Welcome to this special edition of Explore. In this issue, we celebrate becoming 90 years young. Reaching this milestone is a significant achievement that reflects the dedication, hard work and passion of our teams. I am grateful to everyone who has connected with us during this time - our joy in sharing stories, talking gear, and kitting you out for your next adventure will never get old.

This issue is a nod to our 90 years while championing all that is new and exciting in our world. We take a walk through the history of footwear development in Tech Talk (page 10), get geared up with the best climbing hardware (page 30), and dream of a summer spent running the South West Coast Path (page 34).

As we move into our tenth decade, we look to the future with renewed pace and purpose, while continuing to define our legacy – one that has taken us from a respected alpine bootmaker to a trusted national outdoor retailer. Working alongside local communities and charities, we remain determined to make strides in our commitment to people and the planet.

I hope you will join us at one of our upcoming events (page 4), including what promises to be a fun-filled anniversary celebration at our Explore Weekend, 15th-17th September in North Wales – everyone is welcome!

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04. DIARY: WHAT’S ON Spring is here and the outdoor events season is in full swing.

06. SPOTLIGHT: 90 YEARS

A brief look at the history of Ellis Brigham from 1933 to 2023.

10. TECH TALK

From nails to GORE-TEX: the evolution of the walking boot.

12. STEP FORWARD

Tackle the trails with confidence in the latest hiking footwear.

14. MULTI-DAY HIKES

Six of the finest walking adventures in Europe.

22. PACKING LIGHT

Ease the load with these weightsaving accessories.

Proud to support

24. ANNA HAZELNUTT

This young Californian is the face of a new generation of climbers.

30. GET ON UP

All the gear you need to conquer your next sports or trad climb.

34. WEST IS BEST

Epic trail runs on the UK’s beautiful South West Coast Path.

40. SOLE SEARCH

Highlights from our latest range of trail running shoes.

43. BLAZE A TRAIL

Clothing & accessories to help you run in any weather and all terrain.

44. ISOLATION & ICE

An unforgettable journey through Peru’s Huayhuash mountain range.

For more inspirational content and ideas follow us on Facebook and Instagram, and for a chance to win a £50 voucher share your adventures with us #livebreatheoutdoors #elevateyouroutdoors

52. ON THE TRAIL

The latest in hiking clothing from Montane & The North Face.

56. BUYING GUIDE

Everything you need to know about sleeping bags.

58. SOUND SLEEPERS

Get a good night’s kip in one of our high quality sleeping bags.

60. WHAT’S SUP?

Essential tips from the stand up paddle experts at Red Paddle.

64. ONE FOR THE ROAD

Expand your horizons with the help of our adventure travel accessories.

66. LOCAL KNOWLEDGE

Ellis Brigham’s Hazel Heppenstall shares her best Yorkshire yomps.