Alien or Spiny katydid nymph? Amazon Critter
Source Flikr by ggallice

Far from being a “boys-own adventure” Eds reasoning for his amazon hike was “I am simply doing it because no-one has done it before.” he told AP.

The hike was prolonged by floods that forced Ed and Cho to walk a route that was 2,000 miles longer than the 4,000-mile length of the Amazon, which is exceeded only by Africa’s Nile as the world’s longest river.  Which presumably will be Ed’s next task, as Ed also told AP that he has another adventure planned for September 2011.

The long journey Ed has taken is reported to have cost almost £63,000 and has been paid for by sponsor companies and donations by those who care about saving the Amazon. Ed described how it has deepened his understanding of the Amazon, its role in protecting the globe against climate change and the complex forces that are leading to its destruction. Along his journey Ed talked in his blog posts of the vast expanses of open space where there was once forest and is now nothing, including areas where he expected there to be civilisation but it has been moved away because of this deforestation.

Ed and Cho have faced all manner of danger during the hike across the amazon, from sheer drops to anaconda snakes and caiman’s to illness, food shortages and let’s not forget Ed was accused twice of murder by local tribes (who Ed believes took a dislike to him as they had never seen a white man).

Another problem Ed faced every step of his amazing Amazon hike was mosquito bites, some “50,000″ of them in total. Seems like Ed could have done with some mosquito repellent and a mosquito headnet or two. Though of course when Ed’s back in the UK walking his primary problem is likely to be midge bites.

At the time of publication of this post Ed’s website “walkingthemamazon” is down due to a huge ammount of traffic. However, Ed also has his own personal website with a copy of most of the blog posts he made daily whilst on his hike.

You can also read more about this amazing hike on the BBC News website.

Ingo Nicolay will be replacing former executive director, Judith Safford. UIAA stands for International Union of Alpine Associations, but the organisation is also known as the International Mountaineering and Climbing Federation.

At this time we must express our gratitude to Ingo’s predecessor, Judith Safford, for all of her hard work in the past and we wish her all the best in the future.

I hope you will all join me in welcoming Ingo to the UIAA. Mike Mortimer, President, UIAA

The purpose of the UIAA is to study and find solutions to of all problems regarding mountaineering. These include establishing mountaineering ethics, promoting mountaineering and climbing, ensuring access for climbers and supporting youth participation and the Olympic movement. Last year we interviewed Judith Safford, who told us all about the activities and challenges currently facing the UIAA and the mountaineering community. We are certain that Ingo Nicolay will have plenty of work to do pursuing the interests of the UIAA and would like to wish him good luck in his new post.

Good navigation is essential for the race, and you will be provided with detailed maps to follow. The race will include fell running, mountain biking, kayaking, orienteering and a few surprises taking you to those hidden gems. Attitude is everything, so be prepared for the unexpected!

Since this Adventure Race is being held in the Lake District there could well be some open water swimming.

The 2010 event will be held from 27th to 30th of August and will be part of the Adventure Racing World Series. That’s bank holiday weekend, so you’ll probably need your waterproofs! The cost to enter the event is £1485 per team of four, that’s just over £370 each. This does not include kayak hire. For those entering late, this price will increase by 10% on 1st July. The closing date is 1st August.

The Adidas Terrex Race is being organised by Open Adventure.

Open Adventure was set up by James Thurlow in 2004 in reaction to the lack of Adventure Racing in the North of England. Since then Open Adventure has grown each year attracting some of the best adventure racers across the world and support from the largest brands in Adventure sport.

The 2009 Adventure Racing World Series was won by a British team consisting of Nicola MacLeod, Tom Gibbs, Nick Gracie and Warren Bates.

If you would like some inspiration for getting into Adventure Racing a great place to start would be our interview with Ian Adamson, the World’s most successful Adventure Racer! Ian Adamson has won many endurance races and is six time adventure racing world champion. In the interview he tells us about his interest in outdoor sports, including kayaking, sailing and orienteering, as well as sharing some top tips on being a world class adventure racer.

Pembrokeshire Best Coast Path

According to a readers poll in the BBC’s Coast Magazine The Pembrokeshire Coast Path is the best coastal path in the UK. The 186-mile walking route is located inside the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, in west Wales.

