over Keswick to

Derwentwater in Borrowdale and the surrounding peaks

provides plenty of reason to stop and drink in the view.

Manchester

MiddlesbroughKendal

Skipton

Sheffield

Peterborough

Birmingham

Derby

Betws-y-Coed

Pembroke

Brecon

Bristol

Plymouth

PooleBodmin

Minehead

Brighton

Southampton

Oxford

Berwick-upon-Tweed

Newcastle-upon-Tyne

Edinburgh

Glasgow

Aberdeen

Inverness

Fort William

Oban

MallaigInverie

Shiel Bridge

Ullapool

Braemar

Killarney

Tralee

Dingle

Kenmare CorkWaterford

Dublin

Belfast

LondonderryDonegal

Hay-on-Wye

Llangollen

IngletonBenthamLancaster

Stranraer

Ballantrae

Ayr

Dumfries

Portree

MULL

ISLE OF SKYE

ISLE OF LEWIS

Lairg

Thurso

Invergarry

Aviemore

Newton Stewart

Jedburgh

Leeds

York

Northallerton

Barmouth

RhylConway

Cardigan

Aberystwyth

SwanseaCardiff

Gloucester

Exeter

ISLE OF ARRAN

JURA

ISLAY

HARRIS

Bodelwyddan

Liverpool

Carlisle

Penrith

Windermere

Keswick

FACTS

GRADIENT PROFILE

2


140012001000800600400200

MILESKILOMETRES

Start

Finish0

0

Skiddaw

Carl Side

Applethwaite

Skiddaw House1

2

3 45

6

2 2

4 46

68

810

1012

12

1416

18

Lakes’ 4th highestpeak



1 NY263235 Leave Keswick by walking along the main road away

from the centre of town and cross the River Greta. At the

next road junction a footpath on the right can be traced

through Great Crosthwaite, past Keswick School and then

over the A66. The footpath continues through fi elds to

Applethwaite.


NY254281 The long climb ends gradually as the angle of the slopes

decreases and you take the fi nal few steps onto Carl Side.

Carlside Tarn nestles in the saddle ahead, while Skiddaw



















into Keswick.

3

6


YoSkiddaw

Pic 1 Autumnal slopes of Skid-daw rise above the carpark on

Latrigg.

High SeatPic The vast moorland extend-

ing south from High Seat.Cat BellsPic The clear path to Cat Bells provides an easy start.

Tags:Ideas:

Skiddaw Lakes 4th highest peakBag a Lakeland 3000 footerHigh SeatMassive moorland among the

mountainsRough and wild moorland chal-


moorlandClassic views from moorland traverseMore than just moorlandCat BellsQuintessential Lakeland Fells

The ultimate classic walkKeswick's classic walk

The greatest views of KeswickIncredible views from Lakeland

Classic

1

2

3

4

5

6

STRENUOUSNESSNAVIGATIONTECHNICALITYTRAIL 1OO

��1


14/07/2011 15:46

VE SEALEVEL

1000800600400200

MILESKILOMETRES Finish0

0

Skiddaw

Carl SideSkiddaw House

112

33 452 2

4 46128 TRAIL SEPTEMBER 2011

as the angle of the slopes decreases and you take the

fi nal few steps onto Carl Side. Carlside Tarn nestles in the

saddle ahead, while Skiddaw dominates the scene. A clear

House lies at 1,550ft above sea-level. A clear path







into Keswick.

6

Distance 19.3km

(12 miles)

Total ascent 900m

Time 7-8 hours

Start/� nish Keswick,

NY263235

Terrain high-level

fell-walk over one

main peak, with clear

paths throughout and

long steady ascents

and descents

Maps OS Explorer

(1:25,000) OL4; OS

Landranger (1:50,000)

89; Harvey Walker

(1:40,000) and

Superwalker (1:25,000)

Lakeland North

Public transport

railway station at

Penrith with regular

bus services to Keswick,

from where bus services

extend along the A591

– tel. 0870 608 2608;

www.cumbria.gov.uk

Guidebooks

The Northern Fells

by A Wainwright,

pb Frances Lincoln

19.3km/12 miles


7ULTIMATE WEEKEND


2

4

5

© C

ROW

N C

OPY

RIG

HT

IN A

SSO

CIAT

ION

WIT

H B

AUER

’S M

EDIA

LIC

ENCE

NO

. AM

105/

09

Trail Routes

in association

with Mapyx

A digital revolution in digital

mapping for the outdoors.

www.mapyx.com

Skiddaw

dd

Finish

4

Pen yr Ole Wen

to Millbeck, where a footpath

on the right climbs steeply

alongside woods and up the

southern slopes of Carl Side.

You can see the path winding

steeply up the slopes and

it is clear from the start that

this is a tough climb. But

throughout this section the

view back over Keswick to

Derwentwater in Borrowdale

and the surrounding peaks

provides plenty of reason to

stop and drink in the view. Manchester

Middlesbrough

Kendal

Skipton

Sheffield

Peterborough

Birmingham

DerbyBetws-y-Coed

Pembroke

Brecon

Bristol

Plymouth

Poole

Bodmin

Minehead BrightonSouthampton

Oxford

Berwick-upon-Tweed

Newcastle

-upon-Tyne

EdinburghGlasgow

Aberdeen

Inverness

Fort William

Oban

MallaigInverie

Shiel Bridge

Ullapool

Braemar

Killarney

TraleeDingle

KenmareCork

Waterford

Dublin

Belfast

Londonderry

Donegal

Hay-on-Wye

Llangollen

Ingleton

Bentham

Lancaster

Stranraer

Ballantrae

Ayr

Dumfries

Portree

MULL

ISLE OF SKYE

ISLE OF LEWISLairg

Thurso

Invergarry

Aviemore

Newton Stewart

Jedburgh

Leeds

York

Northallerton

Barmouth

RhylConway

Cardigan

Aberystwyth

SwanseaCardiff

Gloucester

Exeter

ISLE OF ARRAN

JURA

ISLAY

HARRIS

Bodelwyddan

Liverpool

Carlisle

Penrith

Windermere

Keswick

FACTS

GRADIENT PROFILE

2

METRESABOVE

SEALEVEL

140012001000

800600400200

MILES

KILOMETRES

Start

Finish

00

SkiddawCarl Side

Applethwaite

Skiddaw House

1 23 4 5

6

2

24

46

6

8

8

10

10

12

12

1416 18

Lakes’ 4th

highestpeak



1 NY263235 Leave

Keswick by walking

along the main road away

from the centre of town and

cross the River Greta. At the

next road junction a footpath

on the right can be traced

through Great Crosthwaite,

past Keswick School and then

over the A66. The footpath

continues through fi elds to

Applethwaite.

