A new charity called ‘The Robertson Outdoor Bursary (ROB)’ has just been launched at a special event in collaboration with Cotswold Outdoor in London. R.O.B is fundraising to make grants to pay for the training and education of porters and guides in Tanzania and other developing countries to enable them to gain employment and promotion. and give them a sustainable …
New database of Spanish walking routes
A new resource has been released by Costa Blanca Mountain Walkers listing detailed information about hikes across Spain. Using an interactive map, it’s possible to find walks in specific areas covered by the website (though we’re told that some regions have yet to be completed and viewable). After choosing an area, you are given a choice of towns with walks …
Sir Chris Bonington summits the Old Man of Hoy…. again!
Almost 50 years after he made the first ascent with Tom Patey and Rusty Baillie, Sir Chris Bonington has succeeded in climbing the Old Man of Hoy again, this time with fellow Berghaus athlete, Leo Houlding. Sir Chris’s achievement comes a matter of days after his 80th birthday, and he is using the opportunity to raise awareness of the illness …
Kenton Cool to climb world's three highest peaks… in three months
World-leading high altitude mountaineer Kenton Cool, famous for summiting Mount Everest an astonishing 11 times, is planning to take climbing to new levels of endurance, discipline and capability in his most daring expedition yet: The Himalayan Trilogy. This is Kenton’s quest for personal excellence and spiritual satisfaction, in what will be one of the most epic feats of human endurance ever …
Ecuador expedition to help Royal British Legion
A cross-party team of MPs, serving soldiers and mountaineering experts are preparing to embark upon an ambitious fundraising challenge in aid of The Royal British Legion. The ‘Battle Back & Mountaineering APPG Cotopaxi Expedition 2014’, taking place from 25th May – 10th June, will see MPs …
Everest '14 season appears to be over
It’s been reported today that Sherpas have decided that no climbing will take place on Everest this season, following the serac fall on the 18th April that left 13 Sherpas dead and a further three missing, presumed dead. A deadline of 28th April had been set for Sherpa demands from the Nepalese government to be met, but it appears now …
New expedition module for walking leaders
Mountain Training UK have added a new nationally recognised Expedition Skills module to their Lowland Leader and Hill and Moorland Leader outdoor courses. The optional two-day module, targeted at walking leaders who want to extend their training to involve multi-day expeditions, will include wild and valley camping, remote supervision, teaching navigation and overnight expeditions. Combining training and assessment the course …
Sherpas missing after Everest avalanche
It’s been reported that a large avalanche has buried Sherpas carrying loads to Camp 1 and 2 on Everest this morning. The avalanche struck at 6.45am local time and it is believed that 13+ Sherpas are missing, with several already confirmed dead. There are also around 100 Sherpas trapped above the avalanche in the Western Cwm, and a rescue effort …
Sean Leary RIP
It’s been reported that American climber Sean Leary has been killed in a base jumping accident in the Zion National Park, Utah. Sean, or ‘Stanley’ to his friends, will be recognised by many as one of the stars of the series of films produced by Alastair Lee and Leo Houlding, including the recent ‘The Last Great Climb’ which followed the …
Extreme weather ends Nanga Parbat expedition
The North Face athletes Simone Moro and David Goettler have cut short their winter attempt of Nanga Parbat following adverse weather conditions on the mountain. The pair were forced to retreat just 1000m shy of the summit after bitter temperatures and wind speeds of up to 80km/h meant it was too dangerous to continue the climb. The 64 day-long expedition, …