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…
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…
Robens Pathfinder Lite and Observer Camping Chairs When packing for a family trip under canvas, camping chairs are one of the bulkier items of equipment you’ll need to factor in to your game of car boot Tetris. I tried for many years to do it on the cheap with a couple of unbranded fishing chairs. They weren’t particularly comfortable to sit in, leaving your arms hoicked up like a puppet, your shoulders pinched together and your bottom hanging precariously between…
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…
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…
There’s a shoe for every occasion these days. For climbing a mountain you’ll need walking boots. A different pair for each season, of course. Then there’s the office so out come the smart leather shoes – one black pair, one brown pair. For gardening, it’s wellies. Cycling it’s SPDs. And for ten-pin bowling, nothing less than those fancy red and black two-tone numbers will do. That’s all well and good and sometimes the most appropriate choice of footwear is dictated…
A walk of any length requires some decent snacks in your rucksack to keep you powering up those hills. Flapjack takes some beating. It’s easy to make, it doesn’t melt like chocolate and you can tailor the recipe to your tastes. Plain flapjack is tasty enough but supercharging it into the ultimate hill snack means adding your own ‘secret ingredient’. Chocolate chips, raisins, or even ginger are firm favourites. I’ve recently taken things up a notch with a mix of…
Let’s face it, many people find it harder to enjoy the outdoors when it’s cold. December is a busy time of year for many with work, not to mention ‘the C word’ just around the corner. The shorter days and dark nights mean it’s harder to motivate yourself when the sofa looks so inviting. But those who can fight the natural urge to stay tucked up warm in bed are on to something. With the right mindset, it’s possible to…
Break ups are hard. It’s taken me a year but I feel ready to talk about it. 12 months ago, I said goodbye to a partnership which lasted 16 years. We’d walked up mountains together. Watched sunsets together. Skipped through fields. And occasionally got downright dirty. Letting go was tough. My trusty Zamberlan walking boots had served me well. Sturdy boots, and a decent waterproof shell, are two bits of outdoor kit you shouldn’t scrimp on. Get these right and…