Training For Nepal Trek - Hill Walking In Winter

Q. Hi,

My husband and I are planning to do a 10 day trek in the Annapurna region of Nepal in a few months time and we want to get some practice in at hill or mountain walking (preferably on very steep ascents!) to prepare ourselves for the trip. We were looking at trying Scar Fell Pike [sic] or Snowdon in February but after doing some research, this does not seem like a sensible idea (snow, ice and lack of crampons being the obvious problem!!).

Can anyone recommend some steep hills/mountains where we will not need specialist mountaineering equipment (i.e. ice axes) in February? (We're prepared to travel to most places in England or Wales).

The steeper the better...!

Helen, London

Helen Wing, London

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A. If there is one overwhelming requirement for you it is to find any and every opportunity you can to walk up and down steps. I would imagine you may be going on the Ghandruk circuit from Pokhara judging by the number of days you quote.

I used Snowden [sic] several times before going, and locally we have a hill with 56 steep steps. I used to go up and down them several times in succession - despite what people may have thought!

There are endless steps on the route running into hundreds. All hill walks help to strengthen muscles and balance - also important.

Be sure to chose the best weather for viewing and avoiding rain downpours. I chose November. And don't forget poles - I use two.

Good luck

Francis Murphy, Hoylake

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