Jon Doran enlists his partner to help review Rabs latest daysack for womenReviewSpecsGalleryRetailersRab might not be a traditional pack brand, but the Sheffield-based down and clothing outfit has drawn heavily on the expertise of its pack-specialist Lowe Alpine stablemates to create an ever-expanding range of backpacks including the impressive new Airox ND22L day pack, a hot-weather friendly, lightweight womens pack with a difference.The ND designation it stands for Narrow Dimension is actually Lowe Alpines longstanding womens-specific pack marker. It means that the packs are narrower and shorter, mainly to suit the female anatomy, but also to cater for anyone of a slighter build. Its all based on genuine research and design rather than a performative shrink and pink process too. Theres lots more to the Airox than that, but our tester appreciated the neat, female-friendly fit. On a hot, heatwave weekend, the pack was just the right size for everything needed for a day in the hills, up to and including a lightweight shell jacket just in case.The ND designation means you get a pack thats slightly narrower and shorterPockets galoreThere are multiple water-carrying options: on the Airox an internal sleeve and central outlet for a hydration reservoir; two mesh side pockets that can take a water bottle each and a feature borrowed from running vest and adventure race packs a wide shoulder-strap pocket designed specifically to hold a soft flask within easy reach. Theres also a mesh phone, bar or gel pocket on the other shoulder, two cavernous hipbelt zipped pockets, a big bucket stash pocket on the front of the pack and a zipped top pocket too. And then, of course, the main compartment with zipped access.Even this is a little bit different. A deep zip means you can pretty much open up the entire back panel like a big trekking pack, for easy access to deeply buried treasure. All of which is fantastic and optimal for organised kit loading. Fun fact: a Lowe Alpine research project back in the day, found that women appreciated having multiple pockets far more than men, who in turn would happily carry their kit in a pack modelled closely on a large bin liner!A running vest-style soft flask pocket on the shoulder strap is welcomeIn the hills, those pockets were brilliant. It turned out to be very straightforward to access snacks, wallet, phone, a sun hat, a 5m dog long line, sun cream, a 1L water bottle, an actual paper map, a lightweight windshell, some very fetching sunglasses, two apples, a banana and the sort of bunch of keys traditionally carried by prison warders, without ever having to open the main compartment. Mind blown.There is one potential downside to the runners vest-style pocketed shoulder straps though theyre quite wide and have noticeable edging, which our tester found slightly uncomfortable for her narrow shoulders. Theres also the thorny and personal issue of the boob/strap interface. Our advice is to consider trying before buying to be on the safe side.Back systemIf two of the packs design influences are running and trekking, the back system is squarely cadged from the sort of ventilated, trampolene-type back systems Lowe Alpine has been producing and perfecting for years. Theres nothing massively radical about the AEROFIT back think maximum mesh area, a perimeter frame and board to keep the air gap, erm, gapped and shoulder straps and hipbelt lined with comfortable, but lightweight, perforated breathable mesh.The ventilated back system is married to a running vest-style harnessThe good news though, is that it works very, very well indeed, both in terms of giving a really comfortable, evenly spread carry. And, to our testers delight, keeping her back enviably dry on the sort of summers day when most packs leave your back a sodden, soggy mess (dont ask how I know etc). You can equally well use it in cooler weather conditions too, but its one of the most effective hot weather harnesses weve used, which given the state of the UK climate, is probably just as well.While were talking weather, the pack also comes with a neat-fitting, waterproof, zip-out rain-cover housed in a handy base pocket and very effective at prolonging dry spells, at least during our testing. Other stuff? Weight is impressively light at 850g, particularly considering all the bells and whistles that come as standard and build quality feels excellent with tough 140D and 212D ripstop nylon fabrics and industry standard buckles and zips.Hipbelt pockets are large enough to hold multiple snacksIf youre a trekking pole user, youll be glad to hear theres a small but perfectly-formed bungee-based pole-holding system. And if the stripped-back 22-litre capacity isnt quite enough for you, there are also narrow dimension ND28 and ND34 versions of the Airox with more conventional lidded access to the main compartments, but with the same back system and running-type shoulder pocket arrangements. Also in the range, so men dont feel too left out, are standard dimension Airox 18L and 24L packs, the latter basically a mens version of this pack, as well as larger 30L and 36L models.VerdictAll in all the Airox ND22L is a really neat, well-designed and impressively effective hot-weather pack designed with the female form in mind. The multiple pockets and stowage options make it easy to organise and access your kit for a day out on the hills. It carries really nicely, as well or better than many non-ventilated packs and overall, is a great advert for Rabs burgeoning pack range, which is well worth considering if youre in the market for anything from an all-round day pack right up to a full-on 80L trekking load-hauler. The good news is that womens options are offered right through the range apart from climbing and mountaineering packs which are designated unisex.The Rab Womens Airox ND22L retails for 120 and should keep your back dry and comfortable for years to come.More info at: www.rab.equipmentWeight: 850g / 1lb13.9oz (Size S-M)Main fabric: 140D nylon (69% recycled) with yarn dyed nylon 210D rip stopSecondary fabric: 420D NylonFabric lining: Embossed 200d Polyester (100% recycled)Volume: 22 / 1343cu.inDimensions: 50 x 28 x 25cmBack system: AEROFITBack length: 16-18 / 41-46cmFind your local Rab stockist using the store locator below:https://rab.equipment/uk/stockists

ReviewSpecsGalleryRetailersNew for 2026, the Vango Arctix 400 sleeping bag has been designed as pretty much the only sleeping bag that a lot of people will need think top-end spec, but at a really competitive price. That means you get water-resistant, high-loft goose down, advanced heat-reflecting technology, lightweight fabrics and refined design. Oh, and a built-in pillow sleeve too. Its comfort rated down to -4C, so good for all-round UK use outside of full-on winter conditions.Just as importantly, when you liberate the 890g bag from its neat compression sac, the high-loft, 750-fillpower goose down stretches out its feathery tendrils and expands to fill every corner of its horizontally-stitched down compartments. Its not quite as effective as the very, very best down, but its not far off. Not only that, but the fill has been treated with Vangos Hydro Barrier coating which, they say, means it stays drier 4x longer than untreated down. I cant vouch for that exact statistic, but it shrugged off a minor tea spill and the hydrophobic treatment should keep the bag drier for longer. I found it particularly reassuring when paired with a bivi bag in typical UK conditions, where stray H2O is a bit of a given. Vango says the bag should be comfortably snug down to around -4C, but industry standard lab tests show that itll just about keep you alive down to a not-very-British -21C. That felt about right to me based on comparable bags Ive used.The Arctix 400 has several tricks up its sleeve to improve warmth/weight performanceTechnologyVango hasnt just stopped at the basics, though a lot of technology has gone into this bag which is why its standard industry temperature ratings are right up there with swankier rivals. Not only is the ethically-sourced RDS down water resistant, but the bag also uses something called Advanced Reflective Coating technology (or ARC) to improve performance. From the outside, you wouldnt know it was there, the fabric feels totally normal to the touch, but it hides an ultra-thin, flexible, aluminium thermal fabric coating that reflects heat back towards your body to increase the effective warmth of the sleeping bag. It doesnt change the feel of the bag, theres no