Climbing and mountaineering Books

Book SynopsisHow hard can it be? Not a bad question for anyone to ask when faced with a challenging situation whether that is at work, in the home, or in a chosen pursuit. This book describes that positive, self-confident approach by Nick Wharton during his many and varied adventures. The book takes the reader on a journey through a wide collection of stories and insights into his own escapades and how he has faced them over the past 40 years starting with learning to climb at boarding school - climbing the buildings in the middle of the night. We get an insight into his time in the army - holding back the Russians in Germany; patrolling the streets of Northern Ireland at the height of the troubles; training Mozambique forces in Zimbabwe; and, back home in the UK. Living in the Lake District, Wharton retrained as an Environmental Health Officer which started his unlikely choice of career in health and safety. We get an insight into his perspective of risk and how he has used his climbing to help get the H&S message across to colleagues and clients with great effect. He gives us an insight into his own, distinctive approach to climbing His insight into the world of hazards and risk management helps us to understand, what has been described by many as one of the most bold approaches to climbing in recent years. The book is a fabulous collection of stories and anecdotes with contributions from many others - colleagues, friends, climbing partners and well-known characters from the climbing world. Illustrated throughout with a range of full-colour photos. The book will appeal to climbers and other outdoor activity enthusiasts but also to anyone with a sense of adventure and fun. It is introduced with a foreword by Leo Houlding - one of the best-known adventurers of our time.

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Book SynopsisOn 25 January 2018, Élisabeth Revol and her climbing partner Tomasz Mackiewicz summited Nanga Parbat, the killer mountain. Situated in the Karakoram, the world’s ninth-highest peak is an immense ice-armoured pyramid of rock rising to an altitude of 8,125 metres. Élisabeth and Tomek had completed only the second winter ascent of the mountain, and Élisabeth had become the first woman to summit Nanga Parbat in winter. But their euphoria was short-lived. As soon as they reached the top, their adventure turned into a nightmare as Tomek was struck by blindness.In her own words, Élisabeth tells the story of this tragedy and the extraordinary rescue operation that resounded across the globe as fellow climbers flew in from K2 to help the stricken pair. She confronts her memories, her terror, her immense pain and the heartbreak of having survived, alone. To Live is Élisabeth Revol’s poignant tribute to her friend and climbing partner.Trade Review'First-person accounts of Himalayan ascents by women are few and far between, and To Live is a worthy addition to any mountain literature collection.' – UKClimbing.com

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Book SynopsisIn his own words Dougal Haston covers the years from his childhood in Scotland, where his love of climbing was first sparked, through to his development into perhaps the most formidable climber of his generation; his reputation was forged by his successful ascents of familiar peaks by unfamiliar routes (of which the most famous was the Eiger Direct).Infused throughout with his passion for climbing and his great determination to succeed, In High Places is a compelling and eye-opening portrait of the climber as a young man and a must read for all those with an interest in mountaineering.Trade ReviewA fascinating book both as an insight into one of Britain's most intriguing climbers and also as an account of a particularly rich period of British climbing history. -- Chris BonningtonHaston's prose is fast-paced, economical and wellsuited to a climbing narrative. * * Mountain Magazine * *Haston's style of writing is crisp and laconic . . . There is no superfluous padding but the essentials are there, stark and bold. I very much enjoyed reading this book. * * Alpine Journal * *

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Book SynopsisWhen poet Andrew Greig was asked by Scottish mountaineer Mal Duff to join his ascent of the Mustagh Tower in the Karakoram Himalayas, he had a poor head for heights and no climbing experience whatsoever. The result is this unique book.Summit Fever has been loved by climbers and literary critics alike for its refreshing candour, wit, insight and the haunting beauty of its writing.Much more than a book about climbing, it celebrates the risk, joy and adventure of being alive.Trade ReviewA wonderful, gritty expedition book. -- Chris Bonnington

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Book SynopsisRobin Smith was one of the most legendary climbers ever to have tackled a mountain. This definitive biography draws on contributions from people who knew this charismatic and complex young man, as well as diary extracts from Smith himself. As Smith was a friend and inspiration to many climbers worldwide, including fellow Scot Dougal Haston, High Endeavours is a fitting and long-overdue tribute to one of Britain's most revered mountaineers, and one of the finest books ever written on the allure of the mountainside.Trade ReviewA gem of a book. -- Alan Jackman * * Rock Climbing Club's Centenary Journal * *Cruickshank has produced a fitting memorial for his friend. * * Climber Magazine * *It succeeds triumphantly in its primary purpose, which is to bring a memorable spirit to life. * * Sunday Telegraph * *Former school friend and early climbing partner Jimmy Cruickshank succeeds in giving a flavour of the anarchic genius of Smith by means of a selection of reminiscences, unpublished correspondence and extensive quotation from Smith's peers. It represents more of an affectionate tribute to a friend. * * Scotland on Sunday * *

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Book SynopsisA century ago the summits of the world's highest peaks, Everest included, were beyond reach. Pioneering attempts to overcome the dangers of climbing at extremely high altitudes ended in failure, sometimes with disastrous consequences. Yet today high-altitude ascents are frequent, almost commonplace. Everest can be conquered by relatively inexperienced mountaineers, and their exploits barely merit media attention - unless they go fatally wrong. In this fascinating study of the dramatic history of Everest climbs, Richard Sale and George Rodway describe in vivid detail the struggle to conquer the mountain and the advances in scientific knowledge that made the conquest possible. Their account gives a compelling insight into the science of mountaineering as well as the physical and psychological challenges faced by individuals who choose to test themselves in some of the harshest conditions on earth. Dr George Rodway, an assistant professor at the University of Utah, is a physiologist, mountaineer and an expert on mountain medicine and the science of high-altitude climbs. As well as publishing many papers and articles on these subjects, he is the editor of George Ingle Finch's The Struggle for Everest. He has also written extensively on the history of high-altitude physiology for journals such as High Altitude Medicine and Biology.

