A Look At The February Issue Of The Great Outdoors

The first issue of The Great Outdoors in 2022 is out now. Due to the vagaries of magazine publishing it's the February issue, the January one having come out last December. I've very little in this issue (there'll be much more in the next one), just a brief look at how my favourite winter jacket, the Paramo Aspira, has lasted over the years. This is part of an advertising promotion for Nikwax, which is the way magazines now have to function to survive as so much direct advertising has gone online to Google, Facebook and others. The independence of gear reviews won't change though and any promotions like this one will be clearly flagged. 

With gear reviews you'll see more names this year as the team has been expanded and there are now seven of us. In this issue Alex Roddie and Judy Armstrong review men's and women's down jackets. 

There's quite a mix of other material in this issue and as always I've enjoyed reading it. I don't see it until the issue is published so it's as new to me as any other reader.

In the main features Meera Dattani selects some excellent multi-day hiking trips in Britain and beyond (there's a few I fancy); Katie Featherstone goes on a backpacking trip in Iceland; Roger Butler explores the Carneddau in winter; and also in the snow David Lintern traverses the Loch Lochy Munros (brilliant photos).

This issue also has The Great Outdoors Readers Awards for 2021. Fifteen different categories cover everything from Campaign/Campaigner of the Year to Walkers' Pub of the Year.

In shorter pieces the Route of the Month covers the Arrochar Alps, with a map by Jeremy Ashcroft and photos by James Roddie; the Comment Piece has David Lintern looking at the issues behind 'corporate rewilding'; and Jim Perrin's Mountain Portrait describes Ben More on the Isle of Mull.

In the Wild Walks section Alan Rowan tackles the two Munros  Mayar and Driesh in the Eastern Highlands in winter conditions; Stefan Durkacz has a coastal walk on the Dalmeny Estate on the edge of Edinburgh; Vivienne Crow has an icy walk over three little hills above Coledale in the Lake District; Steve Eddy discovers some local paths in the Wye Valley; and Fiona Barltrop has a rare snowy walk on the South Downs.

Getting Back Into It: A First Short Walk With A Pack This Year

View over Strathspey to the Cairngorms at dusk

After a series of very short local strolls - 1-2 hours - without a pack I ventured out recently with a small rucksack and went a little further up a local hill, crossing some rough terrain en route, to see how my operated on hand would respond. 

I learnt that my hand, with the bandange gone and just a plaster over the hole, didn't hurt too much as long as I was careful not to press down on anything. I don't think I could comfortably handle a treeking pole or ice axe yet and a big pack could be awkward - that has to wait a week or two at least. 

I also learnt that little exercise for the last three weeks along with rather too much rich winter warming food means more than my hand needs to get used to the hills again! But it's a start.

Book Review: The Vanishing Ice by Iain Cameron

For many years Iain Cameron has been recording snow patches in the Scottish hills that last into summer and sometimes right through the year. From noting patches for his own interest he has become an expert researcher, writing regular reports for the Royal Meteorological Society and co-ordinating other snow researchers, mostly via social media. He’s appeared on radio and TV and his work is featured in newspapers regularly as interest has grown. Now he’s written an excellent book about his passion.

The Vanishing Ice is an extraordinary book about an extraordinary subject. Just why would someone take a tape measure on a risky walk into remote mountains to measure a shrinking patch of old snow? This book gives the answer, and will I’m sure inspire many others to join the author’s band of snow patch aficionados, of which I confess I am one though without the dedication or expertise of Iain Cameron.

A book on snow patches might appear to have a narrow focus but that’s not the case and the book is wide-ranging and full of interest. The story of how the author became intrigued by snow patches and how he began to record them is fascinating. Laced throughout the book are many exciting often hazardous adventures in the hills visiting snow remnants located high in hard-to-reach gullies and lying on steep icy slabs. Checking snow patches is not easy work but it does take the researcher into spectacular, rarely visited places and the author’s love of these shines through.

Iain Cameron’s mentor, the late Dr Adam Watson – scientist, environmentalist, and snow researcher - has a chapter to himself, as the person who encouraged the young snow researcher and set him up as his successor in snow research. Like Adam Watson Cameron has strong opinions and isn’t afraid to voice them too. In a chapter entitled ‘modern perils’ he lambasts the trend for risk aversion and outsourcing responsibility to others. “The authority of self-appointed guardians of our hill safety must always be questioned, and never be allowed to become received wisdom …... I cleave to the dreadfully old-fashioned view that personal responsibility is the single most important attribute a person can possess.” I agree whole-heartedly!

Inevitably in a book on snow climate change rears its head and the author covers the decline in the survival of snow patches, showing how the data demonstrates this clearly. This is a sad, reflective section of the book. Overall, though, the tone of the book is life-affirming and positive. This is someone doing what he loves in the mountains and making a contribution to knowledge as he does so. This particularly comes out in the chapters on the areas where snow lies late, both in Scotland, and south of the border. From Aonach Mor to a cave in the Peak District (yes, really!) the author takes us on a grand tour of snow patches, with much geographical information and historical research thrown in.