crisp-packety crackling, and it also doesnt impair the breathability of the fabric, so no unnecessary sweatiness.In honesty, if Vango didnt tell you it was there, youd never know, but when temperatures drop, every little bit of thermal efficiency is welcome. Its supposedly worth around 2to 4C if you were to compare test results to the same bag without ARC technology.The Arctix 400 fares well in the 1L Nalgene bottle size testThe down and the reflective tech are what give the bag its raw insulation power, but Vango hasnt stopped there. The use of lightweight 10-denier ripstop nylon shell fabric helps keep weight and bulk down, but without feeling either crinkly or fragile. And box-wall down compartments mean that there are no thin seam areas where heat can easily leak out, something thats not the case with more basic stitch-through construction used for many cheaper bags.The bag is a classic, tapered mummy design yes, as in Tutankhamun which minimises cold air-spaces compared to a rectangular bag and, again, helps to reduce weight and bulk. One big plus with Vangos design though, is that its not quite as close fitting as some mummy bags, which gives a bit more wriggle and roll room and added comfort, particularly for side sleepers. Incidentally, it will cope with heights of up to 62 according to the specs.Youre not short-changed on micro-design either. The bag has a carefully-contoured Arrow Foot, which is claimed to allow natural foot positioning; I never even noticed it, so I guess it works. And at the other end, theres a 3D hood with adjuster cord. This works really well, plenty of fill around the noggin even when cinched down, and I never got a cold head using the bag.The bags hood features a sleeve which you can fill with clothes to make a pillowAt the other end of the temperature scale, the 3/4-length zipper is double-ended so you can vent from the bottom upwards when temperatures rise. Vango says 15C is as warm as they suggest using it, but I found it a little too warm much above 10C, but it all depends on how cool a sleeper you are. That zip moves nice and smoothly and is backed up with a down-filled, 3D baffle to eliminate chilly draughts and keep heat in.A couple of neat features, theres a small inside, Velco-fastened pocket to hold a phone or wallet and the inside of the hood sports an Integrated Pillow Sleeve, which you can fill with clothes to create a pillow. Its a great idea, but the actual sleeve is around the size of an A5 envelope, so a bit limited. Id love to try a larger take on the idea though, maybe next year.One last big thumbs up for the three-strap compression bag, which somehow manages to dodge being the messy, spaghetti-like mass of tangled straps that you often find and packs the bag down nice and small. Its a shame its not waterproof, but its easy enough to combine with a dry-bag or pack-liner.VerdictOverall, I was really impressed with just how well the Arctix 400 works. It stuffs down small, lofts out large and packs a deceptive technological punch with its water-resistant down and reflective fabric coating. It doesnt fall behind on design features either, with well-shaped foot and hood and evenly-filled down compartments for even thermal heft. If I was being ultra-critical, Id say that it doesnt have quite the polish of some of its high-end rivals, but in terms of pure performance, its great value for money and while it may be nice to have a softer fabric or a swankier-spec zip-pull, thats not what keeps you warm and snug at night. All in all, just a really good sleeping bag at a highly competitive price.More info: www.vango.co.ukRating: 3 SeasonWeight: 0.89kgShape: MummySuggested usage (min): -4CSuggested usage (max): 15CInt length: 205cmInt chest width: 75cmInt foot width: 48cmExt chest width: 80cmMax user height: 190cmFill type: 90/10 700FP Goose DownComfort: 1CLimit: -4CExtreme: -21CPacked dimensions: L20.0 x H16.0 x W16.0cm53 Degrees North (Ireland)Cotswold OutdoorsTisoAttwoollsNevisportNorwich Camping & LeisureOutback Jacks (Ireland)Outdoor ActionOutdoor WorldRivendell OutdoorTaunton LeisureUltralight Outdoor Gear

ReviewSpecsGalleryRetailersThe Ultra Raptor has been a perennial favourite in the La Sportiva range for well over a decade, and while it may have started life as a burly long-distance running shoe its adoption by fast hikers and backpackers has clearly influenced its more recent development in fact, this latest version is now officially designated by La Sportiva as a hiking shoe.The reason hikers gravitated to the previous incarnations of the Ultra Raptor (and the original Raptor which was launched back in 2010) was that they offered good support and protection as well as the low weight and comfort that long-distance trail runners also coveted it for. In their blurb, La Sportiva say that this third version is redesigned but has the same identity and that as well as offering enhanced protection and stability, the new shoe has a new fit and offers greater comfort. This all sounds very promising so lets take a look!A new ripstop upper makes the latest Ultra Raptor the toughest yetWhats new?Offered with and without a Gore-Tex waterproof liner in its shoe form, and with Gore-Tex in mid boot form, the Ultra Raptor 3 comes in a wide range of sizes and colours for men and women. Although it retains the overall look of the Ultra Raptor 2, there are some major differences between the two. The air-mesh upper of the Ultra Raptor 2 has been replaced by a tear-resistant ripstop fabric, which is still light and breathable but looks like itll take more punishment than the previous material. The chunky rubber toe bumper and all-round rand also support the notion that the durability/protection of this third incarnation has been uprated.The other major difference is that the Ultra Raptors sole unit has been completely redesigned, and while it still uses La Sportivas own Frixion White rubber compound, thats about the only similarity with its predecessor. The whole sole unit is generally more substantial, with heel/forefoot stack heights of 35mm/27mm compared to 27mm/16mm on the outgoing model, providing more cushioning in the midsole whichll come into its own on long days on the trail.Tread pattern works well on a range of surfacesThe outsole itself has a reworked tread pattern that uses slightly shorter (4.5mm compared to 6mm on the II), but blockier lugs than the more rounded lugs on the II. Crucially, the new outsole incorporates the Impact Brake System thats featured on many recent La Sportiva models; this firstly absorbs shock by the lugs slightly deforming when they hit the ground, and they also help with uphill traction and downhill braking due to the angled and opposing arrangement of the lugs.Finally, worth a mention is the integrated, knitted ankle gaiter which is intended to help keep out stones and other debris, and also incorporates a large pull-loop to assist getting the shoes on and off.In useComfort has always been a big selling point of the Ultra Raptor, and we found that the 3 takes this to new levels, not just when you first put them on, but also after several hours use. Its not the false comfort either, that you sometimes get when a shoe is highly padded and feels great initially, but not so good after hours of use. The Ultra Raptor feels both comfortable and stable/precise, with a firm heel hold helped by the TPU cradle that sits at the back of the shoe.Ultra Raptor 3 remains comfy even after hours on the trailThe balance between weight and protection is also good; they feel very light on the foot, but the combination of a sole unit thick enough to absorb any sharp rocks underfoot, with the all-round rand and toe bumper gives you reassurance that your feet are in safe hands. Although the ripstop upper fabric is quite thin, the upper has a series of thicker overlays that protect the foot and will also help durability.We found that the combination of the sticky rubber and carefully-devised tread pattern meant the Ultra Raptor 3 was effective on a wide range of surfaces, whether it be gravel trails, wet grass, mud or rock. In fact, it makes a very good approach shoe, and one that climbers will be very happy to slip their aching feet back into after a few hours climbing. Easier scrambles are well within the capabilities of the Ultra Raptor 3, especially where the shoes sticky rubber can be used for smearing; however, they are too soft sole to give you much of a platform on small foot holds.Knitted ankle collar keeps out stones and other debrisVerdictWith