ADVENTURES
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Editors Note Thankyou so much for reading the first ever Issue of Adventures Magazine. We hope it will inspire you to get outside and find your own adventure; be it a small walk in your local area or an epic paddle in distant lands. Be sure to check out the competitions for your chance to win some epic goodies. We’d love to hear your stories and suggestions for future issues You can contact us on any of our social media accounts or by email. adventuresmag@outlook.com FB: @adventuresmag Twitter: @_adventuresmag Instagram: :adventuresmag
Cover Photo by Sonja Guina on Unsplash This Page Photo by Robert Lukeman on Unsplash
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Blow away the cobwebs and take in the colours of spring with a long run through one of your favourite spots, picking up litter as you go. This Swedish Trend is catching on and is a great way to keep yourself and your environment healthy.
Hike out to your favourite local spot or take the chance in somewhere new, set up camp and enjoy the longer evenings.
Find cheap flights to that place you’ve always wanted to visit and get planning! Whether it be mountain biking in the Alps, climbing in the south of Spain, Hiking the Himalayas or sea kayaking around the islands of Croatia.
Pack your swim kit, fluffiest towel and camping stove into to your backpack, detour to somewhere scenic on your way to work and start your day with a dip and a cuppa with a view.
* The cleaner the air, the more variety of this brilliant organis
you will find. * Growing painfully slowly, it can take thousands of years for
patch the size of a dinner plate grow. This is because there m only be 1 day each year that is warm enough for it to grow.
* Lichens make acid which allows them to break down rock an
draw nutrients from it, allowing it to grow everywhere from garden wall to mountain summits. 4
Adventure Pups Name: Marla Breed: Welsh Collie Loves: Balls, Squirrels and The forest and mountains. Once found on a ledge half way up a multipitch route on Wintor’s Leap looking very happy to see us. She was quickly made safe and escorted back to the ground!
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a may
Adventure Pups make the best day out even better. Tag us in your doggy adventures on Instagram (@adventuresmag) and we may just feature your
nd m your
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WIN 2 Weeke
fi
Worth £149
£
£
Terms and Conditions: Competition is open from 1st March 2018 and closes Midnight61st May 2018. No purchase is necessary. Prize is TWO full weekend Tickets to The Big Retreat Wales winner . Prize winner will be required to take part in such publicity that the promoters wish (normally just a pic on Social Media). Entering a valid Email address is condition of entry and Competition not open to members of The Big Retreat Wales & Adventures Mag or their immediate families. No cash alternative is available and the Prize is not transferable - please make
end tickets to
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s 2018 - Camping pitch included in the Prize. Prizewinner will be announced on 3rd May 2018, If not 7 claimed, the promoters reserve the right to re-draw a prize is how the Prize winner will be contacted. By entering, you agree to subsequent contact by either promoting parties (you can unsubscribe from lists at any time) . sure you can take the prize! Judges decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into.
Words and Photos by Stephanie Cooke
Picking my way carefully down the scree slope, I felt a wave of panic as it became relentlessly steeper. I felt my right foot slip, hitting a patch of loose stones, and my trekking poles waved helplessly in the air as I slid down the mountain heavily on my right leg. Thoughts of disaster filled my mind- would I be able to stop or would I plunge straight into the depths of the valley? Suppose I injured myself- that would be the end of my adventure before It had barely started. This was the first long trek I had attempted by myself and I had been so frightened that I wouldn’t be up to the challenge, and I feared I was about to be proved right.
England, devising a 192-mile route that takes in the Lake District National Park, the Yorkshire Dales and the North York Moors National Park. All whilst climbing and descending the equivalent of Mount Everest. Starting at St Bees in Cumbria, the Coast to Coast marches through some of the finest scenery in Northern England before reaching the North Sea at Robin Hood’s Bay.
The Coast to Coast was the inspiration of Alfred Wainwright, famous fell walker and the English Lake District’s greatest champion. Wainwright is best known for his hand written and illustrated guides to the Lake District fells, but in 1973 he came up with the concept of a crossing of
beneath the heavy weight of my pack. Turning inland through quiet villages towards the heart of the Lake District and the first gaspingly steep grassy climb up Dent Fell, I gradually gained confidence as the miles passed beneath my dusty boots.
And now it was my turn to walk it. Knowing nobody else able to commit to taking two weeks away from spouses or work I was going it alone. Just me and the trail, carrying everything I would need on my back. Arriving at the small coastal My adventure had been more than twenty town of St Bees I felt nervous, awkward, years in the making. After wanting to do it as though people would laugh at me if for so long, ever since watching a they knew what I was about to attempt. documentary on the television, I was After dipping my boots into the Irish Sea finally hiking the Coast to Coast long and selecting a pebble- a tradition distance path from one side of England to recommended by Wainwright himself- I the other. set off along the cliff path, unbalanced
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The L bluevalley also t the ro the n if the of gre ridge Butte but th antic down mere bruis the s milea savou views the d rathe final horiz Penn
Lake District is my favourite piece of England. Craggy -grey mountains tower over hidden lakes and green ys, and the views are incredible, indescribable. It is the toughest part of the Coast to Coast as every day oute crosses high rocky passes from one valley to next. There are some high-level alternatives to take e weather is good, and so, lulled by the prospect eat views over the Buttermere Valley, I took the e walk option on the second day. The views over ermere and Crummock Water were spectacular, he descent off the ridge was much steeper than I cipated and the loose scree proved to be my literal nfall. Fortunately the result of my fall was a ely a wound to my pride and a rather colourful se- I learnt later that another female walker fell on same path and broke her leg. I deliberately kept my age low for my passage through the Lakes so I could ur it. High level options to Helm Crag with sweeping s over Grasmere and a panorama of Ullswater from descent off St Sunday Crag were my reward. After er reluctantly passing out of the Lake District with a brutal climb up Kidsty Pike through mist and zontal rain, the gentler, rounded slopes of the nines were reached with their impressive limestone
pavements and huge isolated boulders left by the retreating glaciers of the Ice Age. I made friends with other hikers, many from Australia and the US, and it felt good to be able to share my experience. The Coast to Coast is surprisingly popular with Australians, so much so that every self-respecting Bed and Breakfast carries a
“every self-respecting Bed and Breakfast carries a generous supply of Vegemite� generous supply of Vegemite. As I chatted with them I felt privileged that they wanted to come and walk in rainy old England. I stayed the night at Bed and Breakfast houses and small hotels, enjoying the luxury of a warm shower and a comfy bed and filling up on cooked breakfasts each morning. I really admire those hardy souls who are willing to carry a tent and camp along the trail, but I did not relish the thought of walking in the rain all day then trying to erect a tent and dry out wet gear.
