In 2026, travel is going dark mode. As our digital lives grow brighter, busier, and endlessly curated, travellers are dimming the glow, turning down the noise, putting their phones aside, and lifting their eyes to the skies. Algorithms are losing their grip, and people are following instinct, mood, and human connection instead, seeking experiences that feel real, unfiltered and quietly profound.

As a passionate believer that time in nature is one of our fundamental human needs for good health

Its February and in the camping calendar that can mean only one thing, the annual Caravan, Camping & Motorhome show will soon be here! Read on for the lowdown on the 2026 showAfter an interminable January, the arrival of February often feels like a breath of fresh air, with the promise of spring to come and of course warmer weather, which means a return to camping! For campers then, February has become synonymous with a visit to the NEC Birmingham to enjoy a day out at the Caravan, Camping & Motorhome show.Its always a fantastic family day out as we feast our eyes and swoon over the latest new tents and camping gear from all of the biggest and best camping brands, making it an absolute must for gear nerds, family campers and those looking for inspiration or a bargain or two.This year the show runs from Tuesday 17th until Sunday 22nd February and youll find all of your favourite camping brands there, from Vango and Outwell to Coleman and Kampa.Spanning 19 acres, its the UKs biggest showcase for tents, campervans, motorhomes, caravans, holiday homes and accessories. With over 420 leading exhibitors unveiling their latest and most innovative products and services, youll find everything you need to plan your next outdoor adventure.It costs 19 per adult on the day, but tickets are cheaper when purchased in advance, and you can book your tickets here, find out more about the Caravan, Camping & Motorhome Show 2026.See you there!Where to next?CAMPING | Highlights From The 2025 Caravan, Camping & Motorhome ShowWELLBEING | Simple But Effective Winter Wellbeing Daily Practices To TryGEAR | 12 Of The Best Warm Sleeping Bags For Spring Camping Trips [Updated February 2025]The post NEWS | Dont Miss The Annual NEC Caravan, Camping & Motorhome Show 2026 appeared first on Camping Blog Camping with Style | Travel, Outdoors & Glamping Blog.

We test out a mountaineering down jacket that offers superb warmth-to-weight performance... and at a great priceReviewSpecsGalleryRetailersLa Sportiva are one of the dominant mountain footwear brands in the UK, beloved of mountain professionals and weekend warriors alike, but you dont see as much of their clothing out on the hill as home-grown brands such as Rab, Berghaus and Mountain Equipment. That may well change though if they bring out more products such as this Lumina 300 down jacket an extremely high-spec piece that comes with a surprisingly low pricetag for what it is offering. Too good to be true? Lets find outThe SpecsThe specs of the Lumina 300 are really impressive the jacket contains 172g of 1000-fillpower down, with an overall weight of just 350g. The outer is made from Pertex Quantum with Diamond Fuse technology (53% Recycled Polyamide, 47% Polyamide), which is a very light and downproof material, but also pretty durable. The Diamond Fuse technology means that the yarns it uses have diamond-shaped filaments that lock together to create a durable and highly abrasion-resistant fabric. In our experience the fabric is quite resistant to scraping against rocks and ice, or pack straps rubbing against it; however, it (unsurprisingly) doesnt like sharp-edges such as crampon points or ice axe picks.The down filling of the Lumina 300 is extremely high qualityThe quality of the down inside the Lumina 300 is about as good as you can get, and La Sportiva go as far as to say the Lumina 300 has likely the best warmth-to-weight ratio in the world. Certainly what you immediately notice about the Lumina 300 is that its incredibly lofty; its baffles appear almost to be bursting, such is the puffiness of their contents. The baffles themselves are arranged in a vertical chevron pattern on the torso, at front and rear, with smaller panels at the sides, to allow movement, and shoulders. The baffle construction throughout is stitch-through rather than boxwall, which saves weight but is of course less draftproof, as cool air can enter at the seams.Luminas hood has a rear volume adjustor and is elasticated around the faceGiven its very low weight, its not surprising that the Lumina 300s