this latest version, the Ultra Raptor completes its journey from a sturdy running shoe to an out-and-out hiking/approach shoe and the result is hugely impressive. Comfort levels are high, with a roomy footbox and increased padding in the midsole theyre so comfortable in fact, that you might end up living in these things. The Ultra Raptor 3 seems to get the balance right in so many ways theyre light and comfortable, but offer good protection; theyre well padded but nimble and supportive and with the revised sole unit they are a true all-rounder, effective on a range of surfaces and with the benefits of the Impact Brake System. If youre in the market for some lightweight hiking/approach shoes, then the Ultra Raptor 3s should definitely be high on your list.More info at: www.lasportiva.comGaiter: Integrated collar gaiter keeps out stones, gravel and other debrisUpper: Durable mesh upper wicks away sweat during intense hikes Rubber toe cap and rand protect against rocks and rootsMidsole: Soft, supportive midsole ensures all-day comfort out on the trail Compact EVA foam at the heel maximises support and stabilitySole: FriXion White compound outsole delivers oustanding grip on inclines Impact Brake System technology absorbs shock and provides increased traction Flex grooves along the sole allow for full freedom of movementInsole: Ortholite Hybrid Mountain Hiking 5mmPatent: Impact Brake SystemWaterproof membrane: No (but available in the Ultra Raptor 3 GTX and Ultra Raptor 3 Mid GTX)Stack Height: Heel 35mm; Forefoot 27Drop: 8mmWeight: Approx 350g per shoe (depending on size)Lug Height: 4.5Wide Fit: NoEllis BrighamClimbers ShopUltralight Outdoor GearOutsideTiso

So you want to climb the Matterhorn? IFMGA Mountain Guide James Thacker explains exactly what you can expect when climbing the route of the first ascent, the Hrnli RidgeWhether you are a young alpine tiger or are starting your mountaineering career in your 40s, the Matterhorn is almost sure to be on your ticklist. To climb this famous summit remains a significant challenge and is still one of the European Alps most sought-after ascents. It is a true mountaineers summit, and any ascent will require experience, training and practice, with its technical difficulty alone making it stand head and shoulders above Mont Blanc. The Matterhorn, Monte Cervino (in Italian) or Mont Cervin (in French) lies between the town of Zermatt in Switzerland and Breuil-Cervinia in the Italian Aosta Valley to the south. At 4,478m the summit is high in fact, one of the highest summits in the Alps with no truly easy route to the top. The Matterhorn represents much more than its surveyed height however, forming an iconic symbol of Switzerland and the Valais region in particular. The constituent faces and ridges are steeped in history, triumph and tragedy as well as loose rock. Hornli Ridge: the route of the first ascent by Edward Whymper in 1865 Hrnligrat To climb the Matterhorn by the easiest ridge the Hrnli Ridge (or Hrnligrat) one needs the ability to cope with roped scrambling for a long period of time. As a Guide, I personally think of the Matterhorn as a unique challenge, the overall itinerary being a much greater undertaking than its constituent parts. The overall commitment of the route is clear when you consider that you need to ascend and descend a vertical interval of 1,220m from the Hrnlihutte in a timely and expedient fashion. The most common method of ascent starts in the town of Zermatt, from which you take the cable car to Schwarzsee before walking to the Hrnlihutte at 3,260m (recently renovated in 2014 and opening this summer). Starting at about 4am, most of the lower section is climbed in darkness before reaching the summit early, then descending before the build up of afternoon cloud.Athletic rock climbing ability is not really required instead, sure-footedness, good balance and the ability to deal with the heady exposure of such a significant summit are more useful for a successful ascent. Small pitches, or rope lengths of climbing, are involved throughout the routes length, while slick moving together on the rope with you partner (or Guide) is imperative to ensure a timely ascent, since the summit is also very exposed to any deterioration in the weather.The route is graded Assez Difficile (AD) and a quick glance at the Alpine Club Guidebook (details at bottom of page) will tell you that the route includes sections of UIAA III climbing which is around British Difficult or Very Difficult standard. By modern standards such grades are relatively easy, but when you consider the length of the difficulties and the fact that you will be climbing in mountaineering boots rather than precision rock shoes, the challenge starts to look considerable. On top of that you need to contend with a pre-dawn start, intricate route finding in the dark and, in descent, sustained scrambling, loose rock, snow, ice, fixed ropes not to mention down climbing and abseiling so a wide range of skills are a prerequisite for any prospective Hrnli Ridge climber.A mountain of such scale inevitably comes with some objective hazards too, and its wise to anticipate these before embarking on an ascent. The good news is that as a predominately rock ascent with just the final section on snow and ice this is one place where you dont need to worry about seracs and crevasses. However, rockfall can be a considerable problem if you stray from the best possible line, or other parties do so above you.An early start means some intricate route-finding has to be negotiated in the darkRoute-finding is really important to ensure that you stay on well-travelled rock. A moments inattention can see you in a dead end, so its important to stay sharp and take a bush tracking-type approach, keeping an eye out for footprints, worn rock and crampon scratches. This is especially important on the lower section of the mountain where the route actually takes the flanks, rather than being on or close to the ridge crest. Any slight errors or a momentary lapse in concentration here will lead onto the loose stuff, and as one of my colleagues once so eloquently described it the Matterhorn is just steep enough to stack choss.The scale of the Hrnligrat also brings the challenge of speed and efficiency. Such an exposed summit, isolated as it is on the Swiss-Italian frontier attracts bad weather quickly. Even in relatively stable conditions the summit can be shrouded in cloud as moist air rises from the Italian plains up the Aosta Valley. The sustained terrain on the Matterhorn may feel comfortable enough in dry conditions but being caught in a storm high on the mountain is not one to savour. Wet rock, verglass or snow will augment the difficulty considerably, especially in descent. Sadly, the Matterhorn is also one of the most dangerous summits in the Alps with a rumoured 500+ deaths since its first ascent.Experienced required The obvious question for anyone considering climbing the Hrnli Ridge is: what experience do you need to make an ascent? The answer is perhaps obvious; most mountaineers will need to prepare well in advance and do some long-term planning in preparation for an ascent. Sadly, 1,220m on a step machine in the gym is simply not going to cut it, and time in the mountains will be well spent. There are very real barriers to achieving those big days in the mountains, but a good way of maximising time is to concentrate on scrambling terrain with increasing vertical intervals. Snowdonia, the Highlands and North West Highlands, and the Isle of Skye all offer fantastic scrambling terrain on which to practise. This all helps overall fitness but also contributes to developing balance, agility and co-ordination on scrambling terrain and that feeling of being good on your feet. This, combined with some training ascents of other 4,000m peaks and nights spent sleeping at around 3,000m will be essential for acclimatisation. Sadly, no shortcuts exist and this isnt a challenge which can be achieved by following a closely-defined checklist, but thats the ultimate attraction the Matterhorn is definitely no quick tick.At 4,477m the Matterhorn is well over the magical 4000m mark and, combined with such a rapid ascent and descent on rock, people often suffer from altitude illness as they work hard on the ascent, in contrast to the slow plod of Mont Blanc. Preparation is key and it may be that you need to take longer than a week for successful acclimatisation.The peak season for climbing the Matterhorn is generally from mid July to