Podcast Edition 014 - Show Notes

listen to ‘Edition 014 - 40th Anniversary of the South West Coast Path, Tripbod and Everest The Old Way’ on Audioboo

Edition 14 of the Walks Around Britain podcast features information about the Great South West Walk  event to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the South West Coast Path, Sally Broom tells us about Tripbod and John Driskell recounts one of the first documented trips up Everest.  Presented by Andrew White.


Great South West Walk


2013 is the 40th Anniversary of the South West Coast Path, and we travelled down to Cornwall to find out more about the Path and the anniversary celebrations.  The Secretary of the South West Coast Path Association, Steve Church, talked passionately about the history of the Path and the plans for the Great South West Walk.

Julian Powis (left) and Peter Maxted

Peter Maxted and Julian Powis from the Cornwall Area Of Outstanding Natural Beauty told Andrew about the AONB and their love of the Coast Path.

The South West Coast Path is England's longest National Trail, with a total length of 630 miles (1,014 km).  It runs from Minehead in Somerset, along the coasts of Devon and Cornwall, to Poole Harbour in Dorset.


The Path hugs the coast as much as possible, and so rises and falls with every river mouth.  It has been calculated the total height climbed of the Path is 114,931 ft (35,031 m), almost four times the height of Mount Everest.

To join the Great South West Walk, visit their website here.


We stayed at The Nare hotel on the Roseland Peninsula, with access to a particularly stunning section of the Coast Path just outside the hotel.  There are also many circular inland walks on offer too - making it a great base for walking. Named the best hotel in Cornwall for 15 years, The Nare provides a a warm friendly welcome.

Tripbod
Sally Broom (right) joined Andrew to talk about Tripbod, the website which enables people across the world to offer experiences and trip planning.

We have our own Tripbod store, where you can book a guided walk led by Andrew along some of the most popular walking routes on the Walks Around Britain website.


Everest The Old Way

John Driskell told Andrew about the first recorded trek to Mount Everest in 1968.  Starting from the unlikely setting of Barnsley, 5 local students tackled the world's highest mountain.

John and Dave's talk about their experience is part of 2013's Sheffield Adventure Film Festival, taking place in the Steel City between 1st and 3rd of March.

To find out more about the 80 epic films and the numerous talks and lectures in the three days, visit the ShAFF website here,

"Everest The Old Way" in on Saturday 2nd March 14.15 and you can find out more information and to book tickets on the ShAFF website page here.


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.

Podcast Edition 011 - Show Notes

listen to ‘Edition 011 - Dean Read's Kinder Scout, Roly Smith, Best South West Dog Walk and Diane Youdale’ on Audioboo

Edition 11 of the Walks Around Britain podcast features a walk over the iconic Kinder Scout with blogger Dean Read, "Mr Peak District" writer Roly Smith tells us about his latest book - an anthology about the Peak, we hear about a competition to find the best dog walk along the South West Coast Path, and former Gladiator Diane Youdale explains her passion for walking.


Kinder Scout

In this year of the 80th anniversary of the Mass Trespass on Kinder Scout, audio blogger Dean Read retraces the steps of those pioneering walkers who fought for access for us all.  Over one of the classic routes through possibly the most challenging terrain in the Peak District, Dean enlightens us with his description of the route; making it come alive.

If you'd like to listen to more of Dean's podcasts, visit his website at Peak Routes.


Roly Smith

"Mr Peak District", as Roly has been dubbed by his local newspaper, is a prolific freelance writer, editor and consultant - and the author of over 60 books on walking and the countryside.  His is also the president of the Outdoor Writers’ and Photographers’ Guild.

His latest book is an anthology of writings about Britain's first - and possible busiest - National Park - the Peak District.

You can order "A Peak District Anthology: A Literary Companion to Britain's First National Park" from Amazon here.

Five of the top British Isles walking destinations

Taking a walk with the family is a great way to spend some time together and to get healthy exercise, but how many times can a family walk around their own neighbourhood.  After a while, the same old route may get a little boring.  That’s why planning a walking holiday for the next family trip may be just what the doctor ordered.

A walking holiday is perfect for people of any age that want to get away, see some spectacular sights, and not gain weight while traveling!  That’s why walking holidays are great for the whole family – it keeps mum and dad active and allows the kids plenty of things to see and do.  A walking holiday can include everything from a long-distance hike to relaxed strolls along a coastal path; it just really depends on the destination.  So here are five of the top walking destinations in the British Isles to consider for the next family holiday.


Lake District

The Lake District is one of the most beautiful and serene destinations in the United Kingdom.  The scenic beauty of the lakes and mountains has attracted millions of visitors over the years and is the ideal backdrop for a walking holiday.  Be sure not to miss the Southern Fells, home to Scafell Pike, the highest mountain in England - though every area within the district is ideal for an extended trip or a quick weekend getaway.  Families may rent a cabin or choose to camp in the Lake District National Park.  Camping allows families to bring their own village garden furniture for comfortable al fresco dining.  Using a campsite as a base the family can enjoy the easy, moderate, and difficult walking trails, which vary in length, at their own pace.


Isle of Man

The Isle of Man is one of the best locations for a walking holiday simply because there is so much space.  Measuring 33 miles in length and being 13 miles wide, this destination offers some of the most breathtaking countryside views in the British Isles.  For families that want to get a taste of every type of scenery the British Isles has to offer, the Isle of Man has it all – majestic highlands, layered cliffs, valley slopes, woodland glens, and of course sandy beaches.  With miles of footpaths, the Isle of Man is ideal for hiking beginners, leisure walkers, and families with young children as well as the most experienced walker.  Remember though, the Isle of Man isn't part of the UK, so you'll need some form of photo ID to travel to and from.


Norfolk Coast Path

Between Cromer and Hunstanton, the Norfolk Coast Path offers an enjoyable route for any enthusiastic walker on holiday.  Following along the coastline, this national trail has an abundance of wildlife that can only be seen in the UK. There is birdlife in abundance and the walk passes through some nature reserves.  Salt marshes, sandy cliffs, and crashing waves are features of the Norfolk Coast Path.  Because the path remains at sea level, there is some walking on the shingle shoreline and the beach itself; these sections can be quite tiring.  Do not be put off by this, as this is a wonderful coastal path that rewards its users with some wonderful scenery.


North York Moors

For a dramatic coastal walking holiday and a taste of the wild upland moorlands, the North York Moors are the perfect destination.  The interesting ancient villages with ruined abbeys and a restored steam railway complement the beautiful rural scenery.  Walking enthusiasts will enjoy the well-developed footpaths offering a wide range of walks.  Covering almost 600 square miles, the North York Moors is home to one of the most picturesque national parks in the United Kingdom.


South West Coast Path

For those hoping to experience a walk to remember, the South West Coast Path is one of the longest national walking trails in the UK.  With a variety of landscapes and seascapes, it is also one of the most challenging.  Don’t forget the camera and good walking shoes on this trail, as the high cliffs and rich wilderness are a sight to behold while proving to be a great challenge every step of the way.



You can find walks in the Lake District, the North Yorks Moors, the Isle of Man and the South West Coast Path on our website - Walks Around Britain.  We're adding some along the Norfolk Coast Path very soon.

Have we missed out you're favourite destination?  Please let us know what it is and why.