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“it felt like walking through a lunar landscape� Beyond the large Cumbrian town of Kirkby Stephen, where my sister and brother-in-law met me for an evening meal, the boggy watershed of Nine Standards Rigg is crossed and as I passed by the nine chunky stone columns adorning the top of the hill I mused on their original purpose. The Coast to Coast drops walkers into lovely Swaledale in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales; stone barns dotted here and there in the fields and grouse speckled moorlands stretching into the horizon. I stopped for a cream tea at Ravenseat Farm near the tiny village of Keld and spent a few moments chatting to owner Amanda Owen, known on UK television as the Yorkshire Shepherdess. Amanda and her husband Clive have nine children and a thriving sheep farm so life is always busy.
recover and at times were so barren walking through a lunar landscape.
I had chosen to walk the Coast to Co traditional fourteen and so this mea trade-off for spending more time in day from Keld to Richmond, the larg reached Reeth with its lovely village cream before pushing on to Richmon Reeth and arrived at Richmond feelin ravaged by blisters. I could feel the w at times I regretted not using the ba the bulk of your gear each day.
Tomorrow promised another long da Vale of Mowbray to reach the Clevel blue on the horizon. In pushing on to I had made, and feeling sad that I wo The hamlet of Keld marks the crossing point of the Pennine Way and the Coast to Coast, seeming innocuously tiny given that two of the most popular quite lonely. Leaving the town behin long-distance paths in England pass through it. Keld marks the half way point trudged across fields criss-crossed w roads. Stopping to dress my feet out for the Coast to Coast, and apart from aching feet I still felt surprisingly good. After Keld, the Coast to Coast whisks walkers through the remains of the flat landscape and the doubts sta throbbing and I still had three days le Swaledale’s industrial past in the form of abandoned, tumbledown slate mine workings, machinery gently rusting away between fallen stones. Parts way. My progress had become emba boxes kindly left for walkers by the lo of the landscape have been so damaged by mining activity they will never chocolate and energy drinks failed to 10
Eventually stumbling into the Bluebell Inn at Ingleby Cross, I had a lovely surprise- unbeknown to me, my friend had booked into the Inn to spend the evening with me, and whilst sharing stories of my adventure and laughing over beer and a good meal all of my aches seemed to disappear. This couldn’t have happened at a better time as I had reached my lowest point today, figuratively and literally. Next morning, with renewed vigour I set off to cross my third National Park. The North York Moors was one of my favourite parts of the whole walk. The path takes a rollercoaster route over the purple heather clad moors, tumbling down rocky paths only to climb steeply onto the next ridge. Although my feet still hurt and my legs ached the views were extensive - I could see the North Sea for the first time!
“The path takes a rollercoaster route over the purple heather clad moors, tumbling down rocky paths”
n and devoid of greenery it felt like
oast over twelve days instead of the ant I faced some very long days. The the Lakes meant walking 21 miles in a gest town on the Coast to Coast route. I green and stopped for lunch and ice nd. I rather regretted not staying in ng totally exhausted with my feet weight of my pack slowing me down and ggage handling services that transport
ay, as the Coast to Coast crosses the flat land Hills, just visible as a smudge of o Richmond I had left behind the friends ouldn’t see them again I started to feel nd I was soon sweating in the sun as I with hedges and along quiet tarmac tside the pub at Danby Wiske I cursed arted to creep back in. My feet were eft to walk- it felt like an awfully long arrassingly slow and even the honesty ocal farmers stocked with treats such as o raise my spirits. 11
These moors are dotted with hundreds of ancient stones, some carved with the crude image of a hand or face, others left plain. My guide book suggested they are boundary markers, but I imagined them guiding weary travellers safely through the mists. Not that there were any mists today; it was sunny and clear and route finding was easy. The last few miles follow the course of an old mining railway, easy walking but it felt like an endless trudge at the end of a long day. I stayed the night at the Lion Inn, high on Blakey Ridge- the fourth highest inn in England, easing my weary self into a hot bath for a welcome soak. That evening I climbed the small prehistoric mound behind the inn, watching the sun drop over the moors and the inky fingers of the night reaching across the ridge. The following day brought mist and rain that played hide and seek with the moors, matching my mood as I dressed my blisters, wincing as I took my first steps. Dropping off the moors to Glaisedale with its gracefully arched and much photographed Beggars Bridge I met a group of Australian hikers and joined them for coffee
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and cake in Grosmont. Walking alone with a heavy pack aroused peoples’ curiosity and at times, I suspect, pity. Grosmont is known for its restored steam engines and I rested my aching body as I watched the trains ferry passengers towards Whitby, the huge engines billowing great clouds of steam as they passed. I stayed in a farmhouse for my final night, enjoying a meal cooked by farmer’s wife Judith and a lively conversation with a couple, Jim and Gail, who would also finish their walk tomorrow. They had first walked the Coast to Coast twenty-five years ago but oddly remembered very little of the route. Jim told me that I would pass a hermitage carved out of the rock the next day and added ‘I do remember that- I got stung by a bee there!’ I felt quite emotional setting out on my last day. My feet were blistered and aching but I felt a sense of loss at the thought that tomorrow would be a normal day, that I wouldn’t need to get up, pack up my rucksack and walk. The weather decided to match my mood and I could hear the rain patter the leaves as I walked through quiet woodland.
“as the sun suddenly burst through the clouds to sparkle the sea, it felt good” The Coast to Coast ends as it begins, with an exhilarating walk along the cliff tops. I will never forget my first view of Robin Hood’s Bay peeping between the trees, but in some ways, it also felt like an anti-climax and I felt a sense of unreality, as though I hadn’t spent the last twelve days walking across England. Clattering down the steep road dropping into the town, all that was left to do was to wade into the North Sea and throw the pebble I had carried with me all the way from St Bees. I wasn’t sure I would make it this far but I had. Despite my fears, falls, multiple blisters and aches I had walked from one side of the country to the other- I was officially a long-distance hiker, and as the sun suddenly burst through the clouds to sparkle the sea, it felt good.
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Take a totally awesome photo of how your adventure makes you feel.
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One lucky winner will win a Sigg Mountain Essentials bundle and one runner up will receive their own SIGG bottle. Terms and Conditions: Competition is open from 1st March 2018 and closes Midnight 10th May 2018. No purchase is necessary Prize is a SIGG Mountain Essentials Bundle worth ÂŁ60 or one SIGG bottle for the runner up. Prize winners will be announced on 16th May on the @adventuresmag 14winning photograph.. No cash alternative is available. The Judges decision is final facebook. If the prize is not claimed, the promoters reserve the right to publish the and no correspondence will be entered into. European entries only.
