9th June 2025
Welcome to the Jungle: the Madeira Island Ultra Trail
Ian Battersby and his two sons traverse the length of the subtropical forest paradise of Madeira. It sounds like thirsty work…
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Latest news from The Great Outdoors
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9th June 2025
Review: I Don’t Do Mountains by Barbara Henderson
Our nine-year old reviewer who definitely does 'do' mountains shares their take on this Cairngorms adventure tale.
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6th June 2025
Ryvoan Bothy: Meet the MBA’s youngest Maintenance Organiser
The life of a bothy Maintenance Organiser might be tough, but it’s never boring. Just ask father-and-son team Kevin and Fin Campbell.
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5th June 2025
Highlander Outdoor celebrates 40 years of affordable exploration
As Highlander Outdoor celebrates its 40th birthday, we look back on the brand's success story, rooted in the heart of Scotland.
Gear guides
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15th November 2024
The Great Outdoors Gear of the Year Awards
The UK's most experienced gear testing team share their top picks of outdoor kit and innovations for the year.
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13th June 2025
We slept out in the best budget tents 2025
Getting away from it all isn’t just for experts with expendable income. We test the best budget tents to help you achieve wanderlust liftoff.
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11th June 2025
We weigh up the best backpacking packs 2025
Your pack and its contents can make or break any backpacking trip. Our experts review the latest.
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5th May 2025
We pitted the best waterproof jackets for 2025 against the weather
Kirsty Pallas and Chris Townsend test ‘hardshell’ jackets when the weather gets heavy.
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23rd April 2025
We run down the best power banks 2025
Selecting the best power bank for you can not only minimise technological faff on the hills, but can also be the difference between safety and an escalating emergency situation.
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5th May 2025
Our Equipment Editor spotlights the best head torches for hiking 2025
Chris Townsend tests the best head torches for mountain use.
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12th May 2025
We took the best GPS watches hiking – here’s the verdict
GPS watches can aid mountain navigation and help to keep you fit. We test eight of them and demystify the tech.
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13th June 2025
Our testers stay out in the best cold weather sleeping bags 2025
Fiona Russell and Peter Macfarlane keep the cold at bay in these bags.
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11th March 2025
We get to the point testing the best crampons for winter hillwalking 2025
Four experts put the latest crampons through their paces and guide you to your perfect fit.
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16th March 2025
We get to grips with the best ice axes 2025
Our expert gear testing team gets to the point reviewing the best ice axes, an essential tool for managing risk in snowy mountains.
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5th May 2025
We asked a Highlands Ranger to test the best emergency kit for hiking 2025
Peter Macfarlane directs us to the kit you'll want in your pack should the worst happen.
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5th May 2025
We tested the best winter gloves 2025
Kirsty Pallas and James Roddie keep the worst of the weather at bay with a selection of warm and waterproof winter gloves.
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3rd March 2025
We put the best winter mountaineering boots through their paces
Our expert gear testers compare winter boots suitable for steeper, more technical ground.
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13th June 2025
Our testers stay out in the best cold weather sleeping bags 2025
Fiona Russell and Peter Macfarlane keep the cold at bay in these bags.
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11th June 2025
We weigh up the best backpacking packs 2025
Your pack and its contents can make or break any backpacking trip. Our experts review the latest.
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5th June 2025
We make every step count testing the best hiking sandals 2025
Love them or loathe them, hiking sandals made well can be a perfect solution on a hot, dry day. Here are the best.
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12th May 2025
We took the best GPS watches hiking – here’s the verdict
GPS watches can aid mountain navigation and help to keep you fit. We test eight of them and demystify the tech.
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6th May 2025
We taste test the best backpacking meals 2025
Food is often the number one topic on any backpacker’s mind. Alex Roddie taste tests mouth-watering backpacking meals.
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6th May 2025
Our experts tap in to test the best hiking apps 2025
Alex Roddie takes a look at seven of the best hiking apps to help you find your way in the mountains as an additional navigation tool.
Route guides and walks
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6th May 2025
One for the road: The best pub walks in Britain
In their toughest assignment yet, our contributors map out some of the finest pub walks up and down our British hills.
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16th February 2023
Sky Walks: 9 of the best treks in the Alps
Planning an Alpine hiking holiday this year? Hanna Lindon picks out some of the best treks in the Alps, Europe’s greatest mountain chain.
