The Keswick Mountain Festival has announced its biggest ever line up of speakers for the event, which runs from the 15th-18th May. 11 of the UK’s most high profile advenurers are set to speak in the Theatre by the Lake on the shore of Derwentwater, with the 2013 programme offering a mix of adventurers, climbers, cyclists, celebrities, a photographer and …
Kili The Hard Way blog – Brecon Beacons Training Weekend
Team member Liz Miall writes about the last training weekend before the team heads off for Tanzania… Friday 4th January Christmas is all but done and dusted, the decorations are mostly down and only remnants of Christmas cake and the odd strawberry Quality Street remain. 2013 is heralded in with gusto and for me, a certain amount of trepidation because …
Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour returns
On the 25th January, the biggest UK tour yet of the Banff Mountain Film Festival kicks off in Malvern, with a collection of adventure, action sports and environmental films. Last year more than 10,000 people across the UK attended the viewings, which are sponsored by Arc’teryx, while in 2013 the Tour is returning with 36 screenings across the UK and …
Garmin launch Oregon 600/650 GPS units
Garmin have launched their new Oregon 600/650 series, which they call their ‘most Complete Outdoor Experience Ever.’ The rugged touchscreen handheld navigator, guides via high end GPS + GLONASS satellite technology and uses an ‘outdoor-perfected’ transflexive display which makes it easier to read in full bright sunlight and in the shade. The new Oregon units are a development – albeit …
Montane relaunch website
New for 2013 is Montane’s brand new website, which has been designed to showcase more of the inspirational photography and achievements of their sponsored athletes, ultra-events and expeditions. The British company, known for its premium lightweight and breathable clothing, has developed improved product and dealer information, making the site www.montane.co.uk easier to use. Montane is very active in supporting expeditions, …
Using fixed lines, part 1
On big peaks it’s routine to make use of fixed lines (or ropes), but how do they work? In this series, Tim Mosedale explains the methods he uses when leading high-altitude expeditions… Whether you love or loathe the idea, a lot of the big mountains usually have sections of what we call ‘fixed ropes’ put in place to allow expedition …
Training for trekking, part 2
Indentifying and correcting any physical weaknesses or imbalances you have can make a big difference to your performance, says Nik Cook If you’re spending the money and taking the time to embark on a long overseas trek then ensuring you’re in the best possible condition when you hit the trail is a no-brainer. Although many people will argue that you …
Trek marks Everest 60th anniversary
If you’ve been thinking about going on an Everest Base Camp trek for some time, then 2013 is as good a time to do it as it’s the 60th anniversary of Ed Hillary and Tenzing Norgay’s 1953 summit. There are sure to be plenty of companies offering ‘anniversary treks’, but we’ve just had details of one of them – a …
Training for trekking, part 1
In the first of the series, Nik Cook looks at how to pack and what other pre-trip preparation you need to think about… If you’re going on an overseas trekking trip, then getting your kit right, along with ensuring you’re physically prepared, should be top of your priorities. Nothing is more frustrating, or unnecessary, than failing to summit or complete …
Happy Xmas from Trek & Mountain
Wherever you are, and whatever you’re doing – have a Happy Xmas and wishing you all the very best for 2013!