NY264255 Quiet lanes

lead from Applethwaite

NY254281 The long

climb ends gradually

as the angle of the slopes

decreases and you take the

fi nal few steps onto Carl Side.

Carlside Tarn nestles in the

saddle ahead, while Skiddaw


path climbs the western

slopes of Skiddaw and this

brings fi ne views west across

Southerndale to the long

arm of Longside Edge, one

of Skiddaw’s most shapely

features and a great way

to approach the mountain.

The path onto Skiddaw

is another long haul; it’s

loose underfoot thanks to

the crumbly Skiddaw slate.

Finally you reach the summit

ridge and a short walk north

leads to the summit.

NY260290 At 931m/

3,054ft Skiddaw is

the fourth highest peak in

the Lake District. Return

south for 500 metres and

then descend in an easterly

direction down the slopes

to Sale How and onward

downhill to Skiddaw House.

NY287291 Skiddaw

House lies at 1,550ft

above sea-level. A clear path

continues south around

the lower contours of the

steep, crumbly slopes of

Lonscale Fell and high above

Glenderaterra Beck, with

spectacular views. The path

leads easily back to the car

park at Latrigg.

NY281253 A path now

descends around the

slopes of Latrigg through

woods at fi rst before crossing

the A66 and leading back

into Keswick.

36

Autumnal slopes of

Skiddaw rise above the

car park on Latrigg.

YoSkiddaw

Pic 1 Autumnal slopes of Skid-

daw rise above the carpark on

Latrigg.

High Seat

Pic The vast moorland extend-

ing south from High Seat.

Cat Bells

Pic The clear path to Cat Bells

provides an easy start.

Tags:Ideas:

Skiddaw

Lakes 4th highest peak

Bag a Lakeland 3000 footer

High Seat

Massive moorland among the

mountains

Rough and wild moorland chal-


moorland

Classic views from moorland

traverse

More than just moorland

Cat Bells

Quintessential Lakeland Fells

The ultimate classic walk

Keswick's classic walk

The greatest views of Keswick

Incredible views from Lakeland

Classic

1

2

3

45

6

STRENUOUSNESS

NAVIGATION

TECHNICALITY

TRAIL 1OO

��

��

��

1


14/07/2011 15:46

Where this month’s issue will take you...

Brecon Beacons 113Route 1 Pen y FanA six mile walk with plenty of Welsh drama

NW Highlands 115Route 2 Fisherfi eldAn epic 2-dayer to the UK’s most remote peak

Lake District 117Route 3 Pinnacle RidgeA scramble you’ll be dining out on for years...

West Highlands 119Route 4 Aonach EagachA mountaineering challenge for the brave – especially if you do it backwards!

Peak District 121Route 5 Curbar EdgeA grit edge walk with scrambles aplenty

Snowdonia 123Route 6 Y GlyderauGlyders Fach and Fawr, with the option of Tryfan thrown in for good measure

Keswick 127Route 7 SkiddawRoute 8 High SeatRoute 9 Cat BellsStay in one place and walk for three days! Our fi rst Ultimate Weekend gives three great routes from the heart of the northern Lakes

Okehampton 133Route 10 High WillhaysRoute 11 West Devon WayRoute 12 Belstone Ridge Don’t miss out on the joys of the moors. Our second Ultimate Weekend takes you to Dartmoor base camp and offers a mouth-watering itinerary

Snowdonia 139Route 13 Snowdon via Yr Aran and Y LliweddThis month’s Classic Route takes you to the roof of Wales via Yr Aran and Snowdon’s south ridge, then descends over Y Lliwedd

R O U T ES

SEPTEMBER 2011

Need a rucksack for year-round use? We test 40-50 litre packs that’ll take you from day walks to backpacking trips.

Always take





The path onto Skiddaw is another long haul; it’s loose underfoot thanks to

Always take a map on the hillthe hill











Skiddaw House lies at 1,550ft

12 milesLAKE DISTRICTAlways take a map on the hillthe hill

4

5

Skiddaw Lakes’ 4th highesthighestpeak







leads to the summit.NY260290 3,054ft Skiddaw is






19.3km

Total ascent 900m

7-8 hours

Start/� nish Keswick,

NY263235 high-level

fell-walk over one

main peak, with clear

paths throughout and

long steady ascents

and descents

OS Explorer

(1:25,000) OL4; OS

Landranger (1:50,000)

89; Harvey Walker

(1:40,000) and

Superwalker (1:25,000)

Lakeland North

Public transport

railway station at

Penrith with regular

bus services to Keswick,

from where bus services

extend along the A591

– tel. 0870 608 2608;

www.cumbria.gov.uk

Guidebooks

The Northern Fells

by A Wainwright,

pb Frances Lincoln

19.3km/12 miles

TRAIL ROUTE LAKE DISTRICTULTIMATE WEEKEND

Always take a map on the hillthe hill

2

4

5

Trail Routes

in association

with Mapyx

A digital revolution in digital

mapping for the outdoors.

www.mapyx.com

Skiddawto Millbeck, where a footpath

on the right climbs steeply

alongside woods and up the

southern slopes of Carl Side.

You can see the path winding

steeply up the slopes and

it is clear from the start that

this is a tough climb. But

throughout this section the

view back over Keswick to

Derwentwater in Borrowdale

and the surrounding peaks

provides plenty of reason to

stop and drink in the view.

Middlesbr

Kendalendalendal

SkiptonSkiptonSkiptonSkiptonSkiptonSkipton

Ingleton

Bentham

Lancaster

Carlisle

Penrithenrith

GRADIENT PROFILE

1400

Start

Finish

SkiddawCarl Side

Applethwaite

Skiddaw House

6

Lakes’ 4th

highesthighest

peak

1 NY263235 Leave

Keswick by walking

along the main road away

from the centre of town and

cross the River Greta. At the

next road junction a footpath

on the right can be traced

through Great Crosthwaite,

past Keswick School and then

over the A66. The footpath

continues through fi elds to

Applethwaite.

