We’d hired a mountain guide to do the Cuillin traverse, a 12km ridge on Scotland’s Isle of Skye, which takes in 11 Munros and many subsidiary peaks. But with injuries in both legs and a knee that couldn’t bend more than 90 degrees it seemed inconceivable for me.
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Beyond the Nevis watershed, part 2: the Grey Corries
Our plan for the second day of our backpacking trip beyond Glen Nevis was to climb the Grey Corries on the north side of the valley. We had a long day ahead of us, and an ambitious plan to complete a full traverse of the ridge across four Munros and eight summits.
Read moreBeyond the Nevis watershed, part 1: the eastern Mamores
When I hiked the Ring of Steall last year, I saw an emerald valley to the east, accessible only by foot and surrounded by Munros. I imagined wild camping in that idyllic location, and picking off the mountains one by one. Barely a year later, my dream came to fruition.
Read moreThe world’s most stupid navigational error
After a promising start to the day, the clouds moved in and the rain started pounding against them as they ascended the south ridge of Stob Choire Claurigh, the highest point in the Grey Corries, a ridge of quartz-laden peaks
Read moreAn audio excerpt from my book Seven Steps from Snowdon to Everest
Well folks, I have something rather special this week to help stimulate the senses while you are in coronavirus lockdown. Fellow mountain writer John D Burns has featured an audio excerpt from Seven Steps from Snowdon to Everest on his weekly podcast, and it’s great – a dramatic reading of the crux section where I tackle the infamous Second Step.
Read moreWhy the outdoor community should not ignore coronavirus restrictions
I’m posting early this week, because this is an important message that can no longer be delayed. There are no jokes in this week’s blog post. Normal service will be resumed next week with more light-hearted banter to see us
Read moreHow the Duke of Cornwall stole a footpath and I rediscovered it
The Ramblers Association has launched a campaign to reclaim some of Britain’s lost footpaths before legislation comes into effect that turns them permanently into private land. The campaign was accompanied by the launch of a clever app which I had some fun with last weekend.
Read moreMonte 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 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 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?
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