Welcome To February 2019

Instead of making a New Year’s resolution, I’m going to say thanks for the year that’s just gone. And with all the things I’ve explored on Trail, I’ve got a lot to be thankful for. So I wanted to say thanks for that. Thanks for the inspiration. For 15 years of wild camps above sun-brushed clouds, of frozen bothies, burning thighs, cold beer, warm beer, crisp duvets after days of damp sleeping bags, the happy fug of a mountain inn, the waits in a café for the rain to ease (almost always in North Wales, alas) the strange silence of the Highlands after snow, the moors, the summits, the coasts, the islands. The camaraderie. The solitude.

And most of all, for you lot. The most aspirational bunch of people I’m ever likely to be lucky enough to meet, or at least read about. Trail is nothing without its brilliant, adventurous readers – you inspire us every day. So please don’t change, and please don’t stop. We all know we’re all part of the biggest secret: that life is better when our wild places are a part of it. So perhaps in 2019 you can put that glorious energy into spreading the good word. Mountains changed my life, they’ve probably changed yours – let’s change some together. As for me, Trail has been the best trip of my life – but after almost 15 years it’s time for me to hand the keys over for what is sure to be an amazing 2019. Cheerio for now, next time I see you it’ll be in the hills. Simon Ingram, editor (Twitter @MrSimonIngram)