October Outdoor Fest - This Week

Just a quick reminder that we're in the midst of the 2006 October Outdoorfest in Ambleside, with all proceeds going to help the local Langdale and Ambleside Mountain Rescue Team.

We've already told you about Andy Kirkpatrick's talk last week and by all accounts it was excellent, but you can also take in Alan Hinkes with his 'Tales from the Top' live show this Thursday 26 October at St Martin's College, Ambleside, tickets £10.

Then on Friday 27 October, the extraordinary Mick Fowler is giving his 'On Thin Ice' lecture at the same venue. Fowler doesn't go out of his way to court publicity, but he's one of most impressive and dedicated British climbers of recent years and despite holding down a full-time job with the Inland Revenue has still managed a number of ground-breaking climbs.

A few years back, he was voted 'the climbers' climber' in the Observer Magazine, which gives you some idea of the esteem in which he's held by his fellow mountaineers. He's well worth seeing and his dry, self-effacing style belies the sheer difficulty of some of his climbs.

Guided Walks

Bear in mind too, if you're up that way during this week, that there's a programme of guided walks as part of the fest. You can test a North Face soft shell jacket and Silva compass on Wednesday and Thursday starting at 10 am from Gayno Sports.

And on Thursday, you can join the Berghaus team, test a Berghaus jacket and take home a free Berghaus baselayer at the end of the walk. Again start point is Gaynor Sport at 10 am.

More Information

You can get more details of the above and more besides on the web at www.octoberoutdoorfest.com or call the info line on 01539 434204.