Amazing one day hike on the south west coast path!

Took an overnight bus from London to Penzance and spent the evening near Land’s End.

Met one guy doing the full 630 miles of the south west coast path and it’s now on my bucket list too.

Every October I travel to Ladybower resevoir and climb up this staggering hill for these views.

This always somehow reminds me of when I go to Canada, even though it’s completely different. Just spectacular views!

Early start this morning for a lovely walk from Fairholmes at Ladybower/Derwent. Different route to the usual ones up to Howden Edge and Margery Hill before back along the reservoir.

Since I was off early, I didn't see anyone from a mile out of the car park where a mountain rescue event was happening, till Margery Stones where I passed some mountain bikers.

When I got down to the river it got busy. But I had a few solid hours of lovely weather to enjoy the peak all to myself!

Great start to the weekend!

Hi all. New to this sub, so please forgive me if this question is regularly asked.

A few years ago, I was very active and had a really nice pair of boots. Unfortunately, due to work, I didn't do as much hiking as I'd like over the last few years; but I'm looking to start hiking again. Unfortunately, in that time, during some shorter walks, my boots fell apart after about 15 years of use.

So I'm looking to start hiking again but I need a really good pair of boots. I need them to be good for short walks, but I'm hoping that I will start walking up mountains again so I'm looking for a really comfortable pair of boots. Happy to splurge if the boots are good and will last a long time.

My 20 year old Berghaus PacLite Goretex shell has seen better days. All the seam tape is coming away and it has lots of pin holes. Berghaus no longer makes the PacLite range does any one have any recommendations for a lightweight Gore-Tex shell?

I’m planning to head up Ben Nevis soon and was thinking about doing a sunrise hike via the Carn Mor Dearg Arete instead of the tourist path.

A few things I’d love some advice on:

• Is the CMD route doable in the dark with decent headtorches, or is it a bit sketchy at night?
• How’s the scrambling section before dawn — safe enough if you’ve got ridge-walking experience, or better left for daylight?
• Best spot for sunrise — along the Arete itself, or right at the summit?
• Any tips on parking, start times, or things we shouldn’t miss if going this way?

I’ll be going with a mate — both fairly fit with some ridge / scrambling experience. We’ve done sunrise hikes on Snowdon (Watkin Path), Scafell Pike(Eskdale route), and Tryfan(South ridge), but never Ben Nevis.

Would love to hear from anyone who’s tried sunrise from this route — is it worth it, or should I stick to the Mountain Track for a first-time night ascent?

Building up my endurance for the 3 peaks challenge.

I'm working my way through the Wainwright Outlying Peaks. I've already completed the main 214 Wainwright's.

So far I've done about 25% of the Outlying Peaks mostly concentrated on the south edge of the Lake District. For anyone who's done most of the Outlying Peaks beyond the area between Kendal and Coniston what are the best Outlying peak walks that I can look forward too?

I've done a decent amount of walking, wildcamping and other adventures of that ilk, and the majority have been in the winter months between November and March. However, they've all been in fairly forgiving climates (Ireland Yorkshire and the Peaks mostly). I always give myself a break during reading week by going for an adventure and the West Highland Way seems a decent option for this years. How brutal will this be during the first couple weeks of November? Am i naive in assuming the low elevation of the walk means it won't be too bad? Whats the likelihood of snow on the ground?
I'd be wildcamping with a couple hostel / campsite stops along the way to break it up a little. Kit wise, I'm a student, so its all budget but I'm very used to it all and trust it to do the job.

Hello strangers. Next year I plan to hike the Southwest Coast Path in its entirety. My heart is telling me that I can do this and it will be a life-changing experience; my head is telling me I'm a moron. What I'm looking for, essentially, is validation that I am a moron, so I can know exactly how I am a moron, and I can take steps to counter this.

