EXPLORE WELCOME TO

Welcome to the autumn/winter issue of Explore, where we bid farewell to the long days of summer and transcend two seasons to showcase a mix of advice, inspiration, and knowledge.

In this issue, our ambassador Alex Staniforth shares his stories of community building and the difference it has made (page 6). We delve into the archives and memory banks of one of our most experienced staff members to bring you a brief history of Ice Climbing, and we highlight some of the latest gear that has caught our eye for autumn and beyond. We look forward to the clocks going back to experience the magnificence of our Dark Sky Reserves (page 20). We interview Montane athlete Jesse Dufton (page 12), clip into a via ferrata in the Dolomites, and reveal six of our favourite bothies (page 46). Plus our staff explore Loch Shiel by paddleboard, and our resident running expert Ross gets you prepared for your next Ultra.

Autumn awaits, go and explore!

ellis-brigham.com

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04. DIARY: WHAT’S ON

Your essential events calendar for autumn and winter.

06. SPOTLIGHT

Mind Over Mountains uses nature to tackle the mental health crisis.

08. TECH TALK

From Alpine faces to Scottish gullies: the history of the ice axe.

12. BLIND AMBITION

Jesse Dufton on climbing in the face of adversity.

18. SCIENCE FRICTION

Hit the face with this season’s best climbing shoes.

20. DARK SKIES

Embrace the long nights at the UK’s best stargazing spots.

Proud to support

27. HEAD TORCHES

The latest illumination technology to light up the way.

28. LAYER UP

Protective shells, insulators, and base layers for all-season use.

32. TRAVERSING HISTORY

A hut-to-hut adventure in the shadow of Italy’s climbing greats.

40. ALPINE HIGHS

All the gear you need for an adventure in the mountains.

42. BUYER’S GUIDE

Planning to buy some walking boots? Read this first!

44. WALKING BOOTS

The finest four-season footwear on the market.

46. BREATHTAKING BOTHIES

Humble yet awe-inspiring accommodation across the UK.

54. TRAVELLING LIGHT

These mid-size backpacks are ideal for an overnight expedition.

56. SCOTLAND BY SUP

An unforgettable journey down the length of Loch Shiel.

62. CONQUER THE ULTRA

Ready to test your limits? Here’s how to train for a big trail run.

65. RUNNING ESSENTIALS

From shoes to nutrition, our top picks will get you to the finish.

66. LOCAL KNOWLEDGE

Rachel Dark shares her favourite South East getaways.

Dark Sky Reserves Night Navigation Events

We are firm believers that adventures shouldn’t stop when the sun sets. This autumn, in partnership with top head torch manufacturer Petzl, we are hosting nighttime events in some of the UK’s Dark Sky Reserves. As well as the opportunity to enjoy the clearest night skies found in the UK, the evenings will also focus on learning the essential skills required for night navigation.

These events are for those who already have some existing navigation skills and are looking to progress. For some inspiration and to read more about the UK’s Dark Sky Reserves, see our feature on page 20.

Glenmore Lodge: 18 November

Eryri (Snowdonia): 25 November

Tickets are £30 per person ellis-brigham.com/events