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Book SynopsisNo goggles or glacier glasses, no hi-tech axes or day-glo Gore-Tex adorned Alpinists of the mid-nineteenth century. From the 1850s to the early twentieth century, the achievements of Irish mountaineers are largely obscured in British historical accounts. This sets the record straight. Frank Nugent, mountaineer-explorer, reveals a significant Irish contribution beginning with the Golden Age of Alpine Mountaineering when the first ascents of mountains like the Eiger and Weisshorn and the first traverse of the Matterhorn from Italy were by Irish climbers. Significant climbers of the time were: John Tyndall, a scientist from Carlow; John Ball MP from Dublin was the first president of the Alpine Club and led the popularisation of the sport with a series of guidebooks; Anthony Adams-Reilly from Westmeath produced the first reliable map of the Mont Blanc massif; Elizabeth Whitshed from Greystones, a pioneering woman mountaineer, was one of the first to engage in winter Alpine climbing; Valentine Ryan from Offaly is often considered the finest Alpine climber of the early twentieth century.The Alpine's Club's first publication in 1859 was Peaks, Passes and Glaciers, edited by John Ball. A climbing record of the Alpine Club, it was the blueprint for the Alpine Journal published annually ever since. The varied social, political and scientific backgrounds of Irish Alpine pioneers provide absorbing insights into nineteenth-century Irish society.Trade Review'Superbly researched and beautifully produced.' * Irish Mountain Log *

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Book SynopsisDorset has emerged as a major bouldering area in recent years thanks to the hard work of a bunch of diligent locals who have combed the coastline seeking out every block, problem and traverse. In addition to the well known areas of the Cuttings, the Boulderfield and the Neddyfields, the book has extensive information on the West Coast of Portland, many more areas on the East Coast, plus Swanage and Lulworth. It describes nearly 2000 boulder problems on around 400 pages.This Rockfax book is the first one to cover the bouldering in any depth. It completes the coverage adding a wealth of new information and is presented in the standard now demanded by today's climbers. It includes all the usual Rockfax features.

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Book SynopsisPresents a "Rockfax" guide to the bouldering to be found in and around the Lake District.

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Book SynopsisPeak Limestone covers the best of the sport and trad routes in a single volume, updating the previous edition from 2012 with the latest developments. The book is beautifully illustrated with some stunning action photographs from top photographers like Mike Hutton and Nick Brown. The crag photography has been re-taken using the latest technology creating the best ever photo-topos. The book features new even clearer maps and enhanced descriptions. It is likely to be the main source of information for the area for many years to come.

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Book SynopsisThe wide rolling hills, outcrops and quarries of sandstone and gritstone that pepper northern England have long been popular with the locals, though visitors are less common, except on the few better known cliffs. Although lacking the extravagantly draped grandeur of the spectacular Edges of the Peak District, there are many fine crags and hidden classics here waiting for the diligent explorer. This guidebook will help climbers get the most from this extensive area.Table of ContentsYorkshire: Shooter's Nab, Pule Hill, Heptonstall, Widdop, Earl Crag, The Chevin, Caley, Ilkley, Almscliff, Brimham, Eastby, Rylstone, Crookrise, Simon's Seat, Slipstones, Goldsborough Carr, Crag Willas North York Moors:Beacon Scar, Scugdale, Wainstones, Ravenscar, Highcliffe Nab, Park Nab Northumberland: Causey Quarry, Crag Lough, Peel Crag, Great Wanny, East Woodburn, Sandy Crag, Ravensheugh, Simonside, Corby's, Callerhues, Back Bowden, Bowden, Kyloe in the Wood, Kyloe out the Wood

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Book SynopsisThe Dorset Rockfax is now the established source of climbing information for this increasingly popular area. With a huge increase in new climbers coming into the sport from the metropolitan areas of Southern England, this book represents their closest extensive sport climbing area. The fifth edition of the Dorset Rockfax and the biggest Rockfax guidebook yet. It covers all the sport climbing across Portland, Lulworth and Swanage in Dorset and also the best of the trad climbing. The book features all the new developments since the previous book in 2012 and a few extra areas. Every crag has been rephotographed and presented with big aerial overviews and detailed new maps. Crags Covered Portland - Blacknor North, Blacknor Central, Blacknor South, Blacknor Beach, Blacknor Far South, Battleship Edge, Battleship Back Cliff, Wallsend North, Wallsend South, Coastguard North, Coastguard South, White Hole, Lighthouse Area, Cave Hole, Beeston Cliff, Godnor, Neddyfields, Cheyne Cliff, Dungecroft Quarry, Lost Valley, The Cuttings, The Knobs Lulworth Swanage - Winspit, Hedbury, Dancing Ledge, Guillemot Ledge, Cormorant Ledge, Blackers Hole, Fisherman's Ledge, The Promenade, Cattle Troughs, Boulder Ruckle, Subluminal The Needles