NY264255 Quiet lanes

lead from Applethwaite lead from Applethwaite

NY254281 The long

climb ends gradually

as the angle of the slopes

decreases and you take the

fi nal few steps onto Carl Side.

Carlside Tarn nestles in the

saddle ahead, while Skiddaw


path climbs the western

slopes of Skiddaw and this

brings fi ne views west across

Southerndale to the long

arm of Longside Edge, one

of Skiddaw’s most shapely

features and a great way

to approach the mountain.

The path onto Skiddaw

is another long haul; it’s

loose underfoot thanks to

the crumbly Skiddaw slate.

Finally you reach the summit

ridge and a short walk north

leads to the summit.

NY260290 At 931m/

3,054ft Skiddaw is

the fourth highest peak in

the Lake District. Return

south for 500 metres and

then descend in an easterly

direction down the slopes

to Sale How and onward

downhill to Skiddaw House.

NY287291 Skiddaw

House lies at 1,550ft

above sea-level. A clear path

continues south around

the lower contours of the

steep, crumbly slopes of

Lonscale Fell and high above

Glenderaterra Beck, with

spectacular views. The path

leads easily back to the car

park at Latrigg.

NY281253 A path now

descends around the

slopes of Latrigg through

woods at fi rst before crossing

the A66 and leading back

into Keswick.

36

Autumnal slopes of

Skiddaw rise above the

car park on Latrigg.

1

2

3

45

6

��

��

��

1

Here’s a trio of routes from the self-proclaimed ‘Adventure Capital of the Lake District’, says Graham Thompson...

TRAIL ROUTESLAKE DISTRICT

ULTIMATE WEEKEND

A snow-sprinkled Skiddaw (left) rises above Keswick

and Derwent Water.

�

BusesTraveline 0871 200 2233

TrainsStation at Penrith 0845 000 8000

TaxisKeswick Cab Company 0800 633 5746

Tourist info Keswick TIC (017687) 72645

Local infowww.keswick.orgwww.keswickplus.co.uk

Eventswww.golakes.co.uk

MedicalCastlehead Medical Centre, Keswick(017687) 72025 (24 hours)www.castlehead.org.uk

BanksBritannia, Keswick

Keswick3 ROU

TES

FRO

M

(017687) 73177HSBC, Keswick 0845 740 4404Lloyds TSB, Keswick 0845 3000 000Natwest, Keswick 0845 600 2803Barclays, Keswick 0845 7555 555

FuelCrosthwaite Service

Station, Crosthwaite Road, Keswick(017687) 74894Derwent Service Station, Penrith Road, Keswick(017687) 72812

PubsDog and Gun (017687) 73463George Hotel (017687) 72076

CampsiteCastlerigg Farm (017687) 72479

CafésLakeland Pedlar Wholefood Café (017687) 74492The Orange Square Café Bar (017687) 73888

Gear shopsGeorge Fisher

(017687) 72178Needle Sports (017687) 72227

HostelsKeswick Youth Hostel 0845 371 9746Denton House (017687) 75351

B&BsCranford House(017687) 71017

Honister House 01768 773 181

TOM

BA

ILEY

ROUTE 7 19.3km

© C

ROW

N C

OPY

RIG

HT

IN A

SSO

CIAT

ION

WIT

H B

AUER

’S M

EDIA

LIC

ENCE

NO

. AM

105/

09


ROUTE 8 25km

ROUTE 9 25.2kmDare you try the George's

famous cow pie?

7-9 lake district sep11 swhlps.indd 127 14/07/2011 15:50

p92

Classic Route

with 3D maps

G E A R


contents sep11 swsi.indd 9 19/07/2011 17:52

out there


w

dream peak sep11 swhlpssi.indd 16 18/07/2011 15:25

A’ MHAIGHDEAN NW HIGHLANDS

Situated in the heart of the Fisherfi eld Forest in Scotland’s northern Highlands, this is the most remote Munro in Britain.

DO IT! ››› TURN TO PAGE 115


DREAM PEAK

dream peak sep11 swhlpssi.indd 17 19/07/2011 17:32

knoydart


Ladhar Bheinn rears grandly above Loch Hourn, a fearsome tick on this two-day pilgrimage – to a pub.

Where? Knoydart, ScotlandWhat? Munro-bagging expedition

Where? North-west HighlandsWhat? 2-day Munro expedition

new knoydart sep11 swhlps.indd 22 19/07/2011 17:33

B


eyond the old stone bridge, four ashen buildings mark the end of the road. Then there’s a track, which takes you past a tumbledown jetty to the edge of the loch. Follow this. Follow it to a little square of fence, seemingly blocking your way. You can see that beyond it, the track becomes skeletal as it creeps around the corner. Stop here. Stop, and make damn sure you know what a magni� cent mess you’re about to get yourself into. Beyond here, Pilgrim, you’re in big trouble.

It was the next day. Far from concerning ourselves with the above, the three of us were considering ourselves lucky. The day before had not been promising. There’s a lot of Britain to see between Lincolnshire and the west coast of Scotland, and all of it was drowning. That morning we’d left our wives and girlfriends covered in worry and driven through swaddled murk, steam and endless, joyless rain into the rafters of Britain for the thick end of 13 hours. It was like going for a drive in a rinse cycle.

H E L LFifty eight kilometres, two days, one of Scotland’s � ercest mountains and a question: just how far would you walk for a pint?

WORDS SIMON INGRAM PHOTOGRAPHS TOM BAILEY

H E A V E N A N D

�

new knoydart sep11 swhlps.indd 23 19/07/2011 09:11

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SEPTEMBER 2011 TRAIL ??

ESSENTIAL KIT! This month’s gift is a choice of two essential tools: the full-power Tikkina2, or the superb e+LITE, which – supplied in a waterproof box – is perfect for

strapping to your pack as a backup, or as a main light for those who want to strip back the weight of their pack and go light.Simon Ingram, acting editor

SUBSCRIBE TO TRAIL NOW!

