Mountain Photo of the Year: enter!
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MAY 2016
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THE UK’S BEST-SELLING HILLWALKING MAGAZINE
MAY 2016 £4.60
Walks lifetime of a
Routes you’ll never forget! s LAKE DISTRICT s SNOWDONIA s PENNINES
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...and more
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Skye’s greatest mountain
...and you can climb it! Your 3D guide is inside
Mountain Rescue
What it takes to join Britain’s busiest team
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Brecon Beacons
One day in south Wales? Walk this!
Contents
Corn Du provides a stunning Brecon Beacons viewpoint – page 44.
MURRAY WILKIE
TOM BAILEY
WHERE TRAIL WILL TAKE YOU
Have you chosen your 7 Summits? Log on to lfto.com/trail7summits
The Isle of Skye’s Black Cuillin ridge at dawn – spot the second tent! Page 58.
BASE CAMP
SKILLS
Climb it
6
Mellbreak’s views alone will ‘slacken the jaw’
Experience it
8
British Summer Time equals longer evenings
Win £2,000 of Nikon kit
10
It’s Mountain Photo of the Year time again!
The Mountain Inquisition 12 2015’s MPOTY winner (see above) tells all
Expert advice
ADVENTURES 62
Make your own hill snacks; cardinal points explained; how to improve your navigation skills; all about Castle Crag; compass accuracy; when to wear a helmet; bagging 2000m peaks
18
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20 34
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Win the best new gear!
36
A short route to an exceptional Lakeland view
40
Pen y Fan
44
A local’s perspective on the Brecon Beacons
Your top mountain moments + Summit selfie
NICE!
Mellbreak
Meet Britain’s busiest mountain rescue team
The world of hillwalking: your thoughts
Out there
24
One of our greatest hillwalking adventures
Llanberis MRT
YOUR TRAIL In box
Ring of Steall
93
Outdoor kit worth over £500 is up for grabs
The last first ascents
52
The final UK summits to yield their secrets
Mountain movie star
58
From ordinary bloke to YouTube sensation Page 52: the last true explorers of Britain’s peaks. (The fish had little input.)
It was the perfect Scottish day, the kind that continues to take you by surprise with its magnificence.
TOM BAILEY
Ring of Steall: awesome adventure ahoy – page 24.
GEAR GUIDE Hot new kit
TRAIL ROUTES 70
Box-fresh stuff that’s caught Trail’s eye
3-season boots
72
Hillwalking essentials for ladies and gents
Trail shoes
78
Low-cut footwear for less challenging terrain
Walking trousers
82
Long leg protection for all needs and budgets
Kit me out for
84
Hillwalking gear that won’t break the bank
First test
86
It’s Terra Nova’s latest free-standing tent
Used & abused
88
Where Team Trail appraises its paraphernalia
1 Fountains Fell 2 Whinlatter Round 3 Base Brown 4 Diffwys 5 Tryfan 6 Beinn Challuim 7-9 Castle Carrock 10-12 Comrie
101 103 105 107 109 111 113 117
Beinn Challuim Comrie
6
10 11 12
Castle Carrock Map of the month Helvellyn Whinlatter Round Fountains Fell Base Brown 7
2
8 9
3
5
PLUS Walks of a lifetime Ridge guide Map of the month
Ridge guide Curved Ridge
Walks of a lifetime Bla Bheinn
Tryfan Diffwys 4
122 127 129
● CHOOSE YOUR ROUTE AND GO HILLWALKING!
MAY 2016 TRAIL 5
1
UK MOUNTAIN PHOTO OF THE
Do you have a spectacular mountain photograph you’re desperate to share with the world?
W
TOM BAILEY
elcome to Trail magazine’s 2016 UK Mountain Photo of the Year competition – your chance to transport readers from their armchairs into the highest, wildest and most atmospheric locations our nation has to offer. We created this competition two years ago as a way to celebrate the beauty of the British mountains – and the response has been overwhelming, with thousands of stunning entries showcasing every peak imaginable. Our previous two winning shots were taken in Scotland – one during a solo wild camp beneath Ben Lui, the other high on the frozen slopes of Ben Nevis – and both photographers have gone on to receive national and international recognition. This year, it could be you. Once again we’ve teamed up with official sponsor Nikon to give away a camera and lens set worth over £2,000 to the winner, and we’ve added award-winning outdoor film-maker Terry Abraham to our all-star judging panel. The rules are the same as they’ve always been, with the only official stipulation being that your photograph must have been taken in the UK mountains. So get out there and start snapping! Whether it’s the solitude of the northern Pennines, the spikiness of Snowdonia, or the muscle of the Scottish Highlands that inspires you, we want to see your photos. With a closing date of 21 August you’ve still got all summer to get out there and grab your shot, then our judges will scrutinise each entry and we’ll print the final short-list in our October issue, before opening it up to Trail readers to pick the winner. Good luck!