features are fairly minimal. The cuffs are elasticated rather than having Velcro tabs, and the hood has a combination of an elasticated hem around the face and a volume adjustor at the back. A single pull-tab is located at the hem for keeping drafts out. You get two zipped handwarmer pockets, and these are roomy enough to accommodate a winter glove in each, and the main zipper is two-way, which is always handy whether for belaying or taking a comfort break. La Sportiva have made sensible compromises to save weight, but if you want more bells and whistles then clearly you need to look elsewhere.You wont be missed on the mountain with the Luminas vibrant colourwaysIn UseAs well as being light, the Lumina 300 is superbly packable; when packed inside its supplied stuffsack its only about 22cm (l) by 15cm (d) (see photo below compared to a 1L Nalgene bottle) which means you dont have to think twice before lobbing it in your pack. The fit is fairly snug but can accommodate at least one midlayer underneath. With the hem coming down over the hips, and the hood covering the lower part of your face, inside the Lumina in the cold is a pleasant place to be. The outer fabric is treated with a PFC-free DWR coating, so does offer some shower protection, however its important to note that the down itself is not treated with a water repellent coating so it wont stand up to heavy/persistent rain. In strong winds the stitch-through baffles are likely to let some cold air in, however the Pertex Quantum the outer shell uses is windproof itself. Speaking of the outer, as durable as it is, if you do get a cut or hole in it you can repair it using the included repair kit a nice touch.Packed-down Lumina 300 besides a 1L Nalgene bottleSo who is the Lumina 300 aimed at? Well clearly it will excel in cold and dry alpine conditions, so whether youre an elite alpinist keeping grams to the minimum, or a trekker, mountaineer or skier looking for a warm, light layer to keep in your pack, the Lumina is just the job. While its not ideally suited to typically damp British weather, its perfectly usable on cold/dry days and should also appeal to lightweight backpackers who want a warm layer for evenings around the camp, or to sling on during rest stops. If you want to step down from the 300 in terms of warmth, La Sportiva also offer the Lumina 100 and Lumina 200 the clue to the jackets performance is in their names, if you hadnt already guessed, with their overall weights coming in at 170g (Lumina 100), 250g (Lumina 200) and 350g (Lumina 300).Overall VerdictThe Lumina 300 seems like a bit of a steal for us at its 325 asking price. The warmth/weight performance is really outstanding, and such a packable and lightweight layer could prove to be one of the most useful pieces in your wardrobe. The Lumina 300 is suitable for a wide-range of uses/situations, however if you want less warmth (and weight) then check out the Lumina 100 or Lumina 200 models.More info: www.lasportiva.comSpecsMain fabric: PERTEX QUANTUM with Diamond Fuse technology, 53% Recycled Polyamide, 47% PolyamideOther fabrics: Lining: 100% Recycled Polyamide Filling: 100% Pure White Down (172 g)Fit: RegularFill Power: 1000FeaturesRepair kit to patch tears and rips2-way front zipCompression bag for packability2 zippered front pockets, compatible with a harnessAdjustable hem for a precise fitElasticated inner cuffs for extra warmthAdjustable, padded hood for greater cold-weather protectionDWR PFC free fabric finishing for light water repellency1,000 cuin Italian down for incomparible warmth and loftPertex Quantum fabric with Diamond Fuse technology for top-level abrasion resistanceSustainabilityResponsible Down StandardRecycled fabricPFC freeJoe Brown/The Climbers ShopOutside

4-5 minute readWhen we think about wellbeing, its easy to imagine long summer days, barefoot walks or warm evenings by the fire. But even at this time of year, as we wait patiently for the coming of spring, we can find a gentle kind of magic. Read on for some simple, yet effective wellbeing daily practice ideas.Although nature seemingly remains largely dormant, it is quietly preparing for what lies ahead. Early February marks Imbolc, an ancient seasonal celebration that recognises this subtle shift the lengthening days, the first snowdrops, and the promise of spring beginning to become more apparent.For campers, walkers and families who spend time outside year-round, this is an ideal moment to adopt small, grounding wellbeing practices that fit naturally into outdoor and family life, whether thats