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
Hiking near London: six spellbinding hikes just a stone’s throw from the capital
By Alex Foxfield published
There's magnificent hiking near London – from spectacular coast walks across iconic cliffs to rambles on the Chiltern and Greensand Hills, there’s something for everyone
How to use an ice axe: wield your ice tool with confidence
By Alex Foxfield published
We guide you through how to use an ice axe for winter walking, mountaineering and ice climbing, as well as how to use one to stop a fall
Why buy a winter sleeping bag? The reasons you should invest in one this winter
By Alex Foxfield published
A winter sleeping bag opens up a potential world of adventure, but their eye-watering prices put off many a would-be winter camper. We explore the reasons why you might want to buy one
How to take a bearing: navigate the wilderness with confidence, no matter the conditions
By Alex Foxfield published
How to take a bearing: our guide to using a map and compass to orientate and venture on in the right direction, even when the conditions are at their most challenging
What is a mid layer and why they form a crucial part of your layering system
By Alex Foxfield, Emily Woodhouse published
A quick guide to what a mid layer is and why you want to be wearing one outdoors.
How to waterproof hiking boots: top tips for how to keep your feet dry this spring
By Jonathan Manning, Alex Foxfield published
Knowing how to waterproof hiking boots will keep your feet dry on a walk and add to the lifespan of your hiking boots
Hardshell vs softshell: the key differences when it comes to choosing your outer layer
By Alex Foxfield last updated
In the battle of hardshell vs softshell we consider the advantages, disadvantages and uses of different types of hiking jacket
Hiking in Italy: day hikes, spectacular long-distance treks, grand summits and stunning coastlines
By Alex Foxfield last updated
Our guide to hiking in Italy: from sun-kissed coastal paths and towering volcanoes to the dramatic Dolomites and the splendour of the Western Alps
The best walks in the Cotswolds: idyllic hikes in quintessential English countryside
By Alex Foxfield published
The best walks in the Cotswolds: set out from the region’s golden stone villages into magnificent valleys, rolling hills and sumptuous woodland
What is trad climbing? Our expert guide to traditional rock climbing
By Alex Foxfield published
What is trad climbing? We delve into what separates trad from other climbing disciplines, where you can do it and what equipment you need
7 best walks in the Yorkshire Dales: crashing waterfalls, limestone majesty and vast moorland fells
By Alex Foxfield published
Our selection of the best walks in the Yorkshire Dales has spectacular day walks, iconic landmarks and immense expeditions to some of the national park's most beloved summits
Cinque Terre hikes: walk the Italian Riviera’s most beautiful sun-kissed trails
By Alex Foxfield last updated
Our guide to the finest Cinque Terre Hikes reveals the secrets of these gloriously isolated and picturesque villages – plus when to go and other practicalities
Camping bucket ideas: tips for getting the most out of your multi-functional bucket
By Alex Foxfield published
Don't leave home without one! As this guide shows, a camping bucket has numerous uses around the campsite...
How to choose a water purifier: your options for staying hydrated in the wilderness
By Alex Foxfield published
How to choose a water purifier: our guide to choosing the best option to keep yourself hydrated on backcountry expeditions and thru-hikes
What is backpacking? We shine a light on the popular pursuit and its various forms
By Alex Foxfield published
What is backpacking? We consider how (and if) backpacking differs from hiking and trekking, and delve into the many forms it can take
What to do if you get lost hiking? Top tips for your mountain safety
By Alex Foxfield published
Wondering what to do if you get lost hiking? We guide you through the processes you should adopt if you find yourself lost on the mountain
Who was John Muir? The Scottish-American who fought to protect our wilderness areas
By Alex Foxfield published
Who was John Muir? We take a close look at the life of the influential ‘father of the National Parks’ and consider his ongoing legacy
Hut to hut hiking: what is it and what do you need to take?
By Alex Foxfield published
Hut to hut hiking is one of the best ways to journey through the high mountains on foot. We consider the practicalities and some of the best hut journeys
The best weather apps for hiking: for expedition planning and real-time updates on the trail
By Alex Foxfield last updated
With our guide to the best weather apps for hiking you'll be able to plan effectively, prepare properly and stay safe while out in the hills and mountains
The best walks in the UK: eight adventurous mountain hikes in Britain
By Alex Foxfield published
We select eight of the best walks in the UK’s mountains, from horseshoe routes and ridge traverses to the best hiking routes up icons like Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon
What is hiking? We consider the nuances, the attraction and the history of the hike
By Alex Foxfield published
What is hiking? It’s one of the world’s most popular outdoor activities but how did the pursuit of hiking first arise and does it differ from trekking, backpacking and mountaineering?
Is hiking dangerous? The hazards associated with trekking outdoors and what you can do about them
By Alex Foxfield published
We ask the question, is hiking dangerous? We consider the dangers posed by adventures in the great outdoors and what you can do to mitigate them
Tent repairs: how to fix your 'home away from home' so that you can carry on adventuring
By Alex Foxfield published
Our guide to tent repairs: from broken poles, holes in your mesh and tears in your flysheets, groundsheets and seams, we’ve got you covered