A British endurance athlete has made history by becoming the first person to swim around Iceland's entire coastline.

Ross Edgley, 39, began the mammoth journey in May and has covered more than 1,000 miles (1,610km) in the months since, encountering violent storms, unpredictable currents, and chilly temperatures.

On Monday, September 8, he arrived on Nautholsvik Beach in Reykjavik to jubilation from friends, family, and support staff gathered at the scene.

“This has been the toughest and most ambitious challenge I have attempted yet,” said Edgley, who previously swam all the way around mainland Britain, and holds the record for the world's longest non-stop river swim, covering 317 miles (510km) down Canada’s Yukon River in 2024.

“Iceland provided an incredible opportunity to test my physical and mental limits - the country has provided some insane experiences I will never forget," he added.

Edgley and team used a 68ft (21m) expedition yacht as a floating base throughout the journey. On board, Ross was fed, hydrated, and given medical attention to deal with the various injuries he sustained in the water.

He also partnered with local scientists and researchers to monitor the impact of climate change in the North Atlantic and collected more than 100 eDNA microplastic samples, which will be used for further research on land.

"We wanted to help scientists understand how these waters are changing," he continued.

"Swimming day in and day out gave us a completely unique perspective on the ocean, and it was a privilege to support real-time research that could aid in future conservation efforts."

Want to watch Ross's latest challenge for yourself? He was filmed throughout by a crew from the UK's Channel 4, who will be turning his mammoth effort into three one-hour documentaries, due to air later this year.

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• The best water shoes: fast-draining, quick-drying and ready to take you from the shore to the sea

An elderly Japanese hiker has become the oldest known person to scale Mount Fuji, at the age of 102.

Kokichi Akuzawa climbed the 12,388ft (3,776m) mountain over three days with the help of several climbing partners, including his 70-year-old daughter and members of the Gunma Mountaineering Club, where Akuzawa is the honorary chairman.

The experienced climber, who last scaled Fuji at 96, took the popular Yoshida route to the summit and broke up the journey by staying in mountain huts along the way.

On his third day of trekking, Akuzawa made the final push and reached Fuji's summit, where he was awarded a Guinness World Record certificate for his achievement.

He told the organization: "It was tough, and it felt a lot different to the last time I climbed it. I'm amazed that I made it to the top. I couldn't have done it without everyone's help. I'm feeling pleased now."

Despite his success, Akuzawa was eager to rule out a repeat climb in the near future.

“Never again. If you ask me next year, maybe you’ll get a different answer, but for now, I’m happy with that climb.”

Akuzawa trained for his adventure by taking an hour-long walk each morning and climbing a smaller mountain once a week in preparation.

In the past year, he's survived a fall, shingles, and an incident of heart failure.

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A 73-year-old hiker has died in Montana's Glacier National Park after falling from one of its most popular routes.

Diane Bunker of Muscatine, Iowa, was hiking the famous Highline Trail on Friday, August 29, when she tripped and fell roughly 450ft (137m). Search and rescue officials rushed to her location and found Bunker dead at the scene with sustained traumatic injuries.

Glacier National Park officials confirmed the incident in a news release obtained by the Daily Montanan.

It reads: "While hiking with a large group, Bunker tripped and fell off the edge of the trail, out of sight from her hiking party."

"Two Bear Air was dispatched to search for the fallen hiker. Two Bear Air located and recovered her below the trail."

The stunning but potentially dangerous Highline Trail is one of Glacier's most popular routes, guiding trekkers through 14.9 miles (24km) of Wyoming wilderness and gaining 2,621ft (798.9m) in elevation.

The route offers breathtaking views of Glacier National Park, but can also be dangerous, featuring a narrow, exposed cliffside section, with steep drops and a tricky cable handrail.

"The trail can be 3 - 5 feet wide in places, with a large drop-off on one side of the trail," explains the National Park Service website, which says there is a hand cable available for about 50 yards of the trail.

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Looking forward to taking some picturesque snaps on your trip to the Italian Alps? You might need to pay for them, after fed-up farmers set up turnstiles to charge selfie-loving visitors.

More than 120 million people visit the Alps every year to run, hike, climb, and relax in the serene mountain surroundings, but not everyone is pleased to see them. Frustrated Italian farmers say tourists are trespassing on their land to find popular 'Instagrammable' spots for a selfie.

Now they have set up turnstiles to charge visitors €5 ($5.77) for access in areas like the Seceda and Drei Zinnen regions.

Carlo Zanella, president of the Alto Adige Alpine Club, says that the boom of social media has brought more tourists to the region, rather than the hikers who once populated it.

“Once upon a time, those who came up to the mountains were prepared, dressed for the mountains, and came for hiking," reads a statement he shared with CNN.

“Now I’ve seen people go up to Seceda with sun umbrellas and flip-flops and get stuck because the cable car closed and they hadn’t checked the lift schedules.

"This isn’t what the mountains should be."

Local tourism bodies have insisted that the issue is overblown and asked authorities to close down the turnstiles to avoid discouraging visitors. Italian laws allow free access to wild spaces like the Alps, but farmers say they haven't received any backlash from authorities.

The Santa Cristina Tourist Board, which is responsible for the alpine region where many of the turnstiles have been erected, has instead hired four rangers to keep tourists on the trails and away from private land.

President Lukas Demetz told CNN that "things have improved significantly" with the new rangers.

“And even the litter problem isn’t as serious as people say. It’s significantly reduced."

Turnstiles and rangers aren't the only tools in use to keep the crowds down in Italy. Some wilderness areas, like the picturesque Lake Braies, now charge visitors €40 ($46.22) to park. Elsewhere, parking spots are limited to as few as 150, to dissuade overcrowding and protect the alpine ecosystems.

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Search and rescue teams in Spain are scouring the Pyrenees mountains in the hopes of finding a missing American hiker.

Cole Henderson, 27, was last heard from at around 2pm local time on July 9, when he messaged friends to say he was beginning a hike and would be switching his phone to airplane mode. Although he didn't mention a route, Cole sent the message from the village of Torla, near the Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park in the Huesca region of northeastern Spain.

Authorities were alerted to his absence on July 14, when Henderson failed to check in for his flight back to the Netherlands, where he lives and works. Spanish police began a search that day, deploying rescuers and helicopters to the park and other areas in the Pyrenees.

Cole remains missing, but his car was discovered at a parking lot in Torla, with a receipt for camping fuel.

The Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park covers 60 square miles (156km²⁾ of rugged Spanish wilderness and is home to the towering Mount Perdido. The 11,007ft (3,355m) peak is the third-highest mountain in the Pyrenees, and takes around a day of hard hiking to summit.

Trekking in the region can be precarious all year round, especially in the mid-summer season when temperatures regularly exceed 83°F (28.5°C).

Hot weather hiking

When done properly, hot-weather hiking can be an enjoyable, if challenging experience. If you're eying up a toasty trek, check out some of our summer hiking safety tips.

• Don the right clothing - Make sure you're equipped for the hot summer sun with the right gear. This includes a dependable waterproof jacket, breathable layers, and protection from the sun.
• Bring an SOS device - It's good to prepare for the worst. With a trusty GPS device like the Garmin InReach, you can call for help from anywhere in the wilderness.
• Bring lots of snacks and water - Hiking under the sun can be a sweaty business, so bring more water than you think you need and stock up on salty snacks to replace lost electrolytes. See our expert guide to how much water you'll need.

• Wear proper footwear - Ensure that you're ready for treacherous underfoot conditions with a grippy pair of hiking boots or shoes. The best models will have large, dynamic lugs that dig into tricky terrain to keep you from falling.
• Plan your route ahead of time - Having a detailed route plan will stop you from taking unnecessary turns and hiking for longer than you'd first thought. Make sure to share your planned journey with friends and family so they know where you are and can help in an emergency situation.

For more summer hiking safety advice, check out our top six tips.

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• The best trekking poles: take the pressure off when you're out on the trails

Rescuers in the Italian Alps have found a body in their search for a missing British hiker.

Matthew Hall, 33, disappeared in the mountains surrounding Chiavenna in Northern Italy on July 9, after texting a friend to say he'd lost the trail and stopped to rest. He'd arrived in the area a few days prior with solo hiking plans and asked for directions to local trails at the B&B where he was staying.

Search and rescue efforts began days later when he failed to check out of the lodgings. Hall hadn't been seen at breakfast, but staff had assumed he had set off for an early morning trek.

On July 17, Italian authorities confirmed the discovery of a body in a crevice near his last known location. Authorities recovered the body from the remote spot with the help of a helicopter.

Over the past week, three helicopters, a drone, and multiple search and rescue teams have scoured the region. They've been helped by more than a dozen of Hall's friends and colleagues, who flew to Italy to assist with the search.

His friend Sam Jackson, who flew to Italy to take part in the search, told the BBC: "We all absolutely loved him.

"At least we are bringing him home, back to where he should be."

Hall's mother arrived in the area on Wednesday, July 16, and his father is expected to arrive today.

Chiavenna is an alpine town located in the Valchiavenna region of the Italian Alps. It's a popular destination for hikers, like Hall, who come to enjoy the stunning views and remote wilderness.

The day he went missing, Hall is thought to have planned an eight-hour trek via the mountain village of Daloo, some 2,609ft (1,100m) above sea level. He had shared an image of the nearby Cross of Daloo with friends before he sent his last known message, telling a friend: “I lost the path and stopped to rest."

Despite the area's popularity, conditions in the mountains surrounding Chiavenna can be unforgiving, with plenty of steep ascents and tricky underfoot terrain.

If you're thinking of taking on a tricky mountain trek, have a look at our expert guide to hiking hazards and how to avoid them.

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• The best hiking backpacks: from the lightest daypacks to sturdy alpine haulers

Fancy a challenge? How about this monster effort from British ultra-runner Dan Lawson, who's just smashed the record time for running the South West Coast Path in England.

Lawson, 52, ran a staggering 630 miles (1,014km) around England's South Western peninsula in just 10 days, 13 hours, 40 minutes, and 13 seconds - beating the previous record by a remarkable 19 hours.

He completed the monster run on Tuesday, July 15, during the tail end of a stifling British heatwave, with minimal outside support and no proper schedule.

Lawson announced his achievement in a joint Instagram post with running specialist Centurion Running.

"He doesn’t write long plans, splits and schedules. He doesn’t demand anything from anybody, there are no sponsors or social media campaigns, he doesn’t take from the land or the community," reads the post.

"He moved down this beautiful path with heart full. Crewed in the main by his partner Charlotte, people came out as always to be with them and are as always blown away by his athletic ability but more so his mindset and their combined energy."

Who is Dan Lawson?

Dan Lawson is an old-school ultra-runner who's broken several records in the name of charity. He runs without a rigid schedule or excessive support team and often wears tired equipment as he doesn't want any sponsorship.

Dan began his ultra-running journey in 2009 with the Brighton to London ultramarathon and has taken on loads of insane challenges in the years since. He currently holds the record for the longest distance run during a 24-hour race in India, and the longest distance run on a treadmill in seven days - an astonishing 521 miles (839km).

In August 2020, Lawson completed the journey from Land's End to John o' Groats in 9 days, 21 hours, 14 minutes, and 2 seconds, setting the fastest time in the modern era of GPS.

Last August, he set a new Three Peaks challenge record, scaling the tallest mountains in England, Scotland, and Wales and running between them in just under five days.

What is the South West Coast Path?

The South West Coast Path is one of Britain's best trails. The mammoth route guides hikers and trail runners 630 miles (1,014km) through the towering cliffs, vast beaches, and quaint villages of the southwestern coast of England.

The trail passes through the coastal counties of Devon, Cornwall, and Dorset, and has become something of a pilgrimage for outdoor lovers in the UK.

In recent years, it's been thrust into the limelight as the setting for The Salt Path, an autobiographical story about a couple who begin walking the trail following a series of unfortunate circumstances that apparently left them without an alternative.

The book follows Moth and Raynor Winn's journey along the South West Coast Path in 2013, after the former was diagnosed with a neurodegenerative illness, and the pair lost their home. As the pair walks, they're amazed to find that Moth's illness, which initially limits his mobility, miraculously improves.

A film adaptation of The Salt Path, starring Gillian Anderson and Jason Isaacs released in cinemas in May to critical and audience acclaim.

Despite its popularity, the story has come under scrutiny in recent weeks after an investigation by The Observer claimed that several key aspects of The Salt Path were untrue.

Raynor Winn strongly refutes these claims.

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Hikers in California have a reason to smile, after an iconic redwood forest trail reopened in the San Francisco Bay Area.

The beloved Ben Johnson trail, in the Muir Woods National Monument, is one of the most popular routes in the area, leading hikers through 5.2 miles (8.4km) of scenic redwood forest and gaining over 1,000ft (304.8m) of elevation in the process.

Its renovation has been a lengthy project, taking four years and costing the National Park Service $1.8 million.

To complete the restoration, NPS workers selected and transported old, fallen redwood trees from the nearby Kent Lake, on the western side of the Mount Tamalpais watershed. The huge trees were cut into logs, taken to the woods by truck, and transported along the trail using a high-tech zipline. Each log measured exactly 14ft (4.3m) and weighed roughly 600lb (272.2kg).

Once they were in place, the reclaimed wood was used to craft vital stairs, paths, and fences along the trail, to help restore it to its former glory.

Along with the time-consuming nature of the project, workers were restricted by the nesting season of the endangered spotted owl, which forced them to work between August and January only. They also used hand-crafted tools instead of chainsaws and heavy machinery so as not to disturb the birds.

The trail was last reconstructed in the 1940s by the Civilian Conservation Corps. Prior to the renovation, hikers had to do battle with unclear, worn-away paths, fallen trees, and a lack of stable stairs. With the new infrastructure in place, they can enjoy the breathtaking trail without worry.

Local hiker Jim Willens told CBS: "The trail is obviously just totally awesome and magnificent and goes through some wooded areas, some sunny areas, and the amazing redwoods.

