Ridge · Scramble
Striding Edge to Helvellyn (Lake District)
Iconic ridge walk with airy scrambling and outstanding vistas. Best in settled weather with good visibility and a confident party.
New: Winter day-hike picks
Find your next trail. Pack smarter. Walk happier.
Honest route guides, gear reviews and practical advice to help you plan memorable walks across the UK & beyond.
No fluff, no guru talk. Just real-world experience, clear pros and cons, and simple ideas to make your next hill day a bit better.
This week’s route · Field notes
Striding Edge to Helvellyn – is the ridge as scary as people say?
We walked the classic Striding Edge route in mixed conditions to see who it really suits. The “best” line depends less on exposure tolerance and more on how you plan, pace and prepare for changing weather.
Read the full route guide →Routes
Honest walking route guides
Curated routes with distance, ascent and realistic timings – plus notes on navigation, weather and escape options.
Summit · National park
Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) via Ranger Path
Quieter ascent with steady gradients and broad views. A solid choice when the more popular paths are crowded.
Alpine · Multi-day
Tour du Mont Blanc – Stage 6 Samoëns Variant
Balcony paths, alpine meadows and glacial panoramas. Demanding underfoot but hugely rewarding for well-prepared legs.
Gear Reviews
Boots, packs & layers that earn their place
Kit tried on real hills, not just in spec sheets. Expect clear pros, cons and honest “best for” recommendations.
Review · Boots
Salomon Quest GTX Hiking Boots
Supportive all-rounders for mixed mountain terrain. Superb ankle support and wet-weather grip, but can feel warm on summer slogs.
Review · Packs
Osprey Talon / Tempest 22 Daypack
Light, breathable pack with a stable fit and great pocketing. Hipbelt pockets are on the small side for bigger phones.
Review · Mid-layer
Montane Krypton Hoodie
Wind-resistant mid-layer that shines in typical UK shoulder seasons. Not fully waterproof, but plays nicely under a shell.
Blog
Simple, practical hill skills
No guru talk. Just layering, navigation and footcare that make your next trip more enjoyable.
Skills · Layers
Layering 101: Stay Warm, Not Sweaty
How to choose layers that work together, manage sweat on climbs, and keep you warm when you stop.
Health · Footcare
Fix Your Feet: Blister Prevention for Long Days
A simple routine to keep hot spots at bay, plus what to pack in a tiny footcare kit for multi-day trips.
Skills · Navigation
Navigation Basics: Map & Compass with Confidence
Small habits that make a big difference: setting the map, quick bearings and knowing when to stop and re-check.