tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-51567387629963812092024-03-13T02:25:33.983+00:00Walks Around Britain's blogThe blog from Walks Around Britain - on the web, on podcasts, on social media and on the telly.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10114719274337710319noreply@blogger.comBlogger105125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5156738762996381209.post-46435647683214894632016-03-10T07:32:00.001+00:002016-03-10T07:36:25.954+00:00A walk on the wild side? The Pembrokeshire section of the Wales Coast Path<h3>
For 186 breathtakingly rugged miles, the Pembrokeshire section of the Wales Coast Path promises days full of seabirds, seals, puffins and even the occasional dolphin. <i>Tony Bowerman</i> says it’s unmissable.</h3>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Green Bridge</td></tr>
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It’s official: <b>Pembrokeshire offers world-class walking</b>. Recently voted the “world’s second-best coastal destination” by National Geographic magazine and, in 2011, named the <b>second in a list of the “world’s top ten long distance paths”</b>, the Pembrokeshire coast path is definitely a dream destination for walkers. The lovely Pembrokeshire section of the Wales Coast Path undulates along the top of rugged cliffs, in and out of secluded coves and tiny harbours, and along numerous sandy beaches.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l6o8Zw9MzjQ/VuEfyzEuaSI/AAAAAAAAeg4/9rPI8ji-tP0/s1600/strumble%2Bwalker_dreamstime_xl_20130746.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l6o8Zw9MzjQ/VuEfyzEuaSI/AAAAAAAAeg4/9rPI8ji-tP0/s400/strumble%2Bwalker_dreamstime_xl_20130746.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Strumble Head</td></tr>
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From the remotest reaches of the north coast near <b>Strumble Head </b>on day one to the popular beaches around Tenby on the final day, it provides a wonderfully varied experience. Whether you come for <b>the scenery or the solitude</b>, <b>the wildlife</b>, <b>Welsh history</b>, <b>language and culture</b>, or simply to <b>immerse yourself in an exceptional corner of Britain</b>, Pembrokeshire certainly won’t disappoint.<br />
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Pembrokeshire’s unique qualities were recognised as far back as 1952 when it became <b>one of Britain’s first National Parks</b>. The path traverses several <b>National Nature Reserves</b>, lots of <b>Sites of Special Scientific Interest</b> and <b>one of the UK’s four Marine Nature Reserves</b>, all helping protect the area’s geology, habitats and wildlife. Along the way, you’ll encounter countless seabirds — including puffins, peregrines, choughs, gannets and fulmars. You’re also likely to see plenty of inquisitive seals, and if you’re lucky, porpoises and dolphins. But most memorable, perhaps, are the spectacular carpets of maritime wildflowers that colour the cliffs and offshore islands in spring and early summer.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pUoYxevGA6Y/VuEhtstZmaI/AAAAAAAAehc/QHim9HZO7mA/s1600/pembroke%2Bcastle%2Bpembs-shutterstock_1920772.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pUoYxevGA6Y/VuEhtstZmaI/AAAAAAAAehc/QHim9HZO7mA/s320/pembroke%2Bcastle%2Bpembs-shutterstock_1920772.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pembroke Castle</td></tr>
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As well as ever-changing scenery, the coast path is a <b>walk through history</b> too. Cover the whole route over fourteen or so days and you’ll discover <b>prehistoric burial chambers</b> near Fishguard, Aberdraw and Manorbier, <b>standing stones and hillforts</b>, <b>dramatic medieval castles</b> at Pembroke and Manorbier again, <b>tiny Celtic chapels</b> and <b>atmospheric St David’s Cathedral</b>. Several sections of the coast are also managed and protected by the National Trust.<br />
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Wonderful walks </h3>
For the first few days, the Pembrokeshire section of the Wales Coast Path runs along the <b>rugged north coast with its high, often remote and windswept cliffs</b>. Along the way, it drops in to <b>Newport</b>, <b>Fishguard </b>and the tiny cathedral city of <b>St David’s</b>. <br />
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Once round the St David’s peninsula, the path enters <b>St Bride’s Bay</b>, with its hidden coves and historic headlands. Beyond the <b>Marloes peninsula</b> and <b>St Ann’s Head</b>, the coast becomes more developed around the <b>Milford Haven</b>, before rounding the Angle peninsula, and passing through spectacular limestone and sandstone scenery on its way to lovely <b>Tenby </b>and its end at <b>Amroth</b>, on the <b>Pembrokeshire/Carmarthenshire border</b>. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qqzVXdvYZAw/VuEgxNJfEDI/AAAAAAAAehM/NMmjZ0Y9XpA/s1600/carreg%2BSampson_dreamstime_l_13708494.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qqzVXdvYZAw/VuEgxNJfEDI/AAAAAAAAehM/NMmjZ0Y9XpA/s320/carreg%2BSampson_dreamstime_l_13708494.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Carreg Samson cromlech</span></span></td></tr>
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Favourite day walks include the section between <b>Stack Rocks</b> and <b>Bosherton Lily Ponds</b>, passing the amazing sea arch at the <b>‘Green Bridge of Wales’ </b>and tiny <b>St Govan’s Chapel</b> hidden in a cleft in the cliffs. For a longer, two day walk, I recommend the stretch from <b>Strumble Head </b>to <b>Whitesands Bay</b>. It’s got some of the best dramatic scenery on the whole Pembrokeshire coast and a host of prehistoric remains including the fascinating <b>Carreg Samson cromlech</b>.<br />
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<b><u>More information: </u></b><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LwgnJetcvFA/VuEee3QryEI/AAAAAAAAegg/SYAu8o8A0jU/s1600/WCP_Pembrokeshire_Cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LwgnJetcvFA/VuEee3QryEI/AAAAAAAAegg/SYAu8o8A0jU/s200/WCP_Pembrokeshire_Cover.jpg" width="125" /></a><br />
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For a detailed guide to the 186-mile linear route, get hold of a copy of the <b>Official Guide: Wales Coast Path: Pembrokeshire</b> by Vivienne Crow.<br />
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(ISBN 978-1-908632-23-4 | £13.99).<br />
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For details, see: <a href="http://www.northerneyebooks.co.uk/shop/official-guide-wales-coast-path-pembrokeshire/" target="_blank">Official Guide: Wales Coast Path: Pembrokeshire</a><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g_xarJCVa70/VuEe246eqZI/AAAAAAAAego/Bpjj8EthkHM/s1600/Top10PembsNorth.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g_xarJCVa70/VuEe246eqZI/AAAAAAAAego/Bpjj8EthkHM/s200/Top10PembsNorth.jpg" width="142" /></a><br />
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Or if you prefer short, circular walks along the coast, try the two attractive pocket-size <b>‘Top 10 Walks’ books for the Wales Coast Path: Pembrokeshire — North and South</b>, both by Dennis Kelsall.<br />
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(ISBNs 978-1-908632-29-6 and 978-1-908632-30-2 | £5.99 each).<br />
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For details, see: <a href="http://www.northerneyebooks.co.uk/product-category/wales-coast-short/" target="_blank">Pocket-size ‘Top 10 Walks’: Pembrokeshire</a><br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10114719274337710319noreply@blogger.com0Pembrokeshire, UK51.674077999999987 -4.908878500000014451.04641449999999 -6.1997720000000145 52.301741499999984 -3.6179850000000142tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5156738762996381209.post-7659386780101027952014-11-11T16:27:00.001+00:002014-11-11T16:27:19.746+00:00Edition 024 - Walking the Pennine Way and repairing the moorlands of the Peak District and the South Pennines<br /> <div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><br /> <div style='background-color:transparent;' data-iframestyle='background-color:transparent; display:block; min-width:320px; max-width:700px;' data-boourl='http://audioboom.com/boos/2641142-edition-024-walking-the-pennine-way-and-repairing-the-moorlands-of-the-peak-district-and-the-south-pennines/embed/v3?eid=AQAAAOc4YlT2TCgA' class='ab-player'><a href='http://audioboom.com/boos/2641142-edition-024-walking-the-pennine-way-and-repairing-the-moorlands-of-the-peak-district-and-the-south-pennines'>listen to ‘Edition 024 - Walking the Pennine Way and repairing the moorlands of the Peak District and the South Pennines’ on audioBoom</a></div><script type='text/javascript'>(function() { var po = document.createElement("script"); po.type = "text/javascript"; po.async = true; po.src = "https://d15mj6e6qmt1na.cloudfront.net/cdn/embed.js"; var s = document.getElementsByTagName("script")[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(po, s); })();</script><br /> </div><br /> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10114719274337710319noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5156738762996381209.post-18387994021688989592014-08-17T01:21:00.000+01:002014-08-17T01:21:20.571+01:00Snowdon isn't working... but why?This week the British Mountaineering Council (BMC) said that <b>Snowdon isn't working</b>.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-p-cXGrzl-80/U-_uhS9_PiI/AAAAAAAAB2w/G-JiUVKewkU/s1600/Snowdon1_credit_Alex_Messenger.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-p-cXGrzl-80/U-_uhS9_PiI/AAAAAAAAB2w/G-JiUVKewkU/s1600/Snowdon1_credit_Alex_Messenger.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Britain's Busiest Mountain - Snowdon - Alex_Messenger</td></tr>
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It said <b>a properly funded, long ranged strategy</b> is needed to address the problems and risks caused by a massive increase in the numbers of visitors on Snowdon is needed.<br />
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And they are certainly right.<br />
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This all follows the Snowdonia National Park Authority agreeing to <b>remove ‘false paths’</b> from the summit of Snowdon - and after they made comments which have been interpreted in some quarters as <b>warning families with children to stay away from summits</b>.<br />
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Let's look at the increasing numbers of people walking to the top of Snowdon.
