A new found love of Newfoundland

I was very fortunate to be offered a short work trip at the beginning of July to Newfoundland in Canada. We were a group of five agents, one representative from the tour operator and two Newfoundland tourist board representatives, and we all got along really well from the start.

Newfoundland is a large island linked to Nova Scotia in mainland Canada by ferry. It is carpeted in pine forest but has a rugged and, at times, wild coastline.  It is also happens to be just a five hour flight away.

We flew into the capital, St John's, and immediately had an afternoon’s driving tour of the city, stopping to admire the colourful houses of Jellybean Row before walking down to the little fishing village of Quidi Vidi, where we sampled locally produced Iceberg beer, made with 10,000 year old iceberg water. We ended on Signal Hill with its far reaching views of the St John’s and the ocean. 

The next day was Canada Day and the whole city was decorated with flags and bunting, with most people (including us) wearing red and white. We drove out of St John’s for about half and hour to Bay Bulls and Witless Bay Ecological Reserve and took a Gatheralls boat trip out into the open ocean to view whales and the largest Puffin colony in North America. The ocean swell was about six feet which I thoroughly enjoyed, but at least half a dozen people spent the entire trip clutching their sick bags! We did see Humpback Whales but from some distance, then cruised slowly along the headland watching literally thousands of breeding Atlantic Puffins and Murres.

After lunch, we headed back to St John's where half the group visited the city's museum while the rest of us were driven back up to Signal Hill from where we hiked, very steeply, back down along a narrow coastal and cliff path for about three miles in the mist, stopping at the bottom at Pearcey's Twine Store listening to marine tales from Mr Pearcy (I presume!) which was very interesting and entertaining before continuing back to the hotel. 

The following morning we checked out of our hotel to drove three and a half hours north along the Trans Canadian Highway through miles of pine forests to the pretty little village of Trinity. After a picnic lunch outside the Anglican church, we drove another twenty minutes or so on to Princeton for another whale watching trip, as the ocean around Trinity was very foggy and visibility would have been severely limited. On arrival, we were kitted out with survival suits under which we wore our own trousers and fleeces. They were far too big for us, very heavy and bulky, but more importantly they were warm and waterproof, although it was not an attractive look at all! They certainly did the job though. We boarded a RIB with our group and three other ladies and set off twenty miles out into the open ocean at high speed. It was exhilarating and soaking, but highly enjoyable. We saw Humpback, Finn and Sperm Whales up close and a pod of White Beaked Dolphins playing alongside the boat. After being out for three hours. it was an incredibly fast journey back which was very enjoyable, if a little bumpy at times! We drove back to Trinity for a hot chocolate and a wander amongst the pretty pastel painted houses before a lobster dinner and a night at the incredibly beautiful and peaceful family owned and run Fisher's Loft Inn, where the sight and sound of the ocean lulled us to sleep.

Heading back towards St John's the next morning, we stopped at Elliston Puffin viewing station. The sun was shining and it was much warmer than the previous two days, making the North Atlantic look beautifully turquoise. A short walk over a rocky headland brought us to the cliff edge and there were Puffins everywhere. We could get to within ten feet of them, and it was fantastic to sit watching them closely. They have a sad expression and yet are so comical as they rush around, and it was an amazing experience. We spent quite some time there before driving on to Cape Bonavista, stopping and rushing out of the minivan on the way to watch a Humpback mother and calf feeding in the bay below us. Surrounded by wildflowers and the deep turquoise water, it was unbelievably beautiful, warm and peaceful. Four of us walked on to the Cape Bonavista Lighthouse where there was another, smaller Puffin colony on the cliffs behind. The Lighthouse was picture perfect and very interesting. After lunch, we drove all the way back to St John's, stopping to see the Hope and Heartbreak memorial to the 251 men who lost their lives in a 1914 sealing disaster. 

Our final stop was Cape Spear; the most easterly point of North America. The ocean was a lovely deep blue and by then we could spot whales by the tell-tale white spume of the whale blow. It was very gratifying to see so many of them just off the coast. The sun was shining, it was warm with a gentle breeze; just a glorious spot to relax in and a lovely way to end the trip. After a delicious steak dinner and a chance to say goodbye to our lovely hosts at The Keg in St John's, we began our journey back to the airport for our late flight home. It had been a wonderful trip with a lovely group, lots of laughs and some truly unforgettable moments.