Whether you want inspiration for your next adventure, Motivation to take a leap into the unknow or a good listen to brighten your daily commute, these podcasts never fail to impact.
Check out: Science of Survival EP. 20: Frozen Best for: Everyone who loves the outdoors. The Outside podcast is created by Outside Magazine in the USA. Their topics are both educational and inspirational and their ‘Science of Survival’ series is captivating.
Check out: Start Saying Yes Best for: Adventure lovers and ‘Dirtbags’ Outdoor Writer Fitz Cahall and his team tell the stories of ‘dreamers, altheletes and wanderers’. Check out their ‘The shorts’ series for a quick burst of inspiration from all over the world.
Check out: Anoushé Husain Best for: Women who love to challenge themselves Run by Sarah Williams of Tough Girl Challenges, This gem has interview after interview with some of the most inspirational women in the outdoor world.
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esponsibility. It’s one of those words that usually has us slowly backing away and looking for an escape route. It implies being a grown up and doing the right thing. Scary huh? Well, not always. Being responsible and having responsibilities isn’t the same thing (phew) and being responsible whilst travelling is actually kind of important.
as travelling responsibly. Terms like ecotourism, sustainable and ethical holidays never caught on. They usually seemed to focus on not damaging the environment and ignore all the good stuff that tourism can bring. You’ve heard the phrase “take only photos and leave only footprints” right? Well, it’s wrong. When you visit somewhere, you should leave an impact, a positive one obviously, and the local people should benefit from you being there.
In the past, the travel industry has tried to use lots of other words to mean the same 16
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Take only photos - don’t take souvenirs that damage the environment like shells or plants. If you take photos of local people, make sure you ask permission first. You wouldn’t walk up to a stranger at home and take their photo without asking, so don’t do it abroad either! Leave more than footprints - stay in a locally owned accommodation or take a tour with a local operator. Make sure the community is benefiting from you being there. This not only helps them financially, you’ll also get a more authentic experience of your destination. Win win! Respect the local culture - be aware of how you dress and your behaviour. Morocco isn’t Marbella, so do your research before you go. Inappropriate behaviour may actually be illegal so its always best to check. Recognise the local infrastructure - slightly less obvious but just as important. This means things like don’t flush paper if the plumbing isn’t up to it. Also you may need to take your rubbish home with you if recycling facilities aren’t available. It may not seem like a big deal to you, but it is for whoever has to clear up the mess left by thoughtless tourists!
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Keep it real - this is real life, not a zoo or holiday park so remember that wild animals should be wild. If you see animals chained up or performing, steer clear and consider reporting it when you get home. Check out animal welfare charities like Born Free (www.bornfree.org.uk) who have a zoo check campaign and a traveller’s animal alert initiative to both inform holiday makers and allow people to report animals suffering in the name of entertainment. Lead by example - if you are travelling with others, set a good example. Don’t drive a hard bargain for a souvenir with a local craftsman when it’s peanuts for you. Be kind and respectful of your hosts and hopefully other people will catch on too! Be aware - “when in Rome” is a way to live like the locals but be aware that dressing up or mimicking culturally sensitive or spiritual aspects of some community will be seen as mocking them. Cultural appropriation is complex so it might be wise to ask if you have any doubt. The same applies to buying religious icons as souvenirs. Speak up - had a bad experience? Didn’t like part of your trip? Let your tour operator know. It’s only by putting pressure on holiday providers to do things differently that real change can happen. 18
Want to know more about how to make sure everyone gets the best of your holiday? There’s a wealth of information on sites like Tourism Concern (www.tourismconcern.org.uk) about the ethics of holidays with more information on all inclusive holidays, cruise ships, human rights and indigenous people. Also see responsibletravel.com where you can book a responsible holiday with one of their carefully vetted tour operators and accommodation providers who all have responsible tourism policies so you know that they’re looking after the environment and local people. Another great place to take a look at it Earth Changers (www.earthchangers.com) which specialises in inspirational holidays which have a positive social impact, as well as help with issues such as marine conservation, education and improving living standards.
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pex Outdoor was set up by 4 local outdoor enthusiasts; all climbers, paddlers, trail runners, mountain bikers, skiers and sled dog racers who live for the outdoors. Based in the Forest of Dean just outside Coleford, a mere 2 miles from Symond's Yat and has over 25 leading brands in its 600sqm's, converted from a disused car showroom to a huge log cabin, complete with loads of climbing and surfing memorabilia surrounding the shop, it looks amazing and even has a big log burning stove in the middle to sit around and discuss your kit wants and desires! 20
Specialising in technical outdoor and adventure sports equipment and clothing, Apex stock leading brands such as Haglofs, Rab, Montane, Scarpa boots, Outdoor Research, Fjallraven, Sherpa, Janga Wetsuits, Animal surfwear, La Sportiva, Black Diamond, DMM, Salomon, Dynafit and more. Covering general outdoor and camping gear as well as sports such as climbing, walking, surfing, mountaineering and even sled dog sledding! Matt, Rich and Donnie, who run the shop, have over 40 years experience in selling outdoor products and they
have a 'we use ourselves what we sell to others' ethos. They are also rare in the outdoor retail world in that they include their customers in their buying choices and have a fantastic women's range which is 50% of the stores overall stock. They can also order kit for one off purchases, for expeditions, trips and specialist kit, do group evenings in store or visit your school or group as well as give advice on where to climb, kayak and walk locally. You can even join them on their after work adventures for a paddle, ride or climb.
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pex is also home to the Base Camp Coffee shop, famous for its huge range of hot chocolates and the devils hot chocolate, chilli hot chocolate challenge, great for winter warm ups or meeting friends. Upstairs they have a dedicated training room for hire for courses and meetings and even hold a series of events in store each with lectures, film showings and an annual outdoor community evening party with live music.
If you know a totally brilliant independent that deserves a shout out we’d love to here from you! Our contact details are21inside the front cover
Three
Peaks
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How long have you been running for and how did you first get into it? I am a very newbie runner, taking up the trail shoes just over 3 years ago as a 42 year old who had long since decided my body and mind were just not running material. Sure, I loved the notion of running, the freedom, the wind in your hair...I’d watched dogs running and it looked like a lot of carefree, effortless fun. Once I even tried it and it went fairly well for about 45 seconds until I felt breathless, ill and promptly vomited on the side of the road. Never again, I just wasn’t designed to be a runner. I was far more designed to eat cake and watch Netflix. Then, by chance, I saw an Ultramarathon in the Alps and was totally blown away by what these runners were doing. People of all ages and shapes were taking on what seemed to me, an unimaginable challenge to body and mind over such incredible distances, times and elevations that seemed barely humanly possible. Watching the finishers collapse in euphoria (or just, plain, collapse) over the finish line I could scarcely imagine whether I might be capable of such a thing and so, of course, there was only one thing for it – to have a go. But before I could consider attempting a 100 mile course through the night over high mountain terrain there was one very important thing I had to do – start running! 23
Where did they Idea of running the 3 peaks come from?
couldn’t find any record at that time of someone
The idea had been rattling around in the ‘outdoorsy
seemed very unusual and also extremely enticing. I
things to do’ section of my brain for some time, even
loved the idea of putting together a predominantly off
before I started running, as a challenging hike.
road route through some of the country’s finest and
Probably after I first did the Yorkshire 3 Peaks and
most diverse scenery.
having attempted it solo, entirely on foot, which
loved it, I started hearing some stories about this ‘National 3 Peaks Challenge’. I began to look into this
How did you go about preparing for such a big
challenge and discovered some interesting things.
undertaking?