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZkYgUCQM_gk/U-_razGM45I/AAAAAAAAB2k/s-eYxvvzdKA/s1600/Busy%2Bpath%2Bup%2BSnowdon_credit_Ray%2BWood.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZkYgUCQM_gk/U-_razGM45I/AAAAAAAAB2k/s-eYxvvzdKA/s400/Busy%2Bpath%2Bup%2BSnowdon_credit_Ray%2BWood.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Busy path up Snowdon - Ray Wood</td></tr>
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<b>Snowdon is Britain’s busiest mountain</b> - and one of the reasons why is it is actually quite accessible to walk up - so The BMC believes Central Government funding to the Snowdonia National Park Authority (SNPA) should be increased to reflect the challenges this popularity brings.<br />
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Elfyn Jones, BMC access & conservation officer for Wales, said: "In the last few years there has been a huge increase in the numbers of people on Snowdon – in 2013 there were 477,000 walkers, an increase of 23% on the previous year."<br />
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"Many of these visitors are unprepared casual walkers, and there has been a significant increase in the number of avoidable callouts to rescue teams, parking problems, traffic congestion and litter."<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mdqYstfg13Q/U-_wbVDHnII/AAAAAAAAB28/IXGrJREzpSM/s1600/Crib%2BGoch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mdqYstfg13Q/U-_wbVDHnII/AAAAAAAAB28/IXGrJREzpSM/s1600/Crib%2BGoch.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a>A quick search online reminds us of the many incidents which have happened in recent years on Snowdon - the Llanberis Mountain Rescue Team have a <a href="http://www.llanberismountainrescue.co.uk/incidents" target="_blank">constantly updated page here</a>. In the past the SNPA have been <b>implementing a range of schemes</b> designed to reduce the number of incidents and call-outs to the Llanberis MRT. <b>In May 2013, new stone pillars</b> were placed at points along the mountain where it was found walkers were getting into difficulties. Stone pillars were placed to mark Bwlch y Moch and Crib Goch to encourage people not to go along these routes by mistake, another stone pillar identified the intersection of Llanberis Path and Snowdon Ranger Path as walkers often mix up the two paths. Also, a stone pillar was placed on the summit to identify accurately where the Watkin Path begins and another stone pillar to identify Bwlch y Saethau as walkers often make the mistake of descending the mountain this dangerous way.<br />
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But The BMC say this hasn't helped.<br />
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"The current practice of managing the paths by reacting to individual problems such as ‘landscaping’ and smoothing out natural obstacles has done nothing to alleviate the issues. If anything it has created a bigger problem as many walkers and visitors are under the impression that Snowdon is a “tourist attraction”, similar to a fully waymarked country park trail. User groups such as the BMC have had little opportunity to input into the strategic management of the mountain." said Elfyn Jones.<br />
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Let's be honest here... <b>walking up a mountain is not safe as walking in a country park</b>. And no matter what measures are brought in, it never can be. But surely the mountains aren't to blame here? Nor are the 'fake paths' which are a feature of many a mountain?<br />
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Jon Garside, BMC training officer, explains: "To some people it might seem easy to blame ‘misleading’ paths for accidents. But simply removing paths is not the answer. It is wrong to say that paths, summits or any other physical aspect of the mountain environment are inherently dangerous. The key factor is people themselves and their ability to deal with the hazards they encounter. To stay safe people must be taught to rely on their heads, not cues provided by artificial pointers."<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-62yN4qnGblk/U-_y4lGKg4I/AAAAAAAAB3I/nBRRyRUstqQ/s1600/Map%2Breading%2Bin%2BSnowdonia_credit_Alex%2BMessenger_BMC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-62yN4qnGblk/U-_y4lGKg4I/AAAAAAAAB3I/nBRRyRUstqQ/s1600/Map%2Breading%2Bin%2BSnowdonia_credit_Alex%2BMessenger_BMC.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Map reading in Snowdonia - Alex Messenger</td></tr>
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Jon's right. <b>Walking up a mountain requires more skills than walking a waymarked long-distance trail</b>. Map-reading skills, for example, are needed to ensure you are going on the right route - and these skills are not something you learn over night.</div>
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Waymarking routes to the summit can only ever be a part solution - what happens in poor visibility when signs can't be seen? And the increasing numbers of walkers using apps on smartphones for navigation is a worry too. What happens here when the phone can't get a GPS lock? Or the battery runs out? Maps are required in these situations as a fail safe backup. And that means people need the skills to be able to read and map and interpret it.<br />
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Elfyn Jones, BMC access & conservation officer for Wales, again: "The park authority should prioritise education and awareness-raising, putting effort into ensuring the visitor is better prepared, instead of treating Snowdon as if it was an urban environment and attempting to physically engineer it into being ‘safe’. This is simply impossible."<br />
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It's not saying "Stay away for mountains" - just "Be prepared".<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10114719274337710319noreply@blogger.com0Snowdon, Snowdonia, Caernarfon, Gwynedd LL55, UK53.068504 -4.076276600000028327.546469499999997 -45.384870600000028 78.5905385 37.232317399999971tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5156738762996381209.post-91659341794822514312014-07-16T13:31:00.001+01:002016-03-03T07:08:51.064+00:00Podcast Edition 023 - Show Notes<br />
<div class="ab-player" data-boourl="https://audioboo.fm/boos/2327542-edition-023-coast-and-coast-australia/embed/v2?eid=AQAAACdoxlP2gyMA" data-boowidth="100%" data-iframestyle="background-color:transparent; display:block; box-shadow:0 0 1px 1px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.15); min-width:349px; max-width:700px;" data-maxheight="150" style="background-color: transparent;">
<a href="https://audioboo.fm/boos/2327542-edition-023-coast-and-coast-australia">listen to ‘Edition 023 - Coast and Coast Australia’ on Audioboo</a></div>
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Edition 23 of the Walks Around Britain podcast is a special dedicated to the popular long-running series Coast. Emma Johnston joins Andrew from Sydney to talk about Coast Australia and Steve Evanson, the series editor of Coast, talks about the new ninth series of the original UK version.<br />
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<b><u>Coast Australia</u></b><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(c) Foxtel / BBC</td></tr>
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Professor Emma Johnston (left) joins Andrew from Sydney to talk about how she loved watching the original UK series of Coast - before getting a surprise phone call asking whether she'd like to co-present the forthcoming Australian version.<br />
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Emma is the director of the Sydney Harbour Research Program at the Sydney Institute of Marine Sciences - where she investigates the effects of contaminants and introduced species on the structure and diversity of indigenous marine species in places as diverse as the Great Barrier Reef and Antarctica. You can find out more about her work on <a href="http://harbourprogram.sims.org.au/" target="_blank">their website here</a> - and follow <a href="https://twitter.com/DrEmmaLJohnston" target="_blank">her on Twitter</a>.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zM1qlJ2o0jk/U8ZtSWD-n1I/AAAAAAAAB1k/-il3Vb-1pVI/s1600/Screenshot+2014-07-16+13.01.19.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="178" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zM1qlJ2o0jk/U8ZtSWD-n1I/AAAAAAAAB1k/-il3Vb-1pVI/s1600/Screenshot+2014-07-16+13.01.19.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(c) BBC</td></tr>
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<b><u>Coast</u></b><br />
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Joining Andrew from not quite as far away as Emma - Coast HQ in Bristol in fact - is Steve Evanson, the series producer of the original UK version of Coast.<br />
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Coast returns for an amazing ninth series on BBC Two this summer, and Steve has been the series producer from the very first series way back in 2004/5. Here he chats to Andrew about the way the series is made, and the various elements which all go together to make Coast the successful and popular programme it is.<br />
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You can follow Steve on Twitter at <a href="https://twitter.com/coasttv" target="_blank">CoastTV</a>.<br />
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That's another podcast finished. We hope you enjoy listening to them as much as we do putting them together. Any comments and suggestions are gratefully received - pop them in the comment section below.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10114719274337710319noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5156738762996381209.post-41971094929290172892014-05-12T07:15:00.001+01:002014-05-12T07:15:48.603+01:00Edition 022 - A interview with Terry Abraham<br /> <div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><br /> <div style='background-color:transparent;' data-iframestyle='background-color:transparent; display:block; box-shadow:0 0 1px 1px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.15); min-width:349px; max-width:700px;' data-boourl='https://audioboo.fm/boos/2154171-edition-022-a-interview-with-terry-abraham/embed/v2?eid=AQAAABRncFO73iAA' class='ab-player'><a href='http://audioboo.fm/boos/2154171-edition-022-a-interview-with-terry-abraham'>listen to ‘Edition 022 - A interview with Terry Abraham’ on Audioboo</a></div><script type='text/javascript'>(function() { var po = document.createElement("script"); po.type = "text/javascript"; po.async = true; po.src = "https://d15mj6e6qmt1na.cloudfront.net/cdn/embed.js"; var s = document.getElementsByTagName("script")[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(po, s); })();</script><br /> </div><br /> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10114719274337710319noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5156738762996381209.post-7406738997350893282014-05-01T02:33:00.001+01:002014-05-01T02:33:23.829+01:00Edition 021 - Countryfile Magazine Awards<br /> <div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><br /> <div style='background-color:transparent;' data-iframestyle='background-color:transparent; display:block; box-shadow:0 0 1px 1px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.15); min-width:349px; max-width:700px;' data-boourl='https://audioboo.fm/boos/2120533-edition-021-countryfile-magazine-awards/embed/v2?eid=AQAAAGOkYVNVWyAA' class='ab-player'><a href='http://audioboo.fm/boos/2120533-edition-021-countryfile-magazine-awards'>listen to ‘Edition 021 - Countryfile Magazine Awards’ on Audioboo</a></div><script type='text/javascript'>(function() { var po = document.createElement("script"); po.type = "text/javascript"; po.async = true; po.src = "https://d15mj6e6qmt1na.cloudfront.net/cdn/embed.js"; var s = document.getElementsByTagName("script")[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(po, s); })();</script><br /> </div><br /> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10114719274337710319noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5156738762996381209.post-80010662615682968522014-02-07T09:00:00.000+00:002014-02-16T14:17:48.836+00:00Book Review - How To Connect with Nature by Tristan Gooley<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rGdjhLq7G5M/T7bTv3P4GfI/AAAAAAAAAks/ZVkrgL0j_EY/s1600/Tristan+Gooley.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rGdjhLq7G5M/T7bTv3P4GfI/AAAAAAAAAks/ZVkrgL0j_EY/s1600/Tristan+Gooley.jpg" /></a></div>
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If you’re not familiar with Tristan Gooley, he is probably best known as the Natural Navigator. He has led expeditions on five continents, spent time with the Tuareg, Bedouin and Dayak in some of the remotest places on Earth and pioneered a renaissance in the rare art of natural navigation. He is also the only living person to have both flown solo and sailed single-handed across the Atlantic.<br />
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So, he is well qualified to write a book about connecting with nature.<br />
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But, firstly, why should we connect with nature? In our daily life today, we don’t really need an understanding of our natural environment for everyday survival – so should we really bother? Do we need to have these skills any more?<br />
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Well, Tristan believes any connection to nature is beneficial – no matter how small – and this book is a collection of his techniques to help enthuse our senses and re-establish that love-affair with the outdoors he knows we all have.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6ZPdtezUzvM/UwDAZOrLvnI/AAAAAAAABzk/K_H52QWY-QY/s1600/2014-02-14+00.23.46.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6ZPdtezUzvM/UwDAZOrLvnI/AAAAAAAABzk/K_H52QWY-QY/s1600/2014-02-14+00.23.46.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a>The book is part of a series from Macmillan exploring life’s big questions “The School of Life” which doesn't purports to have all the answers, but they know people who have ideas of how to make life better. And Tristan certainly fits the bill here.<br />
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The book is littered with exercises to do – which I have done, and I can tell you they really will make you stop and think about your surroundings and your place within them. And it’s full of information you think “I really should have known that – and I'm glad I now do” – for example the name “ghost orchids” was coined for that particular plant as they are one of the rarest plants in Britain and can disappear from a site for decades, before briefly reappearing – which sounds very logical.<br />
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There’s fantastic knowledge you can use in everyday life in here; finding the North Star from The Plough for instance, and some useful info about Ground Time too (you’ll have to read the book…)<br />
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I guess the only thing that lets the book down is the rendition of the photographs – several of monochrome images are difficult to clearly make out what they are all about. You feel that a book which does reference and rely on its images should have been allowed to have better quality printing for the photographs – but I guess that’s down to the house style of “The School of Life” series and the price point. But don't let that out you off.<br />
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Overall, a cracking read which you’ll find you’ll be mentally accessing as you go on future expeditions into the great outdoors.<br />
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<b><span style="color: red;">How To Connect with Nature by Tristan Gooley</span></b></div>
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published by Macmillan, priced £7.99</div>