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6th May 2025
Give me shelter: the best bothy walks in Britain
Shelter, warmth and sometimes camaraderie in the most remote landscapes in the UK. Here are some of the UK's best bothy walks.
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6th May 2025
Hike further: long-distance trails in the UK and Ireland
Looking for some trail magic? One of these excellent long-distance trails in the UK and Ireland will no doubt provide.
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6th July 2023
12 of the best Peak District waterfall walks
The Great Outdoors rounds up the best Peak District waterfall walks and how to go waterfall hunting to find your own secret spots.
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6th May 2025
Time on rock: the best scrambling routes in the UK
Our contributors go on the hunt for spicy scrambles up and down the UK. Here are some of the best.
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29th September 2023
7 quiet hikes in Snowdonia/Eryri
Our contributors share their Eryri/Snowdonia hidden gems for those seeking solitude in the craggy corners of North Wales.
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15th May 2025
Aonach Eagach: route guide
James Roddie takes on Aonach Eagach, a big route with a big rep - plus the obligatory Clachaig pub stop!
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6th May 2025
The Pennine Way: trail guide
Marching for nearly 270 miles, the Pennine Way is the first of England’s long-distance paths. Becky Angell takes a detailed look at the route.
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6th May 2025
Clennoch Bothy and Moorbrock Hill: route guide
Ian Battersby finds that a relaxed approach to Clennoch Bothy wins the day.
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6th May 2025
Hike An Groban: route guide
Alex Roddie goes for a short scrambling day on the delightful An Groban near Gairloch, Northwest Highlands.
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9th January 2025
Nine Standards Rigg via The Black Bull: route guide
Ian Battersby uncovers treasures hiding in the shadow of nine mysterious cairns. Explore and treat yourself to a pint afterwards.
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8th January 2025
Stob Coire Sgreamhach via Coire Gabhail (the Lost Valley) and The Clachaig Inn, Glen Coe: route guide
This Clachaig circuit in the Bidean nam Bian range gets all the best views, says Alex Roddie.
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Reviews from team TGO
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13th June 2025
EasyCamp Sarek 1 review
There’s a lot to love here with the EasyCamp Sarek 1 as the cheapest in our tests, but there are niggles that make it less than perfect.
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13th June 2025
Alpkit Soloist review
Lara Dunn awarded this budget tent four out of five stars. Find out why..
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13th June 2025
Robens Starlight EXP 1 review
Lara Dunn awarded the Robens Starlight EXP 1 her 'greener choice' and Best in Test. Find out why.
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11th June 2025
Big Agnes Sweetwater UL 60L review
Alex Roddie tested the Big Agnes Sweetwater UL 60L in the Cairngorms. Here's his verdict.
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11th June 2025
Rab Muon 50 review
With a comfy harness that keeps the load close to the body, this pack is good for scrambling and could be used for fastpacking.
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11th June 2025
Kelty Glendale 65L review
Alex Roddie gives the Kelty Glendale 65L his Best Value commendation. Find out why.
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11th June 2025
Fjällräven Kajka 55 review
Alex Roddie gives this 'Greener Choice' his recommendation for its innovation and durability.
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11th June 2025
Atom Packs The Notch 50l review
Alex Roddie awards Atom Packs' The Notch - the newest addition to the Cumbrian brand range - his Best in Test. Find out why.
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11th June 2025
Gregory Maven 55 review
Lucy Wallace finds the Gregory Maven 55 impressively spacious - but adds a few caveats to her review.
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11th June 2025
Highlander Novar 50+5 review
Lucy Wallace awards the Highlander Novar 50+5 backpacking pack her Best Value award after testing. Find out why.
Outdoor skills
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9th June 2025
Fastpacking 101: everything I wish I’d known as a beginner fastpacker
If you like the idea of ‘fast and light’ multi-day adventures, fastpacking might be for you. Joe Williams shares his beginner-friendly tips.
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8th May 2025
Backpacking with dogs: how to give your friend their best outdoor life
Camping with canine companions requires adjustments on trail. Our readers share their insider tips.
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7th May 2025
Find your outdoor tribe: how to meet like-minded hillfolk
What if your friends don’t enjoy walking? The solution, of course, is to get some new ones. Here's how to go about it.
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