October Fest Is Back!

If it's October - and jeeves, cribbins, it is October - it can mean only one thing: the annual October Outdoor Fest in Ambleside.

This year's dates are bearing down on us like a pair of rampant trekking poles and are 22-29 October. As ever, the event is centred around Ambleside uber-outdoorshop Gaynor Sports and aims to cement a hard-won reputation as the town that launched a billion Gore-Tex jackets, but has increasing trouble providing a loaf of bread ;-)

There are a whole raft of events planned with experts from leading brands in attendance to give advice on equipment and 'fitting'. On top of that you can expect guided walks, navigation clinics and a treasure hunt for the kids.

Highlights include the chance to go walking with Trail Magazine gear god Graham Thompson and the chance to try out Leki trekking poles as you go. Berghaus climber Leo Houlding will be appearing on the Wednesday evening to talk about his latest climbing exploits and Challenge 8000 man Alan Hinkes turns up on the Thursday with his 'Full Monty' lecture.

There's loads more too and the great thing is that all proceeds from the event go to the Langdale and Ambleside Mountain Rescue Team, which is currently engaged in revamping its operations centre. Last year's event raised some £3,500 - the pic shows Gaynor's MD, Paul Gaynor handing over the cheque to the rescue team.

Full information on the event at www.octoberoutdoorfest.com