The standard 24 hour challenge has
Once I had fixed a date for the run it pretty much took
become so incredibly popular it has become
over my year. I spent a lot of very enjoyable time
somewhat controversial. I wanted to demonstrate a
poring over maps planning the 500 mile route to
more immersive, less impactful way of taking it on. It
include a selection of local and national trails through
was originally a sailing endeavour, to climb the peaks
a diversity of landscapes and also spent a
from the coast and sail between them. I
considerable amount of time planning kit
discovered that some people had also travelled
requirements and researching the most minimal and
between the peaks by bicycle and a few using
lightweight options available to me.
public transport. I even found a team of guys who ran it as a relay in 1981 with a support van, but 24
The physical preparation and training coming up to the
There must have been some highs and lows throughout
challenge was a bit of a disaster to be totally honest, which
the 500miles, which moments stand out in your memory?
probably was the main reason my body started protesting so wildly just 48 hours in. I spent many weeks working long days on a boat before the run started and it was quite difficult to get in the type of training that might be advisable. But I did have a solid winter and early spring of running and did a ‘little’ 200 mile run through Spain to test out how my body responded to this new discipline of multi day running and that had gone very well so I trusted in the base preparation of that previous winter. In the two weeks before starting the 3 Peaks Run, I didn’t get out for a run at all which, at the time I thought disastrous but, in hindsight, I think that period of rest was actually a good thing. In the end I accepted that I had probably done as much as I could have, practically.
There were many, particularly all the people I met and hearing their outdoors stories whether runners or the couple I met at the foot of Snowdon who were revisiting the mountain they climbed together when they first met 40 years previous. Many runners came out to run a little with me along the way and several people brought flapjack and cake, it was just wonderful. When I got to the top of Scafell Pike it was the last light of the day so I pretty much had the summit all to myself. I remember it being very peaceful, the clouds were low but swirling around in a very animated way despite it not being particularly windy - it was extremely atmospheric. Close to Ben Nevis I ended up battling over fallen trees on a very steep and slippery, muddy slope in the pitch dark when
How did you decide on the route to take? It mush have taken
the ‘path’ that existed on my map ended very abruptly in reality.
some pretty extensive planning!
I had run 58km that day and was fairly tired and hungry by that
I am really not a road runner, much preferring technical trails
point so a difficult night-time ‘bushwacking’ session was not too
and variety, so my main objective was not to create the
welcome. At the time, when you’re frazzled and not expecting
shortest route possible but the most interesting and varied off
these hiccups it can be frustrating but at the end of the day I
road alternative. There are literally 100’s of local, regional and
was just doing this for fun and I had chosen to be there - its all
national short and long distance footpaths in Britain and I tried
part of the challenge....good ‘character building’ stuff!
to join as many of these as possible together to create a logical I never felt like quitting, I’m pretty good at carrying on through self inflicted discomfort and I really wanted to complete the route. Some sections followed iconic routes such as the West Highland Way while other parts were made up of lesser known
challenge.
paths like the Wirral Way or the Sefton Coast Path. In all I used
After just the first two days of 50km runs I felt totally wrecked
about 25 recognised trails linked together with sections of
and did wonder if I was up to the challenge, but the only thing
minor roads. There were also a few towns and cities to cross
to do was just keep going and see what happened and
and a couple of short but slightly sketchy bits on busier roads
fortunately my body got on board with my mind and I began to
particularly when crossing from Wales into England and then
feel stronger each day. Then in the final 100 miles shins and
from England into Scotland. I ran much faster through these
achilles started complaining intermittently and I ran very
bits being in proximity to fast moving traffic which was
tentatively for a while, petrified that something was about to
considerably more scary than being alone on a dark, windy
twang or snap at any moment and end my run so close to the
mountain at night. The final route clocked in at just over 500
final summit
miles which seemed quite fitting for the challenge.
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You did the whole run unsupported, how did that work? The run was technically unsupported in that I undertook it as a solo challenge and carried everything I needed, organising my own logistics on route. That said, the support I got through social media running groups and people along the way was truly amazing. . I had also made no plans for accommodation so this resulted in overnighting in a bivvy bag or in bothies or bunkhouses along the way. Yes, it would have been much more comfortable to have had a support crew and vehicle to hand me hot tea and food at handy intervals or that I could flop into for a warm nap and get a nice clean, dry set of clothes. I did often dream about such a scenario as I hauled my heavy pack up a boggy hill in the pouring rain alone but that was the challenge I had set myself – it’s not supposed to be easy. What fuel did you use to get you through the 500 miles? I was very lucky to receive support from Mountain Fuel, Clif Bar and Graze.com who helped me with almost a literal mountain of energy snacks, protein bars and flapjacks. I posted care packages along the route so I wouldn’t have to carry an extra 10 kilos of endurance food from the start! Although not something I use on an everyday basis I honestly believe the protein bars and recovery shakes, though sometimes hard to stomach at the end of a day, were a vital component in me being able to get up and do it all over again each morning.
Photos from top: Welsh Coastal Path, Photos from Left: Snowdon Summit, Scafell Pike Summit Ben Nevis Summit
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It wasn’t the healthiest diet I’ll admit, the days started well with porridge, nuts, seeds, fruit and I ate much more protein than I would normally in the evenings but as I was avoiding carrying the weight of vegetables there were lots of packet pasta type meals and snacking. I was burning up to 6000 calories a day and despite substantial efforts I just couldn’t eat enough to keep up and did lose a few kilos during the challenge. I did have plenty in reserve though so this was not an unwelcome result. At the end I was just craving a comfort food hot meal like pie and mash which I successfully found at the foot of Ben Nevis.
