tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7063908328061898266Sun, 01 Nov 2026 02:14:14 +0000CairngormsScottish Highlandsbackpackingwild campingsnowThe Great OutdoorswinterhillwalkingTGOoutdoor gearhill walkingoutdoor writingconservationwritinglong distance hikingphotographyScotlandnaturebooksStrathspeyweatherlong-distance hikingbook reviewsoutdoor booksPacific Crest Traillong distance trailsgear reviewsski touringautumnoutdoor magazinesfilmoutdoor gear reviewsTGO ChallengeTerry Abrahambirdsbackpacking gearmountainsMunroslong distance walkingwinter campingwildlifeMeall a'BhuachailleScottish watershedhikingwinter hillwalkingGlen FeshieCairngorms National ParkLake DistrictPacific Northwest Trailcampingigloosstormsautumn colourstreeswild landJohn Muir Trustlong-distance trailswind farmswoodsBen MacduiCairn GormtentsCairngorms In Wintersunsetcamerasforestoutdoor photographytalksforestsrewildingcloudshiking gearlong-distance walkingnature writingContinental Divide Traillandscape photographyHigh SierraJohn 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bowfogbowfogbowsfolk musicfood for backpackingfood for hikingfood for wild campingfootwearfront packsfuel transferfuniculargarden wildlifegas canistersgear testinggear videosgeologygin. spiritsglovesgoatsgorsegranolagreenfinchhatshead lampsheadnetsheat exchangerheat exchanger potsheatwavehiking bootshiking pictureshiking quiltshiking shirtshiking techhiking trailshill fortshill listshill pathshillwalhillwalkhillwalkihillwalkinhillwalking gearhillwalking videoshillwalkinhhillwalklinghip flaskice axeinterviewlakeslandslipslapwinglapwingslayering systemleave no tracelectureslenseslightweightlightweight backpackinglightweight hikinglocal historylogginglong diststance walkslong-distance walkslong-dustance hikinglong-tailed titslynxmalt whiskymap canvasmap decorationsmappingmegapixelsmemoriesmidge netsminimum impactmistsmoon & Jupitermountain campingmountain climbingmountain haresmountain literaturemountain safetymountain sheltersmountain writingmountaineeringmountaineering booksnature photographynature writersnight photographynoctilucent cloudsnoticesnstional parksottersoutdoor Xmas presentsoutdoor accessoutdoor blogsoutdoor gear testingoutdoor phoneoutdoor pocastsoutdoors writingovergrazingphone mastsphoto editingphoto processingphotograohyphotographic gearpine martenplayspower banksptarmiganpublishingquad copterrain clothingrain jacketsravensrecordingrecyclingred deerreindeerright to roamriver fordsroute-findingrowan treesrugged phoneruined houseruinssandalssatellite communicatorsscanned slidesscience fictionsea birdssealsseasonsshelterssignssilversmithskysky racessmartphonesnow meltingsnow travelsolsticespring snowstar photographystealth campingstorytellingsun protectionsunshinesustainabilityswanstent pegstent reviewtent reviewsthawthawsthe Cuillinthe Dava Waythe Speyside Waythe layer systemthru'hikingthunderthunderstormstrad musictrail foodtrainstrapstripodsultralight gearurban landscapewaist packswalking footwearwalking gearwalking gear reviewswalking gear testingwalking trouserswaterwater for hikingwaterproof notebookswaterproof/breathablewhooper swanswild camping gearwild campswild land areaswildcatswilderness signswilderness walkingwillowwindwindswindshirtwinter camping. camp stoveswinter climbingwinter clothingwinter gearwinter hikingwinter landscapewinter landscapeswinter mountain safetywinter skillswinter woodswoodwoodlandBackpacking, hiking, camping, mountains, natural history, wilderness, book reviews, conservation, writing, photography, arts, politics and anything else on which I have something to say.http://www.christownsendoutdoors.com/noreply@blogger.com (Chris Townsend)Blogger2243125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7063908328061898266.post-554522520151468765Thu, 29 Oct 2026 23:58:24 +00002026-10-29T23:58:24.275+00:00autumnCairngormsGlen FeshieHighland cattlewild campingBeasts in the glenNot long after the stormy trip through Glen Feshie and over the Lairig Ghru with Tony Hobbs, as described in this post, I was back in Glen Feshie with Wolfgang Petter and his friend Stefan. The original plan, as with Tony, had been a walk in the NW Highlands but the weather forecast had us changing that to an overnight trip in Glen Feshie. Not that the forecast for the http://www.christownsendoutdoors.com/2026/10/more-rain-in-glen-feshie.