This year also marks the 40th anniversary of the path and it’s wonderful to have national recognition for this fabulous resource and to know that it is still valued 40 years on. Charles Mathieson, head of recreation and tourism for the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority.

Pembrokeshire Coast Path Route Overview

The Green Bridge of Wales on the Pembrokeshire Coast Path. Source Geograph.co.uk. Copyright Paul Allison and licensed for reuse under the Creative Commons Licence.

Starting at St Dogmaels, west of Cardigan, the path follows the coast in a westerly direction through Newport and onto Fishguard. From there it continues around Strumble Head, eventually turning south at St. Davids Head and through Whitesands, before turning east along St. David’s Peninsula Heritage Coast and heading towards Solva.

As the coastline follows the concave Bay of St. Brides, the path heads south through Nolton and Broad Haven before heading in a south westerly direction towards Martin’s Haven and around St. Ann’s Head. This section passes close to Skomer Island, famous for its Puffins, as it runs along the Marloes and Dale Heritage Coast.

Turning back east the trail continues along the northern side of the estuary of Milford Haven onto Neyland. After crossing the bridge towards Pembroke the footpath heads west for the last time, running along the southern side of the estuary towards Angle. Past Freshwater the footpath leaves the coast and heads inland for a detour to Merrion before returning to coast once again. Heading east north east the trail follows the South Pembrokeshire Heritage Coast past Tenby and Saundersfoot before reaching its conclusion at Amroth.

View Larger Map

Pembrokeshire Coast Path Terrain

The Pembrokeshire Coast path passes through beautiful and varied scenery. From St. Dogmaels to St. Davids the coast is remote with few villages, it is rugged, with tall cliffs rising out of the rough sea. St. Brides Bay offers wide, open sandy beaches. The Milford Haven estuary and harbour is sheltered from the ocean. There is an abundance of birds including widgeon, shelduck, teal, curlew and redshank. The cliffs on the South Pembrokeshire Heritage Coast are less rugged, with sheltered beaches. This section also contains the famous lily ponds at Bosherston and the golden sandy beach at Barafundle.

In its entirety the Coast Path represents a formidable physical challenge – its 35,000 feet of ascent and descent is said to be equivalent to climbing Everest — yet it can also be enjoyed in shorter sections, accessible to people of all ages and abilities. Pembrokeshire Coast website

The Pembrokeshire coastline has also been shaped by man, who has fished and farmed in the area for centuries. Iron Age promontory forts can be seen and so to can Neolithic stone structures known as cromlechs or dolmens.

The Pembrokeshire coast line has many different types of landscap, including rugged cliffs. Source: Flickr by dougwoods.

Best Gear for Coastal Path Walking

The most important thing to consider is walking footwear. There are many stretches of the coastal footpaths that are well maintained and require a good pair of approach shoes, especially if you are only walking a short section. There are sections where the terrain is uneven and stout walking boots are needed. If you are intending to walk long stretches of the coastal path over the course of several days, walking boots are definitely the best bet.

Obviously it depends upon the time of year that you will be walking, but even in the summer there can often be a strong wind on the coast. Therefore it is a good idea to take a windproof jacket, or even waterproofs.

The picturesque beach at Barafundle bay. Source: Flickr by Sarah and Iain.

You will need a base layer and perhaps a mid-weight fleece to keep you warm when you stop for a break. Zip-off trousers are a great idea, giving you the choice between shorts and long trousers.

Sun tan cream and a sun hat are essential items. During the summer you can get sunburnt even on a cloudy day. Sun glasses are worth taking too.

Make sure that you take adequate food and drink, especially on hot sunny days. The amount of ascent on coastal trails can be deceptive and there are not always places to stop for refreshments. A hydration bladder is a great way to store your drink, since it eliminates the need to remove a bottle from your pack. A small bottle of anti-bacterial hand wash is also worth taking to clean your hands before eating.

A good quality map is essential. A compass, emergency whistle and first aid kit are also recommended.

There is plenty of birdlife and wildlife to be seen along the coast, so don’t forget your bird watching equipment: binoculars, camera and an identification chart or bird book.