About me; I'm a fat fuck. I'm 5"9 (5"8 and a half if I'm being honest), and I'm a shade under 15 stone. I do have some experience with dayhikes on the SWCP - I've walked quite a few of the Devon parts as day trips. Over the summer I regularly walked ~10 miles on the coast path with absolutely no issues on consecutive days. However, that was driving to the start point, walking with no gear other than a bottle of water and a pack of tobacco, returning to my car, and sleeping in a comfortable bed. Considerably different than a 7-weekish through hike, but I do have a certain base fitness level despite my fatness. I hope to lose about 3 stone over the next 9 months, although I'm unsure if this is too ambitious.

As for my plan. Initially I planned to take a bivy bag (so as to be lightweight and stealthy) and occasionally splurge for actual accommodation. Having spent the day doing research on what bivy bags actually are, I am rethinking this. But I'm not particularly great at pitching tents, I worry about the weight, and I worry about the lack of stealth (I know how exposed parts of the coast path are and I know how shitty some people get about people on their land). I figured for breakfast I'd just have overnight oats and whatever berries I could forage to jazz it up, lunch can be bread based (I work in China and good bread is impossible to find so I'm more than happy to spend a summer yamming straight bread for lunch daily), dinner is less clear, although I have considered investing in a camping stove. Water worries me because I want to remain hydrated but I am concerned about the weight of lugging litres of water with me.

That's basically it. I'm currently working a job that gives me about 3 months off over summer but in 2027 I'm probably going to start a Master's degree and therefore I might not have a job quite so unserious in the future. Also I'm the wrong side of 30 and me and the wife are strongly considering having kids soon; I won't really be able to say "Okay love you take care of little Timmy I'm fucking off to do a 7 week walk good luck." So it's really now or never... and I fucking love the SWCP, this is a bucket list ting for me, so it's now.

So yeah if anyone would like to shit all over my plan, or if anyone has walked the SWCP and can provide assistance, it would be greatly appreciated. I do have 9 months to prepare so hopefully there's nothing that can't be ironed out, but as I said I'm not really experienced in this regard so there may be problems I am yet to anticipate.

Has anyone taken this path to pavey arch? We used this path as we saw a man going up using this path and looked so easy. Jacks rake was supposed to be our first scramble as beginner hikers. We wtopped on that green point as i panicked and couldnt go farther. And the guy we followed saw us and said we are almost up there, view is pretty mich the same and theres a bit of wall climbing. I felt so frustrated. 🥺

Not UK but I'm sure UK people have done it. Any tips I'm going in December?

The Hiraethog Trail, a lesser-known long distance path through parts of rural Conwy & Denbighshire, North Wales. A team of three joined me for a single-day push to walk the entire length of the trail, a hefty 68 kilometres or 42 miles!

We set out from the fringes of Eryri/Snowdonia in the village of Pentrefoelas where the trail leads along the southern edge of Mynydd Hiraethog, sometimes known as The Denbigh Moors. We later linked up the villages of Cerrigydrudion, Llangwm & Llanfihangel Glyn Myfyr before a big stretch through the Clocaenog Forest which is fantastic. Pastures, forest tracks & farm lanes lead north towards Denbigh & Clwyd. Despite previous recce attempts, the final section along the Afon Clwyd River was impossible to follow (I blame the dark!) so we followed lanes running in parallel to the finish in Bodfari which intersects Offa’s Dyke.

This was such an interesting and challenging day, the route passes through some incredibly beautiful landscapes plus it’s fairly unheard of compared to its neighbouring long distance trails. We managed to clock up well over 70km in 17 hours, the team did amazingly well pushing hard until the very end so I have to thank them for their determination and patience.

Finally, I’ve spent some time searching for trip reports from other people’s experience on the trail and I genuinely cannot find anybody who claims to have completed the Hiraethog Trail in a single push - I’ll be happy (and relieved) to be shown otherwise!

The Mountain Weather Information Service says:

“Clusters of showery rain, merging to be more constant rain for periods. Heavy bursts on and off, risk of hail and thunder.”