That was a Pretty Epic Challenge, are you hanging up your shoes or do you have something bigger in your sights? The simplicity of the day to day on the trail and spending long days outdoors is quite definitely addictive. So I soon had a few new ideas swirling about my grey matter. My love affair with mountains is going strong at the moment and the fact that I have sometimes felt the need to defend English Mountains against an argument of “England? What Mountains?” has inspired me to showcase our challenging if diminutive peaks that to my mind pack plenty of the punch of many far loftier summits overseas, by running up all of them. This should be particularly interesting as there’s an awful lot of them and I’m really rubbish at running uphill.
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Each Issue we want to draw your attention to environmental issues that we should all be aware of. As lovers of the outdoors we should do what we can to protect the nature that holds such a big place in our lives and hearts. We have a responsibility to preserve our wild spaces for future generations and the more we know, the more we can help.
What impact can we have on the rare species that make the British isles their home? Many rare breeds build their nests on cliffs or in thick upland fauna to protect their eggs and young from predators. Disturbance of a nest where a bird is sitting on eggs can cause the bird to flee the nest leaving the eggs to cool and perish. It is a similar story with new chicks as their feathers have not developed enough to keep them warm for long periods of time, resulting in death from the cold should the adult bird leave them for too long.
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How can we prevent disturbing them? Dogs should be kept on a lead or under close control in our uplands during the spring to avoid disturbance of ground nesting birds. Climbers should check the BMC website, in particularly during the spring, for up to date crag restrictions that have been negotiated and put in place with local conservation bodies. Inspect and observe the crag before climbing, looking out for birds flying in and out of nests. If you come across a nest while climbing: minimise disturbance, back off if you can or continue on quickly and quietly if descending is not possible.
Report the nest to your local BMC access representative. Always take your litter home. This one should go without saying for so many reasons, but when talking about nesting birds, litter and leftover food can attract predators.
Humans can have a positive impact When we walk on upland paths, we keep grass on paths short which allows for foraging of small invertebrates, perfect for feeding young. Humans also deter predators from the area and chalk from climbers chalk bags enriches soil beneath crags, increasing the number of creepy-crawlies.
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Ring Ouzel Often know as the mountain blackbird, this member of the Thrush species can be found on the upland moors of the UK. Their numbers have decreased dramatically over the past 30 years, 58% between 1990 and 1999, with survival of first year chicks having a dramatic affect on the numbers of the population. Photo Credit: putneymark, Flikr
Chough Residing in the cliffs in West of the UK, there are less than 350 pairs on nesting Choughs on the British mainland and an additional 150 building their nests on the Isle of Man.
The Law
‘Scheduled 1 species’ are protected by the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. That includes many of the protected, rare species that we find on British uplands and cliffs. Disturbing a scheduled 1 species can lead to a £20’000 fine and upto 6months in prison.
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Peregrine Falcon Found mostly in the North and West of the UK, the number of Peregrine Falcons have grown dramatically since the 1960s when numbers per particularly low due to human activity and pesticide often found in their food chain. There are now approximately 1500 pairs In the British Isles, nesting on cliffs to protect their eggs. Unfortunately, this incredible bird is often killed by people to prevent them preying on game birds and racing pigeons.
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The Aonach Eagach One of the most legendary grade 2 scrambles in the UK , this beautifully challenging ridge is pretty hard to top anywhere else on mainland Britain.
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ver the last few years I have been slowly pushing my comfort zone in the British mountains. I have been testing myself on some of the most famous ridges and scrambles in The Lake District and Snowdonia. Striding Edge, Sharp Edge, Jack’s Rake, Tryfan North, Bristly Ridge and Crib Goch have all been traversed and enjoyed. It was only a matter of time before I started eying up the famous ridges in Scotland. In terms of the Western Highlands, one legendary name kept cropping up in my many hours of reading and viewing: The Aonach Eagach. The Aonach Eagach is legendary. An absolute classic. The narrowest ridge traverse in mainland Britain. A once in a lifetime experience for the average hill-goer. And all of this I knew before setting foot on the ridge. The Aonach Eagach translates as The Notched Ridge. It forms an immense wall on the north side of the pass of Glen Coe. Its many pinnacles form a serrated skyline when viewed from the road. It looks every bit as ominous as it should. The main ridge contains two Munros, Meall Dearg and Sgorr nam Fiannaidh, and two Tops, Am Bodach and Stob Corie Leith. The meat of the traverse lies between Meall Dearg and Stob Corie Leith. This is where the ridge is at its narrowest and the scrambling at its most technical. The crux of the entire thing is the Crazy Pinnacles, a series of rocky spires that either have to be climbed or edged around. Either option is vertigo inducing, heart -in-mouth, brown trouser, ridiculous-drop-below territory. And this is why The Aonach Eagach takes things up a notch compared to a Crib Goch or a Sharp Edge. It is a grade two scramble, unlike those previously mentioned, which are grade one. For starters, it is much, much longer. And there are no escape routes. Once on the ridge, you are fully committed. One positive to note is that there are absolutely no navigational issues. Secondly, the exposure can be daunting for prolonged periods. In winter this is a very serious mountaineering route and I do not claim to write with any expertise regarding a winter traverse. Often, groups end up spending a night on the ridge due to lack of time. And, down the years, regardless of the seasons, there have been many fatalities. My traverse was in fair weather, with very little lying snow, in early April and it transpired as follows‌
33 The Aonach Eagach, Photo Credit: John Mcsporran
We hit the pass of Glen Coe from the west and it emerges. That towering, malevolent wall of rock glares back at us, goading us, throwing down a daunting gauntlet. I park at the car park at the Alt na-ruigh and my friend Lee and I start climbing the flanks of Am Bodach immediately. It is the pure majesty of the Bidean that steals the show in the early parts of this climb. The Three Sisters look gargantuan from the road. However, as I ascend up the flanks of Am Bodach, the loftier peaks begin to rear their heads above and beyond. The three sisters have two enormous parents in Bidean Nam Bian and Stob Corie Sgreamhach, the two Munros that stand above all else on the massif. There is some serious mountain muscle on display here, entwined with which are hidden valleys, cascading falls, exciting scrambles and lofty peaks. I am told the options are endless for days out on the Bidean. Looking across from the climb, I can certainly believe that. After a straight forward, but lung busting climb, we arrive at the summit of Am Bodach. Behind us, the Buachailles Etive Mor and Etive Beag reveal their full length and behind them the tops of the Glen Etive mountains can be seen - Creise looking particularly fine. Ahead of us, snaking away to the west lies the scramblers' playground that is The Aonach Eagach. I am jubilant at the sight of it and Lee and I exchange a few expletives of awe. Off along the ridge we go. Almost immediately I realise that this is no horizontal Striding Edge. This is The Aonach Eagach, The Notched Ridge, a grade two scramble, a ridge that goes up and down and up and down
