30 THE GOLDEN YEARS 25 OCTOBER 2015 Country Life & Sporting Pursuits


Hit the trail


The end of summer shouldn’t mean slumping in front of the TV with a family-sized bar of Cadbury’s — strap on your hiking boots and make the most of the UK’s most magnificent landscapes this autumn on one of our top three walks Words: Ed Benton


Best for hikers Snowdon, Wales Various distances, depending on route


Wales’ tallest mountain lures thousands of walkers each year. Tere are several hiking routes to the


3,560ſt summit, ranging from the comfortable to the challenging. Te Beddgelert Path (7.5 miles/six hours) follows a gradual ascent,


starting at the South Snowdon Station of the Welsh Highland Railway, and, while the final push is steep, it’s worth it for the incredible views. For experienced hikers, the Crib Goch route follows a knife-edge arête, rated as a Grade 1 scramble. It’s not for the faint of heart — sheer drops are just steps away on both sides, so it’s best attempted in good weather. Whichever route you choose, rest assured — aſter pounding the


trails, you’ll deserve the much-wanted caffeine fix that awaits you at the mountaintop Summit Cafe.


Best for afternoon walkers Steall Falls and Nevis Gorge, Scottish Highlands 2.25 miles


Tis short, scenic walk starts at Glen Nevis Car Park and winds through the Nevis Gorge, with the majestic Steall


Falls coursing down the mountain on the other side. Aſter Steall Falls, the walk returns along the same route. Experienced


hikers can continue on past the bridge for the ‘Ring of Steall’ — a 9.5-mile walk that takes in four Munros.


Apps for the great outdoors


Best for navigation Viewranger Free, with purchasable extras


Plan routes on your computer or tablet, then synch to your mobile for hiking. You can share routes with other walkers or download a free map from other hikers.


Nevis Gorge, Scotland. Above: Snowdonia Image: istockphoto


Best for dog walkers Glenariff, Northern Ireland


Glenariff, otherwise known as the Queen of the Glens, boasts stunning yet accessible walking routes, such as the scenic route down the Inver River gorge, which offers


hikers views of the glens, mature woodland and, on a clear day, the Mull of Kintyre across the sea. Te two-mile waterfall route is definitely not to be missed as part


of your walk; the stunning Ess-na-Crub and Ess-na-Larach falls are Instagram-worthy. An abundance of paths and steps lend themselves to enjoyable hikes on


both walks — and if you need to refuel aſter a day pounding the trails, Te Glenariff Cafe and Larah Lodge are great stops for refreshment.


Glenariff, Northern Ireland The Golden Years recommends:


• Unusual country gifts Beretta Gallery Te Beretta Gallery is a unique shop filled with exquisite clothing, as well as hosting the largest selection of modern rifles and shotguns in London. londongallery@gmk.co.uk


• Private boxes Prestige Hospitality Exclusive sales agent for UEFA EURO 2016 official hospitality in the UK and Ireland, Prestige offers ticket-inclusive hospitality packages. prestige-euro2016.com


• Cartridges of distinction Eley Hawk Since 1828, Eley Hawk has been leading shooting performance. You are truly shooting a genuine piece of history when you choose Eley Hawk cartridges. eleyhawkltd.com


• Innovative shooting goods Hawke Hawke offers a complete line of quality and precise sporting optics from air and rifle gun scopes to binoculars, spotting scopes, and accessories. hawkeoptics.com


• Improved flexibility Revive Active Revive Active Joint Complex is clinically proven to reduce pain, increase mobility and repair cartilage — and more. revive active.com


Best for stargazing Starwalk £2.29 Planning an evening


stroll in the countryside? Simply point your phone at the sky and Starwalk will tell you which stars/ constellations you’re looking at.


Best for wildlife-spotting ProjectNoah Free Just had an enchanting


wildlife encounter, or spotted a super-rare bloom? ProjectNoah allows a community of outdoor enthusiasts to share their best flora and fauna finds.


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