"The renovation has been very thoughtfully done, it's beautiful, it makes it a lot easier to come down these parts, which probably had been rained out, and it's a great piece of work."

For more US hiking advice, check out our expert guide to the 12 best national parks for hiking.

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A large-scale search is underway in the Italian Alps following the disappearance of a British hiker.

Matthew Hall, 33, disappeared in the mountains of the Valchiavenna region on July 9, after texting a friend to say he'd lost the trail and stopped to rest. He'd arrived in the area a few days prior with solo hiking plans, asking for directions to local trails at the B&B where he was staying.

Alarm bells were raised on July 11 when he failed to check out of the lodgins. Hall hadn't been seen at breakfast, but staff had assumed he had set off for an early morning trek.

Search and rescue efforts around his last known location began on July 13, the same day Hall was due to return to the UK.

Valchiavenna is a breathtaking region of the Italian Alps, located in the Lombardy region of Northern Italy. Due to its alpine location, the region is a popular spot for hikers, who can take advantage of multiple short and multi-day routes.

Despite its popularity, conditions in the surrounding mountains can be unforgiving, with plenty of steep ascents and tricky underfoot terrain.

Solo hiking advice

Hiking on your own can be a fun and freeing experience, but it can also be dangerous if not done properly. If you're keen on the idea, check out our expert tips for a safe and enjoyable trip.

• Learn to navigate - Navigation is a crucial skill to master if you're heading off for a solo trek. You can use a trustworthy navigation app or GPS watch, but you should also take a map and compass and learn how to use them in case technology fails you.
• Take a GPS locator - If you're unfortunate enough to get lost, you need to have a way of letting others know where to find you. Trustworthy GPS devices like the Garmin InReach use satellites to track your whereabouts wherever you are in the wilderness and can be the difference between life and death on the trails.

• Wear the right kit - Make sure you're equipped for whatever conditions you come up against with the proper clothing. In the summer, this will include a waterproof jacket, breathable layers, and protection from the sun. In the winter months, you'll need to pack insulating gear like a reliable down jacket and warm hat.
• Wear proper footwear - Ensure that you're ready for treacherous underfoot conditions with a grippy pair of hiking boots or shoes. The best models will have large, dynamic lugs that dig into tricky terrain to keep you from falling.
• Take medical supplies - A good first-aid kit can go a long way in the wild and come in extremely handy if you suffer an injury as you hike.
• Bring plenty of food and water - Hiking can be a sweaty business, so bring more water than you think you need and stock up on salty snacks to replace lost electrolytes.

For more solo hiking tips, check out our extensive expert guide.

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A teen climber is in a medically induced coma after hallucinations caused him to fall over 120ft in the Sierra Nevada.

Zane Wach, 14, was hiking with his father on the 14,494ft (4,417m) Mount Whitney, earlier this month, when he began hallucinating, likely due to the effects of altitude.

“He knew he was hallucinating. He said he saw things like snowmen and Kermit the frog," his father, Ryan, told SFGate.

Concerned for his son, Ryan opted to take him down to safety. The pair had already conquered the toughest parts of the route and headed down via an easier trail. But soon after saying that he wasn't sure whether he was dreaming, Zane walked to a staggered cliff edge and fell around 120ft (36.5m).

"I didn’t hear it until he was about at the edge, and when I went to reach for him, he was 10 feet away from me. I couldn’t get him, and he walked off the edge," continued Ryan.

Rescuers airlifted the boy to Sunrise Children’s Hospital in Las Vegas after the pair spent six traumatic hours on the peak. He was placed in a medically induced coma after suffering a severe head injury and breaking multiple bones.

The incident occurred on June 10, and Zane has been recovering in hospital ever since. He's now been taken off a life-support ventilator, but remains in a coma while he's weaned off the powerful medication used to aid his recovery.

“He’s been on a lot of heavy drugs," explained Ryan, who's hopeful of a full recovery.

“Getting off those is extremely hard and painful. As parents, it’s terrible to watch.”

A GoFundMe campaign to support the Wach family's medical, travel, and lodging costs has since been set up and has raised over $34,000.

What is altitude sickness?

Altitude sickness is caused by rapid exposure to the low oxygen levels at altitude. Common symptoms include headaches, nausea, dizziness, and shortness of breath, but sufferers can sometimes experience more severe effects like hallucinations.

To mitigate the risks, climbers acclimatize to the low oxygen levels by spending time in the mountains or sleeping in hypoxic tents, which mimic the arduous alpine conditions and prepare their bodies for altitude.

For more information, check out our expert guide to avoiding altitude sickness.

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After half a decade of closure, hikers in the US and Canada can finally return to the iconic Chilkoot Trail, but there's a catch.

The 33-mile (53.1km) trek, which includes sections in Alaska, USA, and British Columbia, Canada, had been out of action since 2020, due first to COVID-19 restrictions and then severe flood damage.

The trail has finally been restored and reopened in both countries, but hikers won't be able to complete the journey in one go due to a continuation of pandemic-era border procedures.

These restrictions dictate that anyone wishing to make the crossing must do so through a designated port of entry. There are no ports along the trail, and the nearest one is in the town of Skagway, 11 miles (17.7km) from the American trailhead.

Hikers eager to make the crossing must instead travel to Skagway or "turn around at the border," according to Parks Canada, which oversees the Canadian wilderness.

In a statement to CBS News, the agency said it's "continuing to prohibit entry to Canada along the Chilkoot Trail, as there is not an effective way to monitor who is crossing the border and what they are bringing with them at this remote location".

America's National Park Service has agreed to the policy and will limit hikers to the 16.5-mile (26.5km) American section.

Prior to 2020, trekkers from both nations could register beforehand and cross the border with the proper documentation.

The Chilkoot Trail began life as a key route for gold seekers in the 1890s. Until 2020, it was one of Alaska's most popular trails, leading hikers through miles of rough mountain terrain and serene North American wilderness.

Its continued closure comes amid sour relations between the US and Canada, after President Trump suggested that America's northern neighbors should become the '51st state', and imposed eye-watering tariffs on Canadian goods entering the US.

Chilkoot isn't the only trail affected by border restrictions. Thru-hikers on the iconic Pacific Crest Trail have been forced to make a 30-mile (48.2km) detour to cross the border and complete the 2,650-mile (4,264.7km) trek.

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Hikers exploring the Grand Canyon are being warned to come prepared for extreme heat after a surge in search and rescue helicopter call outs.

Emergency teams were mobilized for life-saving missions some 13 times in one week in May, according to a report in Outside.

The culprit? Hiking detours due to the construction work on the Transcanyon water pipeline.

The works have led to the closure of key routes into and out of the canyon, rerouting hikers onto the Tonto Trail. This trail is both lengthier and more technically challenging than the River Trail, the usual link between the Bright Angel Trail and the North and South Kaibab trails. The detour adds around 4.5 miles (7.25km) to hikers' journeys.

The lack of shade on the trail and recent high temperatures, coupled with the more challenging nature of what hikers are undertaking are thought to be the causes of the uptick in rescues.

Speaking to Outside, Megan Smith, the park's preventive search and rescue supervisor, said that most of the recent helicopter rescues involved hikers who had underestimated the additional challenge of the detour before subsequently suffering from exhaustion, heat illness and dehydration.

Risky rescues

Not only are the detours more challenging for hikers, performing rescues along them is also more difficult for SAR teams, as casualties can be much harder to reach, especially after nightfall. During incidents on May 29, 30 and 31, SAR personnel were required to perform a dangerous manoeuvre called a "hover exit" in order to reach stricken hikers who were beyond terrain where the chopper could land safely. This technique involves leaping from the helicopter as it hovers above the ground.

This was then followed by SAR teams 'short-hauling' the casualty to safety, wherein they're loaded onto a metal litter affixed to the helicopter by a rope. The pilot would then fly the casualty, dangling beneath the helicopter, to a safe place.

"“The risk in all three of these rescues was incredibly high,” Smith told Outside. “One little thing goes wrong and everybody on scene is going to die.” She went on to advise hikers to allow extra time for their chosen route, carry plenty of water and pack quality headlamps with spare batteries.

Be prepared and avoid the heat

Authorities at the Grand Canyon National Park posted an alert on June 3 stating: “Hikers should be prepared with adequate water, sun protection, and a realistic assessment of their physical abilities. Attempting these routes (the detours) during the heat of the day (10am to 4pm) is strongly discouraged.”

They went on to say: "These detour routes are not recommended in the extreme heat of the summer.”

Current trail closures can be seen on the Grand Canyon National Park website.

Read up on our advice on hiking in summer for more tips and get geared up for a hot summer of trail adventures.

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Police in Georgia, USA, were shocked to receive a call from a hiker who'd stumbled across a badly burned body near a popular trail in Stone Mountain Park.

The remains were found under a rocky crevice opposite Stone Mountain's main walking trail, roughly 100 yards from a tower for its cable car line. The area was obscured by intentionally-placed rocks, according to John Bankhead of the Stone Mountain Park Police.

He told Fox 5: "The body was under an overhang, a rock overhang, and somebody had piled up rocks in front of the overhang to make it very private."

The location is a little off the beaten track, but in no way remote.

"I've seen nothing like it, and I don't recall something like this ever happening at the park," continued Bankhead, after the discovery, on Saturday, May 31.

The next day, Stone Mountain's Department of Public Safety released a statement, saying they had received a note from the parents of a young man in his twenties, which indicated that the person had died by suicide.

The body was taken to the DeKalb County Medical Examiner’s Office and the man's death is being investigated by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.

If you or someone you know needs help, the national suicide and crisis lifeline in the US is available by calling or texting 988. There is also an online chat at 988lifeline.org.

In the UK you can call them Samaritans for free on 116 123, email them at jo@samaritans.org, or visit samaritans.org to find your nearest branch.

Stone Mountain Park is visited by roughly four million people every year, who come from across the country to hike, run, and camp in the scenic Georgia wilderness.

The 1.6 square-mile (4.2km²) park is home to plenty of idyllic trails in and around the 1,686ft (514m) Stone Mountain.

Despite its stellar reputation for hiking, Stone Mountain has plenty of critics, due to its controversial 90ft (27.4m) by 190ft (57.9m) carving of Confederate leaders Jefferson Davis, Robert E. Lee, and Thomas Jackson.

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Authorities in Scotland have found a body in the search for a Swiss hiker, who had been missing in the Highlands for six days after taking on one of Britain's toughest hikes.

Bernard Trottet, 65, was last seen on May 27 at a bothy near the village of Glenfinnan, after embarking on the challenging Cape Wrath Trail.

He was due to check in to a nearby campsite in Morvich, but failed to show, prompting a multi-day search from the air and on the ground by local mountain rescue services.

After several days of searching, Police uncovered a man's body in the water at the Kinloch Hourn on Monday, June 2.

Although they're yet to confirm its identity, authorities have alerted Trottet's family to the discovery.

The Cape Wrath Trail is considered to be one of Britain's toughest walks. The 230-mile (320km) backpacking route leads trekkers over plenty of rugged terrain from the town of Fort William to Cape Wrath, the northernmost point of mainland Scotland.

It typically takes two to three weeks to complete and requires participants to wild camp and navigate their own way through through coastline, forests, and mountainous areas.

The Cape Wrath Trail website warns that participants should have prior hiking experience and prepare well in advance before taking on the route.

"Walkers attempting the trail should have a high degree of navigational skill, and always carry a map and compass," it says.

"There are also several unbridged river crossings which can become dangerous or even impossible in spate conditions."

For more hiking safety advice, check out our expert guide.

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The body of a British hiker who went missing in the Italian Dolomites has been found, six months after his disappearance.

The remains of Aziz Ziriat, 36, were discovered in a snow-covered rocky crevice on Saturday, May 31, roughly 1,300ft (400m) beneath the spot where the body of his hiking partner was found in January.

Ziriat and 36-year-old Samuel Harris disappeared on New Year's Day while camping in harrowing winter conditions.

They had embarked on a hut-to-hut journey through the snowy Dolomite mountains and planned to camp off-trail. Conditions at the time were unforgiving, with temperatures as low as -4°F (-20°C) and thick snow blanketing most of the area.

The pair, both from London, were last heard from on January 1 and caused alarm when they failed to check in for their return flight to the UK on January 6.

Their disappearance prompted a widespread search, which resulted in the discovery of Harris's body, buried under snow at the foot of a rock face on the Caré Alto mountain on January 8.

Ziriat was found in the Passo di Conca area by a specialist search team from Trentino Alpine and Speleological Rescue.

According to BBC reports, a spokesperson for the team said that the rescuers "lowered themselves down the wall below the base of the slope, where the dog finally signalled the missing man's body in a rocky crevice, where it had been covered by snow."

In a social media post, the Palace for Life charity, where Ziriat worked, described him as "a kind, compassionate and generous individual who brought positivity and warmth to everyone he has worked with".

Northern Italy's vast Dolomite mountain range covers 6,155 square miles (15,942km²) of unforgiving terrain. The area is well known for its challenging mountain trails and jagged peaks.

The Dolomites are especially dangerous in the winter months, due to sub-zero temperatures, frequent snowfall, icy rock walls, and large glacial landforms.

If you’re considering a winter trip to the Dolomites, make sure to prepare well ahead of time and check out our expert safety guide to winter hiking.

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Authorities in New York's Adirondack Mountains were left bewildered recently after two hikers reported the death of a surviving companion while high on magic mushrooms.

The pair called 911 after ingesting the hallucinogenic mushrooms to report that their fellow hiker had died while trekking on the 14,409ft (4,392m) Cascade Mountain. But it turned out the third person was absolutely fine.

The third hiker also contacted authorities and "was not injured," according to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.

After making the calls, all three were met by a 'summit steward', who oversees conservation efforts atop the mountain, and a forest ranger, who found them in "an altered mental state".

The forest ranger escorted the hallucinating hikers down the mountain to a waiting ambulance and New York Police unit, and took their companion back to their campsite.