10 TRAIL MAY 2016
HOW TO ENTER n Get outdoors and take some stunning mountain photos, or pick some you’ve already taken. n Every image must have been shot in the UK. n Select no more than three photographs to enter. n Write a short description of each photo (no more than 50 words) explaining where it was taken, and don’t forget to include your name. n To ensure your photos reach us please ensure each image is no larger than 5MB. If we choose to print your photo we may contact you for a higher-resolution version. n Email entries to trailcompetitions@lfto.com with subject line ‘UK Mountain Photo of the Year’. n The closing date for entries is Sunday 21 August 2016. Additional terms and conditions apply: see www.lfto.com/photocomp
DEFENDING CHAMP Paul Brett
“It’s a bit of a cliché, but winning Trail’s 2015 UK Mountain Photo of the Year award has without doubt changed my life – and I’d tell anyone to enter this year! I’ve always had an idea in my mind to publish a photography book, and when I won the competition the exposure allowed me to approach brands to get sponsorship. It also generated plenty of interest in my photography and gave me an audience. The book – Mountaineering in the Scottish Highlands – has recently been published. It’s about famous Scottish climbs I’ve done, with me describing the route, followed by photos from the day. I’m really pleased with it!”
Base Camp A special mountain moment, caught on camera. Now it’s you turn!
YEAR 2016
Then send it to us for the chance to scoop this year’s grand prize!
THE PRIZE
The winner will receive a Nikon D750 camera, plus a compact and versatile AF-S 24-85mm lens, worth a total of £2,049. This stunning photographic kit features Nikon’s Vibration Reduction to reduce the effects of camera shake, plus a fast, quiet autofocus function – perfect for shooting in the mountains. www.nikon.co.uk
WHAT THE JUDGES ARE LOOKING FOR… Tom Bailey Trail photographer “At Trail we get sent many, many photos every week, so for me it’s about images that are different. I want people to create ‘something from nothing’.”
Louise Parker Trail art editor “I like images that capture the true spirit of the mountains, not just nice ’chocolate box’ pictures. I like people within the scenery, which creates a sense of ‘being there’. Anything that captures drama and joy... ”
Ben Hawkins editor, Practical Photography “We want images that make us look twice, capture a certain mood or emotion, make us wish we’d been there at that moment, and invite us into the scene.”
Alan Hinkes OBE mountaineering legend “Sometimes an image hits you – it could be because the photographer was in the right place at the right time, but they still have to capture it. Other photos are good when you can see the effort,
skill, judgment and creativity involved. It’s also good to try breaking the ’rules’ of photography!“
Terry Abraham outdoor film-maker “I’m old-school. I like photos that show the real deal: none of this Instagram filter or heavily processed malarkey that’s two-a-penny on social media. I want to be inspired by a scene I could see with my own eyes. Landscape photography is all about being in the right place at the right time. Be patient, plan and keep your fingers crossed – and be ready to pounce when that magical moment comes.”
● VISIT WWW.LFTO.COM/PHOTOCOMP FOR FULL TERMS AND CONDITIONS. MAY 2016 TRAIL 11
Go central Highlands Do find ‘perfection’
24 TRAIL MAY 2016
Beginning the first airy section of the Ring of Steall over An Garbhanach. The rest of the route stretches clearly ahead, over Stob Coire a’ Chairn and towards the steep pull up Am Bodach.
FORGING STEALL Never mind Ben Nevis. Right next door to our biggest mountain is one of the UK’s greatest hillwalking adventures... WORDS SARAH RYAN PHOTOGRAPHS TOM BAILEY
MAY 2016 TRAIL 25
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GET TRAIL JUST HOW YOU LIKE IT: PRINT ONLY from just £47 DIGITAL ONLY from just £31 PRINT + DIGITAL from just £57 Terms & conditions The 52% saving applies when you purchase the print and digital package and pay by direct debit only. Subscriptions will start with the next available issue. Minimum subscription is 13 issues. Payments made by direct debit will continue to be taken unless you tell us otherwise. Gifts are for UK subscribers only and we reserve the right to replace the gift of one of similar type or value. This offer closes on 18 May 2016. This offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. Cost from landlines for 01 numbers per minute are (approximately) 2p to 10p. Cost from mobiles per minute (approximately) 10p to 40p. Costs vary depending on the geographical location in the UK. You may get free calls to some numbers as part of your call package – please check with your phone provider. Order lines open 8am-9.30pm (Mon-Fri), 8am-4pm (Sat). UK orders only. Overseas? Please phone +44 1858 438828 for further details. Calls may be monitored or recorded for training purposes. For full terms and conditions please visit www.greatmagazines.co.uk/offer-terms-and-conditions
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MINI ADVENTURE
The exceptional view along Crummock Water to Buttermere and Fleetwith Pike. There’s no better way to spend a spare morning in this valley,
Holly trees abound along Buttermere Dubs.