I’m particularly concerned that a risk of thunder means a risk of lightning, which isn’t great on an exposed summit. Add in chilly winds and frequent showers, and it’s not sounding ideal.

Am I daft to still consider going? My gut says postpone, but I’d appreciate any advice or perspective.

Thanks for all the advice. I’ve decided to postpone for now.

Our original plan was to travel up to Yorkshire on the Sunday, hike Monday, rest Tuesday and return home on Wednesday. However the weather has changed.. It seems the Tuesday is the better day but I still have concerns over the rain and wind.

My group doesn’t mind a bit of rain but I’m wondering if we’re being silly continuing with our plan? I’m keeping an eye on all mountain weather forecasts as they update closer to the time, ultimately I’m not risking our safety.

Has anyone done the challenge in similar conditions?

Does anyone have any recommendations for shorter walks nearby? We’re happy to still go up and explore the area as long as there’s no risk of the tent blowing away!

As the title says, I'm really struggling to find hiking gear that fits me. I have Acai 7/8 leggings for running which are perfect, but struggling for proper trousers and waterproof jackets/coats where the sleeves don't go past my fingertips - I'd ideally like to be able to use my hands for any scrambles! I've tried kids' sizes, but I have wide hips (size 10, while I'm size 8 for anything fitted on the waist or upper body) so this doesn't work any more.

For everyday clothes I tend to get specific petite ranges, Spanish or Asian brands, or get things tailored (which won't work as well for most hiking trousers/coats because of the way the cuffs and sleeves are designed), but I haven't found a good brand for hiking stuff yet.

Currently in Lake District for the week and been up a few hikes. No absolutely massive ones but a few hours, and all the people I’ve seen are just carrying absolutely nothing. It’s like they have a spare hour before they go to the shops and decide to hike a mountain. Is everyone just carrying the least amount as possible?

Anyway I have a 30L bag which I also carry my camera gear in, as I have brought my camera on this trip. But I feel so silly taking this bigger bag anywhere because I’ve only seen people taking the lightest bag ever. Even though most of the space is reserved for camera and lenses, still feel silly as I know some random person probably carrying a single bottle of water and a snickers is doing the same thing I am and will look at me and think “what’s this idiot doing with a bag like that when this will only take 2 hours? I also try to drink a lot so would like to carry more water but is it just unnecessary?

Someone tell me I’m overthinking it? this is completely my first time hiking anywhere lmao. Id like to hear people’s carrying gear setup depending on what they’re doing.

I also do plan to do a longer hike one day this week 5+ hours and I’m fully expecting someone to just be doing it as I am but carrying nothing

Have a free weekend on my work trip to the UK Oct 11-12 and looking for any Gals or Guys that might been keen for an adventure and trail run/hike the Yorkshire 3 peaks challenge. Probably targeting completion in about 7-8hours at a comfortable jog/walk pace.

Dm me if you might be interested in joining and having a few beers afterwards!

We're due to be heading up Scafell Pike via corridor route from Wasdale Head on Saturday, but weather looks pretty grim. We're fit walkers and pretty robust, but this sounds a bit hairy. We haven't done Scafell Pike before but have walked considerably in Yorkshire Dales and Peak District.

What are some low-level walks we could do (we're staying in Eskdale, but have a car) as an alternative? 10-15 miles.

Hi there,

I am going to the Lake District in a weeks time and plan to do Helvellyn by going up swirral edge via Catstye Cam and then down striding edge.

I keep reading online how these are deemed as challenging routes, but the same has been said about other routes I have climbed like Ben Nevis and Snowdon, which I found okay, so I am always skeptical when I see this about a route.

It’s meant to rain when I plan to do it but doesn’t appear to be heavy (but ofc the forecast can change) so I just wanted to get some advice. Am I being naive in thinking I’ll be okay, or is it not wise given I have not done a scramble before.