and down and up and up and down and up and up. Almost from the off, we negotiate chimneys, gullies, awkward steps and rock towers. A stark reminder of our situation occurs during the descent of a natural rocky staircase when I slip forward whilst lowering myself down. I bounce off a step. And then another, before coming to a standing rest on the third one. “I’m fine. I’m fine,” I announce. And I am. If anything I am glad of the reminder to be cautious. I am composed and ready to continue. Lee, ever the effervescent adventures sort, is nonetheless new to these kind of scrambles. He is affected more than I am by my stumble and is rightly concerned. I reaffirm that I am feeling good and we continue. Though a seed of doubt had undoubtedly been sown in his psyche. The next awkward rock step is the final barrier before the glistening prize of a Munro summit: Meall Dearg. Airy and precipitous but not overtly technical, I negotiate it with care. When I turn back, I see that Lee is unsure. We pause to let two other scramblers past and exchange a few words with them. We see that they are carrying a wealth of climbing gear. In some ways, this is a further nail in the coffin of Lee’s motivation to continue and I do not blame him. This is his first scramble of any grade in the British mountains. Seeing two obviously experienced mountaineering types go by with ropes and helmets, mixed with the aftermath of my miss-step and the uncertainty of what lies ahead on the ridge, Lee decides that he has had a superb morning of it already and that he is quite satisfied with his life being intact. I accept his decision and am ready to descend to
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There are lessons to be learnt from Lee’s experience on The Aonach Eagach. This is not a route to do as a novice in the British mountains. Build yourself up to the Aonach Eagach. Do the Edges in the Lake District. Test yourself on Tryfan and Crib Goch in Snowdonia. Try the Ring of Steall in the Mamores or the CMD Arete on the way up Ben Nevis. Get some grade one scrambling under your belt first and then turn to options like The Aonach Eagach. Lee had never done any scrambling in the mountains of Britain and it was an error on my part to bring him to The Aonach Eagach. It is also worth mentioning that Lee did the right thing. If you start the traverse and soon realise you have bitten off more than you can currently chew, retreat is the better part of valour. The mountains will always be there another day.
Dearg. For such a milestone, it was only fitting that his wife should join him to celebrate. Legend has it that he first kissed the cairn and then his wife, which is the less hygienic way around I suppose. Back to the present day and what about the view! The complex ridges of the Mamores form the foreground to the north. Behind them, and out of the cloud for the first time today, is bulky Ben Nevis and the graceful curve of the CMD Arete: a stunning route that I can highly recommended. Mountains I have only read about jump out of the vista. Ah! That must be the great mass of Ben Alder to the east. That pointy fellow in the distance over there? Must be Schiehallion. Closer at hand are the familiar Buachailles and the ever impressive Bidean Massif, still flexing it’s muscle in my general direction. But the show is stolen by The Aonach Eagach once again, for ahead is the crux of the ridge. It’s a sinewy, pinnacled aerial tightrope that runs between here and Stob Corie Leith. Rock towers like little puzzles line the route, each one an absolute treat in dramatic surroundings. The most famous features on the ridge are The Crazy Pinnacles. Three daggers of rock the width of the crest that project into the air, blocking the way ahead. Over the top or around? In the end, it is often a mixture of the two. Although not overly technical, the exposure is daunting as I manoeuvre over the abyss. It really focusses the mind. Every step is carefully calculated, every foothold and handhold tested. This is not a place for arrogance or recklessness. Any fear, however, is completely quashed by an exhilarating enjoyment of the traverse.
Anyway, enough of the cliches. With deliberate long strides I traverse along the more horizontal parts of the ridge and I launch myself into the few more scrambles that need negotiated, before I find myself standing on the summit of Meall Dearg at 953 metres. The peak has a unique claim to fame amongst the 282 Munros of Scotland. In 1901, Reverend AE Robertson became the first person to successfully ascend all the Munros. His last summit? Meall 35
The scrambling is sustained. This is what really separates The Aonach Eagach from some of it's contemporaries. There is no let up for a couple of hours. Up and down and up and up and down and down. Chimney, rock step, gully, arête, tower, pinnacle, arête, chimney. On and on for some time. It is one long and winding natural assault course suspended high in the sky. Once one puzzle is unlocked, another presents itself. There is the occasional boss level, where things get really interesting and then there is the bonus levels: the summits and the tops of the pinnacles. At these moments, it is well worth stopping and just looking around, taking in the incredible surroundings. If you are lucky, figures will be seen behind, traversing along the crest that you have just come along, looking immeasurably tiny. Eventually I reach the summit of Stob Corie Leith. The major challenges are now behind. From here it is a ridge walk more akin to a Striding Edge. Yes, it is still narrow but it is not in the same league as what came before. After all the scrambling, it feels great to stretch the legs and move at speed. Before long, I am in the clouds at the Munro summit of Sgurr Nam Fiannaidh at 967 metres. It is worth noting that many descend from here down the Clachaig Gully (after all, it is the fastest way the excellent inn of the same name). This route is
reportedly not only unpleasant but unsafe. Far better to continue down to the bealach between here and The Pap of Glencoe and enjoy the views ahead, which are remarkable. The village of Glencoe and Ballachulish sit on the shores of a sparkling blue Loch Leven. To the south of this scene rises the mightily impressive Beinn a' Bheithir - The Hill of the Thunderbolt. It is a twin summit monster of a horseshoe that offers a classic winter traverse. I am quickly realising that there is a lifetime of mountain days to be had in Scotland. Beyond this, Loch Leven joins a giant sea loch: Loch Linnhe. Hazy on the far shore of Linnhe are yet more spiky looking mountains, Garbh Bheinn of Ardgour taking centre stage amongst them. It is a simple descent on well trodden paths from here and all of a sudden it feels like any other UK mountain day. However, it has been anything but. The Aonach Eagach fully lives up to its reputation. It is legendary. It is an absolute classic. It is a step up from those well known ridge traverses to the south of Hadrian’s Wall. If you have taken grade one scrambling in your stride and a ready for the next challenge, I can think of nothing better than to go for The Aonach Eagach.
Words and Photos by Alex Langfield, Alex is passionate about the mountains of Britain. You can follow his adventures at alexrambles.com and on his YouTube channel Alex Rambles. Editors note about mountains being a serious business and no one should ever go into them without being fully equipped, with both kit and knowledge. If in doubt, hire a guide to show the ropes. 36 All ohotos, with the exception of the first, credited to Alex Langfield
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Photo: Will Goodall Copestake
Eating when on an expedition can be as simple as super noodles, pasta and sauce and a cereal bar for breakfast. If you’re lucky enough to have no dietary restraints and don’t worry too much about the health effects of what you’re eating then there are plenty of options for you. Unfortunately, I’m a gluten free vegetarian who is fussy about the quality of food that goes into my body. That doesn’t make it easy to find food for a few nights in the wilderness, with the exception maybe of plain watery porridge and handfuls of dried fruit and nuts. Over the past couple of years the options have started to improve, making fuelling you body well when you’re an awkward eater that bit easier. Tilda rice have introduced ready to go bean and rice meals and individual supermarkets have also come up with their own mixes of packaged quinoa, couscous and pulses. There is another name that’s breaking through the expedition food market though, one that has fuelled a number of adventurers across the globe: Tent Meals.
