The great outdoors in 2011: the year in view

Our customary look-back at the past year provides a mix of triumph and controversy; tragedy and humour, with a few heroic acts.

Nine ascents and 135 characters for a Cool Everest record

British mountaineer Kenton Cool today broke two records, with his ninth ascent of Everest – and the first Tweet sent from the summit of the world’s highest peak.

Celebrities line up to condemn Government forest sell-off

Two Everest summiteers, the Poet Laureate and the Archbishop of Canterbury are among leading public figures who have condemned the Government’s proposed sell-off of large tracts of English forests.

Industry body backs new outdoor exhibition at Birmingham

The industry body behind Britain’s outdoor manufacturers and retailers has thrown its weight behind a new three-day show to be held in Birmingham.

Fiennes faces driving charge after crash

Explorer Sir Ranulph Fiennes faces a careless driving charge following a collision that happened in March this year.

Cool aims for new record with Everest charity attempt

Seven-times Everest summiteer Kenton Cool aims this spring to extend his record with a further attempt on the world’s highest mountain.

Tragedy and triumph: the outdoor world in 2009

As the decade which seems to have become known as the noughties packed its bags and prepared for the trip into history, its final days had a familiar ring: winter catching out climbers and walkers, with tragic consequences..

Fiennes interview is highlight of TV Everest evening

He conquered Everest at the third attempt, scaled the north face of the Eiger despite suffering from vertigo and having had a double heart bypass, and he bears a grudge about being bullied at Eton.

Kate joins Sir Ran in magazine's list of country greats

The woman once described as the ‘high priestess of the countryside’ is again listed among strange bedfellows in the latest rollcall of leading figures in Britain’s countryside.