Coping with adverse weather conditions : Wind

Walking and hiking in windy weather can be exhilarating, but it can carry risk as well. Wind speeds increase as you climb higher and can whip with real force over ridges and cols, stopping you in your tracks. We once crested the summit of Hartsop Above Howe and the wind literally knocked the dog over and sent Bro staggering against a rock. It was lucky we weren’t on an exposed path and it took some effort to battle against it to get to lower ground.

So how windy is too windy?

It seems, from the Met Office, that gusts of 30-40 miles per hour are when things can start to get tricky. This is when you can be buffeted and lose your footing or stagger; not something you want when you’re on an exposed ridge or path. 50 mile an hour gusts will affect your walking and anything over 70 miles an hour will be dangerous in the high hills. So what can you do?

1. Plan and prepare : Check the weather forecast and the mountain weather forecast before you set out. If it looks as though winds will drop later in the day, plan your route accordingly or plan at least be on lower ground when wind speeds are at their highest. Keep to paths, keep and eye on everyone you might be with and perhaps consider choosing a longer but lower route rather that a more exposed one. Also try to avoid being in woodland as much as possible.

2. Wind Chill : For every 300 metres you climb, the temperature will cool by 2 degrees and wind chill is something to be considered very carefully, especially in the hills. I once went to Swedish Lapland where it was -25 which, on a calm sunny day, didn’t feel particularly cold, but once a breeze sprang up, it was difficult to be outside. Take and wear plenty of warm layers and have plenty of sustaining food and drink with you.

3. Use walking poles : These are invaluable for stablising you if you are buffeted. We walked an edge in the Lakes one January and if we hadn’t braced using our poles, it could have been serious.

4. Wear warm clothing : I have a lovely waterproof jacket which is really comfortable to wear all day and keeps me warm and dry. It’s also the best thing to wear when it’s windy, along with waterproof over trousers. We once did a November walk up to to Stybarrow Dodd and the summit wind was so cold that within a frighteningly short time, I couldn’t feel my legs and we had to make a hasty descent. In early spring or late autumn, I either wear baselayer leggings under my regular trousers or fleece lined winter weight trousers and these have worked well, but I would always favour the over trousers (with the baselayer leggings as well if it’s really cold)  in the hills, especially in the winter months. 

5. Use a Buff or neck gaiter : Walking with strong wind in your face all day makes your eyes stream and either blocks your nose or makes it run. Bro and I thought we were getting colds after a long day in windy conditions as we were bunged up, but as soon as we got out of the wind, it all cleared. A Buff over the lower part of your face may help as would sunglasses if it’s sunny.

6. Rest : It’s tiring, climbing and hiking against the wind and it’s lovely to find a sheltered spot to get out of it, warm up a bit and have a break from the pummelling and the noise to be honest.

7. Tell someone : As always, let someone know where you’re going, especially if you’re walking, hiking, climbing, running or cycling alone. Know how to call for help and carry a whistle and head torch in case you start running out of daylight.

The Lakes in June

In a break from the norm, our first visit to the Lakes was right at the end of May this year, instead of our usual March. As we've finished our Wainwright challenge, we wanted a more relaxing week right in the heart of the Lakes, so booked into what was probably one of the most gorgeous cottages we've stayed in. It was old, beautifully decorated, very quiet, comfortable and convenient for walks from the door. What wasn't so gorgeous was the traffic on the M6 which made the journey at least an hour an a half longer, but we relaxed with an evening walk round Ambleside, even finding a new path by the River Brathay.

The next morning, we drove north to Keswick to meet up with our cousins and enjoyed a slightly damp walk up to Castlehead then on over fields with wonderful views to Castlerigg Stone Circle. They hadn't been to the circle before and we'd never walked there from Keswick, and it was a beautiful route. We came back through King Wood to Keswick for lunch and had a thoroughly enjoyable time. We headed back in late afternoon, stopping in Grasmere as we hadn't been for a while which was as lovely as always.

We had a slow morning the next day, walking into Ambleside for coffee and a little browsing, noting small changes since we'd last been. In the afternoon, we drove to just south of Windermere to re-climb three Outlying Fells, mainly because we had no recollection of them in 2017  (we'd been distracted by our very excitable young dog) but also because Bro wanted to record the route. The weather had cleared and it was gloriously warm. clear and sunny. We parked in a layby close to Windermere Golf Club and set off along the Dales Way to Cleabarrow hamlet. The verges were full of wildflowers, the fields full of lambs and it was all so beautiful. The route was flat, following a tiny beck, before a short climb took us up to a magnificent and very photogenic lone Oak Tree with expansive views over Windermere. After a lot of photos, it was only a short pull up to the summit of Nameless School Knott which neither of us really remembered, but it was lovely. Grandsire was next with a simple descent to the Oak Tree, then up to the summit where we spent quite a lot of time enjoying the views and sun. We hadn't planned on going over to School Knott, but it wasn't that far away, although that one we did remember! A cool drink at the lovely Wild Boar rounded off the afternoon nicely.

