Bauer Media has announced, following a strategic review, Trail is embracing a digital future in 2026 by focusing exclusively on its online presence on Bauer Media’s livefortheoutdoors.com website. For 35 years, the publisher says Trail has been a source of inspiration and advice for hikers and backpackers, continuing to enjoy strong consumer support as one of the UK’s hillwalking magazines.
However, in a strategic move led by today’s challenging market conditions and the huge growth of livefortheoutdoors.com – with traffic up 125% in 2025, reaching millions of outdoor enthusiasts each year – the magazine’s next chapter will be entirely digital, the publisher continued.
As the brand’s digital engagement reaches new heights, Bauer Media says it will be building on Trail’s print heritage while accelerating growth and innovation, delivering its content to a wider audience online across multiple platforms, while staying true to the brand’s adventurous spirit.
Trail magazine will continue to be published until the end of this year, the publisher continued, with the February 2026 issue marking the final print edition, on sale 18 December 2025.
Oli Reed, group editor (Outdoor), commented: "Since the very first issue we published in 1990, Trail’s mission has been inspiring people to get outdoors. Mountains have always been core to everything about this magazine, which has been an absolute labour of love for every team member who’s been lucky enough to work here over the past 35 years.
“Our readers have always been the heartbeat of Trail – sending us letters, photos, emails and social media posts of the mountains they climb, the summits they camp on, and incredible experiences they share in the great outdoors – and it’s those same people we’re excited to keep inspiring through our digital platforms.
“While it will be an incredibly sad day when we send that final print issue to press, we’re excited to continue sharing Trail content online. Our passion for the outdoors remains stronger than ever, and we’re committed to keeping that same spirit of adventure alive on Live for the Outdoors.”
Despite this strategic change, Bauer Media says it remains firmly committed to serving outdoor enthusiasts through its broader outdoor portfolio. Hiking, camping, backpacking and trail running content will continue to be featured on livefortheoutdoors.com, created by the editorial teams behind some of the UK’s most trusted outdoor titles.
According to the publisher, walking enthusiasts will continue to enjoy magazine features, photography, mapped route guides and gear reviews through the pages of Country Walking, one of the UK’s best-selling walking magazines. Bauer Media says it will continue to work closely with its commercial partners to ensure they remain connected with engaged audiences and the content they love.
Bauer Media announced it has also made the difficult decision to cease publication of Modern Gardens magazine, with the final issue set to be January 2026, on sale 17 December 2025. While the print title will close, Bauer Media says it will maintain its position in the gardening sector through its broader portfolio.
Simon Caney, group editor (gardening), commented: “Modern Gardens burst on to the newsstand almost 10 years ago and immediately made a huge impact to the status quo – a gardening title that proudly proclaimed, ‘No green fingers required!’ Over the years it built a passionate audience who loved its unique take on gardening, from showcasing incredible reader garden makeovers to nurturing a new generation of gardening enthusiasts with its simple and practical advice.
“As we move forwards, Bauer Media remains the UK’s leading gardening publisher, with Garden News and Garden Answers holding a 43% share of the newsstand market. Those titles continue to deliver trusted expertise, practical inspiration, and a strong sense of connection for millions of gardeners across the country and remain at the heart of our commitment to the gardening community.”
Steve Prentice, co-CEO, Bauer Media UK Publishing, said: “These decisions were not taken lightly and reflect broader market challenges that form part of our ongoing efforts to ensure a sustainable and focused publishing strategy. Our commitment to delivering exceptional content across both print and digital platforms remains as strong as ever, as does our focus on quality, innovation, and audience engagement.”
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