late August. Normally the Hrnligrat needs to be largely clear of snow on the lower section and ideally up to The Shoulder, close to where the upper fixed ropes begin. The Matterhorn Webcam is a useful tool if planning a visit; the mountain should really appear pretty much clear of snow when viewed from Zermatt to be considered in optimum condition. Inevitably, this period also coincides with the high season in the Alps when the mountains are at their busiest, the conditions are often dry and the risk of rockfall is ever- present.An unusually cheery queue at the bottom of the Lower Moseley SlabChoosing a Guide For many people the logical way of climbing the Matterhorn is with an IFMGA Mountain Guide. On a recent ascent, I was riding the lift up to Schwarzsee and a confident and articulate British tourist described how you simply didnt need a Guide for the Matterhorn; it was, of course, far too easy. When pushed it became apparent that he had never set foot on the mountain, let alone possessed an understanding of the enormity of the task. So if the question do I need a Guide for the Matterhorn? pops into your head, the answer is almost certainly yes.In employing the services of a Guide you have a much better chance of success and completing the enterprise in a safe and timely manner. There is a good chance that it will also be much more enjoyable as well. If, instead, you are considering an ascent of the Matterhorn independently, then many of the other Valais peaks offer excellent routes on which to cut your teeth. Although nothing really compares to the Hrnligrat, traverses such as the South Ridge of the Laggingorn make ideal targets to practise movement on AD ground over a reasonable horizontal and vertical distance.Many British Mountain Guides offer ascents on a private or course basis. The reality is that there is not much difference between the two, since the Matterhorn is guided at a 1:1 ratio. This local custom makes perfect sense for an ascent of such sustained commitment and technical difficulty, and has evolved to protect everybody on the mountain. In most cases an ascent would be made at the end of a six-day period, allowing acclimatisation time and some practice or warm-up ascents prior to a summit bid. Even for experienced alpinists with a good tick list behind them, it is important for both climbers (with a Guide or not) to be moving well together and have considerable trust in each others abilities. Moving together on a short rope often without protection between, is one of the true techniques of alpinism, demonstrating solidarity in the climbing partnership, mutual trust to move carefully and sure-footedly in pursuit of the summit.Romanticisms aside, the techniques employed to climb the Matterhorn havent greatly changed since the first ascent in 1865, and Edward Whympers advice in his book Scrambles Amongst the Alps is as true now as it was then: Climb if you will, but remember that courage and strength are nought without prudence, and that a momentary negligence may destroy the happiness of a lifetime. Do nothing in haste; look well to each step; and from the beginning think what may be the end.My slightly bias advice for many people would be to hire a Guide, thus increasing your chances of success and ensuring you make the most of your previous training on any attempt. It is of course possible to hire a Swiss Guide purely for a summit attempt in Zermatt, but the approach is slightly different with the vast majority of hopefuls having a rather clinical test on a nearby summit. A different approach maybe, but with up to 150 attempting the Hrnligrat per day at the height of the season, the Swiss Guides Centre currently views this as essential.Climbers switching to crampons at the site of the ruined Solvay Hut in snowy conditionsChoosing kit Having decided that the Matterhorn is firmly on your tick list its worth considering what equipment to take. This is one occasion where light is right or, more correctly, light is right because you are going to be carrying it up and down 1,200m. Due to the huge vertical difference you need clothing to cope with a broad range of temperatures; most likely +30 degrees on the approach to the hut, followed by a pre-dawn start with temperatures just above freezing. This quickly gives way to warmer temperatures in the afternoon as you descend into the heat of the day. In most cases, a light pair of softshell trousers, thin thermal and softshell top will be the mainstay of any clothing system.This can then be bumped up high on the mountain with a thin insulating layer. In addition, some lightweight waterproof trousers and a jacket will be useful in the bottom of your sac for an afternoon shower or windy conditions. I favour quite a light but stiff boot for the this sort of climbing, the stiffness allowing the effective use of small footholds as well as fitting a crampon. This is one area where I would always consider investing in a new pair of boots before other items; you will feel a heavy traditional mountaineering boot when you have been on a giant rock-based step machine for 1,200m!James Thacker and his client Tony Clapham on the summit in 2013As I leave the hut I will already be wearing my harness and helmet as the route starts immediately with some fixed ropes. There are some small abseils or lowers on the way down so I prefer a harness with a little padding, shunning super-lightweight models. My rucksack should be small and light but with space for crampons, axe and additional layers as well as food and water. For the vast majority of the route, one person will probably have the rope in alpine coils around their body, as only a short distance is needed in ascent. To save a bit of weight I usually take a 40m rope, which is a good compromise between the added burden and usable length for abseils and lowers on key sections.Finally, embrace the controlled chaos of one of the busiest summits in the Alps and enjoy a unique ascent from the Golden Era. Oh, and dont forget that its not always good to join the back of the queueTHE KNOWLEDGE: HORNLI RIDGEWHEN TO GO: July and August are the only months sensible to try this route, as snow will still be lying before this. For weather conditions, check the webcam at www.zermatt.ch/en/Webcams/Berge-1/Untere-Riffelalp-2-111-m and weather forecast at www.zermatt.chHOW TO GET THERE: Fly to Zurich, and then either catch a train or drive to Zermatt or Breuil-Cervinia where you will be based.HOW HARD: The Hrnli Ridge is graded AD, and you will ascend 1,220m from the Hrnlihutte. The guidebook time is 4-5 hours in ascent and 5-6 in descent. Although not too hard technically, excellent fitness is required as it is a very long day, plus a head for heights is helpful as the exposure in places is quite breathtaking. Plenty of previous alpine experience is recommended!WHERE TO STAY: In the valley, stay in either Zermatt or Breuil-Cervinia. Walk up the night before to the Hrnlihutte this is very busy though, so book well in advance. Hut Booking: Hrnlihutte www.hoernlihuette.ch/reservation_46.html, price is 150CHF per person with a discount for Alpine Club, CAF, SAC members.WHAT TO TAKE: Waterproof jacket and pants, softshell pants, 25L backpack, belay jacket, lightweight mountaineering boots, 12-point crampons, ice axe, helmet, harness, 40m ropeWHO TO GO WITH: Unless you are a very experienced mountaineer, prospective Matterhorn climbers are advised to book an IFMGA Mountain Guide for their Hrnli Ridge climb. The author regularly guides on this route, see his website at www.jamesthacker-mountaineering.co.uk. Alternatively you can find other British Mountain Guides at www.bmg.org.ukJames Thacker is a British Mountain Guide working in the Alps, Scotland, the Peak District and beyond. Visit his website for a full list of the services he offers: www.mountainassurance.co.ukFeeling peaky?BMC Travel insurance comes with 10 million emergency medical cover: Knock yourself out.After Alpine & Ski insurance? Weve got a great deal to keep you covered: 25% off all annual multi-trip policies in Europe, which works out at 141 for 12-months cover.Years of experienceWeve been insuring adventurers like you for over 30 years. Thats why all of our policies come with:24-hour emergency assistance helpline10 million emergency medical cover100,000 search, rescue and recovery cover10,000 personal accident cover5,000 cancellation cover2,500 baggage coverNo age loading until youre 70WATCH: BMC Insurance: built for the mountainsWant to know more? 