A review announced by the Welsh government could soon change the type of access granted to walkers and climbers in the Welsh countryside. Following a request from the Welsh Minister for Sports and Culture to re-evaluate land access, climbing hotspots including those on sea cliffs, crags on private woodland and non-open access mountain and moorland, could become accessible to all. …
New ice route established in Rocky Mountains
Climbers Kevin Cooper and Topher Donahue have established a new ice route on the Diamond in Colorado, with the ascent of a thin ice spear reaching heights of almost 14,000ft. The high altitude, vertical and technically challenging lead climbing route is situated in Rocky Mountain National Park on the east face of Longs Peak, and has been named Window Pain …
Zamberlan launch new Lady Lite boot
Italian boot brand Zamberlan have added a new women-specific trekking boot to their range this Winter, the Lady Lite GTX RR – a low volume boot designed for the feminine foot. Based on the classic Zamberlan model, the new all-round lightweight GTX RR has a slimmer heel and feminine fit, with a Vibram sole, Gore-Tex lining and water-resistant, Hydroblock full …
Mountain Rescue dispute funding at Westminster
Mountain rescue team representatives from across England and Wales have taken a stand in Parliament this week, to dispute the lack of funding for cave and mountain rescue services across the country. David Allen, Mountain Rescue England and Wales Chairman, and his colleagues put the argument to MPs during sessions from October 28 to November 1 at Westminster, aiming to …
BMC TV goes live
A new online video channel set up by the British Mountaineering Council has officially gone live this week. Dubbed BMC TV, the new platform allows users to access the latest videos, web clips, technical advice, safety skills and outdoor films, in addition to news, events and features on the BMC website. Content will include clips of local festivals, competitions and …
Multimillion pound conservation grant for Scottish Highlands
Conservation efforts in the Scottish Highlands have been given a boost by a multimillion pound grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund. The £3 million will be used to restore and conserve the rugged landscape of Coigach-Assynt in the north-west Highlands, through Scottish Wildlife Trust led community based projects. Funds will help to restore walking trails, blanket bog and heath moor …
New outdoors-friendly iPhone case from Lifedge
Outdoor enthusiasts can now take their iPhones into the great outdoors without fear of damage, thanks to Lifedge’s new outdoor-friendly iPhone case. Designed and created in the UK using durable UV-resistant materials, the 100% waterproof, shockproof and dustproof Apple iPhone 5 and 5s compatible case is said to maintain top quality sound and easy access to charging ports while protecting …
Silva introduce Ninox II Headtorch
New for this autumn is the compact Ninox II Headtorch from Silva. Waterproof and weather resistant, the 83g single-unit torch has a simple layout with two brightness settings, one main spot beam and a flood LED for even light distribution. It’s also been awarded a waterproof rating of IPX7, has a 140 claimed lumens brightness factor, using Silva’s Intelligent Light …
Climber discovers high altitude Inca remains
British climber John Biggar made a historic discovery during his ascent of a peak in the southern Cordillera Occidental last month, when he came upon a site filled with Inca remains. Biggar discovered the high-altitude ruins on the summit of Alto Toroni, a borderline 6000m peak which lies on the border between Chile and Bolivia and has no formal recorded …
New from Garmin: Tactix GPS watch
Garmin have announced their latest bit of kit – the new Tactix GPS Navigator and ABC Watch – due for release next month. Built to withstand even the most extreme of outdoor activities, including trekking, mountaineering and even skydiving, the new black, stealth watch can handle shock and impact, with its scratch-resistant stainless steel rear casing , and it’s said …