at a campsite, on a weekend walk, or simply in the garden at home.Cultivating Wellbeing Wellbeing as a concept can be ticky to pin down, but its perhaps best regarded as a generally positive feeling of relaxation, not necessarily happiness, but a feeling of contentment. Wellbeing practices can help to regulate our nervous system, making us feel calmer and more connected to the natural world (grounded), leaving us with enhanced resilience.1. Begin the Day with a Quiet Noticing WalkEven when camping trips are on pause, winter walks and outdoor time still offer an opportunity to slow down and notice whats around you. At least once a week, start the day with a short walk focused on noticing rather than achieving. This isnt about step count, distance or pace. Instead, slow down slightly and tune into whats around you.The feel of cold air on your face how does the weather make you feel physically and mentally?The sound of birds beginning to return which ones can you identify?The contrast between bare branches and the first signs of buds what signs of spring can you spot?February walks often feel stripped back with fewer leaves and quieter trails, its a time of year that reveals the bare bones of any landscape, making it the ideal time for sharpening awareness.How to engage your childrenTurn it into a gentle spotting walk and ask your childrens to find;Three different textures (bark, gravel, moss)Something that has changed since winter beganOne clear sound they can hear with their eyes closedThis small daily habit builds attention, patience and a deeper connection to nature without feeling like a task and it works regardless of age.2. Create a Simple Outdoor Pause RitualStillness doesnt need to be dramatic to be effective. Even on cold, short days, pausing outdoors for a few minutes can create breathing space and help you feel more grounded. Choose one moment in the day to stop, just briefly.It might involve;Sitting in the garden with a warm drinkStanding quietly before setting off on a walkPausing at dusk as the light fadesDuring this pause, keep it simple. Take three slow breaths. Let your shoulders drop. Notice one thing you can see, one thing you can hear, and one physical sensation.Late winter naturally supports this kind of stillness. Theres no need to force calm, simply allowing yourself to arrive where you are and give that place your full attention is often enough.3. End the Day with ReflectionAs winter edges towards spring, evenings remain long and dark, creating space for quiet reflection. At the end of the day, take a moment to record something you noticed outdoors a thought, an observation, a small detail that stayed with you.This might be;A bird you spottedFrost patterns on leavesThe sound of wind moving through treesA small notebook and pencil works well, but a note on your phone is just as effective. For children, simple drawings or lists of discoveries can feel more inviting than writing.This kind of reflection builds awareness without the pressure of formal meditation. For adults, it helps anchor the day. For children, it gently supports emotional awareness without needing to label it as mindfulness.When camping as a family, this can become a shared evening ritual, a calm way to wind down before bed.4. Ground and Regulate Through MovementMovement doesnt need to be intense to support wellbeing. Gentle, mindful movement helps ground the body and regulate the nervous system, particularly during colder months. Even a few minutes of stretching or slow movement can release tension, ease sluggishness and create a sense of balance. This works by activating the parasympathetic nervous system, the part responsible for rest and recovery. Heart rate slows, breathing deepens and the body begins to settle. Somatic movement is something Ive built into every day and find its a highly effective way of releasing stress and tension it works well at any time of the day too. Try it first thing in the morning as a way to wake up and energise, in the middle of the day to release tension and add some movement to your day or at the end of the day, as part of your wind down routine.A short daily somatic movement practice might include;Raising arms slowly towards the skyGentle twists or side stretchesA few simple yoga poses or sun salutationsJumping up and down on the spotRagdoll arms, swung side to sideFor children, playful movement works just as well. Stretch like a dog, hop like a frog, balance like a cat. These small bursts of motion can help children feel both energised and centred.5. A Simple Season