out thereBeen there, climbed that? Send us a picture!out there

4 Trail march 2012 march 2012 Trail 5

out there

march 2012 Trail 5

Send us your shots, share your adventures email your photos to us, along with a description of what was special

about your day, and we’ll publish the most inspiring examples! Put ‘out there’ in the subject box, and send them to trail@bauermedia.co.uk

Bobotov KukMontenegro

Ben and Eva, on a ‘Dad-funded trek’: day three, descending Bobotov Kuk.

Dad Richard (behind the camera) tells us that they had “a fabulous August week,

trekking Montenegro’s mountains and canyons.” Of this part of the route, he said “You have to see it to believe it. Not for the

vertigo sufferers, but nobody using ropes.”

Right royal knees-up 10Gaze in awe at the Queen’s party guest list

Open mic on Scafell Pike 12Lake District to host great gig in the sky?

Eastwood vs the Eiger 14 Proof that Clint wasn’t your average movie star

Dream peak 16 Blencathra: a Lakeland giant in full winter mode

CONTENTS Where this month’s issue will take you...

Clean your boots! 42 The filthiest footwear you’ve ever seen, sorted

Scafell Pike 46 Tackle England’s highest peak in confidence with our ultimate guide to summiting safely

Ask Trail 48 What if my laces break? Can I make my rucksack waterproof? Your questions, expertly answered

Trail talk 18 Have your say on the great outdoors

Subscribe to Trail 30 An OMM map pouch is yours if you do!

Why we love... 138 ...the ‘petrified stegosaurus’ that is Tryfan

Scottish highs 20 We show you how to reach the magic 4,000ft contour this winter – it’s easier than you think

Tent-free in the Lakes 32 Get high in the hills whatever the weather with an advance base camp in a cave or bothy

Scramble in winter 52Explore Wadi Rum’s sunny desert mountains

A DV E N T U R ES

Y O U R T R A I L

S K I L L SO U T T H E R E

p32

8 TRAIL MARCH 2012 MARCH 2012 TRAIL 9

NEI

L S

PRIC

E

Kip in a cave and the fells can be yours alone!

Jordan – just the place for a winter break: page 52.

TOM BAILEY

RECEIVE AN OMM map pouch

WHEN YOU SUBSCRIBE! See page 30 for

details

Distance 19.3km (12 miles)Total ascent 900mTime 7-8 hoursStart/� nish Keswick, NY263235Terrain high-level fell-walk over one main peak, with clear paths throughout and

long steady ascents and descents Maps OS Explorer (1:25,000) OL4; OS Landranger (1:50,000) 89; Harvey Walker (1:40,000) and Superwalker (1:25,000)

Lakeland NorthPublic transport railway station at Penrith with regular bus services to Keswick, from where bus services

extend along the A591 – tel. 0870 608 2608; www.cumbria.gov.ukGuidebooks The Northern Fells by A Wainwright, pb Frances Lincoln

19.3km/12 miles

TRAIL ROUTE LAKE DISTRICT

7ULTIMATE WEEKEND

Always take a map on the hill

2

4

5

© C

ROW

N C

OPY

RIG

HT

IN A

SSO

CIAT

ION

WIT

H B

AUER

’S M

EDIA

LIC

ENCE

NO

. AM

105/

09

Trail Routes in association with Mapyx A digital revolution in digital mapping for the outdoors.

www.mapyx.com

Skiddaw

dd

Finish

4

Pen yr Ole Wen

to Millbeck, where a footpath on the right climbs steeply

alongside woods and up the southern slopes of Carl Side.

You can see the path winding steeply up the slopes and

it is clear from the start that this is a tough climb. But

throughout this section the view back over Keswick to

Derwentwater in Borrowdale and the surrounding peaks

provides plenty of reason to stop and drink in the view.