36 TRAIL MAY 2016
Mellbreak has an easily missed summit – particularly with the distraction of Grasmoor beyond.
BREAKING VIEWS Mellbreak has a dramatic ridge begging to be scrambled... but is that the most rewarding way to explore this peak?
S
neaky, sneaky, sneaky little hill. That’s Mellbreak. After cornering through the squid of roads in the north-west Lake District that sling you through places like Low Lorton and Yewdale, you enter the deep-cut Buttermere valley and there it is, showing you its teeth across the water. That shapely prow, the hint of steep, angular crags scooping up from the flood plain between Loweswater and Crummock Water. � It seduces you, gets your feet itching. But actually? Hang on.
WORDS SIMON INGRAM PHOTOGRAPHS TOM BAILEY The impressive south face of Grasmoor, from Mellbreak.
MAY 2016 TRAIL 37
INSIDE BRITAIN’S BUSIEST
MOUNTAIN RESCUE TEAM Llanberis MRT are Snowdon’s silent guardians, a group of unsung heroes who risk their lives to protect others on Wales’ highest mountain. WORDS OLI REED PHOTOGRAPHS TOM BAILEY
F
rom the outside it doesn’t look much. Just an old grey chapel set back from the main road through the sleepy village of Nant Peris, the whitewashed walls of the Vaynol Arms to its right and the ragged lower edge of Snowdon’s north ridge tapering out behind. You could drive past it 50 times and notice nothing
40 TRAIL MAY 2016
more than the pale glow of a light bulb through one of its tall, slender windows, or a mud-spattered Land Rover parked outside. If you were expecting the HQ of Britain’s most overworked Mountain Rescue Team to resemble a timber-clad Alpine lodge complete with helipad and NASA-style operations centre you’ll be disappointed; but in many ways it perfectly reflects
The volunteers of Llanberis Mountain Rescue Team with the notorious ridgeline of Crib Goch – an accident black spot they know all too well – catching sunlight in the background.
the team that calls it home: efficient, fit-for-purpose, humble and understated. And besides, looks mean nothing; it’s what’s inside that really matters… Prior to 1973 there was no official Mountain Rescue Team working the slopes of Snowdon. Instead, mountain accidents were attended by a group of local volunteers assembled at short notice by Chris Briggs,
owner of the nearby Pen-y-Gwryd Hotel. But mirroring the explosion of walking and climbing on Wales’ highest mountain during the Fifties and Sixties, there was also a steady increase in the number of accidents, leading to the team eventually receiving formal recognition from the Mountain Rescue Council � and the luxury of a permanent home in Nant Peris.
MAY 2016 TRAIL 41
Go Brecon Beacons Do a horseshoe walk
HOME G Travel far and wide if you will, but you’ll never be as content as when on familiar terrain. WORDS HANNAH JAMES PHOTOGRAPHS TOM BAILEY
44 TRAIL MAY 2016
On familiar terrain, heading from Cribyn towards Pen y Fan, the highest peak in the Brecon Beacons at 886m.
GROUND
F
irst question: why do you go to the mountains? I’m not sure about you, but they put me in my place. They’re pure escapism from daily life. Be it silence or howling wind and driving rain, they are raw, wild and pure, which allows me to experience being thankful and alive in a way almost nothing else can. Now, I want you to think about this: how much do you know about home? Do you ever wander local paths and wonder whose feet trod them before yours? What were their stories? Understanding where you come from, the area that you live in, its history: knowing the pathways, the roads, the trees and the hills can help you � connect to your environment on a whole other
MAY 2016 TRAIL 45
THE LAST FIRST ASCENTS Ever wondered if you were the first person to tread a particular place? Here’s the story of the adventurers who knew for certain they were: those who explored the last unclimbed peaks in Britain. WORDS SIMON INGRAM
A climber abseiling off The Cioch slab. This remarkable feature wasn't discovered until 1899. It wasn't climbed for another seven years. SHOULTS / ALAMY STOCK PHOTO
52 TRAIL MAY 2016
W
e will never know who first climbed a British peak. Whoever that person was, they were almost certainly there for reasons other than fun. Long after tribesmen, druids and shepherds wandered over our summits – in terms of what is written and accepted – Ben Nevis was ‘officially’ first climbed in 1771 by a botanist names James Robertson, who like many of the time was there to collect samples for scientific study. Robertson was classic of the ‘curiosity men’, as they were nicknamed by locals who were often employed to show visitors the scenery. Those who earned money from this became the first working guides. Snowdon was climbed by the ‘father of British botany’ Thomas Johnson more than a century earlier, in 1639. Samuel Taylor Coleridge is credited with ‘inventing’ rock-climbing with a slithery, quasi-suicidal descent of Scafell’s Broad Stand in 1802 – though by this time shepherds were routinely rescuing sheep from crags, and no doubt summits, in the Lake District. What Coleridge did was climb for the sake of climbing, which marked a shift in the way mountains were used by people.
