International Mountain Guide Andy Townsend and The North Face athlete Andy Houseman are to give a series of winter skills talks later this month, helping hill walkers and climbers to stay safe this winter. Taking place on January 29 and 30 in Ellis Brigham’s Manchester and London stores, the evening events will see the climbing duo give crowds expert advice, …
Adventurer tackles South American 3 Peaks
Scottish Adventurer Ricky Munday has set off on his latest challenge – The South American 3 Peaks, which requires him to scale the three highest mountains in Argentina’s High Andes. Following a number of rigorous training expeditions including trips to Canada’s Rocky Mountains, Russia’s Mt Elbrus and an ascent of Pico de Orizaba in Mexico, Munday will now lead an …
Fort William Mountain Festival 2014
The programme for this year’s Fort William Mountain Festival has been announced – with five days packed full of the latest outdoor films, mountain workshops and inspirational talks on the horizon. Held in the Highland town of Fort William in Lochaber during the best winter walking, climbing and skiing season of the year, the event will take place from 19 …
New test could predict altitude sickness
A new test predicting who will suffer the effects of acute mountain sickness at high altitudes has been developed, according to scientists. Commonly affecting mountaineers and skiers, the potentially fatal condition occurs due to the difficulty of adapting to low oxygen levels and can result in a build-up of fluid on the brain and lungs. Current treatments include preventative medication …
Nepali airlines banned from EU
Trekkers and mountaineers heading to the Nepalese Himalaya may be forced to find alternative airlines with which to travel, following the banning of all Nepali carriers from operating within the European Union. Recently established by the EU Air Safety Committee, the ban has been put in place to help improve aviation safety in Nepal after seven fatal air crashes claimed …
Willis Resilience Expedition: Update
Teenage polar explorer Parker Liautaud has entered the final stage of his Willis Resilience Expedition world record attempt – to complete the fastest unsupported walk from the edge of Antarctica to the South Pole. Following his departure from Antarctica’s Ross Ice Shelf on December 6, 19-year-old Parker has spent more than 13 days battling extreme temperatures while fighting his way …
Snugpak introduce new outdoor poncho
Sleeping bag manufacturers Snugpak have added a new insulated poncho to their outdoor clothing range, helping walkers to keep warm in the hills this winter. Priced at £44.95, the Insulated Poncho Liner can be used as either a piece of standalone kit or as a blanket style pullover. The antibacterial garment has been created using Travelsoft Insulation for extra warmth …
New outdoor energy bar launched
A new oat-based snack bar designed to help sustain the energy levels of trekkers and mountaineers is soon to be launched by sports nutrition experts ICON Nutrition. Fortified with more than 20 different vitamins, minerals, and electrolytes to hydrate and nourish the body, Battle Oats flapjack bars are said to be 100% natural high protein recovery snacks and contain high …
Walking home for Christmas
Walking With The Wounded – the charity which funds the re-training of injured servicemen and women – are encouraging the public to support their cause this Christmas by taking part in a sponsored walk home from their place of work, no matter how far the journey. The fundraising initiative, entitled ‘Walking Home For Christmas’, will see those taking part travel …
Ultimate Christmas giveaway from Garmin
GPS experts Garmin have launched a new advent calendar app for this year’s Christmas countdown, with plenty of prize giveaways to be had. Prizes will include award-winning sat-navs, sports gadgets, action cams and Garmin discount vouchers, and there’s also the chance to win a trip to New York when you use the app for 10 days or more. New gifts …