The next day saw us driving north again to Setmurthy Forest, as we wanted to re-climb two more Outlying Fells we'd done years before in torrential rain and hadn't enjoyed. Bro hadn't really recorded the route that time either and we wanted some decent summit shots for our records. Previously we'd pushed up through the woods and made rather a hash of the route, trying to find shortcuts and inevitably making it longer and harder. This time we followed a forestry track which rose gently up around the edge of the forest giving us lovely views of the northern fells. It was easy, pleasurable and very warm in the sun. A quick deviation off the track up a steeper forest path brought us out to within about fifty feet of Setmurthy Common's summit stones. The views were stunning all around us, from the northern fells to Cockermouth. We carried along the ridge to the second fell, Watch Hill, through ewes and lambs, giving the aggressive looking Texel mothers a wide berth before retracing our steps and slipping back into the forest and picking our way steeply down to re-join the track where we stopped to brew coffee on a handy tree stump. 

We debated whether to go to Buttermere the next day as we hadn't been for a long while but, as we'd done quite a lot of driving, we thought we'd go up through Skelghyll Woods to visit Jenkin Crag again. The weather was good and we could start from the cottage. It was lovely walking and we were soon at the viewing point admiring the Windermere views. Instead of going back the same way, we decided to find Stagshaw Garden which we'd often seen signposted, so we took a path down the other side of Stencher Beck and roughly followed a signed tree trail, keeping a look out for the tallest fir tree in Cumbria. The trail led us out of the woods, but there was a lovely wooden gate to our right that led into the Garden. It was a woodland garden, climbing steeply up the hill full of flowering Rhododendrons and a tumbling beck, all of which was very attractive. After exploring, we took another path we've never walked before which brought us out not far from the Ambleside YHA. We called in for a coffee as their little cafe has the most gorgeous views of Lake Windermere. 

It was Bro's birthday the following day and we planned to tackle a Wainwright on the eastern shore of Ullswater for all of the same reasons above. The weather had turned and it was raining as we set off, later than planned, trying to make the 10.30 steamer from Glenridding to Howtown. However, the steamers had been cancelled due to the strong winds, so instead we drove to Pooley Bridge and began the walk from there. The rain stopped, the sun appeared and we made good time to the Cockpit Stone Circle - something we'd missed last time - then found a path that climbed gently up through the grass and, dodging a couple of rain showers. We soon came to the summit of Arthur's Pike and enjoyed the lovely views we'd missed the last time as we were in a thick smog cloud, but there was also a freezing wind blowing and it had started raining again. After stopping for a quick drink, we quickly became very cold - I think it was around 7 degrees at that point - so we hurried down to Whinney Crag, a small peak a little lower down which was thankfully out of the wind. The sun came out, we warmed up and the views from there were even better. We made much quicker time on the way back as we were on a defined path, joining part of the Ullswater Way back to Pooley Bridge for a late lunch. 

For our final outing, we decided we didn't really want to climb anything much, so we went to Grizedale Forest. It was a lovely sunny day and very quiet, so we had coffee first and a look round the cycle shop before deciding that, as we'd already been up to Carron Crag, we'd follow the white trail on the other side of the visitors centre to a second Grizedale Tarn. We had a mix of sun and a few light showers, but the woods were lovely and the paths easy, but they soon started climbing and we found ourselves going up and up quite steeply! It was lovely though and there were interesting sculptures to find along the way. The tarn was very buried in the forest, but large, covered in water lilies and very pretty, as was the walk back to the visitors centre; very like Scotland in places we thought. We decided to have sandwich lunch in the cafe, before calling in at Tarn Hows on the way back to Ambleside as we were really close and again, hadn't been for ages. Very pretty.

On our way back to the motorway on our way home, we called in at the exquisite Levens Hall, which has the oldest topiary garden in the world. I think it's one of the most beautiful, unique and original houses and gardens we've ever been to. and it was an absolute delight sitting in the gardens in the sun and exploring the stunning house. Once again, the motorway was not so stunning!