Manchester

MiddlesbroughKendal

Skipton

Sheffield

Peterborough

Birmingham

Derby

Betws-y-Coed

Pembroke

Brecon

Bristol

Plymouth

PooleBodmin

Minehead

Brighton

Southampton

Oxford

Berwick-upon-Tweed

Newcastle-upon-Tyne

Edinburgh

Glasgow

Aberdeen

Inverness

Fort William

Oban

MallaigInverie

Shiel Bridge

Ullapool

Braemar

Killarney

Tralee

Dingle

Kenmare CorkWaterford

Dublin

Belfast

LondonderryDonegal

Hay-on-Wye

Llangollen

IngletonBenthamLancaster

Stranraer

Ballantrae

Ayr

Dumfries

Portree

MULL

ISLE OF SKYE

ISLE OF LEWIS

Lairg

Thurso

Invergarry

Aviemore

Newton Stewart

Jedburgh

Leeds

York

Northallerton

Barmouth

RhylConway

Cardigan

Aberystwyth

SwanseaCardiff

Gloucester

Exeter

ISLE OF ARRAN

JURA

ISLAY

HARRIS

Bodelwyddan

Liverpool

Carlisle

Penrith

Windermere

Keswick

FACTS

GRADIENT PROFILE

2

METRESABOVE SEALEVEL

140012001000800600400200

MILESKILOMETRES

Start

Finish0

0

Skiddaw

Carl Side

Applethwaite

Skiddaw House1

2

3 45

6

2 2

4 46

68

810

1012

12

1416

18

Lakes’ 4th highestpeak

128 TRAIL SEPTEMBER 2011

SEPTEMBER 2011 TRAIL 129

1 NY263235 Leave Keswick by walking along the main road away

from the centre of town and cross the River Greta. At the

next road junction a footpath on the right can be traced

through Great Crosthwaite, past Keswick School and then

over the A66. The footpath continues through fi elds to

Applethwaite.

NY264255 Quiet lanes lead from Applethwaite

NY254281 The long climb ends gradually as the angle of the slopes

decreases and you take the fi nal few steps onto Carl Side.

Carlside Tarn nestles in the saddle ahead, while Skiddaw

dominates the scene. A clear

path climbs the western slopes of Skiddaw and this

brings fi ne views west across Southerndale to the long

arm of Longside Edge, one of Skiddaw’s most shapely

features and a great way to approach the mountain.

The path onto Skiddaw is another long haul; it’s loose underfoot thanks to the crumbly Skiddaw slate.

Finally you reach the summit ridge and a short walk north

leads to the summit.NY260290 At 931m/ 3,054ft Skiddaw is

the fourth highest peak in the Lake District. Return south for 500 metres and

then descend in an easterly direction down the slopes

to Sale How and onward downhill to Skiddaw House.

NY287291 Skiddaw House lies at 1,550ft above sea-level. A clear path

continues south around the lower contours of the

steep, crumbly slopes of Lonscale Fell and high above

Glenderaterra Beck, with spectacular views. The path

leads easily back to the car park at Latrigg.

NY281253 A path now descends around the slopes of Latrigg through

woods at fi rst before crossing the A66 and leading back

into Keswick.

3

6

Autumnal slopes of Skiddaw rise above the car park on Latrigg.

YoSkiddaw

Pic 1 Autumnal slopes of Skid-daw rise above the carpark on

Latrigg.

High SeatPic The vast moorland extend-

ing south from High Seat.Cat BellsPic The clear path to Cat Bells provides an easy start.

Tags:Ideas:

Skiddaw Lakes 4th highest peakBag a Lakeland 3000 footerHigh SeatMassive moorland among the

mountainsRough and wild moorland chal-

lengeBig views from mountain

moorlandClassic views from moorland traverseMore than just moorlandCat BellsQuintessential Lakeland Fells

The ultimate classic walkKeswick's classic walk

The greatest views of KeswickIncredible views from Lakeland

Classic

1

2

3

4

5

6

STRENUOUSNESSNAVIGATIONTECHNICALITYTRAIL 1OO

���������������1

7-9 lake district sep11 swhlps.indd 128

14/07/2011 15:46

Distance 19.3km (12 miles)Total ascent 900mTime 7-8 hoursStart/� nish Keswick, NY263235Terrain high-level fell-walk over one main peak, with clear paths throughout and

long steady ascents and descents Maps OS Explorer (1:25,000) OL4; OS Landranger (1:50,000) 89; Harvey Walker (1:40,000) and Superwalker (1:25,000)

