Climbing and mountaineering Books

Book SynopsisA revealing and complete biography of doomed hero George Mallory, which includes previously unpublished letters and family papersTrade ReviewA finely wrought and meticulously detailed biography of Mallory ... It is at once compelling and evocative * Joe Simpson, author of TOUCHING THE VOID *` A superb biography' Daily TelegraphA rich portrait of a man who defies facile categorisation ... The new biography is spot-on [about the climbing] * Stephen Venables, Daily Telegraph *The Gillmans have produced a respectful and thoroughly researched account of Mallory's life * Observer *This exemplary biography of Mallory, which draws upon much new material, puts the man in all his many perspectives... Strikingly well balanced * Jan Morris, Spectator *It is a masterful achievement - impeccably researched, beautifully written and a delight to read. Without question the Gillmans have written a definitive biography of an utterly fascinating man * Jon Krakauer *A poignant story, handsomely told * Yorkshire Post *The most compelling read over 12 months ... Go out and buy it * Ian Wooldridge, Daily Mail *Mountaineering biography at its best ... A fascinating life, an interior journey coupled with exterior adventure, and well told, too * Chris Smith, Mail on Sunday *

Read more less

Book SynopsisDetailed coverage of all the worthwhile 'sport' climbing venues in the Lake District together with comprehensive and updated information for 'trad' slate, including the rad dry-tooling venue - The Works.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe guide covers both the Duddon Valley and the popular crags accessed from Wrynose Pass in the Lake District and describes in excess of 1300 routes. There is full photo-diagram coverage with many great action shots included plus supplementary information on parking and camping; a comprehensive crag selector is also included.

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe ultimate guide to Peak District gritstone sets out to embrace the best climbs across the whole of this, the most beloved of all the climbing areas in the UK.

Read more less

Book SynopsisA gritstone rock-climbing and bouldering guide from the British Mountaineering Council, this work covers various crags in the Burbage, Rivelin, Millstone, Bamford, and Wharncliffe areas. It features: over 2,200 routes from Diff to E10 and over 750 boulder problems from V0 to V11; and, over 120 full-colour action shots and over 290 photo-topos.

Read more less

Book SynopsisIn the summer of 1969, as Apollo 11 was blasting off to the moon, two teenage twin brothers, with only three years' mountaineering experience, set off to climb one of the highest rock faces in Europe. This title offers a true account from Gordon Stainforth of a near-death experience on a mountain in Norway in 1969.Trade Review"'What a brilliant and refreshing read! Once started you just can't put it down.' Sir Chris Bonington CBE. 'Absolutely superb and totally gripping from the first few pages until the end. What an adventure! I think it's a future classic.' Richard Else, TV Producer. 'This magnificent book, enjoyed enormously during wet leaf delays at Clapham, was a breath of civilised fresh air. I love the period detail, the humour, the visceral sense of wild landscape and the nail-biting denouement.' Stephen Venables, mountaineer and author. 'It's tremendous; and also a very accessible read for a non-climber. The pace is excellent - no slack in the rope! It made me laugh. It's a cracking story.' Hilary McKay, winner of The Whitbread Prize."

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis gazetteer represents the best of Scottish bouldering.Table of Contents* Dumfries & Galloway* Glasgow & Clydeside* Lothian, Borders & Fife* Argyll & The Islands* The Central Highlands * Perthshire, Kinross & Angus * Lochaber & Glen Coe* Aberdeenshire * Speyside & Moray* The Northern Highlands* Western Isles & The Hebrides* Northern Isles

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis guide introduces the climber to the bouldering around and within Glasgow, Scotland's biggest city.

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisNew paperback edition - One morning, when she was very young, Sophie Cairnsâ lungs tried to kill her. Every three months from the age of three to twelve, asthma sent her to hospital, where she slept in an oxygen tent. What makes someone who struggles to breathe seek out the thin air of high-altitude peaks on every continent on earth?

Read more less

Book SynopsisDiscover the life of Tendi Sherpa - a Nepalese mountain guide who has climbed the highest peaks on the planet.

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisA deeply moving story of the beauty and brutality of life, and death, on the world's most unpredictable and perilous mountain. Sitting just lower than Everest at 8,611 metres above sea level on the China-Pakistan border, the Savage Mountain claims the lives of even the most experienced climbers. Alongside severe altitude, the weather is notoriously volatile and the climb relentlessly steep. A staggering one in four attempts result in death on the mountain. In _One Man's Climb_, Adrian Hayes details an intensely personal account of his attempts to climb K2 - first in 2013 and again in 2014\. Absorbing and self-reflective, his journey is as much a story of climbing a mountain as it is a testament to the human spirit's ability to endure.

