The Lakes can’t match the Alps for sheer scale, but occasionally our comparatively diminutive fells serve up an offering with more than a hint of Alpine about it...
There are places for which the adjective ‘Alpine’ is regularly used and perfectly apt: the Cuillin of Skye; the ridges of Torridon; high and narrow parts of north Wales; and, naturally, the Alps. But it’s not often applied to the Lake District. Perhaps we need to establish what we mean by ‘Alpine’. If used solely to describe mountainous landscapes whose upper reaches pierce the 4000m ceiling, then nothing on our elevationally mediocre islands is going to measure up. But if being ‘Alpine’ is a matter of attitude rather than altitude, the UK’s peaks have much to offer. Tower Ridge on Ben Nevis is a classic Alpine-style route. Cyfrwy Arête on Cadair Idris too. And in the Lakes, though it may lack the scale or rarefied air of an equivalent Alpine ridge, Blencathra’s Sharp Edge has every right to claim that distinction; and never more so than in winter.
Denne historien er fra March 2017-utgaven av Trail UK.
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Denne historien er fra March 2017-utgaven av Trail UK.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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What Are The Main Differences Between Male And Female Specific Rucksacks?
Your compass contains a pivoted magnetic needle which can be affected by strong magnetic fields.
Desert
TOP WALKING DESTINATION
Introducing Lakeland's Best Ridge-Mile
The Lake District is full of gems, but could this crinkly wonderland be the perfect introduction to winter walking?
A Matter Of Attitude
The Lakes can’t match the Alps for sheer scale, but occasionally our comparatively diminutive fells serve up an offering with more than a hint of Alpine about it...
Dawn Patrol
As the clocks jump forward this month, here’s a scenic mountaintop adventure to celebrate the spring in style.
MSR Hubba Tour 1
One-person backpacking tents traditionally have a tiny porch that is just big enough to store a pair of boots and a rucksack but little else.
High Pike
The Northern Fells are all mine says Sean McMahon. That is to say, lead mine, tungsten mine, silver mine…
Castles In The Sky
Invisible on the map, unexpected on the ground - and the perfect foil for a dodgy weather day in the Peak District.
Do I Have To Be A Pensioner To Need To Use Trekking Poles?
“A strong, lightweight pair of sticks will firstly reduce the impact on your hip, knee and ankle joints by sharing the load,” says Joerg Tichey from Austrian pole-maker Komperdell.
MONTANE ICARUS/PHOENIX £140
DOES PRIMALOFT’S THERMOPLUME FILL SUCCESSFULLY BRIDGE THE PERFORMANCE