In the March issue of Trail magazine...
Out There
The latest news, events, stories and findings from the outdoor world in an easy to digest format free from artificial flavourings and preservatives, but with a sprinkling of intrigue.
A right royal knees-up - One of the great advantages of being the ruling monarch is that when you throw a party you can invite pretty much whoever you want and be more or less guaranteed that they'll come. This particular shindig to mark the centenary of Captain Scott's Antarctic expedition featured some of the biggest names in mountaineering and exploration. We can only assume that Trail's invitation was lost in the post...
Open mic on Scafell Pike - the plan is that in the summer of 2012 the highest point in England will host a concert for musicians hardy enough to cart their gear to the summit. After coming to the conclusion that it's not a good gig to be the drummer, Trail gives some suggestions for other potential peak performances.
Dream peak - describing it as "rampant with musculture", Trail gets all misty-eyed over Bowfell in the Lake District (not to be confused with a cat stroking Bond villain).
Trail Talk
Your letters, faces of fatigue, losts and founds, and opinions of what differentiates an 'explorer' from a 'traveller'.
Adventures
Team Trail go in search of excitement, thrills and adventure - wherever and whenever they may be found - and then we share them with you, because we're good like that.
Cairngorms - Hanna Lindon ventures in to the snowy Scottish mountains for the first time, learns some crucial winter skills and discovers that snow holes don't always smell as fresh as they look. Plus, Trail lists some suitable Munros for first time winter climbers.
Lake District - Trail writer Ben Winston and photographer Tom Bailey set out in to the Lake District to find the hills hidden shelters that don't require a tent. Even for these hardy adventurers, the weather makes things difficult.
Jordan, Wadi Rum - While snow, fog and cold rain make the British hills less appetising to many, Jordan is an entirely different prospect. Phoebe Smith takes one for the team and goes scrambling in the sun drenched Wadi Rum and plays at being a Bedouin.
Skills
These are the skills you will need and should know. Read, learn, and be better at what you do.
Resurect your boots - how to prepare yourself for comfortable performance in winter temperatures.
Scafell Pike danger spots - How to read the conditions and what dangers you should be looking out for.
Ask Trail - Your 'how to' queries answered, including coping with broken laces, waterproofing you rucksack, a guide to horizon distances and building stronger knees.
Gear
The latest round up of releases and reviews from those in the know.
Mammut Gipfelgrat - A soft shell that's waterproof without being a hard shell, is the Gipfelgrat as good as it is complicated to describe?
Insulated jacket group test - Eight jackets from Marmot, Montane, Berghaus, Paramo, Rab, The North Face, Sprayway and Mountain Equipment are put to the test and rated for features, design, comfort, performance and value.
Trekking poles group test - Eight pairs from Pennine, Craghoppers, Mountain King, Fizan, Trekmates, Black Diamond, MSR and Leki are tried, tested and compared.
Buyer's guide - Winter sleeping bags from Marmot, Snugpak, Alpkit, Rab, Mountain Equipment and Ajungilak.
Routes
13 routes from around the UK including two great weekend walking suggestions based in Capel Curig in Snowdonia and Braemar in the Cairngorms, with detailed guides and mapping, plus accompanying GPS data.
ALL IN MARCH'S TRAIL MAGAZINE - OUT NOW!