Once the thirst for recreationally claiming summits was established – typically among the privileged and the conveniently scientifically curious – it proliferated quicker abroad than at home. Alpine giants such as Gran Paradiso, the Eiger, the Matterhorn, the Weisshorn and the Schreckhorn, as well as more exotic peaks such as Mt Baker, Elbrus and Kazbek in the Caucasus, and Mt Cameroon – all saw British boots alight their summits first. And by 1865 most big prizes outside the prohibitively high peaks of the Himalayas had been claimed. What is often forgotten is that the British went to tackle the Alps, the Andes, Africa and the Rockies when there was still unfinished business on domestic shores. These peaks by their nature were daunting and difficult, and today still represent the pinnacle – in the literal sense – of British mountaineering: the Isle of Skye’s infamous Black Cuillin. As the Alps were yielding, there were peaks high on the Cuillin Ridge that still lay unclimbed and unseen – until, in the final years of the 19th century, a disparate group of British mountaineers made it their mission � to claim this final, difficult prize.
MAY 2016 TRAIL 53
EXPERT ADVICE: PLAIN & SIMPLETM YOUR EXPERTS
Bryn Williams International mountain leader and executive officer at Mountain Training.
MAKE YOUR OWN HILL SNACKS If you’re sick of stuffing yourself with service station stodge, here are five simple recipes for healthy energy snacks that will keep you fuelled in the hills.
Rob Johnson MIC Rob is an international expedition leader and mountain instructor.
Apricot & almond truffles Lyle Brotherton Navigation expert Lyle is one of the world’s leading authorities on search and rescue.
Prep time 15 minutes ‘Cook’ time 60 minutes (in the fridge)
Ingredients l 100g medjool dates l 100g dried apricots l 100g almonds l 50g 90% cacao chocolate
Method
Jeremy Ashcroft Trail’s mountaineering editor Jeremy has a lifetime of outdoors experience.
s Place the almonds, dates and apricots into a food processor and blitz until they come together to form one large ball. This will take around 90-120 seconds.
62 TRAIL MONTH 2016
Chocolate chip brownies
s Remove the mixture from the food processor and divide into equal portions, before rolling into balls between the palms of your hands.
Prep time 10 minutes ‘Cook’ time 60 minutes (in the fridge)
ingredients come together in a large ball. It will take a few minutes to get the right consistency.
s Melt the chocolate in a bain-marie before rolling each ball in the chocolate, making sure they’re evenly coated. Place on a tray lined with greaseproof paper before putting them in the fridge to set.
Ingredients l 150g Brazil nuts l 300g medjool dates l 30g raw cacao powder l 50g 90% cacao chocolate l 2 tablespoons maple syrup
s Remove the mixture from the food processor and roll out on greaseproof paper till you have a neat rectangle. Roughly chop the dark chocolate and sprinkle over the top of the brownie mix.
s As an optional extra you can use a few chopped almonds and apricots to garnish the truffles with, once they’ve been coated in dark chocolate.
Method
s Put the Brazil nuts, dates, cacao powder and maple syrup in a food processor and blitz until the
s Using your hands, press the chocolate chips into the mix, fold the mix over on itself, then re-roll into a neat rectangle. s Place in the fridge for an hour to set before cutting into bite-sized squares.
MARCUS LEACH
Sweet and spicy roasted nuts Prep time 5 minutes Cook time 12 minutes
Ingredients
No-bake granola bars Prep time 10 minutes ‘Cook’ time 6 hours (in the fridge)
Ingredients (makes 16) l 200g jumbo rolled oats l 100g medjool dates l 2 bananas l 40g coconut oil l 75g dried dates l 75g dried cranberries l 75g hazelnuts, chopped l 50g coconut flakes, chopped
Method
s Add the dates to a small pan with 50ml of water and simmer for a few minutes until the dates start to absorb the water, mixing them occasionally. Take
l 200g mixed nuts l 1 tablespoon maple syrup l ½ teaspoon paprika l ½ teaspoon chilli powder l ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
s Put all the ingredients in a bowl and mix together thoroughly until the nuts are well-coated. s Spread on baking paper on a tray and roast in the oven for 12 minutes at 175 deg C / 350 deg F / gas mark 4. s Allow to cool before bagging them up if using straight away, or store in an airtight jar for future use.
them off the heat and add the coconut oil. s Transfer this mixture to a food processor along with the bananas, and blitz until you have a smooth paste. s Roughly chop the dried dates and hazelnuts, and add to a large bowl with the remainder of the ingredients. s Stir everything together until the paste is mixed evenly through. Transfer the mixture to a non-stick baking tray and spread evenly. s Place in the fridge for 6 hours. This will allow the mixture to cool and set. Remove from the tin and cut into equal sized pieces. Note These bars are best stored in the fridge until you need them.
