Earlier this year, we talked about taking on a big challenge this summer and, while my initial ideas of backpacking around west Wales or taking on the South Downs Way haven’t come off yet, yesterday we tackled something I’ve wanted to do for a while - the Dragon’s Back. I adore the Brecon Beacons - … Continue reading Waun Fach and the Dragon’s Back
Outdoor Life
The Great Eastern Pingo Trail
On camping trips, I usually enjoy planning days out walking from the campsite. In most places, there will be a couple of footpaths or bridlepaths leading out into the unknown, whether just to the next village or pub or linking into networks to take me far further afield. Our Norfolk campsite is disappointing in this … Continue reading The Great Eastern Pingo Trail
Review: OEX Bobcat I Ultralight Tent
The bobcat in situ at Petruth Paddocks, Cheddar. With a summer of bikepacking ahead, it was time for a new tent. Like any self-respecting outdoorsy chap I have a range of tents, from the enormous five metre family bell tent (read about that one here - I reviewed it in 2020!), through small mountain tents … Continue reading Review: OEX Bobcat I Ultralight Tent
Fox Tor and Plym Ford
On a day like today, there's nowhere I'd rather be than in the hills and nobody I'd rather be with than my family. We were up holiday early and filling ourselves with porridge and glucose syrup ready for what appeared to be a cold day ahead. The sky was clear and for once we were … Continue reading Fox Tor and Plym Ford
Constantine Bay and Trevose Head
As someone who lives just 30 miles or so from the Tamar, you'd be amazed at how infrequently I visit Cornwall. We go to Dorset multiple times a year, but a trip out west is as rare as hen's teeth. Aside from a cricket tour, a bike ride and the obligatory geology field trip or … Continue reading Constantine Bay and Trevose Head
Moonrakers and Sunseekers 2025
Beautiful dawn at Bournemouth It's 5.30am on a Saturday. The air is cold and crisp, bitingly sharp on the lungs. My fingers and toes are satisfyingly numb with the cold. Behind us, away to the east, the sky is starting to crimson below a thin line of grey clouds, and the warming air will soon … Continue reading Moonrakers and Sunseekers 2025
A Lovely Bunch of Trekkers
Machu Picchu seen from the Sun Gate at dawn, September 2000 Last weekend, I went away to Hay-on-Wye with a small but wonderful group of people. People who, I have realised over the last couple of weeks, are very special to me. Back in September 2000, I was part of a group of about 40 … Continue reading A Lovely Bunch of Trekkers
Tour of Brittany 2025 Day One: Roscoff to Brest
Distance 149.3km, 2117m ascent 'Monkey Tennis': an audio summary of the day's ride, recorded from Plouider later in the trip (3:42). Friday night and it was raining in Brest. It was only about 9 pm, but the heavy atmosphere made it seem later. The streets were deserted and anyone with an ounce of sense was … Continue reading Tour of Brittany 2025 Day One: Roscoff to Brest
Cloddfa Gwanas Quarries and Waun-oer
This weekend we had a bit of a mission to go to Snowdonia for some mountain walks. I’m planning to go for Summer Mountain Leader assessment in the next 12-18 months, and as part of that journey I need to log a total of 40 ‘quality mountain days’ during the consolidation period between training and … Continue reading Cloddfa Gwanas Quarries and Waun-oer
Mini tour of Brittany day 3 – Huelgoat to Roscoff
After yesterdays magnificent feast, breakfast today was bound to be a disappointment. With no food at the B&B and most of the town square closed, I only had a café au lait and some freshly squeezed orange juice to get me going. It was more than enough. Despite my host’s assertion that ‘it’s all uphill … Continue reading Mini tour of Brittany day 3 – Huelgoat to Roscoff