STUFFMOUNTAIN

Looking for a virtual tour of the Cheviot Hills then click here http://www.flickr.com/photos/42797725@N07/show/ & sit back & enjoy your armchair journey along Northumberland`s northern edge. Be sure to choose the full screen option by clicking between the four arrows in the bottom right hand corner. For futher information visit Geoff Hollands excellent site www.cheviotwalks.co.uk & step into a totally different world of walking in the Cheviot Hills.

Take a look at the, recently revamped, Trail Runner Canada website, www.trailrunner.ca for a review of 'Long and Ultra Distance Off Road Running'. There is also much relavant information for any Off Road Runner of this Site.

A contour is a line joining equal points of height. Contours give the ground in a 3 dimension showing specifically – Height. Steepness. Profile. They will also help to focus the mind on other features such as stream, the contour shape will form a valley leading down to valley floor where the stream is situated.

Years I have been searching for the perfect mountain running shorts. I may just have found them. The shape is medium cut not too short to look like a track runner or too long to look like you are on a beach in Bermuda and offers good freedom of movement. Good all round fit with elasticated waist and draw cord. The inner mesh is stretchy, holds you well in place and dries quickly and does not affect breathability. The outer fabric is very wind and water resistant and is very breathable. In general the shorts are lightweight, durable and have a nice feel next to the skin even when damp. 2 side pockets, one with a key pocket which I could not fit my key into. Maybe a hook maybe a better option. I have worn these shorts this summer on the Saunders 2 day mountain marathon with no chaffing at all [ a problem with many shorts ] and other fell races of various length. In summary these shorts are very comfortable, functional and perform very, very well. Check them out on www.montane.co.uk

Check out the new SILVA Expedition 4 it has the 1:40k scale as well as 1:25k and 1:50k.

Alex Menarry recommended this book to me and I was so pleased he had as I would have not bought this otherwise with such a tacky title. Hauki is a well known fiction writer, his work has been translated from his native Japanese to 42 languages. You will not put down this book once started and is an honest, fun and well written book. He takes you on a ride of memories, music and visual treats that as a runner you will totally relate to as he prepares and runs marathons. A very honest piece of writing, now in paperback, seek this highly enjoyable book out, you will not be disappointed.

I use a SUUNTO Vector altimeter wristwatch. This is priceless in the mountains aiding fine navigation. To enure accurate readings re-calibrate your watch at any known height. This could be at sea level, a spot height on a map such as a cairn or a trig point.