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Book SynopsisThis is a new book aimed at young climbers learning the National Indoor Climbing Achievement Scheme (NICAS). It features cartoon illustrations giving step-by-step instructions on the basic skills required for Levels 1 and 2 of the scheme and is fully endorsed by NICAS. It is also endorsed by the Mountaineering Council of Scotland. The book is beautifully illustrated by Sophie Mitchell with appealing drawings and comes with a robust hardback fold-out cover and is package with a short section of cord which enables readers to practice the knots they are learning in the book.Trade Review"The NICAS trustees are delighted to recommend this book with its innovative approach to introducing the basic skills of climbing. Sophie's wonderful artwork will have special appeal to young readers and will help them develop a thorough grounding in these fundamentals. The knowledge, technical skills and attitude required to become a safe climber are clearly described whilst still conveying the fun and excitement of this challenging sport. Climbing develops fitness, movement skills, teamwork, and determination and this lively book is sure to enthuse many budding young climbers on their way." (Guy Jarvis, NICAS Chair) "The MCofS supports the NICAS scheme as an excellent way to engage young children going to climbing walls, to learn the basics of safe climbing and to keep them motivated through their early years discovering our unique sport. A picture is worth a thousand words, but only if it is relevant, and despite there being many instructional handbooks available, this is the first book designed to appeal to children with its clear and often funny cartoon depictions of the best way to learn vital skills. It is a perfect resource for parents, climbing coaches and children themselves to help them through their NICAS achievement." (Kevin Howett, MCofS Development Officer)"

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Book Synopsis"Atchison's Walks - The Complete Hills of Britain Series" - is a guidebook series in 10 volumes. Each book divides a region of Britain into 50 separate hill walking areas, and then illustrates 3 superb walks for each area; a short morning/afternoon ramble, an all day hill walk, and a challenging big circuit to either walk or fell run. "Northern England Vol 2 - 150 Hill Walks" is the second title in the series, and includes walks from Dovedale in the White Peak, Kinder Scout in the Dark Peak, Central Pennines, Pendle Hill & Forest of Bowland, The Wolds, North York Moors, Yorkshire Dales, Howgill Fells and the Northern Pennines. Features of this title are as mentioned below. 50 Areas - the 50 finest hills in Northern England have been selected, giving a prime hill to ascend in every area. A double page map is provided for each area showing walks, plus written descriptions. Walks - every walk is a circular tour from an 'easy to park location,' and combines hilly ascents with enjoyable fine views to ascend a major peak for the day. Three walks at every location. Maps & diagrams - every walk is illustrated with a relief cross section, highlighting the angle of peaks to ascend, plus illustrating the pubs too. All of the maps have been specially drawn by the author who has completed every walk, and gives exceptional clarity with modern computer graphics. Photographs - the book has been exceptionally well illustrated by the author who is a professional photographer, and is highly experienced in capturing the impressive scenery of Northern England.

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Book SynopsisThis title provides all climbers and boulderers living or visiting the South East, a guidebook to the nine top popular areas that have suitable easy public access. It is the first in a new generation of "Jingo Wobbly Photo" guidebooks that uses exceptionally high quality professional photography for crag illustration, and is supported by superb action photography with around 100 action shots. The guidebook is completely definitive to the 9 outcrops, and has been put together by team Jingo Wobbly that consists of some 50 climbers and boulderers. They are all local climbers who have lived and climbed in the area for years and know the rocks inside out, and are responsible for many of the first ascents. The book has been designed for ease of use, and should perfectly suit anyone visiting for the first time. It is a very easy to use, modern photo topo climbing guidebook with exceptional clarity in printing. Each page has the routes listed in order of difficulty, making it very friendly to newcomers. All of the routes are marked on the photos, show their climbing grades, and also have descriptions. Excellent maps to all of the climbing locations are included, along with all SAT NAV details. 100 climbing action shots will entice anyone to get out climbing. It has plenty of humour in the text with 'local chat' sections, but also full details on environmental care.

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Book SynopsisThis climber's handbook contains all the useful information that any climber will need. It presents a clear and straightforward picture to all the climbing facilities and opportunities in the area.

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Book SynopsisThis learning book has been written and designed for anyone who wants to begin climbing at an indoor climbing wall. It starts you from the very first basics of indoor climbing, by introducing readers to the 'give-it-a-go' sessions that many climbing walls offer.

