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Kieran James Cunningham

Kieran James Cunningham is a climber, mountaineer, and author who divides his time between the Italian Alps, the US, and his native Scotland.

He has climbed a handful of 6000ers in the Himalayas, 4000ers in the Alps, 14ers in the US, and loves nothing more than a good long-distance wander in the wilderness. He climbs when he should be writing, writes when he should be sleeping, has fun always.

Kieran has taught mountaineering, ice climbing, and single-pitch and multi-pitch rock climbing in a variety of contexts over the years and has led trekking and mountaineering expeditions in the Alps, Rockies, and UK. He is currently working towards qualifying as a Mountaineering and Climbing Instructor and International Mountain Leader.

Kieran’s book Climbing the Walls—an exploration of the mental health benefits of climbing, mountaineering, and the great outdoors—is scheduled for release by Simon & Schuster in April 2021.

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Is Finding a Bubble in Your Compass an Issue?

So, your compass has developed a bubble? Learn why this happens, if it's a problem (or not) and how to remedy it.
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Orienteering Basics: Beginners Guide to Competitive Navigation

Interested in learning the basics of Orienteering? We run you through what to expect, how to learn the key skills and how to join an orienteering club.
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How to Navigate Without a Compass – 7 Methods to Find Your Way

Hopefully, it never happens to you, but learning how to navigate without a compass is a useful skill. Pick up 7 ways to improve your wilderness navigation.
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How to Find North Without a Compass: Four Easy Methods

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How to Orient a Map: Navigation 101

One of the most basic navigation skills, we'll take you step-by-step through the two methods on How to Orient a Map
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How to Improve Sense of Direction: 5 Tips to Boost Directional Awareness

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How to Use a Hiking Altimeter

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How to Fix a Compass: Gear Repair 101

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Compass Declination: What Is It & How Do You Adjust For It?

Unsure how to adjust for magnetic declination? Learn why it matters and how it’s done (with both an adjustable and non-adjustable compass) in this simple, straight-talking guide.