Chris Townsend Outdoors - Seite 2 
Book Review: The Corbetts by Rab Anderson
The Corbetts is the latest volume in the superb Scottish Mountaineering Club Hillwalkers’ Guides series. Like the earlier books The Corbetts is beautifully designed and illustrated. According to the publishers it’s the third edition of a guide first published in 1990 as The Corbetts & Other Scottish Hills but in fact it’s so different that it’s really a new book. Everything is new – route
In this issue of TGO I write about the Hilleberg Akto tent which I used on my continuous round of the Munros and Tops thirty years ago this year. The tent is still fine and I look at how I've kept it in good condition.In reviews I look at the Grubs Bearline 8.5 boots which I've been wearing a great deal in the snow this year. Also in individual reviews Fiona Russell reviews the Snowline Spikes,
A Quiet First Camp Of The Year
Late January and stormy weather followed a thaw of the deep snow that fell in the first half of the month. High up the snow continued but in the glens there was rain. Not wanting to battle a storm high up I decided on a quiet forest venture for my first camp of the year. Enjoying the peace of the woods was preferable to struggling through snow and mist on the tops. As I set off the Cairngorms
Book Review: Hiking The Yukon Quest by Dr Mark Hines
The Yukon Quest is a 1000-mile dog sled race from Fairbanks in Alaska to Whitehorse in the Yukon Territory. It’s regarded by many as the toughest such race in the world. Much of it takes place on frozen rivers. That’s when it’s not crossing mountain ranges. I guess the route could be hiked and pack rafted or canoed in summer. But that wouldn’t be the Yukon Quest. That requires ice and snow.
A Look At The February Issue Of TGO
In the latest issue of The Great Outdoors I review the excellent Ombraz Refugio sunglasses, two pairs of wide footwear that fit my wide feet (Gemma Palmer reviews two pairs of women's wide boots) and the Polar Grit X2 Pro outdoor watch. The last is one of four watches in a long-term side-by-side review, the others being the Garmin Enduro 3 reviewed by Fiona Russell, the Corus Nomad reviewed by
Enjoying the deep January snow: a photo essay.
Heavy snow falling on a favourite birch tree. January 6The New Year began with snow and continued with snow and then more snow. The deepest locally for fifteen years. Walking quickly became difficult, the soft snow shin to knee deep. Snowshoes and skis were called for and I've been using both. Skis are great out in the open, snowshoes in the confined depths of the forest.Just a smattering of snow
Last Hill & Camp of 2025
After sunsetBetween Christmas and New Year I managed a last overnight trip of 2025. Without much time and given the short hours of daylight plus a forecast for the weather to turn stormy by the end of the second day I didn’t plan to go far. I did want a high camp though, so I decided to head up into the Cairngorms and camp somewhere near Cairn Gorm itself. I set off in sunshine, though the air
Favourite New Gear of 2025
Melting snow in the Fire Maple Petrel G2 PotHere's my favourite gear of the year roundup following another twelve months testing gear for The Great Outdoors, this blog, and my YouTube channel. Not all the items were new for this year, just tested by me for the first time. As always they don't necessarily replace ones from previous years or old favourites and they're in no particular
Welcome to the New Year: Thoughts & Plans
New Year's Day in Strathspey: clouds, wind, snow, touches of sun,The year turns again. The winter celebrations are ending. The light is returning, albeit slowly. It's a time for reflection and for looking forward. In the immediate future lies winter, several more months up here in the Scottish Highlands. Plenty of snow I hope, and not too much rain.This year I plan to do at least one walk of two
Season's Greetings Everyone!
Merry Christmas everyone. Thanks to all who have supported my work here and in magazines and books. I am truly grateful. May you all have a wonderful 2026.