If you will be walking along the actual shoreline or beach it is essential to check the tide times. The sea can come in quickly and leave you stranded if you are not careful.

Best Coastal Path: Your Opinion?

Have you walked any or all of the Pembrokeshire Coastal Path? Do you agree with Coast Magazine readers or do you think that there is a better coastal trail elsewhere in the UK?
For example:

• The South West Coast Path
• The Cleveland Way
• The Norfolk Coast Path
• Fife Coastal Path
• Arran Coastal Way
• Ayrshire Coastal Path
• Causeway Coast Way
• Lecale Way

Let us know what you think, click on “comments” and share your opinion!

Get yourselves down here and get climbing.

Harrogate Climbing Centre (HCC) offers both indoor climbing and bouldering, as well indoor and outdoor climbing courses and qualifications. On offer are taster courses for people new to climbing, beginners courses and courses for climbers to develop their skills and even leader courses.

HCC's 14 meter multi-angled climbing wall.

The main indoor climbing wall is a whopping 14 meter multi-angled wall, designed by Entre-Prises. Climbing grades range from 3+ to 8a. There is also a bouldering section which features problems from V0 – V8, as well as a Fr7b stamina circuit.

Climber and owner of the Harrogate Climbing wall, John Dunne, told the BMC:

I wanted to bring Yorkshire’s premier climbing centre to the heart of Yorkshire’s best climbing; so when I found the perfect building just south of Harrogate town centre, I jumped at the chance of turning it into a modern climbing facility.

Only ten minutes’ drive from Almscliffe on a rainy weekend, the focus of Harrogate Climbing Centre is to provide for climbers and boulderers of all levels. We have applied all the lessons we have learnt from our experience at the Manchester centre, and used them to develop a climbing wall you’d have to travel a long way to beat!

Climbing for Everyone!

Everyone is welcome to come and climb. Climbing is available for corporate groups as well as kids, schools and youth groups. Life membership only costs £10 and entitles members to concessions on entry and the option to purchase discount packages. If you do not have your own climbing gear, you can hire it for a small fee.

Under construction. HCC's new climbing wall.

Harrogate Climbing Centre

Hornbeam Park Avenue
Hornbeam Park
Harrogate
HG2 8QT

Tel: 01423 815024
E-mail:
info@harrogateclimbingcentre.com
Website:
harrogateclimbingcentre.com

HCC Opening Times:

Mon-Fri: 10-10pm
Sat:10-8pm
Sun: 10-6pm

If you’re not able to get to Harrogate to go climbing or bouldering, there are plenty of indoor climbing walls in the UK. If you are not sure what equipment is needed for safe climbing, have a look at our advice about climbing gear, which provides information about climbing harnesses, shoes, ropes, belay devices and other protection equipment.

Mourne way marathon runners - image by Whisper Twomey

The 2010 Mourne Way Marathon is set to take place on Saturday 12 June 2010. After the sucess of last years event it is once again set to attract runners from Ireland, the UK and Europe to compete in what is fast becoming the most talked about off road marathon in Ireland.

In an added twist to this years event there will be the “Mourne Way Ultra Marathon” – a back to back marathon event which will see runners run off road across 52 miles (84km) of the best scenery that Northern Ireland has to offer in an “out and back” format.

There will also be a marathon, half marathon, 10k and 26 mile challenge walk events on the day.

The main event will see competitors race the 26 miles of the Mourne Way from Newcastle to Rostrevor, Co Down. This route is a linear route, almost entirely off road, traversing the foothills of the Mourne Mountains passing Tollymore Forest, Fofanny Dam, Spelga Dam, Leitrim Lodge and Yellow Water before arriving at the finish in Kilbroney Park in Rostrevor.

All routes will be fully waymarked – therefore navigation skills will not be a requirement for this event.

View Larger Map

Kit List for the Mourne Way Marathon

mourne way marathon river crossing - image by Trey Wheeler

• Running shoes (trail runners or ordinary runners) or Walking Boots

The items listed below are OPTIONAL items for the 10K Run / Walk

• Hydration pack or bottle (to hold at least 1 litre)
• Energy snacks
• Windproof top
• Hat or Buff®

Remember if you are planning on taking part it is essential that you undertake a training programme beforehand to ensure the day is as memorable as possible and not a nightmare if you’re having a hard time keeping motivated have a look here for Mountain marathon training tips.