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Chris Townsend)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7063908328061898266.post-218608821996652901Sun, 25 Oct 2026 15:49:27 +00002026-10-25T15:53:37.866+00:00Las Vegaslong-distance hikingYosemite Valley to Death ValleyDeath Valley camp, morning, October 23, 2016On October 23, 2016, I had the strangest end to a long-distance walk I've ever experienced. It was the last day of a month-long walk from Yosemite Valley to Death Valley in California. I woke up in the wilderness with mountains behind me, desert in front of me. No sign of humanity. I went to sleep in a hotel room in downtown Las Vegas. No mountains. No http://www.christownsendoutdoors.com/2026/10/ten-years-ago-strangest-last-day-of.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Chris Townsend)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7063908328061898266.post-8769611855585748039Fri, 16 Oct 2026 22:21:14 +00002026-10-16T23:21:14.201+01:00backpackingCairngormsstormswild campingApproaching Bod an Deamhain We should have been in Torridon. At least, that was the plan. A forecast of stormy weather had us deciding to shift the trip a few days forwards. The forecast shifted with us. Maybe Torridon wasn’t a good idea. The forecast looked a little less stormy in the Cairngorms. Also, there we had options for more sheltered routes than in Torridon, with more trees, more http://www.christownsendoutdoors.com/2026/10/autumn-storms-in-cairngorms-on-four.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Chris Townsend)2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7063908328061898266.post-7739024651211907387Wed, 14 Oct 2026 22:38:23 +00002026-10-14T23:38:23.969+01:00TGOThe Great OutdoorsIn this issue I look at new items of gear that caught my eye at this year's Outdoor Trade Show. In reviews Kirsty Pallas and James Roddie each try out three pairs of hiking boots. In the Gear Opinion piece James Forrest gives a realistic assessment of waterproofs and what you can actually expect from them. Also on the always relevant matter of coping with rain Will Renwick describes how he deals http://www.christownsendoutdoors.com/2026/10/a-look-at-november-issue-of-great.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Chris Townsend)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7063908328061898266.post-3720720471425816097Sat, 26 Sep 2026 18:01:08 +00002026-09-26T19:01:08.466+01:00backpackingHigh Sierralong distance hikingOn September 26, 2016, I was on the fourth day of a walk from Yosemite Valley to Death Valley. This spectacular trip is one of my favourites. I crossed the magnificent High Sierra, climbed Mount Whitney, then crossed Owens Valley to the Inyo and Panamint Mountains where I climbed Telescope Peak before descending to Death Valley itself.The first part of the trip was very hot and sunny. The http://www.christownsendoutdoors.com/2026/09/ten-years-ago-yosemite-valley-to-death.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Chris Townsend)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7063908328061898266.post-4842666172597060173Tue, 22 Sep 2026 20:50:16 +00002026-09-22T21:50:16.993+01:00gear videos Two recent videos on bits of gear I find interesting. I hope some of you do too!http://www.christownsendoutdoors.com/2026/09/two-videos-on-new-fire-maple-stove-and.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Chris Townsend)3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7063908328061898266.post-7144326355923257295Mon, 21 Sep 2026 15:22:50 +00002026-09-21T16:22:50.958+01:00autumnGrant's Fortlocal historywillowThe steep slopes of Clais an Dunain below Grant's FortTwo years ago an exhibition at our excellent local museum had a sketch map of Iron Age hill forts in the area, one of which lay hidden in some woods not far from home so one autumn day I set out to visit it and see if I could make out any of the hill fort amongst the trees. I wrote about that trip here. The hill fort is called Grant’s Fort http://www.christownsendoutdoors.com/2026/09/grants-fort-legend-of-highland-skull.