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ReviewSpecsGalleryRetailersThe Ultra Raptor has been a perennial favourite in the La Sportiva range for well over a decade, and while it may have started life as a burly long-distance running shoe its adoption by fast hikers and backpackers has clearly influenced its more recent development in fact, this latest version is now officially designated by La Sportiva as a hiking shoe.The reason hikers gravitated to the previous incarnations of the Ultra Raptor (and the original Raptor which was launched back in 2010) was that they offered good support and protection as well as the low weight and comfort that long-distance trail runners also coveted it for. In their blurb, La Sportiva say that this third version is redesigned but has the same identity and that as well as offering enhanced protection and stability, the new shoe has a new fit and offers greater comfort. This all sounds very promising so lets take a look!A new ripstop upper makes the latest Ultra Raptor the toughest yetWhats new?Offered with and without a Gore-Tex waterproof liner in its shoe form, and with Gore-Tex in mid boot form, the Ultra Raptor 3 comes in a wide range of sizes and colours for men and women. Although it retains the overall look of the Ultra Raptor 2, there are some major differences between the two. The air-mesh upper of the Ultra Raptor 2 has been replaced by a tear-resistant ripstop fabric, which is still light and breathable but looks like itll take more punishment than the previous material. The chunky rubber toe bumper and all-round rand also support the notion that the durability/protection of this third incarnation has been uprated.The other major difference is that the Ultra Raptors sole unit has been completely redesigned, and while it still uses La Sportivas own Frixion White rubber compound, thats about the only similarity with its predecessor. The whole sole unit is generally more substantial, with heel/forefoot stack heights of 35mm/27mm compared to 27mm/16mm on the outgoing model, providing more cushioning in the midsole whichll come into its own on long days on the trail.Tread pattern works well on a range of surfacesThe outsole itself has a reworked tread pattern that uses slightly shorter (4.5mm compared to 6mm on the II), but blockier lugs than the more rounded lugs on the II. Crucially, the new outsole incorporates the Impact Brake System thats featured on many recent La Sportiva models; this firstly absorbs shock by the lugs slightly deforming when they hit the ground, and they also help with uphill traction and downhill braking due to the angled and opposing arrangement of the lugs.Finally, worth a mention is the integrated, knitted ankle gaiter which is intended to help keep out stones and other debris, and also incorporates a large pull-loop to assist getting the shoes on and off.In useComfort has always been a big selling point of the Ultra Raptor, and we found that the 3 takes this to new levels, not just when you first put them on, but also after several hours use. Its not the false comfort either, that you sometimes get when a shoe is highly padded and feels great initially, but not so good after hours of use. The Ultra Raptor feels both comfortable and stable/precise, with a firm heel hold helped by the TPU cradle that sits at the back of the shoe.Ultra Raptor 3 remains comfy even after hours on the trailThe balance between weight and protection is also good; they feel very light on the foot, but the combination of a sole unit thick enough to absorb any sharp rocks underfoot, with the all-round rand and toe bumper gives you reassurance that your feet are in safe hands. Although the ripstop upper fabric is quite thin, the upper has a series of thicker overlays that protect the foot and will also help durability.We found that the combination of the sticky rubber and carefully-devised tread pattern meant the Ultra Raptor 3 was effective on a wide range of surfaces, whether it be gravel trails, wet grass, mud or rock. In fact, it makes a very good approach shoe, and one that climbers will be very happy to slip their aching feet back into after a few hours climbing. Easier scrambles are well within the capabilities of the Ultra Raptor 3, especially where the shoes sticky rubber can be used for smearing; however, they are too soft sole to give you much of a platform on small foot holds.Knitted ankle collar keeps out stones and other debrisVerdictWith this latest version, the Ultra Raptor completes its journey from a sturdy running shoe to an out-and-out hiking/approach shoe and the result is hugely impressive. Comfort levels are high, with a roomy footbox and increased padding in the midsole theyre so comfortable in fact, that you might end up living in these things. The Ultra Raptor 3 seems to get the balance right in so many ways theyre light and comfortable, but offer good protection; theyre well padded but nimble and supportive and with the revised sole unit they are a true all-rounder, effective on a range of surfaces and with the benefits of the Impact Brake System. If youre in the market for some lightweight hiking/approach shoes, then the Ultra Raptor 3s should definitely be high on your list.More info at: www.lasportiva.comGaiter: Integrated collar gaiter keeps out stones, gravel and other debrisUpper: Durable mesh upper wicks away sweat during intense hikes Rubber toe cap and rand protect against rocks and rootsMidsole: Soft, supportive midsole ensures all-day comfort out on the trail Compact EVA foam at the heel maximises support and stabilitySole: FriXion White compound outsole delivers oustanding grip on inclines Impact Brake System technology absorbs shock and provides increased traction Flex grooves along the sole allow for full freedom of movementInsole: Ortholite Hybrid Mountain Hiking 5mmPatent: Impact Brake SystemWaterproof membrane: No (but available in the Ultra Raptor 3 GTX and Ultra Raptor 3 Mid GTX)Stack Height: Heel 35mm; Forefoot 27Drop: 8mmWeight: Approx 350g per shoe (depending on size)Lug Height: 4.5Wide Fit: NoEllis BrighamClimbers ShopUltralight Outdoor GearOutsideTiso

You havent seen the world until youve seen the Isle of Skye. Edge your way through the Highlands, pass the magnificent peaks of the mainland and the beauty of the glens, and the miles of coastline shining in the northern sunset; youll think youve discovered all the wonders of Britains ancient peaks and then you cross the bridge.Skye combines great beauty with a healthy disregard for what youd usually assume are typical mountain shapes. Thrown up in ridges, clumps and huddled groups, mountains the shape of spear-tips stand shoulder to shoulder with those that look like giant termite nests, or the half-buried heads of Moomins. The islands 400- mile coastline is a constantly changing stage of cliffs, beaches, and the occasional marsh, where seals bask on the rocks, sea eagles hunt over the waves, and, far out you can glimpse the fins of whales.It is an island of several names; An t-Eilean Sgitheanach (The Winged Isle), Eilean a Che (The Misty Isle), and of course the Isle of Skye, possibly from the Celtic Skitis, also meaning winged. This refers to the way the various peninsulas spread out from the core of the island, like a great eagle taking flight.Admiring the distinctive pillars of the Old Man of StorrThe Skye TrailIf you are thrown for how to spend a week in sucha contrasting landscape, then theres a way to experience the island by linking together the most striking parts. Recently described, wonderfully unofficial and with days that vary from gentle ambles along pretty coastline to serious mountain journeys over near-pathless terrain, the Skye Trail is, once known about, impossible to ignore.Running roughly 80 miles from the most northerly point on the island at Rubha Huinish, the trail vaults over the Trotternish ridge, bounds past Portree, dives straight through the Red Hills and the Cuillin, and after spending wistful miles along the southern coast, throws you out in Broadford a new person. For most sections, average fitness is fine, though there is one very committing day over the Trotternish ridge which could easily take 10 hours, and one or two exposed paths where care is definitely needed. Wild camping will mean you wont have to worry about catching buses, but if you are well organised you can easily stay in B&Bs every night.The trail itself was devised in fits and starts by a series of walkers. The photographer David Paterson documented a then unnamed