Entries for the event are now open and all details can be found at www.mournewaymarathon.com

Climbing a hill in the Mourne way marathon - image by Trey Wheeler

Mountaineering Ethics will help protect the Mountain Environment. Source: Flickr by dino_olivieri.

The UIAA’s bold summary encompasses the thinking behind the declaration:

Stretch Your Limits, Lift Your Spirits, Aim for the Top!

The mountaineering and climbing ethics code encompasses the following twelve points, which I have summarised below:

1. Individual Responsibility – Be responsible for yourself, for others and for the environment.
2. Team Spirit – Support and encourage your climbing team members.
3. Climbing and Mountaineering Community – Treat every person in the mountains with respect.
4. Visiting Foreign Countries – Respect your hosts, show consideration for their culture, their holy mountains and sacred places. Try to bring benefits to local people and their economy.
5. Responsibilities of Mountain Guides and Other Leaders – respect the freedom and rights of other groups and individuals.
6. Emergencies, Dying and Death – Understand the risks and hazards in the mountain environment. Have suitable knowledge, skills and equipment. Be prepared to help others in emergency situations, even if it means sacrificing your own goals.
7. Access and Conservation – Practice mountaineering and climbing with respect for the environment, be proactive in preserving nature. Freedom of access is a fundamental right but respect restrictions agreed with conservation organisations and authorities.
8. Style – Succeeding is not as important as creative problem solving and experience. Strive to leave no trace on the rock face or mountainside.
9. First Ascents – Should be completed in the style appropriate to the region, or better, and should be reported exactly.
10. Sponsorship, Advertising and Public Relations – Relationships between climbers or mountaineers and sponsors should be professional. The mountain sports’ community should educate the media and the public.
11. Use of Supplementary Oxygen in Mountaineering – Medical reasons for using oxygen at high altitude should outweigh other considerations. Ethical reasons for using or not using oxygen should be left up to individual climbers. Oxygen bottles must not be left on the mountain.
12. High Altitude Guided Commercial Expeditions – Commercial Operators should recognise the limitations of their clients in their care. Clients should be warned that their plans may be altered in order to assist others in mountain emergencies.

The declaration has taken a long time and a lot of effort to prepare. It has been endorsed by more than 40 mountaineering federations worldwide. Please try to adhere to its recommendations to help further the good name of climbing and mountaineering, ultimately it will also help to bring you a better experience in the mountains. The full text pdf file can be found on the UIAA website.

The UIAA is an international federation which represents climbers and mountaineers from across the globe. To find out more about the UIAA and what they do, why not read our exclusive interview with Judith Safford, Executive Director of the UIAA.

Rock over climbing announce new bouldering centre to open in Manchester City Centre

ROCK OVER CLIMBING will be situated in the city centre (somewhere within a 3 minute walk from Victoria station) and will open early in 2010. It will be the largest dedicated bouldering centre this side of the Pennines, with over 250 routes set for all abilities. There will be something for everyone including kids, beginners, everyday climbers and the best climbers in the country.

There will also be:

• Competition wall
• Training wall and area
• Café
• Plenty of off-road parking
• Changing facilities
• Bike storage
• Chill out areas and fantastic atmosphere
• And much much more…….

In the meantime if you can’t wait to do some indoor bouldering or climbing have a look here to find your nearest indoor climbing wall.

Mountian Biking at iROC Photo credit: © Ryan Edy / iROC™

There was universally superb feedback from competitors after the 2009 iroc event, with the fell race route being described as “worthy of a British Championship course” by elated competitors and the MTB Enduro circuit being described as “the toughest Enduro circuit in the UK” by many (rather tired) competitors.

The weekend of racing kicks off with the Night Orienteering race and competitors will be able to start whenever they want after 10pm on the Friday night. The course will be open for four hours, allowing competitors travelling from further afield sufficient time to complete the first race. Best of all,  free meals will be provided to all competitors as they finish each night race and also at the MTB Enduro.