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<b>Walks Around Britain rating <span style="font-size: large;">8/10</span></b></div>
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Order it now from <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/0230768075?ie=UTF8&camp=3194&creative=21330&creativeASIN=0230768075&linkCode=shr&tag=walkaroubrit-21" target="_blank">Amazon here</a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10114719274337710319noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5156738762996381209.post-84312190693615719712014-01-07T14:49:00.000+00:002014-01-07T14:49:50.429+00:00The best of autumn/winter walkingAs temperatures drop, don’t assume that you have to forfeit your passion for exploring the outdoors on foot. Winter offers beautiful walking opportunities, when the landscape is transformed by a riot of colour and weather is often crisp, clear and refreshing.<br />
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If you've never experienced winter walking, or you think the seasonal chills aren't worth the benefits of exploring the countryside at this time of year, take a look at this guide to the best of cold weather walking:<br />
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<b>Colour</b><br />
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Arguably one of the best things about exploring the countryside at this time of year is the changing colours. Landscapes that you've seen in the past will be unrecognisable, when the trees lose their leaves and the scenery gets covered with white frost or snow.<br />
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<b>Weather</b><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2rolGocbhno/ULiZXdRuvvI/AAAAAAAAA-A/x6mh-_zvRfg/s1600/Walks-Around-Britain-webback--Winter-v3-Blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2rolGocbhno/ULiZXdRuvvI/AAAAAAAAA-A/x6mh-_zvRfg/s1600/Walks-Around-Britain-webback--Winter-v3-Blog.jpg" height="397" width="400" /></a>A lot of people assume that once the summer months are over, hiking and walking is <br />
out of bounds. However, when you think about it, winter is a great time to explore the outdoors. When temperatures are fresh and crisp, it’s much easier to push yourself and cover larger distances. What’s more, you won’t have to concern yourself with the threat of sunburn.<br />
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It’s a good idea to invest in a lightweight waterproof jacket in case of any sudden downpours, but this can be rolled up and packed into you backpack, should you become too hot (Brantano stock some <a href="http://www.brantano.co.uk/mountain-peak" target="_blank">Mountain Peak</a> items that are pretty reasonable).<br />
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On, chillier days, it can be the tendency to wrap up in heavy layers to keep warm. This may be a good idea at first, but as you pick up the pace your body temperature will soar and you’ll quickly start to feel hot and sweaty. A much better idea is to wear a base layer beneath your clothes, which traps an insulating layer of air against your skin. These are usually worn by athletes, but they’re perfect for walking in cool conditions.<br />
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<b>Events</b><br />
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Walking is so popular at this time of the year that there are lots of great festivals taking place throughout the country. The Enchanted Forest Festival is a light and sound show based in Faskally Wood, which makes for a magical and interesting evening event. The wood lies just outside the popular tourist town of Pitlochry, which is itself considered a centre for hillwalking in Scotland.<br />
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You can find more information about the Enchanted Forest, including dates for the 2014 event, at the <a href="http://www.enchantedforest.org.uk/about-us/about" target="_blank">official website</a>.<br />
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<b>Routes</b><br />
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Some locations in the UK just cry out for walking during the winter/autumn months. Areas like the Lake District and the New Forest experience the biggest transformations at this time of year and make for wonderful walking. A top spot is Mortimer Forest in Shropshire, which boasts fantastic routes through the woodland and stunning views of the Malvern Mountains and the Cotswolds.<br />
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<b>Wildlife</b><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dd_eZ1HE6r4/UHvFMwTyXOI/AAAAAAAAAzU/vdMuu4LPXJk/s1600/red_deer_stag_946x484.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dd_eZ1HE6r4/UHvFMwTyXOI/AAAAAAAAAzU/vdMuu4LPXJk/s1600/red_deer_stag_946x484.jpg" height="163" width="320" /></a>Autumn is a unique time to spot wildlife, as many animals prepare for hibernation and large flocks of birds leave the country to head for sunnier climes. If you’re heading to a deer park, this is the time of year when stags develop antlers, which can make for a majestic sight against the backdrop of an autumn landscape.<br />
If you’re heading to a coastal location, keep an eye out for large flocks of geese arriving from Arctic breeding grounds to spend the winter in the UK.<br />
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For more great ideas and outdoor activities to do during autumn, take a look at this guide from <a href="http://www.wildlifewatch.org.uk/explore-wildlife/season/autumn" target="_blank">Wildlife Watch</a>.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10114719274337710319noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5156738762996381209.post-86465900249532065172013-12-01T10:32:00.000+00:002014-07-16T12:47:34.655+01:00Podcast Edition 018 - Show Notes<br />
<div class="ab-player" data-boourl="https://audioboo.fm/boos/1769232-edition-018-walking-along-the-caledonian-canal-100-years-of-hf-holidays-and-jim-dixon-on-the-peak-district-national-park/embed?eid=AQAAAI9fnFIQ_xoA">
<a href="https://audioboo.fm/boos/1769232-edition-018-walking-along-the-caledonian-canal-100-years-of-hf-holidays-and-jim-dixon-on-the-peak-district-national-park">listen to ‘Edition 018 - Walking along the Caledonian Canal, 100 years of HF Holidays and Jim Dixon on the Peak District National Park’ on Audioboo</a><br />
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<script type="text/javascript">(function() { var po = document.createElement("script"); po.type = "text/javascript"; po.async = true; po.src = "https://d15mj6e6qmt1na.cloudfront.net/assets/embed.js"; var s = document.getElementsByTagName("script")[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(po, s); })();</script>
Edition 18 of the <b>Walks Around Britain</b> features the great <b>walking along the Caledonian Canal</b> in Scotland; we talk to <b>Steve Backhouse</b> about the <b>centenary of HF Holidays</b> and the<b> Chief Executive of the Peak District National Park Jim Dixon</b> talks about the Monsal Trail and the challenges for the park in the future.<br />
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Presented by Andrew White - <a href="http://www.twitter.com/AndrewRWhite" target="_blank">@AndrewRWhite</a><br />
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<b><u>Walking along the Caledonian Canal</u></b><br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_98BHA8TqMc/UvTexyfkhRI/AAAAAAAABzU/UEOQ7fQgyVA/s1600/DSC_1351.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_98BHA8TqMc/UvTexyfkhRI/AAAAAAAABzU/UEOQ7fQgyVA/s1600/DSC_1351.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a><b><br /></b>
In May 2013, the Walks Around Britain team spent a week filming some video <b>Scottish Waterways Trust</b>. Ahead of all the videos being completed, Andrew discovers more about the history of the canal and the area of the Great Glen from the Scottish Waterways Trust's Heritage Office for the Caledonian Canal, Stephen Wiseman.<br />
walks along the majestic Caledonian Canal in Scotland, in association with the <br />
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Here's the first walk completed from the series...<br />
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To find out more, visit the <a href="http://www.scottishwaterwaystrust.co.uk/" target="_blank">Scottish Waterways Trust</a> website.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v4dUiwl_x1I/UpxbKhOQTuI/AAAAAAAABxk/wZPXwHYAfQY/s1600/Steve+Backhouse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v4dUiwl_x1I/UpxbKhOQTuI/AAAAAAAABxk/wZPXwHYAfQY/s320/Steve+Backhouse.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a><br />
<b><u>100 years of HF Holidays</u></b><br />
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2013 saw the centenary of the walking and activity holiday provider <b>HF Holidays</b>. Andrew chatted to <b>Steve Backhouse </b>(right), the company's Head of Holidays (what a title!) about the history and the future of HF Holidays.<br />
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For more details about HF Holidays, visit their website - <a href="http://www.hfholidays.co.uk/">www.hfholidays.co.uk</a>.<br />
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<b><u>Jim Dixon and the Peak District National Park</u></b><br />
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Andrew travelled to Buxton to talk to the <b>Chief Executive of the Peak District National Park, Jim Dixon </b>(left), outside the headquarters on the authority. Jim talks about the history of the park, the successful <b>Monsal Trail</b> and the challenges facing the National Park in the future.<br />
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If you'd like to sample some of the Monsal Trail, you can see what it is like on our video walk. Andrew walked from Hassop Station with local born skier <a href="https://twitter.com/elliekoyander" target="_blank">Ellie Koyander</a>.<br />
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That's another podcast finished - we do hope you are enjoying them, Remember you can also find them on <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/gb/podcast/walks-around-britains-boos/id446483450" target="_blank">iTunes</a>, on <a href="http://www.audioboo.fm/walksbritain" target="_blank">AudioBoo</a>, on our <a href="http://www.youtube.com/walksaroundbritain" target="_blank">YouTube channel</a> and on <a href="http://www.walksaroundbritain.co.uk/" target="_blank">our website</a>.<br />
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Please let us know what you think about our podcasts - what do you like, and what would you like to hear? Leave us a comment below, or send us a voice message on our blog.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10114719274337710319noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5156738762996381209.post-195584883441000852013-11-23T09:20:00.000+00:002013-11-23T23:53:11.150+00:00Book Review – Lakeland Fellranger : The Far Eastern Fells by Mark Richards<br />
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With the gorgeous Upper Kentmere Valley inviting you on the front cover, you know there’s <b>something special about this book</b>. The 332 pages also tell you this isn't a book done by halves. Then you spot who it is written by – and you know you’re in for a good read. And I mean that from the point of view that <b>Mark Richards' text has a poetic flow to it </b>which almost demands to be given more time to. Many walking guide books only really work when you are using them on the fell – this works as well when you’re sitting at home using it to plan your next journey. And that’s rare. To highlight this is the inclusion of a fabric page marker – you don’t get that in a standard walking guide book. <b>This is a book intended to be read.</b><br />
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This book is the combination of an odyssey which began in 1989 when Mark Richards was still living in his native Oxfordshire. <b>Inspired by the great Alfred Wainwright </b>to jump into writing, Mark launched himself into being a full-time preparer of walking guides – at the age of 40. Strange, as in 2014 I turn that age too… Is there something about that age…?<br />
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Anyway, as I mentioned, this book is the <b>last in a series of eight books </b>dedicated to walking the fells of the Lake District – with each of the eight books focusing on a different area. After 14 <b>years, Mark has walked the 227 fells </b>mentioned in those books many times in all weathers and seasons – the result is a most complete set of walking guides for the Lakeland area, if you are lucky enough to possess all eight.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-C4M-Xfz6G8A/UpBn3q3-6jI/AAAAAAAABvc/DMqg6jnOubc/s1600/RICHAR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-C4M-Xfz6G8A/UpBn3q3-6jI/AAAAAAAABvc/DMqg6jnOubc/s1600/RICHAR.jpg" /></a><br />
Now here’s where I have to tackle the inevitable comparisons to Wainwright. Firstly, is seems wrong to call Mark “Richards” in the same way as we all use “Wainwright” so I’ll use MR and AW. Ok. MR has eight books in his series, whereas AW had seven (MR includes the Mid-Western Fells in a separate volume). AW’s list of fells total the famous number of 214, whereas MR’s total 227 as I’ve mentioned. It took MR 14 years to complete the eight books and Wainwright took 14 years to write his seven.<br />
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There are similarities too. Like AW, MR – oh that’s enough, <b>Mark – is quite the master at pen and ink drawings</b>, and the products of this talent are liberally used throughout the book – both as pictorial guides to the different routes up fells, and as piece of art in their own right. In this age of iPads and digital imagery, <b>it’s so pleasing to see good traditional ways of illustrating in a major guide book</b>.<br />
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The photos are from the author too – and <b>this gives you a greater sense of trust in the words</b>. Here, you know that Mark has actually done these walks he is suggesting – a fact you can’t really be sure of if the photos are credited to a stock photographic library. The photos might not be the atmospheric “I've wild camped for 3 days on this spot to get this moody sunrise” types of shots, but I can tell you I’d be proud to call any of them my own. Especially Castle Crag on page 142 – which actually does qualify as a moody Lake District shot…<br />
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<b>Great attention has been place in the design too</b>. The aforementioned line drawings and photographs are well spaced out, and indeed there isn't a page which doesn't contain a photo, a line drawing or a map. And of the maps, there are two notable points. Firstly, they are the Harvey versions – which provide a welcome change of style to the omni-present Ordnance Survey ones. Secondly, the maps aren't constrained within boxes here, <b>they are allowed to flow out and live on the page</b>. So much so, the maps often take over a full page – and on my favourite pages (102-103), the map almost covers the whole double page spread. (yes I have favourite pages… The panoramas are also well-made and very useful – laying out on a double page spread what exactly you can see from the summit of each fell.<br />
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So onto the routes and the descriptions thereof. Well, here is Mark’s triumph with this book. The words really describe in great detail what, where, how you can achieve your goal for reaching the summit of the fells. To prepare this review, I followed Mark’s descriptions to 3 different fells, <b>and found the detail to be astonishing</b> – with a clever balance between direction and information. I would never advocate anyone to go out walking in the Lake District without a map – but if my map was taken away from me, <b>I’d want this book instead</b>. And Mark describes alternative routes to each of the summits – where possible – giving you additional walks in the future by taking the many different variations.<br />