Read more less

Book Synopsis'The definitive back story of Mount Everest' Stewart Weaver, co-author of Fallen Giants 'Craig Storti has given us the Everest book that we've needed all along' Scott Ellsworth, author of The World Beneath Their FeetThe seventy-one-year quest to find the world's highest mountain.The Hunt for Mount Everest is the seldom-told story of how the last remaining major prize in the history of exploration was identified, named and at last found. This is Everest, the prequel: a high-drama tale, filled with larger-than-life characters and quiet heroes, traverses the Alps, the Himalayas, Nepal and Tibet, the British Empire, the Anglo-Russian rivalry known as The Great Game, the disastrous First Afghan War, and the phenomenal Survey of India. Encountering spies, war, political intrigues, and hundreds of mules, camels, bullocks, yaks, and two zebrules, this account uncovers the fascinating saga leading up to the fateful day in late June of 1921, when two English climbers, George Mallory and Guy Bullock, became the first westerners - and almost certainly the first human beings - to set foot on Mount Everest.Trade ReviewTense and detailed ... A lively and useful addition to the shelves of Everestiana -- John KeayA rich and fascinating book that tells the story of Everest in glimpses from unexpected angles, revealing one face then another, discovering surprising new routes through well-trodden terrain. Getting to the top isn't the point - the point is the mountain itself -- Nick HuntA very readable and entertaining account of the earliest days of Everest, with a cast of great characters and driving narrative which reaches a terrific climax in 1921 -- Mick ConefreyA compelling account of the essential back story to the epic 20th century attempt by British mountaineering expeditions to ascend the world's highest mountain ... This is great mountaineering history -- Maurice Isserman * co-author of Fallen Giants *To climb the world's highest mountain was one thing; to find it quite another. In this compelling new contribution to the cultural history of mountaineering, Storti composes the definitive back story of Mount Everest -- Stewart Weaver * co-author of Fallen Giants *Craig Storti has given us the Everest book that we've needed all along ... The Hunt for Mount Everest is the necessary, and admirably written, historical prelude to the great age of Himalayan mountaineering -- Scott EllsworthAn entertaining and enlightening account of how the British identified the highest mountain, ensured that it was their preserve, and made the first attempt to climb it. -- Peter Gillman

Read more less

Book SynopsisEvery day, the path up the South Col route to the summit of Everest becomes a little more worn by the tread of dozens of package-tour climbers, but few dare to try the East, or Kangshung, Face, a sheer, avalanche-swept wall of snow and ice only first conquered in 1983. Five years later, Stephen Venables intensified the challenge by leading three unknown American climbers up the East Face - this time without oxygen. The question to most climbing experts wasn't whether they would summit, but whether they would live. They nearly didn't Everest: Alone at the Summit is Venables' rousing account of one of the greatest feats of twentieth century mountaineering, a triumph over doubt, the elements and the limits of human endurance that has never been repeated. "Climbers or not, all will be interested in this mountaineering thriller of a tiny band pulling off an incredible victory-an account so stirring it will be put down only to obtain a moment's breather." - American Alpine Journal

Read more less

Book SynopsisOn the night of 10-11 May 1996, eight climbers perished in what remains the worst disaster in Everest's history. Following the tragedy, numerous accounts were published, with Jon Krakauer's Into Thin Air becoming an international bestseller. But has the whole story been told?A Day to Die For reveals the full, startling facts that led to the tragedy. Graham Ratcliffe, the first British climber to reach the summit of Mount Everest twice, was a first-hand witness, having spent the night on Everest's South Col at 26,000 ft, sheltering from the deadly storm. For years, he has shouldered a burden of guilt, feeling that he and his teammates could have saved lives that fateful night. His quest for answers has led to discoveries so important to an understanding of the disaster that he now questions why these facts were not made public sooner.History is dotted with high-profile disasters that both horrify and capture the attention of the public, but very rarely is our view of them revised to such devastating effect.Trade Review[An] incredible story of high-adventure and of a very moving personal journey * Outdoor Enthusiast *Graham Ratcliffe has experienced triumph but also tragedy . . . and for the very first time tells of his remarkable journey * Daily Express *A welcome addition to the history of mountaineering . . . an absorbing read -- Boardman Tasker PrizeI was completely engrossed . . . this is pretty serious stuff . . . the writing is forthright and precise and the book gallops along at a riveting pace . . it's a must read * The Climber, New Zealand Alpine Club *Reads like a detective thriller . . . a book that pulls no punches and tells it how it was * SA Mountain Sport *

Read more less

Book SynopsisOn the morning of 2 June 1953, the day of Queen Elizabeth’s coronation, the first news broke that Everest had finally been conquered. Drawing on first-hand interviews and unprecedented access to archives, this is a ground-breaking new account of that extraordinary first ascent. Revealing that what has gone down in history as a supremely well-planned expedition was actually beset by crisis and controversy, Everest 1953 recounts a bygone age of self-sacrifice and heroism, using letters and personal diaries to reveal the immense stress and heartache the climbers often hid from their fellow team members. Charting how the ascent affected the original team ­in subsequent years and detailing its immense cultural impact today, Everest 1953 is the perfect book to commemorate this remarkable feat of the human will.Trade Review"A magnificent book that deserves to become the definitive version. We cannot hope for a more human, funny or meticulous account of what was a very British expedition." Independent "Conefrey describes this frenetic scramble for ownership of the mountain brilliantly - a tale of great courage.' Observer "An exciting, moving account - a fascinating piece of documentary writing, as readable and poignant as Into Thin Air or Touching the Void." Spectator’I really enjoyed Everest 1953… it’s fascinating and the people in it come over as real flesh and blood human beings… very readable… one of those books that might keep you up until three in the morning because you want to know what happens next’ * Anne Widdecombe *

Read more less

Book SynopsisOn 29 May 1953 Tenzing Norgay and Edmund Hillary conquered Everest, three days before the coronation of Queen Elizabeth. Before their success, Everest had claimed the lives of dozens of climbers, including George Leigh Mallory in 1924. Norgay, the descendant of generations of yak herders, was destined to become a llama, but his love for the mountains was that much stronger. He had but one dream all his life, despite seven sherpas dying in 1922, and that was to conquer Everest. For thirty years expeditions had been struggling to scale its fiendishly difficult icy slopes and he was part of every single one until the one with Hillary succeeded. No adventure enthusiast will want to miss this unique Buddhist perspective on climbing.Trade Review'The last innocent adventure.' Jan Morris

