Formerly one of Ecuador’s most active volcanoes, Tungurahua was re-opened for climbing in 2017. It was an obvious objective for us this year, especially since it just squeaks into the list of 10 peaks in Ecuador over 5,000m.
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Monte Amaro up the backside: a bittersweet ascent in the Apennines
Welcome to this, the second in my series of Apennine ‘up the backside’ posts, so called because I tackle the mountain from the opposite of its usual side. I have previously talked about an ascent of Monte Marsicano via its
Read moreAn ascent of Imbabura, the dragon-back of Otavalo
In local Ecuadorian legend, the god Taita Imbabura is said to have fought the god Mojanda for the affections of Maria Isabel Cotacachi. Imbabura won this battle and took Cotacachi for his wife. As I reported in a previous post
Read moreFuya Fuya, the most exciting mountain in Ecuador
According to the Urban Dictionary, the word ‘Fuya’ is a portmanteau whose meaning equates to the popular phrase ‘Fuck, yeah!’ If this is true, then the volcano Fuya Fuya was clearly going to be one of the most exciting climbs in Ecuador.
Read moreAn ascent of Aukštojas Hill, the highest mountain in Lithuania
Since 2015, Edita has been gradually ticking off the highest peaks in the UK. First it was the highest mountain in Wales; then the highest mountain in England and then in May the highest mountain in Scotland. It was high time she introduced me to the highest mountain in her own country, Lithuania.
Read moreThe Ring of Steall: a Scottish hill walking classic
A short distance south of Ben Nevis is a hidden sanctuary encircled by mountains. This hanging corrie has a single outlet which drains into Britain’s second highest waterfall. A full circuit of the ring of mountains involves 4 Munros and 7 peaks in total.
Read moreMy journey along the Great Glen Way on a mountain bike
Edita wanted to do another bike ride in Scotland. I suggested the Great Glen Way because it went along a glen rather than over hills, so it should be pretty flat. I was surprised when the cycle hire shop recommended a pair of mountain bikes.
Read moreMonte Camicia and the last snow of spring
Some people say you should never return to a place where you have enjoyed happy memories, because it will always be a disappointment. Monte Camicia had been my favourite ever day out in the Apennines, so how would I enjoy it the second time around?
Read moreBen Nevis, Britain’s highest mountain, via the CMD Arête
An estimated 160,000 people climbed Ben Nevis last year, but it has a not-so-secret route around the back that follows a stunning ridge, and if you’re lucky you’ll have it to yourself. It was the obvious choice for Edita’s first ascent of Britain’s highest peak.
Read moreThe Helvellyn and Fairfield Horseshoe via Striding Edge
After taking Edita up Scafell Pike, the highest peak in England, last year, it was a no-brainer to introduce her to a UK hill-walking classic: Helvellyn via Striding Edge. It would be fun for me too, because I hadn’t done it for 23 years.
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