Lakeland NorthPublic transport railway station at Penrith with regular bus services to Keswick, from where bus services

extend along the A591 – tel. 0870 608 2608; www.cumbria.gov.ukGuidebooks The Northern Fells by A Wainwright, pb Frances Lincoln

19.3km/12 miles

TRAIL ROUTE LAKE DISTRICT

7ULTIMATE WEEKEND

Always take a map on the hill

2

4

5

© C

ROW

N C

OPY

RIG

HT

IN A

SSO

CIAT

ION

WIT

H B

AUER

’S M

EDIA

LIC

ENCE

NO

. AM

105/

09

Trail Routes in association with Mapyx A digital revolution in digital mapping for the outdoors.

www.mapyx.com

Skiddaw

dd

Finish

4

Pen yr Ole Wen

to Millbeck, where a footpath on the right climbs steeply

alongside woods and up the southern slopes of Carl Side.

You can see the path winding steeply up the slopes and

it is clear from the start that this is a tough climb. But

throughout this section the view back over Keswick to

Derwentwater in Borrowdale and the surrounding peaks

provides plenty of reason to stop and drink in the view.

Manchester

MiddlesbroughKendal

Skipton

Sheffield

Peterborough

Birmingham

Derby

Betws-y-Coed

Pembroke

Brecon

Bristol

Plymouth

PooleBodmin

Minehead

Brighton

Southampton

Oxford

Berwick-upon-Tweed

Newcastle-upon-Tyne

Edinburgh

Glasgow

Aberdeen

Inverness

Fort William

Oban

MallaigInverie

Shiel Bridge

Ullapool

Braemar

Killarney

Tralee

Dingle

Kenmare CorkWaterford

Dublin

Belfast

LondonderryDonegal

Hay-on-Wye

Llangollen

IngletonBenthamLancaster

Stranraer

Ballantrae

Ayr

Dumfries

Portree

MULL

ISLE OF SKYE

ISLE OF LEWIS

Lairg

Thurso

Invergarry

Aviemore

Newton Stewart

Jedburgh

Leeds

York

Northallerton

Barmouth

RhylConway

Cardigan

Aberystwyth

SwanseaCardiff

Gloucester

Exeter

ISLE OF ARRAN

JURA

ISLAY

HARRIS

Bodelwyddan

Liverpool

Carlisle

Penrith

Windermere

Keswick

FACTS

GRADIENT PROFILE

2

METRESABOVE SEALEVEL

140012001000800600400200

MILESKILOMETRES

Start

Finish0

0

Skiddaw

Carl Side

Applethwaite

Skiddaw House1

2

3 45

6

2 2

4 46

68

810

1012

12

1416

18

Lakes’ 4th highestpeak

128 TRAIL SEPTEMBER 2011

SEPTEMBER 2011 TRAIL 129

1 NY263235 Leave Keswick by walking along the main road away

from the centre of town and cross the River Greta. At the

next road junction a footpath on the right can be traced

through Great Crosthwaite, past Keswick School and then

over the A66. The footpath continues through fi elds to

Applethwaite.

NY264255 Quiet lanes lead from Applethwaite

NY254281 The long climb ends gradually as the angle of the slopes

decreases and you take the fi nal few steps onto Carl Side.

Carlside Tarn nestles in the saddle ahead, while Skiddaw

dominates the scene. A clear

path climbs the western slopes of Skiddaw and this

brings fi ne views west across Southerndale to the long

arm of Longside Edge, one of Skiddaw’s most shapely

features and a great way to approach the mountain.

The path onto Skiddaw is another long haul; it’s loose underfoot thanks to the crumbly Skiddaw slate.

Finally you reach the summit ridge and a short walk north

leads to the summit.NY260290 At 931m/ 3,054ft Skiddaw is

the fourth highest peak in the Lake District. Return south for 500 metres and

then descend in an easterly direction down the slopes

to Sale How and onward downhill to Skiddaw House.