Watch PracticeLate winter is a wonderful time to notice natures quiet transitions. A season watch practice encourages curiosity without pressure, and walks in February are the perfect time to notice the increasingly evident hints of spring all around us.Choose one natural feature to observe regularly;A tree in your garden or near your home or officeA hedge on your usual walking routeA patch of grass or garden edgeEach time you pass, notice;Changes in colourNew growthIncreased bird activityChildren will love doing this, and its a mindful practice that encourages patience and observation. Adults often find it surprisingly calming too, as its an effective way to slow down and focus on the little things.Welcoming Spring, GentlyWellbeing doesnt require grand gestures or perfect conditions. Especially at this time of year, its the small, consistent practices that help us feel grounded, present and connected both to nature and to ourselves.Late winter reminds us that growth doesnt always look dramatic. Sometimes its subtle, slow and happening just beneath the surface.By weaving these simple practices into everyday outdoor moments, whether camping, walking or simply stepping outside, you create space for wellbeing to unfold naturally, one day at a time.The key is simplicity. No specialist equipment, no lengthy preparation, no perfect weather required. Just gentle attention, repeated often enough to make a difference.Where to next?WELLBEING | 5 Gentle Ways to Ease Into The New YearGEAR | My Go-To Wet Weather Gear for Winter WalksGEAR | Guide To Merino Base Layers Perfect For Your Winter Outdoor AdventuresThe post WELLBEING | Simple But Effective Winter Wellbeing Daily Practices To Try appeared first on Camping Blog Camping with Style | Travel, Outdoors & Glamping Blog.

Skye-based mountaineering instructor Adrian Trendall gives valuable advice on tackling the famous Cuillin Ridge traverse in winter conditionsThe Cuillin is often described as Scotlands answer to the Alps, and a traverse of the ridge in summer is indeed a route of epic proportions. Throw in snow and ice, and short daylight hours, and a winter traverse becomes a truly alpine climb. Consider whats involved in completing the route 12km of actual ridge, 4000m of ascent and descent, 12km of walk in/out, technical climbing, multiple abseils and continuous exposure and you start to realise its no pushover, despite its relative lowly grade. Its a big challenge and has a mythical reputation, an ephemeral route to be sought out.Climber nearing the summit of Sgurr Mhic Choinnich; the In Pinn is top left then Sgurr na Banachdich, Sgurr Thormaid, Sgurr a Ghreadaidh and the 4 tops of Sgurr a MhadaidhFebruary 26th, 2018 was an auspicious day for both (Scottish alpinist) Uisdean Hawthorn and me. Uisdean set his blisteringly-fast winter traverse record of 4 hours, 57 minutes and 7 seconds. Cuillin conditions were sublime, as good as they ever get. No records for me, but it was the day I decided that I did actually want to do a winter Cuillin Ridge traverse. Up until then I always believed the tales Id heard of it being a sufferfest; wading through deep snow, horrific bivis, complex route-finding the scope for suffering was huge. But on that day conditions were perfect, and I saw a pair of climbers moving light and fast and aiming to do it in a single day. Put me down for some of that, please!Temperature inversion; a climber high above the clouds on a snow-covered south ridge of Sgurr na BanachdichThe Cuillin Ridge deserves its reputation as the jewel in the crown of Scottish scrambling/easy climbing, but in winter conditions it becomes the equivalent of the Holy Grail and almost as elusive. Starting on Sgurr nan Gillian and finishing on Gars-bheinn, what you do in between is very much a personal choice. Some will choose to do all 11 Munros including the outlying Sgurr Dubh Mor, some may tactically bypass Bidein or even the Inaccessible Pinnacle. Most will avoid the short wall out of the TD Gap, the crux of the whole ridge. After all, theres always scope for a return match and a more complete traverse in better style.How hard is it?The SMC guide suggests a grade of IV overall with a technical grade of 6. IV doesnt really encompass the overall difficulty and sheer length of the ridge. It might lack altitude but perhaps an alpine grade of D+ might be more fitting. Most of the ridge is grade II territory with short sections of III and a couple of pitches of IV. The east ridge of the Inaccessible Pinnacle (IV, 4) and the exit from the TD Gap (IV, 6) will