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Book SynopsisIn Distant Snows, mountaineer John Harding recollects his worldwide adventures spanning sixty years across Europe, Iran, East Africa, Asia, Australia, New Zealand and the Arctic. He climbed many classic peaks including Mont Blanc, Mount Kenya, and Mount Cook, explored obscure ranges, and pioneered ski mountaineering expeditions in Turkey, Spain and Greece.Written with candour, a sharp eye for the tragicomic and with a sympathetic insight into the history and culture of indigenous mountain peoples, Harding’s compelling narrative proclaims the power of nature, the glory of landscape and the spirit of the mountains. Distant Snows is a window into the mind and passions of a mountaineer while faithfully preserving the memory of the many characters who accompanied him on his mountain odyssey.With a foreword by the celebrated explorer Robin Hanbury-Tenison, Distant Snows offers tales of serious undertakings as well as more leisurely exploits, complemented by Harding’s personal photographs and hand-drawn maps. This is a must-read for mountaineers, lovers of the natural world and those with aspirations of adventure.Trade ReviewThe book is a fantastic reminder that you can have great adventures without being a top flight, up to the moment Tiger. – Stevie Haston Harding’s numerous achievements, and the fact that he still alive to tell the tale, are proof that much can be attained through determination, some degree of prudence and an open mind. Not only is this book a good read for anyone interested in mountains, Harding's knowledge of the history and culture of the places he visits, so eloquently woven into the narrative, brings a dimension to mountain adventure that will appeal to a wider audience than the mountaineer. – Adele Long, editor of the Alpine Club newsletter Whether you’re an armchair adventurer, a ski mountaineer, or a travel fanatic you need to read Distant Snows. All 18 chapters will inspire you to get outside, explore the mountains, and chase your dreams. Add this one to your book shelf of mountaineering novels. – Derek Lennon, A Mountain Journey I think this book will become a classic of its genre, a life story packed with interest, adventure and history. – Dennis Gray With over 300 pages packed with stories from all the corners of the earth Harding truly has had an insatiable thirst for travel and exploration. – Nick Carter, Alpha MountaineeringTable of ContentsPreface; Foreword by Robin Hanbury-Tenison OBE; Chapter 1 The Persian Expedition; Chapter 2 At the Crossroads; Chapter 3 Snow on the Equator I: Mount Kenya; Chapter 4 Olympian Heights: Greece and Anatolia; Chapter 5 Snow on the Equator II: Mount Kenya and Ruwenzori; Chapter 6 Kurdish Hakkiari; Chapter 7 Antipodean Ventures I; Chapter 8 Mixed Fortunes; Chapter 9 Mountains of Paradise; Chapter 10 End of an Era; Chapter 11 'Ski mountaineering is mountaineering'; Chapter 12 Antipodean Ventures II; Chapter 13 The Taurus; Chapter 14 The Pontic Alps; Chapter 15 Mediterranean Snow to Arctic Ice; Chapter 16 Hellas Rears its Mountains; Chapter 17 Alpine Envoi; Chapter 18 Treks Far and Wide; Bibliography; Index.

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Book SynopsisI personally have always been quite comfortable either halfway up or halfway down a steep, snowy mountainside. Ascents and Descents is the autobiography of Peter Allison: civil engineer, rock climber, ski-mountaineer and mountain guide. Starting out on the crags of north-east England as a young boy, Peter soon became immersed in the emerging climbing scene of the 1950s, when harnesses were a thing of the future, and hemp ropes and plimsolls were the staple climbing gear. He soon began to explore ice climbing and mixed climbing, progressing to crags in the Lake District and then the Alps, and claiming several first British ascents. Over the course of an impressive sixty-five-year climbing career, he climbed hard lines on the high mountains, including the North Face of the Eiger and the Hoernli Ridge on the Matterhorn. Having initially juggled climbing with a thriving and extremely busy quarrying business, Peter decided it was time to dedicate more time to his love of the hills, and qualified as a mountain guide, subsequently specialising in routes on the Chamonix Aiguilles, the Aiguille du Chardonnet and the Aiguille d'Argentiere. He built an excellent reputation, balancing fun and risk with safety and prudence, and always putting his clients first. Ascents and Descents tells of the highs and lows of climbing, from standing on a summit in perfect conditions to the frustration of years of rehabilitation from a broken pelvis. Peter Allison recounts his colourful story with honesty, humour and frank detail, leaving you in no doubt about his true passion for the mountains.

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Book SynopsisInherited eczema and allergies made Barbara James different from her classmates, something she did not like. She was lucky. The severity of her eczema had lessened when her teacher introduced her to the Snowdonia hills. In 1964 she became a full time mountaineering instructor and mountain rescue first aider in Capel Curig at a time when there were few females instructing or leading difficult rock routes. Divorced in 1976 and with a mortgage to pay, Barbara needed a job, and became the first and possibly the only woman civilian to be employed by MOD to train soldiers. At the Infantry Junior Leaders Battalion in Folkestone she learned another language, new codes of behaviour, and to lead expeditions. After early retirement, Barbara took her first holiday in 11 years. She was probably the second person to go, unaccompanied, to the magical Falkland Islands soon after the conflict. Alone she walked up Tumbledown, communed with wild life and was told that "Anyone can learn to fly". So on return, her 50th birthday present to herself was to get a Private Pilot's Licence. A year later she flew a Cessna 40 hours solo around Florida. But nothing Barbara had done was as challenging as surviving, alone, the furiously tourist evenings in Tenerife's Playa de Las Americas. Only the magical El Teide National Park and the genuine, spontaneous kindness of the Canarians ensured her return. She rented an apartment in Adeje village and the locals' initial suspicious looks soon disappeared. Itching to Climb tells the story of one woman's undaunting spirit in the face of adversities, of a life spent facing challenges head on, with a singleminded determination to achieve despite the difficulties that life had laid in her way. This is a story of encouragement and hope for anyone who suffers with eczema, or any similar debilitating condition.