NY287291 Skiddaw House lies at 1,550ft above sea-level. A clear path

continues south around the lower contours of the

steep, crumbly slopes of Lonscale Fell and high above

Glenderaterra Beck, with spectacular views. The path

leads easily back to the car park at Latrigg.

NY281253 A path now descends around the slopes of Latrigg through

woods at fi rst before crossing the A66 and leading back

into Keswick.

3

6

Autumnal slopes of Skiddaw rise above the car park on Latrigg.

YoSkiddaw

Pic 1 Autumnal slopes of Skid-daw rise above the carpark on

Latrigg.

High SeatPic The vast moorland extend-

ing south from High Seat.Cat BellsPic The clear path to Cat Bells provides an easy start.

Tags:Ideas:

Skiddaw Lakes 4th highest peakBag a Lakeland 3000 footerHigh SeatMassive moorland among the

mountainsRough and wild moorland chal-

lengeBig views from mountain

moorlandClassic views from moorland traverseMore than just moorlandCat BellsQuintessential Lakeland Fells

The ultimate classic walkKeswick's classic walk

The greatest views of KeswickIncredible views from Lakeland

Classic

1

2

3

4

5

6

STRENUOUSNESSNAVIGATIONTECHNICALITYTRAIL 1OO

���������������1

7-9 lake district sep11 swhlps.indd 128

14/07/2011 15:46

Distance 8.9km

(5½ miles)

Total ascent 960m

Time 5 hours

Start/� nish Glen Etive,

NN111454

Nearest town

Fort William

Terrain pathless rough

hill and wet, boggy paths

Maps OS Landranger

(1:50,000) 50

Accommodation

Kingshouse Hotel

(below), Glencoe Youth

Hostel (01855) 811219

Public transport none

Guidebooks The

Corbetts & other Hills by

Milne & Brown, pb SMC

Tourist info Fort William

0845 225 5121

Best pub Kingshouse

Hotel (01855) 851259

FACTS

8.9km/5½ miles

TRAIL ROUTE WEST HIGHLANDS

4

120 TRAIL OCTOBER 2011

Always take a map on the hill

1

© C

ROW

N C

OPY

RIG

HT

IN A

SSO

CIAT

ION

WIT

H B

AUER

’S M

EDIA

LIC

ENCE

NO

. AM

105/

09

Trail Routes

in association

with Mapyx

A digital revolution in digital

mapping for the outdoors.

www.mapyx.com

Manchester

Middlesbrough

Kendal

Skipton

Sheffield

Peterborough

Birmingham

DerbyBetws-y-Coed

Pembroke

Brecon

Bristol

Plymouth

Poole

Bodmin

Minehead BrightonSouthampton

Oxford

Berwick-upon-Tweed

Newcastle

-upon-Tyne

EdinburghGlasgow

Aberdeen

Inverness

Fort William

Oban

MallaigInverie

Shiel Bridge

Ullapool

Braemar

Killarney

TraleeDingle

KenmareCork

Waterford

Dublin

Belfast

Londonderry

Donegal

Hay-on-Wye

Llangollen

Ingleton

Bentham

Lancaster

Stranraer

Ballantrae

Ayr

Dumfries

Portree

MULL

ISLE OF SKYE

ISLE OF LEWISLairg

Thurso

Invergarry

Aviemore

Newton Stewart

Jedburgh

Leeds

York

Northallerton

Barmouth

RhylConway

Cardigan

Aberystwyth

SwanseaCardiff

Gloucester

Exeter

ISLE OF ARRAN

JURA

ISLAY

HARRIS

Bodelwyddan

Liverpool

Carlisle

Penrith

Windermere

Keswick

GRADIENT PROFILE

Meall nan Gobhar

METRESABOVE

SEALEVEL

140012001000800600400200

MILES

KILOMETRES

Start

Beinn Trilleachan

Meall nan Gobhar

Finish

00

1 23

1

12

23

3

4

4

5

5

67

8

Trilleachan

4

NN111454 Start from

the car park at the end

of the public road (a little

short of that represented on

the Landranger map). Go

along the start of the track

by the side of Loch Etive and

head immediately uphill

by the side of the forestry

plantation. This is currently

in the process of being felled,

and the timber shipped out

from a jetty a short distance

along the loch. The path up

beside the fence is often very

wet and boggy, and diffi cult

to follow in places. Continue

uphill until the terrain levels

off at about 200m above

sea-level.