be the cruxes, but both can be bypassed. The grades dont sound hard by modern standards, but underestimate them at your peril. Its important to remember that these grades are for good conditions and can rise a lot if conditions arent perfect, so be prepared depending on how the winter delivers.Like a summer traverse, the vast majority of the ridge will need to be soloed, so the main skill is the ability to move reasonably fast and safely over terrain where a slip or fall could be your last. Confidence and fitness to traverse miles of exposed ridge will be the key to success.Climber on the summit of Sgurr Dubh Mor during a two day traverse; this outlying Munro is often missed out since it isnt actually on the ridgePreparationGet the mileage in. Theres no substitute for being hill fit and having your winter climbing skills dialed in. Any big winter routes will be good training; better still, multiple routes or enchainments to simulate the distances involved. Tower Ridge on Ben Nevis and Liathach in Torridon are obvious training routes, but just keep in mind how much bigger the Cuillin Ridge will be. The best preparation would be an extended visit to Skye to recce bits of the ridge if you dont already know it well. Whilst tempting to head to the technical difficulties like the In Pinn or TD Gap, time would be better spent getting to know the more complex sections such as Bidein and The Four tops of Sgurr a Mhadaidh. Either of these gives a good idea of the complex navigation involved, the exposure and some typical abseils.StrategyOne day or two will be the primary decision, and this will be largely dependent on your fitness and experience levels. Back in 2018 I did the ridge twice in two weeks, so Ill offer a few thoughts on both options. Two days will involve an overnight bivi with the consequent need to carry a lot of extra gear and this, together with the long, cold nights, makes things verge towards the sufferfest end of the spectrum. Traditionally, this has been the approach most people take and in perfect conditions it can be a great choice, really accentuating the alpine length and nature of the route. I have to confess that I never really considered this option seriously, due to not wanting to spoil the traverse with large packs.The second time I did it was in a day, and now, with hindsight, that would be my preferred option. It was a mega-long day (awake for about 21 hours) but it felt more satisfying and a real bonus was not having to carry bivi gear or struggle to get going after a cold night out. I think many people will opt for this approach, especially if snow conditions are great. For many potential winter traversers, an ultra-long but lightweight day is preferable to two days with a big pack.A third option is to cache bivi gear, or coerce friends into bringing it up for you. In many ways this is the best of all worlds, since you travel light yet get a bivi up high. However, you are absolutely dependent on reaching your preplaced gear. This was the option for my first traverse and worked really well, having all the pros and none of the cons light packs and also a night out in the Cuillin but it does require special friends (or, in my case, a wife) to ferry in and carry out all the bivi gear!High above Loch Coruisk with Sgurr na Stri beyond it, heading up to the main summit of Sgurr a MhadaidhTacticsBe flexible and ready to amend your plan on the hoof. There are bypasses available for some of the more technical or complicated bits of the route, so if progress is slow then consider traversing below Bidein on the Glen Brittle side, or descending out of the TD Gap on the Coire a Ghrunnda side rather than battling with the IV,6 exit climb.On a more general note, do whatever possible to make things easy. Examples include ascending Sgurr nan Gillian by its west ridge and leaving your pack at the bealach rather than humping it up and down. Play to your strengths and divide roles accordingly; on my first traverse, my partner was by far the better climber and I had no qualms about letting him lead, since hed be much faster. Conversely, route-finding was down to me due to my local knowledge.Direction of travelIt makes sense to start on Sgurr nan Gillian and finish on Gars-bheinn, the opposite of a summer traverse. This means many difficulties can be abseiled, especially the Bhastier Tooth and Kings Chimney. The disadvantage of this is the finish on Gars-bheinn and especially the long walk out which can be a bit of an anti-climax.Sun, sea and snow; abseiling off the western end of the In