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Book SynopsisIn August 1979 twenty-seven-year-old Mike Trueman set sail from the south-west coast of Wales, en route to Cornwall. The young army helicopter pilot was helping to move his friend's yacht from Northern Ireland to the south coast of England. But as they sailed out into the Irish Sea, the sky turned progressively darker and the winds gathered pace. Over the next twenty-four hours the two young sailors battled to survive force-10 gales in what became known as the Fastnet disaster and which claimed the lives of fifteen sailors off the coast of Ireland.Almost seventeen years later, Trueman was at Camp 2 at 6,400 metres on Mount Everest as the May 1996 tragedy unfolded high above him. As stricken guides, clients and Sherpas tried to survive the fierce storms which engulfed the upper mountain, Trueman was able to descend and - using his twenty-four years of experience as an officer in the British Army - coordinate the rescue effort from Base Camp. The Storms is the remarkable memoir of a British Army Gurkha officer. Trueman, a veteran of twenty expeditions to the Himalaya, gives a candid account of life inside expeditions to the highest mountain in the world. He gives a unique personal perspective on the 1996 Everest storm, as well as on the fateful day in May 1999 when Briton Mike Matthews disappeared high on the mountain after he and Trueman had summited.

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Book SynopsisThis is the updated 2nd edition, now in full colour. "Scrambles & Easy Climbs in the Lake District" is about the appreciation of rock, the exhilaration of climbing, and the sheer pleasure of doing it in some of the most beautiful places on earth. By discarding the arbitrary division between scrambles and rock-climbs, the books makes its readers free to explore all the Lake District's rocky places. This book, by two experienced rock-climbers, Jon Sparks and Judith Brown, also offers sound advice on how to get started and how to progress; routes that are safe in the wet, and those that should be saved for perfect conditions; and, where to eat, drink and sleep between the ascents. But above all you'll find 69 routes, from scrambling Grade 1 to rock-climbing V.Diff, which explore the many faces of Lakeland rock. There is no better way to spend a Lakeland day than climbing Scafell Pike via the Esk Gorge, Thor's Buttress and Ill Crags. "Scrambles & Easy Climbs" offers a score of such expeditions, from valley floor to airy summit, with hands on rock almost all the way. Less arduous, but equally enjoyable, are days on valley crags like Shepherd's or stand-alone scrambles like Cam Crag Ridge. You can clamber on sunny Pikes Crag high above Wasdale Head; potter about above the oak woods of the Duddon valley; or climb Kirk Fell the wet way, through the waterfalls of Ill Gill.

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Book SynopsisThe first ascent of the Matterhorn in July 1865 is one of the key events in the history of mountaineering. It was the climax of five years' struggle by the English mountaineer Edward Whymper in competition with Jean Antonie-Carrel, the Italian mountain guide who had grown up in the mountain's shadow. It also produced perhaps the most famous mountaineering accidents of the 19th century, bringing to an end the 'Golden Age of Alpine climbing'. This is the story of the events leading up to this remarkable ascent and its terrible aftermath. This is a gripping classic.Table of ContentsPrologue: Men and the Matterhorn; Part One: The Cast Assembles; Carrel and Bersagliere; The Heir to the Marquess of Queensbury; The Clergyman from the Crimea; Whymper, the Man of the Matterhorn; Part Two: The Play Begins; Parties Converging on a Mountain; Parties Meeting below a Mountain; Part Three: The Tragedy; Ascent; Descent; Part Four: The Aftermath; Search; Enquiry; What the Critics Said; The Abiding Questions; Bibliography.

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Book Synopsis"Preposterous Tales" captures an energy charged tour of the globe by two of Britain's best known and most colourful climbers. Having honed their rock and ice skills on home turf, Neil Gresham and Tim Emmett set out on a crusade which landed them in scrapes in such unlikely destinations as Mongolia, Cuba, Brazil, Quebec and Vietnam. This is an inspiring and uninhibited celebration of climbing at its most diverse.

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Book SynopsisCraig Weldon was born in 1974 in Glasgow. He has been a student, an engineer, a submersible pilot, a songwriter and failed music studio owner, an itinerant temp worker, a technical editor, and a public servant - but the one steady thread has been his love of the hills and his hill-walking companions. Introduced by Hamish Brown.

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Book SynopsisThis book explains to the hillwalker, in easy to understand but accurate terms, how geology has shaped the landscape of the Lake District. A selection of fifteen guided walks is used to illustrate this in terms of what can be seen on the ground. "Rock Trails Lakeland", divided into two parts, is intended to help those who love the Lake District's mountain scenery to understand how this beautiful landscape came about. The first half narrates the story of colliding continents, volcanoes, mountain-building and glaciations in creating the Lakeland, explaining why volcanoes occurred, the rocks they created and how to interpret signs of mountain-building and glaciations on the ground. The second half describes recommended walks of differing levels of difficulty, all with a wide variety of geological features to be seen and, most important, with consistently fantastic views of the very best of the Lake District's wonderful scenery. The author has concentrated on what you can see as you walk around the hills, highlighting conspicuous, easily visible features in rocks as well as the overall shape of the terrain while accounting for the present-day landscape. This is the second book in the series from Pesda Press, following the publication in 2008 of "Rock Trails Snowdonia" (9781906095048).

