OWPG Awards 2023
Please scroll to bottom of page for link to the lists of winners in previous years.
OWPG Golden Eagle Award: Rhiane Fatinikun (founder of Black Girls Hike UK)
This award is given for “Outstanding Services to the Outdoors”.
Nominated by: OWPG Committee.
Awarded by: a vote of the OWPG membership.
The physical award is a David Bellamy painting.
OWPG Award for Technical Innovation (formerly known as the Derryck Draper Award): Built to Send X3 Alpine
Highly Commended: Oru Kayak
This award is given to a member of the outdoor gear trade for outstanding innovation in outdoor equipment design and materials.
Award currently sponsored by: OWPG
Judges: Chris Townsend, Alex Roddie and Kassondra Cloos
The physical award is a trophy.
Guidebook: David Lintern for “Scottish Wild Country Backpacking“
The Judges said: “The writing stands out for its authoritative tone, never losing its enthusiasm and respect for the landscape that inspires it. … Effective use of maps and photographs that contribute to a strong sense of place, which characterises an effective guidebook.”
Highly Commended: Lisa Drewe for “South West England Paddleboarding“
Award sponsored by: Aquapac International.
Judges: Sue Viccars, author and owner/editor of Dartmoor Magazine and Chris Bagshaw, editor, writer and former OWPG member.
Outdoor Book: No award this year
Award currently sponsored by: Cordee
Judges: Sue Viccars, author and owner/editor of Dartmoor Magazine and Chris Bagshaw, editor, writer and former OWPG member.
Outdoor/Travel Feature: MaryAnn Ochota for “The Wild Life“
The Judges said: “Great pix. Good, lively prose. Good hook for the article. Inspiring, info-packed … really engaging and perceptive.“
Highly Commended: Susie White for “The Land of Waterfalls and Wildflowers“
Award sponsored by: OS Pathfinder Guides published by Crimson
Judges: Carlton Reid (founder of On Your Bike magazine/former OWPG member) and Elizabeth Multon (Conway, imprint of Bloomsbury)
Technical Feature: James Forrest for “How hiking gear became cool“
The Judges said: “Well written piece, interesting topic, good info, cohesive. There’s just enough of a gear review in it to make it eligible.“
Award sponsored by: Cicerone
Judges: Carlton Reid (founder of On Your Bike magazine/former OWPG member) and Elizabeth Multon (Conway, imprint of Bloomsbury)
Digital Award: No outright winner this year.
Highly Commended: Lisa Drewe for her website islandeering.com
The Judges said: “This website offers many ways to explore the UK’s blue spaces by walking, paddling or swimming. The text is supported with lots of great images and videos, and in building a community, the site is creating a forum for exchanging information, advice, routes and adventures.“
Award sponsored by: OWPG
Judges: Jacquetta Megarry (OWPG Awards Organiser, 2018 winner) and Lois Sparling (formerly of Cicerone Press)
Photography: James Rushforth for his portfolio “From the air”
The Judges said: “This portfolio was technically excellent and aesthetically pleasing. The photos covered a wide variety of subjects… a worthy winner.“
Highly Commended: Chris Howes for his portfolio “Underworld Mulu”
Award sponsored by: (Conway, imprint of Bloomsbury)
Judges: David Taylor and Chiz Dakin
The winning photography image is © Copyright James Rushforth – many thanks for permission to reproduce it.
Past Winners:
Please click the button above to view previous award winners.