Pinn, with the island of Rum visible in the distanceAbseilsExpect a lot of abseils. If the ridge has been busy then anchors will be in place, but its always best to have your own tat and a knife. Like everything on the ridge, the abseiling needs to be slick and efficient.1. West Ridge, Sgurr nan Gillian, Tooth Chimney2. Am Bastier3. Kings Cave Chimney4. North Peak of Bidein5. Central Peak of Bidein6. Second Top of Sgurr a Mhadaidh7. Third Top of Sgurr a Mhadaidh8. The Inaccessible Pinnacle9. Sgurr Mhic Choinnich, Kings Chimney10. TD GapThe faff factorWith so much ground to cover there is no time for faffing. Everything needs to be well organised from rope handling and deployment to nutrition and hydration. Arrange your pack with essential near the top and ready to hand.Clothing & EquipmentThis is a route for experienced winter climbers only, so only a few basic points are made below. Anyone doing the ridge is assumed to have a good knowledge and experience level of winter skills and, as such, should already own the necessary gear and know how to use it. Given the length of the route, light is very much right so pare things to a minimum. Because this is a route that should only be entertained by experienced climbers these are just a few thoughts rather than a comprehensive list.Climbing gear: This will very much depend on personal ability and conditions. Dont go mad with a huge rack which will end up being carried for 95% of the route. We took a 60m rope, slings, Rocks 3, 4, 6, 8 and the three smallest Rockcentrics. You could probably just about get away with a 50m rope (the Kings Cave Chimney abseil is 25m, as is Kings Chimney) but the extra metres are definitely useful. Abseil tat and knife.Axes and crampons: Simple and light dont need to be overly technical. I used an ancient pair of DMM Flys but Petzl SumTecs would be ideal. Take two ice tools each.Clothing: Light and functional. Personal favourites include Arcteryx Alpha FL and Marmot Precip overtrousers. Both are light and very functional. The likes of Rab, Mountain Equipment and Montane have suitable options of course. Gloves are crucial; take more pairs than you think necessary so you always have spares and dry ones available. During our perfect-condition traverse, I didnt wear waterproofs at all, just softshell trousers and top.Sunrise on Sgurr Dubh na Da Bheinn; this is where you have to decide whether to head out to Sgurr Dubh Mor or miss it and head straight to Sgurr nan Eag and Gars-bheinnPack: Tough, light and simple. I use Built To Sends X series, but there are suitable packs from the likes of Rab, Gregory, Deuter, Exped and so on.Bivi gear: Nights can be very long so either be prepared to suffer or go well equipped and put up with a hefty pack. Keep gas cylinders in your sleeping bag so the cold doesnt effect them. Melt water at night and fill water bottles so as to save time in the morning (and also serves as hot water bottles overnight).Food and waterDepends on one or two day option but think of high energy and, above all, palatable. You are going to burn a huge amount of calories, so plan accordingly. Eat well the day before and eat little and often on the big day/s. Food is the fuel that will keep you going. Carry lots of snacks that are easily accessible in pockets for food on the go. If you bivi, its going to be a long night so have plenty of food, brew materials and gas. Unlike a summer traverse, water will not be an isuse. Consider taking a small gas stove even on a one-day attempt to melt snow. The morale boost of a hot drink is huge and the weight saving of not having to carry a days worth of water is great.Typical easy but very exposed terrain high above Harta and Lota Coires on An CaistealNavigationPrior knowledge of the ridge is good but winter-specific knowledge is best since youll be going in the opposite direction to summer. The Harvey Map is the gold standard for the Cuillin; its larger scale and greater detail is far superior to the Ordnance Survey. Maps and GPS are good but no substitute for previous knowledge and experience. If conditions are good then the ridge will probably receive a lot of interest, so the ridge may well be tracked out but dont blindly follow the tracks; keep switched on and always have a degree of caution. Navigation is one of the reasons why good conditions are pretty much essential. Poor visibility will hamper progress unless you have an intimate knowledge of the ridge.Weather and ConditionsThe Cuillin weather is notoriously fickle, its proximity to the sea and the maritime climate