OS Champion

Alex Jackson

Meet Alex Jackson, who was first inspired into the hiking life by a school trip

Tell us a bit about yourself and how you like to get outside?

My love for hiking started back on a school trip, but over the past year I’ve dove headfirst into it and fell in love with the hiking and started sharing my travels through Instagram. Just by being enthusiastic and myself a ball of energy. Recently, starting to get into wild camping over the winter and recently buying camper van so I’m trying to get outdoors every weekend whilst balancing full time work.

What’s your favourite route or place to go and why?

Alex’s Favourite Hiking Route – Yr Wyddfa via Crib Goch

My favourite route now must be Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) Via Crib Goch, I wouldn’t even know how to describe it apart from just getting a buzz. It’s a technical climb getting up to the ridge but once you’re up there it’s just amazing, it’s so freeing but let’s not forget the dangers it poses, you must always be switched on. Just feels amazing every time I’m outdoors it’s just joy that’s how I would describe it.

Map number OL17

See the Crib Goch Circular on OS Maps

Want to find out more about how to start hiking?

Read our complete guide to Hiking for Beginners, everything you need to get started from essential equipment to fitness and safety advice – Hiking For Beginners

What’s your fave bit of kit available on the OS Shop?

My favourite bit of kit must be my Black Diamond Trekking poles these are just essential I never leave the house without them; in fact, they just live in my van now so I never will forget them. When I started hiking, I didn’t realise the benefits that having poles as they save my knees from constant impact especially on a decent. Would highly recommend you get some.