The incident occurred on May 24.

Magic mushrooms and other hallucinogenic plants can be found in mountainous areas due to the varied terrain and diverse habitats of high-altitude environments.

Although they can be common, hallucinogens present several dangers if taken on the trails. In 2022, a 25-year-old trekker drowned near Washington's Wallace Falls after allegedly eating mushrooms, while many more have suffered injuries while under the influence of drugs. Some varieties of mushrooms can also be deadly if ingested.

Psilocybin and psilocin (magic mushrooms) are illegal for recreational use in New York and most other US states. They're legal for therapeutic use in Oregon and for personal use in Colorado.

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Guide books at the ready – the highly anticipated movie adaptation of Raynor Winn's inspiring tale, The Salt Path, hits movie theatres tomorrow (May 30). It's a story of love and resilience set on England's iconic coastline and recounts the true story of Raynor and Moth Winn - played by Gillian Anderson and Jason Isaacs - who desperately hike along a 630-mile trail, the South West Coast Path, in search of solace and healing.

With stunning locations that include dramatic cliffs, vast beaches and tranquil villages, there's hope from local tourist firms that the film will revive interest in Devon, Cornwall and Dorset, and the path that winds along the coast from Minehead to Poole Harbour.

“It is a joy to see the South West Coast Path depicted in all its breathtaking beauty as Raynor Winn’s breathtaking memoir is adapted for the screen," Julian Gray, director of South West Coast Path Association, said. "The film captures the healing power of connecting with nature, the sense of freedom and the restorative impact that walking has on both mental and physical health.”

What is The Salt Path about?

In August 2013, Raynor Winn and her husband, Moth, set off from Minehead in Somerset to walk the 630-mile South West Coast Path. Though a series of unlucky events they had lost their home and all their money. Moth had been diagnosed with a neurodegenerative illness that would impact his strength and mobility.

They bought a tent and started walking as a way of coping with their circumstances. Miraculously, the more they walked, the more Moth's condition improved; he got back more control of his arms and legs, so they kept going, surviving on small tax credit payouts from the government.

The story explores themes of survival and hope, and the power of the human spirit when faced with adversity.

Where is The Salt Path filmed?

Set against the stunning landscapes of the South West Coast Path, the film adaptation of the book beautifully captures the rawness of nature, the challenges of the journey, and the connection between people and the natural world.

The path was designated a National Trail in 1978 and is now Britain’s longest National Trail. It is a 630m (1,014km) walking route that starts at Minehead in the county of Somerset, runs along the Devon and Cornwall coastlines and finishes at Poole in Dorset.

It is freely accessible and can be walked as a whole or as shorter sections. It passes through a National Park, five National Landscapes, two UNESCO World Heritage Sites, a UNESCO Geopark and a UNESCO Biosphere.

Key filming locations along the path include Minehead, Porlock, Hartland Peninsula, Clovelly, Newquay, Padstow and Rame Head. Find out more about them below:

Minehead

The coastal town of Minehead, on the edge of the Exmoor National Park, is the point that marks the official start of the South West Coast Path, and it's where Ray and Moth begin their trip. It has a sweeping beach and promenade, and the South Coast Path Monument - a sculpture of two giant hands holding a map of the Coast Path, which is featured in the film. Ray and Moth set off on the path, part of the Minehead Maritime Mile Trail, then up to Culver Cliff.

Porlock

Picture-perfect coastal village Porlock Weir with its quaint harbor, charming cottages and stunning views is a highlight in the film's locations. It is positioned on the Exmoor coastline and the old-world charm captures the essence of the area. The views over Porlock Bay are unforgettable.

Clovelly

The iconic sloping streets of quaint fishing village Clovelly are where Ray and Moth take a detour from the path to hunt for food. Today, it's a privately owned heritage estate where the cobbled streets and traditional architecture draw thousands of tourists each year. You have to pay to enter the village and no cars are allowed within its limits.

Hartland Peninsula

Around Hartland Quay, a former harbor, and Hartland Point, a rocky outcrop, the coastline is dramatic, made up of high, jagged cliffs and huge rocky beaches. There are incredible coastal panoramas, and the area is rich in wildflowers and wildlife, making it a destination for nature lovers and photographers. Challenging gradients make this part of the trail an exhilarating walk.

Padstow

Padstow is another village where Ray and Winn take a break to immerse themselves among people in a bustling holiday destination, this time treating themselves to the British classic meal, fish and chips. The fishing village boasts tons of traditional charm with mesmerizing views of the estuary, and as they leave, rural Harbour Cove with its wide golden sands can be seen.

Newquay

Newquay's world-famous beaches make an appearance, with their crashing waves and golden sands. Fistral Beach and close-by Watergate Bay are meccas for the surfing community, but Ray and Moth don't stay long in the bustling holiday destination, preferring to head back to the solitude of the coast path.

Rame Head

Rame Head, otherwise known as Cornwall's ‘Forgotten Corner’ is the last location in the county of Cornwall before the couple head back into Devon. Rame Head, the beach of Tregantle, which is part of Whitsand Bay, and medieval Rame Chapel are all seen in the film. The dramatic headland once doubled as a hermitage and lighthouse and gives views of the sweeping coastline for miles in both directions. It's a great place for bird spotting, so bring your binoculars.

How can I walk the South West Coast Path?

The South West Coast Path is a freely accessible walking trail that you can join from lots of different points along the route. You can walk small sections at a time or circular walks that link in with public transport. If you want to hike the whole trail in one go, The Official Guidebook to the South West Coast Path recommends a 52-day itinerary.

There are lots of affordable campsites on the path, where you can pitch a tent and meet fellow hikers. Visit the accommodation section of the South West Coast Path website for more information.

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A popular hiking influencer has been found dead a few hundred yards away from a well-worn Arizona trail.

The body of 31-year-old Hannah Moody was discovered at the 30,000-acre McDowell Sonoran Preserve, 25 hours after she went missing during a warm-weather hike.

Hannah began hiking in the area at around 11.30am on May 21, sharing a video on her Instagram stories captioned "Conquering this trail as a last hurrah before summer hits".

Friends raised the alarm that evening when they failed to hear from her as expected.

Authorities headed to the reserve where they launched an unsuccessful aerial search using helicopters and drones. They returned the next morning and discovered her body around midday, roughly 1,800ft (549m) from a popular, but unspecified, trail.

Scottsdale Police have confirmed that they will open an investigation into Moody's death but suggested that they don't suspect any foul play or trauma.

Without official confirmation, friends told local news channel KPNX that they believe she died from heat exhaustion. Temperatures in the area reached 106°F (41.1°C) on the day of Moody's disappearance.

Moody had amassed around 45,000 followers on Instagram, where she shared hiking content and vlogged her treks. Her videos encouraged others to get outdoors and often included hot-weather hiking safety tips.

Warm weather hiking

Hiking in extreme temperatures can be dangerous, especially in desert areas that lack shade and protection from the heat.

Although the hottest months are between June and August, shoulder seasons like May and September can also be deadly, as hikers often underestimate temperatures. Earlier this month, one trail runner died, and four others needed rescuing following a heat-related incident in Arizona.

If you're considering a hot weather hike, make sure to check the weather conditions ahead of time, dress accordingly, and stock plenty of water and salty snacks.

For more hot-weather hiking advice, check out our expert summer hiking safety guide.

• The best hiking boots and shoes for wide feet: stride out with confidence in well-fitting footwear
• The best hiking hats: cozy beanies for mountains and sun hats for warmer days

Hikers in British Columbia have been left to search for alternate routes after officials announced the closure of one of the region's most popular trails.

The scenic Juan de Fuca Marine Trail is a 25.2-mile (40.6km) route along the Vancouver Island coastline. The multi-day trek passes through small beaches, thick forests, and marine life-rich tide pools as hikers travel from the town of Sooke to the island community of Port Renfrew.

Last week, authorities from BC Parks announced that the trail would be closed for the entire summer while they work to repair winter storm damage, which washed away several sections and scarred crucial infrastructure.

"The trail is unsafe and impassable, with damaged bridges, unstable slopes, washouts, fallen trees, and blocked sections," reads the BC Parks website, which also confirmed the closure of the following campsites:

• Bear Beach
• Chin Beach
• West Sombrio
• Little Kuitshie
• Payzant

With large sections of the Juan de Fuca park severely damaged, only three campsites will be open in the peak summer season. They are:

• East Sombrio
• Mystic Beach
• China Beach (opens on May 15)

The Juan de Fuca park is one of Canada's most popular wilderness areas. From April 2023 to March 2024, it was visited by upwards of 600,000 people, who came to swim, hike, and camp in the stunning Canadian backcountry.

The beloved Juan de Fuca Marine Trail is especially popular in the spring and summer months, when hikers can take to the waves to surf at Sombrio Beach.

Where to hike instead

If you were looking forward to a long coastal hike along the Juan de Fuca Trail, check out some of our favorite alternate routes in Vancouver Island and wider British Columbia.

Galloping Goose Regional Trail

The lengthy Galloping Goose Regional Trail is a 35.7-mile (57.5km) point-to-point hike in Vancouver Island's Sooke Potholes Regional Park.

This strenuous hike usually takes around 11 hours to complete and covers mountainous, forest, and coastal terrain. There are some mild uphill sections with 1,506ft (459m) of elevation gain in total.

South Vancouver Island Railroad

This lengthy point-to-point hike follows the rail line from Buckley Bay to Puntledge Park in southern Vancouver Island. The trail spans 14.3 miles (23.3km) and offers stunning views of the gushing Puntledge River.

The South Vancouver Island Railroad trail is a popular route that's open all year round, so you're likely to encounter plenty of fellow hikers along your journey.

British Columbia is massive and has plenty to offer. Check out these epic trails if you're heading a little further out of Vancouver Island.

Garibaldi Lake

The Garibaldi Lake trail is a tough 11.3-mile (18.2km) out-and-back hike in Garibaldi Provincial Park. This strenuous trek gains upwards of 3,000ft (914.4m) of elevation as you trek around scenic light blue waters and along steep forest paths.

The trail is in great condition and typically takes around six hours to complete.

Thick fog and cloud cover are common in spring, so make sure to take a waterproof jacket and prepare for variable weather.

Norvan Falls

If you're after something a little flatter, check out the lush forests and riverside paths of the Norvan Falls trail. This sign-posted route takes trekkers 8.7 miles (14km) out-and-back to the Norvan Falls in North Vancouver.

The trail features a few gentle inclines and climbs 1,191ft (363m) in total, so you'll need to come prepared with a proper pair of hiking boots.

Panorama Ridge

This 17.6-mile (28.3km) trail is a great option if you're after something challenging. You'll encounter plenty of switchbacks, forest areas, and steep sections.

After gaining 5,289ft (1,612m) of elevation, hikers are rewarded with breath-taking views of the Galibaldi Provincial Park.

This scenic trek features plenty of areas where you can take a breather or even set up your tent to camp for the night.

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If you were totally ignorant of England’s geography and new to its national parks, you’d probably first head for the Peak District in search of its tallest mountains. You’d find relatively nice hills and some high moorland to explore in “the Peaks”, named so for the Anglo-Saxon Pecsaetan tribe who settled there and not for its absent array of Matterhorns. You would not, however, find any mountains.

No, to seek the highest peaks, to find the country’s mountains, you have to head to the Lake District. Here, all of England’s tallest mountains are found – forged by ancient volcanos, carved by glaciers, resplendently rocky and rising above Cumbria’s famously picturesque green dales. To be fair to whoever decided that this exquisite region should be called the Lake District, there are admittedly quite a few lakes here, including England’s largest, Windermere, and its deepest, Wast Water. Nevertheless, this land of tightly knit fells could have very easily been the Mountain District, or the Fell District… or even the Peak District.

For this feature on England’s 5 tallest mountains, we asked our Cumbrian-born mountain expert to delve into what it is that characterizes these famous peaks, as well as detailing a few of the national park’s other big hitters.

England’s 5 tallest mountains

1) Scafell Pike: The rugged, rocky and remote crown of England, at 3,209 feet (978 meters), is on many bucket lists.

2) Scafell: The Pike’s rockier and arguably fiercer neighbor, Scafell is home to classic rock climbing routes.

3) Helvellyn: A legendary mountain that’s third in the list of England’s tallest mountains, and the Lake District’s most popular summit objective.

4) Skiddaw: The noble and rounded high point of Lakeland’s oldest mountain range is a familiar sight above Keswick.

5) Great End: The northern terminus of the Scafell Range is known for the intimidating cliffs of its north face.

A quick word before eagle-eyed lovers of Lakeland spit their tea all over their keyboard in fury at the omission of Ill Crag (3,067 feet / 935 meters) and Broad Crag (3,064 feet / 934 m), two peaks of minor prominence that lie between Scafell Pike and Great End in the Scafell Range. While these would technically qualify as the fourth and fifth highest mountain peaks in England, they’re not substantially prominent nor removed enough from Scafell Pike for me to seriously consider them as mountains in their own right.

After all, the great fellsman, guidebook writer and illustrator Alfred Wainwright saw fit not to include them as separate fells in his classic Pictorial Guides to the Lakeland Fells. If that’s fine by Wainwright, it’s fine by me.

Meet the expert

Scafell Pike

Height: 3,209 feet / 978 meters

Location: Scafell Range, Southern Fells, Lake District National Park

England’s highest and most mountainous upland is the Scafell Range, a great system of ridges and peaks in the Lake District’s Southern Fells. The Scafells are relatively remote and are often hidden from view – or sometimes inconspicuous when they do form part of the skyline. This is especially true of Scafell Pike, a mountain that only reveals its secrets to those that make the effort to scale its rocky zenith. Despite its relative remoteness, it’s thought that around 250,000 folk climb it every year. Well, it is England’s tallest mountain, after all.