Walnut & date flapjacks Prep time 15 minutes Cook time 30 minutes
Ingredients
Guest expert Marcus Leach SANDER JURKIEWICZ
Method
Marcus is a freelance journalist and adventurer, often found trekking and cycling in the Alps, with an active interest in nutrition. His passion for cooking has seen him develop a wide range of healthy snacks to fuel extreme adventures. Read more at www.marcusleach.co.uk or follow him on Twitter @MarcusLeachFood
l 275g jumbo oats l 100g medjool dates l 75g chopped walnuts l 75g chopped dates l 40g coconut oil l 2 bananas
s Add the oats to a food processor and blitz for 15 seconds until they are broken up. This will give a more even consistency to your flapjacks. s Roughly chop the walnuts before adding to a large mixing bowl with the chopped dates. s Blitz the medjool dates, coconut oil and bananas in a food processor until you have a smooth paste, then add to the mixing bowl.
s Pre-heat the oven to 175 deg C / 350 deg F / gas mark 4.
s Mix everything together thoroughly until the oats are evenly covered with the date and banana mixture.
s Place the medjool dates in a pan with a little water and allow to gently simmer until they begin to soften and the water is absorbed. Now add the coconut oil, stir and take off the heat, and allow to cool for a few minutes.
s Place the mixture in a non-stick baking tin, spread out evenly so the flapjacks are around 4cm thick, and cook for 25 minutes. Remove from the oven and allow to cool in the tin before removing, cutting into pieces MONTH 2016 TRAIL 63 and packing in your rucksack!
Method
TEST OF THE BEST TOP HILL KIT GOES HEAD TO HEAD
TESTER PROFILE Graham Thompson Technical editor Foot size UK11/Euro46 Foot shape normal width, but bony
3-SEASON BOOTS We asked manufacturers to send us the best 3-season walking boots for British hillwalkers; here are our top nine... ANKLE CUFF
TEST AND STUDIO PHOTOGRAPHS GRAHAM THOMPSON
To reduce weight and price, the ankle cuff may be cut quite low in some boots. However this can be a false economy as a lower ankle cuff more easily allows water, mud and debris to enter the top of the boot while also providing less ankle support, meaning your foot has to work harder on uneven ground.
UPPER
A traditional leather upper made with minimal stitching will last for many years if cared for well and will probably outlast the grip on the sole. Conversely an upper that is made of synthetic fabric, mesh and thin strips of suede leather is unlikely to be as durable and often tends to be slow-drying.
MIDSOLE FLEX
TOE BOX
To protect the foot from stray boulders a stiffened toe box is important. You can test this by pressing the top of the area where your toes will be in the boot.
OUTSOLE
Well-spaced and deep lugs can bite into soft ground without clogging. A deep heel breast (the step between the heel and midfoot area of the sole unit) is vital for providing braking power in descents.
Grab the boot by the toe and heel, and bend them together to test longitudinal stiffness; then twist the sole to test lateral stiffness. A more flexible sole flex is better for comfort on level ground, while a stiffer sole flex is more comfortable on rockier ground and it also allows a more precise use of small footholds if scrambling on rockier ground.