All in all, a fantastic week in a beautiful cottage, meeting relatives, lovely walks and revisiting some favourite places. It all went far too quickly, but we're planning our next trip already!

the beautiful lone oak

grandsire’s summit

personalised logs!

levens hall

the topiary gardens

Frilufsliv

I think we have a lot to thank the Scandinavians for; wonderful design, light, fresh clean lines, simplicity and stylish decor and of course cinnamon buns, but also Frilufsliv which is the Scandinavian concept of spending time outdoors in all weathers, and connecting with nature, something I am completely on board with.  

Being outdoors in bad weather, whether in the country or in a more urban setting, can actually make you feel really good. There's something primal about battling the elements, gritting your teeth in order to reach your objective and seeing the landscape around you in differing conditions in spite of what Mother Nature happens to be throwing at you. Whether it's rain, sleet, snow, fog or wind, it engenders a real feeling of exhilaration and wellbeing, with the added satisfaction of having achieved something that involved a little more mental and physical effort. This results in a feeling of relaxation, contentment and a warm, healthy glow afterwards.

We've done a huge amount of walking, hiking and climbing in less than perfect weather and as well as those walks being more memorable because of the conditions, it actually made us feel better.

Not convinced?

Let me explain.

For people who aren't wholly enamoured by hot weather, we always prefer a day that's a little cooler, a little more overcast perhaps, or the warmth of May and early June rather than the greater heat of July and August. We are by no means fair weather walkers and would rather not walk for hours in torrential rain or sleet, but it is those walks in adverse conditions that become some of the most memorable.

We did a very long day's hiking and climbing in the thickest fog we've experienced last November. From the moment we got out of the car, we could only see about ten feet ahead of us for the entire duration. However, I actually remember rubbing my hands with glee, simply because it was going to be a different walk and a lot more challenging. Thick fog and mist muffles sound, so everything was quiet, meaning we could really concentrate on our pace, our breathing, our conversation and small sounds around us. We relished the navigational challenge which made what could have been a fairly straightforward walk much more interesting. It was lovely to stop and enjoy a flask of hot soup and talk about a scalding bath and a meal by the fire when we got back, and we periodically laughed and asked ourselves what we on earth we were doing, but we got back to the car with a real feeling of accomplishment and thoroughly enjoyed the day. We still talk about it now, months later.

We tackled Longside Edge in the Lake District at the tail end of a named storm one January and the cold, fresh blasts of freezing air really cleared the cobwebs of Christmas and the sadness of losing a dog, leaving us feeling fresh, revitalised and invigorated. It was also good fun bracing against the strong gusts which added to the day. Sitting by the fire in the evening with rosy cheeks and the warm feeling that hard exercise brings was wonderful. 

I'll admit it's hard to find many positives about walking for hours in torrential rain, but there is still a feeling of achievement and testing your mental determination, especially if like us, you set off in late November at 7am when it was still dark and already raining. Seeing sheets of rain sweeping the valleys was wonderfully dramatic and we had a laughed conversation with another couple on one of the summits in a sleet shower, sharing the experience and asking each other if we really were all mad! Walking in light rain or showers is wonderfully refreshing as the air feels purer and is indeed cleaner as the rain clears any pollution particles. A woodland in spring rain is lovely and refreshing, and can calm and soothe stresses, worries or upsets. Simply listening to rain or a storm I find is soothing, especially in bed at night with the window open. You can’t beat a cosy pub with an open fire when you're warm, dry and totally relaxed while the rain beats against the windows. Walking through a pine wood when it's gently raining is one of our favourite things to do, breathing in that wonderful tangy, resinous scent. Going for a run in the rain is wonderfully invigorating and I’ve read that wet weather walking can actually make you feel happier and boost your mental health.

I'm sure we've all experienced that childlike joy a fresh snowfall brings. On the odd occasions we've had snow in the south, we always rush out very early before others are about and head to our local woods. Seeing bird and animal tracks makes you realise just how much life there is in the woods and if the sun's shining, can there be anything more beautiful and mood enhancing? We love walking in the hills in heavy frost and that feeling of wrapping up and getting out early in freezing air, crunching along admiring the delicate beauty of everything around us. An air frost is especially stunning, but all of it clears the head, refreshes and energises you.

Just being outside in winter in the daylight feels better than staying indoors, and weak winter sun feels good on your skin after days in centrally heated, stuffy houses and offices. We try not to have the heating on except in the evenings for an hour or two and rarely during the day, even in the depths of winter, as well as sleeping with a window open, and I think this has really prevented us getting lots of colds and helps to boost our immune systems and general wellbeing. 