NN104463 Now head

in a south-westerly

direction up a very rough

hillside with frequent

rocky outcrops and boggy

areas. There is no path so

you will need to pick your

way upwards though the

outcrops. As you gain

height the ridge becomes

better-defi ned and

the vegetation less

troublesome! Aim

towards the steep

south-easterly fl ank

of the mountain

and you will

pick up a faint

path leading

to the top (pt 767m). This

is a superb vantage point

with a dramatic

setting.

NN096447

The next section

is potentially tricky in

poor visibility. A series of

rocky ledges leads down to

a narrow col at the head of

a dramatic gully. There is no

path on this section and it

would be easy to miss

the col and end up

too far down

the slope. Once at

the col a path leads

uphill onto a much

broader grassy

section of ridge.

The path is diffi cult

to follow and in mist

it is possible to miss the

summit cairn, which is set in

the middle of a plateau.

NN086438 The only

feasible option for an

enjoyable return to the start

is to retrace the outward

route – although if it’s been

very dry you may want to

descend north-east from

The view from the col between the two principal tops (pt 767 and the main summit).

If the weather closes in

you can escape to the

north-east and lower

ground, but the going is

rough and pathless with

frequent rocky slabs and

small crags. You may

need the experience

of a competent route

fi nder to safely negotiate

a route back to lower

levels. This hill is a good

all-round introduction

as it offers some

challenging bogs, as

well as some superb

and readily accessible

panoramas. It contains

enough positives to

make up for the tough

slog early on in the day. It

is also not too long a day

and it is possible to bail

out at any stage given a

competent mate!

LEADER TIP

the narrow col, aiming for

Lochan na Saobhaidhe. In

all but the driest conditions

this would prove to be

a rather masochistic

extension. It is also a viable

bail-out route should severe

conditions force you off the

main ridge line.

2

3

4

1

2

3

4

4 west highlands oct11 swlpcmja.indd 120

12/08/2011 10:19

Where this month’s issue will take you...

Peak District 99Route 1 Mam Tor RidgeGritstone and limestone in abundance

Lake District 101Route 2 BorrowdaleScrambles on Cam Crag Ridge and Intake Ridge

Scottish Lowlands 103Route 3 Fife Coastal Path Walk this way for monster millipede footprints!

Lake District 105Route 4 Blencathra Skiddaw slate ridges of rare and raw beauty

Brecon Beacons 107Route 5 Sgwd yr EiraLet us spray for some stunning waterfall action

Yorkshire Dales 109Route 6 Norber ErraticsSee three geological giants on one route

Braemar 113Route 7 Ben MacduiRoute 8 MorroneRoute 9 Loch CallaterStay in one place and walk for three days! This month’s first Ultimate Weekend gives three routes from this Cairngorms village

Capel Curig 119Route 10 Glyderau RigeRoute 11 The Llugwy Valley Route 12 Moel Siabod traverse Fancy a long weekend in north Wales? See what this Snowdonia base camp has to offer the hillwalker, plus a trio of top routes

Snowdonia 125Route 13 Cwm Llafar Round This issue’s Classic Route promises ‘delights normally unavailable’, including three Welsh 3000ers plus some amazing views

R O U T ES

MARCH 2012

You too could be chilling out above 4,000ft – page 20.

ANDY McCANDLISH

MARCH 2012 TRAIL 9

Classic Route

with 3D maps

G E A RGear news 60The must-have kit that’s coming soon...

Mammut Gipfelgrat 62 A new high-end mountaineering jacket, tested Insulated jackets 64 Eight warm outer layers go head to head

Trekking poles 74 Which of these collapsible strain-takers best suits your activities and your budget?