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This book completes the eight-volume series. So, is it possible to suggest the unthinkable? <b>Could this body of work become the definitive Lake District multi-volume walking guide? </b> Can the student topple his mentor? Well, certainly, if a series of this quality and standing had been written about the Peak District say, it would easily be classed as the walking guide for the Peak. The problem in the Lakes is that AW has got there before anyone else – and that makes it so tricky for anyone else to make their mark (a pun worthy of MR himself there)…<br />
<br />
But – and I’m possibly going to lose some friends here – <b>I think Mark’s have the edge</b>. Sure I enjoy reading AW’s guides and I respect and revere his writing and description – but Mark has the benefit of being around now. He has the benefit also of the sum total of all the knowledge assembled since AW’s time too. His guides are easier-to-read but still have an immaculate turn of phrase – which are modern and current. And phrases will stick in your memory – just like with AW’s books. <b>It all leads me to prefer Mark’s books to AW’s…</b><br />
<br />
Whether people will be doing the “Richards”, I’m not sure. Again, perhaps if the series had been about a different area – yes. But the “Wainwrights” are such a part of British walking culture now, it’s difficult to see that ever changing. What will change, though, is <b>people will be quoting from Mark’s books in years to come </b>as readily as they do now from AW’s…<br />
<br />
You mark my words… (I did it again)<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: red;"> Lakeland Fellranger : The Far Eastern Fells by Mark Richards</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
published by Cicerone, priced £14.99</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Walks Around Britain rating <span style="font-size: large;">9/10</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Order it now online from <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1852845473?ie=UTF8&camp=3194&creative=21330&creativeASIN=1852845473&linkCode=shr&tag=walkaroubrit-21&qid=1385163463&sr=8-1&keywords=far+eastern+fells+mark+richards" target="_blank">Amazon here </a></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10114719274337710319noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5156738762996381209.post-49359758501583230502013-11-02T12:46:00.000+00:002014-07-16T12:51:02.401+01:00Podcast Edition 017 - Show Notes<br />
<div class="ab-player" data-boourl="https://audioboo.fm/boos/1701101-edition-017-the-ramblers-kate-ashbrook-dave-mycroft-gareth-jones-peak-district-and-chris-townsend-on-long-distance-trails/embed/v2?eid=AQAAAN5bxlPt9BkA" data-boowidth="100%" data-iframestyle="background-color:transparent; display:block; box-shadow:0 0 1px 1px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.15); min-width:349px; max-width:700px;" data-maxheight="150" style="background-color: transparent;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://audioboo.fm/boos/1701101-edition-017-the-ramblers-kate-ashbrook-dave-mycroft-gareth-jones-peak-district-and-chris-townsend-on-long-distance-trails">listen to ‘Edition 017 - The Ramblers' Kate Ashbrook, Dave Mycroft & Gareth Jones' Peak District and Chris Townsend on long-distance trails’ on Audioboo</a></div>
<br />
Edition 17 of the Walks Around Britain podcast features <b>Kate Ashbrook</b> - the president of the <b>Ramblers</b>' on their latest campaign; <b>Dave Mycroft</b> and <b>Gareth Jones</b> talk about <b>walks in the Peak District</b> and <b>Chris Townsend</b> ventures further afield on his <b>long-distance walks</b>.<br />
<br />
Presented by Andrew White - <a href="http://www.twitter.com/AndrewRWhite" target="_blank">@AndrewRWhite</a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://i1.sndcdn.com/artworks-000060450284-lzuv8e-t500x500.jpg?e76cf77" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://i1.sndcdn.com/artworks-000060450284-lzuv8e-t500x500.jpg?e76cf77" width="200" /></a><br />
<b><u>Kate Ashbrook and The Rambler's "Go All Out" campaign</u></b><br />
<br />
The president of The Ramblers' Kate Ashbrook talks to Andrew at the launch in Edale of the groups' latest campaign "Go All Out" - which is designed to start a conversation about what walkers would from The Ramblers' - whether they are members or not.<br />
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For can find out more on <a href="http://www.ramblers.org.uk/what-we-do/go-all-out.aspx" target="_blank">The Ramblers website here.</a><br />
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<br />
<b><u>Dave Mycroft and Gareth Jones on Peak District walks</u></b><br />
<br />
Long time friends of Walks Around Britain, Dave Mycroft - the editor of <a href="http://www.myoutdoors.co.uk/" target="_blank">My Outdoors</a> - and Gareth Jones - serious hillwalker - join Andrew to talk about the Peak District. Which are their favourite bits and where is their favourite walk?<br />
<br />
Perhaps one of them will mention <b>Coombs Dale</b> - where the pair walked for a Walks Around Britain video walk with Andrew...<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/s7QCb8EWRz8?rel=0" width="560"></iframe>
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<b><u>Chris Townsend on long-distance trails</u></b><br />
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Chris Townsend is possibly the world's most prolific long-distance walker and the author of some 19 books about the outdoors, and he joins Andrew from his home in the Cairngorms. If you'd like more information about Chris' writing and future long-distance walks, <a href="http://www.christownsendoutdoors.com/" target="_blank">visit his website</a> and follow him on <a href="https://twitter.com/townsendoutdoor" target="_blank">Twitter</a>.<br />
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<br />
That's another podcast finished - we do hope you are enjoying them, Remember you can also find them on <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/gb/podcast/walks-around-britains-boos/id446483450" target="_blank">iTunes</a>, on <a href="http://www.audioboo.fm/walksbritain" target="_blank">AudioBoo</a>, on our <a href="http://www.youtube.com/walksaroundbritain" target="_blank">YouTube channel</a> and on <a href="http://www.walksaroundbritain.co.uk/" target="_blank">our website</a>.<br />
<br />
Please let us know what you think about our podcasts - what do you like, and what would you like to hear? Leave us a comment below, or send us a <a href="https://twitter.com/WalksBritain" target="_blank">tweet</a>.</div>
<script type="text/javascript">(function() { var po = document.createElement("script"); po.type = "text/javascript"; po.async = true; po.src = "https://d15mj6e6qmt1na.cloudfront.net/cdn/embed.js"; var s = document.getElementsByTagName("script")[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(po, s); })();</script>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10114719274337710319noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5156738762996381209.post-26653310035928042952013-09-23T08:07:00.001+01:002013-09-23T08:07:11.482+01:00Tips for walking in warm weather<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ph4-3_IQi2w/Uj9wkPKc6cI/AAAAAAAABsE/ilNU7oOwdLY/s1600/Millet+Sports+-+www+walksaroundbritain+blogspot+co+uk+-+Tips+for+walking+in+warm+weather+pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ph4-3_IQi2w/Uj9wkPKc6cI/AAAAAAAABsE/ilNU7oOwdLY/s400/Millet+Sports+-+www+walksaroundbritain+blogspot+co+uk+-+Tips+for+walking+in+warm+weather+pic.jpg" width="266" /></a><br />
<br />
A glorious summer’s day is the perfect time to head out into the countryside and enjoy a walk. However, a <br />
lot of people make the mistake of failing to prepare for the hot weather. Here are some crucial tips to avoid any walking mishaps…<br />
<br />
<u>Protect against the sun</u><br />
With Britain experiencing record high temperatures, protecting yourself against the sun’s rays has never been more important. Be sure to use a sun lotion with a high SPF and apply it at least half an hour before heading out. It is not enough to just apply the cream once so remember to reapply at least every two hours or whenever you feel necessary. Wear a hat to protect your head from the sun and reduce the risk of suffering from sunstroke. Sunglasses will protect your eyes from the sun’s rays and make it easier to read maps in bright light too.<br />
<br />
<u>Layer up</u><br />
The British weather is renowned for being unpredictable and ever-changing so choose an outfit that will protect against all weather conditions. Choose lightweight, breathable fabrics and layer them up. The layers will be useful if the weather turns colder and you can always remove a layer if you are too hot.<br />
<br />
<u>Appropriate footwear</u><br />
We all know the importance of wearing the appropriate <a href="http://www.milletsports.co.uk/more-sports/outdoor/Walking-and-hiking/" target="_blank">shoes</a> whilst out walking. The comfort and support of a walking boot is essential to the enjoyment of any walk. However, on a hot day another factor comes into play – keeping your feet cool. Select a boot that is made from breathable material to ensure that your feet don't overheat and remain dry. A decent range of affordable, breathable walking boots are available at <a href="http://www.milletsports.co.uk/" target="_blank">Millet Sports</a>.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Wx5z6FAPd7g/TzZjxjAaOtI/AAAAAAAAAWw/rQduh0eAekk/s1600/Hiking.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Wx5z6FAPd7g/TzZjxjAaOtI/AAAAAAAAAWw/rQduh0eAekk/s320/Hiking.jpg" width="320" /></a><u>Keep hydrated</u><br />
Whilst walking in warm weather, a large amount of water is lost from the body through sweat. It is important to keep hydrated in order to replenish the water lost to avoid feeling ill. Before you set off on your walk, freeze a bottle of water. ice will slowly melt providing you with a refreshing, ice cold drink.<br />
<br />
<u>Pack a snack</u><br />
Long walks in the sun can be physically demanding on the body. Keep your energy supplies up by packing <br />
yourself a range of snacks. A banana would be a good choice as it is a form of slow release energy. Likewise, pack oat-based nutrition bars as these are high in carbohydrates which will provide your body with a wealth of energy to keep you walking all day.<br />
<br />
<u>Pace yourself</u><br />
The heat of the sun will leave you feeling tired more quickly than you normally would. Combat this by pacing yourself. Walk at a manageable pace and don't push yourself too hard. Try to walk in shady spots, underneath wooded areas as these will be cooler and allow you to walk longer.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10114719274337710319noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5156738762996381209.post-3732240025721486052013-07-24T13:15:00.001+01:002013-07-24T13:15:54.676+01:00Book Review - Cardigan Bay North: Circular walks along the Wales Coast PathHaving already dispelled my original pre-conceptions of reasonably-priced pocket walking books, the next in the <b>Top 10 Walks series from Northern Eye Books</b> is most welcome dropping on the doormat.<br />
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<br />
“If it ain't broke, don't fix it” is that well-worn adage, and it is certainly true with the format of this books. Bright and colourful, with a good number of excellent photographs and a modern, airy feel to the design is what the<b> Top 10 Walks series is all about</b>. Have a look at my review of <a href="http://walksaroundbritain.blogspot.co.uk/2012/11/book-review-pub-walks-walks-to-cumbrias.html" target="_blank">Pub Walks: Walks to Cumbria's Best Pubs</a>.<br />
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This book is part of a growing sub-series focused on circular walks along different parts of the <b>Wales Coast Path</b>. The Path opened in May 2012 – here’s our podcast with a feature about the opening – and stretches 870 miles from the <b>outskirts of Chester</b> in the north to <b>Chepstow</b> in the south. Great play was made in the path’s first year of Wales being <b>“the only country in the world with a path around its entire coast”</b> – and indeed this book mentions this too. The PR guys at the time seemingly forgot about the <b>Isle of Man</b> having the <b>Raad ny Foillan coast path since 1986</b>… I’ll forgive the book including this line, as it was generally used at the time, but it’s interesting to note the official PR line now is <b>“the longest continuous coastal path around a country.”</b> – which is perfectly true.<br />
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This particular book is focused on the <b>north part of Cardigan Bay </b>and feature 10 walks which include a section along the <b>Wales Coast Path</b> and then via off to take in a special place, and then return back to the start. Who better to choose 10 top walks in the area than <b>Sioned Bannister</b>. Sioned hails from these parts, and has picked a collection of varied and interesting walks from the coast path, from <b>Porthmadog in the north</b> of the area to<b> Borth in the south</b>.<br />
<br />
All of the walks have a shout to be included in the book, but I have a couple of particular favourites. <br />
<br />
First is the Porthmadog route to summit of the hill which dominates the port – <b>Moel-y-Gest</b>. Porthmadog is very familiar to me as it was one of the places we used to visit on the annual family holiday to North Wales when I was a child. It’s also a place to go now as a mid point of two spectacular narrow gauge steam railways – so there’s lots of reasons to visit. From the summit, the walk <b>offers a fantastic view of the port of Porthmadog</b> – named after William Alexander Madocks and his attempt to command the route between the newly joined capital cities of London and Dublin in the early 1800s.<br />
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<br />
The second of my favourite walks in the book is actually from Porthmadog again… but this time to the <b>Italianate village of Portmeirion</b>, the brainchild of Welsh architect Clough Williams-Ellis.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful images are liberally sprinkled throughout the book.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
My last favourite from the book is the walk from Borth and along the Cardigan Bay part of the coast path and back into farmland for a contrast. This is particular of interest as at low tide the remains of an ancient submerged forest is revealed. This is from the ancient kingdom known locally as <b>Cantre’r Gwaelod</b> – which some of your “Coast” fanatics will remember for the 4th programme of the very first series.<br />
<br />
10 walks in a bright, colourful and detailed book – complete <b>with proper OS mapping</b> which means you don't really need a separate map – all for £4.99. <b>It’s a real bargain</b>, and although you can buy apps for your smartphone for less, they don't really have the detailed route descriptions or the beautiful photography this book does.<br />
<br />
If you're in the market for 10 short walks in the Cardigan Bay area,<b> then this is the book for you</b>.<br />
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<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: red;">Cardigan Bay North: Circular walks along the Wales Coast Path by Sioned Bannister</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