You may find places are quieter as many people I imagine don’t care to be out in inclement weather, allowing you time to take note of sights, sounds and enhanced smells, especially when it rains after periods of dryness; that lovey rich earthy smell which, like pine woods and lavender, can be very calming and restful.

However, don't take my word for any of this, take a leaf out of Scandinavia’s book, wrap up well and try and walk in the rain for yourself!

Coping with adverse weather conditions : Fog

Before writing this, I didn't quite realise just how many types of fog there are. Fog is essentially low lying warm, moist cloud that meets the cooler ground. Dense and thick fog severely limits visibility, valley fog can be stunningly beautiful, hill fog covers mountain tops and mist is obviously far less dense. As I'm not an expert I will deal, on a very basic level, with the types of fog I have encountered.

So how can you stay safe and comfortable when the fog comes down, or you set off in limited visibility?

Planning 

Fog can descend quickly and unexpectedly with changes in the weather, so planning is key. Check the weather forecasts, check mountain weather forecasts and if it looks as though it's going to be densely foggy, check your route to avoid precipitous drops or ridges, or perhaps change your plans altogether. If you're going to be in the mountains, this is especially key. Make sure you carry a paper map and compass, extra warm clothing, have a fully charged GPS with extra batteries and keep one phone turned off if there are two of you walking to save battery power. Have a look at a map, guidebook or online beforehand if you're unfamiliar with the area so you have an idea of what you might encounter, and make any necessary preparations or adjustments to your route. 

Wear bright colours

Black, navy blue, grey or white really aren’t suitable; wear yellow, orange or red to really stand out, both to each other, the rest of your party or if you get into difficulties and people need to look for you or if it’s starting to get darker. In the winter months, make sure you wear warm layers and waterproofs as it can be colder and damp in foggy conditions.

Getting caught in fog 

If you suddenly find yourself in thick fog when you’re already out, your pre-planning should come into effect so you have an idea of your route, any gnarly sections and/or alternative routes. We were up on Caw and Haycock in the middle of July when a sudden, dense fog engulfed us out of nowhere. We were going to try and cut a corner with a fairly substantial drop beside us, but instead followed the path back that we’d come on until the fog lifted. You should be able to make adjustments if necessary, or if you choose to, reading from your map and GPS. A lot of the time in the Lake District, there are cairns along paths to help keep you on track and on the popular fells, in our experience, there are usually people about to ask if you get stuck. We’ve been asked for help on several occasions when people have become disorientated in the mist and fog, and sadly on none of those occasions did they have a map or GPS that we could see…

Setting off in fog

Bro and I set off in very dense fog last November to climb four remote outlying fells from high on the Corney Fell Road in the Lake District. We walked and climbed for about four hours with only one, brief glimpse of the landscape in all that time. It was a little disconcerting to be honest, as we were completely unfamiliar with the area and for most of that time we could only probably see about 5-10 metres ahead. We had researched and planned the route and watched a couple of You Tube channels beforehand, so we at least knew the type of terrain we were going to be tackling. We walked in single file, kept conversation to a minimum, watched where we put our feet, had plenty of water, food, a flask of hot soup and spare warm clothes with us and wore waterproof jackets and over trousers. I always let Bro concentrate and I never, ever question his judgement or make my own (probably ill informed) suggestions as to which way to go, as I have full and complete confident in his abilities, which works well for us. I can then focus on noting any memorable or unusual features looming out of the gloom that Bro may not have seen when he was looking at the GPS or map. It's a good system which has never let us down in over two decades, and I'm proud to say we've never got lost or gone wrong. 

Navigation

Good navigation skills are crucial. As I mentioned, Bro is a very experienced navigator having been doing it for well over two decades, although I must add that I do know how to use the GPS and map and compass as well. On the walk cited above, we did take a few extra precautions as we really didn’t know the area and visibility was so poor. I took careful note of any memorable features such as unusual rock formations and broken dry stone walls and I called them out loud to make sure they lodged in our memories. This worked a treat as we came back a different way, but both recognised a dry stone wall built into an outcrop of rock we’d seen on the outward journey and so were able to follow that wall almost back to the car. We had a fully charged GPS with extra batteries, we kept my fully charged phone turned off and we took and noted grid references and direction every fifteen minutes or so with our paper map and compass and jotted them on Bro’s fully charged phone that we kept switched on. It all worked perfectly.

