Guidebook on Scandinavians most spectacular mountain region with maps, photos and description of various walks, scrambles climbs and ski tours.

The articles in the 2015 SMC Journal contain a blend of excitement and reflection. Julian Lines takes us on a witty deep water soloing course; Guy Robertson is on Beinn Eighe in winter; Graham Little goes climbing in the Balkans and Andy Nisbet has discovered another new winter crag. In completely different mode Iain Smart reflects on the changes taking place in the climbing world by casting ironic glances at his experiences in the public bar at the Kingshouse over the last 50 years. See if you can work out the allusions in The Heights of Allusion by M J Cobb, or follow Iain Crofton's drift in The Hills are Alive.Mike Dixon describes his research into the life of Tom Patey. Jimmy Cruickshank discusses Robin Smith. Hamish Johnston examines the life of Matthew Heddle, distinguished geologist and early explorer of Scotland's mountains and Peter Foster explores the life of another great character from the past the Vagabond Professor T Graham Brown. A wealth of other articles takes the reader from Himalayan peaks to Skye, Knoydart and the Western Isles. For the Munro enthusiast there is the indispensable Munro Matters: the one and only comprehensive guide to the List of those who have completed and told.The Journal carries the most up to date list in print of new climbs made in Scotland in the last year, while the reviews section has over 20 reviews by knowledgeable reviewers of recently published mountaineering books.

Winter Walks in the Lake District is a collection of enjoyable walks and easy winter climbs designed to make the most of the winter conditions that regularly descend on the Lake District. Local author Stephen Goodwin has selected his favourite cold-weather outings, which all share the magic and exhilaration that snow or even a hoar frost brings to the Lakeland fells. The routes include accessible jaunts up Gowbarrow, High Rigg and Latrigg, Keswick's 'house mountain' - an ideal spot to survey the snow cover on the bigger tops to the south; ascents of Helvellyn from the east and west, via classic and lesser-known ridgelines, or graded climbs on Browncove Crags and Nethermost Pike; high-level horseshoes above Haweswater and Langdale; and, of course, ascents of the classics - Scafell Pike, Blencathra, Great End - although not necessarily by the most travelled routes. Alongside advice on winter conditions and kit, each of the routes in this book features detailed introductions and directions, Ordnance Survey 1:25,000-scale maps, photo topos for the graded winter climbs where appropriate, and local information such as the best pubs and cafes.

This is the only guidebook to document Irish Climbing in a single volume. It focuses on the best routes at the best crags and includes areas and routes that have never been documented in a modern guidebook before.Very detailed directions and maps make it easy for the first time visitor to find and climb their chosen route. There are over 100 high quality photo topos in a clean, modern design and layout. The action and landscape shots show Ireland and Irish climbing at their very best.This is a selective guidebook focussing on quality routes throughout the grades. There are 22 crag destinations, north and south, including Fair Head; Donegal; Dalkey Quarry; Wicklow; The Mournes; and The Burren.

The most accomplished mountain runner of all time contemplates his record-breaking climb of Mount Everest in this profound and free-flowing memoir-an intellectual and spiritual journey that moves from the earth's highest peak to the soul's deepest reaches. What drives a person to the edge of one of the most difficult and revered mountains in the world? How much is one willing to sacrifice and suffer to pursue an authentic and bold life? The most accomplished mountain runner of all time, Kilian Jornet ponders these questions as he contemplates his record-breaking climb of Mount Everest, exploring the mountain's changing nature over four seasons and his own existence. As he recounts a life spent studying, tending, and ascending the greatest peaks on earth, Jornet ruminates on what he has found in nature-simplicity, freedom, and spiritual joy-and offers a poetic yet clearheaded assessment of his relationship to the mountain . . . at times his opponent, at others, his greatest muse. In this sweeping, soulful journey-the flip side of stories like Into Thin Air-Jornet illuminates with beauty and brilliance what it means to be an athlete, a competitor, and a human facing the greatest life challenges-for him, the mountain he yearns to climb and honour.