making for rapidly changing conditions. Your best chance will be December to April, but suitable conditions may come and go fast so you need to keep an eye on forecasts and social media and be prepared to get to Skye PDQ. Heavy snowfall then a period of high pressure and stable weather is the key. According to one of the first ascentionists, Tom Patey, the major prerequisite is a heavy dump of snow with minimal wind so the white stuff is not stripped from the ridge. Next, a brief thaw right up to ridge level then a freeze followed by good stable weather would be ideal. Dont be put off if the ridge looks black and snow-free from glen level, since the perfect conditions of consolidated snow on the crest may only be apparent from, well, on the ridge itself.The winter ridge is a route worth waiting for. In pristine nick, both progress along it and the views will be bliss but the opposite is also true; deep, unconsolidated snow will just be hard graft. In those perfect conditions, some bits will be easier than in summer. The Bad Step on Am Bastier can be banked-out with snow. An Dorus is sometimes completely smoothed out, a graceful arc of compact nevee rather than the summer climb/scramble down and back out. Scree slopes, a curse in summer, can be a romp in winter.Climber in Sgurr Sgumain bivi cave; not quite on the ridge but a photo that shows the magic of the Cuillin in winter, and also a useful refuge to know aboutCommitmentAlthough alpine in length, the Cuillin Ridge is fairly accessible. Skye might be a long drive from southern England, but once you are on the ridge its not as committing as its length and grade might suggest. There are multiple points where you can escape and be down on the Glen Brittle road in a couple of hours, which bodes well if the weather changes or you decide to abandon your attempt for various reasons. These are all marked in the Cicerone guide book (see details in the info box opposite).SummaryIf you are considering attempting a winter traverse of the Cuillin (and havent been put off by this article!), ideally youll be looking for;Well consolidated snow for fast and easy progressGood visibility to aid navigationLow windsA good level of fitnessA suitable partner of equal ability, fitness and experienceTime off workNot quite lottery-winning odds exactly, but you are going to need a few stars in alignment for a good chance of success and a big bag of luck never does any harm. Its a challenge, but an achievable one for many, given good conditions. Another quote from Tom Patey sums things up beautifully; there are many harder and more exacting routes and many more still to be explored, yet I feel confident that this achievement will retain its place as the greatest single adventure in winter mountaineering.Abseil from Am BastierTHE KNOWLEDGEGetting there: A car is pretty much essential given the paucity of public transport in winter. Hitchhiking pre Covid used to be easy but now is all but impossible. Being a linear route, returning to your transport can be problematic and two cars make sense. Pre place one at Glen Brittle for the finish and return to Sligachan in the other for the start.When to go: December to early April, but there are no guarantees that the route will be in condition even during those months.Where to stay: The hardy and skint will sleep in their car or van but other possibilities are Skye Base Camp in Broadford and The Glen Brittle Memorial Hut or the bunkhouse at The Old Inn at Carbost.Guide book: Cicerones Skyes Cuillin Ridge Traverse (below), written by the author of this article is the definitive guide to tackling the Cuillin ridge in both winter and summer. Extensive use is made of photo topos to show the route and various options and bypasses. Waymarked points link the topos to 1:12,500 Harvey mapping and a route description. The book has been described by Simon Richardson of www.scotwinter.com thus: Clearly a huge amount of local knowledge, experience, thought and care have gone into this production. Adrian Trendall and Cicerone should be congratulated for an outstanding publication. For more info, go towww.cicerone.co.ukFurther readingThe recently-published Fox Of Glencoe is all about Hamish MacInnes but has a wonderful chapter by Tom Patey about the first-ever winter traverse, so its well worth a read even just to let you know what you are letting yourself in for! More info at www.scottishmountaineeringpress.comAdrian Trendall is a Skye-based outdoor instructor where he runs www.allthingscuillin.co.uk with his partner Bridgette Blackmore