
Alex Foxfield
Alex is a freelance adventure writer and mountain leader with an insatiable passion for the mountains. A Cumbrian born and bred, his native English Lake District has a special place in his heart, though he is at least equally happy in North Wales, the Scottish Highlands or the European Alps. Through his hiking, mountaineering, climbing and trail running adventures, Alex aims to inspire others to get outdoors. He's the former President of the London Mountaineering Club, is training to become a winter mountain leader, looking to finally finish bagging all the Wainwright fells of the Lake District and is always keen to head to the 4,000-meter peaks of the Alps. www.alexfoxfield.com
Latest articles by Alex Foxfield

Scotland’s tallest mountains: 5 giants of the Highlands
By Alex Foxfield published
We reveal the 5 tallest mountains in Scotland, from the mighty Ben Nevis to the giants of the Cairngorms National Park

What is a crux in climbing? Getting to grips with hardest parts of the ascent
By Alex Foxfield published
We reveal how the crux impacts the overall grade of a route and consider famous examples from climbing history

Going uphill fast: Who are the greatest fell runners of all time?
By Alex Foxfield published
We take a look at the greatest full runners of all time, from the legendary figures to modern greats setting FKTs like there’s no tomorrow

Wales’ 5 tallest mountains: soaring Snowdonian giants
By Alex Foxfield published
We reveal the highest mountains in Wales: storied peaks that rise high above a landscape rich in history and legend

What are the best mountaineering books? 10 high-altitude classics for armchair adventurers
By Alex Foxfield published
Our guide to the best mountaineering books of all time picks out 10 seminal works that have informed and inspired generations

The best hiking shoes: capable summit-baggers and fast-paced walkers
By Pat Kinsella, Charlie Lyon last updated
We've tested the best hiking shoes to see how they hold up in challenging conditions – including techy terrain, steep scrambles and boggy trails

Voited Slumber Jacket: is it jacket or is it a sleeping bag? It’s both!
By Alex Foxfield published
We get cozy in Voited’s Slumber Jacket, a toasty puffer that converts into a sleeping bag for camping adventures, van life, post surf or swim, beach strolls and more

From the ‘father of rock climbing' to a 20-something star of bouldering: who are Britain’s greatest ever climbers?
By Alex Foxfield published
We take a look at some of Britain’s greatest ever climbers, from the early pioneers to today’s benchmark setters

In it for the long run: the elite British runners leading the charge against climate change
By Alex Foxfield published
We take a look at the Green Runners, a group committed to doing their bit to combat the climate emergency

The best trail running shoes: get a grip on the trickiest terrain
By Pat Kinsella last updated
We've picked out the best trail running shoes to keep you on course whatever the conditions

Who is Katie Schide? The 'Trail Runner of the Year' who can't help breaking records
By Alex Foxfield published
Watch out Courtney! Here's everything you need to know about Katie Schide, the American ultra runner who won the UTMB in 2024

Salewa Ortles Edge Mid Gore-Tex boots review: comfort and capability
By Alex Foxfield published
We test the Salewa Ortles Edge Mid Gore-Tex alpine mountaineering boot, putting it through its paces in the UK’s winter mountains

Merrell Moab Speed 2 Vent 2K 1TRL review: a lightweight, breathable version of the trail legend
By Alex Foxfield last updated
We take to the trails in the Merrell Moab Speed 2 Vent 2K 1TRL to try to work out if it’s a trail runner or a hiker, and whether it excels at either

Who is Conrad Anker? The American 'rock star' climber who discovered George Mallory’s body on Everest
By Alex Foxfield published
From discovering Mallory to losing his best friend in an avalanche on Shishapangma, Conrad Anker’s career in the mountains is one of extreme highs and lows

Cimalp Cosmiques H Breathable Trekking Jacket review: a waterproof with serious heritage
By Alex Foxfield published
Cimalp is 60! We take to the mountains in one of its limited-edition heritage pieces, the Cosmiques Breathable Trekking Jacket

Jiayou! Jiayou! The rise and rise of trail running in China
By Alex Foxfield published
We look at the Chinese boom in trail running, including how tragedy has shaped the modern pursuit and what the future holds

The world’s greatest unclimbed mountains: virgin summits that have yet to be conquered
By Alex Foxfield published
We take a look at the world’s greatest unclimbed mountains – remote, revered giants that remain out of our reach to this day

Who was Ueli Steck? The “Swiss Machine” mountaineer who broke records on the world’s most iconic peaks
By Alex Foxfield published
Ueli Steck’s warm character, insatiable drive and astonishing climbs made him one of the greatest climbers and mountaineers of the modern era

Cotopaxi Tarak 20L backpack – Del Día: a versatile pack crafted from repurposed materials
By Alex Foxfield published
We take to the trails with Cotopaxi’s colorful Tarak 20L Backpack, a sustainable daypack designed with climbing, backcountry skiing and general outdoor adventures in mind

5 things I wish I’d known before my first mountain running challenge
By Alex Foxfield published
My first mountain running challenge taught me valuable lessons in moving at speed for extended periods among the peaks

Grivel Air Tech New-Matic EVO Crampons review: lightweight traction for mountaineering exploits
By Alex Foxfield published
We attach Grivel’s Air Tech New-Matic EVO Crampons, technical 12-point traction devices that are lighter than most and provide ironclad hold on snow and ice

Salomon DRX Defy GRVL review: a lightweight, speedy gravel running shoe
By Alex Foxfield published
I go gravel running – yes, it’s a thing – as well as more well-known forms of running to test out Salomon’s DRX Defy GRVL shoes

The best running jackets 2025: beat the wind and rain on your run with these ultralight offerings
By Alex Foxfield last updated
Our selection of the best running jackets are design to protect you from the elements while still packing down to almost nothing
All the latest inspiration, tips and guides to help you plan your next Advnture!