Read more less

Book SynopsisBen Nevis and Glen Coe remain at the forefront of Scottish winter climbing and hold their place on the world stage of climbing. The classic climbs are highly regarded objectives. This selection of the best climbs across the area is enough to offer any climber a lifetime of inspiration. This eighth edition of Cicerone's classic guide is the first guide to categorise every climb and to describe in detail how they form, in order to help climbers choose the best route and judge the climbing conditions. Being in the right place at the right time is a major part of winter climbing and this book will guide you through the decision-making process to make more expeditions successful. With snow, ice and mixed routes ranging from grade I introductory ascents to extreme test pieces - including the hardest traditional winter climb in the world - there are routes to suit all abilities and preferences, plus advice to help you select an appropriate route for the prevailing conditions.Table of ContentsVOLUME 1 Topos key Preface Introduction Winter climbing: a recent history Types of winter climbs: snow, ice and mixed Weather Avalanches Access Equipment Additional safety precautions Using this guide Glen Coe Aonach Eagach Buachaille Etive Mòr Stob Dearg Stob Coire Altruim Lairig Eilde Sròn na Lairig and Eilde Canyon The Lost Valley (Coire Gabhail) Lost Valley Buttresses East face of Gearr Aonach Coire nan Lochan North-west face of Gearr Aonach Stob Coire nan Lochan Far Eastern Buttress North face of Aonach Dubh Coire nam Beitheach West face of Aonach Dubh Bidean nam Bian Stob Coire nam Beith Glen Coe - outlying areas Beinn Udlaidh Sgùrr na h-Ulaidh Beinn a' Bheithir Beinn Fhionnlaidh Garbh Bheinn Stob a' Ghlais Choire Appendix A Useful contacts Appendix B Route summary table by area Appendix C Route summary table by style VOLUME 2 Topos key Introduction Using this guide Ben Nevis Climbs from Coire Leis Little Brenva Face Climbs from Observatory Gully North East Buttress First Platform The Minus Face The Orion Face Point Five Gully area Indicator Wall Gardyloo Buttress Tower Ridge East Side Tower Ridge Douglas Boulder Climbs from Coire na Ciste Tower Ridge West Side Pinnacle Buttress Goodeve's Buttress and the Cascades The Comb Number Three Gully Buttress Creag Coire na Ciste The Trident buttresses Moonlight Gully Buttress C#xe0;rn Dearg Buttress Climbs from Castle Coire Castle Coire North Face of Castle Ridge Glen Nevis Mamores Stob B#xe0;n Mullach nan Coirean Aonach Mòr and Aonach Beag Aonach Mòr East Face - Coire an Lochain Aonach Mòr West Face Aonach Beag North Face Aonach Beag West Face Stob Coire an Laoigh Stob Coire an Laoigh Appendix A Route summary table by area Appendix B Route summary table by style

Read more less

Book SynopsisJames T. Lester (1927-2010) wasn't a mountaineer - he wasn't any sort of athlete, or even a hobbyist sportsman. But in 1963 he participated in the first successful American Mount Everest Expedition (AMEE), when Jim Whittaker became the first American to summit Everest via the South Col route alongside Nawang Gombu Sherpa. Three weeks later, AMEE's Tom Hornbein and Willi Unsoeld became the first climbers ever to summit the world's highest peak via the dangerous and forbidding West Ridge - a route on which only a handful of climbers have since succeeded. Immediately after the expedition, Lester became the route-planner, chauffeur, interpreter, bill-payer, and comrade to five of the Sherpa climbers from the expedition on an eight-week road trip across the United States' a thank-you from the U.S. State Department for their invaluable help in the success of the effort. And 35 years later, in 1998, armed with a group photo of the AMEE Sherpa climbers, 70-year-old Lester returned to Nepal with one goal: to find as many of them as he could and discover what their lives had become in the intervening years. In the final section of the book, Lester shares the life-enhancing stories - and the aspirations of the next generation - of the incredible men, women and children who enable foreign mountaineers to ascend Everest, often accompanying them on the treacherous climb while carrying significantly heavier loads. The lives of the Sherpa community are so often hidden on the edges of the greatest adventure stories, but in this part of Return to the Scene of the Climb Lester makes them the central to the narrative. Written with humility, humour and honesty, this book evokes the majestic Everest landscape and shines a new light on incredible stories of hard graft and heroism that would have been lost forever.

Read more less

Book SynopsisWINNER OF THE OUTSTANDING GENERAL SPORTS WRITING AWARD, BRITISH SPORTS BOOK AWARDSWINNER OF THE BOARDMAN TASKER PRIZEWINNER OF THE MOUNTAIN & WILDERNESS PRIZE, BANFF FESTIVALWINNER OF THE TONY LOTHIAN AWARD, BIOGRAPHERS’ CLUBFor the first time, drawing upon previously unseen diaries and letters, rare archive material and interviews, Everest – The First Ascent tells the remarkable story of Griffith Pugh, the forgotten team member whose scientific breakthroughs ensured the world’s highest mountain could be climbed. A doctor and physiologist, Griffith Pugh revolutionised almost every aspect of British high-altitude mountaineering, transforming the climbers’ attitude to oxygen, the clothes they wore, their equipment, fluid intake and acclimatisation. Yet, far from receiving the acclaim he was due, he was met with suspicion and ridicule. His scientific contributions were, quite simply, at odds with old-fashioned notions of derring-do and the gentlemanly amateurism that dogged the sport. Later in his career, his impact in helping athletes enhance their performance lasts to this day in the fields of cycling, swimming and running.This insightful biography shows Pugh to be troubled, abrasive, yet brilliant. Eight years in the writing, closely researched, and told with unflinching honesty by Pugh’s daughter, Harriet Tuckey, Everest – The First Ascent is the compelling portrait of an unlikely hero.Trade ReviewShines an entirely new light on the great expedition - a riveting read, full of surprises -- Sir Chris BoningtonThe most important addition to the story of Everest. * Doug Scott *Marvellously enjoyable and exciting... * The Times *Gripping... finally establishes [Pugh] as the real hero of the expedition. * Daily Mail *