published by Northern Eye Books.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Walks Around Britain rating <span style="font-size: large;">9/10</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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Order it now online from <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1908632135?ie=UTF8&camp=3194&creative=21330&creativeASIN=1908632135&linkCode=shr&tag=walkaroubrit-21" target="_blank">Amazon here</a> or from the <a href="http://www.top10walks.co.uk/product/wales-coast-path-cardigan-bay-north/" target="_blank">Northern Eye website</a> here.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10114719274337710319noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5156738762996381209.post-77223108671626397962013-07-15T10:54:00.001+01:002013-07-15T10:54:10.215+01:00A guide to buying walking bootsAs well as being a rewarding and enjoyable hobby, walking is a fantastic form of exercise. It allows you to set your own pace and build up your fitness and stamina over time, often in beautiful surroundings. To find out more about how beneficial walking is for your health, and to get some great advice on building your general fitness by walking and hiking, take a look at this <a href="http://www.goodhiker.com/2011/05/25/health-benefits-hiking/" target="_blank">handy guide</a>.<br />
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Like all forms of exercise, walking and rambling is going to put pressure on the different parts of the body, particularly your feet and lower legs muscles. That’s why it’s of the utmost importance that you take your time when you’re choosing walking boots, to ensure that you're wearing something that’s suitable for walking long distances or over difficult terrain.<br />
<br />
Here's a few things you should be looking for in a pair of walking boots to ensure that you stay safe, healthy and comfortable on your walking adventures.<br />
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<br />
<b><u>Support and Protection</u></b><br />
<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iAt-7o1Chzc/UYpYneTjIDI/AAAAAAAABdI/M7jc5qYKaco/s1600/IMG_0227.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iAt-7o1Chzc/UYpYneTjIDI/AAAAAAAABdI/M7jc5qYKaco/s320/IMG_0227.JPG" width="320" /></a>Walking can take you on all sorts of surfaces and terrain, which naturally puts more strain on your feet than walking on surfaces like concrete or asphalt. It’s because of this difficult terrain that your everyday shoes and trainers just aren't suitable.<br />
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When choosing boots, your buzzword should be 'support'. After all, the reason you're wearing walking boots is to support and protect your feet. Look for a design that’s high enough to support your ankle, as well as one that incorporates a protective rubber toe and heel-cap. When you're walking, your heel takes the brunt of each step you make; having sufficient padding in the heel area is important for reducing the risk of injury.<br />
<br />
The best walking boots use foam in their design for added support, so pay attention to product descriptions when you're buying boots, to see if they have this essential feature.<br />
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<b><u>Material</u></b><br />
<b><u><br /></u></b>
As you're walking, friction and the heat released by your muscles can cause the temperature inside your walking boots to quickly build up. You should choose boots that are made using materials like split suede leather, which prevent an excessive build-up of heat, and are waterproof.<br />
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Again, you should pay close attention to product descriptions and particularly look for boots that boast 'thermoregulation' technology; a feature that allows heat to escape.<br />
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<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-slE-jF0iP5Y/UYpZaQvl1GI/AAAAAAAABdw/HUQwVEihEPE/s1600/IMG_0232.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-slE-jF0iP5Y/UYpZaQvl1GI/AAAAAAAABdw/HUQwVEihEPE/s200/IMG_0232.JPG" width="200" /></a><b><u>Grip</u></b><br />
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You are reliant on your boots to provide adequate grip to the surface you're walking on. Opt for a boot design with a treaded sole, made from an adhesive material like rubber or EVA, for optimum grip. You should avoid designs with plastic or PVC soles, which are will be unstable when you're walking.<br />
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<b><u>Weight</u></b><br />
<br />
Obviously, a pair of walking boots aren't going to be the lightest footwear that you own. However, you should do your best to look for boots that boast a lightweight design. Having boots that are heavy and cumbersome will reduce your walking capabilities and the distance you can cover.<br />
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Use this guide as much as possible when you're choosing your walking boots, to ensure that you select a product that’s suitable for your chosen pursuit. <a href="http://www.milletsports.co.uk/" target="_blank">Millet Sports</a> have a decent range of walking boots and hiking shoes, which includes all of the big brands like Merrel, Brasher and Salamon.<br />
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Remember to check the product descriptions of boots to ensure that the features you are looking for have been incorporated into the design. If you do this, you shouldn't go far wrong with your choice.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10114719274337710319noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5156738762996381209.post-59200915168919801922013-07-03T10:20:00.000+01:002013-07-05T16:03:09.865+01:00Top 5 Walks on the Isle of WightIf you're looking for walking holiday destination with downland walks boasting views over rolling countryside, coastal rambles along wild primeval beaches, wetland estuaries full of wildfowl and woodlands bursting lush greenery and wildlife, then look no further than the <b>Isle of Wight</b>.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KESSN-RKM2Q/UdPFhOXlZyI/AAAAAAAABj0/rhDIf_oECXs/s783/Brighstone+Down.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="427" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KESSN-RKM2Q/UdPFhOXlZyI/AAAAAAAABj0/rhDIf_oECXs/s640/Brighstone+Down.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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With over half of the Island designated AONB (Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty) and 500 miles of well-maintained and signposted footpaths, the Isle of Wight hosts <b>two Walking Festivals each year</b>, with specially designed walks to help you become acquainted with this 23 mile by 13 mile diamond-shaped gem <b>only two hours away from London</b>.<br />
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With so many different walks and trails to explore whilst visiting the Isle of Wight, here’s a shortlist of five of the best.<br />
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<u><b>The Coastal Path</b></u><br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cufj-s2QAYk/UdLXxMwgekI/AAAAAAAABjc/s0qG2hoGpvk/s579/Tennyson+Down.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cufj-s2QAYk/UdLXxMwgekI/AAAAAAAABjc/s0qG2hoGpvk/s400/Tennyson+Down.png" width="258" /></a><br />
This is a great way to see the Isle of Wight and it <b>covers a total of 67 miles</b>, most of them along the cliff tops or clinging to the coast, although in places it has to detour inland – especially over the north-east coast to avoid the multi-tributaried Newtown Creek. The whole coastal path can be <b>walked in around 24 hours</b> or you could split it into around six manageable daily walks of between eight and 14 miles. And if you have kids and/or are intrigued by the Island's Jurassic past, then there's a new 'Dino Trail' along the southern coats that is well worth a visit. Special 'rocks' have been sited along the coastline from <b>Yaverland to the Needles that have QR codes</b> within them for you to download an app to your smartphone. Once downloaded the app will provide information on the Island’s Jurassic heritage and will also insert a lifelike life-size dinosaur into photographs you take at each location. There's a d<b>ifferent dinosaur at each of the seven rocks</b> and they are representations of the real dinosaurs that have been found here and roamed this stretch of coastline between <b>200 and 145 million years ago</b>.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i_6C-CxFss8/UdLXdGI5CjI/AAAAAAAABjU/C8a2O-d4K4Y/s887/River+Yar.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="201" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i_6C-CxFss8/UdLXdGI5CjI/AAAAAAAABjU/C8a2O-d4K4Y/s320/River+Yar.png" width="320" /></a><b><u>The Ridge Walk</u></b><br />
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A chalk ridge runs through the centre of the Island from <b>Culver in the east to the Needles in the west</b>, cut only by river valleys. One of the best walks on the Island is along the crest of this ridge and it is the route for the annual <b>Walk the Wight</b> to raise money for the local hospice. Starting point at Bembridge Airport and the walk runs to the tip of the downs in the west, just before the Needles rock formations.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xeg6j1i1XBA/UdPFP7ytGHI/AAAAAAAABjs/oFsHWPHros8/s884/Compton+Down.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="209" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xeg6j1i1XBA/UdPFP7ytGHI/AAAAAAAABjs/oFsHWPHros8/s320/Compton+Down.png" width="320" /></a><br />
<b><u>The Stenbury Trail</u></b><br />
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Another stunning walk across the Isle of Wight is the <b>Stenbury Trail from Ventnor to Newport,</b> taking in Stenbury and Appuldurcombe Downs, with far reaching views to across the Island and then dipping down into Godshill, the edge of the Arreton valley and along the Medina river into Newport.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WL8vAyE1ykU/UdLW74dTHeI/AAAAAAAABjM/1DoKB0PA7wc/s880/Newtown+estuary.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="199" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WL8vAyE1ykU/UdLW74dTHeI/AAAAAAAABjM/1DoKB0PA7wc/s320/Newtown+estuary.png" width="320" /></a><br />
<b><u>The Hamstead Trail</u></b><br />
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Perhaps you might like to cross the beautiful western side of the Island from the north to south coast, on the Hamstead Trail. You set off from the coast between <b>Yarmouth and Newtown</b>, passing salt marshes and over downland to finish at the jurassic Brook beach with its fossilised forest and dinosaur footprints. <br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jRyzwo_1NWE/UdLWJy5MAlI/AAAAAAAABjA/3Ehrjyblkh0/s875/Inland+streams.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="263" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jRyzwo_1NWE/UdLWJy5MAlI/AAAAAAAABjA/3Ehrjyblkh0/s400/Inland+streams.png" width="400" /></a><br />
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<b><u>Shepherd's Trail</u></b><br />
Shepherds Trail is a superb walk from <b>Carisbrooke Priory</b>, up and down the chalk downland that at this point stretches further south than at other places, and finishing at <b>Shepherd's Chine at Atherfield</b>. A wild pebbled beach with rocky outcrops and a dangerous undertow, but superb for able swimmers.<br />
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There are <a href="http://www.redfunnel.co.uk/places-to-stay/" target="_blank">plenty of amazing places to stay</a> when visiting the Island and great pit stops to re-fuel whilst out walking too – to find out more checkout <a href="http://myisleofwight.com/" target="_blank">myisleofwight.com</a>. And <b>getting to the Isle of Wight couldn't be easier</b>, with <a href="http://www.redfunnel.co.uk/" target="_blank">Red Funnel Ferries</a> running up to <b>49 ferry crossings daily from Southampton to Cowes</b>.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10114719274337710319noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5156738762996381209.post-56963923242675523212013-06-06T14:29:00.000+01:002013-06-28T01:27:19.287+01:00You've heard of the Wainwrights and the Munros...For many people, part of the attraction of walking is the completion of a list of targets - with the most well-<br />
know being the <b>Wainwrights</b> and the <b>Munros</b>.<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ojc3Wc-51xc/UczYRxpB6dI/AAAAAAAABiw/Z4HF7MytwF8/s177/sir+hugh+munro.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ojc3Wc-51xc/UczYRxpB6dI/AAAAAAAABiw/Z4HF7MytwF8/s177/sir+hugh+munro.jpg" /></a><br />
The Wainwrights are a collection of 214 Lake District fells - or hills - which were included in the 7 books written and illustrated by Alfred Wainwright, and the Munros are named after Sir Hugh Munro (right), who produced the first list of mountains in Scotland with a height over 3,000 ft (914.4 m) in 1891.<br />
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But climbing to "bag" 282 Munros isn't everyone's cup of tea...<br />
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As a bit of a night owl, I'm often awake editing or writing when the early morning <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b006qfvv" target="_blank">Shipping Forecast</a> is broadcast on <b>BBC Radio 4</b>. Although it's primarily designed to provide valuable long distance weather information to sailors, it's found an increasing number of listeners from landlubbers whose only experience of high seas is on a ferry to Ireland or mainline Europe...<br />
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<a href="http://www.schoonersailblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/weather-ballon-launch-.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.schoonersailblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/weather-ballon-launch-.jpg" /></a>Part of the Shipping Forecast is the <b>"Forecast from Coastal Stations"</b> - these are <b>coastal stations and automatic weather logging stations</b> located across the British Isles and provides essential information about the weather at sea along the coast. The Coastal Stations forecasts are included in the extended Shipping Forecasts on BBC Radio 4 at<b> 00:48 and 05:20 local time each day</b>.<br />
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And this got me thinking... How about a new <b>walking tick list </b>based on the <b>"Forecast from Coastal Stations"</b>?<br />
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<a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/75/UK_shipping_forecast_zones.png/400px-UK_shipping_forecast_zones.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/75/UK_shipping_forecast_zones.png/400px-UK_shipping_forecast_zones.png" width="240" /></a></div>
How about <b>several walks of differing length going to each of the Coastal Stations</b> mentioned in the 00:48 forecast? As they are coastal, it would connect with the British love of the sea, but it could also make it a <b>fairly accessible tick list</b>. Although the list of people completing the Wainwrights and the Munros grows every month, it still is a very small amount of people compared to the large numbers who go walking because of the inherent nature of the those mountains. <br />
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Here could be a walking tick list which <b>many more people have a chance of achieving</b>. But it is still quite a challenge... Two, for instance, are in the<b> Republic of Ireland</b>, another two are on the islands of <b>Jersey and the Isle of Man</b> and a further two are located on on the <b>Hebrides</b>. This is not a tick list you could do in a few well-coordinated walks as with the Wainwrights! And to make it even more challenging, three of the Coastal Stations are actually light vessels moored in the English Channel! I'm not thinking people should swim to these, but they could be pointed to the nearest point on the coast to where those light vessels are.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PBa9oGR3xLU/UbCM1YaHdXI/AAAAAAAABiE/u0z0hbjF75I/s1600/landesend4142.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PBa9oGR3xLU/UbCM1YaHdXI/AAAAAAAABiE/u0z0hbjF75I/s320/landesend4142.jpg" width="320" /></a>So, I decided to develop this idea further and do some research. It turns out someone has had a similar idea, but they visited all of the Coastal Stations and wrote a book - they didn't try to create something for others to discover - but it proves the fascination with the Shipping Forecast and the coast. <br />
