Exploring and learning while out on outdoor adventures.
Monday, 12th December I handed in my work laptop and BlackBerry, then headed out with the team for our Christmas lunch, courtesy of Brendon. Afterward, I stopped by the office to grab my bags before heading to the train station for Edinburgh. In the evening, I picked up a few last-minute supplies (including food and …
Continue reading “Cairngorm 2016: My Solo Mountain Diary (Part One)”
Reflecting on a Multi-Day Adventure in the Scottish Highlands Ten years ago, I set off on a solo winter backpacking trip across the Munros of the Cairngorms. It was a week of cold nights, long days, and relentless wind, but also one of incredible solitude, wild landscapes, and a deep connection to the mountains—oh, and that unforgettable …
Continue reading “Lessons from a Solo Winter Backpacking Trip in the Cairngorms, A Decade On”
I finished my last work obligation on Friday afternoon with a buzz of anticipation. The Lake District was calling, with the recent weather condition there was some great wintry conditions reported in the fells. My drive up from the midlands was pleasantly uneventful; with my usual McDonald’s fix at Leeming Bar Services. I couldn’t help …
Continue reading “A Winter Escape to England’s Highest Peak: A Weekend in Borrowdale”
The weekend had been circled in the diary for weeks—a much-anticipated trip to Coniston to reconnect with friends and meet new ones. We were eager to get our hands on rock, scramble in the fells, and enjoy the last of the summer sun in one of the Lake District’s most iconic areas, and definitely one …
Continue reading “Coniston Scramble: A Weekend of Sun, Rock, and Good Company”
My first encounter with Tryfan’s North Ridge dates back to the early ’90s when I tackled it with my father. That memory, like so many of our other adventures, stays with me to this day. Whether it was camping in February near Cnicht in my original Terra Nova Voyager (back when they were called Wild …
Continue reading “Retracing Footsteps: A Weekend Scramble on Tryfan’s North Ridge”
The 2024 Saunders Lakeland Mountain Marathon was calling, and we were set to tackle the Bedafell class, a parent-child adventure through the stunning fells around Haweswater. Our journey was punctuated by the usual traffic delays, but a short break midway gave us a much-needed pause. Despite the hold-ups, we arrived in good time to get …
Continue reading “Saunders Lakeland Mountain Marathon 2024 Bedafell Class”
Standing at the entrance of the outdoor expo, I felt the air buzz with anticipation. As the doors opened, marking a ribbon-cutting moment, we ventured inside. Our first stop? The wild camping exhibits, featuring a captivating nature tunnel. Then time for a quick lap of the exhibit before setting down to listen to some of …
Continue reading “A Day of Discovery: Navigating the Outdoor Expo Adventure”
A Journey to Skye and Beyond I recently had the chance to meet some of the members of the FRCC (Fell & Rock Climbing Club) while on a trip to Skye. I was on my way to Loch Coir a Ghrunnda, preparing for rough weather conditions and strong winds. To my surprise, I encountered another …
Continue reading “Exploring the FRCC -One of the UK’s Oldest Mountaineering Clubs””
Before the trip. At the end of the lockdowns like a number of people I was looking to get back outside, spend time doing my hobbies and meet new people. So I joined the Sheffield Mountaineering Meetup group to get out on some local days out scrambling. Which in turn led to some trips to …
Continue reading “Isle of Skye Cuillin Ridge Sheffield Mountaineering Meet-up”
Bivvying is one of my favorite ways to connect with nature. Unlike tents, bivvys provide a simple sleeping place where you can lie down and watch the stars while feeling the rain and wind on your face. Of course, when the rain becomes too much, you can always pull the fabric over to protect yourself. …