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Chris Townsend)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7063908328061898266.post-3584928152989705607Wed, 16 Sep 2026 22:51:38 +00002026-09-16T23:51:38.521+01:00CairngormscampingwildfiresThe Abernethy-Ryvoan Fire Day1. View from CraigellachieOn July 15 I was driving to Aviemore when I saw smoke billowing up from behind Meall a’Bhuachaille. I was heading for Coire na Ciste and a walk on the long north ridge of Cairn Gorm, a favourite quiet place. Approaching Aviemore the smoke looked thicker. Stopping, I consulted the internet. A fire had broken out near Ryvoan Bothy. Going that http://www.christownsendoutdoors.com/2026/09/mostly-wildfires-plus-cairngorms-camp.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Chris Townsend)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7063908328061898266.post-4493239057550186236Sat, 05 Sep 2026 22:16:32 +00002026-09-05T23:16:32.752+01:00TGOThe Great OutdoorsThis issue sees the annual Gear Of The Year Awards, selected from twelve months of gear that impressed TGO's team of experts, including myself. I put together this year's feature and have been convinced to buy at least two of the winners!The main features see experts looking at the future and predicting what's in store for hillwalkers (I hope some of  them are correct and some aren't!); http://www.christownsendoutdoors.com/2026/09/a-look-at-october-issue-of-great.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Chris Townsend)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7063908328061898266.post-3752232033597264492Fri, 04 Sep 2026 23:34:50 +00002026-09-05T00:34:50.310+01:00CairngormshillwalkingSgor Gaoithwild campingMeall Tionail with Meall Buidhe to the leftSometimes revisiting a familiar place can bring something new, something that makes you think maybe you didn’t know the place as well as you thought after all. Such was the case on a late August walk from Glen Feshie to Sgor Gaoith. I’ve done this many times over the years. It’s one of my favourite Cairngorm walks and Sgor Gaoith one of my favourite http://www.christownsendoutdoors.com/2026/09/a-familiar-walk-with-difference-sgor.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Chris Townsend)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7063908328061898266.post-1767236852997945209Tue, 18 Aug 2026 21:19:50 +00002026-08-18T22:19:50.703+01:00TGOThe Great Outdoors A belated look at the September issue of TGO magazine. The last few weeks have been somewhat hectic and have flashed by so it's a little late I'm afraid.In the gear pages Lara Dunn and James Roddie each review four waterproof jackets and Gemma Palmer and Peter Macfarlane each review three midlayers. In individual reviews Kirsty Pallas looks at the HeartHero Elliot AED and Fiona Russell http://www.christownsendoutdoors.com/2026/08/a-look-at-september-issue-of-great.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Chris Townsend)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7063908328061898266.post-5833192225154767333Sun, 16 Aug 2026 22:02:00 +00002026-08-16T23:02:00.067+01:00backpackingcampinghikingtent pegsTent pegs ordered as I'd choose them from one I wouldn't use on the left to my favourite on the right.Tent pegs are essential items you should be able to take for granted. Simple, functional, not particularly interesting. However, I’ve been irritated recently at how many of them are barely adequate, if that. Tent pegs only have one purpose, to secure a tent or tarp so it doesn’t fall down or http://www.christownsendoutdoors.com/2026/08/tent-pegs-i-like-dislike-with-reasons.