Speed climbing, lead climbing and bouldering are all sports that are being considered for Olympic status in 2020. This announcement came on the 9th March by the International Federation of Sport Climbing (IFSC) after a group of International Olympic Committee (IOC) representatives visited the 2012 world climbing championships in Paris where lead, speed and bouldering competitions took place. This format will be championed by the IFSC gives its presentation to the IOC Executive board in May, along with seven other sports bidding to be included in the 2020 Olympics. The shortlist will then be narrowed down to 3 sports and the IOC's final decision should be announced by September.
Our climate is getting more extreme and you have to look no further than the UK last year: the wettest drought on record aswell as various other climate extremes across the globe. So, when we received an email about an info-graphic that has recently been produced to highlight these problems we thought it fit that we share it. You can take a look below: some of the facts are very shocking (its quite big: so you'll have to click read more if you haven't already!).
Today: after the recent fatal avalanches in Scotland the mountaineering bodies have issued the following safety reminder. 'With Scotland’s hills and mountains currently at their most beautiful and most challenging, mountaineering bodies today (21 February) have issued a joint safety reminder, emphasising the need for preparation before heading out into the mountains.
Whether you’re out walking or attempting a technical climb, the presence of snow and ice adds an extra dimension to the risks and rewards of a day spent in our wildest environments.
The primary consideration of every expedition, whatever the season, should always be a safe return. But conditions in winter make particular demands: shorter days, low temperatures and conditions underfoot which can quickly alter.
Today Cumbria voted against the proposed £12bn project to dump nuclear waste in the area which threatened the Ennerdale valley. Thanks to those of you who signed the BMC petition: you've helped save the area for future generations.
Back in 2011 the Gleann Dubh-lighe bothy in Lochaber was damaged by fire and although no one died, the bothy was very badly damaged and only one wall was left standing. The fire was said to have been caused by a faulty gas screw on a gas canister which allowed gas, which was later ignited by a candle, to escape.
This week we learnt that the bothy is to be rebuilt by volunteers in April at a predicted price of £12,000 by the Mountain Bothies Association. Among the works to be carried out are the re-roofing, window and door insulation and sub-division into rooms.
With a but of luck this part of the Scottish countryside should provide a safe haven for walkers for many years to come.
| The annual Kendal Mountain Festival is always a place to find contrasts from the outdoor world. The biggest event of its type worldwide, it’s the main social event for outdoor enthusiasts in the UK.
Known for its strong base in climbing and mountaineering, it also manages to surprise with the unexpected; and this year is no different. This November ‘Kendal’ draws in many amazing personalities, from BBC TV adventurer Paul Rose to Olympic triathlon medalists Alistair and Jonathan Brownlee.
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Highlights this year include the KEEN Wild Water Session, an exclusive mix of the best paddlesport action, from wild river running to remote sea kayak expeditions, this year featuring top new films plus KEEN athlete Adrian Durrant. From Lucan, Co Dublin, Adrian is one of Ireland’s top paddlers. Oh, and there’s free beer on offer as well…
 Walking on Pen-y-Fan in the Brecon Beacons National Park, South Wales ®NTPL - Paul Harris | Going on a walk allows us to take a step back from our daily routine. You can feel the wind in your face, the changing of the seasons with the long autumnal shadows, the excitement of coming across a beautiful building or the buzz from immersing yourself in a rich social history.
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When we go for a walk we follow in the footsteps of generations of people that have followed the route before us helping to bring alive the pages of history.
This autumn the National Trust is celebrating this national love of walking and the way that a walk can peel back the layers of human and natural history. The Great British Walk is all about sharing a favourite walk, taking yourself on a journey of discovery through history or finding yourself among the wonder of nature.
Exploring legend: Sir Ranulph Fiennes plans to cross Antarctica in pitch black -70°C winter conditions. If he succeeds he and his team will become the first people to cross Antarctica in winter conditions: albeit aided by bulldozers...
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