Review · Shoes
La Sportiva Hiking Shoes
Part approach shoe, part hiking shoe earning a loyal following among walkers who spend a lot of time on stone. Reviewed with UK hill days, rocky paths and Grade 1–2 scrambling firmly in mind.
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 review · Field notes
Silva Expedition 4 Compass – A Lifetime Navigation Tool
The Expedition 4 sticks to a classic, well-proven baseplate design that makes map work intuitive and fast. The clear baseplate, bold markings and generous size make it easy to align with an OS map, even in poor light or driving rain.
Read the full gear review →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 · Navigation
Silva Expedition 4 Compass
A trusted baseplate compass I’ve carried everywhere from North Wales ridges to Scottish plateaus and Alpine approaches. Reviewed after years of continuous real-world use in mountain terrain.
Review · Footware
North Face Traction Mules
These are the “cold morning, tent-to-brew, hut-to-porch” kind of mules: insulated, cosy, and built with a proper rubber outsole so you’re not skating across wet flags, getting cold feet.
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, and smash blisters, plus what to pack in your 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.
Routes
Honest walking route guides
Curated routes with distance, ascent and realistic timings – plus notes on navigation, weather and escape options.
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.
ROUTES COMING SOON!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.
ROUTES COMING SOON!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.
ROUTES COMING SOON!