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Chris Townsend)6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7063908328061898266.post-126942964228617404Wed, 12 Aug 2026 23:32:25 +00002026-08-14T14:59:57.803+01:00CairngormscampingGlen TromiehillwalkingMeallach MhorLoch an t-Seilich from the slopes of Meallach MhorOn the western side of the Cairngorms National Park is long Glen Tromie. It’s not as well-known or popular as the glens and passes to the east – Glen Feshie, Gleann Eanaich, the Lairig Ghru. No Munros rise above Glen Tromie, no cliff-girt corries. The hills are rolling and round heathery bumps, steep-sided but not dramatic. The glen has some fine http://www.christownsendoutdoors.com/2026/08/glen-tromie-meallach-mhor-camp-and-hill.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Chris Townsend)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7063908328061898266.post-2191570076385000860Thu, 16 Jul 2026 22:46:29 +00002026-07-16T23:46:29.412+01:00TGOThe Great OutdoorsIn this issue I review solo backpacking tents from MSR, Highlander, Weschel, and Big Agnes plus men's hiking shoes from Keen, Oboz, Danner, and Meindl. Lara Dunn reviews women's hiking shoes from La Sportiva, Helly Hansen, Aku, and Arc'teryx. In individual reviews Francesca Donovan likes the Helly Hansen Blaze 7/8 Tights and David Lintern likes the Sunski Ferrata Sunglasses and the Rab Force http://www.christownsendoutdoors.com/2026/07/a-look-at-august-issue-of-great-outdoors.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Chris Townsend)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7063908328061898266.post-6288357912763718676Sat, 11 Jul 2026 18:03:32 +00002026-07-11T19:03:32.674+01:00backpacking tentsCairngormsScottish Highlandswild camping Last month I had a short trip in the Cairngorms with a tent I was testing for the first time. The weather was windy and cloudy with a few showers, which was good for the test but the reason I didn't go any further than my camp spot. I did make a video about the tent and the stove system I used - Robens Alta Via 1 UL and Primus Lite Ultra .I didn't write a blog post but I did take some http://www.christownsendoutdoors.com/2026/07/a-windy-tent-test-in-cairngorms.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Chris Townsend)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7063908328061898266.post-331887611574858136Mon, 06 Jul 2026 23:37:11 +00002026-07-07T00:37:11.148+01:00backpacking gearlong-distance hiking gearLast camp of the walk by the river SpeyThe weather on my week-long Moray Way walk in late May was pleasant. There was a strong wind the first four days but it wasn’t cold and although often cloudy there were only a few very short showers – my waterproofs never came out of the pack. The last two days were hot and sunny, making water and sunscreen the two most important items in my pack. I requiredhttp://www.christownsendoutdoors.com/2026/07/the-gear-i-used-on-moray-way.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Chris Townsend)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7063908328061898266.post-7653347099457795932Tue, 30 Jun 2026 20:53:22 +00002026-06-30T21:53:22.579+01:00 http://www.christownsendoutdoors.com/2026/06/the-moray-way-third-of-three-videos.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Chris Townsend)2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7063908328061898266.post-2464347010796170778Wed, 24 Jun 2026 13:19:41 +00002026-06-24T14:19:41.564+01:00long-distance hikingthe Moray Coast TrailThe Moray Way http://www.christownsendoutdoors.com/2026/06/the-moray-way-second-of-three-videos.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Chris Townsend)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7063908328061898266.post-5196009108329066725Wed, 24 Jun 2026 13:13:21 +00002026-06-24T14:13:21.973+01:00TGOThe Great OutdoorsA belated look at the July issue of The Great Outdoors. A problem with the internet has stopped me posting for a while.In this issue I and Steph Wetherall each review an ultralight big pack and a standard weight big pack. Also in the gear pages James Roddie reviews eight outdoor apps, Steph Wetherall reviews Maier Sports Lawa Shorts, Fiona Russell reviews the Berghaus Rain-Motion Jacket, and http://www.christownsendoutdoors.com/2026/06/a-look-at-july-issue-of-great-outdoors.