Also, what sort of wind speed would it be wise to call this off? 15mph? 25mph?

Would appreciate any advice on the matter !!

My partner and I are outdoor enthusiasts from Hertfordshire, and most weekends you'll find us wild camping somewhere. Usually in the Lakes or Wales. We don’t mind the journey when it means being out in nature, waking up under the sky.

So far, we've completed part of a thru-hike in Belgium, tackled the GR131 across Tenerife, and walked the Cumbria Way. But this time, we decided to go a little further, our first time ever in Scotland, and to walk the full West Highland Way.

We drove through the night and arrived late, seeing very little on the way up. But when we woke the next morning, we made our way to Fort William and began hitchhiking to the start. Driving through Glencoe was unreal! One of those landscapes you feel deep in your chest. We tried not to take it all in from the car, knowing we wanted to experience it properly on foot.

It took us three hitchhikes to get to the starting point and along the way, we made some lovely connections, both with drivers and fellow hikers on the trail. If anyone remembers us, hello again! So many of you have left footprints on our hearts.

The trail itself was breathtaking! Truly one of the most beautiful routes we've done. We wild camped every night and completed it in four days. It’s the busiest trail we’ve been on so far, but even with that, there were long, peaceful stretches where it felt like we had the highlands to ourselves.

We met all sorts of people doing it in their own way, and that’s what makes the WHW so special. Whether you're wild camping, using bag transfers, staying in Airbnbs, or anything in between. It’s all valid. Just get outside, however it works for you.

We were lucky to avoid midges and found wild camping spots fairly easily - though do be mindful of the restricted zones. One of our all-time favourite camps was the first night at Conic Hill, absolutely magical.

There are lots of resupply options during the first half of the trail, but after the Green Welly Stop, they're few and far between… We’d recommend stocking up well there. It was hands down the best service stop of the journey.

We filmed the whole thing, if you'd like to watch it - [https://www.youtube.com/watch?si=mouN7-Ugd727L-yE...]

we'd love it if you gave it a comment, like, or even a cheeky subscribe.

Right now, we’re chasing the Wainwrights in the Lake District. After two weekends of fell-bagging, we’re almost done with Book One! Only three fells left. We’re documenting that journey too and teaching ourselves to get more cinematic as we go.

We’ve had a bit of a wild ride through life, full of twists, lessons, and unexpected turns and somewhere along the way, we fell in love with the outdoors. It’s changed everything for us. We’re slowly crafting a video to tell that whole story, piece by piece. It’s taking time, but it means a lot to us and we hope, when it’s done, it’ll mean something to you too.

Thanks for reading. Hopefully, we’ll cross paths out there sometime soon

Hi everyone first time ever at Snowdon thanks for all the advice left at 520 and took 6 hrs round trip did the pyg up miners down was very cloudy and windy and so rainy but was well worth it. Was fun going up in our head torches in the dark luckily rain didn't start till the decscent.

This is not very much about hiking but I no reckon you discerning lot who collectively know so much about hiking kit might know about committing rucksacks too. It's the same fabric idea on your back to carry important kit in all weathers where needs have to be covered.

So anyone got a good commuting rucksack recommendations?

Im a mixed mode commuter. 45 minutes not very busy train then 10 minutes ride each end in north west England levels of rain (Cumbria). Laptop, food, paperwork, stationery, coffee cup and water bottle contents, plus waterproofs if it ever stops raining lol!

My last split Gourdon 30 litres was good but wore through on the base and caught me out, nearly. I'm looking for something better. Perhaps compartments and usable pockets such as good fit phone, ear buds, bike lock, security pass with easy access to these. Also waterproof I guess too.

There's not much I've seen that look good to me. Perhaps I'm destined to forever use the alpkit bags getting a new one every 2 years as they wear through. Not my choice but haven't seen anything that really seems to be worth more money.

So anyone with good recommendations? What do you use for similar use case?