Test of the best
MAGAZINE
BEST VALUE £160 / 1548g (pair, size 11) m n
£160 / 1782g (pair, size 11)
Salomon Quest 4D II GTX
Mammut Trovat High GTX
Berghaus Hillmaster II GTX
rubber toe rand; aggressive sole + weight; lugs; good lateral stiffness
leather upper; minimal stitching; + price; full toe box rand; aggressive sole lugs
lightweight; leather upper; minimal + price; stitching; full rand; aggressive sole lugs
–
–
–
www.salomon.com
upper not the most durable option; quite bendy sole and soft upper
FEATURES The 1548g weight is impressive. The upper is a mix of synthetic materials, nubuck leather with lots of stitching and a Gore-Tex waterproof lining. There is not a full rubber rand, but there is a rand at the toe. The upper is quite soft at the toe box and heel compared to others. The outsole has a good aggressive pattern of lugs and good lateral stiffness but it’s bendy from toe to heel. 3/5
m n
www.mammut.ch
higher-priced boots are comfier and use better leather
£160 / 1558g (pair, size 11)
m n
www.berghaus.com
higher-priced and heavier boots offer more support for rockier ground
Velour leather is used here rather than the full-grain leather of a higher-priced boot, but it’s still very durable and there is little stitching. Gore-Tex provides the waterproof membrane inside the boot and you get a rubber rand on the toe box for more protection. There is good stiffness throughout, with a high ankle cuff that is softly padded. Underfoot the sole is stiff and has good lugs. 4/5
The Hillmaster has been a popular hillwalking boot since first appearing in the 1980s under the Brasher brand. Today it has changed little except now it’s branded Berghaus. The Pittards leather upper is virtually stitch-free and there is a Gore-Tex waterproof lining, plus a full (shallow) rubber rand outside. The outsole lugs are deep and widely spaced with some good stiffness for hillwalking. 5/5
FIT
The sizes are 6½-13 for men and 3½-10½ for women, which is a particularly wide size range for women’s footwear. On the foot the fit is not quite as neat as the higher-priced boots that really seem to hug the foot, but it is reasonable. The toe box is spacious, and the heel and ankle cuff did fit quite well. 4/5
Sizes for men are 7-12 and sizes for women are 4-8½, with the fit being in the middle ground – being neither narrow nor wide – making this feel to me that it should fit many people with no tight or loose areas. The ankle cuff was slightly higher than the lowest models with a good fit. This feels very good on the foot. 5/5
The size range is bigger than most: men’s 7-14 and women’s 3½-9. The fit is spacious, which may suit wider-footed people well. The locking eyelet is good for controlling fit across the foot; but the laces don’t reach the toe box, so if this area is too ‘baggy’ you can’t tighten it. The ankle cuff is relatively low. 4/5
COMFORT
This is reasonably comfortable but again it’s not quite in the same league as the higherpriced boots; however there are no real pressure spots. Walking is comfortable on level ground as the sole and upper are quite flexible, so the boot can mould to the foot as you move. The foot is held in place quite well, though, and it is well-cushioned underfoot. 4/5
There is a general feeling of this boot gently hugging the foot with no firm areas anywhere, which is great. The sole is stiffer than many lower-priced boots but it feels very nice in use and allows a reasonably natural walking action for a stiff walking boot. I particularly liked the ‘toe roll’ action, as it made it feel very comfortable on hard surfaces. 5/5
The roomy toebox, forefoot and low ankle cuff mean many people will love this from the off. The heel cup fits closer and feels more comfortable than some lower-priced boots, while the soft padding on the ankle cuff also sets this apart from some lower-priced options. The sole is a little more flexible than some, which is great on softer ground. 5/5
IN USE
For easier paths and moors this is a great choice. The outsole lugs are good for biting into softer ground, and the general flex of the boot will suit this sort of terrain. But take it onto rockier ground and the performance drops away a little compared to more dedicated mountain boots. This is because the upper and sole are relatively soft, so your feet have to work a bit harder. 4/5
An excellent general hill boot, thanks to that nice toe roll combined with its stiff and supportive upper. You also get the stiff sole with an aggressive pattern of lugs for grip in softer terrain. As the fit is quite precise this is also great for scrambles. However, if you are really hard on your boots, paying a higher price brings fullgrain leather and a full rubber rand. 4/5
This is a great boot for general fellwalking, particularly on well-made stone paths, soft grass and moorland. Once the ground gets a little more rocky and loose, the softer sole and lower ankle cuff make your feet work a little harder compared to stiffer boots. Also the fit of the forefoot may not be precise enough for scrambling if you have narrow feet. 4/5
VALUE
The price is good, but for £160 you could actually get a leather boot that may be more durable in the long term. 3/5
This is a great price for performance on the hill, as you are not getting that much better performance if you pay more. 4/5
A very well-priced boot for general walking at valley, moorland and hilltop levels, although still far from cheap. 4/5
VERDICT
The weight, style and comfort on easier ground are appealing, but on tougher terrain other boots have benefits.
An excellent hillwalking boot if you don’t want to pay more for full-grain leather and a rubber rand for durability.
This is a classic walking boot that remains ideal for many general hill path and fellwalking situations.
3.6/5
4.4/5
4.4/5
MAY 2016 TRAIL 73
BEST BUDGET FOR YOUR
TRAIL SHOES Trail shoes are at home on well-made paths, and make a great alternative to boots on easy terrain. TESTER PROFILE
WEIGHT
Trail shoes are often chosen in preference to boots because they are lighter. However the lighter the shoe, the less support it may provide and the less durable it may be. Equally, a lighter shoe may lack cushioning or support, making it more tiring to wear, particularly on rockier ground.
UPPER
A leather upper with minimal stitching will last for many years if cared for well and will probably outlast the grip on the sole. Conversely an upper made of synthetic fabric, mesh and thin strips of suede leather is unlikely to be as durable and often tends to be slow-drying too. But mesh and synthetic uppers are much lighter and lower in price than leather, and so they are commonly used.