The book is illustrated with excellent photographs showing snow patches and the remote, awkward-to-reach places many are found. Especially dramatic and beautiful are those of snow tunnels.

The Vanishing Ice is an outstanding book that I really enjoyed reading. It’s highly recommended for anyone interested in the hills and in snow.

This review first appeared in The Great Outdoors.

 

 

Outdoor & Nature Books 2021

 

Every year sees a wealth of outdoor and nature books published and 2021 was no exception.  Here are brief descriptions of the ones I enjoyed most, in no particular order, along with one from a previous yeart I hadn't got round to finishing last year. Where I've reviewed the book online I've given a link.

As every year I also dipped into old favourites from authors like Edward Abbey, Colin Fletcher, John Muir, Nan Shepherd, and Hamish Brown. New books don't replace old ones! I've mentioned a couple of others here then finished with a short list of books I'm reading now or will be reading soon.

The Earth Beneath My Feet by Andrew Terrill (Enchanted Rock Press, 2021)

I liked this so much I reviewed it twice! Here and here. It's a superb hiking story about the author's walk up the length of Italy and through the Alps. Expansive, personal, and positive this is a life-affirming book. And it's only part one, with the second volume, On Sacred Ground, covering the continuing journey to the northern tip of Norway due out this year. I'm really looking forward to it.

The Farthest Shore: Seeking solitude and nature on the Cape Wrath Trail in winter by Alex Roddie (Vertebrate, 2021)

Another excellent tale of a long walk, this time a tough winter one in the Scottish Highlands. The author set out to escape the online digital world and immerse himself in the natural one. What he discovers is illuminating and thought-provoking. My review for The Great Outdoors magazine should appear soon.

Wild Winter: In search of nature in Scotland's mountain landscape by John D. Burns (Vertebrate 2021)

In my review of this book I wrote "the mix of adventure, wildlife, comic incidents, intriguing characters, and thoughts about the future of the land make this an entertaining and thought-provoking book". 

The 1033 High Hills of Britain by Alan Dawon (Pedantic Press, 2021)

An idiosyncratic book about hill bagging with an unusual list of summits this successor to The Relative Hills of Britain is entertaining and informative. Contains some wonderful mountains stories and interesting arguments. I must get round to writing a review.

Peaks And Bandits by Alf Bonnevie Bryn (Vertebrate, 2021)

First published in Norway in 1943 this is the story of two students and their 'discovery' of Corsica in 1909. They have plenty of amusing and hair-raising adventures, not all mountaineering ones. A light humorous read. I reviewed it here. 

The Trail by Ethan Gallogly (Sierra Nevada Press, 2021)

This is a novel based on a hike along the John Muir Trail in California, telling the story of two hikers whose relationship develops as their walk progresses.  The author knows the trail and the area really well and imparts a great deal of information in an entertaining and easy-to-read way. I'll post a full review soon.

The Vanishing Ice: Diaries of a Scottish snow hunter by Iain Cameron (Vertebrate, 2021)

A fascinating and intriguing book about the author's passion for the remnants of snow that last through the Scottish summer. Adventure stories, scientific research, history. There's a lot to snow patches! I reviewed it for the December 2021 issue of The Great Outdoors. I'll post the review online soon.

The Munros by Rab Anderson & Tom Prentice (Scottish Mountaineering Press, 2021)

The fourth edition of the Scottish Mountaineering Club's guide to the Munros this is by far the best yet with much more information, more photographs, and larger maps. The subsidiary Tops are included for the first time too. I reviewed it here.

The Peatlands Of Britain And Ireland: A Traveller's Guide by Clifton Bain (Sandstone Press, 2021)

The third in a trilogy by Clifton Bain, the others being The Ancient Pinewoods of Scotland and The Rainforests of Britain and Ireland, this is a lovely book for browsing and inspiration. It's packed with information on peatlands and their importance along with information for visiting key ones plus some wonderful photographs.

Wanderlust Alps: Hiking Aacross the Alps by Alex Roddie (Gestalten, 2021)

A companion to 2020's Wanderlust Europe this is another book for browsing and inspiration. It's packed with details of hiking routes in the Alps and mounth-watering photographs. I reviewed it here. 

Of Stone And Sky by Merryn Glover (Polygon, 2021)

A family saga set in the Cairngorms this novel is powerful and absorbing as the complex tale evolves with a profound mystery at its heart. I haven't finished reading it yet so it may well appear in next year's round-up too.

Regeneration: The Rescue of a Wild Land by Andrew Painting (Birlinn, 2021)

The story of the vast Mar Lodge Estate in the Cairngorms since it's takeover by the National Trust for Scotland in 1995 this book reveals the hard work, compromises, and scientific study needed to restore nature and the landscape. 

Rebirding: Rewilding Britain and its Birds by Benedict Macdonals (Pelagic Publishing, 2019)

I included this in last year's review though I hadn't finished reading it. Now I have I think this informative and provocative book is worth a second mention. The uplifting optimism at the end is very much needed.

Walks And Climbs In The Pyrenees by Kev Reynolds (Cicerone Press, 1978) 

Author and guide Kev Reynolds sadly died towards the end of last year. I have many of his books. I've chosen this one as it was the first I bought and the one I used in the hills most, taking it on several trips to the Pyrenees. We've lost a great outdoor writer.

The Cairngorms by Adam Watson (Scottish Mountaineering Trust, 1975)

Another sad loss was Adam Watson in 2019. The expert on the Cairngorms in all aspects his Scottish Mountaineering Club District Guide Book is packed with information on geology, weather, natural history, as well as walks and climbs. 

 

Finally here's a list of books I've either started reading or will be doing so soon. (I read too many books at once!).

Wanderers: A History of Women Walking by Kerri Andrews (Reaktion Books, 2020)

Restoring The Wild: Sixty Years Of Rewilding Our Skies, Woods and Waterways by Roy Dennis (Collins, 2021)

The Black Ridge: Amongst the Cuillin of Skye by Simon Ingram (Collins, 2021)

Chasing The Deer: The Red Deer Through The Seasons by Neil McIntyre (Sandstone Press, 2021)

The Fox of Glencoe by Hamish Macinnes (Scottish Mountaineering Press, 2021)

Thoughts on choosing backpacking gear & why I haven't been for a hill walk yet this year

A picture from 2020 - I hope we all have views and days like this in 2022

My first post of the year usually describes either the last walk of the previous year or the first of the new one. I feel this starts the year off in the right way. This year that'll have to wait though as I currently have a hole in my hand from an operation for Dupotryans Syndrome just before Christmas. The hand is bandaged and holding a trekking pole or ice axe would be awkward and painful, and also not a good idea as I want the wound to heal, which means doing as little as possible. Maybe next week I'll be able to do more than short local unburdened walks. 

In the meantime here's the last of the four pieces I wrote for The Great Outdoors last year in conjunction with Hilleberg. This one is an introduction to selecting backpacking gear for both comfortable walking and camping. 

To enjoy backpacking you need to be as comfortable as possible both when walking and when camping. This means compromises are necessary when selecting your gear. With a minimum of ultralight gear you may be very comfortable on the trail but not so happy in camp. Take heavy gear for camp and walking may be painful due to the weight of your pack. The former may be acceptable if you’re going for fast times and high mileage, the latter if you’re only a walking a short distance to a camp where you’ll stay a few days, but for most backpacking a middle way is best so you can be reasonably comfortable all the time. It’s all too easy to suffer unnecessarily.

Whilst cutting any unnecessary weight is always a good idea it’s the big items – pack, shelter, sleep system, cooking gear – that make up most of the weight. If there’s a choice between two items that perform the same I’d always go for the lighter one.

Solo hikers have the most difficulty in compromising between weight and comfort as you can’t share items. Duos and groups can split tents (poles, pegs, inner, outer) and cooking gear (stove, pots, fuel) between them.

Pack

The pack needs to be big enough to easily hold all your gear and comfortable with the weight you’ll be carrying. Ultralight packs are great with ultralight loads but usually unsupportive with heavier ones. I’d always go for comfort when choosing a pack. Cutting some weight doesn’t make up for sore shoulders, hips or backs. 

Shelter

The key with your shelter is that it should be capable of standing up to the expected weather conditions. Knowing the limits of your shelter is important, especially for mountain camping in winter. Then there’s space. Can you sit up, stretch out, store all your gear, cook in the porch in bad weather? For short trips a tent without much room may be tolerable to keep the weight down. For long trips I’d rather have more space and a little more weight.

Sleep System

A warm night’s sleep is essential for enjoying a trip. Shivering through a long night (and they always are long when you’re cold) is miserable. And hiking the next day when tired is dispiriting and could be hazardous if you find it hard to concentrate. For a good night’s rest your sleeping bag and sleeping mat both need to be warm enough for the lowest likely temperatures. For comfort a thick inflatable mat is a good idea, though this isn’t necessary for warmth. 

Cooking

This is perhaps more personal than the other choices as it all depends on what you like to eat. If you’re happy eating quick-cook one pot dried meals a tiny stove and a small pot are all that’s required. If that thought makes you shudder and you’re prepared to carry the extra weight of fresh food and do more complex cooking then larger pots, maybe even a frying pan, will be worth the weight.

Clothing & Other Items

Clothing is an area where it’s easy to take more than you need. Other than socks and underwear duplicate items aren’t needed. Garments should all fit over each other so if it’s exceptionally cold you can wear them all.  

Other items can be divided into the essential – e.g. map, compass, head torch, first aid kit – and the optional – e.g. camera, books. The latter may be regarded as essential by many (including me) even though they’re not needed for hiking or camping. But remember the aim is enjoyment so a few luxury items are a good idea.