British climber (and Trek & Mountain contributor) Tony Penning has soloed a previously unclimbed rock tower on the Italian side of the Mont Blanc Massif. Situated just below the southeast face of the Grandes Jorasses, the tower attracted Penning’s interest while camping in the Val Veni this August. Penning made two carries to the bivouac below Punta Grassi, before repeating …
Peak falls short of Munro status
A peak on the Isle of Skye previously classified as a Munro has been demoted following a new measurement taken using GPS technology. In order to gain Munro status, peaks must reach a height of at least 3,000ft or 914.4m, but according to a recent measurement taken by surveyors on the summit, Knight’s Peak came in just 16.5cm or 6 …
'Distilled' wins People’s Choice Award at KMF
The latest film from Hot Aches Productions, starring world-renowned mountaineer Andy Cave, has won the People’s Choice Award at this year’s Kendal Mountain Festival. Sponsored by outdoor brand Lowe Alpine, ‘Distilled’ examines why the Scottish Highlands are such a special place to climb in winter, and simultaneously tells Cave’s story which is itself inextricably linked to Scottish winter climbing. Written …
Powertraveller unveil new website
UK brand Powertraveller, known for their portable power products, have launched a new micro website featuring the adventures of their professional outdoor ambassadors. Users can access the site via the main Powertraveller webpage, where they are able to view biographies, images, expedition videos and social media updates from each athlete. Ambassador profile pages, which so far include those of mountaineer …
New avalanche forecasts tested in Highlands
The Scottish Avalanche Information Service (SAIS) are set to trial a new avalanche forecast for Torridon in the Northwest Highlands this winter. Forecasts will run intermittently from December to February, giving climbers and winter hillwalkers warnings of avalanches north of the Great Glen, in an attempt to make winter walking even safer. Currently, the SAIS provide daily winter avalanche forecasts …
New leader for Mountain Rescue team
A mountain rescue team in Cumbria has a new team leader. Stepping up to the role is Dave Howarth, who replaces former leader Eddie Harrison as head of the Kendal Mountain Search and Rescue team. Howarth thanked Mr Harrison, who resigned from the role after four years as head of the team, for his contribution and commented that he would …
New book recognises early women mountaineers
A new mountaineering title detailing the historical achievements of women mountaineers has recently been published. Written by Malcolm Craig, ‘Shackles of Convention, Women Mountaineers before 1914’, explores the contributions made by women to the early history of mountaineering, challenging the view that the sport has always been dominated by men. Craig writes how female mountaineers were largely overlooked during the …
BMC launch student friendly courses
The British Mountaineering Council are soon to launch a series of subsidised courses tailored to help students and freshers get the most out of climbing and hill walking. Set to launch in 2014, the two-day long courses will aim to provide novice club members with the skills to become self-sufficient out on the hills. Tuition will take place at the …
Government fund new walking projects
A sum of £1.2million has been awarded by the UK Government to help fund new walking projects across the country, in the hope of tackling the inactivity crisis in England. Five cities, including Birmingham, Cambridge, Leeds, Manchester and Norwich, have each been given a grant of £200,000 following a review by the Department of Health. Now thought to be one …
PrimaLoft search for Local Heroes
Outdoor thermal insulation experts PrimaLoft are on the lookout for Local Heroes. The American brand are searching for outdoor enthusiasts with adventurous goals, and who participate in extraordinary daily events to apply. If chosen by PrimaLoft, winners will receive support to fulfil their dreams. A spokesperson from PrimaLoft explained: “If you, or anyone you know, has an ambitious charity plan …