Please scroll to bottom of page for link to the lists of winners in previous years.
OWPG Award for Technical Innovation (formerly known as the Derryck Draper Award): Ombraz
This award is given to a member of the outdoor gear trade for outstanding innovation in outdoor equipment design and materials.
The Judges said: “Ombraz sunglasses use a durable, lightweight, recycled nylon cord instead of wire or plastic over-the-ear arms. This system creates a comfortable, adjustable fit that’s virtually wind- and adventure-proof. They’re far less likely to break, fly off your face, or fall out of your pocket than any other pair. Ombraz’s commitment to sustainability is also highly impressive…”
Award sponsored by: OWPG
Judges: Chris Townsend, Alex Roddie, Kassondra Cloos and Jessie Leong
The physical award is a trophy.
Guidebook: Lisa Drewe for Paddle Boarding London & South East England (Wild Things Publishing)
The Judges said: “Lisa Drewe has created a series style of her own, which matches her enthusiasm and experience. It is the mark of any good guidebook that it both inspires the reader and gives them the confidence to go where they would otherwise not know they could. This third title in Lisa’s paddle boarding guides doesn’t disappoint…”
Highly Commended: Nike Werstroh & Jacint Mig for Trekking the Cami dels Bons Homes, (Cicerone)
Highly Commended: David Jordan for Hiking the Pacific Crest Trail (Cicerone)
Award sponsored by: Cicerone
Judges: Sue Viccars, author, and Chris Bagshaw, editor, writer and former OWPG member.
Outdoor Book: Wyl Menmuir for The Heart of the Woods (Aurum)
The Judges said: “The author examines in detail both obvious and less obvious aspects of our relationships with trees – delving far deeper than you might have imagined… He has combined an eye for detail with a capacity to make broader generalisations which avoid becoming trite. It’s a marvellous book and worthy winner.”
Highly Commended: Andrew Bibby for The Borders – the lands we share (Gritstone Publishing Cooperative)
Award sponsored by: Cordee
Judges: Sue Viccars, author, and Chris Bagshaw, editor, writer and former OWPG member.
Outdoor/Travel Feature: Vivienne Crow for Sense of Place
The Judges said: “This was a fascinating piece, revealing a new perspective on the experience of being outside in natural surroundings, and the importance of this being available to everyone. Amar’s deep appreciation of the outdoors was conveyed vividly through Vivienne’s writing and the dialogue. Thought-provoking and beautiful.”
Award sponsored by: OS Pathfinder Guides/Milestone Publishing
Judges: Carlton Reid (founder of On Your Bike magazine/former OWPG member) and Elizabeth Multon (Conway, imprint of Bloomsbury)
Technical Feature: No award this year.
Photography: Chris Howes for his portfolio Hungarian Heritage
The Judges said: “The winner (once again) however, clearly stood out significantly from the rest, with a striking set of images that were colourful in impact and thoroughly gelled together in every respect…”
Highly Commended: Steve Davison for his portfolio Ancient Dartmoor in Monochrome
Award sponsored by: Conway, imprint of Bloomsbury
Judges: David Taylor and Chiz Dakin
The winning photography image is © Copyright Chris Howes – many thanks for permission to reproduce it.
Members Award: Mark Richards for Countrystride podcasts
This is a new award for 2025: an open category for Members’ work that does not quite fit into the other categories of the Awards for Excellence, and which is judged by the membership on a one vote per member basis.
The Golden Eagle and Digital Awards were discontinued in 2024.
Past Winners:
Please click the button above to view previous award winners.