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Chris Townsend)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7063908328061898266.post-2315143465712999438Wed, 10 Jun 2026 13:02:08 +00002026-06-24T14:17:53.597+01:00Dava Waylong distance hikinglong distance trailsMoray WayHere's a link to the first of four videos I'll be posting about my Moray Way walk. One for each section of the walk and one on the gear I used.This video covers the Dava Way and my first camp.http://www.christownsendoutdoors.com/2026/06/moray-way-videos.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Chris Townsend)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7063908328061898266.post-3731550715707626365Sun, 07 Jun 2026 22:52:38 +00002026-06-07T23:52:38.556+01:00outdoor gearOutdoor Trade ShowJust back from this year's Outdoor Trade Show in Liverpool. To my surprise this was the 20th show. I didn't think there had been that many. As always there was plenty to see and plenty of people to chat with, often the only time I meet them face to face each year.Three days in this vast hall with its temporary outdoor gear village.Amidst all the new gear it was good to see Keela promoting its http://www.christownsendoutdoors.com/2026/06/the-outdoor-trade-show-2026.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Chris Townsend)3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7063908328061898266.post-5953172133231636481Sun, 31 May 2026 22:35:45 +00002026-05-31T23:35:45.569+01:00long-distance trailslong-distance walkingScotlandthe Dava Waythe Moray Coast TrailThe Moray Waythe Speyside WayFirst camp, on Dava Moor on the Dava Way.The Moray Way is a 100 mile/160km walk linking the Dava Way, the Moray Coast Trail, and the Speyside Way. Forres on the coast is usually the starting point for the walk. However, as I live just a few kilometres from the Dava Way at Grantown-on-Spey it seemed logical to start there. Indeed, for the first time ever I set out on a long walk from my front doorhttp://www.christownsendoutdoors.com/2026/05/the-moray-way-some-thoughts-pictures.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Chris Townsend)3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7063908328061898266.post-3761016020872786149Mon, 18 May 2026 08:00:00 +00002026-05-21T14:26:10.585+01:00long distance walkingMunrosScottish Highlandswild campingThe first of 517. On Ben More on Mull, May 18.Thirty years ago on May 18, 1996, I climbed Ben More on the Isle of Mull, the first summit on a walk over all the 517 Munros and Tops - mountains and subsidiary summits in the Scottish Highlands over 3,000 feet/914.4 metres in height. The walk ended 118 days later on Ben Hope, the northernmost Munro, after around 1770 miles/2850 km and some 575000 http://www.christownsendoutdoors.com/2026/05/thirty-years-ago-i-walked-over-all.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Chris Townsend)3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7063908328061898266.post-1371941479900298701Mon, 11 May 2026 23:12:27 +00002026-05-12T00:12:27.804+01:00TGOThe Great OutdoorsI have an unusual gear feature in the latest TGO magazine. Rather than a review of any particular product it's an opinion piece on packs and, in particular, what features I really don't like. More conventionally I also review the Patagonia R1 Air Fleece Vest.Also in the gear pages Lara Dunn and Peter Macfarlane each review three daypacks and Gemma Palmer and Peter Macfarlane each review three http://www.christownsendoutdoors.com/2026/05/a-look-at-june-issue-of-great-outdoors.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Chris Townsend)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7063908328061898266.post-1418750967178191697Mon, 11 May 2026 21:37:39 +00002026-05-11T22:37:39.191+01:00backpacking stovesJetboil Stash (left) and Primus Lite Ultra 0.8LThe Jetboil Stash, launched several years ago, and the new Primus Lite Ultra 0.8L are, as far as I know, the two lightest gas canister stove systems by a long way. By stove system I mean a pot and stove designed to work together and only available as a unit. Usually the pot and stove lock together when in use though this isn't the case with the Stashhttp://www.christownsendoutdoors.com/2026/05/a-video-comparing-two-lightweight-stove.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Chris Townsend)0