walk through Skye in the 90s, followed up by the writer and broadcaster Cameron McNeishs journey along most of the same line in the late 2000s. Since then, many others have taken it under their belt, most notably Helen and Paul Webster in their guidebook for Cicerone Press. The suggested route has changed in several sections, whipping from side to side, refusing to be pinned down, as various writers battled with what was the most logical route over Skyes nefarious terrain. The northern section has swapped coasts, and the most southerly terminus has changed locations, preferring the abandoned railway line to Broadford over the vast bogs of Sleat. Even the heart of the route through the Cuillin has various options; do you go straight through Glen Sligachan, over to Loch Coriusk, or up Blabheinn?This article gives a snapshot of what might be called the most popular route, though I use that term with hesitation. As with any long-distance trail or lengthy undertaking, research the alternatives and decide for yourself what sounds the most attractive. It has traditionally been described as running north to south, though it is, of course, perfectly possible (and often done) to walk from south to north. This gives the added impetus of having Skyes most northerly point as your final destination, surely a more romantic ideal than Broadford high street.Alongside the two principal towns of Skye, both of which you pass through on the trail, you will of course encounter a more ancient way of life. Clan castles dot strategic points, names give away the sometimes bloody past, and the remains of the Clearances lie stark on the land. Tread softly on these trails, for these remote hillsides were once home to hundreds more people than live in them today. Take your time to see past the modern tourism on Skye to a land of people who lived close to the land, to myths of the fairy people and the seal people, to forgotten highways and hideaways. This is the unique insight that long-distance walking offers, and it is more than true on Skye.Glamaig (Sgurr Mhairi) and surrounding landscapeStage 1: Rubha Huinish to FlodigarryStanding at the most northerly point on the island, looking out over the Sea of the Hebrides while searching for the faintest sign of a whale fluke, is a fine way to start any journey. Getting there requires a short walk from Duntulm, perhaps staying the night before you start in the bothy near the headland, theold coast guard watch station with fantastic views over the water. From this northerly point the route turns south and runs along the eastern coast of the Trotternish peninsula. Passing the remains of St Moluags Church, it picks its way as close to the sea as possible, giving you fine views of wave-dashed rocks and sea stacks. Although the navigation here isnt tricky due to the general need to keep the sea on the left, the terrain is pathless. The only bit of path-finding comes towards the end, where the hill of Druim nan Slochd comes into view ahead. Before this hill, theres a path that leads you in a ramp down the slopes to continue along the top of the cliffs.Finishing at the Flodigarry Hotel, you have the option of the hotel itself, a nearby hostel, or accommodation in Staffin. Wild campers will probably want to continue towards the Quiraing and find campsites after crossing the main road. Although Flodigarry is the finishing point of this stage, walkers can take the sting off the next day, which is the longest on the trail, by continuing along the section from here to the car park after the Quiraing. This is a remote road though, so make sure youre either wild camping or have arranged transport from the end.Stage 2: Flodigarry to The StorrThis stage is by far the most difficult on the Skye Trail. It is a true mountain day, taking you for nearly 30km and with 1,700m of ascent over the Trotternish ridge, reaching several summits on the way and ending at a roadside where onward transport is required. It is a fantastic journey, where on a clear day both coasts of the Trotternish can be seen, as well as Skyes westerly peninsulas and the first look at the Cuillin in the distant south.The route begins by climbing up through the debris of the Quiraing after crossing the main road west of the Flodigarry Hotel. The Quiraings bizarre rock formations are the result of a giant landslip millions of years old, where weak sedimentary rock was no longer able to support the heavy volcanic rock above. The gigantic hunks of mountain, strewn over the eastern side of Trotternish are your constant companions throughout the day. Once through the Quiraing, the trail gains the main ridge and progresses south along it. The route is grassy and never particularly steep, rolling along for miles ahead. The cliffs of the landslip are always to the east, whereas the western side is a gentler cascade of grassy slopes and deep corries. Not only is this stage long, it is also committing, with the only escape from the ridge several hours walking through open and frequently wet terrain.Navigating off the final slopes of The Storr can be a little tricky, but the reward is a descent past the rock pinnacle of The Old Man of Storr, one of Skyes most popular viewpoints. At the end of this lengthy but thrilling roller coaster over the Trotternish peaks, youll have well and truly earned your supper!The start of the coastal path from Elgol to Camasunary, with the Cuillin aheadStage 3: The Storr to PortreeA definite reprise after the efforts of the day before, this stage offers a hill with some excellent sea views, and cliffs plunging nearly 400m down into the waves. Starting from the car park beneath the Storr, head to the coast and spend some time at the viewpoint looking out over the impressive Bearreraig Waterfall, plunging from Loch Leathan almost straight into the sea. From here its a journey over pathless hillside, south over subsidiary peaks, to reach the summit of Sthean a Bhealaich Chumhaing. The joy of the journey there is to pick your way easily among the crags and enjoy the views east over the Isle of Raasay. Somewhere below this route, and marked on the OS map, is the cave where Bonnie Prince Charlie fled to when he was whisked over the sea to Skye after defeat at the battle of Culloden.From the main peak of the day, the trail descends to the shore beside a ruined chapel and follows a final pretty stretch of wooded shoreline round into Portree Bay. The coloured buildings on the harbour are a vibrant and welcome objective after three days out in the remote north of Skye. Portree is Skyes main town, and has all the facilities you could need, especially if you are a wild camper looking to re-stock.Stage 4: Portree to SligachanLeaving the bustle of Portree behind, the beginning of this stage involves a wander along the skirts of Loch Portree, the protected part of Portree Bay where wading birds call among the mudflats. Make sure you check the tide times as at high tide some of this route can be underwater and the only other option is the pavement along the main road.From the southern end of Loch Portree, its quite a way along a road out into The Braes. This is more than made up for by the scenery, and after several off-path miles over the last few days you will cherish some time without looking at your feet. The shapely hill of Ben Tianavaig is the first landmark, followed by an intimate look at the Isle of Raasay, quite close now across the Narrows.At the end of the road in Peinachorrain, the trail becomes a path once again. With the twin-topped peak of Glamaig ahead, your first close view of the RedHills, the route follows the northern shore of Loch Sligachan. This section is a lot of fun and youll soonsee the end of the day at the Sligachan Hotel far ahead. Look out for seals in the loch, but be aware that there are a few streams to cross, which after heavy rain can become hazardous.Beyond the marshland at the head of the loch, the famous hotel is reached. You just need to choose whether to stand astounded at the prospect ahead, the view of the jagged Cuillin and the Red Hills arranged before you, or to dive straight into the bar and sample one of the many hundreds of whiskies on offer. If youre a camper then this is one of the main campsites on Skye, and worth a stop just for its long running association with mountaineering on the island.Journeying through the immense landslip debris of the QuiraingStage 5 Sligachan to ElgolNow begins the journey into the heart of Skyes mountains, on a day that is up there with the best