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Dreamt up while cycle touring through Alaska, Tent Meals founders realised a need for high energy, healthy expedition meals that not only keep your pack light but taste great too. Each quick cook meal is made with wholesome healthy ingredients and loaded with complex carbs, protein, and a good hit of fibre to keep you energised, strong, and healthy no matter you idea of a good time outdoors. We believe that to perform well, you have to feel well. And what better way to feel good than after a hearty, healthy meal to get your muscles firing again? They not only sell tasty meals in tiny packages but you can also get your hands on snack combos or dried ingredients and have a go at making your own meals. When compared to other ready camping meals on the market, TentMeals are well priced and lighter than their competitors as well as tastier and healthier.
You Should Try: Blueberry Burst Porridge for Breakfast Classic Combo snack pack Almond Jalfrezi For dinner
Get your hands on some super scrummy, super light, good for you grub with 25% off until the 30th April. Jut head on over to www.tentmeals.co.uk and enter ADVENTURESMAG25 at the checkout. Tent meals provided AdventuresMag with some products to try. All opinions are our own. (Our opinion is that we love them!)
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I shoulder my kayak and start down the rocky trail to the river. It is mid May and despite wearing only shorts and shortie cag I’m quickly perspiring lightly under the weight of the boat in the warm morning sunshine. The scent of pine is strong as I drop into the valley, where the roar of the rapids grow louder as I close in on the river. Finally I glimpse the familiar emerald water through the trees and my spirit lifts; it is going to be another fabulous day on the Soca...
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Slovenia is a small, friendly nation that extends a warm welcome to tourists but yet remains relatively unknown and certainly unspoilt. Nonetheless, the stunning scenery and crystal clear waters of the Soca valley draw kayakers from all over Europe and this truly cosmopolitan gathering is supported by superb local infrastructure. Campsites are well placed 50
and plentiful, trails and paths are clearly mapped and waymarked and river access points have parking areas and are mostly signposted. It is rare to find yourself truly welcomed by all as a paddler but this is one of those special places. All of the paddling is centered around a single river, but what a river it is! Stunningly clear and possessing an amazing emerald hue that has to be seen to be believed, the Soca is a real whitewater gem which has a little something for everybody. Although probably most ideal for intermediates, any paddler wishing to improve
their skills and enjoy alpine whitewater in a beautiful location will be happy on the Soca; there are sections suited to introducing complete beginners as well as difficult rapids that will challenge advanced boaters. The season runs from April to September, supported by relatively regular rain in the lush, verdant valley.
Between the Soca and its main tributary, the Koritnica, there are sections ranging from Grade 2 to Grade 5. The lower volume upper reaches have fast flowing, fun, technical rapids and dramatic tight gorges whilst further down the river, where the power and volume pick up, you will find
fun wave trains, great surf waves and challenging rapids set amongst huge boulders, often with multiple choice lines. Shuttles are short (everything is within a 30min drive of Bovec), repeating sections is no hardship and their characteristics can change radically with varying water levels, so most people will find there is plenty of whitewater to fill your days, enough for at least a week of excellent boating. I usually stay out for just over a fortnight and can honestly say that although I often find myself mesmerised by the river I am never bored by it. So many moves to make, so many lines to take, so many rapids to explore‌ 51
A ferry and long drive from the UK, at about 13 hours from Calais, but that is not much further than other popular destinations such as Austria and at the time of writing the absence of tolls through Germany mean the fastest routes by car can work out cheaper than taking the toll roads to the French Alps. If the drive seems too long, you can always fly out to Ljubljana and hire a car, either with your boat or with a plan to hire one when you arrive at the river. There are several shops that rent boats from most major manufacturers at reasonable rates. However you chose to get to the area, when you reach the Soca valley all the runs are close by, living costs are very reasonable, parking is free almost everywhere and have I mentioned that the paddling is wonderful?
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That said, the valley is more than a one trick pony and if you are interested in some off the river activity there is plenty to fill your time. The area has a huge network of multi use trails that are inviting to hikers, runners and MTBs, made up of wonderful natural paths and lots of technical single track. On my first visit I spent the first few days solo paddling and noticed that, unusually, I was enjoying running or biking the shuttles on these trails almost as much as I was enjoying the paddling! There are also stunning lakes in the area, my favorite being Lago del Predil. Actually in Italy but only a 45min drive from Bovec, a bit chilly for a swim, but perfect for a SUP! Further afield is the famous, beautiful Lake Bled, much warmer so perfect for both swimming and SUP and just over 90mins from Bovec. If you’re not a paddler or fancy a day off, take a road ride (or drive!) over to Italy via a mountain pass before crossing the border back into Slovenia and heading back to the Soca via the highest mountain pass in Slovenia. In Bovec there are no shortage of companies offering everything from climbing & zip wiring to paragliding & bike hire and of course, coming back to the river, as everything ultimately does, rafting, hydrospeeding & kayak tuition. There really is no excuse not to end every day exhausted but with a huge smile on your face. I would recommend that every whitewater kayaker should visit Slovenia at least once to experience the joy of paddling the Soca, a special river in a beautiful place. But the area offers so much more and it would be an understatement to only describe it as a paddling destination. I return every year, first and foremost for the river and the fabulous paddling it offers, but I have also come to love the vibe of the place, the biking and trail running, the local cuisine and the people. As their tourist slogan goes, I FEEL SLOVEnia‌
Simon Ablett is a British Canoeing Advanced Whitewater Guide who runs Live2Flow, a small company dedicated to inspiring adventure and providing high quality coaching and leadership. Every year Live2Flow runs paddling holidays to a number of destinations, including Slovenia.
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Spring Foraging
Photo: Jonathan Sautter
With the longer days of spring and the earth below our feet warming up, nature begins to provide again. After a winter hiding from the elements, take a walk in your local wild space and (literally) throw some nature into your next meal. Always double check your finds before munching and if in doubt ALWAYS leave it out. 54
Probably the best know of springs wild supplies, found on wooded river banks and other dark damp places, Wild Garlic is the wild relative of Chives. Growing up to half a meter tall in late spring, you’ll know if you stumble upon it thanks to the fragrant smell that carries on the wind when they’re in season. It has been know to lower cholesterol as well as having blood purifying properties and has even been used historically as a disinfectant. The whole plant is edible; the leave are great in pesto and sauces and the beautifully pungent shoots and flowers are great tossed in a salad.