� The minimum term is 13 issues. This offer closes on 31/08/2011. Gift only available to UK residents. Gift only available to the fi rst 200 subscribers. We reserve the right to provide an alternative gift of equal or higher value if stocks are exhausted. Please allow up to 28 working days for delivery of your gift. We reserve the right to reclaim the gift/value of the gift if you cancel your subscription before the end of the agreed term, as set out above.

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LAKE district


Napes Needle spearing the sky with the Scafells behind.

Where? Great Gable, Lake DistrictWhat? All-round adventure

great gable sep11 japsswsi.indd 36 18/07/2011 09:33

Britain’sultimate mountain playground

T


The best view, the birth of rock-climbing, the seat of multiple mysteries. This is…

ry picking one mountain to encapsulate everything that’s fabulous about being in the British hills. Oh go on, give it a go. Would it be Snowdon? Great ridge walks and a cracking view, granted, but that tarmacked tourist path is a real turn-off. How about Tryfan? It’s a shapely old rascal to be sure – shame that the summit is scramblers-only territory. But Great Gable... It’s the symbol of the Lake District National Park and the seat of our country’s democratically elected ’Favourite View’. Its history reads like a book of children’s fairytales: dirty smugglers, daring feats and more ghost stories than you could shake a stick at. Most of all it’s a hot-bed of multi-activity adventure; blossom for the butterflies of scrambling, hill-walking and climbing. You could spend days here, following a treasure trail of mountain discovery, and still barely have skimmed the cream off the top of the milk churn. You’d have to be really stupid to try to pack everything Gable has to offer into the course of one day. So, how long did Trail have when we rolled up at the Wasdale side of the mountain on a drizzly midsummer evening? Yup, you guessed it... �

WoRdS Hanna Lindon PhoTogRaPhS Tom BaiLey

great gable sep11 japsswsi.indd 37 18/07/2011 09:34

skillsTrail's Skills section is put together by outdoor experts to help you get the best out of yourself in the UK's high places. Here you can get cutting-edge information, handy hints and tips – and expert advice tailored especially for you. Simply ask Trail!

guide to...Getting started with GPS 48

mountain safety Ben Nevis danger spots 52

masterclassHydration 54

ask trailMap and compass woes 56 Gaiters – why, where and when? 57 One boot for year-round use 59 Get fitter for the hills 62

skills cover sep11 sisw.indd 47 19/07/2011 14:04

The summit plateau of Britain’s highest mountain is fraught with danger. Here Trail’s mountaineering editor Jeremy Ashcroft advises on a safe descent...for any weather.

Ben Nevis danger spots

52 TRAIL SEPTEMBER 2011 SEPTEMBER 2011 TRAIL 53

YOUR PROBLEMS SOLVED BY OUR HILL-WALKING EXPERTS

TRAIL SKILLS

The zigzags NN157713The zigzags are often obliterated by snow so it is vital stay alert and keep up with the map and compass work.

Carn Mor Dearg (CMD) Arête NN178721The CMD Arête provides a challenging alternative route. In summer it gives a simple Grade 1 scramble with lots of comforting pinnacles to hold onto and shimmy between. However, in snow the pinnacles disappear, turning the route into a narrow and very exposed crest. You’ll certainly need be pro� cient moving over mixed ground using an ice axe and crampons, and be used to exposure. High winds make progress either very di� cult or impossible.

Red Burn NN147718 At the bottom of the zigzags you’ll cross the Red Burn to reach ‘Halfway Lochan’ (Lochan Meall an t-Suidhe). When banked out with snow the slope is steep and exposed, requiring great care to cross safely.

In winter as well as adequate warm clothing you will need ice axe and crampons, and the skills to use them. Goggles are also essential as map reading and navigation will be severely compromised in windblown snow.Check for avalanche alerts before you set out at SportScotland Avalanche Information Service (www.sais.gov.uk) where you can sign up for SMS alerts from October/November.

EXPERT TIP!

skills ben nevis sep11 swsi.indd 52 19/07/2011 17:39

Ben Nevis danger spots

MOUNTAIN SAFETY


STU

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The plateauThe main problem for hill-walkers is getting o� the plateau safely when it has a covering of snow. Winter snows can lie up to 30ft deep with fragile cornices extending over crag edges for over 40ft, and often the snow lasts well into the summer months. Regular white-outs and high winds make navigation extremely di� cult.

�� You have to walk on two very precise bearings to � nd the safe route down – so you need to be pretty handy with a map and compass. From the trig point summit (NN166712) follow a bearing of 231° (grid bearing) for 150m, then 282° (grid bearing) down McLean’s Steep to the start of the zigzags. A new set of navigation cairns have been built to aid clearing the plateau, but although they are tall, some still bank out after heavy snowfall.

Gardyloo Gully NN165711The � rst leg of the bearing gets you away from the cornices at the head of Gardyloo Gully, but beware: these cornices can be huge, and they lie only 35m away from the line of the bearing.

Eastern Shoulder NN169710This gives access to the CMD Arête from the summit and the route down to Steall in Glen Nevis. This shoulder forms a steep convex slope and is also prone to wind scour and low temperatures, which can make it very icy. Careful footwork is critical here as a fall would be very hard to arrest. Can be avalanche-prone.

Five Finger Gully NN157712The second bearing takes you down the steepening of McLean’s Steep and on to the easier slopes at the top of the zigzags. This is not a time to relax, however, as it is easy to drift left o� your bearing, which will take you onto the steep convex slopes at the head of Five Finger Gully. Can be avalanche-prone.

Getting off the summit in bad visibility.

1. First walk ona grid bearing of

231˚ for 150m

1 First walk ona grid bearing of

231˚ for 150m

2 Then turn to a gridbearing of 282˚

Trig. pointTrig. point

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Pony Track

Pony Track

An aerial view of Ben Nevis from the west.

skills ben nevis sep11 swsi.indd 53 18/07/2011 10:29

So you’ve got a problem that needs solving, but don’t want to lose face with your mountain mates? Don’t worry, Trail’s expert team is here to help…

Graham thompsonGT has been Trail’s technical editor for the last 20 years, and he’s a fountain of knowledge on all aspects of walking kit.

simon inGram

jeremy ashcroft

peter macfarlane

Trail’s acting editor and Mountain Leader trainee has been on more mountains than most of us could dream about.