Guardian Books to Watch 2022 Evening Standard Books to Watch 2022 Bookseller Editor's Choice 'A wonderful book - exhilarating and taut, fearless in its explorations of wildness, risk, motherhood, and the inner and outer worlds of the writer' Jon McGregor 'This book is beautiful' Emma Jane Unsworth Climbing gives you the illusion of being in control, just for a while, the tantalising sense of being able to stay one move ahead of death. Helen Mort has always been drawn to the thrill and risk of climbing: the tension between human and rockface, and the climber's powerful connection to the elemental world. But when she becomes a mother for the first time, she finds herself re-examining her relationship with both the natural world and herself, as well as the way the world views women who aren't afraid to take risks. A Line Above the Sky melds memoir and nature writing to ask why humans are drawn to danger, and how we can find freedom in pushing our limits. It is a visceral love letter to losing oneself in physicality, whether climbing a mountain or bringing a child into the world, and an unforgettable celebration of womanhood in all its forms.

In 1985 mountain guide Martin Moran achieved the first completion of all 277 Munros* in a single winter with the support and companionship of his wife Joy. Their success was a feat of dedicated mountaineering and effective teamwork through the storms, snows and avalanches of an epic winter season in the Scottish Highlands. Martin's account of the winter journey became a classic mountain narrative, combining his passionate enthusiasm for the mountains with humorous insights into a marriage put to the test through three months of living in a camper van. It was described as 'the best guidebook to the Munros' by mountain writer Jim Perrin. The book inspired many other climbers and runners to pick up the gauntlet in pursuit of new feats of endurance on Scotland's hills, and is now reissued with full colour photographs plus an introductory update by the author on how the 'Munros in Winter' changed his life.

The elegant and dramatic peaks of the Dolomites, one of the most recently designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites, have long epitomised the ideals of climbers the world over. These spectacular limestone and dolomite monoliths rise abruptly from beautiful meadows, their pale faces contrasting starkly with the vibrant colour of the surrounding alpine pastures, to create one of the most instantly recognisable landscapes in the World. Located in northern Italy, and representing a true mix of Italian and Austrian culture, these so-called 'Pale Alps' contain climbing of every shape and size. Single pitch sport crags lie beside kilometre-long traditional routes, with climbs which are steeped in history running parallel to modern bolted lines. The area is particularly renowned for its via ferrata, cabled routes predating the Great War which give superb access to some of the World's most striking summits. The metal wires, interspersed with breathtaking ladders and unlikely suspension bridges, provide aerial assault courses which combine the thrill of an ascent on rock with the security of a protected mountain scramble. This Rockfax guide covers everything you need for a climbing trip regardless of ability, whether it be sport, trad, via ferrata or a combination of all three. It features all the major areas and is the only guidebook available to have such comprehensive coverage. Catinaccio, Val di Fassa, Marmolada, Sella Group, Val Gardena, Fanis Group, Lagazuoi Group, Tofana Group, Cinque Torri, Cortina Basin, Cadini di Misurina, Tre Cime.

In early 1978, an extraordinary new invention for rock climbers was featured on the BBC television science show Tomorrow's World. It was called the 'Friend', and it not only made the sport safer, it helped push the limits of the possible. The company that made them was called Wild Country, the brainchild of Mark Vallance. Within six months, Vallance was selling Friends in sixteen countries. Wild Country would go on to develop much of the gear that transformed climbing in the 1980s. Mark Vallance's influence on the outdoor world extends far beyond the company he founded. He owned and opened the influential retailer Outside in the Peak District and was part of the team that built The Foundry, Sheffield's premier climbing wall - the first modern climbing gym in Britain. He worked for the Peak District National Park and served on its board. He even found time to climb eight-thousand-metre peaks and the Nose on El Capitan. Diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in his mid fifties and robbed of his plans for retirement, Vallance found a new sense of purpose as a reforming president of the British Mountaineering Council. In Wild Country, Vallance traces his story, from childhood influences like Robin Hodgkin and Sir Jack Longland, to two years in Antarctica, where he was base commander of the UK's largest and most southerly scientific station at Halley Bay, before his fateful meeting with Ray Jardine, the man who invented Friends, in Yosemite. Trenchant, provocative and challenging, Wild Country is a remarkable personal story and a fresh perspective on the role of the outdoors in British life and the development of climbing in its most revolutionary phase. Mark Vallance (1945-2018), the man who made Friends.