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Book SynopsisThis book is in the same series and is a natural follow-up to the successful "Climbing Games". With the increase in the use of climbing walls more people are learning to lead indoors. This tends to be a more rapid progression than it may be outdoors, and also allows access to much steeper leading at a lower level of climbing experience. There is also an expectation that falling off is the norm, a complete reversal of early stages of leading outdoors on traditional climbs. Teaching leading indoors should be done progressively, the aim being to develop the climbing skills needed very thoroughly. Developing the skills for safe and efficient lead belaying is equally important. Ian Fenton has been involved in teaching leading outdoors and on indoor walls for a number of years. This has also involved evaluating and signing off other instructors to teach leading, at a number of climbing walls; both prior to the advent of the Climbing Wall Leading Award (CWLA), and now as a provider of the CWLA. In the past the teaching of leading has often been done haphazardly, with limited progression, poor route choice and inappropriate belaying. With the help of the exercises in this book it should be possible to design an appropriate progression to suit any individual, of any age or ability, who is learning to lead indoors and lead belay.

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Book SynopsisMany of us who participate in adventure sports have wondered: "What if the worst really happened? What if everything I have held so dear were to be taken away in the blink of an eye: my way of living, my job, my social life ... everything!?" An inspiring tale of a remarkable recovery from a hugely challenging, life-threatening accident. In 2013 he was caught in an avalanche which swept him over a cliff. Despite falling 140 metres and suffering serious brain injuries he survived. His prognosis was that in time he might be able to communicate by blinking. Nine years later he has made a remarkable recovery and though sheer determination recovered his fitness levels. Pete does have speech problems and an odd gait but he has gone on to find new challenges. He has recently cycled the equivalent distance to once around the equator and continues to live life to the full.

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Book SynopsisThe Great Mountain Crags of Scotland is a celebration of climbing in Scotland's wild places, compiled by Guy Robertson and Adrian Crofton. Featuring contributions from many of Scottish mountaineering's great writers and climbers, and beautifully illustrated with breathtaking photography, it delves deep into the heart of some of the oldest mountains on Earth. This is a book for anyone with an interest in Scotland's wild places, where the mountains and cliffs, rather than the climbs, take centre stage, transporting the reader far from towns and cities, and deep into the wilderness. The crags are the tallest, steepest and most majestic anywhere in the British Isles. They are all situated in a high mountain environment, and always a good hike from the nearest road. A visit to any of these great crags is therefore a worthy end in itself. For those wishing to venture onto the crags, all the climbs described are highly adventurous, relying solely upon leader-placed protection. Many of the crags and climbs are described and illustrated here in detail for the very first time. Among these pages are accounts of some of Scottish mountaineering's greatest triumphs, but also accounts of necessary failures - chasing elusive conditions, knowing when to go down, when to return. The authors relate their personal experiences of these cliffs and the climbing, and contained here are real treasures: schoolboy Dave MacLeod soloing on The Cobbler in winter after catching the train from Dumbarton, Mark McGowan's gripping first-hand account of soloing Shibboleth on Slime Wall of Buachaille Etive Mor, Grant Farquhar's recollections of a cherished first ascent on the Great Prow of Skye's Bla Bheinn, Es Tresidder falling under the spell of Creag Meagaidh's Pinnacle Face, and Brian Davison's 15-year waiting game for the first winter ascent of Mort on the Tough-Brown Face of Lochnagar. Split into four sections - The South West Highlands, The North West Highlands, The Islands and The Cairngorms & Central Highlands - this book features unique contributions from, amongst others, Nick Bullock, Rick Campbell, Jason Currie, Brian Davison, Kevin Howett, Julian Lines, Martin Moran, Andy Nisbet, Simon Richardson and Tony Stone. Each section is accompanied by an original poem by Stuart Campbell, and renowned author and mountaineer Andy Cave has contributed the foreword.

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Book SynopsisThis year sees the 80th anniversary of the original opening of the CIC Hut on Ben Nevis. It also sees the completion of a major new extension at the hut. A photo of Charles Inglis Clark climbing on Salisbury Crags in Edinburgh as a young boy accompanies an article by former hut custodian Gerry Peet. This is following by a profile of Graham Macphee, who in the 1930s took full advantage of the hut's location to pioneer a number of new routes on the North Face when writing the first guidebook to the mountain. Gordon Smith also writes again about his early winter adventures on Ben Nevis. This year also sees the 70th anniversary of the first Greater Traverse of the Cuillin by Charleson and Forde. This event is marked by several articles relating to Skye including one by Forde's daughter, Helen. There are lots of other stuff including climbing in Yosemite, paragliding in Torridon and Corbett bagging, plus details of all the rew routes done in Scotland over the last year.

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Book SynopsisThe cold conditions last winter were exceptional and a bumper crop of new routes were put up across Scotland. These are fully described in the New Climbs section. There is also an account of a repeat of the Scottish Haute Route on skis from west to east over seven days in March. Other articles include an account of an ascent of Nanga Parbat as well as past adventures on Vulcan Wall and Route 2 Direct on Ben Nevis. There is also another look at the most appropriate criteria for identifying separate mountains - particularly Munros. The 'bagging game' still fascinates...This year also sees the return, for the first time for many years, of the detailed accident reports from the Mountaineering Council of Scotland.

