A Look At The July Issue Of The Great Outdoors

A belated look at the July issue of The Great Outdoors. A problem with the internet has stopped me posting for a while.

In this issue I and Steph Wetherall each review an ultralight big pack and a standard weight big pack. Also in the gear pages James Roddie reviews eight outdoor apps, Steph Wetherall reviews Maier Sports Lawa Shorts, Fiona Russell reviews the Berghaus Rain-Motion Jacket, and James Forrest reviews the Alpkit Atlas boots. Steph Wetherall also looks at sleeping bag ratings and why they don’t work for everyone.

In the main features there’s a look at big human-powered adventures ideal for summer months. David Myers describes setting the fastest known time on the South West Coast Path. Hannah Mitchell treks through the Fann Mountains of Tajikistan.

The Skills section sees the experts of Glenmore Lodge giving advice on navigation, refuelling, river crossings, and prepping for better hill days.

In shorter pieces Nadia Shaikh enthuses about bugs, in particular the shieldbug; the Peak District’s new wildfire engagement officer tells Claire Maxted what his job involves; Jim Perrin recalls his first ascent of Catbells; and Juls Stodel gives advice on navigation.

Wild Walks looks at routes reachable by public transport. James Roddie climbs Beinn Liath Mhor from Achnashellach railway station in the NW Highlands. Simon Stokes also takes the train, in this case to climb Ben More from Crianlarich in the Southern Highlands. It’s the bus to the Old Dungeon Ghyll Hotel in the Lake District for an ascent of Bow Fell for Vivienne Crow. Another bus in the Lake District takes James Forrest to the start of a walk up Red Screes. Also in the Lake District Norman Hadley takes the train to Windermere for Sallows and Sour Hawes. Down in Shropshire another train takes Andrew Galloway to Church Stretton for a walk over the Lond Mynd. In Wales Ian Battersby climbs Pen y Fan and Craig Cerrig-gleisiad from Pont ar Daf, which can be reached by bus.