In the last few decades bouldering has evolved from a means of training for 'real' climbing to one of the most popular rock climbing disciplines in its own right. Initially many climbers are drawn to bouldering's simplicity but as they become more deeply involved they discover a complex pursuit, part dance, part martial art in which strategy, creativity and problem solving are just as important as strength. Bouldering Essentials is packed with clear, practical advice for anyone interested in bouldering whether a complete beginner looking to learn the basics, an indoor climber keen to start bouldering outdoors or an experienced boulderer who wants to explore more advanced topics such as dynamics, strategy, tactics and highballing. Chapters include: The Basics; Equipment; Staying Safe; Movement; Dynamics; Indoors; Starting Outdoors; Strategy; Training; and Destinations. Illustrated with over 200 stunning colour photos from the best bouldering areas in the world, including Bishop, Castle Hill, Fontainebleau, Hueco Tanks and Rocklands, Bouldering Essentials provides the inspiration as well as the information you need to reach your full potential as a boulderer.

Challenge and train your hands, feet, body and brain with over 120 climbing games. This book is for anyone wanting to have fun climbing while developing crucial skills. The games described can be used in a wide range of activities from working on specific skills to fun warm-ups. As an aid to a climbing session or as the sole activity, climbing movements can be broken down and practised in a safe but challenging environment.The book takes an introductory look at which specific aspects of climbing and methods of coaching are important - together with some aspects of sports science, this give the text a dual purpose as a coaching manual and as an encyclopaedia of games.Many of these games are particularly suited to those that are new to climbing and wish to improve their skills. If you're new to climbing, you'll find games which introduce some essential skills (such as 'crimping' a hold). Equally, old hands may welcome new games as an aid to helping friends progress or as an addition to a weekly climbing session.As a qualified instructor or an informal coach teaching friends or a parent teaching their children, this book provides an invaluable tool for hours of practical training or even just entertainment for rainy afternoons! The easy to use format allows those coaching or even the client themselves to select their own games based on current needs and desires. The overview of skills employed in each game will help you turn play into progress.

This is the definitive gritstone rock-climbing and bouldering guide from the British Mountaineering Council, covering every crag in the Burbage, Rivelin, Millstone, Bamford and Wharncliffe areas. Continuing on the popular and successful format of the "Staffordshire Roaches Guide" (2004, 0-903908-67-0), it features: over 2,200 routes from Diff to E10 and over 750 boulder problems from V0 to V11; over 120 full-colour action shots and over 290 full-colour photo-topos. This definitive history of climbing in the area includes: comprehensive guides and suggestions for beginners and intermediate climbers; and, tick lists, guides, anecdotes, quotes and suggestions to all sorts of weird and wonderful routes.

One of the finest mountaineering books. A phenomenal tale of strength and valour. WITH AN INTRODUCTION BY JOE SIMPSON In 1950, no mountain higher than 8,000 meters had ever been climbed. Maurice Herzog and other members of the French Alpine Club resolved to try. This is the enthralling story of the first conquest of Annapurna and the harrowing descent. With breathtaking courage and grit manifest on every page, Annapurna is one of the greatest adventure stories ever told. As well as an introduction by Joe Simpson, this new edition includes 16 pages of photographs, which provide a remarkable visual record of this legendary expedition. The distinguished French mountaineer Maurice Herzog was leader of the 1950 expedition to Annapurna. He was one of the two climbers to reach the summit.

My eyes lifted to the horizon and the unmistakable snowy outline of Everest. Everest, the mountain of my childhood dreams. A mountain that has haunted me my whole life. A mountain I have seen hundreds of times in photographs and films but never in real life. In April 2018, seasoned adventurer Ben Fogle and Olympic cycling gold medallist Victoria Pendleton, along with mountaineer Kenton Cool, took on their most exhausting challenge yet - climbing Everest for the British Red Cross to highlight the environmental challenges mountains face. It would be harrowing and exhilarating in equal measure as they walked the fine line between life and death 8,000 metres above sea level. For Ben, the seven-week expedition into the death zone was to become the adventure of a lifetime, as well as a humbling and enlightening journey. For his wife Marina, holding the family together at home, it was an agonising wait for news. Together, they dedicated the experience to their son, Willem Fogle, stillborn at eight months. Cradling little Willem to say goodbye, Ben and Marina made a promise to live brightly. To embrace every day. To always smile. To be positive and to inspire. And from the depths of their grief and dedication, Ben's Everest dream was born. Up, from here the only way was Up. Part memoir, part thrilling adventure, Ben and Marina's account of his ascent to the roof of the world is told with their signature humour and warmth, as well as with profound compassion.