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I've already had input from the <b>Met Office</b> and I'm putting their suggestions in the mix. What I'm working <b>2 or 3 walks to each of the Coastal Stations</b> mentioned in the 00:48 broadcast. As I'd like this tick list to be the first in the British Isles to have an element of <b>digital involvement and social media from the start</b>, I'm working with the team at <a href="http://www.shareyouradventure.co.uk/" target="_blank">Social Hiking</a> to have the walking routes available via <b>GPS downloads</b> and to have some sort of a presence on their fantastic site. <br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eagwUtB_LzU/UbCN5uaROgI/AAAAAAAABiQ/t9frcAbPVNg/s1600/seascape0923.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eagwUtB_LzU/UbCN5uaROgI/AAAAAAAABiQ/t9frcAbPVNg/s320/seascape0923.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Each of the Coastal Station points will be <b>set by a GPS point too</b>, as some of the stations are not able to be accessed by public rights of way - and some are in the sea, as I mentioned. So, there will be a GPS point which will be "set" as the target end destination of each of the walks, and there will be detailed descriptions, photos and possibly videos detailing the routes and the end points on a website too. At a later point, if the tick list becomes popular, there could be interpretation boards and waymarkers on the ground - but let's not get ahead of ourselves...<br />
on at the moment is <br />
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So, there's a lot of work to be done, but having <b>already walked to places like Ronaldsway in the Isle of Man and Bridlington</b>, I think this walking tick list might become something people would like to do: a long term project to travel to some of the most scenic coastal spots across the British Isles. Although I'm not too sure about the nickname a friend has already given the project... you've heard of the <b>Wainwrights and the Munros, well he's called it the Whites</b>...<br />
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Hmmmm....<br />
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Please leave any comments or suggestions you might have below.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10114719274337710319noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5156738762996381209.post-84405824330553722482013-05-15T14:22:00.001+01:002013-07-03T13:23:35.606+01:00Television Review - Coast series 8<br />
Most welcome a new series of Coast is… but really, blink and you’d have missed it! In time gone by, a series of Coast would have 12 episodes, then down to 8 and now we have to make do with 6. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rg4MUvS2ZUM/UZNH8IvpP_I/AAAAAAAABhc/i4z2jVx23Kc/s1600/04-12+Nick+Crane+Isle+of+Wight+Needles+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rg4MUvS2ZUM/UZNH8IvpP_I/AAAAAAAABhc/i4z2jVx23Kc/s640/04-12+Nick+Crane+Isle+of+Wight+Needles+1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nick Crane on the Isle of Wight overlooking The Needles</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Still, these are 6 episodes of top quality. Top quality stories hosted by top quality presenters produced by top quality film-makers. Sea cliffs, rivers and seas, workers on the coast are all classic Coast stories.<br />
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In the past, Coast has been a journey around the sea’s edge in a particular neck of the woods, but this eighth series following on from the “themed” style of the seventh… and it works just a well as it did in that previous series. After all, there’s only so many times you can go past the White Cliffs of Dover and talk about them in isolation… but make the episode about Sea Cliffs and suddenly you can link those same cliffs with stories from around the British Isles.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U8EXwvYwWNA/UZNIRvULM3I/AAAAAAAABh0/w-4NFdORJmY/s1600/06-17+Neil+Oliver+at+Clydebank.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U8EXwvYwWNA/UZNIRvULM3I/AAAAAAAABh0/w-4NFdORJmY/s320/06-17+Neil+Oliver+at+Clydebank.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> Neil Oliver at Clydebank</td></tr>
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Don’t be listening out for the dulcet tones of a long-haired Scottish historian in every episode this series. Out of the original line up of Coast experts, only Nicholas Crane remains throughout the series… but that’s one of the brilliant strengths about the series. It never was “Coast with Nicholas Crane”, because if it was, it probably wouldn’t have carried on after the second series when Nick moved onto to other projects to leave Neil Oliver as the main presenter… and again when Neil moved on and Nick returned as the front guy. The changing of the experts brings a new, fresh feel to the series in much the way a newly regenerated Doctor brings to my other passion, Doctor Who. The new experts have a different take on the stories, allowing them to develop in a totally bold way.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-y9c4qsDGxjg/UZNHtRDjM-I/AAAAAAAABg0/6QaPVkOdpQ8/s1600/01-07+IMG_1254_2+Tessa+Dunlop+at+Plymouth+Lido.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="312" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-y9c4qsDGxjg/UZNHtRDjM-I/AAAAAAAABg0/6QaPVkOdpQ8/s400/01-07+IMG_1254_2+Tessa+Dunlop+at+Plymouth+Lido.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tessa Dunlop at Plymouth Lido</td></tr>
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Of these new experts, two are really of note for me. The first is Tessa Dunlop, whose enthusiasm for the stories she tells is unbound. Tessa is also now on my list of people who I could officially listen to all day long, together with Kirsty Young and Radio 4 continuity announcer Zoe Diamond – I’d listen to them read the telephone directory… The second is the excellent South Yorkshireman Ian MacMillan – the man who shows his passion for the spoken as well as written word in all his segments. And perhaps now there’s a space on telly for a South Yorkshire-born walking expert too…<br />
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So it does beg the question why only 6 episodes? Well, there’s no doubt budgets across the BBC are being tightened, and it seems there possibly is only enough money from BBC Two for 6 programmes. And within that budget, everything else is going up too. Take transport for example; how much of Coast’s budget is taken in transporting crew, cast and equipment to the various locations? For my own experience with our Walks Around Britain video walks I know that’s a fair chunk. But another benefit of the “themed” style of Coast is it allows the same cast and crew to film two segments for different episodes back to back in a similar location. Again, something the team here know all too well! So Nick’s trip to the Isle of Wight makes it into both episodes 5 and 6 – with different stories of course.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oqJsg9bzp0o/UZNIKauAczI/AAAAAAAABhs/DytqWv1F2vs/s1600/06-14+Nick+Crane+at+top+of+Grimsby+Dock+Tower.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oqJsg9bzp0o/UZNIKauAczI/AAAAAAAABhs/DytqWv1F2vs/s320/06-14+Nick+Crane+at+top+of+Grimsby+Dock+Tower.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nick Crane at top of Grimsby Dock Tower</td></tr>
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It seems another drawback of the squeeze on budgets is the reduction in the number of computer generated imagery, or CGI. Traditionally one of the series’ signature points, there’s noticeably less of these sequences in the eighth series. Thankfully, the ones included are just as amazing as they always have been. As is the sumptuous aerial photography – another of Coast’s signature points.<br />
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There were quite a few highlights throughout the short series, but Ken Gollop hearing a recording of his father which he didn't know existed was perhaps my particular favourite, along with Nick’s perilous descent along the remarkable ropeway to get to the fishing grounds below. <br />
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The big question is just how does the production team manage to keep the programme of such high quality every series? Here’s looking forward to series nine…<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10114719274337710319noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5156738762996381209.post-23241687693271877112013-05-13T14:37:00.000+01:002013-05-14T14:15:49.357+01:00Gear Review - Hi-Tec Sierra Mid walking boots<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dbATavcNRtM/UYpZrMFVs-I/AAAAAAAABeA/6zGjWHO56II/s1600/IMG_0234.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dbATavcNRtM/UYpZrMFVs-I/AAAAAAAABeA/6zGjWHO56II/s400/IMG_0234.JPG" width="300" /></a><br />
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Being the editor of Walks Around Britain often means I’m surprised. <br />
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Surprised when walk I've started out on suddenly changes into another one – like the one through Coombs Dale; or when a famous person is revealed to be a dedicated walker; or the Hi-Tec Sierra Mid boot.<br />
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From first glance, you struggle to see how this this boots are going to be suitable for anything other than walking from the car to work in the middle of town.<br />
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But therein lies the surprise… and I’ll come to that side later.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZfuFbspEzbU/UYpYx9RnFKI/AAAAAAAABdQ/NVC3v6drrgo/s1600/IMG_0228.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZfuFbspEzbU/UYpYx9RnFKI/AAAAAAAABdQ/NVC3v6drrgo/s200/IMG_0228.JPG" width="200" /></a><br />
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Let’s have a look at the boots. They feature a leather high-top married to a Vibram sole. The ones we had are a black upper – which Hi Tec say is Dark Chocolate - with a cream sole, and this provides an attractive contrast between the two. <br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tr-X47NU1J4/UYpZLu5BeFI/AAAAAAAABdg/TA6jN3B0vc8/s1600/IMG_0230.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tr-X47NU1J4/UYpZLu5BeFI/AAAAAAAABdg/TA6jN3B0vc8/s200/IMG_0230.JPG" width="200" /></a><br />
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There’s the option of single and double eyelet lacing combinations, as well as a moisture-wicking lining to keep feet dry. Inside, there’s an ortholite sock liner will aims to provide long-lasting cushioning, plus anti-odour and anti-microbial properties. The Vibram rubber out sole provides extra flexibility, although don’t expect anything more than a more conventional foot bed here.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QekYucsRKmg/UYpYTBe4JQI/AAAAAAAABdA/UX762SK8fjU/s1600/IMG_0224.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QekYucsRKmg/UYpYTBe4JQI/AAAAAAAABdA/UX762SK8fjU/s320/IMG_0224.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
So, how are they?<br />
<br />
Well, I've been wearing these boots intermittently for the past 4 months, including several low-level walks and one – the Ladybower one from our website – in conditions which were best described as “extremely soggy underfoot”. And my verdict? Well, I like them. Firstly, they are very comfortable. I've been wearing them all day and I've found them to be really quite suitable both on a walk in the countryside and in the town afterwards. <br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iAt-7o1Chzc/UYpYneTjIDI/AAAAAAAABdI/M7jc5qYKaco/s1600/IMG_0227.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iAt-7o1Chzc/UYpYneTjIDI/AAAAAAAABdI/M7jc5qYKaco/s200/IMG_0227.JPG" width="200" /></a><br />
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The extended mountain boot-style ankle support does help provide much needed stability whilst out on the <br />
paths, and the soles, whilst not having the bouncy nature of some other boots do provide good cushioning.<br />
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Onto the sole, and the tread is more substantial than a trainer or conventional shoe, but less so than a dedicated mountain boot. As I said, I wore them out on the Labybower walk in quite soggy conditions and I felt safe and supported throughout – although I did feel slightly nervous as to how long my feet would remain dry for with the endless amount of unavoidable puddles along the way.<br />
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And that’s why I feel that kind of walk is probably the limit to which you should attempt with these. <a href="http://walksaroundbritain.co.uk/silverhowe.html">Silver Howe</a>, <a href="http://walksaroundbritain.co.uk/wansfellpike.html">Wansfell Pike</a> and the like with rocky outcrops and difficult paths should really be done with more substantial boots. That said, for what these are designed for, they are super. Keep them to town and country walking with woodland and low fell treks and you’ll be fine.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5IvXX1cvTuE/UYpYJoo3cSI/AAAAAAAABcw/k_IDzMaALFY/s1600/IMG_0225.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5IvXX1cvTuE/UYpYJoo3cSI/AAAAAAAABcw/k_IDzMaALFY/s200/IMG_0225.JPG" width="200" /></a><br />
The other point to note is because of the fashion styling, you don’t necessarily feel like you've just climbed another Wainwright when you wear them to go to Sainsburys. The build quality has provide durable after the in-depth wearing I've been doing with them. The one thing I’m not sure about it whether the side mounted mesh eyelets which are meant to help with breath-ability, actually do much. One of these has actually fallen off..<br />
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Perhaps they should be the first in a new category of boot – a travel boot. Equally at home on the low-fells, woodland walks and treading around our towns and cities, the other benefit of them is the weight – 800 gram isn't going to break any weight restrictions on travelling to places like the Isle of Man or Jersey. In fact, I could have done with them when I went to Jersey to walk… but that’s another story.<br />
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<br />
<b>What's Good</b><br />
<br />
Comfortable, easy-to-wear boots<br />
Low maintenance<br />
Extended ankle support<br />
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<b>What's Bad</b><br />
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Mesh eyelets may fall off over time<br />
There's a danger of being too bold with them and getting caught out.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red;"><b>Hi-Tec Sierra Mid walking boots</b></span> - Rough Price £50<br />
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<b>Walks Around Britain rating <span style="font-size: large;">8/10</span></b></div>
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For more information, visit the <a href="http://www.hi-tec.com/uk/mens-sierra-mid-dark-chocolate-stone.html">Hi-Tec website here</a>.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10114719274337710319noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5156738762996381209.post-57081393658950377692013-05-10T14:25:00.000+01:002013-05-10T14:28:45.893+01:00Top 5 Snacks to take on Walks<br />
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If, as Napoleon Bonaparte said, an army marches on its stomach, then us walkers certainly do too. But whilst it is easy to make sure you have a good breakfast, it’s harder to know what to pack in your backpack for snacks en route.<br />
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So here’s our Top 5 suggestions for snacks to pack to keep you going through the walk…<br />