Be aware

You need to keep you wits about you and really take note of where you're walking, your foot placement and have an idea of where any drops or narrow paths might be. Keep together and walk slowly and carefully keeping to the paths. Don't break off and try to cut corners, and make sure you wait for anyone who stops for any reason. Sound is deadened in the hills and more so in the fog, so make sure you can see and hear each other all the time. It’s so easy to become disorientated when you’re turning this way and that. Always let someone know where you’re going, especially if you’re walking, hiking, climbing, running or cycling alone. Know how to call for help and carry a whistle and head torch in case you start running out of daylight.

Wait

If possible and you’re not confident or unsure, sit and wait for the fog to clear. Even a glimpse of the landscape can give you a reference point to get you back on track.

However….

A cloud inversion, where fog lies in the valley and you’re above it, is the most staggeringly beautiful sight. Being up above the cloud in bright sun seeing a sea of white below you with only the mountain peaks visible like islands is totally magical. Walking in dense fog allows you to concentrate completely on your pace, your breathing and the path ahead. It’s quiet, sounds are muffled, there are usually fewer people around - especially in winter - and there are no distractions, so summits feel as though they’re gained much more quickly. Early morning mists in winter with diffused sunlight make everything ethereally beautiful.

Coping with adverse weather conditions : Heat

sunrise over kirk fell after a 3.30am start

Now that the days are lengthening and warming, this is the third blog in a mini series focusing on how to cope in adverse weather conditions, this time hiking in the heat. 

Plan your day

A little bit of forward planning will help you to enjoy, rather than suffer through, your day. Check the general weather forecast and the mountain forecast if you're hiking in the hills. It can still be very warm outside the summer months and if it looks as though it's going to be hot, then think about what it is you're planning to do and be prepared to change your plans if necessary. The hottest part of the day is usually from about noon to 3pm, so plan to set off early and be back before the heat of the day starts to build. If you do find yourself out in the heat of the afternoon, perhaps rest in the shade for an hour or two. We've started walking at 3am in the heat of summer on a couple of big mountain days which was lovely and meant we were back by 10.30/11am just as people were starting their walks. Try to plan a walk which has plenty of shade or woodland or is even near water if possible.

Choose your clothing

Do wear appropriate, loose fitting clothing. Wicking Tshirts are great for 'wicking,' or taking sweat away from your body as I've found a cotton Tshirt tends to stay damp and sticky which isn't very comfortable. Wear shorts or very lightweight trousers, summer weight walking socks and always wear a hat. Mine has a brim all the way round and my hair protects the back of my  neck, but Bro wears a baseball cap which he either turns round to cover his neck, or wears a Buff. A light, long sleeve top will protect you if you are prone to burning rather than tanning and you can also get wicking underwear, although we tend to stick to plain cotton. Make sure your socks are wool and cushioned, as cotton socks can rub and do make sure they fit properly or the chafing and rubbing will be intensely painful. You could take a spare pair of socks as it's lovely to take your boots and socks off, let your feet air and dry out, then put fresh socks on. That should help prevent blisters too. We don't tend to wear trail shoes as our boots are fairly lightweight anyway, but avoid waterproof or leather footwear as your poor feet will sweat profusely which can, again, lead to blisters. Tie hair back, don't wear lots of make up or jewellery, always wear sunglasses and use plenty of high factor, regularly applied sunscreen and lip balm. 

​Consider your abilities

​Make sure what you are choosing to do is suitable for your, and your companions,' abilities and fitness levels. Walking in the heat is draining and tiring and it isn't sensible to try and overextend a walk, hike, cycle ride or climb. Temper it to the conditions, the area and the time of day, and if you're not keen on setting off very early, consider making it a shorter day, or choosing somewhere shaded and more suitable. Avoid alcohol and overly excessive exercise.

​Hydrate

This has got to be one of, if not the, most crucial elements of any warm or hot day in the outdoors. I've said it before on this site, but if you're thirsty, you're already dehydrated. You must ensure you take more than enough water for the length of day. In the hills, there aren't always available water sources, so you should plan to take your own supply. You can filter water if there are sources to top you up, but it must be filtered or purified before drinking, however crystal clear and tempting a stream might look. Take small regular sips rather than huge gulps every so often. Electrolyte tablets dissolved in your water will help with replacing lost salts and minerals and make it taste better. However, over hydration is just as bad as dehydration. The colour of your pee will give you an indication on how hydrated you are; dark is not good, pale yellow is. For more information on recognising the symptoms of, and how to deal with, sun related conditions, visit the NHS website or talk to your doctor or health provider.