Ingredients
Method
1 big handful Wild Garlic (rinsed)
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Throw nuts and wild garlic into a food processor and blitz for about a minute
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Add Parmasan and a good glug of oil and blitz again until all is combined.
3.
Add salt to taste and more oill for a thinner consistency.
1 tbsp Pine nuts or Walnuts 1 tbsp Parmasan cheese
Pinch of Salt Olive Oil
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Most commonly found making up our hedgerows. Due to their large thorns, natures way of keeping birds off their berries, these trees were often used in times gone by to keep live stoke from straying. They have small and yummy flower shoots this time of year, great eaten straight from the tree or thrown in a salad when they’re young and tender.
Hawthorn Flowers have been known to help with chest pain, cardiovascular health and abnormal blood pressure as well as Promoting immunity and lowering anxiety 56
High in vitamin C and said to have Cleansing and Purifying properties, Nettles are best picked in spring when young and tender, if you leave them until they’re fully matured they become more of a laxative! Pay attention to where you’re picking, you don’t want to be disturbing next doors dogs favourite toilet spot! Always use rubber gloves and pinch leaves hard to avoid getting stung, rinse and blanch or leave to wilt slightly after picking to stop the sting before removing the stalks. Your foraged leaves can be used like spinach, thrown into a pesto or soup or infused in some boiling water for a nettle tea.
Remember not to forage without landowners permission and pick responsibly; Leave enough for other people and the small animals and insects that thrive off it. 57
Though it can be seen flowering all year round, the Gorse bush predominantly flowers between February and June,. Found all over the UK, from uplands to the seaside, this member of the Pea family is easily recognisable. If you’ve ever walked through Gorse on a sunny day in spring you’ll know its summery coconut and almond fragrance. Wearing some tough gloves is advisable while picking the beautifully fragrant flowers due to the hundreds of spikes that surround each flower. That beautiful essence can be harnessed by infusing them in cordial, tea or to make Gorse wine or icecream.
Ingedients
Method
3 cups Gorse flowers
1.
600ml cold water
Combine sugar and water in a pan and boil for 10 minutes to create a syrup. Combine the syrup, Gorse Flowers, Lemon Juice and Zest and allow to cool over night. Strain through a muslin (or a tea towel works well!)
2.
2 cups caster sugar
Juice and Zest of 1 lemon 3.
Store in the fridge and enjoy with sparkling water, in a cocktail or poured over dessert. Inspired by eatweeds.co.uk 58
Found year round, this plant has historically been used as an emollient to help with eczma, psoriasis and abscesses as well as respiratory and rheumatic conditions when taken internally. In addition to its super powers, Chickweed is also delicious and best used as a base for a good salad.
This crop can be found almost anywhere and should totally be added to your list of must consume superfoods. High in Vitamins A, B, C and D as well as Iron, Potassium and Zinc, this awesome plant has been used for treating digestive disorders as well as liver and kidney problems. The whole plant is edible, in spring throw young leaves into salads or use them instead of spinach in your favourite dish. Add spectacular flavour to summery risottos or infuse syrup with the flower petals, as with the Gorse syrup opposite. Later in the year, the thick taproots can be faraged and used as a caffeine free coffee substitute or teamed with burdock root for a total classic.
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It’s hard to put your finger on exactly why Everest is so alluring. There are certainly more exciting mountains to climb - there are even more dangerous ones- yet there is something in the name that inspires adventurers today just as much as it inspired those who first sized it up almost a hundred years ago. Whilst summiting Everest remains out of reach for most modern thrillseekers due to the eye-watering costs, there is an alternative that has become a staple amongst backpackers and hikers from around the world: the Everest Base Camp trek.
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For most people the Everest Base Camp trek begins with a particularly bumpy flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, a small town perched precariously on the side of a mountain. Landing in one of the world’s most dangerous airports doesn’t sound like, but peering eagerly out of the grubby windows of the twin otter aircraft, the spectacular views are a perfect to help you forget that. Throughout the Base Camp trek you will come across these elaborate religious carvings, known as Mani stones. They range in size from small pebbles to entire walls of beautifully crafted rock, all embossed with the Buddhist mantra ‘Om mani padme hum’. Mani stones can often be found in the middle of the Base Camp trail and it is important to always pass them in a clockwise direction, as Buddhists believe this is the direction in which the universe spins.
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Prayer flags have become symbolic of the Base Camp trek and are found almost continuously along the trail. They are decorated with the same Buddhist mantra found on the mani stones, which is recited aloud during meditation. Each coloured flag represents a different natural element and as they flutter in the wind they are said to pass on prayers of goodwill and compassion. The flags here have been placed around a monument built to commemorate a climber who lost their life on Everest.
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The Base Camp trail is not just used by tourists- it is the major highway connecting the communities of the Khumbu region. Since there is no form of motorised transport past the airport at Lukla, supplies are carried up and down the path in large woven baskets, supported by a single band of material placed on the forehead. These porters can carry over a hundred kilograms at once, often only wearing thin sandals on their feet.
Metal suspension bridges ar meltwater. There are only a surprisingly stable and can t
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re an iconic feature of the trek, linking up steep sided gorges separated by rivers of gushing glacial a handful of them, but each offers a unique way to view the landscape around you. The bridges are take the weight of several yaks crossing at once, although it helps to have a good head for heights!
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Nepali guides are one of the most important aspects of any Base Camp trek. As well as leading the way and organising logistics, guides have a wealth of knowledge about the culture, history and wildlife of Nepal. Our head guide, Bibek, had led over two hundred Base Camp treks and had also made it to the summit of Everest. He shared countless stories with us about his adventures in the mountains, including having been buried in an avalanche, not just once, but twice!
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Everest itself can be seen at many points on the trek if the sky is clear, however the first glimpse of its snowy crown is always the most memorable. Just up the hill from Namche Bazaar on the Base Camp trail is a viewing area that looks right down the valley towards the peaks of Everest (left) and Lhotse (right), although many trekkers confuse the two! Clouds often obscure the view of the mountains, however they quickly roll away to reveal stunningly powerful vistas that whet the appetite of any adventure-lover.
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The Everest Base Camp trek has become one of the ultimate long distance walk abilities. The trail has become associated with a long list of iconic features, from culture, natural beauty and adventure, this trip should be at the very top of you
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king challenges in the world, and is surprisingly accessible to a wide range of ages and m flickering prayer flags to drooping suspension bridges. With a generous mix of ur list!
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