Saturday daytime will be given over to a series of fun “Come and Try It – Adventure Races” for kids and spectators, whilst the competitors get the opportunity to test ride the Night MTB Course and experience labyrinth orienteering! Saturday night marks a change in tempo for the competitors with the races coming thick and fast thereafter. The night Fell Race and MTB Time Trial promise to be visually spectacular experiences for both competitors and spectators in the valley, with the courses being way marked with hundreds of glowsticks and many kilometers of reflective barrier tape.

Sunday’s Orienteering Race will be incredibly exciting as well, with competitors having to navigate through a complex labyrinth maze as they start and finish the race. The combination of the labyrinth maze, rapid fire block starts and gaffling, which all take place in the event village, will ensure an action packed experience for everyone.

The MTB courses for both the Night Time Trial and Enduro are being upgraded with a significant new section of uphill single track in the forest. The downhill single track section that literally induced nightmares for some competitors is also having a makeover, becoming faster, smoother and more ridable than before. The Enduro Race is being increased from four hours to six hours, but with a flexible start time, so that competitors can choose the amount of riding they want to do.

iROC™ will once again be held at Eastgate in the Durham Dales, an amazing venue exclusive to this event. The venue is surrounded by stunning moorland and on the boundary of the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The site itself is largely hidden from view but is complete with a large quarry, steep hillsides with complex contour features, forest and a perfect event village location with self-contained campsite at the bottom of the valley. With a prize giving ceremony after each race and an event village featuring a great campsite, fire barrels, BBQ’s, music, a bar, atmospheric lighting and activities for the kids, it’s a brilliant venue for a memorable weekend for all. Set in a beautiful and quiet area of the Durham Dales it will be well away from the Bank Holiday crowds.

have a look at the events schedule below:

If you are thinking of signing up and want to manage to make it to the finish line why not have a look at some of our training tips.

Entries have just opened and are limited to 400 competitors for more information and to register visit wwww.iroc-race.com

iROC finish line Photo credit: © Ryan Edy / iROC™

Mountain villages are at risk from natural disasters. Source: Flickr by www.viajar24h.com

Mountains are hazardous places. Many mountain communities live under the threat of earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, avalanches, landslides and floods.

José Antonio Prado, Director, Forest Management Division, FAO.

The main reasons that people live in these dangerous mountain communities are cultural ties and poverty. The risks to these people can be reduced through sustainable agricultural, pasture and forestry practices. Local and national strategies also need to be put in place to help prevent loss of life.

It is very likely that heavy precipitation will become more frequent and likely that future storms will become more intense.

Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change scenarios.

This year International Mountain Day coincides with the United Nations Climate Change talks in Copenhagen, which is why Disaster Risk Management in Mountains was chosen as this years theme.

The risk of natural disasters occurring is not just confined to the rural mountain environment. City slums are often built up the sides of mountains are particularly vulnerable due to the large numbers of people living in them. Rural mountain communities have a particular disadvantage since it is difficult for advanced warning to be given and also for emergency services and relief aid to reach remote areas. Men from mountainous regions often leave home to earn money in low-lying cities or abroad, leaving women, children and the elderly in the mountains. Since the women are not landowners they are not always eligible for emergency relief. They are often restricted in their social interactions and consequently do not receive risk management advice.

Half of the deaths caused by natural disasters occur in mountains and adjoining lands.

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.

Disaster Risk Management in Mountains

Deforestation increases the risk of natural disasters. When there are no trees there is nothing to hold the soil together and landslips occur more readily. It also increases the amount of water run-off flooding land at the foot of the mountains. Trees also provide a barrier against avalanches. Increases in mountain populations of people and grazing of animals plus outside pressure from commercial logging companies increase the amount of deforestation that occurs. Other factors that increase risk from natural disasters are road construction, building of settlements on exposed slopes and poor terracing.

In developed countries, mountainside forests are planted to provide protection around cities and roads. It is often the tax payer who funds this type of project, however the cost of emergency relief and re-construction far out weighs the cost of preventative measures.

International Mountain Day 2009 - Disaster Risk Management in Mountains

Through PES schemes, and by educating mountain people and governments about risk awareness, the FAO can help reduce the number of casualties in natural disasters and also help break mountain people out the cycle of poverty.

Each year International Mountain Day focuses on a key aspect of mountain life or the environment. The issues raised to date are outlined as follows: