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
![parts of a tent: family setting up](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/PHwUosi7dED45zbo3kue5h-320-80.jpg)
Parts of a tent: our visual guide to your backcountry shelter
By Alex Foxfield last updated
Our visual guide to the many different parts of a tent unzips the jargon, so that next time you’re pitching you know exactly what everything is and what it does
![campfire safety: family toasting marshmallows on a campfire](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/uCAQSpgQzbx82L6dFyvK7K-320-80.jpg)
Campfire safety: how to stay safe when managing the ancient ritual of the campfire
By Alex Foxfield last updated
Our guide to ensuring your time spent cooking, singing and storytelling around the campfire is memorable for the right reasons
![Man using navigation app on his phone while hiking](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/4nKtLSks2rf3bVSb6HSKBK-320-80.jpg)
The best navigation apps 2024: find your way in the backcountry
By Alex Foxfield published
We pick our the best navigation apps for route planning, nav during your adventures, adventure sharing and inspo
![solo backpacking: solo hiker in Gran Paradiso National Park](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/V25YtSLNdWWctrr7bQja2Z-320-80.jpg)
Solo backpacking: the liberating experience of exploring the wilderness alone
By Alex Foxfield last updated
Our guide to solo backpacking adventures in the great outdoors, how to stay safe when going it alone, and instances when you shouldn’t go by yourself
![what are ordnance survey maps: ordnance survey maps](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/gKKeD5YkpZvJespWe9DFbM-320-80.jpg)
What are Ordnance Survey maps? Plus, their history, future and main competitor
By Alex Foxfield last updated
What are Ordnance Survey maps? We delve into the great British institution of the Ordnance Survey, taking a look at its maps, history, future and its main competitor, Harvey
![types of compass](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/dcNj9dhDSDzAEwN5MYq8XN-320-80.jpg)
Types of compass and how to choose the right navigational tool for your outdoor adventures
By Alex Foxfield last updated
We take a look at different types of compass and consider which are best suited to activities like trail running, day hikes and longer treks
![Man plotting a route on a map](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/nt9j3n7dvu7qj36nBGhneN-320-80.jpg)
What are grid references? The traditional way of describing your location
By Alex Foxfield last updated
What are grid references? Learn what a grid reference is and how to read one to describe your approximate location on a topographical map
![eco camping: tent set up with solar charger](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/RBXVrUyoa2aZdWDhkhqqqX-320-80.jpg)
Eco camping: how you can make your trips as environmentally friendly as possible
By Alex Foxfield last updated
This guide to eco camping explains the steps you can take to ensure your trips are good for the planet and as sustainable as possible
![hiking with a dog](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/7SnqdzGqk2dHDBaKibUXDK-320-80.jpg)
Hiking with a dog: how your hound can enhance your outdoor adventures
By Alex Foxfield last updated
There are so many positives to hiking with a dog: we consider the benefits, as well as dos, don’ts and other handy tips
![right to roam: two hikers and impressive mountain](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/DKQucv7Wtgpuv6Ax67zeLU-320-80.jpg)
Right to roam: what does it mean for your outdoor adventures?
By Alex Foxfield last updated
We define what your right to roam is, consider where it applies and what it means for your outdoor adventures
![waterfall walks in Wales: Pistyll Rhaeadr](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/PXKo5aeW3qDRR7aKqVh8sU-320-80.jpg)
Waterfall walks in Wales: wild and wonderful walks to stunning cascades and thundering falls
By Alex Foxfield last updated
Our guide to waterfall walks in Wales will have you making the most of inclement weather to seek out spectacular sights in Wales’ wildest regions
![compass bubbles: mountaineer looking at map and compass](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/u3bqPndtsjW8ksAYAApvBV-320-80.jpg)
Compass bubbles: what to do about pesky air pockets in your compass fluid
By Alex Foxfield last updated
Compass bubbles: our guide to why they form, the affect they have on your navigation and what you can do about them
![hiking in france](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/5f88Tiu86iWD64cfCpogfg-320-80.jpg)
Hiking in France: the crème de la crème of French walking trails
By Alex Foxfield last updated
Want to know where to go hiking in France? Read our guide to some of the finest trails, from day walks in the shadow of Mont Blanc to long distance treks like Corsica’s spectacular GR20
![what is ultra running: skyrunner](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/RaJ5AxTpsTp3DwMtbuFFJP-320-80.jpg)
What is ultra running: a quick guide to one of the ultimate endurance sports
By Adharanand Finn, Alex Foxfield last updated
What is ultra running? How much tougher is it than running a marathon and what mindset do you need to succeed
![Black Diamond Storm 500R: Black Diamond Storm 500R product photo](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/PxDhPzwnfATtCBSiRfXmU4-320-80.jpg)
Black Diamond Storm 500R Headlamp: a powerful and versatile lamp for night time adventures
By Alex Foxfield published
A small but mighty little package, the Black Diamond Storm 500R is perfect for all manner of outdoor use
![how to light a fire: campfire](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/n8gVPHLAzvZsAHJ6qm62ue-320-80.jpg)
How to light a fire: our step-by-step guide
By Alex Foxfield published
How to light a fire: get that campfire roaring – safely, of course – and let the good times roll with our comprehensive guide
![how to use a compass: hiker taking a bearing](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/xtSduXJBqLMpDcAVRJSZNe-320-80.jpg)
How to use a compass: improve your navigation and get your bearings
By Pat Kinsella, Alex Foxfield last updated
Learning or enhancing your knowledge of how to use a compass is a great idea ahead of the summer hiking season
![how to season wood: man with firewood stack](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/AFArpvvPTbvKQDhXpvsBNc-320-80.jpg)
How to season wood: get your firewood in ship shape for camping season
By Alex Foxfield published
Our tips on how to season wood so that your logs reach the optimum condition for your stoves and for clean and consistent campfires
![Sea to Summit Alto TR2: Alto TR2 product image](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/jtdRmf6aRkKPZuS4FjKEfh-320-80.jpg)
Sea to Summit Alto TR2: a superb, innovative backpacking tent
By Alex Foxfield published
We camp out in the brand-new Sea to Summit Alto TR2 to see how this Aussie upstart measures up against the finest backpacking shelters
![Bochlwyd Horseshoe: hikers on Glyder Fach](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/FoYPD7QPsEKVLaZsoDitDm-320-80.jpeg)
My Favourite Hike: Snowdonia’s sensational Bochlwyd Horseshoe
By Alex Foxfield last updated
Advnture contributor Alex Foxfield celebrates a "magnificent day out" in the mountains of North Wales
![what is a satellite communicator: man holding GPS unit](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/Xjz9GKDvHTK66pSitRMzoK-320-80.jpg)
What is a satellite communicator? The purpose and functions of these potentially life-saving devices
By Alex Foxfield published
What is a satellite communicator? We take a look at why this technological tether to the rest of the world might be essential for your wilderness expeditions
![what is glamping: glamping set up](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/sL4JFbkjxTB8XBcXhsn2pQ-320-80.jpg)
What is glamping? We indulge in the aspects of glamorous camping
By Alex Foxfield published
What is glamping? All you need to know about glamping, including how environmentally friendly it is and how to create your own DIY glamping experiences