Mountaineering ed Jeremy has a wealth of experience in the UK and overseas, and he’s here to solve your problems.

Peter’s our lightweight expert, and he can give you all the advice you need about saving weight on the hill.

Despite having a GPS, a map and a compass, I recently got lost on the Glyders in cloud. As a result, I vowed I’d learn to use the compass properly

if I got back safely! I know I should know, but please - how do I set a bearing and follow it?Adrian Carling, via email

In mist, many popular hills can be confusing, and the Glyders plateau is a great example. There aren’t many obvious landmarks, so it’s easy to

become disorientated if you’ve wandered from the path. In dense hill fog, it can be an unnerving experience – and it’s not unknown for experienced walkers to get spooked. To sort yourself out, you need to know where you are, and you need a map and compass. If you have a GPS, switch it on and get a position, because knowing your grid ref is the first stage in becoming unlost! Once you know where you are, follow the steps below to get back on track...

ask us a question!If you’ve got a question about hill-walking, don’t suffer in silence. Get in touch and ask our team.

›› Post your queries to: Ask Trail, Trail, Bauer, Media House, Lynch Wood, Peterborough PE2 6EA.

Even better, email us: [email protected] and put ‘Ask Trail’ in the subject box.

(Sorry, but we can only answer the questions that appear in the magazine.)

How do I use my compass?

set the direction of travelFind your position on your map using a GPS or an identifiable point on the hill, such as a trig point or known landmark. Using the edge of the baseplate of your compass, line up your current position with the intended destination point, ensuring that the direction-of-travel arrow (the arrow on the base plate of the compass) is pointing from where you are towards the destination point.

set your grid bearingNow rotate the bezel of the compass so the lines on the base of the bezel match up exactly with the north-south grid lines on the map. Make sure the red half of the compass lines are at the top, and the black half are at the bottom. Don’t worry about where the needle points at this stage, as it really doesn’t matter – all you’re doing is using your compass as a protractor to get the correct angle.

1 2

Q

a


your problems solved by our hill-walking experTs

ask trail

Add the magnetic variation You’ve now set your grid bearing, but for this to work in the real world, you need to replace grid north (shown on the map) with magnetic north (where the red end of the compass needle points). To do this, you need to add the magnetic variation that’s printed on the map. This is normally a few degrees in the UK, but varies hugely around the world. Add this by carefully twisting the bezel.

Get on targetYou now have the magnetic bearing you need to follow, so keep your compass away from anything metal and hold it level at stomach height. Make sure that the direction-of-travel arrow on the compass base plate is pointing away from you, and rotate your body until the red end of the needle points to north (the N symbol) on the rotating bezel. You’ll now be facing the right way.

Find a target pointLook along the direction-of-travel arrow on the compass base plate and find a fixed feature in the landscape that the arrow points to, such as a tree or rock. Don’t try to hold the compass and ‘walk on a bearing’, as it’s difficult to stay on course. It’s more accurate to walk to a feature ahead that lies in the direction of travel. Walk to the point, and when you get there, repeat with another target point.

What are gaiters for?

I’m new to hill-walking, and I’ve see loads of people wearing gaiters. I understand why people

would wear them in the snow, as they obviously stop the white stuff getting in your boots, but are they necessary on dry days in the warmer months? Karen Richards, via email

Although they’re primarily designed for use in snow and on boggy ground, a lot of walkers wear gaiters in all

weathers, as they protect your footwear, laces and trousers from everything nature dishes out, including sharp rocks, mud, dust and scree, as well as peat and puddles.

On hotter days, you can roll them down on easy sections to ventilate your legs, but having them attached to your boots is much better than having them stashed away. Leaving your gaiters in your pack until you need them is a sure-fire way to get wet feet, because you won’t bother to put them on when you reach the bog!

3 4 5

Q

A

Don’t forget to add a few degrees for magnetic variation. Check the

map key for the correct figure.

your questions answered


25km/15½miles

central highlandsnorthern Ireland


Descending into the Silent Valley, surrounded by the majestic Mourne Mountains.

Where? Mournes, Northern IrelandWhat? Exploring some magic mountains

northern ireland sep11 pslpswja.indd 64 18/07/2011 14:06

Meet the

MournesCraggy hills, cracking climbs and towering tors, these peaks offer all the allure of a foreign destination but you can still use your British pounds, drive on the left and speak the lingo. Ladies and gentlemen…

nce upon a time a young girl called Lucy opened a wardrobe door and found herself in a captivating land of majestic mountains and mythical forests. That girl had opened the door to Narnia, but the place that this girl had just found herself in was even more magical. I had arrived at the Mourne Mountains, the real landscape that inspired author CS Lewis to create the classic children’s tale The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe and its enchanted world. But unlike Lucy, who’d required a huge dose of magic and a closet to transport her here, all I’d needed was a ferry – and I hadn’t even had to remember my passport.

Situated in the south-east corner of Northern Ireland, and less than an hour’s drive from Belfast, this cluster of wild and craggy peaks dominates the landscape from the seaside town of Newcastle to the village of Rostrevor. They offer all the perks of hill-walking in the UK mainland – the same language, currency and right-hand-drive cars – but the mountains here rival anything you’ll find in continental Europe. Their seaside location means post-walk beach lounging, the hills hide 26 climbing crags with over 900 graded routes – and the mountains offer first-class walking that belie their contour height.

Like many hill-walkers I’d put off visiting the Mournes before because I’d


�

Words Phoebe Smith PhotograPhs Neil S Price

o

northern ireland sep11 pslpswja.indd 65 18/07/2011 14:06

GEAROnly the best products receive Trail's Best in Test or Best Value awards. Keep your eyes peeled for them!

ABOUT OUR TESTSOur tests are carried out by experts so you know you're getting a proper verdict based on years of experience. To keep things consistent, prices are the manufacturers' suggested retail price, and our � ve star ratings are as clear as it gets...

