Latest articles by Fiona Russell
"I would rather see less sh*t being pumped into our rivers." As water bosses are fined £123million for pollution failures and questionable pay outs, we look at how AI water monitoring could help wild swimmers stay safer
The new tech is proving successful in helping swimmers assess the risk of getting sick from bacteria-polluted water but campaigners say it isn't enough
How to stop midges biting: Plagued by the tiny nasties? Don't despair - we've got 16 top tips to keep the hated insects at bay
Our expert guide has all the advice you need to stay bite-free on your summer backcountry hikes and camping trips
What is DWR treatment? The ins and outs of durable water repellent
If you buy outdoors kit, you will have heard of DWR – but do you know what it does? We explain what DWR is and the benefits for wet-weather gear
What is a Vibram sole? And why do so many footwear brands use them?
We take a closer look at the use of the Vibram sole in a variety of outdoor shoes and discover why it's so popular
How do I get rid of plastic taste in a water bladder?
Read on for four ways to removing the plastic taste from your hydration bladder to make your trail run or hike a whole lot more palatable
How to choose sunscreen: advice for runners and hikers
Selecting the right sun protection when you're doing sweaty activities isn't easy - here are some tips
“I cried when I reached the summit of Ben Nevis”: how Helen Rennard completed a record-breaking winter circuit of Scotland’s 282 highest peaks
Helen Rennard is only the fifth person and second woman to record a Munro Round in winter – and she did it in 80 days
11 hiking tips to motivate you to get outdoors in springtime
Our 11 spring hiking tips cover all the essentials for planning your route, dressing for shoulder season weather and staying safe in the backcountry
Spring camping: here’s how I update my kit for backpacking adventures as the weather gets warmer
With spring in the air, Fiona Russell reveals her list of gear for lightweight camping trips
New season, new adventures: here’s how I update my hiking kit for spring
A guide to what you should be wearing and carrying with you for spring hikes
Finisterre Women's Nieuwland 2mm Yulex Long Sleeve Shorty wetsuit review: wild swimming year-round
An easy-to-wear shortie swimming wetsuit made with an eco-friendly alternative to neoprene
Spring is in the air: here’s how I update my trail running kit for the new season
A guide to what you should be wearing for runs in springtime on local trails and in the hills and mountains
A bright idea: why I think hikers and runners should ditch dark colors on the trails
Experienced hiker and runner Fiona Russell makes her case for more colors – and the brighter the better – when heading into the hills and mountains
Want to try Nordic back country skiing? Here's 19 tips to help you get started
A beginners' guide to a style of ski touring that combines the advantages of skiing with the exploration of hiking
The best changing robes 2025: cocoon yourself post-swim in a protective layer
The best changing robes will let you discreetly slip out of your wet stuff while helping you stay warm and dry
“It’s been a huge selling point for Scotland” – 20 years of the Scottish Outdoor Access Code
Scotland offers “responsible rights of access” to land and water for hikers, bikers, swimmers and more. Has it been worthwhile?
Cost to thru-hike world-famous long-distance Pacific Crest Trail doubles in a decade - and now tops $10,000
New survey reveals $70 daily bill for hikers – plus the rising age of PCTers, the most common wildlife sighting and a host of other interesting stats
Mountain rescuers issue “be more prepared” plea after Lake District hikers get lost in winter fells
Latest call out for walkers to take more responsibility for their well-being and safety in cold and snow comes after the pair were rescued
12 things I wish I’d known before I went snowshoeing
Our writer Fiona Russell reveals some of the things she discovered when she strapped on snowshoes for the first time
"Fairy tale ending" for top ultra runner in Britain's most brutal endurance race
After three DNFs, Kim Collison won the Montane Winter Spine race and claimed the third fastest time on record. He tells Fiona Russell how he did it
Ultra runner hailed a hero after stopping during gruelling 160-mile winter race to rescue a dog
Amazingly, Clëo Bishop-Bolt then ran on to take a podium place in the Montane Winter Spine event
Everest climbers to pay 36% more to reach world's highest summit
Nepal sets new permit fees on most popular South Col route for the first time in almost a decade
Should you switch your trail-running shoes? New research finds runners wearing sneakers with thick soles are more likely to get injured
The study found a connection between reduced ground feel, lack of awareness of strike pattern and higher risk of injury