Cool down

Your body will need time to cool down as it will be working extremely hard and muscles can cramp with excessive sweating, so stay out of the sun as much as possible, rest, snack and cover up. Soak your hat or Buff in any cold water you find and it will cool your head nicely, or dip your hands and feet in. Filling your hat or cap and tipping it over your head is especially refreshing. You could even soak a Tshirt in the same way, but perhaps that's more for the men!

Rest

Try to find a shady spot, take your pack off and lie down, or sit down at the very least and take more breaks than you might do ordinarily. This will make your day longer and possibly slower, but you may well feel better for it. An umbrella may look a little odd in the hills, but it could provide vital shade for when you sit and have a break if there are no other options. We did this once on a very, very hot day on Harter Fell in Eskdale feeling a little foolish, but it proved to be utterly invaluable. 

And finally..

Always let someone know where you’re going, especially if you’re walking, hiking, climbing, running or cycling alone. Know how to call for help and carry a whistle and head torch in case you start running out of daylight. Be prepared to simply not go if you feel it's going to be too hot, too far, too high, too exposed or too much for you and/or your companions. Much better to wait for a cooler day and enjoy it properly.

dawn on hardknott on what was a very hot day

a perfect swimming spot

Climbing Kinder

the true summit of kinder scout

Our first trip of 2025 was to the beautiful Peak District, somewhere we have really grown to love. Our objective was to climb the region's highest summit, Kinder Scout, standing at 2088 feet and dominating the Vale of Edale. We booked into what turned out to be the most delightfully cosy and comfortable old stone cottage at the top end of Castleton which was very convenient for Winnats Pass as well as places to eat in the village. 

We were out early on the first day, driving over the Pass and parking at Barber Booth before following a pretty lane to Upper Booth and briefly joining the Pennine Way. There was then a very steep but fairly short climb up onto the Kinder plateau where the wind was strong, but it was clear and thankfully not particularly cold. The bulk of Grindslow Knoll lay ahead of us, and from its rocky, exposed and much cooler summit were wonderful panoramic views.

From there, we dropped down slightly and followed Grindsbrook Clough on a wonderful high level path to the head of the valley, before heading roughly north east to Crowden Tower. Taking a well worn path from the Tower led us to the Wool Pack Stones, an area of gritstone rocks eroded into the most unusual and unique shapes, and in an area of heavy peat which was clearly being restored. We continued on to the Pym Stones, all of which made this section of the walk really different and interesting.

From the stones, we diverted across a large expanse of rough grass and bilberry, simply following the GPS as there was no discernible path. We soon reached the true summit of Kinder Scout, which was a fairly underwhelming small pile of stones on a grass mound, but the views were expansive. A narrow but well defined path from there brought us to the prominent trig point of Kinder Low before we headed steeply back down Jacob's Ladder to the beautiful old packhorse bridge over the River Noe. We then simply picked up the lane to Upper Booth again and followed it back to the car. It had been a windy and exhilarating walk, full of interest and thoroughly enjoyable.

The next day dawned wonderfully bright, sunny and warm. We had a leisurely, early walk around Castleton exploring every lane and path and quick wander up a deserted and much cooler Cavedale, before deciding it would be lovely to be up on Curbar Edge in the sun. It was absolutely glorious. We almost had the entire edge to ourselves and whilst it was breezy, it was wonderfully warm. Meandering along, we enjoyed the wonderful views before choosing a sheltered spot for an early lunch, carrying on to the end of Curbar then back again which was beautiful. Not really wanting to go back to the cottage, we crossed the road and went up onto Baslow Edge and walked from there to the Eagle Stone and on to the Wellington Memorial. Just stunning.

Our final full day found us up above Winnats Pass early, parking in a layby opposite the Mam Tor car park. There was a large group of paragliders in the field setting up and making their preparations before they headed up Mam Tor to launch. It was beautiful in the sun, and we had set our sights on climbing an Ethel (one of the 95 peaks over 400m), so we set off towards the interestingly named Slitherstone Hill. It was a gentle, easy walk over three permissible farm fields basking in the sun. It isn't possible to access the actual summit as it’s on private land, so we sat on a wall for a drink and to take in the views which was lovely and very quiet. We meandered slowly back again, stopping at the top of a small hill and watching the paragliders soaring over Mam Tor.

