Mountain food Do you give much though to the food you pack for a day in the hills? Or is it a case of I’ll lob in a sandwich and a few snacks, maybe a flask of coffee and hope for the best? It’s enough to think about all the other kit we need and my food choices are often a guesstimate based on experience of how hungry I’m likely to be on a typical mountain day. There’s normally a…
What to expect on mountain leader training You’ve probably ended up on this page if you’re thinking about signing up for the mountain leader training course. Perhaps you’re a little nervous about committing and want to feel more confident about what to expect. While you can (and should) start with Mountain Training’s website to find out more, it’s always nice to hear a first hand account from someone who’s recently experienced what it’s like to attend a mountain leader training course. It’s only…
Car Camping Accessories Since we’ve been allowed out and about again, I’ve had quite a bit of interest in my car camping setup. It seems more people than ever like the idea of having more four-wheeled adventures but can’t quite commit to a proper camper van! The good news is the solution might be closer than you think. With a little imagination, there’s no reason you can’t accessorise your bog-standard family SUV, MPV, estate or even large hatchback to use…
Pretend Vanlife With 2021 not having the best of starts when it comes to getting out and about, I’m super excited to share some happier news. After years of talking about it, I’ve taken the plunge and bought a van! OK, it’s not really a van. It’s more of a big car – technically a Multi-Purpose Vehicle, or MPV. Vanlife aficionados might well scoff but my pretend van could be the perfect vehicle for everyday adventurers who find themselves with…
The mechanics of taking a single step are anything but simple. Each time our feet make contact with the ground, the impact creates a shockwave that erupts through our limbs. Our brains subconsciously anticipate each footfall and make tiny adjustments to ensure the energy efficiently dissipates through our limbs. And it’s not just our legs. Our head, spine, hips and arms all have a part to play in keeping us balanced. Hillwalking and running, although good for us, can increase…
Blustery days After the calm of Summer, we’re heading into that time of year where the reds, oranges and yellows of fallen leaves mirror the colours of weather warnings frequenting our forecasts once more. With the right equipment and skills, inclement weather doesn’t have to stop play. Rain, fog, a chilly nip in the air, even snow might make the day more unpleasant but shouldn’t necessarily prevent us from getting into the hills. But strong wind is a different beast….
A combination of COVID-19 restrictions and decent summer weather has seen loads of new visitors to the fells this year. And despite what the papers say, I like to think they aren’t all defecating, litter-throwing, inconsiderate-parking, fire-lighting yobs. Some, at least, are genuinely there to enjoy the beauty of places like the Lake District for the very first time. Perhaps being cooped up during lockdown has made them realise how much we all need time in the great outdoors. And…
I’ve reached a pivotal moment in my life as a hillwalker. After agonising for some time, I couldn’t put it off any longer. I have bought something I never thought I’d want nor need. At the click of a button, I’ve become the proud, if not slightly sceptical, owner of a new set of walking poles. I know I’m a bit late to the party here; it’s hardly a new and innovative bit of kit. Poles are a common sight…
Wash your hands after touching anything. Or better still, don’t touch anything, and then wash your hands anyway. My permitted walks have become an exercise in crossing stiles without making contact. And immediately dousing myself in hand gel if my concentration lapses and I accidentally brush past a leaf. And human contact has stopped altogether. I’m not one for hugging every person I pass in the street but an element of touch does come naturally to us. We shake hands…
I miss the mountains. I miss fine-tuning the route. Reading guidebooks. Poring over maps. Checking the weather forecast. I miss packing my rucksack. Sorting my kit. Filling my water bottles. Making a sandwich and deciding how many Mars Bars to take. I miss loading up the car the night before. Laying out my clothes ready. I miss going to bed early. Waking up in the early hours. Sneaking out of bed and wolfing down some breakfast. Creeping around the house…