NEWS DAMP-PROOF DOWN! 74LA SPORTIVA TRANGO GUIDE 76ULTRALIGHT JACKETS 78RUCKSACKS 40 -50 LITRE 92BUYERS' GUIDE GILETS 104USED & ABUSED TRIP REPORT 109

� POOR� � BELOW AVERAGE� � � AVERAGE� � � � GOOD PERFORMANCE� � � � � THE BEST IN ITS CLASS


BEST IN TESTMAGAZINE

BEST VALUEMAGAZINE

TOM

BA

ILEY

gear cover sep11 lpjahlswps.indd 73 18/07/2011 16:27

WATERPROOF JACKETS


GROUP TEST

jackets sep11 jaswlp.indd 78 18/07/2011 11:27

WATERPROOF JACKETSJACKETS

Why burden yourself with wet-weather gear when there’s a wide choice of waterproofs that weigh less than a packet of biscuits?

TEST GRAHAM THOMPSON PHOTOGRAPHS TOM BAILEY

WATERPROOF ultralight

MONTANE MINIMUS £120MARMOT SUPER MICA £160GOLITE MALPAIS TRINITY £180OMM CYPHER £210HAGLÖFS ENDO £220

JACKETS ON TEST


WATERPROOF JACKETS

jackets sep11 jaswlp.indd 79 18/07/2011 11:28

RUCKSACKSLarge enough for lightweight camping yet small enough for hill-walks and scrambling, a 40-50 litre rucksack fi ts the bill for all manner of mountain action. Here we test the best. TEST GRAHAM THOMPSON PHOTOGRAPHS TOM BAILEY

40-50 litre

BERGHAUS FREEFLOW PRO 40 £100POD PHOENIX 45 £100DEUTER FUTURA PRO 42 £110LIGHTWAVE FASTPACK 50 £115FJÄLLRÄVEN FRILUFT 45 £120OSPREY ATMOS 50 £120MAMMUT CREON PRO £125LOWE ALPINE NANON 40:45 £140

WHAT WE TESTED


GROUP TEST

rucksacks sep11 swhllp.indd 92 18/07/2011 13:39


40-50 LITRE RUCKSACKS

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Berghaus ACCELERATOR EXTREM JACKET £130

used and aBused


gear

Dr Ka-Wai MoKnoydart

(See page 22)

team Trail’s kit sees more action than most – here’s where we tell you how it did.

This jacket is a size XS, which is extremely hard to find nowadays. It was worth hunting for - I picked this one up for its bargain price at an outlet store in Hampshire –as it means my hands can be used, whereas with other jackets’ bigger sizes I was left wondering how far lost up the sleeves they were. It’s a really good design: the hood can be rolled up when not in use, there are stretch panels that allow for good movement, and I can reach all the pockets when I’m wearing a rucksack. The fabric is Gore-Tex XCR Raptor, which has good durability while remaining light in weight. Looks great, too! www.berghaus.com

raichle MT guiDE £125raB LATOK ALpinE pAnTs £155I use these 3-layer eVent waterproof pants as overtrousers in rain and in cold weather, which we definitely had in Knoydart – I kept them on for the full trip. They’re terrific as they’re not too heavy but still durable, and they have articulated knees and patches on the inside of the legs to protect from crampon scratches. They have 3/4 length zips along the legs, too, so they’re easy to get on and off. www.rab.uk.com

I’ve had these for about 3 years and they’re still going strong. I’ve got wide forefeet, so the width is perfect for me, while my heels are small, so I

wear thicker socks and add a little heel pad. They are superbly waterproof: I’ve yet to

get wet feet. I recently went to Skye and the hard edge of the boots made

me confident scrambling on the rough rock. [Mammut now owns Raichle.] www.mammut.ch

used and abused sep11 swps.indd 109 19/07/2011 10:20

RoutesTrail Routes use OS mapping and gradient profiles, and are written by walking experts. This month we feature six designed to push your boundaries – so look out for the handy tip box that will help you gain summit success! Download these routes and GPS waypoints at lfto.com/routes

1 PenyFan 9.7km p113 2 FisherField 45km p115 3 Pinnacleridge 18.5km p117 4 aonacheagach 9.7km p119 5 curbaredge 9.4km p121 6 yglyderau 9.2km p123

ultimate weekend – keswick 7 skiddaw 19.3km p128 8 bleaberryFell 25km p129 9 catbells 25.2km p130

ultimate weekend – okehampton 10 highwillhays 16km p134 11 westdevonway 21.7km p135 12 belstoneridge 13km p136

classic route 13 snowdon 20km p139

P123

P117 P119

P121

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routes cover sep11 swpssi.indd 111 18/07/2011 15:35

Here’s a trio of routes from the self-proclaimed ‘Adventure Capital of the Lake District’, says Graham Thompson...

TRAIL ROUTESLAKE DISTRICT

ULTIMATE WEEKEND

A snow-sprinkled Skiddaw (left) rises above Keswick

and Derwent Water.

�

BusesTraveline 0871 200 2233

TrainsStation at Penrith 0845 000 8000

TaxisKeswick Cab Company 0800 633 5746

Tourist info Keswick TIC (017687) 72645

Local infowww.keswick.orgwww.keswickplus.co.uk

Eventswww.golakes.co.uk

MedicalCastlehead Medical Centre, Keswick(017687) 72025 (24 hours)www.castlehead.org.uk

BanksBritannia, Keswick

Keswick3 ROU

TES

FRO

M

(017687) 73177HSBC, Keswick 0845 740 4404Lloyds TSB, Keswick 0845 3000 000Natwest, Keswick 0845 600 2803Barclays, Keswick 0845 7555 555

FuelCrosthwaite Service

Station, Crosthwaite Road, Keswick(017687) 74894Derwent Service Station, Penrith Road, Keswick(017687) 72812

PubsDog and Gun (017687) 73463George Hotel (017687) 72076

CampsiteCastlerigg Farm (017687) 72479

CafésLakeland Pedlar Wholefood Café (017687) 74492The Orange Square Café Bar (017687) 73888

Gear shopsGeorge Fisher

(017687) 72178Needle Sports (017687) 72227

HostelsKeswick Youth Hostel 0845 371 9746Denton House (017687) 75351

B&BsCranford House(017687) 71017

Honister House 01768 773 181

TOM

BA

ILEY

ROUTE 7 19.3km

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ROUTE 8 25km

ROUTE 9 25.2kmDare you try the George's

famous cow pie?