Now, before we go any further, Scafell is pronounced Skaw-fell, not Ska-fell. Maybe it’s because I’m originally from this neck of the woods or perhaps it’s the pernickety part of my character but it irks me when folk get this wrong. And most do.

Moving swiftly on. Scafell Pike is the remaining high point of what was, 450 million years ago, the gigantic Scafell Volcano, one of several that existed in the region. An intensely violent period of geological activity formed the rhyolite of the mountain’s crags, while also creating the granite foundations that we have to thank for stopping the Lake District’s meres, waters and lakes from draining away.

There are many ways up Scafell Pike, the direct ascent from remote Wasdale Head being the quickest. However, special mention should go to Upper Eskdale, a breathlessly beautiful wilderness that’s way off the beaten path. Any adventure onto the mountain from here is unforgettable and you’re unlikely to meet many others until you reach the summit.

Scafell

Height: 3,163 feet / 964 meters

Location: Scafell Range, Southern Fells, Lake District National Park

As the crow flies, England’s second tallest mountain is around a mile from its highest, and the two share, among other things, the same name. When people say, “I’m off to climb Scafell,” they usually mean Scafell Pike. Were it further removed from its parent peak, Scafell would see many more pairs of hiking shoes upon its summit. Then there’s the fact that getting between England’s two highest mountains is far from straightforward.

The two are separated by a short ridge, Mickledore, an 831-meter low point squeezed between England’s tallest mountains. The way to Scafell Pike from Mickledore is simple enough, merely a strenuous pull up a boulder field. However, getting to Scafell is another matter entirely. Here, at Mickledore, the mountain rises in the most brutal display of mountain muscle anywhere in England. The great crags of its East Buttress are an almost impenetrable fist, barring progress towards the summit and frustrating the impatient peak bagger.

A tricky rock climb, Broad Stand, breaches these defences, but is a dangerous proposition for the unroped. For hikers, a much lengthier detour is prudent, either south to Foxes Rake or north to seek out the excitement of Lord’s Rake, with the option of the West Wall Traverse, two hiking routes that provide an intimate acquaintance with Scafell’s tremendous rock scenery.

These great crags, on the north and east side of the mountain, are formed from rhyolitic tuffs, the result of great eruptions of ash and pumice when the bones of the Scafells were put in place, 450 million years ago. Many classic rock climbs are found on these cliffs. The west and south sides of Scafell are much gentler and it’s here that the easier hiking trails to the summit are found.

Helvellyn

Height: 3,117 feet / 950 meters

Location: Helvellyn Range, Eastern Fells, Lake District National Park

Helvellyn might be England’s most popular mountain, though it’s a close-run thing between it and Scafell Pike when it comes to the most climbed. It’s hard to say which sees the most people as it’s not as if there’s a turnstile counting the number of hiking boots that set out onto the trails.

There are two primary reasons that Helvellyn may attract more folk. One, it’s more accessible than the remote Scafells – the Helvellyn Range cleaves the national park in two from north to south and is just a short drive from the tourist towns of Keswick and Ambleside. Two, it features Britain’s most renowned mountain route – a cracker of a ridge walk and one that was recently voted as the UK’s favorite walk on national TV: the famous Striding Edge.

Striding Edge is a narrow, rocky arête that attracts adventurous hillwalkers from far and wide. While technically straightforward – barely a grade one scramble – the Edge is many people’s first taste of scrambling and offers an exciting and airy traverse that most find exhilarating. Nevertheless, the sheer number of hikers that take on the ridge mean that it’s an accident hotspot and fatalities do occur, some from heart attacks, others from falls. This gives Striding Edge its formidable reputation and it’s often cited, perhaps unfairly, as one of the world’s most dangerous hiking trails.

Striding Edge is the southern arm of the great glacial cove on the mountain’s east side. The summit stands proud at the head of the immense scoop, while nestled in the bed of the cove is the delightful pool of Red Tarn. The northern arm is another scrambling ridge, Swirral Edge, which leads to the delightfully pointed peak of Catstycam. Swirral is less serious than Striding but is particularly steep in its upper reaches. Both are full-on mountaineering propositions under winter conditions, as are the gullies of Browncove Crags, to the northwest of Helvellyn’s summit.

In contrast to its notoriously narrow edges, the top of Helvellyn is broad and relatively gentle. So much so, it was an acceptable site for pilot Bert Hinkler and Manchester-based aviator John Leeming to attempt to land an Avro-Gosport biplane in 1926. The successful landing on December 22 of that year was described as a “fairly peaceful and comforting experience” according to an achieve news piece in the Guardian.

From this popular summit, one can survey the great tangle of fells that comprise the western and more mountainous end of the Lake District, with virtually every high peak in the national park on display – on a good day, of course.

Skiddaw

Height: 3,054 feet / 931 meters

Location: Skiddaw group, Northern Fells, Lake District National Park

The domed summit of Skiddaw is the loftiest point in the Lake District’s Northern Fells, a cluster of uplands composed of the oldest rock in the national park. Lakeland’s central mountain landscapes, where the Scafells and Helvellyn are found, were forged of volcanic rock, the result of intense geologic activity around 450 million years ago. Whereas Skiddaw and its neighbors were laid down around 50 million years earlier from a foundation of mudstone, siltstone and greywacke sandstone known as Skiddaw Slate.

This is evident in the contrasting character of the Skiddaw group, a range of rounded fells, mostly devoid of crags and gentle in appearance. Climbers should apply elsewhere, though there’s plenty to please hikers, runners and wild campers here. Of all the national park’s highest summits, Skiddaw is the most accommodating and it’s easily accessible from Keswick, the honeypot town the mountain watches over protectively.

Undoubtedly the finest route to the summit is via Long Side Edge, a limb to the west of the main summit that makes for a superb trail run. Skiddaw’s eastern hinterland, known as Back o’ Skidda is a tranquil and remote setting, hemmed in by fells and with no roads to speak of for many miles. Here you’ll find Skiddaw House, Britain’s highest hostel and a marvellous place to escape from everyday cares.

Great End

Height: 2,985 feet / 910 meters

Location: Scafell Range, Southern Fells, Lake District National Park

The appropriately named Great End is the northern terminus of the Scafell Range’s high spine. It’s named so for its northeast-facing cliffs, surely one of the Lake District’s most impressive crags. Cut by impressive gullies, this is a renowned winter climbing spot, though it’s also been the site of many avalanches down the years.

The bulk of Great End is one of the dominant features above the Sty Head Pass, an ancient route between the valleys of Wasdale and Borrowdale and one that today gives access to some of the finest hiking in England. From Styhead Tarn, towards the top of the pass, Great End appears as a rounded dome, with grassy lower flanks making way to exposed rhyolite in its upper reaches.

Great End’s summit plateau is broad and rocky, providing excellent views along England’s highest mountain range to Scafell Pike. Linking the two summits is straightforward enough, entailing a rough hike and some boulder hopping – nothing like the trials of getting between Scafell Pike and Scafell.

Other much-loved mountains in the Lake District

Just missing out on the top 5 is Bowfell, a 2,959 feet / 902-meter summit at the head of Great Langdale. A great favorite for many, Bowfell’s pyramidal zenith is a conspicuous sight from many of Lakeland’s other high summits. The great guidebook writer and illustrator Alfred Wainwright named the fell among his best half-dozen, along with Scafell Pike, Helvellyn and neighboring Crinkle Crags, as well as Great Gable and Blencathra, two mountains we’ll come to in a moment. Bowfell’s northeast facing crags contain much of its interest, where hikers will find the exciting Climber’s Traverse path and the Great Slab, a spectacular angled slab.

The most dramatically prominent mountain in the Lakes is undoubtedly Great Gable, England’s seventh tallest mountain, at 2,949 feet / 899 meters. It’s a peak that commands attention from whichever angle you view it from, though it looks its best, every bit the classically pointed peak, from the southwest. From this direction, it’s the central feature in the famous view along Wast Water – frequently cited as England’s most beautiful vista. The crags on its southern flanks are home to some renowned rock climbs, including the first recorded free solo in history. In 1886, pioneering British climber Walter Parry Haskett Smith sent the the now iconic Napes Needle, etching his name into the history of rock climbing.

Finally, we come to Skiddaw’s neighbor, Blencathra, England’s 18th highest summit, at 2,848 feet / 868 meters. Considered by many to be the nation’s finest mountain, Blencathra is characterized by a system of fine ridges that converge towards its highest point and its saddle-shaped summit platform – a feature that gives it the alternative name Saddleback.

The central ridge, Halls Fell, is a magnificent objective that Alfred Wainwright named as ‘positively the finest way to any mountain top in the district’. However, it’s second in fame to another one of Blencathra’s ridges, the notorious and admittedly thrilling Sharp Edge. Like Striding Edge on Helvellyn, this grade one scramble is another accident blackspot and is best avoided in wet conditions.

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A popular camping site and hiking trail in the Grand Canyon National Park will reopen next month as a nearby construction project nears completion.

From May 15, visitors can take a hike along the scenic Bright Angel trail and pitch their tents at the campground of the same name.

The area closed to the public last fall as work began on a new transcanyon waterline to bring water from the Roaring Springs source on the North Rim to various points throughout the park. The previous waterline was built in the 1960s and has suffered 85 major breaks since 2010.

Its replacement forced the temporary closure of multiple inner canyon areas. The River trail and Silver Bridge and Plateau Point trail were both due to reopen in May but have been delayed until October 1 while construction on the new waterline wraps up. The nearby Phantom Ranch reopened at the beginning of the month.

The popular Bright Angel trail is a rim-to-river trek that guides hikers 4,460 feet (1,360m) down from the Canyon's South Rim to the Colorado River. It's 15.8 miles (25km) out-and-back and passes by the river rest house where trekkers can catch their breath.

Hikers hoping to cross the Colorado River will need to use the Black Bridge at the bottom of the canyon.

Encompassing 1,904 square miles (4,931 km²), Grand Canyon is the 11th largest National Park in the United States. Roughly five million visitors come every year to marvel at the stunning canyon views and hike in the rugged North American wilderness.

Temperatures near the bottom of the Canyon can soar to more than 100°F (43°C) in the summer, and hikers are advised to bring plenty of water and wear appropriate clothing.

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Authorities in Ireland are investigating what's been described as a "devastating" fire that destroyed a popular coastal hiking trail.

The Claggan Coastal trail in Wild Nephin National Park, Ballycroy, was set ablaze on Friday night (April 5), either "deliberately or by recklessness," according to authorities.

The 1.2-mile (1.9km) trail was made up of a wooden boardwalk, which now lies in ruin. Large sections of the surrounding coastal terrain also burned before firefighters put a stop to the blaze.

A second fire in the nearby Letterkeen woodland area forced campers to evacuate.

Ireland's National Parks and Wildlife Service is now working with local authorities to determine how the fires began. Although a cause is currently unclear, the NPWS has confirmed that they suspect the blazes to be man-made.

In a statement, Director General Niall Ó Donnchú said: “Anyone who engages in this reckless, senseless behaviour should carefully consider the consequences of their actions, and will be subject to the full rigour of the law.”

The Claggan Coastal trail will remain closed for the foreseeable future, and repair work will not begin until the investigation is complete.

Prior to the fire, the trail was a hotspot for hikers and school groups.

"The Claggan Coastal Trail was a great platform to lead guided walks and education programmes," reads an Instagram post from the Wild Nephin National Park.

"From the boardwalk our education team taught school groups about the importance of our bogs and how our activities have had a negative impact on our wildlife and their habitats."

Warm, dry conditions in the Wild Nephin National Park likely aided the fire and helped it spread.

"Dry weather and coastal breezes create conditions very conducive to wildfires," explains an article on the NPWS website.

"The public is reminded that actions as simple as discarding a cigarette or dumping barbeque coals can have lasting and far-reaching consequences."

Take care if you're planning a spring or summer hike in dry conditions. Don't leave an open fire unattended, don't burn or discard your rubbish or cigarettes, and be careful with potentially flammable equipment like portable camping stoves.

For more on wildfire safety, check out our expert guide.

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Alex Honnold ticking off yet another big wall climb may not exactly be surprising anymore, but it's still newsworthy, and the climbing legend revealed he had casually chalked off another onsight free solo of another 5.10d climb this week.

Onsighting in climbing means climbing a route for the first time without any prior knowledge of it, and free soloing means doing it without any protection – like a harness, belay device or rope. A climbing route graded 5.10d is hard. But posting to Instagram, the Free Solo star says he chalked off Gift of the Wind Gods on Mount Wilson in less time than it takes most people to play 18 holes.

"I was really impressed by the quality of the climbing - it’s a beautiful route that I’m surprised doesn’t get climbed more," says Honnold, who apparently was able to enjoy the views as well as risk life and limb and even took the time to share an impressive bird’s nest at the top of the route.

"I made it car to car in Oak Creek in 4 hours, which is a personal best I think for climbing a big route on Wilson.

Mount Wilson is the highest peak in the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, near Las Vegas where Honnold lives, and the Gift of the Wind Gods route entails some 1,500ft of vert and multiple pitches, if you're actually climbing with a partner and using ropes.

If you're Honnold? It was all just one big pitch.

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The ongoing disruption of the National Park Service continues to have a ripple effect on access to some of the country's most revered beauty spots, with Arches National Park announcing this week that it has temporarily closed one of its most popular trails.

The Utah park posted a memo on Tuesday announcing that Fiery Furnace has temporarily closed to the public. Fiery Furnace is a natural maze of sandstone hoodoos, narrow canyons and rock arches that became so popular in the 1990s that a permit system was introduced to manage crowds, cut down on rescues and protect the sandstone. For the past 30 years, the only way to experience Fiery Furnace has been with a ranger or by securing an individual permit, approximately 100 of which are ordinarily issued each day between spring and fall.

However, Arches has announced that no ranger-led tours or self-guided permits will be issued until further notice, explaining that the federal hiring freeze at the beginning of the year has meant the park has been delayed in securing seasonal workers. Despite the administration's U-turn on its initial decision to rescind thousands of job offers to seasonal employees, the reversal came too late for parks like Arches to recover the employees they'd lost before the busy Spring Break period.

