Hillwise Freelance Mountain Leader

In this review I’m not going to comment on colour choice as it’s such a personal thing, and can be better gauged online or in store. I have not worn any of these garments in anger, but as I occasionally work at Exeter Cotswold Outdoor, I have had the chance to examine them all, try […]

In the beginning was the anorak…an outer garment pulled over the head with a kangaroo pouch pocket and made of various canvas materials, usually with some treatment to keep out the worst of the weather. The anorak was cut quite short and had a “frog” that passed between the legs and buttoned up to reduce […]

About 25 years ago, when Karrimor was still a top technical outdoor equipment brand, I purchased their 30 litre Hot Rock daysack. That sack has been everywhere and done everything with me in the intervening years, a real “Go To” bag. But now the top pocket zip has begun to fail and can’t be trusted, […]

The Mountain Equipment Rupal  is a no nonsense waterproof jacket made of 75 denier 3 layer Gore-tex throughout, it comes in four colourways (two tones of blue, crimson, dark blue and two tone orange) and weighs in at 570g (20.1 oz for us dinosaurs who still remember them). It has two large chest pockets, underarm pit=zips, […]

Covid has impacted all of us in one way or another, and 2020 has not been good for the Outdoor Adventure Industry. We at Hillwise have had to think hard about our core income streams and some things have had to go. We have decided, with great reluctance, to surrender our NNAS providership, so we […]

A 2 day fully practical non-residential course on Dartmoor following the NNAS Silver syllabus and assessment criteria. Ideally you will have completed the NNAS bronze course already or be capable of completing tasks in the bronze syllabus (see www.nnas.org.uk). Please bring full waterproofs including gaiters, a packed lunch, and dress warmly. If you own a […]

A Navigation Workshop suitable for all skill levels. There is no syllabus, we just gauge your current skill level and aim to move you on a bit. You will need to dress warmly and bring waterproofs, stout footwear, a good packed lunch. If you own them a Silva (type 4) compass and OS sheet OL28 […]

A chance to complete the introductory course of the National Navigation Award scheme, laying a firm foundation for your navigation learning. A great way to get started. The course concentrates on map orientation, judging distance and following linear features. To find out more email adrian@hillwise.co.uk or text to 07740983334

Coming up in March 2018 we have two National Navigation Award courses on the 2nd and 3rd of March we are running a Silver course at Venford (day 1) and Shipley Bridge (day 2) and then on the 12th and 13th of March we are running a Bronze course at Haytor and Trendlebeare. Both courses […]

We have two more National Navigation Award Scheme courses running on Dartmoor this year: 19-20/06/17 NNAS Bronze course at Haytor and area cost £70 (non residential). 18-19/09/17 NNAS Silver course at Venford Reservoir and Shipley Bridge, cost £70 (non-residential). Before booking on the silver course please ensure you either hold the bronze award or are […]