Distance 19.3km (12 miles)Total ascent 900mTime 7-8 hoursStart/� nish Keswick, NY263235Terrain high-level fell-walk over one main peak, with clear paths throughout and long steady ascents and descents Maps OS Explorer (1:25,000) OL4; OS Landranger (1:50,000) 89; Harvey Walker (1:40,000) and Superwalker (1:25,000) Lakeland NorthPublic transport railway station at Penrith with regular bus services to Keswick, from where bus services extend along the A591 – tel. 0870 608 2608; www.cumbria.gov.ukGuidebooks The Northern Fells by A Wainwright, pb Frances Lincoln

19.3km/12 milesTRAIL ROUTE LAKE DISTRICT7

ULTIMATE WEEKENDAlways take a map on the hill

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Trail Routes in association with Mapyx

A digital revolution in digital mapping for the outdoors.www.mapyx.com

Skiddaw

dd Finish

4

Pen yr Ole Wen

to Millbeck, where a footpath on the right climbs steeply alongside woods and up the southern slopes of Carl Side. You can see the path winding steeply up the slopes and it is clear from the start that this is a tough climb. But throughout this section the view back over Keswick to Derwentwater in Borrowdale and the surrounding peaks provides plenty of reason to stop and drink in the view.

Manchester

Middlesbrough

Kendal

Skipton

Sheffield

PeterboroughBirmingham

Derby

Betws-y-Coed

Pembroke

Brecon

Bristol

Plymouth

Poole

Bodmin

Minehead

BrightonSouthampton

Oxford

Berwick-upon-Tweed

Newcastle-upon-Tyne

EdinburghGlasgow

Aberdeen

Inverness

Fort William

Oban

MallaigInverie

Shiel Bridge

Ullapool

Braemar

Killarney

TraleeDingle

KenmareCork

Waterford

Dublin

Belfast

Londonderry

Donegal

Hay-on-Wye

Llangollen

IngletonBentham

Lancaster

Stranraer

Ballantrae

Ayr

Dumfries

Portree

MULL

ISLE OF SKYE

ISLE OF LEWIS

Lairg

Thurso

Invergarry

Aviemore

Newton Stewart

Jedburgh

Leeds

York

Northallerton

Barmouth

RhylConway

Cardigan

Aberystwyth

SwanseaCardiff

Gloucester

Exeter

ISLE OF ARRAN

JURA

ISLAY

HARRIS

Bodelwyddan

Liverpool

Carlisle

Penrith

Windermere

Keswick

FACTS

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SkiddawCarl SideApplethwaite Skiddaw House

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Lakes’ 4th highest

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1 NY263235 Leave Keswick by walking

along the main road away from the centre of town and cross the River Greta. At the next road junction a footpath on the right can be traced through Great Crosthwaite, past Keswick School and then over the A66. The footpath continues through fi elds to Applethwaite.


NY254281 The long climb ends gradually

as the angle of the slopes decreases and you take the fi nal few steps onto Carl Side. Carlside Tarn nestles in the saddle ahead, while Skiddaw dominates the scene. A clear

path climbs the western slopes of Skiddaw and this brings fi ne views west across Southerndale to the long arm of Longside Edge, one of Skiddaw’s most shapely features and a great way to approach the mountain. The path onto Skiddaw is another long haul; it’s loose underfoot thanks to the crumbly Skiddaw slate. Finally you reach the summit ridge and a short walk north leads to the summit.

NY260290 At 931m/ 3,054ft Skiddaw is

the fourth highest peak in the Lake District. Return south for 500 metres and then descend in an easterly direction down the slopes to Sale How and onward downhill to Skiddaw House.

NY287291 Skiddaw House lies at 1,550ft

above sea-level. A clear path continues south around the lower contours of the steep, crumbly slopes of Lonscale Fell and high above Glenderaterra Beck, with spectacular views. The path leads easily back to the car park at Latrigg.

NY281253 A path now descends around the

slopes of Latrigg through woods at fi rst before crossing the A66 and leading back into Keswick.

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YoSkiddawPic 1 Autumnal slopes of Skid-daw rise above the carpark on Latrigg.

High SeatPic The vast moorland extend-ing south from High Seat.

Cat BellsPic The clear path to Cat Bells provides an easy start.

Tags:Ideas:Skiddaw Lakes 4th highest peakBag a Lakeland 3000 footer

High SeatMassive moorland among the mountainsRough and wild moorland chal-lengeBig views from mountain moorlandClassic views from moorland traverseMore than just moorland

Cat BellsQuintessential Lakeland FellsThe ultimate classic walkKeswick's classic walkThe greatest views of KeswickIncredible views from Lakeland Classic

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NY263235 Leave Keswick by walking

south-east along St John’s Street, then turn right into Springs Road which leads to Springs Farm and then into Springs Wood. The footpath continues along Brockle Beck to Rakefoot Farm.

NY283221 Signs at Rakefoot Farm

direct walkers along a path to Walla Crag, where spectacular views develop over Derwent Water.

NY272204 A path continues over a stile

to contour above Cat Gill from where a left fork leads along a path that climbs around Brown Knotts and onto Bleaberry Fell.

NY285195 The summit cairn of

Bleaberry Fell provides extensive views over Keswick to Bassenthwaite Lake. The ridge route continues south across heather that can be very damp after rain. Trace the driest ground and then rise to High Seat.

that leads down through the woods to Ashness Bridge.

NY270195 A footpath leaves the road after

Ashness Bridge and gently rises to Walla Crag. The route of ascent can then be retraced to Keswick.

NY287180 Views to Helvellyn are

impressive from High Seat and the ground is drier too as this is the highest point on the walk at 608m above sea-level. The walking continues south and again it is boggy after rain, so trend towards high ground to avoid the worst of it.

NY288165 At High Tove the route can

be shortened by heading west to Watendlath. Otherwise stay high and continue south, while picking your way between the boggy areas to reach a clear path junction to the east of Blea Tarn.

NY295140 A clear path spans the ridge

and can be traced north-west past Blea Tarn and down to Watendlath.