Most National Parks, Arches included, rely on seasonal employees to operate in busy season, and it takes time to go through the hiring process and for the individuals to secure accommodation, something that can be in tight supply in towns like Moab that feed parks like Arches.

Karen Henker, a spokesperson for Arches, tells Moab's Times-Independent the park plans to resume access once enough seasonal employees have been hired to support normal operations.

“Seasonal hiring is happening, and when those seasonals arrive, we do look forward to returning to normal spring operations."

The decision might mean you have to wait on a bucket list hike, but there are plenty of other geological wonders included in the best hikes at Arches National Park, and if it's hoodoos you seek, Bryce Canyon National Park in Utah has by far the greatest collection of any National Park and indeed the world, and is typically quieter than parks like Arches and Zion, where you'll also find a hoodoo or two.

You can also head outside of the Utah National Parks, which can be busy in the spring, and head to quieter spots like Goblin Valley State Park and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument.

Advnture has reached out to Arches for comment on this story and will provide updates as we receive them.

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Hikers and trail runners in Utah can now access 20 miles of rugged new wilderness trails.

The scenic Washington County Trail system has expanded, adding several new routes near the Candy Cliffs, and Diamond Valley areas.

The new 'Cliffrose trails' are suited to hikers and trail runners of all abilities. They cut through tough Utah terrain and offer stunning views of the Snow Canyon State Park and Pine Valley mountains.

The new routes buck a nationwide trend of trail closures, following mass spending cuts to the National Park Service and National Forest Service.

In the past two months, thousands of temporary and full-time workers have lost their jobs in a government-wide effort to reduce federal spending. Resultantly, routes up and down the country have been forced to close their trailheads, as there aren't enough staff to carry out vital maintenance and ensure visitor safety.

The new trails were completed by National Forest Service workers, with the help of various partners, including the Greater Zion Tourism Board and the Utah Division of Outdoor Recreation.

Joey Vanstaveren, recreation specialist at the Dixie Forest Service described the new trails as "a place for everyone".

"We have some easy green trails. They're like really nice grades. There's not a lot of rocks," Vanstaveren told St George News.

"And if you're more like hardcore, if you're really into trail running or you're an advanced mountain biker, we have steeper, more technical climbing trails. And then we have some pretty gnarly, hand-built descending trails."

The new trails are accessible from Cottonwood Springs Road in Washington County, Utah. They're five minutes west of the Candy Cliffs area, above Diamond Valley.

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Multiple iconic hiking trails on South Africa’s Table Mountain have been closed after a ferocious wildfire. The blaze began in the early hours of Sunday morning and soon spread below the Maclear's Beacon section.

More than 80 firefighters and volunteers from Cape Town's Volunteer Wildfire Service worked throughout Sunday to get control of the fire, which authorities say is now contained. Three helicopters were used in the operation.

"The bulk of the fire, which broke out in Newlands in the early hours of this morning, is contained in accessible areas," a spokesperson for Table Mountain National Park confirmed in a Facebook post.

"Table Mountain National Park continues to actively manage the fire between Newlands and Devil's Peak."

As of Monday morning (February 24), about 50 firefighters were still reportedly monitoring the fire's progress.

All trails on the Newlands side of the mountain, leading to Hiddingh Ravine, Newlands Ravine, Devil's Peak, and Saddle areas remain closed, although most were not damaged by the fire.

The Upper Contour Path, which takes trekkers 1.8 miles / 2.9km through scenic South African wilderness along the mountain's contour lines has been affected however, with rockfalls reported in the area.

Table Mountain National Park has released a map of all the closed trails.

Although the fire is ongoing, authorities are urging the public not to panic.

"Please remain calm and follow official updates," Table Mountain National Park's Facebook post continued.

"Please do not call the City's emergency number regarding the fire between Newlands and Devils Peak unless you detect a separate fire emergency."

Authorities are uncertain of the fire's cause, but have confirmed it will be investigated.

For more on wildfire safety, check out our expert guide.

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America’s rich network of hiking trails faces an uncertain future after funding freezes imposed by the Trump administration.

In the last month, policies announced by President Donald Trump led to thousands of jobs being cut from the National Park Service and Forest Service before their peak summer season. Trump has also paused multiple grants used to keep America's trails safe and cared for.

Trails across the country rely on federal funding and workers to maintain routes and infrastructure and ensure safety. Hundreds of trails face a future without maintenance while some have closed completely.

Among them is the iconic Pacific Crest Trail, which takes hikers 2,650 miles across the US, Mexico, and Canada. Maintenance along lengthy sections in California and Oregon is funded by a federal grant, which has been paused and is now under review.

It's currently unclear whether funding will be restored, reduced, or completely cut.

The Pacific Coast Trail Association, the non-profit organization that receives federal funding to maintain the trail described the review as "deeply concerning". Without government support, they fear the trail could fall into disrepair.

"Without it, we risk losing the capacity to fund essential projects and crews needed to care for the 2,650-mile PCT," said PCTA CEO Megan Wargo on the organization's website.

"Cutting back needed trail maintenance will directly affect the PCT experience this year and in the future, and surely will increase the amount and cost of work we will need to address later. Hikers, equestrians and local trail communities will feel this as they traverse the magnificent lands through which the trail passes."

Layoffs and funding cuts have had a seismic impact on wilderness areas up and down the country. The Franklin Falls and Denny Creek trails in King County, Washington have closed indefinitely due to a lack of staff.

Social media posts show a sign fixed to a barricade on the shared Franklin Falls and Denny Creek trailhead that reads: "Due to the large scale termination of Forest Service employees, Franklin Falls and the Denny Creek Trailhead are CLOSED. This site will reopen when we return to appropriate staffing levels."

Over 60 million Americans hit the trails each year to go hiking, while more than 300 million visit national parks.

Without ample funding or staff, park visitors could be met with "overflowing trash, uncleaned bathrooms, and fewer rangers to provide guidance" according to NPCA senior vice president of government affairs Kristen Brenge.

Incensed by the cuts, thousands of Americans took to the streets in protest on Monday, February 17.

"We want their jobs back," one protester at the Rocky Mountains National Park told 9News.

"The summer is coming. Without the rangers and the seasonal workers, it's just going to be a mess."

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Fancy a challenge? Hikers in Colorado can now embark on a 292-mile route through stunning Rocky Mountains wilderness.

The new ‘Northern Colorado Trail’, connects hundreds of routes in the Rocky Mountains National Park, Rawah wilderness area, and Flattops wilderness area. The route begins in Estes Park, in Larimer County, and culminates in the mountain city of Glenwood Springs.

The hike takes up to a few weeks to complete, depending on your skill level and experience. Along the way, hikers be able to use public facilities and pass through a few towns, although wild camping is required.

The route was mapped by Colorado native Kevin Silvernale, an experienced hiker who's trekked all over the United States. After completing the Appalachian and Pacific Crest Trails, Silvernale sought a lengthy trail a little closer to home.

Over several weeks, he used GPS and maps to connect routes across Northern Colorado. The majority of the journey is on existing trails, with a few sections on roadways.

"The reaction has been very positive, impressively positive, with many people suggesting that they will possibly do it this year,” Silvernale told Alex Murphy of KUNC (Community Radio for Northern Colorado).

“So with that traction and momentum, more and more will pile on, and there will actually be a good hiking community out there."

Silvernale documented his route-mapping journey on Instagram.

If you're considering a seriously long hike like the Northern Colorado Trail, get yourself a trustworthy pair of hiking boots.

We recommend the TX5 Gore-Tex boots from La Sportiva for multi-day hikes. This trustworthy pair is made from Nubuck leather and features an Ortholite Approach footbed to keep your feet pain-free after weeks of walking in the wilderness.

Colorado boasts almost 40,000 miles worth of hiking trails, including the iconic Colorado trail, which takes trekkers 486 miles from Durango to the Waterton Canyon near Denver.

It's also home to the Rocky Mountains National Park, a breathtaking expanse of North American wilderness spanning 415 square miles / 1,075km².

More than four and a half million people visit the park every year, to camp among its towering peaks and hike its picturesque trails. You can check out our expert guide to the very best hikes in the Rocky Mountains National Park here.

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Want to help restore long-neglected Californian hiking trails? Conservation officials are appealing for volunteers to help them rejuvenate a previously rich network of backcountry trails.

Based in Northwestern California, the Siskiyou Mountain Club looks after trails in the scenic area near the California / Oregon border. The group leads volunteers to various areas in need of rejuvenation, where they clear debris and manage shrubs with the aim of re-opening dilapidated hiking trails.

They often deal with trails that have been devastated by wildfire and are in desperate need of attention.

“Often, we are working on trails that have experienced years of neglect,” says the Siskiyou Mountain Club's website.

“We go in and we do the work, and some trails make it into our promise.

“When we adopt a trail or trail section, it becomes part of our promise. That means we will maintain it no less than once every three years.”

The Siskiyou Mountain Club began in 2010 when a small group of volunteers set out to restore a single route through the Kalmiopsis Wilderness Area. Now, with the growing need for trail restoration and the group's ever-expanding promise, they're in desperate need of new volunteers.

By restoring trails, program manager Trevor Meyer hopes to bring people together in nature, creating wilderness spaces to be enjoyed by all.

“The work that we do is so much more than trails, it is about building community,” he told NBC.

“That’s where the volunteer program really comes in. There’s people who step into this organization and fulfil a ton of different roles for us. Whether it's on the administrative side, whether it's boots on the ground, at the end of the day, what we’re trying to do is build community.”

Want to get involved? You can visit the Siskiyou Mountain Club’s website here.

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A survey of thru-hikers on America’s famous Pacific Crest Trail reveals that the cost to complete the 2,650-mile route has more than doubled in less than a decade.

Thru-hikers, who spend an average of 144 days competing the hiking trail from Mexico to Canada, spent an average of $10,149 during the trip in 2024, compared to $5,705 in 2015. That’s a current cost of more than $70 per day.

Interestingly, PCTers today do not spend a great deal more on their hiking gear before setting off than they did 10 years ago.

The survey, which is carried out annually, shows hikers in the last season on the PCT spent $1,708 on average on backpacking gear, representing a rise of $463 in just over a decade.

Since 2013, thru-hiker and adventurer Tyler “Mac” Fox has compiled an annual survey of PCT hikers.

The PCT, which extends through California, Oregon and Washington, can be hiked north to south, or in the other direction. Northbound is the more popular choice.

While it's estimated that about a million hikers use the PCT annually, not all of these people are aiming to complete the full route.

Long-distance users, defined as those travelling 500 miles or more in a single trip, are a small percentage of the trail’s total users. These hikers will usually apply for a PCT long-distance permit. According to the Pacific Crest Trail Association, 6840 long-distance permits were purchased in 2024, compared to 1897 in 2013.

Other stats from the new survey, which was completed by 764 hikers, shows that the average age of a respondent has increased from 26 in 2013 to 38 last season. This suggests that PCTers are getting older, although it’s worth noting that it may be skewed by the age demographic of people who are willing to fill out the survey.

Almost two-thirds (62.2%) of PCT hikers were, unsurprisingly, from across the US. The next four positions go to 6.6% hikers arriving from Germany, followed by Canada at 6.1% of hikers, the UK at 5.6% and fifth was Australia at 3.3%.

The number of countries represented in thru-hikers of the PCT has steadily grown over the years. In 2013, the figure was 11 countries and by 2017, hikers came from 34 different countries. Last year, this number was matched at 34.

Just over half of the thru-hikers were first timers on any long-distance trail. Almost three quarters had done some training for the hike, although a disconcerting number – 28% – report that had not done any training.

Almost three-quarters (72.2%) started the hike alone, while 16.7% began the PCT with a partner.

PCTers who completed the full route took on average 144 days, of which 126 days were spent hiking. Each day of hiking was, on average, 21.7 miles.

Completion rates of thru-hikers hit an all-time high with more than three quarters (77%) of respondents reporting a full finish. The figure has undulated over the last decade, or more.

Previous surveys show that completions in 2013 were 27%, increasing to 34% in 2014, then a drop for subsequent years to a low of 14% in 2017. There was a new increase to 24% in 2018 after which the trend has been for a generally growing percentage of hikers to complete the route.

There was a fair amount of flip-flopping, which is a term used to describe hikers missing a section for the trail (the flip) and returning to this section later (the flop).

Flip-flopping can happen when hikers want to avoid snow, when a section is closed or for a variety of logistical reasons such as requiring to return to work.

In 2024, 17% of hikers flip-flopped and the reasons included 64.6% due to fires, 21.2% due to snow, 4% for personal or logistical reasons and 2% due to hiking injuries.

Two more fascinating results revealed by the latest survey report that hikers were more likely to eat cheap grocery store food while on the PCT rather than commercial backpacking meals, which is a change to previous years, plus the most common wildlife spot of PCT thru-hikers in 2024 was rattlesnakes.

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More than 50 iconic California hiking trails have been destroyed in the devastating fires that have ripped through Los Angeles over the past few weeks.

Starting in early January, the brutal Eaton and Palisades fires have so far burned more than 35,000 acres of America’s second-most populated city, destroying thousands of homes and killing at least 27 people.

The raging fires have also devastated miles of thick California wilderness, destroying many beloved hiking and running trails in the process.

The larger Palisades fire, which is believed to have started near the Skull Rock hiking trail in Joshua Tree National Park, has scarred at least 28 trails, many in the Santa Monica mountains near the Pacific coast.

Not every trail has been destroyed, but all have suffered major burn damage. Large portions of trails like the Los Leones route, which spans 11 miles / 18km of dense California countryside, have been brutally scorched.

These fires span several parks and wilderness areas, including the Topanga State Park and Will Rogers State Historic Park.