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisK2 is one of the most demanding mountaineering challenges in the world and one of the most treacherous - K2 is a legend. Extreme, unpredictable weather and the acutely difficult climbing conditions test the technique, endurance and psychological strength of the most experienced mountaineers to the limit - and often beyond. Many of the men and women who have sought to reach the summit have failed, often with tragic consequences - over 70 of them have died or disappeared. Yet this, the second highest mountain on Earth, continues to exercise for the world's top mountaineers a special - all too often lethal - attraction, and this is the subject of Richard Sale's fascinating new book. As he traces the climbing history of K2 over the last 150 years, he shows in graphic detail how it acquired this awesome reputation: it was during the first serious attempts on the summit in the 1930s and 1950s that K2 became known as the Savage Mountain.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis is theengrossing story of the seasons the author spent climbing 4000m mountains inthe different regions of the Alps. It is also about the people with whom heclimbed who found time out of their day-to-day routine for this extraordinaryactivity. He explains the reason for this fascination which resulted in theirspending decades pursuing their climbing objectives. The words and photos both encapsulate thealpine experience in all its beauty and suffering, pain and exhilaration,danger and humour which is shared with each climbing partner and open to anyonewith the same commitment. The author believes that climbing all the 4000mmountains is a realistic and achievable objective that will take mountaineersinto much wild and beautiful terrain. These are not just snow plods: everymountain has a worthwhile route on it and even those with long glacierapproaches can become superb ascents and descents on ski in an alpine spring. The many photos taken over the years were areminder of details that had escaped notice in the journals kept at the time.These numerous stunning and inspiring photographs tell their own story andenrich the author's account. The book is dedicated to all his climbing partnerswho made the completion of the quest possible.Trade Review`...his absorbing account... ...as the years and the adventures accrete the book achieves a quiet authority. It is richly illustrated, and his able eye records the changing fashions...this book offers a persuasive case to return'. The Alpine Journal 2017 -------------------- '...a detailed and compelling account... ...a very good impression of what Alpine climbing is all about... ...the excellent description of a moonlight traverse of Mont Blanc, which was clearly a very special experience. ...is an excellent read, even for non-climbers like me, and I am sure it will inspire others'. Scottish Mountaineer -------------------- '...includes stunning photography...' Fiona Russell, Sunday Mail, Seven Days -------------------- `...many good photos and informative interludes on tactics, techniques and practical advice...Wynne-Jones is clearly an able and determined alpinist... He can also write with passion and lyricism' Scottish Mountaineering Club Journal -------------------- `...lavishly illustrated book... with entertaining anecdotes... interspersed with helpful chapters on weather, huts, training, guides, navigation, acclimatisation, food and diet, dehydration and effects of sun, heat and cold.' The Rucksack Club Journal -------------------- `…His personal accounts of ascending all the major 4000m mountains are interspersed with many good photos and informative interludes on tactics, techniques and practical advice’. Moran Mountain Blog