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<b>Bananas</b><br />
Undoubtedly the best walking snack food known to man! Bananas are a fantastic source of slow-release energy, making them guaranteed to see you through the morning’s walking and well into the afternoon. Like other fruit, they are a great source of vitamin C – essential to help fight off any nasty bugs.<br />
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<b>Nuts</b><br />
A fruit which has become largely ignored, thanks to popular image of nuts being fattening. Well, if you eat a bag of salted nuts every day, they probably are – but as a snack food whilst walking, nuts are fantastic. They are a good source of protein and contain essential fatty acids – these are “good fats” which will give you a boost of nutritious energy.<br />
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<b>Oat-based Cereal Bars</b><br />
You've got to love those oats… especially as they are great at keeping your energy levels up throughout the day’s walking. Carrying a vat of porridge around the Northumberland hills isn't really an option – but a couple of oat-based cereal bars should fit into a daysack pocket. The carbohydrates included within will sort your energy for quite a while.<br />
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<b>Dried Fruits</b><br />
All dried fruit is a good source of energy. The main benefits of dried fruit for walkers is their space-saving and long-life properties – making them excellent for multi-day walks. The fibre content will fill you up and help keep your intestines in fine working order.<br />
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<b>Raw Vegetables</b><br />
If you can prepare some chopped carrot, cucumber, red peppers, etc, then they make a super crunchy snack. The ones we've mentioned have a great mix of lycopene, folic acid, vitamin A, vitamin B and vitamin C – all in a small tub of crunchy colour!<br />
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Thy are our Top 5 Walking Foods... but what are yours??<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10114719274337710319noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5156738762996381209.post-42452629110038785232013-05-09T10:10:00.000+01:002013-05-09T10:10:00.584+01:00Dog Poo Bags for Snowdonia National Park<span style="text-align: center;">Dog Poo Bags for Snowdonia National Park</span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tSJiMuBx1bM/UIu8eaNKDTI/AAAAAAAAA28/0IRcL3n8Mw8/s1600/Gwaredu+Baw+C%C5%B5n.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tSJiMuBx1bM/UIu8eaNKDTI/AAAAAAAAA28/0IRcL3n8Mw8/s640/Gwaredu+Baw+C%C5%B5n.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">SNPA Warden Gethin Corps demonstrating how to dispose of dog mess responsibly.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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If you are a dog-walker in North Wales, did you know dog mess bags are available from Snowdonia National Park’s Wardens and Tourist Information Centres' staff?<br />
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During last summer, the National Park Authority appealed to dog owners to dispose of their dogs’ mess in a responsible manner and some improvement were been made following the appeal. However, the concern persists and the main problem areas are to be found in the most populous places - from Llyn Tegid, Traeth Benar and Llyn Mair in the southern area of the Park to Cwm Idwal, Pen y Pass, Abergwyngregyn Woods and Sychnant in the north.<br />
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The National Park's Head of Wardens and Access, Mair Huws, said "We want people to enjoy themselves when they come to walk. But seeing and smelling dog mess affects people's enjoyment of the area, and creates an unpleasant experience for everyone. Not only that, but the mess can cause serious infections such as toxocariasis and can cause damage to the environment as well.<br />
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Unfortunately, it is not uncommon to see dog owners allowing their animals to foul and then do nothing about it. Our hope, in introducing these bags, is that owners use them to clear the mess and then dispose the bags in a responsible manner. "<br />
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Failure to dispose of dog waste increases the risk of causing serious infection, especially among young children between the ages of 18 months and 5 years through the disease toxocariasis, which can lead to nausea, asthma and in severe cases, eye disorder that can lead to blindness. The most common form is to catch the disease through hand contact but also through the soles of shoes and other objects such as bicycle wheels. The eggs of the toxacora parasite can be found in soil or sand that’s contaminated with dog faeces.<br />
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The little blue bags, which are biodegradable and odourless, are available from the National Park Warden Offices at Pen y Pass, Betws y Coed, Penrhyndeudraeth, Dolgellau and Llyn Tegid, Bala. They are also available from the Authority's Tourist Information Centres in Betws y Coed, Beddgelert, Harlech, Dolgellau and Aberdyfi. Some are also available at Plas Tan y Bwlch in Maentwrog and the Authority’s Headquarters in Penrhyndeudraeth.<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10114719274337710319noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5156738762996381209.post-16178731529760656482013-05-03T16:37:00.001+01:002013-05-03T16:44:22.838+01:00Walking the Camel Trail<br />
The Camel Trail is a beautiful coastal walk in Cornwall, the length of a disused railway line from St. Breward to Padstow - and Walks Around Britain follower Angie Silver sent us this great description of her experience...<br />
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More Info :<br />
County/Area : Cornwall<br />
Author : Angie Silver<br />
Padstow to Wadebridge - 5.5 Miles 8.8 Km<br />
Wadebridge to Boscarne (Bodmin) - 5.75 Miles 9.25 Km<br />
Boscarne to Wenfordbridge - 6.25 Miles 10.1 Km<br />
Ascent : Quite flat<br />
Grade : moderate<br />
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We picked up the walk, parking in Bodmin by the Borough arms pub and starting our adventure there. It is a very pleasant almost flat route, traffic free and family friendly, apart from other walkers and cyclists and the birds you are left to your own thoughts – blissful.<br />
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Setting off from Bodmin, on a beautiful sunny morning, we walked just under 6 miles into Wadebridge, passing old rail stops – as the line you walk along used to be a railway track, a tea room (one to remember for the return journey). Whilst all along the way being serenaded by spring bird calls and all along the path between us butterflies and damselflies dance a merry dance.<br />
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There are plenty of places to stop for a bit of lunch / or a snack, plenty of picnic tables. Then you pass the entrance to the Camel Valley vineyard – a chance to take a break and enjoy a glass of local wine on the terrace (the Sauvignon Blanc is lovely) with amazing views across the Camel Valley.<br />
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You cross two small roads, remembering to close the gates behind you, passing old railway cottages and beautiful tinkling streams.<br />
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Starting again on the walk, you go through central Wadebridge, where there are plenty of amenities, past a co-op and then past the old harbour edge, before picking up the trail again across the river.<br />
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We cross the estuary, and see beautiful sea birds, cormorants and waders, and here sounds of “chiff chaff” as walkers pass exchanging greetings.<br />
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We pause to look out at the area designated an area of outstanding natural beauty, the sky is blue not a cloud to be seen. The sea twinkling like diamonds, the smell and taste of salt in the air. Kingfishers dart back and forth in the banks, then we continue to walk the 5.5 miles to Padstow arriving close to the lobster hatchery, after refuelling on Rick Stein’s fish and chips from the shop on the Quay, we repeat the 11.2 mile walk back to bodmin – happy and fulfilled.<br />
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A glorious day filled with sights and sounds that only Cornwall can provide. A truly memorable experience with extensive views across the Camel Valley and Camel Estuary and beyond, one to be repeated at any time of the year, but particularly if you're in Cornwall and you wake up and the sky is blue with no clouds to be seen – then pack up a bag and head for the hills – a day for walking is to be had.<br />
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Many thanks to Angie for sending this in. If you've got a walk with some photographs you'd like to share, please email it to <a href="mailto:info@walksaroundbritain.co.uk">info@walksaroundbritain.co.uk</a>.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10114719274337710319noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5156738762996381209.post-63548656419525267652013-04-11T14:23:00.002+01:002013-04-11T14:23:13.702+01:00Podcast Edition 016 - Show Notes<br />
<div class="ab-player" data-boourl="http://audioboo.fm/boos/1323432-edition-016-myoutdoors-editor-dave-mycroft-repairing-paths-in-the-yorkshire-dales-an-introduction-to-troutbeck-and-monty-halls-recent-adventures/embed">
<a href="http://audioboo.fm/boos/1323432-edition-016-myoutdoors-editor-dave-mycroft-repairing-paths-in-the-yorkshire-dales-an-introduction-to-troutbeck-and-monty-halls-recent-adventures">listen to ‘Edition 016 - MyOutdoors' editor Dave Mycroft, repairing paths in the Yorkshire Dales, an introduction to Troutbeck and Monty Halls recent adventures’ on Audioboo</a><br />
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<script type="text/javascript">(function() { var po = document.createElement("script"); po.type = "text/javascript"; po.async = true; po.src = "http://d15mj6e6qmt1na.cloudfront.net/assets/embed.js"; var s = document.getElementsByTagName("script")[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(po, s); })();</script>
<br />
Edition 16 of the <b>Walks Around Britain</b> podcast features an interview with the <b>Managing Editor of MyOutdoors, Dave Mycroft</b>; we look at what's involved in<b> repairing the footpaths</b> we walk on in the <b>Yorkshire Dales</b>; we discover <b>Troutbeck in the Lake District</b> and talk to broadcaster <b>Monty Halls</b> about his recent adventures ahead of his <b>Keswick Mountain Festival</b> appearance.<br />
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<b>MyOutdoors</b><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dave Mycroft, Managing Editor of MyOutdoors in the <br />
centre, with Gareth Jones (left) and Andrew White whilst on<br />
the video walk through Coombs Dale.</td></tr>
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Since launching in 2010, <a href="http://www.myoutdoors.co.uk/">MyOutdoors</a> has become a major force in the outdoors world in the UK. For the serious outdoors enthusiast MyOutdoors delivers the most up to date News from around the UK's vibrant outdoors world combined with totally independent Reviews and a growing Knowledge Bank.<br />
<br />
MyOutdoors Managing Editor Dave Mycroft has a long and distinguished history in the industry having worked with some of the biggest names in the business including previously being Routes Editor at OutdoorsMagic, Consultant for the British Army Everest West Ridge Expedition, Content Manager at Webtogs and GPS specialist for computer and handheld magazines.<br />
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Andrew White caught up with Dave to find out more about the site and to discuss the current outdoor world in the UK.<br />
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<b>Repairing Flood Damage in the Yorkshire Dales</b><br />
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We don't tend to think about the paths we walk on unless there's a problem with them, so this insight to the repairing of footpaths in the Swaledale area of the Yorkshire Dales from Area Ranger Michael Biggs is most interesting.<br />
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<b>Troutbeck - an undiscovered part of the Lake District</b><br />
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John Hobson (left) tells us about the beautiful village of <b>Troutbeck in the Lake District</b>. It's a place with character and charm - and most importantly for us walkers - isn't too busy with tourists.<br />
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From John's lodges, there's an <b>amazing amount of walking available</b> and it's right from the front door too - you don't really need the car again.<br />
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To find out more visit <a href="http://www.lakedistrictholidaylodges.co.uk/">Windermere Lodges</a>.<br />
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Here's our video walk from one of John's lodges to <b>the summit of Wansfell Pike</b>...</div>
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<b>Monty Halls</b><br />
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As one of the speakers at this years' <b>Keswick Mountain Festival</b>, we caught up with <b>Monty Halls</b> between dashing out to film another television series and darting out on the boat showing more people the exquisite South West coast!<br />
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Monty is already an established presenter, marine biologist, travel writer, public speaker and diver, but his latest venture is <b>Great Escapes</b>, which conducts courses and trips out of his shop in Dartmouth. <br />
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For more information about Monty, visit his <a href="http://www.montyhalls.co.uk/">website here</a> and to book tickets to his talk at the <b>Keswick Mountain Festival</b> on the <b>Saturday 18th May at 21.00</b>, visit the <a href="http://www.keswickmountainfestival.co.uk/speakers/monty-halls1?/speakers/monty-halls1/index.html">Keswick Mountain Festival website</a>.<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">That's another podcast finished - we do hope you are enjoying them, Remember you can also find them on iTunes, on AudioBoo, on our </span><a href="http://www.youtube.com/WalksAroundBritain" style="background-color: white; color: #cc9966; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">YouTube channel</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"> and on </span><a href="http://www.walksaroundbritain.co.uk/podcasts.html" style="background-color: white; color: #cc9966; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">our website</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">Please let us know what you think about our podcasts - what do you like, and what would you like to hear? Leave us a comment below, or send us a voice message on our blog.</span><br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10114719274337710319noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5156738762996381209.post-43783006152984954802013-03-13T10:24:00.000+00:002013-05-04T10:26:27.731+01:00Walking and Outdoors books on the Kindle<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The times are a-changing and the rise of e-readers - and in particular the Amazon Kindle - has brought a new way of reading books.<br />
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In contrast to some other genres, the walking and outdoor publishing community has been a bit slow on taking up making books available on the Kindle - or across devices like the iPad and Android tablets - but that is changing, and I've got a few of the best ones I've found here on our blog.<br />
