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Category: Outdoors

The magic of a cloud inversion

The magic of a cloud inversion

The magic of a cloud inversion The chatter of excited adventurers carries up from the deep bowl cradling the tarn below. Helvellyn’s answer to the Whispering Gallery at St Paul’s Cathedral. I am high above them, tiptoeing across the narrow ridge, sending pebbles skittering across stone towards their inevitable plunge into the abyss. I move with laser-like precision, my gaze focused on nothing but the line of least resistance through the crag. I reach the summit plateau. Heart hammers against…

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Making the most of your mountain leader consolidation period

Making the most of your mountain leader consolidation period

The consolidation period So, you’ve completed your mountain leader training course and have officially moved into the consolidation period. Congratulations! It’s a place where eager leaders lurk, as they transition from experienced hillwalkers to expert mountain professionals. Mountain Training describes this consolidation period between training and assessment as ‘an opportunity to develop your skills, paying particular attention to weaknesses identified during the training course’. This means the consolidation period will be different for everyone. It’s your chance to gain as…

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What do I eat in the mountains?

What do I eat in the mountains?

Mountain food Do you give much thought 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…

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What to expect on mountain leader training

What to expect on mountain leader training

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…

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Five Essential Accessories for Car Camping

Five Essential Accessories for Car Camping

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…

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Micro camper van life

Micro camper van life

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…

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Why hillwalkers need to take injury seriously

Why hillwalkers need to take injury seriously

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…

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Important things to remember about windy days in the mountains

Important things to remember about windy days in the mountains

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….

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Hillwalking Kit List – What’s in my rucksack?

Hillwalking Kit List – What’s in my rucksack?

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…

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Walking Poles

Walking Poles

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…

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