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis comprehensive book is an excellent planning resource for those who wish to venture into the Scottish mountains. Whether you are planning a walk, scramble, climb or ski tour this larger format guide has all the information the independent mountain lover needs. The guide covers all the mountainous areas of Scotland from south to north, divided into seven regions. Each regional chapter covers individual glens important for mountain-goers, groups of hills that form coherent massifs and individual hills of significance. However, this is not a route guide and detailed descriptions are not provided. The aim of the book is to inspire and entertain as well as inform; to show first-time visitors just what the Scottish mountains have to offer and provide a new perspective for those who have been before. In the descriptions author Chris Townsend has given his opinions as to the relative qualities of the walks, glens, lochs, mountains and the landscape in general and highlighted those he thinks are the best the area has to offer. Includes: Descriptions of all the Scottish mountains, area-by-area from south to north, to help you identify the best locations for hill walking, mountaineering, climbing and ski touring Classic ascents and walks described, from scrambles up Ben Nevis to ski tours in the Cairngorms A planning tool for long-distance treksTable of ContentsIntroduction About this Book Practicalities When to Go Weather Getting There Getting Around Accommodation Maps and Guidebooks Equipment for Hillwalkers The Mountains Topography and Geology History, Culture and the Rise of Mountaineering Scottish Mountain Names National Parks and other Protected Areas Plant and Animal Life Mountain Activities Peakbagging, Hillwalking and Scrambling Long Distance Routes Rock Climbing Winter Mountaineering Ski Touring and Ski Mountaineering Responsible Mountaineering Avalanches Mountain Rescue Access Environmental Ethics Leave no Litter Paths Cross Country Wild Camping Camp Fires and Stoves Sanitation Plant and Animal Life CHAPTER 1: The Southern Uplands 1:1 The Southern Upland Way 1:2 The Galloway Hills 1:3 The Carsphairn Hills 1:4 The Lowther Hills 1:5 The Tweedsmuir Hills 1:6 The Moorfoot and Lammermuir Hills 1:7 Outliers Access, Bases, Maps and Guides CHAPTER 2: The Southern Highlands 2:1 The Campsie Fells 2:2 The Ochils 2:3 The Rob Roy Way 2:4 The West Highland Way 2:5 Ben Lomond and Loch Lomond 2:6 The Arrochar Alps 2:7 The Ben Lui Hills 2:8 The Trossachs 2:9 Ben More, Stob Binnein and the Crianlarich and Balquhidder Hills 2:10 The Loch Earn and Crieff Hills 2:11 The Glen Lochay Hills 2:12 The Bridge of Orchy Hills 2:13 Ben Lawers and the Tarmachans 2:14 Glen Lyon, Schiehallion and Aberfeldy Access, Bases, Maps and Guides CHAPTER 3: The Central Highlands 3:1 Ben Cruachan and Glen Strae 3:2 Glen Etive 3:3 The Black Mount 3:4 The West Highland Way 3:5 Glen Coe 3:6 Beinn a'Bheithir and Glen Creran 3:7 Rannoch Moor 3:8 The Mamores 3:9 Ben Nevis 3:10 The Aonachs and the Grey Corries 3:11 Loch Treig 3:12 Loch Ossian 3:13 The Ben Alder and Laggan Hills 3:14 The West Drumochter Hills 3:15 The Monadh Liath 3:16 Creag Meagaidh and the Loch Laggan Hills 3:17 Glen Roy 3:18 Long Walks Access, Bases, Maps and Guides CHAPTER 4: The Cairngorms 4:1 East Drumochter, The Gaick and Minigaig 4:2 Glen Tilt 4:3 Pitlochry and Killiecrankie 4:4 Glen Shee and the Cairnwell Pass 4:5 The Angus Glens: Glen Clova, Glen Doll and Glen Esk 4:6 Deeside 4:7 Strathspey 4:8 The Lairig an Laoigh Area 4:9 The Ben Macdui and Cairngorm plateau 4:10 Lairig Ghru 4:11 Glen Feshie 4:12 The Speyside Way Access, Bases, Maps and Guides CHAPTER 5: The Western Highlands 5:1 Ardgour, Morvern, Sunart and Moidart 5:2 Glenfinnan and Loch Eil 5:3 The Great Glen 5:4 Loch Arkaig, Glen Kingie, Glen Pean and Glen Dessary 5:5 Knoydart 5:6 The Glenelg Peninsula 5:7 North Loch Quoich and South Glen Shiel 5:8 Kintail and North Glen Shiel 5:9 Glen Affric and North Strath Cluanie 5:10 Glen Cannich, Glen Strathfarrar, Loch Monar, Strathconon and Glen Carron 5:11 The Cape Wrath Trail: Fort William to Achnashellach Access, Bases, Maps and Guides CHAPTER 6: The Northern Highlands 6:1 Applecross and Coulin 6:2 Torridon 6:3 Letterewe, Fisherfield and Dundonnell: Loch Maree to Loch Broom 6:4 The Fannaichs 6:5 Beinn Dearg and Easter Ross 6:6 Coigach and Assynt 6:7 The Far North 6:8 The Cape Wrath Trail: Achnashellach to Cape Wrath 6:9 The Sutherland Trail: Lochinver to Tongue Access, Bases, Maps and Guides CHAPTER 7: The Islands 7:1 Arran 7:2 Jura 7:3 Mull 7:4 Rum 7:5 Skye 7:6 Harris 7:7 South Uist Access, Bases, Maps and Guides APPENDIX A Glossary of Common Mountain Words in Gaelic and Scots APPENDIX B Bibliography and Further Reading APPENDIX C Current List of Munros APPENDIX D Current List of Corbetts Appendix E Index of Maps INDEX

Read more less

Book SynopsisTo the impartial observer Britain does not appear to have any mountains. Yet the British invented the sport of mountain climbing and for two periods in history British climbers led the world in the pursuit of this beautiful and dangerous obsession. Unjustifiable Risk is the story of the social, economic and cultural conditions that gave rise to the sport, and the achievements and motives of the scientists and poets, parsons and anarchists, villains and judges, ascetics and drunks that have shaped its development over the past two hundred years. The history of climbing inevitably reflects the wider changes that have occurred in British society, including class, gender, nationalism and war, but the sport has also contributed to changing social attitudes to nature and beauty, heroism and death. Over the years, increasing wealth, leisure and mobility have gradually transformed climbing from an activity undertaken by an eccentric and privileged minority into a sub-division of the leisure and tourist industry, while competition, improved technology and information, and increasing specialisation have helped to create climbs of unimaginable difficulty at the leading edge of the sport. But while much has changed, even more has remained the same. Today's climbers would be instantly recognisable to their Victorian predecessors, with their desire to escape from the crowded complexity of urban society and willingness to take "unjustifiable" risk in pursuit of beauty, adventure and self-fulfilment. Unjustifiable Risk was shortlisted for the Boardman Tasker prize in 2011.Table of ContentsChapter 1 Introduction Chapter 2 Before 1854: In Search of the Sublime From gloom to glory Aesthetes and heroes Chapter 3 1854-65: A Conscious Divinity Chapter 4 1865-1914: Gentlemen and Gymnasts The Alps The Lake District North Wales Scotland Outcrops The Greater Ranges Chapter 5 1914-39: Organised Cowardice The Lake District North Wales Scotland Outcrops The Alps The Greater Ranges Chapter 6 1939-70: Hard Men in an Affluent Society North Wales The Lake District Scotland Outcrops The Alps The Greater Ranges Chapter 7 After 1970: Reinventing the Impossible Rock climbing Mountaineering Chapter 8 Because it's there? Notes List of Photographs Appendix I A Note on Grades Appendix II Glossary of Climbing Terms Selected Bibliography Index