low-level journeys through mountainous terrain in the whole of the UK. Walking right from the Sligachan Hotel, the view ahead is monstrous and wonderful. On the left, the granite of the Red Hills shines pink in the sun, and on the right, the notched and tumbling ridges of the Cuillin form a black signature to the skyline.The trail leads straight between these two, down the mighty Glen Sligachan, a popular place to look for golden eagles. The path is easy to follow and the view constantly changes as new peaks appear and perspectives change. The dark gabbro and basalt of the Cuillin, as though fresh from its time as a volcanic magma chamber, looks inaccessible, but stare harder and the figures of scramblers and climbers will doubtless be visible, balancing between the rocks on the famous Pinnacle Ridge of Sgrr nan Gillean, the first peak you pass.Passing several lochs, the trail now passes the watershed at the head of the glen and enters Srath na Critheach for the slow downhill journey towards the sea at Camasunary. Just when you thought the Cuillin had made their mark, the castle buttresses of Blabheinn comes into view, an outlier of the main ridge that will stay with you for the next day and a half on the trail. Another route to Camasunary involves a detour to Loch Coruisk, though this is longer and requires a crossing of the bad step above Loch nan Leachd.Passing the bothy at Camasunary, the route now follows the coast of Loch Scavaig. This section is often exposed, and care should be taken on some eroded sections of path. Navigation is simple however, and before long, the route deposits you into Elgol, where the view back towards the arms of the Cuillin wrapping around an invisible Loch Coruisk is one of the true classics. If you have any sense at all youll return next time to climb these peaks.Stage 6 Elgol to TorrinBeyond Elgol the character of the trail changes again. After a short detour inland, the route reaches the coast at Loch Slapin which is your point of reference for the whole day. Across the water lies the Sleat peninsula, low lying and ground down to bare crag bones, speckled with lochs. The trail heads north, passing the ruins of fortified houses and stone circles, a reminder that this land has been occupied for thousands of years.Ahead, the view of the Red Hills from the south reveals new peaks. The stately shape of Beinn Dearg Mhr is offset against the towering bulk of Blabheinn, which though hidden at the start, soon comes into view towards the end of the stage. The last few kilometres are along the road round the head of the loch to reach Torrin, and in general the stages frequent transition from road to track and back again, with one nice section of hill-path, makes it a simple one to follow, while not being too hard on the feet.Torrin has an excellent caf, and though accommodation may be sparse there is plenty of space to be found for wild campers in the surrounding glens, or even beside Loch Slapin itself.Tackling an exposed section of path along the coast near ElgolStage 7 Torrin to BroadfordInterest doesnt relent on this excellent final stage of the trail. Following tracks it heads south again, following the coast to Rubha Suisnish, the point of land that divides the sea lochs of Slapin and Eishort, the Isle of Rum a distinctive feature out over the waters. The route then follows the coast as it bends east, taking the path that runs from Suisnish to Boreraig. These two abandoned villages, of which you will see buildings and field outlines, are remnants of the Highland Clearances. These dark days of Scottish history involved the removal of whole communities by lairds who found they could make more money from using the land for sheep. Thousands starved and died, and of those who did not, many fled or were forcibly sent to the New World. This area is notable for the brutality by which the inhabitants were evicted, and the heart-breaking eyewitness accounts that exist.The path descends right to the shore before climbing past Boreraig on a well-defined route through the pass north to Suardal. Rather than joining the road, the track bends east again and follows the old railway line to Broadford, which used to link the quarry to the town.Looking out over Broadford Bay at the end of the Skye Trail, the island of Pabay anchored offshore and lying low, there will be much to look back on. Whether youve walked for the last seven days in stunning sunshine or lashing storms, youll have experiencedthe many characters of Skyes landscape. It is peaceful beach wanders and high mountain journeys all in one, with everything in-between. It is beguiling and never easy to pin down, and there is always more to come back and discover.5 GREAT SIDE TRIPSExtend your trip with the following days out..1. Beinn na Caillich horseshoeA classic round of three peaks in the Red Hills, and possibly the first mountains you see when you drive onto Skye. An exciting boulder ascent followed by an easy trail with great views.2. Cuillin summitsThe Skye Trail passes right next to Blabheinn, which is accessible from Torrin or Camasunary; alternatively, the trio of northern summits accessible from Sligachan are fantastic prospects. Sgurr nan Gillean is the most striking, but even the easiest way up is a grade 3 scramble.3. Fairy Pools and TaliskerOut west of the trail, walk out and jump in for a swim in the famous pools, then drive the short distance to the whisky distillery at Talisker. You might even have time for sunset from Talisker Bay.4. Dinosaur FootprintsHalfway up the Trotternish peninsula lies Staffin; head down to the bay and spend some time searching at low tide for the fossil dinosaur footprints. Even if youre unsuccessful, the bay is a great place to swim.5. Way out WestIf you have a spare day near the end of your hike, head out west to walk the coral beach, admire the stately Dunvegan Castle, wander to Skyes most westerly promontory at Neist Point, and hike to the summits of the bizarre flat-topped hills of MacLeods Tables.THE KNOWLEDGEThe Skye Trail: What you need to know before you goWhen to go:The best times to hike the Skye Trail are from spring through to autumn, where there is plenty of light. Skyes coastal climate means snow rarely lies low, though if you go in winter be aware that stage 2 over the Trotternish could well require full winter mountaineering skills to traverse, and public transport is more limited.How to get there:If not driving, there are buses from Glasgow or Fort William to Broadford or Portree, where local buses run to most parts of the route. The nearest train station is just over the bridge, on the mainland at Kyle of Lochalsh, from where you can also get a bus onto the island. The closest airports are Glasgow and Inverness.How hard:The majority of the route is not hard walking, and is accessible to anyone with good fitness however, the Trotternish ridge day is very committing and there are exposed sections on other stages where care is needed. The main difficulty lies in navigation over pathless terrain, and judgement when it comes to whether to cross a particular stream, or turn back if its dangerous.Maps & guides:The guide book by Helen and Paul Webster, published by Cicerone Press (www.cicerone.co.uk), details both the main Skye Trail route and variations. Harvey Maps produce a map that shows the whole Skye Trail at a scale of 1:40k.Who to go with:If the thought of organising all your accommodation and transport makes you hesitant to undertake this trail, or if you are not confident in navigating in such a remote area, then consider using a guide. Thistle Trekking (www.thistletrekking.co.uk) provide guided treks on the route each year. They organise all your accommodation, baggage transfer and guide you along the entire route. There are no logistics for you to arrange so you can just enjoy the walk.ABOUT THE AUTHORAlex Kendall is a Winter Mountain Leader working throughout the UK and abroad, and in the office organising outdoor adventures for adult groups. He also writes articles, and so far has had a book published with Cicerone, The Snowdonia Way, a new long-distance route through North Wales. He lives in Cumbria and runs up hills whenever possible.Website www.snowdoniaway.com

I LOVE motorhoming in autumn. The crowds disappear, campsites are quieter, the colours are beautiful and theres something rather lovely about getting back to the motorhome after...The post 25 Most Useful Motorhome Accessories for Autumn Touring appeared first on Wandering Bird Motorhome Travel Blog.