Graham Thompson Technical editor Foot size UK11/Euro46 Foot shape normal width, but bony
HEEL COUNTER
Pinch the heel of the shoe between your thumb and fingers to test how supportive it will be for your foot. Support in this area is important for moving over uneven ground, to help stabilise the foot and prevent injuries.
MIDSOLE FLEX
Grab the shoe by the toe and heel and bend them together to test longitudinal stiffness, then twist the sole to test lateral stiffness. It is a matter of personal choice but generally a more flexible sole is better for comfort on level ground and for moving fast, while a stiffer sole is comfier on rockier ground and allows a more precise use of small footholds when scrambling.
TOE BOX
To protect the foot from stray boulders a stiffened toe box is important. You can test this by pressing the top of the area where your toes will be in the boot with your thumb. 78 TRAIL MAY 2016
OUTSOLE
Look for lugs that are well-spaced and deep so they can provide a good grip without easily clogging with mud and without wearing away too rapidly. Also look for a deep heel breast (the step between the heel and midfoot area of the sole) as this provides braking power in descent.
UP TO £100
MAGAZINE
APPROVED
£70 / 1168g (pair, size 11)
m n
£90 / 1144g (pair, size 11)
m n
£90 / 1084g (pair, size 11) m n
Regatta Gatlin Low/ Holocombe Low
Hi-Tec V-Lite Altitude Pro Lite Low RGS WP
Jack Wolfskin MTN Attack 5 Texapore
deep sole lugs; good toe bumper; + price; reasonable stiffness in upper and sole
deep sole lugs; good stiffness; good + price; toe bumper
comfort and fit for price; good + weight; stiffness; good toe bumper
–
–
–
www.regatta.com
higher-priced options may be lighter, stiffer, more durable or more comfortable
www.hi-tec.co.uk
no heel breast; fit not as close as others
www.jack-wolfskin.com
no heel breast; sole lugs not quite as aggressive as some
FEATURES
You get an Isotex waterproof lining to keep your feet dry. The upper is a mix of synthetic mesh and PU with some solid reinforcement at the toe box to protect the feet. The outsole has very deep and well-spaced lugs for grip in mud. The shoe feels nice and stiff, both toe-to-heel and laterally. But a more pronounced heel breast and less stitching would be good. 4/5
The suede leather and synthetic mesh upper hide a DriTec waterproof and breathable membrane. The toe box and heel cup are both stiff and supportive, and you get extra reinforcement at the toe, although there is no protective rubber rand. The Vibram outsole has deep, well-spaced lugs for grip but no heel breast. 4/5
A popular shoe, with an upper made from suede leather and synthetic mesh, and a Texapore waterproof and breathable lining. There is a good stiff toe box and heel cup with reinforcement overlays, but these are not rubber. The outsole has decent lugs but they are not quite as deep and aggressive as others and there is no heel breast. 4/5
FIT
Men’s sizes are 7-12 for the Gatlin Low with the nearest women’s equivalent being the Holcombe Low in sizes 3-8. The fit is not quite as precise as some higher-priced shoes but still very acceptable for general walking. The tongue bellows didn't fit too neatly on my foot and the upper generally did not quite hug my foot as snugly as some. 3/5
Women’s sizes are 4-8 and men’s sizes are 7-12. This one felt roomier than other shoes, which was good around the forefoot, but fit around the heel area wasn’t as precise as in higherpriced shoes. The tongue fitted well, though, and the shoe’s length was about right for me, so it’s one to try before buying – particularly if you have bony feet like mine. 3/5
Men’s come in sizes 6-13 and women’s in 3-9. The fit is generally more precise with a better profile than lower-priced shoes while remaining spacious at the forefoot so there is good wiggle room for toes – increasing comfort on long trail walks. The tongue sits neatly and the foot is held in place well by the heel cup of the shoe. 4/5
COMFORT
The tongue bellows fold created a firm spot on the top of my foot, and as the fit of the shoe is generally less precise than the others it did not feel quite as pleasant. But it was not uncomfortable – just less comfortable than others. The sole is nice and stiff and flexes well with the foot, so when walking this does feel quite good. 4/5
This feels acceptable on the foot but lacks the softness, precise fit and comfort that others can offer – so while it is not uncomfortable, others are simply more comfortable. The flex on the sole from toe to heel is not quite as graduated as the higher-priced shoes either. But there are no major tight spots or hard areas to cause problems. 3/5
As this has a slightly neater fit than lowerpriced shoes it feels more comfortable and – extra marks! – there are no pressure points. There is a good level of soft padding around the foot but this is not excessive so it feels comfortable. The flex of the sole from toe to heel is slightly smoother than other lowpriced shoes, again increasing comfort. 4/5
IN USE
The deep sole lugs provide good grip, and this sets it apart from other low-priced shoes. But you don’t get the precision you'd find in most approach shoe designs, the low weight of shoes designed for fast action or the stiffness of a generic or rock-orientated shoe. That said, it’s great for general walking on easier ground, including muddy terrain or grass slopes. 4/5
The outsole lugs are great for biting into soft ground and the sole stiffness is good for walking over rougher ground without straining your feet. That spacious toe area also makes this comfortable when walking, though it doesn’t offer the precise feel of others on more uneven ground. The lack of a heel breast also reduces downhill grip on soft ground. Great for level paths, though. 3/5
Though comfortable, the outsole lets the performance down a little with this one. Compared to some other options, the lugs are not quite as aggressive, in shape or depth – and so the shoe skids more easily across wet grass and mud, particularly on slopes, than shoes with more bite. There is no pronounced heel breast either. On level, reasonable tracks it is good though. 3/5
VALUE
You cannot complain at this price, and while the performance is not perfect for £70, it is more than acceptable. 5/5
This is a low-priced shoe by modern standards, and for general walking on moderate ground it is a good-value option. 5/5
Apart from the lugs on the sole this is the best shoe here under £100, so it is good value compared to others. 5/5
VERDICT
An ideal budget buy if you need a general walking shoe, but others offer benefits in some areas if you can pay more.