By cross-referencing fire data with burn damage visible on satellite maps, the LA Times has been able to determine which trails sustained serious burn damage. The list covering the affected area follows:

Trails burnt in the Palisades fire

• San Vicente Mountain to Gizmo Peak trail
• Murphy Ranch trail
• Sullivan Canyon Fire Road trail
• Sullivan Ridge trail
• Goat Peak via High Point and Rivas Ridge trail
• Potrero Canyon Loop at George Wolfberg Park trail
• Garden Land trail
• Inspiration Point Loop trail
• Backbone trail
• Rustic Canyon trail
• Bone Canyon Road trail
• Pasture trail
• Rivas Canyon trail
• Temescal Canyon trail
• Temescal Ridge trail
• West Mandeville Fire Road trail
• West Mandeville Ridge trail
• Garapito Canyon trail
• Bienveneda trail
• Los Leones trail
• Paseo Miramar trail
• Topanga Lookout trail
• Trailer Canyon Fire Road trail
• Santa Ynez Canyon trail
• East Topanga Fire Road trail
• Budwood Motorway of Tuna Canyon trail
• Big Rock Lateral and Big Rock Motorway of Tuna Canyon trail
• Hearst Tank Motorway of Tuna Canyon trail

Burning more than 14,000 acres and killing at least 17 people, the Eaton fire has devastated working-class areas and wrecked miles of wilderness in northern Los Angeles.

Beginning near the Angeles National Forest, the Eaton fire has scorched multiple beloved hiking areas.

Among them is the Bailey Mountain nature trail, which took hikers on a modest trek to a stunning viewpoint overlooking the city. The Millard Canyon trail was another popular route, guiding hikers past the gushing Millard Canyon waterfall.

The trails pinpointed as fire damaged by the LA Times are as follows:

Trails burnt in the Eaton fire

• Mount Lowe West trail
• Bailey Canyon Nature trail
• Eaton Canyon Fire Ecology trail
• Eaton Canyon trail 
• Sunset Ridge trail
• Dawn Mine trail
• Mount Lowe Motorway to Mount Lowe trail
• Middle Sam Merrill trail 
• One Man and Mule trail 
• Millard Canyon
• Lower Millard Canyon trail
• Tom Sloane trail 
• Chaney trail
• Mount Lowe Railway trail
• Mount Lowe East trail
• Idlehour trail
• Lone Tree trail to West Fiji
• Gooseberry Motorway trail
• Rubio Canyon trail
• Old Edison Road trail
• Castle Canyon trail
• Lower Sam Merrill trail
• Mt. Wilson trail
• Mt. Wilson Toll Road trail
• Bailey Canyon trail to Jones Peak
• Altadena Crest trail

After weeks of destruction, the Palisades and Eaton fires are both nearing containment, although new fires continue to rage throughout the city due to strong winds and dry conditions.

Who or what caused the Los Angeles fires isn't currently clear, although in unseasonably warm and dry conditions, wildfires can be caused by careless acts like discarding a lit cigarette. Flammable waste items like abandoned propane cylinders are also dangerous.

If you're hiking in a potentially hazardous area, pick up all your litter and avoid using flammable equipment.

While single events can't be directly attributed to climate change, a general rise in global temperatures has led to an increase in the warm, dry conditions in which wildfires thrive.

Today, wildfires result in more than six million more hectares of tree loss per year than they did in 2001, an area roughly the size of Croatia. The global number of extreme heat waves has risen fivefold in the past 150 years.

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Several popular trails in the Grand Canyon National Park have reopened after workers stabilized a dangerous chlorine gas leak near the Roaring Springs waterfall.

The reopening came after concerned officials discovered the poisonous leak and opted to shut all three inner corridor hiking trails over concerns for hiker safety.

The Roaring Springs waterfall provides drinking water to the park and its visitors. Chlorine is regularly used to disinfect the water supply, treating it for potentially harmful microbes.

Officials worked swiftly the morning after the discovery to stabilize the leaks, allowing all three trails to reopen the same afternoon.

"All inner canyon corridor trails are now open to the public. The chlorine gas leak has been stabilized, and crews remain on scene to complete the repairs," officials said, in a a post on the Grand Canyon National Park Facebook page.

Known as the Inner Corridor trails, the stunning North Angel, North Kaibab, and South Kaibab routes guide visitors down from the canyon's rim to its floor, where they connect. The three hikes vary in length and difficulty. The most challenging, North Kaibab trail takes trekkers through 13.7 miles / 22km of stunning canyon terrain, dropping 5,740ft / 1,750m in elevation.

Spanning 1,904 square miles / 4,931 km2 of Arizona wilderness, the Grand Canyon National Park covers a massive expansive of stunning rock formations and backcountry terrain. The canyon itself is 277 miles long, 18 miles wide at its widest point, and a mile deep at its deepest point.

There are several ways to experience one of the biggest canyons in the world. You can take a three-week river trip through the sheer rock walls, fly overhead in a small plane or helicopter, or even straddle a mule for a half-day descent.

Perhaps the best way of all is on foot, as the Grand Canyon offers a wide array of breath-taking hikes.

The popular 13-mile / 20.9km South Rim trail hugs the canyon rim, treating trekkers to panoramic views of the ancient park. Alternatively, the strenuous Dripping Springs route guides hikers up a steep sandstone path built over a century ago. After a long, hard 6.9 mile / 11km hike, visitors are rewarded with a magnificent mossy hanging garden in a corner of the canyon.

Check out our expert guide for more epic hikes in the Grand Canyon.

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In 2024, millions of viewers tuned in to watch the Netflix romantic comedy One Day, which chronicles Emma Morley and Dexter Mayhew largely ill-fated relationship over 14 years. According to a new report from the hiking app AllTrails, the show inspired quite a few viewers to get out on the hiking trail.

If you haven't watched One Day yet, the two main characters sweat it out on a hike up Arthur's Seat the day after graduating from Edinburgh University. Arthur's Seat is an iconic extinct volcano that's slap bang in the middle of Scotland's capital. At just three miles long, this trail gains nearly 900 feet in elevation gain, giving hikers a real hill walk with 360-degree views of the Firth of Firth and the city, including stunning Edinburgh castle.

The show captures the surprising beauty of this unusual hike and it's no wonder that its popularity – reportedly nearly 10 million views in one week – led some people to check it out for themselves. Arthur's Seat made AllTrail's list of the top 10 UK trails in 2024.

Top 10 UK hiking trails of 2024

Elsewhere in the UK, it was the coldest summer since 2015, but that didn't stop people from getting outdoors – according to AllTrails, UK trail activity grew by 68 percent last year.

The popular hiking app has 32,000 verified trails in the UK, and the ones that make up the top 10 amassed nearly 38,000 reviews collectively and boast an average 4.7-star rating.

Some, like Arthur's Seat and the five-mile Malham Landscape Trail in Yorkshire Dales National Park, offer a moderate difficulty suitable for lots of ages and abilities, but overall the list reveals a preference for challenge, with the UK's highest peak Ben Nevis claiming the top spot, followed by Yr Wyddfa (formerly Snowdon) and the short but strenuous Old Man of Storr Loop on the Narnia-esque Isle of Skye. England's tallest fell, Scafell Pike, comes in at number five.

1. Ben Nevis Mountain TrackBen Nevis Mountain Track, Scotland 
2. Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) via Llanberis Path, Wales 
3. The Old Man of Storr Circular, Scotland 
4. Malham Landscape Trail: Janet's Foss, Gordale Scar, and Malham Cove, England
5. Scafell Pike from Wasdale Campsite, England 
6. Kinder Scout and Kinder Downfall Circular, England
7. The Roaches and Lud's Church Circular, England
8. Rydal Water and Cave Circular, England
9. Arthur's Seat, Scotland
10. Fairy Pools, Scotland

Of course, the popularity of these hikes means you'll almost never be alone, and while that can be a draw for some, they're not always the best choice if you're looking to get off the beaten path and enjoy some solitude.

If you're looking to escape the crowds, try Scotland's second-tallest peak Ben Macdui in Cairngorms National Park, which while popular, is nowhere near as busy as Ben Nevis. There are 282 Munros in Scotland, so you can always find a quiet one if you look hard enough.

For a Welsh adventure without the queues, check out Tryfan North Ridge which features some great scrambling and while Scafell Pike in the Lake District is worth the climb, its next-door neighbor, Scafell, offers a similar profile and identical views but far fewer people. To find hikes near you, you can always download the AllTrails+ app and search by the map.

What kit do you need for hiking in the UK?

If you're new to hiking in the UK, the good news is that there are thousands of stunning trails and peaks and for the most part, you can hike year-round here, but there are a few things to be aware of.

First, if you're used to dashing around in trail running shoes, UK trails often require waterproof footwear so you can comfortably wade through bogs. Speaking of moisture, you'll also never want to leave home without a waterproof jacket and a pair of rain pants. The summer months can be surprisingly cool, so bring a fleece jacket even if it's warm at the trailhead.

Compared to some popular hiking spots, like the Alps and the Rockies, trails in the UK can be a little harder to find and, especially in Scotland, more remote, so it's a good idea to carry a map and compass in addition to GPS navigation, and a satellite communicator like a Garmin InReach or a phone with the SOS function.

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A hiker in Utah has stumbled across human remains on a much-loved local trail.

A popular spot for hikers and trail runners in Utah, the Bone Wash Trail and Elephant Arch area is home to several miles of scenic desert trails and wildlife.

On Sunday, January 12, a hiker traversing the iconic route was shocked to find human remains ‘in various states of decomposition’ on the public trail.

Utah police soon identified what they confirmed to be the remains of a man.

In a statement, the Washington City Police Department said that nearby officers “responded promptly to the scene and confirmed the presence of human remains in various forms of decomposition, indicating they had been there for an extended period of time.”

The male remains, which were soon identified, have been transported to medical authorities to determine a cause of death.

“At this time, foul play is not suspected,” authorities added.

It’s currently unclear how long the remains had been there.

The Bone Wash Trail is a 6.2-mile / 10km out and back route that gains 410ft / 125m of elevation in the Mill Creek area of the Red Cliffs Desert Reserve, near Utah’s Washington City.

The easier Elephant’s Arch trail shoots off Bone Wash, taking hikers 3.5 miles / 5.6km to an arch resembling an elephant’s head and trunk.

Although both are considered to be relatively gentle treks, conditions in the summer months can be unforgiving, with temperatures upwards of 97°F / 36°C and very little shade.

Desert hiking

If you’re thinking of hiking in scorching desert heat over the summer months, prepare by bringing lots of water. When temperatures are touching the 90s, you should aim to bring more than what you’ll need.

1.6 to 2.1 gallons / 6 to 8 liters are recommended for an average eight-hour hike. Learn more in our expert guide.

Replacing lost electrolytes is also crucial. In scorching temperatures, you’ll lose a lot of salt through your sweat, so make sure to stock up on salty snacks like potato chips and peanuts to avoid becoming hyponatremic.

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Since the onset of the barefoot running movement, Xero Shoes has continued to evolve the category of minimally designed shoes for the dedicated core of enthusiasts. Right now, you can pick up the feather-light Xero Shoes Mesa Trail WP for just $69.99 at Xero Shoes. That's a massive saving of 50% off these trail running shoes, which we gave a generous 4.5 stars when we got them out in the backcountry.

"For a shoe with no midsole, the Mesa Trail will suit a surprisingly broad set of runners. It is a smartly designed, modern but uncompromising take on a minimal shoe for barefoot runners," says writer Pat Kinsella.

If you love feeling the ground beneath your feet, you’ll love the comfort and agility of this shoe, which provides an exceptional feel for the trail thanks to a 5mm flexible rubber outsole, an interior 3mm foam layer and a 2mm closed-cell foam that’s cushy, breathable and removable.

This deal applies to men's sizing in the Steel colorway and women's sizing in Grisaille / Black, but certain sizes are already selling out, so we suggest you act fast.

Not in the US? Scroll down to the bottom of this article for today's best deals on the Xero Mesa Trail WP running shoes where you are.

The outsole is also furnished with multi-directional 3.5mm lugs that serve up great traction and a tad bit more protection, while the reinforced toe bumper provides security against stubbed toes. The rubber compound is not tacky; this can cause grip issues on hard wet surfaces but, as a positive, results in a long-lasting outsole.

If you're not in the US, here are today's best deals on the Xero Mesa Trail WP running shoes where you are:

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Authorities in Los Angeles are investigating a popular hiking trail as a possible starting point for the devastating Palisades fire.

The largest of three major fires threatening the US’ second-largest city, the Palisades fire has scorched more than 40,000 acres, destroying homes and businesses and killing at least 25 people.

Authorities investigating the blaze are considering the Skull Rock on Temescal Ridge trail as a possible starting point for the blaze.

The popular trail formerly took hikers through 4.6 miles / 7.4km of now-burned California wilderness in the Joshua Tree National Park. Along the way, trekkers would pass a skeletal-shaped skull rock formation and take in scenic views of the Pacific Ocean.

The surrounding area was the scene of a small fire on New Year’s Eve, that burned for a few hours and was swiftly contained by fire officials with the help of a water-dropping helicopter.

This fire was reportedly caused by fireworks, which may have also played a part in starting the Palisades fire, as authorities have told the Los Angeles Times that it's likely it has ‘human origins’.

Although they’re yet to determine an official cause of the fire, authorities also pointed to the trail’s popularity with teenagers.

The Palisades fire is being investigated by the Los Angeles Police Department, alongside the smaller Eaton and Hurst blazes

Though California has long been susceptible to wildfires, January is usually relatively free from issues, but strong seasonal winds are fueling the fires, which are still not under control.

In unseasonably warm, dry conditions, wildfires can be caused by careless acts like discarding a lit cigarette. Flammable waste items like discarded propane cylinders are also dangerous.

In September last year, lawmakers announced that single-use disposable propane cylinders would be banned in California in a bid to to protect local environments and eliminate unnecessary emissions.

