As we all continue to live with restrictions on our outdoor activities, we talk to some of the world’s best mountaineers and mountain athletes about what they are doing to stay fit and focused during the Covid crisis. Next up is Alan Hinkes, British mountaineer and Fjällräven ambassador…
Where are you, and with whom, during lockdown?
Lurking in Northern England.
Are you able to get out into the hills/mountains/outdoors, or are you restricted to your home and immediate vicinity?
I’m very lucky. I live in a rural village and can get out into the local countryside.
Are you training/exercising at home, and if so, how?
I’ve been out walking, cycling and running and am especially enjoying the fab, sunny weather at the moment.
What are you looking forward to most when restrictions are lifted?
A few different things. Possibly a scramble on a Lakeland fell such as Helvellyn, maybe a potholing or caving trip, and also cuddling my grandchildren.
Name a book and/or film you’d recommend to help keep our readers motivated/entertained during lockdown?
‘Cider with Rosie’ by Laurie Lee if you haven’t read it and, of course, ‘8000m – Climbing the World’s Highest Mountains’ by Alan Hinkes! Film-wise, I would recommend ‘Edie’, it has great views of Suilven and North West Scotland.
How do you anticipate the Covid-19 situation affecting your future plans and activities, and what – if any – changes do you think you’ll need to make?
I’m not expecting to travel abroad to the alps or anywhere else for a while – probably not this year. We’ll all have to make the most of and appreciate the British hills, but I imagine it’ll still be a few more weeks or months before these are accessible too. I don’t think a quick pint in a pub after a hill day will be happening for a long time either.
Can you supply a photo of either a) you keeping busy at home during the lockdown or b) in the mountains during happier times, and describe the image in a few words?
This is a picture from my recent trip to the Falklands last December. The terrain is reminiscent of the north Pennines and the islands have very clear air with expansive views – it’s fab for walking.
More info: www.alanhinkes.info, www.fjallraven.com, www.cicerone.co.uk