Read more less

Book SynopsisSouth Wales Sport Climbs covers the multitude of venues south of the Brecon Beacons, spanning the land and sea cliffs from the River Wye on the Welsh border to Pembrokeshire in the west.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis summer, Rockfax will be producing an exciting new book covering the trad sea cliff climbing of Pembroke and Gower. This will be their third book to Pembroke and a huge update on the previous edition from 2009. The Gower trad will be appearing in a Rockfax print publication for the first time.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe slate quarries near Llanberis have become one of the most popular climbing spots in North Wales for climbers looking for sport routes, or immaculate slab climbing. The development started with the slate boom of the 1980s when the area became famous for immaculate slabs of purple slate with bold run-out routes. Most of these routes are still there in their original style and many have become classics and much sought-after trad ticks. More recently the area has been developed with a multitude of super sport routes from short single pitches to huge multi-pitch extravaganzas. This guide is a celebration of all of those styles of slate climbing. It is a comprehensive guidebook covering all the routes which is a little unusual for a Rockfax, although we have produced such books before.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis new book by Mark Reeves covers all the best mountain walks and scrambles in and around the Snowdonia area. The coverage is done in full Rockfax style with bigh overview photos, precise route descriptions and detailsed maps. It also has an extensive introduction covering some of the basic skills required for scrambling, route planning and navigation. The walks start from basic routes up to the summit of Snowdon like the Llanberis Path. The main information is focussed on the multitude of scrambling possibilities which range from long link-ups like the Snowdon Horshoe, steady ridges like Bristly Ridge and full rock climbs like Grooved Arete on the East Face of Tryfan. The walks are covered with a map, description and sometimes an overview photograph. The scrambles mostly have detailed overview photographs, descriptions and approach maps. The harder scrambles and climbs all have detailed description and photo topos.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe information is presented in the full colour Rockfax photo-topo style and includes cruicial advice on when and how to tackle the deep water solos. The guidebook is enticingly illustrated with many stunning photographs, the majority taken by the author Mike Robertson. Mike has been instrumental in developing and promoting deep water solos throughout the world and has put all his intimate knolwledge into the book. As a stand-alone comprehensive reference book, or an essential companion to the traditional guides to the venues, the Rockfax book Deep Water is eagerly anticipated.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis is the rock climbing instructional book. Until now, instructional books for climbers have taken a largely 'negative' approach, concentrating on how to reduce the inherent risks of the sport, and mentioning only in passing the equally important skills required to get to the top. This book represents a watershed in the genre, coming from a coaching perspective. "Sport Climbing+" is packed with inspirational photos, humorous illustrations, and two lifetime's worth of learning how to succeed at the toughest of all sports. The book takes a practical approach, focussing on the improvements that climbers can make immediately, without embarking on lengthy training programs. Written in a highly accessible, jargon-free style, this book is as beneficial to the novice indoor climber wanting to get on rock as it is to the experienced climber wanting to move onto the next level.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe Ariege region of Southern France is the compact area where the Ariege River cuts through the Pyrenees on its way from Andorra to the coast. There is a lot of high quality climbing in the area with a superb variety of rock types to go at; from the soaring granite slabs of the Dent d'Orlu, to the steep limestone bulges of Genat. Limestone, granite and gneiss are on offer and routes vary in size from boulder problems to long epics of over 20 pitches. The area has a long and intriguing history and offers plenty to do apart from the climbing, including mountain walking, caving, river rafting, skiing and checking out the many ancient castles. Factor in the year-round climbing, easy access from northern Europe and plenty of high quality accommodation in the area and it is easy to see that the Ariege region has lots to offer. The areas covered in the guidebook are in and around the main Ariege river valley which runs down from Andorra through Tarascon-sur-Ariege and Foix. All the main sport climbing crags are covered including, Alliat, Auzat, Calames, Sinsat and ther Plantaurel, as well as many longer routes on the Dent d'Orlu and Sinsat. There are also sections on Mountain Walking, Road and Mountain Biking, Water sports and skiing. Despite its attractions, the area has remained off the radar to the climbing world in general, and the lack of a comprehensive modern guide to the area must be a large part of the reason for this. This publication will hopefully open up this great area as a new destination for travelling climbers.

Read more less

Book SynopsisWest Country Climbs covers around 1000 of the West Country's most popular and highest calibre climbs, which span the full spectrum of climbing styles and grades; from committing multipitch sea cliff routes, to easy-going inland sport climbs. The rock ranges from the moorland and sea cliff granites of Dartmoor and West Penwith, through the geological weirdness of North Devon and Cornwall, to the multitude of limestones on parade in Devon, Somerset, Avon and Dorset. West Country Climbs will be an essential reference book to the climbing available in the region. The guidebook will appeal to the holidaying or regular visitor to the West Country whilst also offering a vast amount of up-to-date and inspirational coverage for the local climber. Areas Covered Wye Valley, Avon and Somerset, North Devon, The Culm, Atlantic Coast, Inland Cornwall, West Penwith, The Lizard, Inland Devon, Torbay.