If you're camping or hiking in a potentially hazardous area, make sure to pick up all your litter and avoid using flammable equipment.

While single events cannot be directly attributed to climate change, a general rise in global temperatures has led to an increase in the warm, dry conditions in which wildfires thrive.

Today, wildfires result in more than six million more hectares of tree loss per year than they did in 2001, an area roughly the size of Croatia. The global number of extreme heat waves has risen fivefold in the past 150 years.

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• The best hiking boots and shoes for wide feet 2025 stride out with confidence in well-fitting footwear

While the Palisades fire in the Pacific Palisades area of Los Angeles, California, forces thousands of people to evacuate their homes, two other wildfires have broken out in LA County.

The Eaton fire started in the Eaton Canyon, northeast of Pasadena, and has reached 1,000 acres. The Hurst fire is around 23 miles north of the Pacific Palisades and spreading.

The Eaton fire started at the base of the San Gabriel Mountains, which are known for their striking geologic features and vibrant ecological diversity. Their renowned trails usually provide access hiking, biking and horse riding adventures.

They are home more than 17 million Californians and endangered and threatened species, such as mountain lions and the arroyo toad. They also contain some of the largest swaths of bigcone Douglas fir.

The three wildfires continue to blaze in Los Angeles as unprecedented high winds, low humidity and dry vegetation fuel them.

Two rainy winters have also been said to have caused extra vegetation, providing more fuel than usual.

Gavin Newsom, Governor of California, said: “This time of year traditionally has not been fire season, but now we disabuse any notion that there is a season, it’s year-round in the state of California."

Tens of thousands of people are under evacuation orders, and 1,400 firefighters have been deployed to respond.

More on fire safety

• Campers told to stop using disposable propane cylinders under new California law
• Could this propane-free kettle be the perfect companion for chilly winter camps?
• How to build a campfire on the beach

At 11,916 ft / 3,631m, Mount Charleston is the tallest peak in the Spring Mountain Range, near Las Vegas, Nevada. To get there and back, hikers must traverse 17.5 gruelling miles through dense bush and unforgiving underfoot terrain, which becomes especially treacherous in winter when trails are heavily iced.

In only the past few weeks, nine people have been rescued attempting to scale Mount Charleston, prompting mountain rescue officials to plead with the public to take proper precautions.

“One slipped, sliding 100 feet and colliding with a tree, causing severe leg injuries. Another slid an additional 100 feet before stopping on a ledge,” explained a social media post from LVMP Search and Rescue.

Even Alex Honnold, the free climbing extraordinaire behind ‘Free Solo’, struggled to make the top.

The 39-year-old shot to fame in 2017 when he became the first person to climb a grade VI route up Yosemite's El Capitan summit without any safety equipment.

Making his first attempt to hike up Mount Charleston on November 27, the world-renowned climber was thwarted by large ice sheets around the Mt Harris section of the trek.

“We were only wearing running shoes,” explained Honnold in a social media post, who returned a week later with crampons and proper equipment to tackle the trek.

Wearing Black Diamond micro-spikes over his running shoes, Honnold summited Mount Charleston after a tough day of solo hiking.

Alongside the right footwear, Honnold made sure to pack appropriately.

“I ate all my food, drank all my water, wore all my layers, and generally felt like I nailed my packing,” he said on Facebook.

Crampons are an essential tool for harsh, icy conditions. Attaching to the bottom of your shoes, these metal spikes dig into icy terrain to bolster your traction and ensure you stay stable.

Proper hydration and nutrition are also non-negotiable in the backcountry. Although it varies per person, the age-old rule dictates that you should carry one liter of water for every two hours you spend hiking.

Replacing electrolytes is essential too. On long hikes, you’re likely to lose lots of salt when you sweat. To avoid the risk of becoming hyponatremic - where the sodium level in your bloodstream drops too low, these salts can be replaced by snacks like potato chips and peanuts as well as sports drinks.

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Organized runs on Christmas Day have to be some of the best runs ever. The camaraderie is unparalleled and smiles and Santa hats abound.

No one's there to get their personal best, and everyone takes time to wish each other well.

As with all winter running, fresh air and splashing through muddy puddles brings a sense of complete freedom. Of course, you can take yourself off on your own joyous route, but sharing a run with a group of jolly folk who share the same passion as you is a complete mood booster.

If you're lucky, there may be a mince pie at the finish line. And for the rest of the day you can feast guilt-free.

Boxing Day events are brilliant for shaking off excess from the day before, and New Year’s Day runs are the perfect purge.

In the UK, hundreds of dedicated volunteers organize brilliant festive events on these important calendar dates – find your local one to hit up this holiday.

Winter running tips

• Running in mud: how to go faster when the trails get dirty
• Why ‘be bold, start cold’ is excellent advice for hikers and runners
• Need convincing to head out in the cold? Check out these benefits of running through the winter

The best Christmas and New Year runs in the UK

Nationwide

Parkrun

Despite the fact that Christmas Day falls on a Wednesday this year, hundreds of Parkruns will be taking place across the UK on December 25.

These free, friendly events are hugely popular and runners love to celebrate the festive bonus events with Santa hats, Rudolph ears or tinsel crowns – so be sure to add something festive to your kit list.

And there'll be more bonus events being held on January 1, too.

Check the Parkrun special events page to see if your local Parkrun is taking place.

London and around

Christmas Day Cracker Run 2024

Wraysbury Skiff and Punting Club, Riverside, Egham, Surrey, December 25, 2024
You have seven hours to run any distance you want, from 5km to ultramarathon.

Devils Punchbowl Boxing Day Run

Hindhead, Surrey, December 26, 2024
A 3.5-miler starting from the Devils Punchbowl Hotel.

St Albans, New Year's Eve 10K

Highfield Park, St Albans, Hertfordshire, December 30, 2024
A single-lap 10k with celebratory fizz at the finish line.

Serpentine New Year's Day 10K and 3K

Hyde Park, London, January 1, 2025
A race and fun run on traffic-free paths through Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens.

South East

The Gallivant Boxing Day Run

The Gallivant, Camber, East Sussex, December 26, 2024
A coastal run at Camber.

Saltwood Boxing Day Run

Saltwood, Hythe, Hampshire, December 26, 2024
3 miles of mud, hills and hangover cure.

New Ash Green 10k

New Ash Pavilion, Longfield, Kent, January 1, 2025
A fun, fast, (mostly) flat 10k to start the new year.

Hangover 5

Hillbarn Recration Ground, Worthing, Sussex, January 1, 2025
A five-miler plus other events in Worthing.

East

North Norfolk Beach Runners Boxing Day Dip

Cromer Beach, Norfolk, December 26, 2025
A short fun run followed by an invigorating dip in the sea.

New Year’s Day 10k

Wymondham, Norfolk, January 1, 2025
A 10km run with refreshments and cake.

South West

Exmouth Rotary Boxing Day Fun Run

Exmouth Pavillion, Devon, December 26, 2024
1-mile laps up and down the seafront.

Brown Willy Run

Jamaica Inn, Bolventor, Cornwall, January 1, 2025
7 miles out and back over Brown Willy hill.

Midlands

Tackley Boxing Day Fun Run

Tackley Village Shop, Kidlington, Oxfordshire, December 26, 2024
2-mile or 4-mile family-friendly loop around the village.

Northern England

Chester Round the Walls

The Racecourse, Chester, December 26, 2024
4.25 miles round the city's old walls.

The Chevin Chase

The Green, Guiseley, West Yorkshire, December 26, 2024
7-mile multi-terrain race.

Wythenshawe Community Twixmas Run

Wythenshawe Park Athletics Track, Manchester, December 29, 2024
A free 2km or 5km run,

Wales

Porthcawl Boxing Day Run

Porthcawl, Bridgend, December 26, 2024
6.5km to raise money for local charities.

Prince of Wales New Year's Day Run

Kenfig Nature Reserve, Bridgend, January 1, 2025
5km on a multi-terrain course.

Scotland

Banchory Boxing Day Fun Run

Guide Lodge, Banchory, Aberdeen, December 26, 2024
A social 5km open to all.

Boxing Day Boomerang

Dundonald Castle, Kilmarnock, December 26, 2024
5km or 10km run on a mix of roads and trails.

Blairgowrie New Year’s Day Fun Run & Walk

Blairgowrie Bowling Club, Perth and Kinross, January 1, 2025
4-mile route.

Northern Ireland

CIYMS Boxing Day Fun Run

Belmont Park, Belfast, December 26, 2024
5km route with prizes for fancy dress.

Brocagh Bay Boxing Day Run

Castlebay Community Centre, Dungannon, Co Tyrone, December 26, 2024
5km or 10km routes.

Hikers and trail runners in California can now explore miles of new scenic trails in the Santa Cruz Mountains, thanks to a series of recently opened trails.

Surrounded by historic Redwood trees, new routes in the Bear Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve take trekkers through miles of stunning California woodland, meadows, and more.

Operated by the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District, the new trail system aims to provide an accessible alternative to the typically challenging routes of the Santa Cruz Mountains. Unlike existing trails, the new looping routes avoid adverse terrain and steep inclines, allowing inexperienced hikers to surround themselves with the diverse nature of the Santa Cruz Mountains.

“One thing that I think is super interesting and fun about these trails is the different ecosystems that you wind through,” spokesperson Ryan McCauley told SF Gate.

“You start out in a second-growth redwood forest and quickly transition into riparian corridors, crossing over different creeks, sections of oak woodland, and California grasslands. So you really get a small microcosm of all the different biomes that the Bay Area has to offer.”

The new trails are part of a $300 million project to renovate and improve public access to the preserve. In addition to the new routes, crews repaired eroded slopes, removed debris, and worked to mitigate the risks in an area prone to landslides and storm-related damage.

“A lot of what we did when we were building these trails is repairing that land and making sure we’re putting in controls to prevent further erosion,” continued McCauley.

“That kind of cleans it up and makes sure it’s functioning in a much healthier, natural way.”

Not resting on their laurels, officials are already getting on with the next stage of the Bear Creek Project, creating a large multi-use trail for hikers, trail runners, and bikers alike. This trail will remain in the works for the next few years, while a new bridge is constructed.

For more on California’s scenic backcountry, check out our ranking of the state’s best National Parks.

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• The best hiking shoes 2024 trail-friendly shoes for all seasons

The days have only just begun to get noticeably shorter as we head towards winter, but if you’re anything like me, you’re already yearning for the promise of longer days out in the mountains. So put your downtime during the dark evenings ahead to good use by making plans for next-year epics.

To inspire you to plan a new challenge, National Geographic has just released its list of Europe’s most challenging hiking trails.

Labelling them as ‘not for the faint at heart’, these multi-day and multi-week missions take in high Alpine paths and schleps through extensive Arctic-circle bogs. Some will have you climbing fixed steel ladders at unearthly altitudes and some will have you wild or bothy camping for multiple nights at a time.

As well as testing your physical and metal strength, far-flung walking escapades require better expedition planning than those on home turf, where you'll be more familiar with conditions and terrain.

Check out our tips for preparing for the ultimate hiking vacation and read up on the six spring hiking mistakes you want to avoid.

National Geographic's six most challenging hiking trails in Europe

1. Walker’s Haute Route, France and Switzerland

Take in unparalleled Alpine views during this 132-mile (213km) hike that starts in Chamonix, France, with 46,000ft of climbing, often at high altitude. There are hostels and even mountain hotels along the route, if you want to add a little comfort into your itinerary.

2. Kamnik-Savinja Trail, Slovenia

Hike hut-to-hut across the Kamnik-Savinja Alps, the Slovenian mountain range closest to capital Ljubljana. Stretches of via ferrata and paths not much wider than your boots will test your head for heights.

3. The Adlerweg, Austria

The Alpine region’s renowned long-distance path that crosses the Tyrol will test your stamina over 200 miles (324km). Although much is along broad tracks and grassy slopes, some stretches are exposed and challenging, including the Eppzirlerscharte pass, the Grossbergspitze ridge walk and the ascent of the Griesslscharte.

4. Cape Wrath Trail, Scotland

Traversing 200 miles (321km) of rugged Scottish countryside, the end point of this epic is the most north westerly point of mainland Scotland. You’ll need weatherproof gear and a good hiking tent and be prepared to do battle with the elements to complete this wild, unmarked trek.

5. Arctic Circle Trail, Norway, Finland & Sweden

A cross-border hike that takes in three countries – Norway, Finland and Sweden. You’ll traverse high mountains, glaciers and deep valleys. While more often hiked sections at a time, the complete trail is 500 miles (800km).

6. GR20, Corsica

Coping with the unrelenting rocky terrain is one of the biggest challenges on this Grande Randonée (a network of long-distance walking routes). Sections of loose stone and risk of rockfall, plus serious scrambles, give it its reputation of Europe’s toughest trek.

Hikers visiting a top European holiday island will need to pay to walk 30 of the most popular routes. Fees will apply to tourists who travel to Madeira, an archipelago situated in the North Atlantic ocean and part of Portugal.

The €3 surcharge, for non-residents over the age of 12, already applies to seven of the busiest hiking trails, including Pico do Areeiro, Pico Ruivo, Levada do Risco, Levada do Caldeirão Verde, Balcões, Levada do Rei and Ponta de São Lourenço.

From January 1, 2025, another 23 of the most hiked routes will be added to the list of pay-to-walk routes.

The move is part of a campaign for more sustainable tourism, especially with an increase in visitors to Madeira during peak hiking seasons.

Profits from the new hiking route fees will go towards trail maintenance, cleaning and preservation efforts.

The routes are all managed by the Institute of Forests and Nature Conservation (ICNF) in Madeira.

To pay for the routes, hikers can access the regional government portal, Simplifica, or use on-site payment options at ICNF stations along many of the trails.

There will be potential fines of up to €50 for hikers who fail to pay the fee.

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Have you hiked the Mist Trail in Yosemite National Park? If so, officials want your opinion on how to make this iconic trail safer and more enjoyable for other hikers.