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<a href="http://www.crowood.com/images/covers/9781852239503.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="200" src="http://www.crowood.com/images/covers/9781852239503.jpg" title="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0071B6WOO?ie=UTF8&tag=walkaroubrit-21&linkCode=shr&camp=3194&creative=21330&creativeASIN=B0071B6WOO&=digital-text&qid=1356099467&sr=1-23" width="140" /></a>An area of England with an amazing amount of walks - and sadly very much overlooked is Warwickshire & West Midlands - was is why Richard Sale's book <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0071B6WOO?ie=UTF8&tag=walkaroubrit-21&linkCode=shr&camp=3194&creative=21330&creativeASIN=B0071B6WOO&=digital-text&qid=1356099467&sr=1-23" target="_blank">100 Walks in Warwickshire & West Midlands</a> is included here. The walking territory in these two central counties remains largely undiscovered, better known, as they are for their towns and cities such as Stratford and Leamington. Those willing to find out, however, will discover some wonderful countryside, and some surprisingly varied routes.<br />
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It's quite an old book - originally printed in 1996 - but the walks contained within are among the best in the area. The maps are line drawings, not OS ones - but they are very clear and easy to read, with plenty of places of interest noted on each walk.<br />
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As our good friend Tanya Oliver pointed out in the <a href="http://walksaroundbritain.blogspot.co.uk/2012/07/podcast-edition-006-show-notes.html" target="_blank">sixth edition of the Walks Around Britain podcast</a>, Sussex is a great country to walk around - and Richard Williamson's book <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B008JJT3R0?ie=UTF8&tag=walkaroubrit-21&linkCode=shr&camp=3194&creative=21330&creativeASIN=B008JJT3R0&=digital-text&qid=1356099467&sr=1-19" target="_blank">52 Favourite West Sussex Walks </a>has a great selection in it. Richard Williamson’s weekly walking column has long been one of the most popular features in the Chichester Observer, Worthing Observer and West Sussex Gazette, and for the first time he has compiled his favourite walks – one for every week of the year – with hand-drawn route maps.<br />
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Many here to to tempt you out onto the unspoiled nature of the timeless South Downs landscape and its varied flora, fauna and stories – from bat-birds and the Devil’s Jumps to beloved pubs and famous poets – combine with practical notes on routes that can be covered easily in an afternoon.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ol57Dk6SuAo/T5GP4A9hXQI/AAAAAAAAAeU/MsIvMbgoTUA/s1600/Natural+Explorer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ol57Dk6SuAo/T5GP4A9hXQI/AAAAAAAAAeU/MsIvMbgoTUA/s200/Natural+Explorer.jpg" width="140" /></a>Although it's not a walking route book, but Tristan Gooley's latest book <span id="btAsinTitle"><a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B007CKAJL6/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=walkaroubrit-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B007CKAJL6" target="_blank">The Natural Explorer: Understanding Your Landscape: In Search of the Extraordinary Journey </a>is certainly worth a mention here. You wont find a map in this book, but you will learn how to </span>read, understand and
connect with the landscape. I've got a review on this book on this blog soon, so I'm not revealing too much here, but I can tell you it's a cracking read. And the best bit is that the Kindle edition is onnly £4.99 - saving nearly a massive £6 of the hardback price!<br />
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Tristan was on the Walks Around Britain podcast in May - here's the <a href="http://walksaroundbritain.blogspot.co.uk/2012/05/podcast-edition-004-show-notes.html" target="_blank">podcast along with the Show Notes</a> on this blog.<br />
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Tripping North of the Border to the fabulous Isle of Skye, and the famous outdoor author Terry Marsh has written possibly the definitive book on walking and hiking on the island - <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0077DKPD0?ie=UTF8&tag=walkaroubrit-21&linkCode=shr&camp=3194&creative=21330&creativeASIN=B0077DKPD0" target="_blank">The Isle of Skye: A Walker's Guide</a>.<br />
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Most people are drawn to the island for the Cuillin, but there is more to Skye - and this book has 87 walks and scrambles. The Isle of Skye has some of the most awe-inspiring scenery of Scotland's many islands. The walks are widely varied, and provide something for all abilities to enjoy.<br />
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The guide is one of the famous Cicerone walking books, who are more than half way through converting their epic collection of titles to electronic formats - and this is an e-book which benefits from using a <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/feature.html/ref=dp_kinw_strp_1?ie=UTF8&docId=1000425503" target="_blank">Kindle app</a> on a smartphone or on a computer, as it is in full colour.<br />
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And lastly, this very blog is available on the <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B006H8JIPC?ie=UTF8&tag=walkaroubrit-21&linkCode=shr&camp=3194&creative=21330&creativeASIN=B006H8JIPC&=digital-text&qid=1356099437&sr=1-1" target="_blank">Kindle as well </a>on a monthly subscription.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10114719274337710319noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5156738762996381209.post-53615140460035055002013-03-01T23:54:00.000+00:002013-04-18T15:23:36.606+01:00Podcast Edition 015 - Show Notes<br />
<div class="ab-player" data-boourl="http://audioboo.fm/boos/1244914-edition-015-a-walk-to-mam-tor-andy-leader-s-holmfirth-photography-exmoor-tom-heap-on-nettles/embed">
<a href="http://audioboo.fm/boos/1244914-edition-015-a-walk-to-mam-tor-andy-leader-s-holmfirth-photography-exmoor-tom-heap-on-nettles">listen to ‘Edition 015 - A walk to Mam Tor, Andy Leader's Holmfirth Photography, Exmoor & Tom Heap on nettles’ on Audioboo</a><br />
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<script type="text/javascript">(function() { var po = document.createElement("script"); po.type = "text/javascript"; po.async = true; po.src = "http://d15mj6e6qmt1na.cloudfront.net/assets/embed.js"; var s = document.getElementsByTagName("script")[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(po, s); })();</script>
Edition 15 of the <b>Walks Around Britain</b> podcast features a walk to the top of<b> Mam Tor with author Peter Naldrett</b>, the inspiration behind the <b>photography of Holmfirth based Andy Leader</b>, what the least known National Park of <b>Exmoor has to offer us walkers</b> and "Costing The Earth"'s <b>Tom Heap on the rise of nettles and brambles </b>in our countryside.<br />
Presented by Andrew White<br />
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<b>Mam Tor walk</b><br />
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Author <b>Peter Naldrett </b>(left) takes us on a walk up The Shivering Mountain - Mam Tor in the Dark Park part of the Peak District.<br />
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Mam Tor is 517 metres - that's 1,696 feet - high hill near Castleton. It's name means "mother hill", and it is thought that is because of the frequent landslips on its eastern face, which have resulted in a multitude of 'mini-hills' beneath it.<br />
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These landslips, which are caused by unstable lower layers of shale, also give the hill its alternative name of Shivering Mountain.<br />
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Find out more about Peter and his books at <a href="http://www.peter-naldrett.co.uk/">his website here</a>.<br />
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Here's our video walk presented by Leah Hather to the summit of a rather snowy Mam Tor...<br />
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<b>Andy Leader </b>(right) was interviewed by Andrew whilst he was setting up his section of the Sheffield Adventure Film Festival's Photography Exhibition.<br />
The exhibition, which is being held in the Workstation - next door to the Showroom Ciniema in Sheffield - is the largest in the Festivals' eight years and this year was helped by MyOutdoors, the online outdoor news and reviews magazine.<br />
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Andy told of his passion for the "sour" scenes of the Pennines around Holmfirth, Marsden and the Dark Peak. Sour they may be, but Andy's photography draws out elements of the landscape previously unseen.<br />
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You can find out more about Andy's photography, and his Peaty Feet Walks, at his website <a href="http://www.madeinholmfirth.co.uk/">Made In Holmfirth</a>.<br />
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<b>Exmoor</b><br />
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With the Walks Around Britain team's forthcoming visit to Exmoor, Andrew chatted to <b>Rosi Davis</b> of our hosts <a href="http://www.exmoorhotel.co.uk/index.htm">Exmoor House</a>, and Rosi Davis told us of the walking delights on offer.<br />
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<a href="http://www.exmoorhotel.co.uk/index_animation/Exmoor-House.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="166" src="http://www.exmoorhotel.co.uk/index_animation/Exmoor-House.jpg" width="320" /></a>Exmoor House offers the homeliness of a bed and breakfast with the comfort of a small country hotel. The guest accommodation is in three twin/double bedrooms (can be either twins or doubles), a double bedroom and a family room. All five rooms are en suite, either with bath or shower. The house, in Exmoor's highest village, is full of character and has an unusual history - it was built in Edwardian times for a local tailor.<br />
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For more information about walks in the area of Exmoor House, <a href="http://www.exmoorhotel.co.uk/walks.htm">visit their website here</a>.<br />
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And we'll have the resulting video walk promoting the North Devon and Exmoor Walking Festival here on the Show Notes as soon as it is made, along with photos too.<br />
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<b>When Nettles Attack!</b><br />
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<b>Tom Heap</b> (right), from BBC Radio 4's <b>Costing The Earth</b> came on the podcast to talk about an edition of the series he presented which focused on the apparent increase of invasive species such as nettles and brambles in our countryside.<br />
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It seems that far from unsubstantiated anacdotal views, there is a great deal of evidence and research behind the rise of these countryside bullies of plants.<br />
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Tom explains the basic facts on our podcast, but for the complete picture listen to the full edition <b>"When Nettles Attack"</b> from Costing The Earth on the <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b01qj92w">BBC Radio 4 website</a>.<br />
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This edition commemorates the <b>first birthday </b>of the Walks Around Britain podcast. Now on edition 15, if you've got any comments or suggestions about what we do - or what we could do - please leave a comment below.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10114719274337710319noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5156738762996381209.post-84280809621678297702013-02-07T10:28:00.000+00:002013-02-07T10:28:46.615+00:00Great Outdoor Blogs to read... part 1Hopefully, you're a regular reader of our blog - and if you are, you'll know we like to you point to other resources on the interweb you might be interested in. So we've searched across the web to find out more great walking and outdoor blogs which you might be interested in...<br />
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<b><u>Heelwalker1 - aka Tanya Oliver</u></b><br />
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Tanya is a familiar name to anyone who regularly listens to our monthly walking and outdoor podcast as she's taken us on walks through Ashdown Forest in Sussex and on a Fix The Fells volunteering day in the Lake District.<br />
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Well, currently, Tanya is the Programme Coordinator for the Fix The Fells project and her regular exploits both regarding her time on the project and her wider walking experiences are related in her very well read blog.<br />
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<b><u>Walking The Blog - Charles Hawes</u></b><br />
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Since May, Charles has been writing this blog about walking. It's mainly about walking the Wales Coast Path - which opened fully on<span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21.984375px;"> May 5</span><sup style="color: #111111; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; line-height: 0.786em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">th</sup><span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21.984375px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21.984375px;">2012. Charles' motivation for the blog came from finding many websites with maps and routes - but few offered</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21.984375px;"> commentary and really useful information. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21.984375px;">So, from that perspective, Charles' blog is an interesting insight into the experience of walking and the discovery that makes the journey worthwhile. <a href="http://charleshawes.veddw.com/">Visit his blog here</a>.</span><br />
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<b><u>The Quirky Traveller</u></b><br />
<a href="http://www.thequirkytraveller.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/QT-AnnTyson-cottage.jpg" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; clear: left; color: #111111; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; margin-top: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><img alt="" class="alignright size-medium wp-image-334" height="320" src="http://www.thequirkytraveller.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/QT-AnnTyson-cottage-203x300.jpg" style="border: 1px solid rgb(204, 204, 204); float: right; margin: 10px 0px 10px 15px; outline: 0px; padding: 5px; vertical-align: baseline; width: auto;" title="QT AnnTyson cottage" width="216" /></a><a href="http://www.thequirkytraveller.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="83" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-u_5adTtOtsA/UK4hL7B7e5I/AAAAAAAAA7Q/bhqYYE1Mtk8/s320/qt_logo_wide.png" width="320" /></a><br />
Zoe Dawes is a traveller. She's not interested in the posh, the outlandish or the ordinary - she's interested in the quirky. Travel with a difference; with added appeal.<br />
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Zoe's very popular blog features her writings on her many travels around the world and looks at life from a different angle.<br />
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Her writing has a distinct charm and character - so much so she won the title of "Britain's Best Travel Blogger".<br />
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Discover her blog at <a href="http://www.thequirkytraveller.com/">http://www.thequirkytraveller.com/</a> and join her on <a href="https://twitter.com/quirkytraveller" target="_blank">Twitter here</a>.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10114719274337710319noreply@blogger.com1