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Book SynopsisAnother cold winter in 2010/2011 led to much new route activity across the Highlands. The lead article is an account of the first ascent of Stone Temple Pilots on Shelter Stone Crag - one of the most impressive of the new climbs done last winter season. There are also articles detailing the winter routes on Merrick in the Borders and in Coire Eilde - a new venue in Glen Coe. There are articles relating to the development of routes at Carnmore some fifty years ago, as well Longbow Crag in the Cairngorms some thirty years ago. There are also various articles of a more general mountaineering interest including a modern appraisal of Ben Wyvis. A short but very interesting article about the criteria for identifying Corbetts is sure to generate much debate among the hillbaggers. The Journal uses colour throughout for the very first time this year. This has allowed illustrations to be used rather more imaginatively than formerly.

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Book SynopsisThis year's "Scottish Mountaineering Club Journal" has the usual great mix of articles - several involving adventures abroad. Martin Moran describes some mega routes in the fjords of Norway, Mark Litterick describes winter climbing in Austria, Graham Little describes rock climbing in Albania and Steve Chadwick gives an account of ascending Mount Cameroon in Africa. A scholarly piece looks again at the climbs of WH Murray. Other articles describe a rescue on Ben Nevis, the use of modern technology in the hills, how to have an epic, a monster run in the Alps, and a discussion of the disease of Munro bagging...and as usual details are included of all the new routes pioneered in Scotland over the last year.

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Book SynopsisAs usual the 2014 SMC Journal is packed with a wide variety of articles relating to Scottish mountaineering. There are tales of epic walking and climbing adventures in both summer and winter, as well as more informative articles ranging from wildcats to John Muir's connections with the SMC.

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Book SynopsisThe 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.

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Book SynopsisHardbacked for the first time in its long history the articles in this year's SMCJ are richly diverse. Martin Moran and Simon Richardson recount solo winter traverses of the Cuillin Ridge. Stephen Scott and Iain Smart present different aspects of Eagle Ridge on Lochnagar. Mike Dixon takes us on an entertaining tour of the Ben Avon plateau. The irrepressible Gordon Smith recalls a wild day on Ben Nevis with Dick Renshaw, while Dennis Gray and Phil Gribbon introduce more sombre notes as they remember tragedies on the Ben and in Glencoe. Further afield Grant Urquhart rafts down the Grand Canyon, Ross Hewitt skis the four great North Faces in the Alps and Dave Broadhead takes an unexpected helicopter ride. In more historical tones Gavin Anderson gives us an insight into the formative years of Bugs McKeith and Ian Crofton gives a personal twist to the topic of Scottish avalanches.As always the Journal contains the most extensive and up to date coverage in print of New Climbs in Scotland, and the unique Munro Matters lovingly compiled by the Clerk of the List. Simon Richardson reports on last winter's cutting edge activities, while Mike Jacob goes back a hundred years to present a glimpse of how things were for Scotland's mountaineers in 1916 at the height of the Great War.Likely to become a collector's item - the first hardbacked Journal is excellent value at GBP16.95.

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Book SynopsisThe 208th edition of the Journal (first published in 1891) contains articles, fiction and poetry covering almost every aspect of mountaineering in Scotland and much further afield. In rock-climbing Jules Lines succeeds on a grade IX at Creag an Dubh Loch. By complete contrast Steve Hindley describes an ascent of Beinn Vrackie: a commonplace experience which, in the end, allows him to glimpse The Parishes of the Infinite.

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Book SynopsisThis Scottish Mountaineering Club climbers' guidebook details all the climbing to be found on the sea-cliffs and outcrops on the magical Isle of Skye. It is an up to date and fully comprehensive guide to what is an increasingly popular area, on an already popular island. It is a companion volume to the 2011 guide to the Cuillin mountains of Skye, from the SMC. It is written by one of the recognised experts in this area. It is full colour throughout with action pictures and detailed photo-diagrams. User friendly in a successful and well presented format, this title includes page marker ribbon to ease the location of climbs.

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Book SynopsisThis Scottish Mountaineering Club definitive climbers' guidebook details all the rock and winter climbing to be found on the beautiful and remote-feeling islands of the Inner Hebrides and Arran, off the west coast of Scotland. This is the only fully comprehensive guide to the climbing on the beautiful and remote-feeling islands of the Inner Hebrides and Arran. The guide covers Arran, Canna, Rum, Eigg, Muck, Coll, Tiree, Mull, Iona, Colonsay, Oronsay, Islay and Jura plus a number of smaller, lesser known islands off the wild, west coast of Scotland. Written by the recognised experts to the area, the guide also gives extensive information on access to the islands, accommodation and amenities. It features full colour throughout with action photos to inspire, and detailed maps and photo-diagrams to help a climber make the most of a visit to the islands. The clear format is modern and user-friendly, including flaps on the cover that double as reference information and page markers, and colour-indexed tabs for quick location of crags of interest.

