The Great Outdoors

TGO Magazine is your essential guide to hillwalking and backpacking in the UK and overseas. Get out more! We provide all the inspiration you need to plan your next trip, plus expert reviews and tips. The Great Outdoors is for anyone who loves walking in the hills, mountains and wild places. With information on the latest gear, in-depth features and stunning photography, The Great Outdoors will help you access the high peaks and long trails of Britain and beyond. Our enhanced digital addition includes even more great photos and interactive content.

Hands-on experience

IN THIS ISSUE • Meet some of the folk who made this mag…

The Great Outdoors

HILL THRILLS • Be inspired to live more adventurously. Subscribe to The Great Outdoors.

Stac Pollaidh, Assynt

BECA TREBILCOCK ‘Muddy Bootlaces’ • With muddy bootlaces – and mascara – this Cornish teacher is defying stereotypes, one Dartmoor tor at a time

Readers’ page

West Highland Way • Listed as one of the world’s top 10 best trails by National Geographic, the West Highland Way is an iconic long-distance walk. James Forrest guides you through almost 100 miles of classic Scottish scenery

Nepal’s ban of solo trekking sparks criticism • Nepal has banned 'solo' hiking in its national parks, citing safety concerns and job opportunities – but critics say the policy is unfair and may be ineffective

Rewilding is often criticised – but it’s winning • Rewilding has come under intense criticism, often from landowners and developers – but its successes show that it remains a vital idea, argues Chris Townsend

Female Tranter’s Round record is broken in fine style • During a short-lived winter snap, ultrarunner Keri Wallace broke the female Tranter’s Round record by 2 hours 25 minutes. This gruelling link-up of the Glen Nevis skyline – the ridges of the Mamores, Grey Corries, Aonachs, Carn Mor Dearg and Ben Nevis – was first done in 1964 by Philip Tranter. After juggling work as a Winter Mountain Leader for Girls on Hills UK with childcare and tough conditions, Keri shares the stats…

ON THE LOOKOUT • Natural highlights in the hills this month

EVENTS CALENDAR May 2023

NEW Book REVIEW

THE WREKIN • For Jim Perrin, this little hill overlooking the birthplace of the industrial revolution represents the essence of England

DAWN delight • Arguably the best circuit of Snowdon for non-climbers, the Snowdon Horseshoe is a classic multi-ridge scramble that offers incredible exposure whilst never venturing above Grade 1. Hanna Lindon braves a sunrise start to enjoy it crowd-free

LOST WORLDS • Gill scrambling isn't everyone’s cup of tea. But for John Fleetwood, climbing up these secretive, watery gullies provides authentic thrills and a glimpse into the hidden natural heritage of the Lake District

SCOTTISH WILD COUNTRY BACKPACKING • When they couldn’t find a guide to multi-day routes in the quieter places of the Highlands and Islands, three backpackers wrote their own. One of the authors, Stefan Durkacz, describes how his involvement deepened his appreciation of this magnificent part of the world.

LIMESTONE high lines • Ronald Turnbull explores the vertiginous terraces of Italy’s Brenta Dolomites, enjoying a week of full-on mountain walking in spectacular country

BIG ROCK • Wanting to take on some spicy terrain? Eyeing up the likes of Striding Edge, Crib Goch or the Aonach Eagach? We round up some of the best scrambling advice from our archive – along with a few new insights – into this handy eight-page special

GEAR • News from the world of outdoor kit, and product reviews from the UK’s most experienced gear-testing team

NEW REVIEWS • Chris Townsend puts exciting and interesting new gear to the...