Winter sleeping bags 86 �If you’re camping out at this time of year you really need one of these cosy cocoons

cairngorms

20 Trail march 2012 march 2012 Trail 21

winter at

4000ftM

Words Hanna Lindon PhotograPhs Tom BaiLey and andy mccandLisH

Where? cairngorms, scotlandWhat? High-level winter walking

ountaineering. That’s a big word. Usually too big for our personality-packed but pint-sized uplands, which line up on the international mountain boxing scene as David to the Alps’ Goliath. In typical British self-effacing fashion we talk about ‘hills’ and ‘hillwalking’ – appropriate words when the snowline is high above the summits and you’re never more than seven miles from the nearest road. For half the year we spurn the ‘m’ word with all the shame of a Primark addict forced to talk fashion with the editor of Vogue.

It’s cold. It’s dangerous. It’s fierce as a lion on a bad day, and fluffy as a lamb when it’s good. So how will a first-timer fare when faced with winter high in Scotland's Cairngorms?

�

march 2012 Trail 21

Looking south towards Cairn Gorm (1245m) in ‘perfect’ winter

mountaineering conditions.

Where? cairngorms, scotlandWhat? High-level winter walking

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32 Trail march 2012 march 2012 Trail 33

lakeland's great indoorsWords ben winston PhotograPhs tom bailey

Where? The Lake DistrictWhat? Peaks from tent-free base camps

How utilising the hills’ hidden shelters can be your key to a weekend of adventure…

march 2012 Trail 33

Bivvy perfection in the natural shelter of the Priest's Hole,

mountain storm raging outside. lakeland's great indoors

Where? The Lake DistrictWhat? Peaks from tent-free base camps

ooargh! Arguuuf! Goarrreaaar?”Roughly translated, I believe this means: “Perfect weather for camping, no?” but photographer Tom could equally

be referring to the 1990 Lithuania crisis, intractable plantar keratosis, or rising bread prices. Because the fact is that right now, high on Fairfield just after dawn, whatever he’s trying to say is academic. We’re on a Lakeland summit during a weather warning and discovering that 80mph winds are about as conducive to conversation as they are to high, lightweight camping. Which, weirdly, is what brings us here in the first place.

How utilising the hills’ hidden shelters can be your key to a weekend of adventure…

o

�

“

skillsTrail's Skills section is put together by outdoor experts to help you get the best out of yourself in the UK’s high places. Here you can find cutting-edge information, handy hints and tips – and expert advice tailored especially for you. Simply ask Trail!

guide to...Bringing boots back to life 42 Scafell Pike danger spots 46

ask trailHow far can I see from a summit? 48 What should I do if my laces break? 48 Can I waterproof my rucksack? 49 How do I build strong knees? 50

Be not a-frayed: page 48.

Shun sogginess: page 49.

Bogging boots brought back to life: page 42.

Knees renewed: page 50.

Scafell Pike –the dangers: page 46.

marCH 2012 Trail 41

See forever(ish): page 49.

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boot caretrail skills outdoor advice from our hillwalking experts

resurrect your bootsHow to clean, restore and maintain your faithful walking boots.

the walk of shame...

42 Trail march 2012 march 2012 Trail 43

i s this a familiar sight? If so, we can help you. As high-performance equipment, your boots have to endure extremes of temperature, extended soakings in rainwater, dunkings in pools of glorious mud and the relentless corrosion of

acidic sweat from within. It’s no wonder they begin to look their age, especially when abandoned to a less-than-disciplined cleaning regime. But, just because your leather or fabric walking boots have been overrun by damaging fungus and mould, it doesn’t mean they’re fit for the bin. With a spare day – and the right cleaning products – even the worst examples can be back on your feet and ready to conquer the next peak in rugged and close-to-new condition.

Though they may appear beyond repair, these boots are merely covered with a surface layer of aggressive microbes and fungal growth. They’re entirely salvageable and can be recovered in a few simple steps...

boot caretrail skills outdoor advice from our hillwalking experts

resurrect your boots

march 2012 Trail 43

Aren’t you glad we didn’t include a ‘scratch and

sniff’ panel?

➥Turn The page for The soluTion...

46 Trail march 2012

mountain safetytrail skills

Scafell Pike danger spots

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scafell Pike and its sister peak scafell are the two highest points in england, and their dangers shouldn’t be underestimated. their multi-faceted massif is littered with scrambles, drops and pathless scree, making knowledge of the safest routes essential – whatever the weather.

outdoor advice from our hillwalking experts

Good navigation skills are key to staying safe on Scafell Pike. Many inexperienced walkers are caught out by the indistinct paths, and risk approaching dangerous drops or suffering exposure while lost on the hillside. Carrying a compass and making regular bearing checks is essential – even more so in misty or snowy conditions – and if you can take a GPS device with you so much the better. If you encounter problems near Mickledore Ridge, Wasdale Mountain Rescue has a gear store (containing first aid equipment, a casualty bag and a map) at nY210069. You are free to use it, as long as all items are returned.

expert tip!

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Bad step NY218085 Lying on the popular Corridor Route, Scafell Pike’s ‘bad step’ can represent a navigational hazard on descent, particularly in misty conditions. Many walkers are hesistant to follow the sudden 7m scramble that presents itself, assuming that it couldn’t be part of the main route. But stay with it: it’s less intimidating than it appears, and will keep you on the correct north-north-east bearing, eventually leading to Spout Head.

mountain safetytrail skills

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outdoor advice from our hillwalking experts

Broad stand NY209068 This is a notorious accident black spot, and it results in some of the most serious injuries seen on the Scafell massif. Rarely dry, the giant steps appear far easier to climb than they actually are. If you fall, the sloped ledges offer little purchase and threaten 40m drops onto jagged rocks below. Severe injuries are common, and fatalities occur with tragic regularity. Broad Stand presents a difficult Grade 3 obstacle even for experienced scramblers and should not be taken lightly.

Mickledore’s Mostdangerous ridge

Brown tongue NY206071 Though Brown Tongue – en route to Hollowstones – may appear as an innocuous zigzag path, a surprising number of injuries are sustained here through fatigue and complacency. Knees and ankles are always vulnerable on a descent, and the typically wet grass underfoot presents a significant risk of slipping and jarring or twisting a leg. There are few significant landmarks, but it’s an open area that presents few navigational problems.

scafell pike summit NY215072 Though less severe in nature, a large number of accidents occur on the Pike’s summit. Covered in shattered rock, it’s an uneven place that becomes particularly dangerous when masked by ice and snow, or even when wet. Slipping and sustaining head injuries on rocks, or twisting ankles in small crevices, are the main risks and represent a serious hindrance to a safe descent. As always, confident navigation is essential as the lack of clear landmarks makes descending the wrong face of the mountain an ever-present threat.

piers gill NY211081 A tightly-knit ravine that should only be attempted by experienced scramblers. Piers Gill is responsible for a vast number of mountain rescue call-outs on the slopes of Scafell Pike, particularly when time-rushed walkers are attempting the Three Peaks Challenge.

Mickledore ridge NY210069 The narrow Mickledore ridge links Scafell Pike to neighbouring Scafell at an altitude of 840m. Many accidents occur here as walkers attempt to cross from one peak to the other, wrongfully assuming that they will find a safe, easy route. There are three main routes to cross the ridge: Lord’s Rake, Broad Stand and Foxes Tarn. The first two present considerable dangers: Lord’s Rake is blighted by loose rock fields, while Broad Stand is notoriously sheer. Foxes Tarn is technically the safest of the three, but be aware of the 150m+ descent and reascent it requires, and plan accordingly. Wasdale Mountain Rescue advises that experience on steep ground and good navigation skills are essential when attempting these routes.

For more information, visit the official Wasdale Mountain

Rescue site at: www.wmrt.org.uk

The Scafell massif, seen from Yewbarrow.

KatharinE Eastham / alamy

GEAROnly the best products receive Trail's Best in Test or Best Value awards. Keep your eyes peeled for them!

ABOUT OUR TESTSOur tests are carried out by experts so you know you're getting a proper verdict based on years of experience. To keep things consistent, prices are the manufacturers' suggested retail prices, and our five star ratings are as clear as it gets...

GEAR NEWS BUY BARGAIN KIT 60MAMMUT GIPFELGRAT JACKET 62INSULATED JACKETS GROUP TEST 64TREKKING POLES GROUP TEST 74SLEEPING BAGS BUYERS’ GUIDE 86

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MARCH 2012 TRAIL 59

BEST IN TESTmagazine

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INSULATED JACKETS

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INSULATED JACKETSA JACKET FILLED WITH SYNTHETIC INSULATION WILL NOT ONLY KEEP YOU WARM ON FROSTY SUMMITS BUT WILL ALSO PERFORM EVEN WHEN DAMP…

MARCH 2012 TRAIL 65

SYNTHETIC INSULATED JACKETS

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WHAT WE TESTEDMarmot DENA JACKET £130Montane FLUX JACKET £130Berghaus IGNITE HOODY £130Páramo TORRES JACKET £140Rab XENON JACKET £155The North Face SUPER ZEPHYRUS £160Sprayway ZAO £160Mountain Equipment ALPAMAYO JACKET £160

ROUTESTrail Routes use OS mapping and gradient profiles, and are written by walking experts. This month we feature six adventures packed with stunning geological features from eroded shales to limestone erratics, so not only can you stretch your legs and gawp in wonder, but you‘ll learn something too! Download routes and GPS waypoints at lfto.com/routes

1 MAMTORRIDGE 14km p99 2 BORROWDALE 10km p101 3 FIFECOASTALPATH 10.5km p103 4 BLENCATHRA 10km p105 5 SGWDYREIRA 15km p107 6 NORBERERRATICS 11.8km p109

ULTIMATE WEEKEND – BRAEMAR 7 BENMACDUI 37.8km p114 8 MORRONE 7.3km p115 9 LOCHCALLATER 13.7km p116

ULTIMATE WEEKEND – CAPEL CURIG 10 GLYDERAURIDGE 11.9km p120 11 THELLUGWYVALLEY 6.8km p121 12 MOELSIABOD 10km p122

CLASSIC ROUTE 13 CWMLLAFARROUND 16.4km p125

P125

P122 P109

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For those prepared to put in a bit of effort, this circuit brings delights normally unavailable, says Jeremy Ashcroft.c

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Shielded from view by the protective bulk of Carnedd Dafydd and Carnedd Llewelyn, and located at the head of

a long, lonely valley, the shapely peak of Yr Elen is one of Snowdonia’s hidden gems. Its pyramidal form is perfect in every sense; and given an alternative roadside, images of its elegant, sweeping lines would be plastered over every chocolate box in the land. Fortunately though it’s not, and its delights can only be savoured by those who are prepared to put a bit of effort into

visiting its remote location. Aesthetically it’s a stunning mountain with sharp, symmetrical ridges at each compass point; and it makes a worthy objective in its own right. Combine an ascent of it with a high-level tour of its giant neighbours Carnedd Llewelyn and Carnedd Dafydd and you’ll bag yourself an outstanding classic walk.

For tired walkers doing the 15 Welsh 3,000 footers, Yr Elen tends to be viewed as a bit of an annoyance, an extra peak stuck out on a limb. Tackled from Bethesda, with a wonderful

warm-up along Cwm Caseg, it takes on a wholly different context. Its ridges just cry out to be climbed and its isolated summit appears temptingly unobtainable. The ascent to its summit makes an outstanding start, which is nicely complemented by a walk over the imposing summit crests of Carnedd Llewelyn and Carnedd Dafydd.

This route is partially pathless, and it also takes in some amazing views, so to make navigation easy and to ensure you enjoy the sights, aim to do it under clear skies.

Cwm Llafar Round

classic route

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Trekmates is the official partner of the British Association of International Mountain Leaders

www.trekmates.co.uk

Be guided in the mountains by a professionally qualified British International Mountain Leader

www.baiml.org

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Contemplating the ridge between Carnedd Dafydd

and Carnedd Llewelyn.

trail route snowdonia13

classic route

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‘Yet another spectacular set of views opens out from carnedd dafYdd, this

time over the deep trench of the ogwen valleY towards the crag-ringed

summits of the glYderau.’

tom

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ileyOn the summit of Carnedd

Llewelyn looking towards Carnedd Dafydd, with

Snowdon in the far distance.

www.trekmates.co.uk

march 2012 Trail 131