Read more less

Book SynopsisNorthern Limestone : Yorkshire, Cumbria, Lancashire from Rockfax covers the premier limestone sport crags of the UK with the big three of Malham, Kilnsey and Gordale and their world class climbing. Alongside these titans are numerous other destinations that offer both sport and trad climbing throughout the grades, ranging from the intimidating walls of Blue Scar and Trow Gill to the long lines of newly developed low to mid-grade sport crags such as Moughton Nab and Giggleswick South. Low to mid-grade trad climbing is also well catered for on the walls and escarpments at the likes of Trowbarrow Quarry, Twistleton Scar, Attermire Scar and Witches Quarry.Virtually all of the crags in the book are set in beautiful countryside and are close to fabulous pubs, villages, camping and bunkhouse accommodation.Twistleton Scars, Trow Gill, Robin Proctor's Scar, Crummackdale, Panorama Crag, Moughton Nab, Pot Scar, Giggleswick North, Giggleswick South, Langcliffe, Castleberg Crag, Attermire Scar, Malham Cove, Gordale, Stony Bank, Yew Cogar Scar, Blue Scar, Kilnsey, Dib Scar, Loup Scar, Troller's Gill, Scout Scar, Mill Side Scar, Chapel Head Scar, Humphrey Head, Trowbarrow Quarry, Witches' Quarry.

Read more less

Book Synopsis- A climbing guidebook to over 250 cliffs, with all grades included 3a-8c. - A highly cost effective and practical guidebook to the best areas. - Ideal for beginners, families, regular climbers; with 12,000+ routes. - GPS info, great access maps, campsites and picnic spots. - Bi-lingual French-English guidebook. This title is the first of this 4 book series to general sport climbing and bouldering in France, and is designed for all levels of climber. It is written by David Atchison-Jones, who has written many major guidebooks to Fontainebleau, Bourgogne, and other areas of France. This book includes the main 8 departments of Bourgogne and Auvergne, along with many other cliffs from nearby departments that are easy to access en-route and natural to include. 1) FONTAINEBLEAU, a simple introduction to the 30 main areas. 2) YONNE-MORVAN, spectacular Saussois, plus hidden granite areas. 3) AUXOIS-BEAUNE-MACON, a big concentration of classic limestone. 4) CLERMONT-FERRAND-CANTAL, all of the Auvergne volcanic towers. 5) SAINT-ETIENNE-HAUTE LOIRE, the quiet areas of Massif Central. 6) ARDECHE-LOZERE, a place to seek sunshine and magnificent rock.

Read more less

Book SynopsisA selected guide to over 2,550 routes in the North-West, the Far North, the Hebrides and Orkney. Volume 1 extends this area South of the great Glen. These guides will take you to some extraordinary places to experience some of the best rock climbing and scrambling around. Explore the renowned rough Cuillin gabbro on Skye, sample the delights of sea cliff climbing on the islands of Lewis, Pabbay, Mingulay and Orkney. From convenient roadside crags to remote mountain routes and Hebridean sea cliffs, they're all here. This 3rd Edition of Volume 2 includes several significant recently-discovered venues such as 'Supercrag Sport' (Loch Maree Sport) and 'Supercrag Trad' (Creag Rodha Mor), along with a host of mainly easier additions at the superlative Diabaig. On the islands, many recent additions on the popular Skye sea cliffs of Suidhe Biorach, Neist and the recently-cleaned Staffin Slip South have been included. Similarly, the abundance of superb rock on Lewis, Pabbay and Mingulay has been well documented, with many new topos illustrating the wealth of wonderful climbing throughout a range of grades. Many minor and less popular crags have been replaced, freeing up space to include over 300 new routes, 40 new topos and more than 50 additional action photos. Featuring: * Over 2,550 of the region's best routes from Moderate difficulty to top-end Extremes. * Accessible multi-pitch mountain routes and scrambles. * Sport climbs from F5 to F8c+. * 280 full colour photo topos. * Scale area maps, highlighting the approaches. * Inspirational photographs, including many first ascents.

Read more less

Book SynopsisGower Rock aims to showcase the depth and quality of rock climbing on this wild, beautiful yet somewhat unknown peninsula. The area contains a wide variety of climbing on an enticing array of venues. On some routes you can step straight off golden sands onto classic lines; in other cases you can wend your way across peaceful cliff-top paths before dropping into some pretty demanding terrain just a stone's throw from ice-cream-scoffing tourists and pastoral picnic spots. The magnificent areas of Fall Bay and Three Cliffs have enough classic routes to keep you busy on many visits to the peninsula. The sport crags of Southgate compliment and add variety to the well-established hard routes of Oxwich and Pwlldu. The selection of venues and climbs included in this guide will provide plenty of adventure for all climbers, among some of the best scenery in the UK. New in the 2nd Edition: - Fully revised and updated - 14 new crags - 208 new (mostly sport) routes - 23 new full colour photo topos - 1 new area map, highlighting the approachesTable of ContentsIntroduction Using the Guide Access and Conservation Safety and Accidents Visiting Gower 1 Rhossilli 2. Fall Bay 3. Mewslade 4. Ramsgrove 5. Paviland Valley 6. Port Eynon 7. Oxwich 8. Tor Bay 9. Three Cliffs Bay 10. Southgate 11. Pennard 12. Pwlldu 13. Mumbles 14. A Brief History

Read more less

Book SynopsisBeing a Mountain Leader is so much more than map reading and ropework. This book is aimed at Mountain Leaders and is designed to help them be a better leader once they have the qualification. There is advice herein for trainees and trainers, for the assessed and the assessor. This book moves away from the technical skills attained during training and assessment and focuses on actually being a Mountain Leader. What it does so well is demonstrate what is required to be a good and effective leader after gaining the qualification. Much of the content is also valid for the Walking Group Leader and Lowland Leader holders.