At home on level forest tracks and paths, but the fit and performance were not as good as higher-priced shoes.
This is an excellent choice if you will be sticking to reasonable paths, but others are better on muddier terrain.
4.0/5
3.8/5
4.0/5
MAY 2016 TRAIL 79
Routes
THE BEST HILLWALKS BY THE EXPERTS
© JAMES OSMOND / ALAMY STOCK PHOTO
WALK HERE THIS WEEKEND! p109
View from Bristly Ridge towards Tryfan and the Carneddau Range beyond (see Route 5).
Where to walk this month... Welcome to Trail’s routes section: your cut-out-and-keep guide to the best days in the UK hills. Whether it’s an airy mountain scramble, a classic Lakeland fellwalk or a multi-day backpacking epic, you’ll find it here... written by experts, walked by you.
Ridge guide Curved Ridge
Walks of a lifetime Bla Bheinn Beinn Challuim Comrie
6
10 11 12
Castle Carrock Map of the month Helvellyn 2 Whinlatter Round Fountains Fell Base Brown 7
8 9
3
5
Tryfan Diffwys 4
EDITED BY HANNAH JAMES (HANNAH.JAMES@LFTO.COM)
● Trail Routes use OS mapping and gradient profiles, and are available to download at www.lfto.com/routes MAY 2016 TRAIL 99
1
Snowdonia
ROUTE 5 MAY 2016
6.2km/3¾ miles 4 hours
ROUTE STATS
Strenuousness l l l l l Navigation lllll Technicality ll l l l Welsh 3000s 2 Trail 100s 2
Tryfan & Glyder Fawr Make the most of a summer evening with a scramble (and maybe a sleep) among Britain’s favourite mountains. Hannah James tells you how.
L
ast year we saw you vote Tryfan and the Glyders as ‘Britain’s greatest hillwalk’, and unsurprisingly so. Packed full of exciting scrambles and beautiful views, these mountains offer a thrilling time. Tryfan itself has an impressive profile, demanding attention as you drive towards it down the A5. Looming out of the ground, it stands alone covered in broken rock. The undefined path of the north face throws adventure in your face and coaxes you further up its slope, an exciting scramble both for those wanting
Happy to be on top of Bristly Ridge!
to gain more experience and those who have been scrambling for years. Skirting Bristly Ridge, this route becomes much more accessible for those less inclined toward exposure while still wanting to push themselves a little. Soft, grassy patches to the southern edge of Glyder Fach offer the perfect place for a bivvy while giving you access to the rocky playground that makes up the summit. In fact, time your visit right, and you could watch the sun set over the Snowdon horseshoe and rise over Tryfan...
MAY 2016 TRAIL 109
HANNAH JAMES
Savouring sunrise on Glyder Fach.
WALKS OF A LIFETIME
Bla Bheinn
Isolated, magnificent and with the best views in Britain, the traverse of Bla Bheinn is the definitive walk of a lifetime, says Jeremy Ashcroft.
122 TRAIL MAY 2016
Isle of Skye
16.2km/10 miles 7 hours Looking from Bla Bheinn over Clach Glas to Garbh-bheinn and Sgurr nan Each, with the Isles of Scalpay and Raasay beyond. Š STEWART SMITH / ALAMY STOCK PHOTO
MAY 2016 TRAIL 123
SPECIAL EDITION OUT NOW!
All you need to climb to the highest points of Scotland, England and Wales! Available now from www.greatmagazines.co.uk/explore, WHSmith, Waitrose, Tesco and independent retailers.