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Book SynopsisThe guide has been written by Rab Anderson, Kevin Howett and Colin Moody, who have been driving forces in the development of the Islands, and their insight and local knowledge is contained within to help you plan your trip and get the most out of it when you are there. For the first time in recent history, the jewel of Scottish (possibly even British!) sea cliff climbing gets the SMC comprehensive guidebook treatment. Written by the activists themselves, this guide provides the go-to resource for climbing in the Outer Hebrides. Uninhabited islands, committing sea cliff adventures, seaside cragging, mountain cliffs and the mighty Sron Uladail - all in one book. - 2500 routes from Moderate to E9 - 28 detailed maps and access information - 177 photo diagrams covering all major cliffs (and then some) - Tens of new future classic venues - Hundreds of new routes throughout the Islands - Comprehensive logistical information to help you plan your trip - Inspiring action photos in full colour throughout This guide provides comprehensive cover and photo diagrams to all of the popular areas, as well as publishing for the first time tens of new future classic venues and hundreds of routes, capturing all of the development that has taken place in recent years. Amongst this detail you can also find information on areas still under development, with possibilities for new routes of your own! Note-worthy is the fact that this guide provides options for the hard-core climber on a dedicated trip, as well as those wanting the option of a day or two out cragging whilst on a family holiday.

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Book SynopsisThis Scottish Mountaineering Club definitive climbers' guidebook is the first volume of the long-awaited update to the popular Highland Outcrops guidebook. Highland Outcrops South covers crags south of Inverness and the Great Glen, including outcrops in Arrochar, Mid Argyll, Mull of Kintyre, Ardgour and Ardnamurchan. The very popular crags of Craig a Barns, Glen Nevis, Binnein Shuas and Creag Dubh are updated, and will continue to attract the day trippers from the Central Belt. The guide includes over 50 new crags, covering some 700 new routes in a total of about 2500. Full colour throughout with action photos to inspire, with detailed maps and photo-diagrams. The clear format is modern and user-friendly, including flaps on the cover that double as reference information and page markers, and colour-indexed tabs for quick location of crags of interest. Coordinating author Andy Nisbet is the most prolific winter and summer climber in Scotland, and has authored several climbers' guides. The suite of authors includes some of the most knowledgeable climbers in their areas: Stuart Burns, Geoff Hewitt, Kevin Howett, Colin Moody, Grahame Nicoll, Tony Stone and Andy Tibbs.

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Book SynopsisThe SMC Journal has maintained a continuous record of mountain activities in Scotland since 1890. The Journal emerges annually.

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Book SynopsisLike most human activities, mountaineering has had an abnormal year, as attested by several of our articles. Constrained by Covid-19 restrictions, climbers have explored locally in summer and winter, and recorded an unprecedented tally of new routes on Scottish hills and outcrops. Some, such as our acclaimed contributor Olly Stevenson, have found unorthodox challenges among the concrete structures of a city, while others have sought solace in committing mountain memories to paper. In reminiscent articles you will find Greg Strange exploring Beinn Eighe with the late Brian Sprunt or Dave Allan on Quinag with Andy Nisbet, Niall Ritchie climbing Mount Kenya, and Geoff Cohen benighted in the high places of the world. And in a reflective vein there is poetry from Donald Orr, Sophie-Grac Chappell, Peter Biggar and Ian Crofton, with Orr also surveying the mountain paintings of D.Y. Cameron. If you enjoyed his dry humour last year in 'Travels with a Gun' you will relish another worldly-wise piece by Tim Pettifer, 'Almost Drowning,' in this year's Journal. Or you can find high adventure with Callum Johnson, making the first ascent of The Shard (E5), and join Richard Ive on our sea-stacks. Or undertake a grueling ski-tour with the super-fit Finlay Wild. Historical interest is well served by Michael Cocker's piece on Alister Crowley (The Beast) and by Robin Campbell's impressive account of Harold Raeburn's climbs firth of Scotland. Munro completers are celebrated too, along with many other regular features.

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Book SynopsisIf this year's Journal has a theme, it is 'unfinished business'. In remotest Galloway lurks the Wolf Slock, where an unclimbed line repels every effort by Andrew Fraser and his friends, before at last succumbing. In 'Connoisseur's Choice' Fraser and his co-author Stephen Reid tell the tale. Further north, Kenny Brookman returns repeatedly to Reiff, determined to astonish us by climbing 100 routes in a day, while over on Islay Graham Little ropes in a younger partner to fulfil long-standing ambitions. Also bridging the generation gap is David Almond, who introduces his daughter to the hard-won rewards of winter climbing. Having slain one dragon at Carnmore, John Allen comes back half a century later to confront another, in the form of an unclimbed Corbett. Are we too much in thrall to lists, he wonders? Undeterred, in 'Munro Matters' we celebrate lists completed and multiple rounds achieved. Did James Hutton have Munro-bagging in mind when he spoke of 'no vestige of a beginning and no prospect of an end'? Not so; he meant the vastness of geological time, as explained by Steven Andrews in 'Climbing through Time', in which he describes the ancient rocks we climb on. As always New Routes throughout Scotland are recorded here, including many in the Hebrides where Ian Crofton hints at endless scope for exploration on the marvellous cliffs of Havenay. Ever-popular features include Simon Richardson's summary of the winter climbing season, and 23 authoritative reviews of recent books.

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