NY275163 Cross Watendlath Beck as

it fl ows from the tarn and then follow a path that descends above Watendlath Beck. Recross the beck via the bridge to join the road

High Seat

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25km/15½ milesTRAIL

ROUTELAKE DISTRICT 8

Distance 25km (15½ miles)Total ascent 650mTime 7-8 hoursStart/� nish Keswick, NY263235Terrain high-level fell-walk over moorland that can be very boggy after rain but with some clear paths and long steady ascents and descents Maps OS Explorer (1:25,000) OL4; OS Landranger (1:50,000) 89; Harvey British Mountain Map (1:40,000) Lake District and Superwalker (1:25,000) Lakeland CentralPublic transport railway station at Penrith with regular bus services to Keswick, from where bus services extend along the A591 – tel. 0870 608 2608; www.cumbria.gov.ukGuidebooks Lakeland Fellranger: The Central Fells by Mark Richards, pb Cicerone

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The vast moorland extending south from High Seat.

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NY263235 Leave Keswick by walking

north-west along the main road away from the centre of town. Then immediately after you cross the River Greta a path on the left follows the Cumbria Way over the River Derwent towards Portinscale.

NY252235 In Portinscale some road

walking is required before you can step back onto the footpaths through woods at Fawe Park. These paths continue to the foot of Cat Bells at Hawes End.

NY246211 The path leaves the roadside

and climbs steeply up the northern nose of Cat Bells. This is a steep but fairly easy climb on a good path.

NY244198 From the summit of Cat Bells

the walk continues south along the broad ridge. The path descends to a saddle

Distance 25.2km (15¾ miles)Total ascent 1000mTime 8 hoursStart/� nish Keswick NY263235Terrain high-level fell-walk along clear paths and ridges with opportunities to change route; navigation not too di� cultMaps OS Explorer (1:25,000) OL4; OS Landranger (1:50,000) 90; Harvey British Mountain Map (1:40,000) Lake District and Superwalker (1:25,000) Lakeland WestPublic transport regular railway services to Penrith with bus services to Keswick – tel. 0870 608 2608; www.cumbria.gov.ukGuidebooks Lakeland Fellranger: The North-Western Fells by Mark Richards, pb Cicerone

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Cat Bellsand then climbs onto Maiden Moor.

NY236181 Here the ridge is broad and

there are crags tumbling steeply into the Newlands valley. The ridge dips and then rises to the top of High Spy.

NY234162 The path descends steeply

to the swampy bowl of Dalehead Tarn before climbing steeply up a rough scree path onto Dale Head.

NY223153 The walk continues north-west

along a clear ridge known as Hindsgarth Edge, with the Buttermere valley to the left and more views to the Newlands valley to the right, and then turns north to Hindscarth.

NY215165 From the

summit of Hindscarth

walk north along the ridge and then descend over May Crag and High Crags. Then continue more easily along a slender ridge to Scope End and Low Snab.

NY229186 Here you join a lane that can

be easily followed above the banks of Newlands Beck to the road at Little Town. Leave the road at Little Town



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Keswick’s classicwalk


and follow a track south-west and then north-east that contours beneath Cat Bells. At Hawes End you meet the outbound route, which can be traced back to Keswick.

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The clear path to Cat Bells provides an easy start.

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YoSkiddawPic 1 Autumnal slopes of Skiddaw rise above the carpark on Latrigg.

High SeatPic The vast moorland extending south from High Seat.

Cat BellsPic The clear path to Cat Bells provides an easy start.

Tags:Ideas:Skiddaw Lakes 4th highest peakBag a Lakeland 3000 footer

High SeatMassive moorland among the mountainsRough and wild moorland challengeBig views from mountain moorlandClassic views from moorland traverseMore than just moorland

Cat BellsQuintessential Lakeland FellsThe ultimate classic walkKeswick's classic walkThe greatest views of KeswickIncredible views from Lakeland Classic


Jeremy Ashcroft links three peaks in this top option to the roof of Wales that takes in Yr Aran and Y Lliwedd along the way... c

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20km/12½ milestrail

routesnowdonia 13

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Snowdon is a complex mountain; in fact it’s a bit of a misnomer to call it a mountain, it’s better described as a

massif. Within its vast boundaries it contains a stunning and diverse array of upland scenery ranging from narrow, airy ridges and dark, towering crags through to sparkling mountain lakes and mythical cwms. Individually many of these features can easily be tagged with a ‘Best in Wales’ label, but the trouble with so much drama to choose from is that it can often be a bit bewildering when making a route selection.

The long south ridge from Yr Aran is a prime example of this ‘too many sweets in the sweet shop’ dilemma. Sitting between the secretively

enclosed Cwm Llan and the open expanses of the moors above Rhyd-Ddu, it falls well down the popularity list when compared with the likes of Crib Goch or the Pyg Track.

This though is just down to the confines of the path, and if you look beyond the ‘step after step zone’ and embrace the wider landscape it easily gives any path on Snowdon a run for its money and most definitely deserves to be labelled a ‘classic route’.

Taking an uncompromising line, the south ridge climbs straight to Snowdon’s summit cone from its starting point on the side of subsidiary peak Yr Aran. As it hits the 3000ft contour, there’s a thrill just after the route joins

the Rhyd-Ddu path, as the ridge narrows to give some real exposure at Bwlch Main. This is over all too soon as the ridge again broadens, but as height is gained a magnificent set of views open out to you.

After the summit – usually busy, but the highest licensed premises in England and Wales if you’re after a positive – the route continues with a crossing of the stately Y Lliwedd followed by a return along the stunningly beautiful shores of Llyn Gwynant.

This slightly oddball round will deliver aspects of Snowdon that few get to see, and it will stick in your memory just as long as a crossing of Crib Goch ever will.

Snowdon

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classic route


On the way up Yr Aran, the south ridge and Snowdon

on the right.

Trekmates is the official partner of the British Association of International Mountain Leaders

www.trekmates.co.uk

Be guided in the mountains by a professionally qualified British International Mountain Leader

www.baiml.org

tom

ba

iley

trail route snowdonia13

The ridge to Y Lliwedd from the scree slopes that head up to Snowdon summit on the Watkin Path.to

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classic route

13 classic route snowdon sep11 swlpjaps.indd 142 18/07/2011 17:21

'It easily gives any route on Snowdon a run for its money

and defi nitely deserves to be labelled a classic route'


www.trekmates.co.uk

13 classic route snowdon sep11 swlpjaps.indd 143 18/07/2011 17:22

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