Meeelrea (Maol Ridh) is the highest point in County Mayo - and in Connacht as a whole. A summit often shrouded in clouds, this mountain has both approachable slopes and sharp cliffs, offering many different levels of adventure. For this write-up Im focusing on the more approachable climb from Silver Strand. This mountain is one of the wilder places you can visit in Ireland, and deserves respect. If youre someone completing the County High Points List, this mountain is in the hard end of the list, along with the likes of Carrauntoohil and Benbaun. If youre new to the hills, Id strongly recommend finding a local mountain leader to take you (send me an email if you need a recommendation). Overview: Distance: approx. 9km round tripElevation gain: 862mFormat: Out and backTime: 3 - 5+ hoursStart / End / Parking: Climbing from the Silver Strand side means approaching the mountain from the NW. Driving out to this remote area, youll end up reaching the very SW tip of Clew Bay, before following signs south along the coast towards The Lost Valley. This road slowly becomes a single lane boreen, that ends at Silver Strand Beach. The start point for this hike is approx. 1km before the beach, at a wide bend in the road, grid reference L764 688.I parked in the lay-by beside the farm track you walk up to get onto the mountain. Theres only space for one or two cars. This is an active farm, and also one of the only wide passing points on the road, so you cannot block any gates, or prevent people from being able to pull in to let tractors pass. If youre coming as a group, dont want to park your car in the ditch, or theres no space when you arrive, continue down the lane to Silver Strand Beach Car Park, where theres a large car park (Google Maps link). Its a 10 - 15 minute walk from the car park back to the start point. Trail difficulty: Moderate - DifficultThe route Im describing for this climb is the easiest of the routes for this mountain, and so can make the mountain feel less than it is. Whats key to remember in the Irish hills is how, when its all going well, it can feel extremely safe. Mweelrea is somewhere that you can muddle through and be fine, or fall and have a very bad day. The first two third of this route is a long, slow, boggy climb in a somewhat straight line up the mountainside. The top third is along the exposed ridge, which Ive only ever experienced with strong winds and low clouds. An ability to deal with mountain hazards, steep ground and navigation is essential. Read about trail grading in Ireland here.Trail quality: 2/5Once you step onto the open hillside, there are several worn paths through bog and grass. Some of these paths are made by walkers, some by sheep, and all are changed by the water running down the hillside. Be aware that the path your following might not be leading you to the top. The summit requires confident navigation skills for is regularly cloud cover, and bad weather often blows in. Views: 3/5If you get a clear summit, the views are incredible. One of the drawbacks of approaching from Silver Strand when there is cloud cover, is that you only have one view for the whole hike. The area as a whole is beautiful.Buggy/Wheelchair friendly: NoDogs allowed: NoWhen did I walk this route: September 2026External resources: Learn more about this summit on MountainViewsMountainViews is always my first stop when it comes to info on summits around Ireland.EastWest Maps: the most detailed maps youll find of Ireland, heres a link to their maps of Connacht.The route on HiiKERFind all the County High Points of Ireland listed here Mayo is one of my favourite places. Theres a remoteness to the mountains that I love, and I find its emptiness a haven. No matter which side youre climbing from, driving out to Mweelrea is beautiful. Its a showery Friday morning in early September when I find myself on the slopes of this mountain once more. Starting from the farm lane (Grid Reference: L764 688) its an easy walk up to the gate onto the hillside (always keep closed as signage instructs). As I walk out Im greeted with the bleating of a few dozen sheep, some sounding expectant, as if I'm bringing a surprise bag of food - others dash off as if theyve never seen a human before. From here, you can see the whole mountain ahead of you - and pretty much your whole route if the weather is right. Looking left and somewhat north-eastwards, youll see the dramatic edge of Ben Bury and the other Bens that make up the NE ridge line. On a cloudy day like mine, they can look like the more immediate, impressing mountains. However, today Im heading to the very small bowl thats south-east of me, which will lead up onto the col north of Mweelrea. As I mentioned above, once you step onto the open hillside, there are several worn paths through bog and grass. Who made the path first, the walker or the sheep, well never know - and the rain doesnt care to know. As we move through the Irish seasons, and more water hits our hillsides, the run-off water will always take the path of least resistance, often channeling through a foot path. This can make some minor paths look far more used and substantial than they are. I noticed more than one path deviate off on an unusual contour on my way up. Mostly, this is a long-winded warning not to get too content looking at your feet, and take in your surroundings as you move up the slopes. View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize The wind was at least enjoyed by the crows, who swooped and dived on the gusts. A blessing or a curse, the winds were westerly the day I was there, and so as I looked out behind me to the sea, I could see the heavy showers approaching. As I reached approx. 500m evolution, I met two walkers coming down the hill, who were as surprised to see me as I was to see them. We swapped the usual brief greetings, and then continued on in our respective directions. View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize Making it up onto the col between Ben Bury and Mweelrea, the wind howled through. The conditions underfoot here turn more solid, wet bog swapping out for loose stone. Heading a few degrees off of south, this is the more dangerous section of the climb. Directly out east, to your left, are cliffs. The summit area is quite rounded and wide, with a small pile of loose stones stacked to mark it. Sitting on the leeward side of this tiny mound, the shelter was unexpectedly good. I ate a quick snack, appreciated the elements, and retraced my steps down the mountain. View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize This is not the only time Ive visited this faraway peak. The first time I climbed Mweelrea was the summer of 2023, as I worked my way around Ireland on the Vandeleur-Lynams Project. I summited it, and the other peaks that make up the ridge here, in very similar conditions. That day I had the wonderful company of my friend Ciaran, who joined Carl and I for a full week of this mountain adventure. View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize However, the moment that will stay with me forever was a view of this mountain from the evening before. I was climbing Ben Gorm and the others across the valley. I hadnt done many of the summits in Mayo before, and so I didnt realise I was witnessing the best conditions over on Mweelrea - better than I could ever wish for. I had spent the morning on the other side of the fjord, doing the long walk in for Leenaun Hill in heavy, muggy weather. It was shaping up to be an extremely wet and stormy summer, but in that moment I was only trying to move through some oppressive heat. That evening, we picked up Ciaran and moved around to the north side of Killary. It was a cloudless day, and as the sun began to dip, gentle fingers of clouds crept in from the Atlantic and reached up over the shoulders of mountains. The colours of the sky, the textures of the clouds, and the shadows of the mountains created a painting no phone camera could ever do justice. Looking back on that evening, I now know how special a moment I was witnessing - and only a little bit regret that I wasn't across the valley for such a magical moment. View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize Further exploringFind all the County High Points here, and all the trails by county listed here.Other trails in the area: The Western Way: MayoThe Western Way: Galway Croagh Patrick Heritage TrailLetterkeen Loop, Wild Nephin National Park The Bangor Trail, Wild Nephin National Park Keenagh Loop: Mayo.ie info Viewpoints and beaches to visit: Silver Strand for a post mountain swim Doo Lough Valley Viewpoint - one of my favourite Wild Atlantic Way viewpoints (Google Maps)Old Head Beach and Bertra Beach for more stunning beachesFavourite Local Coffee / Food Options:The Misunderstood Heron, MurriskThis Must be the Place, Cafe in Westport Melodys Bew, coffee horse-box