'We had climbed a mountain and crossed a pass; been wet, cold, hungry, frightened, and withal happy. One more Himalayan season was over. It was time to begin thinking of the next. "Strenuousness is the immortal path, sloth is the way of death".' First published in 1946, the scope of H.W. 'Bill' Tilman's When Men & Mountains Meet is broad, covering his disastrous expedition to the Assam Himalaya, a small exploratory trip into Sikkim, and then his wartime heroics. In the thirties, Assam was largely unknown and unexplored. It proved a challenging environment for Tilman's party, the jungle leaving the men mosquito-bitten and suffering with tropical diseases, and thwarting their mountaineering success. Sikkim proved altogether more successful. Tilman, who is once again happy and healthy, enjoys some exploratory ice climbing and discovers Abominable Snowman tracks, particularly remarkable as the creature appeared to be wearing boots - 'there is no reason why he should not have picked up a discarded pair at the German Base Camp and put them to their obvious use'. And then, in 1939, war breaks out. With good humour and characteristic understatement we hear about Tilman's remarkable Second World War. After digging gun pits on the Belgian border and in Iraq, he was dropped by parachute behind enemy lines to fight alongside Albanian and Italian partisans. Tilman was awarded the Distinguished Service Order for his efforts - and the keys to the city of Belluno, which he helped save from occupation and destruction. Tilman's comments on the German approach to Himalayan climbing could equally be applied to his guerrilla warfare ethos. 'They spent a lot of time and money and lost a lot of climbers and porters, through bad luck and more often through bad judgement.' While elsewhere the war machine rumbled on, Tilman's war was fast, exciting, lightweight and foolhardy - and makes for gripping reading.

Norway, 1965. A team of young climbers from the north of England camp at the bottom of the tallest vertical rock face in Europe - the Troll Wall. No one has dared attempt this gigantic challenge before. Some say it will never be climbed. This will be the adventure of a lifetime. Rain and snow soak them as they climb. Avalanches and loose rock threaten their lives. A Norwegian team arrives to compete for the glory as the world's media look on. Pushed to the limits of exhaustion, the team spends days on the wall, refusing to given in, even when failure seems certain. "Troll Wall" tells the gripping story of one of the most dramatic first ascents in British climbing history. Written days after their success, almost half a century ago, and newly rediscovered, Tony Howard's account is a fascinating insight into the challenges of climbing a big mountain wall.

The 54 walks in this guidebook explore the popular region around Mont Blanc. These routes showcase the best mountain walking to be found on both the French and the Italian sides of the Mont Blanc massif. The 50 contrasting day walks (3-20km) range from high-level walks to easy summits, mountain huts, viewpoints and mountain lakes, as well as less strenuous valley walks. Also included are four multi-day treks: Vallorcine to Plaine Joux, Vallorcine to Servoz, the Tour of the Aiguilles Rouges and a circuit of the Italian Val Ferret. Walks are organised according to the nearest town base: St Gervais les Bains and Les Contamines, Servoz and Plateau D'Assy, Les Houches, Chamonix, Argentiere, Vallorcine and Courmayeur. Walks are Graded 1 to 3: grade 1 walks are manageable by any reasonably fit person on good, usually waymarked paths, while grade 3 routes are long, tough routes, often without waymarking, making navigation difficult: there could also be some scrambling. Additionally there is often a valley walk that can be done whatever the weather, or on rest days, with children, by bike, or as a run. All routes feature a detailed route description and mapping.

Shortlisted for the Boardman Tasker Award for Mountain Literature. 'As I sat cradling the man's head, with his blood and brains sticking to my hands, I heard a voice - my own voice. It was asking me something. Asking how I had ended up like this, desperate and lost among people who thought nothing of caving in a man's head and then standing back to watch him die.' Nick Bullock was a prison officer working in a maximum-security jail with some of Britain's most notorious criminals. Trapped in a world of aggression and fear, he felt frustrated and alone. Then he discovered the mountains. Making up for lost time, Bullock soon became one of Britain's best climbers, learning his trade in the mountains of Scotland and Wales, and travelling from Pakistan to Peru in his search for new routes and a new way of seeing the world - and ultimately an escape route from his life inside. Told that no one ever leaves the service - the security, the stability, the 'job for life' - Bullock focused his existence on a single goal: to walk free, with no shackles, into a mountain life. Echoes is a powerful and compelling exploration of freedom, and what it means to live life on your own terms.