Read more less

Book SynopsisHEARD ISLAND, an improbably remote speck in the far Southern Ocean, lies four thousand kilometres to the south-west of Australia - with Antarctica its nearest continent. By 1964 it had been the object of a number of expeditions, but none reaching the summit of its 9000-foot volcanic peak "Big Ben'. In that year Warwick Deacock resolved to rectify this omission, and assembled a party of nine with impressive credentials embracing mountaineering, exploration, science and medicine, plus his own organisation and leadership skills as a former Major in the British Army. But first they had to get there. Heard had no airstrip and was on no steamer route; the only way was by sea in their own vessel. Approached from Australia, the island lay in the teeth of the 'Roaring Forties'and 'Furious Fifties'. One name, only, came to mind as the skipper to navigate them safely to their destination, and safely home - the veteran mountaineer turned high-latitude sailor H. W. 'Bill' Tilman, already renowned for his 'sailing to climb' expeditions to Patagonia, Greenland and Arctic Canada, and the sub-Antarctic archipelagos of Crozet and Kerguelen, to the north-west of Heard Island. He readily 'signed on' to Warwick Deacock's team of proven individuals and their well-found sailing vessel Patanela. In this first-hand account, as fresh today as on its first publication fifty years ago, Philip Temple invites us all on this superbly conducted, happy and successful expedition, aided by many previously unpublished photographs by Warwick Deacock. 'The Skipper' - a man not free with his praise - described the enterprise as 'a complete thing'. photographs, maps, drawings

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis book is the second volume of a planned three - volume treatment of the history of mountaineering in Scotland, and covers the period from 1914 to 1971. It was a period when there were many changes in the equipment and practice of climbing in summer and winter, and there was a significant rise in the general difficulty of routes being climbed. Many new clubs were formed, and the number of participants increased dramatically.

Read more less

Book SynopsisWhile few of us can aspire to climb the hardest routes, we all may open the SMC Journal and experience the excitement of exploratory climbing or the tense uncertainty of a first ascent. In this issue Helen Rennard recounts her ground-breaking winter climbs with Dave McLeod, Iain Small and Dave Almond, while Almond himself leads us up the fearsome Mistral route on Beinn Eighe. No point of the compass is neglected. In 'Winter Out West' Neil Adams describes pioneering routes in Ardgour. Iain Young goes 'Mountaineering in Hyperborea' on winter visits to the far north, while Bob Duncan soloes the Old Man of Hoy. Finlay Wild finds 'Eastern Promise' in his gruelling Cairngorm ski-tours. And further south, Mike Jacob recalls the rock-climbing exploits of 'Harold Raeburn in Lakeland'. We can recover our breath with some gentler pieces. In 'Night' Ian Crofton reflects on nocturnal phenomena in the mountains, while Donald Orr appraises D.Y.Cameron's mountain drawings. Gavin Anderson asks which heroes deserve 'A Stance on Parnassus', Dave Broadhead gets on his bike, Iain Cameron visits long-lying snowfields, and Robin Campbell guides us round the Scottish mountaineering archives. Humour can be found in the writings of Tim Pettifer and Phil Gribbon, dark fiction in a short story by Mike Dixon, and bone-shattering reality in Brian Shackleton's account of his serious accident. Ever-popular features include New Routes (some 660 of them), Munro Matters, and 21 expert reviews of recent books.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe 2024 edition of the Scottish Mountaineering Journal.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe Great Sea Cliffs of Scotland is an anthology of outrageous climbing adventures from twenty-six of the most extraordinary sea cliffs across Scotland. From the farthest flung sandstone sea stacks of the northern isles, to the granite playground of the Aberdeenshire coast, via the intricate archipelago of the Hebrides, all the major sea cliffs on the Scottish mainland and surrounding islands are covered in five distinct sections. Each area is described in rich detail and accompanied by personal accounts that offer an intimate perspective of the distinctive nature of this unique environment, and the generous rewards for those willing to accept the challenge of these seemingly improbable lines. With contributions from some of the most renowned pioneers and activists in the field of climbing, this compilation traces the remarkable history of Scottish sea cliff climbing and offers a glimpse of its future. Original poetry by Stuart Campbell complements each introductory section, and exclusive images from some of the UK's most distinguished photographers reveal the cliffs in high resolution with unique clarity and vibrance, capturing the drama and scale of these magnificent seascapes. Full list of contributors: Ross Jones, Tim Rankin, Guy Robertson, Andy Inglis, Lou Reynolds, Dave MacLeod, Wilson Moir, Grant Farquhar, Simon Nadin, Murdoch Jamieson, Rob Christie, Blair Fyffe, Steve McClure, Rick Campbell, Kevin Howett, Karin Magog, Alice Irmak Thompson, Pete Herd, Ian Taylor, Tess Fryer, Mick Fowler, Simon Richardson and Jason Currie. Original poetry by Stuart Campbell. Foreword by Julian Lines, author of Boardman-Tasker winning Tears of the Dawn, and the UK's most prolific deep-water solo climber.Trade Review'while some of us may lack the head for heights required to climb them ourselves, seeing the resulting images is a marvel in itself.' Scottish Field

Read more less