As of last Thursday (October 24), members of the public have been invited to provide their opinions on Yosemite’s Mist Trail Corridor in an official 30-day comment period. This splendid signature Yosemite hike takes trekkers alongside the Merced River to the roaring Nevada and Vernal falls, which flow all year round, and are so close you’ll need a waterproof jacket to remain dry.

Alongside their stunning visuals, both routes are strenuous, taking visitors through tricky terrain and requiring constant concentration. Describing it as ‘absolute splendor’, we ranked the Mist Trail Corridor as Yosemite’s number one waterfall hike in our recent guide. Such is its beauty that over 4,000 people visit every day in peak season, making the mist trail one of Yosemite’s busiest hikes. However, with its popularity comes danger.

There are several narrow passages and often slippery granite surfaces, which become especially dangerous as the trail gets crowded. These hazards are exacerbated in the winter when ice and the risk of falling rock increases. In 2019, a 56-year-old hiking enthusiast was tragically killed by falling ice and rocks on the trail, only two months after a 32-year-old man lost his life by slipping on the granite rock and falling into the river.

Aiming to eliminate such unnecessary deaths, officials are asking for feedback on the trail’s safety, stewardship, wayfinding and educational aspects.

Want to help? You can provide your input by simply leaving a comment on the National Parks' website, which can be accessed here. The mist trail comment period closes on the 23rd of November.

Waterfall safety

Waterfall hikes make up some of the best outdoor adventures, but they can pose some unique risks for hikers, too. No matter where you are, it's important to wear sturdy footwear with good traction and stay on the trail. Consider using trekking poles for increased stability if you know the trail will be slick and rocky, and only swim in designated areas. Learn more in our article with 9 safety tips for waterfall hikes.

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A new Swedish hiking trail that crosses 21 islands and links to the capital city of Stockholm will open next month.

The 170-mile Stockholm Archipelago Trail (SAT) visits many the most beautiful isles in one of the world’s largest archipelagos. it is an area rich in wildlife, including seabirds and Sweden's most significant sea eagle population.

To put the size in perspective, the group of around 30,000 islands and islets amounts to around five times the number of Greek islands in total. 

What is Stockholm Archipelago Trail?

The new route comprises a series of waymarked paths and stretches from the furthest north island, Arholma, to Oja in the far south. 

While the archipelago has been long used for leisure by boaters and beach-goers, far fewer people visit the islands for hiking. 

Michael Lemmel, the creator of the Stockholm Archipelago Trail, hopes this will change and his aim is to “redistribute” the Stockholm region's influx of tourists more evenly. He also believes that hikers will extend the traditional tourism season on the archipelago by a couple of months from June to August.

Why visit Stockholm Archipelago?

Stockholm archipelago extends to 1,050 square miles of forested islands edged by sandy beaches and rocky islets.

The range of places to see – and things to do  –on there island chain is vast including the  beaches of Sandhamn and Nåttarö, kayaking, staying in remote cabins and enjoying a wealth of wildlife and nature. 

Visitors are not allowed to bring cars to the islands that the SAT traverses and boats can only dock at certain points.  The route is unsuitable for cyclists, which makes hiking the trail the best way of getting around.

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A top European climber has showcased his skill at the start of an exciting UK tour by completing a notoriously challenging route in northern England.

Alex Megos ascended the iconic Peak District sports climb, Sean’s Roof in Blackwell Dell, which is graded an “expert” 5.14a (or 8b+). 

The 31-year-old from Germany said: “The route only has about seven or eight moves but it was harder than I expected. 

“The wet conditions did not help. In the end, it was a classic climb and very good.”

He used a technique known as lead climbing, with a rope for safety, on the huge overhanging limestone boulder located at the side of a busy road.

You can watch Alex's successful attempt here...

What is Sean's Roof?

It’s almost 30 years ago that British rock climber Jerry Moffatt, now 61, recorded the first climb of Sean’s Roof, which was then graded at 5.14b. It was later sightly downgraded to 5.14a. 

The second person to successfully complete the same route was Mark Leach, another of Britain's top climbers in the 1980s, some three years later in 1988. Unlike Jerry and Alex, Mark climbed without ropes and, at the time, it was acclaimed as the world’s hardest free-solo route. Free-solo means climbing without routes, or bouldering.

Who is climber Alex Megos? 

Alex, who started climbing aged just six, specializes in sport climbing, bouldering and competition climbing. By the age of 10, he was ascending multi-pitch routes of up to 1,000ft (300m) with his dad. 

He is now renowned worldwide for his gutsy route ascents and has successfully competed at European, world and Olympics level.

In 2013, he became the first climber to on-sight (this means climbing the route first time and without previous attempts) a 9a (5.14d) graded route. He has made the first free ascent of some of the hardest sport climbing routes in the world, including two 9b+ (5.15c) routes Perfecto Mundo in Spain and Bibliographie in France. 

Alex has also climbed in the La Sportiva Legends competitions, scoring a win in 2018. He  holds the high point of the Black Diamond Project, which is  considered one of the world's hardest indoor routes.

His UK tour is called Road Rage and will comprise a series of YouTube films about climbs in famous and off-piste areas.

He said of Sheffield and the Peak District: “This is one of the most iconic climbing spots of the past and present.”

• Discover the best women's climbing shoes.
• A guide to the best hiking pants for men.

Bike parts manufacturer Shimano has announced that it is donating $10 million over the next 10 years to support global mountain bike trail-building projects, as part of an initiative called Trail Born.

With the aim of increasing and sustaining mountain bike trails and trail access globally, the Trail Born Fund, says Shimano, will deliver an unprecedented level of industry support, over the next 10 years, to encourage and facilitate trail projects and trail advocacy organizations.

Working closely with these trusted partners, Shimano will try to ensure meaningful and sustainable gains are made – both on a local and global scale.

Shimano highlights just how expensive trail building can be. Despite the publicity images the company has released alongside with this announcement, it’s not just a case of sending a few people out into the woods with some spades. 

“Building and maintaining great trails is expensive. Really expensive,” Shimano emphasizes. “Cost typically ranges from $10,000 to $45,000 per mile, which includes everything from permitting and impact studies to tools, materials, and labour.”

But Shimano believes the return on investment is priceless.

“Supporting trail building and trail advocacy helps protect and expand trail access,” the company said in a statement. “And that means more places for all of us to ride – and more opportunities for new riders, like kids, to discover this amazing sport.”

Initially focused on “select areas in North America, Europe, and Oceania", Shimano already has plans to expand into Asia, Africa, and Central and South America by 2026.

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• The best sunglasses 2026: for hiking throughout the year

Two hikers who tackle the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) next year will be awarded $5,000 each if they amend their route to take in a new stretch of trail to Carson City. Entries are open now and the deadline is fast approaching, but there's still time to apply.

The prize is being offered by the local tourism office to promote the new 16-mile stretch connecting Carson City to Lake Tahoe. The Capital to Tahoe Trail was completed in 2023, and was eight years in the making from conception to opening.

“Our downtown sits in the middle of all of our trails,” Lydia Beck, Visit Carson City’s marketing manager, told The Inertia. “And people have no idea that Carson City has a beautiful stretch of the east side of Lake Tahoe. We’re trying to bring awareness to our proximity.”

How to enter

The PCT is a 2,650-mile hiking and equestrian trail that roughly follows the Cascade and Sierra Nevada mountains near the west coast of the US. Travelling north, the trail spans the entire length of the US from Mexico to Canada and takes hikers through California, Oregon and Washington.

To be in with a chance of winning, the two thru-hikers must start their journey on the steps of the Carson City Capitol, and hike 1,600 miles to Canada. You are also eligible if you start in Mexico an make a detour to Carson City.

You need to submit your application on the Visit Carson City website by May 31. Officials from the tourist board will review all applications, and hand-pick two hikers who they believe can complete the mission. Finalists will be contacted in late July.

The hike itself will take place in summer 2025, though the exact date will depend on weather conditions.

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Now that the spring weather has arrived, you might have been hoping to get your hiking boots out and enjoy some of the best hikes in Yosemite National Park, but one trail will have to wait after a massive rockslide blocked one of the park's most popular hiking trails.

In an Instagram post dated yesterday, park officials revealed that the rockfall had occurred late at night on April 15. Hundreds of giant boulders, which you can see in images below, fell from the slope above the John Muir Trail between Clark Point and the top of Nevada Fall.

"Nearly 1,000 feet of trail are covered with boulders, trees, and other debris. The trail will require significant repair, including drilling and blasting of large boulders," writes the National Parks Service. 

The trail has been closed for winter season, but its reopening is now thought to be delayed by several weeks while geologists assess the potential for additional rockfalls. 

The JMT is a 211-mile hiking trail that travels through the high Sierra Nevada mountain range of California, crossing Yosemite, Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks. Its northern terminus is at Happy Isles in Yosemite and the southern terminus lies on the summit of Mount Whitney. Day hikers in Yosemite often use the trail for a quieter descent after hiking to Vernal and Nevada Falls.

For now, however, visitors will find that the access gates are closed at Clark Point and near the top of Nevada Fall. 

"For your safety, please do not enter the closed section of the trail," warns the NPS.

How dangerous are rockslides for hikers?

Rockslides, which are a lot like avalanches but with boulders instead of snow, are common in mountain areas during the spring, when the freeze-thaw process loosens and dislodges sections of rock.

Most fatalities from rockslides actually occur on roads, not hiking trails. That said,  a hiker was killed in Yosemite in 2017 when a chunk of granite broke off El Capitan and tumbled onto a trail below. Rockslides are impossible to predict, but there are some steps you can take to reduce your risk:

• Avoid hiking in areas of steep, rocky terrain during spring thaw.
• Avoid hiking in areas of steep, rocky terrain following heavy rains.
• Keep your eyes open for areas showing evidence of recent rockfall and hike carefully or avoid these areas.
• Avoid hiking in the fall line (the most direct line downhill) of steep terrain when there are other hikers above or below you.
• Stay on the trail and make use of switchbacks.
• If you’re hiking downhill on a wider, rocky trail in a group, hike side-by-side in parallel lines rather single file.
• In narrow areas like canyons and ravines, move through one at a time.
• Take care not to dislodge rocks and boulders when crossing scree or boulder fields.

Learn more in our article on rockslides and hiking safety.

• The best trekking poles 2024: take the pressure off when you're out on the trails

Some areas out west are still seeing plenty of action in their ski pants, but officials in the Phoenix are announcing public safety measures after the area had its first 100-degree day – and several heat-related mountain rescue callouts.

On Sunday, the mercury reached 100 degrees in the Arizona city, though only for around 10 minutes, but according to reporting by Fox 10, it was enough for at least two hikers to require rescue. In one incident, a 60-year-old man was airlifted to the hospital by helicopter after he passed out. Other hikers reportedly gave him chest compressions for 45 minutes before help arrived. Meanwhile, a woman was helped off the trail after being located by a Phoenix Fire Department drone. 

The rescues come as city officials announce that at least three popular trails will be closed to hikers this summer on days when temperatures reach triple digits. When the National Weather Service issues an Excessive Heat Warning – usually when there is a heat index of at least 105°F for more than three hours per day for two consecutive days – Camelback Mountain's Echo and Cholla Trails and all trails associated with Piestewa Peak Trailhead will close from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

"It’s very serious. Last summer, we saw hundreds of people die in the Valley of the sun from the heat. It's strong enough, unfortunately, that it takes lives," says Phoenix Fire Capt. Scott Douglas.

Last summer, we reported on a hiker who went hiking with his dog on Piestewa Peak during an Excessive Heat Warning resulting in his dog's death due to heat exhaustion. Now, dogs are prohibited from any Phoenix trail when the mercury reads 100°F or higher.

Hiking in hot weather

Hiking in hot weather can increase your chances of dehydration and heatstroke, which can be deadly. The City of Phoenix issues the following guidelines for all hikers in the area to help them stay safe:

• Dress appropriately: wear proper hiking shoes, clothing, hat, and sunscreen.
• Bring water: hydrate before you go. Have plenty of water in your water bottle or hydration bladder, more than you think you need. Turn around and head back to the trailhead before you drink half of your water.
• Keep in contact: carry a mobile phone.
• Team up: hike with others. If hiking solo, tell someone your start and end times, and location.
• Be honest: do you have a medical condition? Asthma, heart problems, diabetes, knee or back problems? Don't push yourself – even trained athletes have been caught off guard by getting dehydrated on Arizona trails.

You can learn more in our articles on what to wear for hiking in hot weather and 5 expert tips for exercising outdoors safely during a heatwave.

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An aspiring Triple Crown hiker has issued a plea for help after losing her dog on the Appalachian Trail five weeks ago.

According to reporting by WLOS Asheville, Canadian hiker Micki Honkanen and her dog Sadie came to the US to hike the Continental Divide Trail, the Pacific Crest Trail and the Appalachian Trail for an adventure totaling nearly 8,000 miles in hiking boots. 

However, with just 250 miles of the AT left to go on their journey, Sadie, who you can see a picture of below, disappeared. The 13-year-old black lab mix vanished on March 18 when the pair were on the North Carolina stretch of the AT, between Walnut Mountain Shelter and Lemon Gap.

"I started running up and down the trail, calling her name," recalls Honkanen, who goes by the trail name "Bright Eyes."

"I called my friend, and the two of us together spent 40-plus hours just incrementally grid searching the woods of the entire mountain. We hired a thermal drone to search that mountain, as well."

The drone was unable to turn up any clues as to Sadie's whereabouts and time is running out – Honkanen reportedly has to leave the country by the end of June due to visa restrictions.

"The thought of like leaving the country and just leaving her in the woods is just, I can't wrap my head around it right now."

Sadie is described as 45-pound lab mix with white patches and gray on her face. She was last seen wearing what was described as a green dog backpack. She has an ID on her collar and she is chipped and wearing an air tag. Honkanen is offering a cash reward to anyone who finds Sadie.

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