That afternoon, we relaxed a little in our sunny courtyard garden and had a final evening wander around Castleton before packing our things as we had a very early departure the next morning in order for Bro to attend a funeral in Hertfordshire. It had been a wonderful few days away and we were so lucky with the weather, but it was a shame we couldn't have stayed longer!

Feeling alive in 2025

Well, these last couple of months have been a little different for us. Have completed our Wainwright challenge and after 15 years or so of winter evenings spent planning routes, plotting which fells or mountains to climb, working out the best places to stay, booking accommodation, upgrading, updating, cleaning and repairing kit and gear, we have suddenly found ourselves with a little more spare time on our hands.

It's a slightly strange and mildly unsettling feeling. After so many years of knowing where we would be holidaying and what we would be doing on those holidays, we wondered how we going to fill that Wainwright shaped hole in our lives and keep fit, active, interested and motivated in 2025, so to that end, we’ve made some decisions and thought about some simple alternatives.

Decision One : We’re not going to start a second round of the Wainwrights.

The Reason : We know a lot of people do and we really can see the attraction, but anything we do climb in the Lakes will be specifically selected to get the views we missed the first time round, or simply because we want to revisit it. I can’t imagine visiting and not climbing something!

But then…. Setting yourself a challenge can be a good way of motivating yourself throughout the year to keep fit and active and keep getting you outdoors.

Decision Two: We're not going to tackle another long term challenge.

The Reason : People ask us what’s next and whether we’re going to start on the Munros, but we feel we had the perfect challenge for us which we thoroughly enjoyed. I admire those who climb the Munros tremendously, but I don’t think it is something we’ll undertake. Instead, we will try a few things in a much looser way. We have signed up to Country Walking's Walk 1000 miles this year which will give us purpose and impetus on our daily walks from home. We have done this several times before, and to be honest we walk over 1000 miles most years anyway, but it will still be fun to do in a slightly more official way.

But then…. A challenge doesn’t have to be anything huge or long term, it could simply be aiming to walk 10 miles by the end of the year, swim 50 lengths without stopping, or seeing if you can go for a short walk every single Sunday of the year. We’ve done lots of the Conqueror Virtual Challenges which are fun, or you could sign up to a Park Run or charity event.

Decision Three: We would like to start visiting the Peak District a little more often.

The Reason : We have a slightly half formed plan to climb some of the 95 Ethel tops of which we've already done 10. It would be lovely to see some different parts of this beautiful area, just as the Outlying fells afforded us differing views of Lakeland.

But then…. Getting out and about wherever you live is the important thing, not necessarily always visiting a National Park. We only spend our annual leave in those beautiful places; the rest of the year is spent walking within a 10-15 mile radius of home, and that’s Berkshire with no national parks!

Decision Four: We would like to visit other areas.

The Reason : As much as we adore the Lake District, there’s still a lot of the beautiful UK to explore. Scotland, Northumberland, Wales and more of the Yorkshire Dales are top of our list and, whilst we have been to all these areas before, it would be lovely to know them in more depth. Other ports of call such as the Isles of Scilly, Shetland and the Outer Hebrides are on our list, as are one or two foreign destinations.

But then…. The New Forest is our nearest national park at just an hour and a half’s distance, yet we visit perhaps once a decade, so it would be lovely to get to know it a little better. Exploring your local area can be just as interesting and exciting. We made it our mission to visit all the National Trust properties, gardens and parks within about a 20 mile radius of home which has been lovely, and we’ll extend that range this year.

Decision Five: Inject some culture.

The Reason : I feel it can’t (or perhaps shouldn’t) be lakes and mountains all the time, and we need some mental stimulation and interest as well, so we plan to visit London more often. It’s a mere 40 minutes away by train away and we used to go more regularly, but rarely go these days. Museums, exhibitions and galleries are always of interest. It’s good to have a range and balance of interests I think.

But then…. London doesn’t have the monopoly on culture, interest and history, so we will also try and visit some of our other fascinating towns and cities.

Decision Six: Increase our cross training.

The Reason : We have started running again, but this is in addition to our daily walks and there's no real target to aim for, other than to increase our distance gradually and comfortably. I do regular yoga and Bro cycles using Zwift, both just to try and keep supple and build strength. We plan on getting out on our mountain bikes more and are hoping to get another dog towards the end of the year. 

But then…. Any form of gentle, differing exercise has to be a good thing on a regular basis. Even if you can’t get out, there are lots of exercises that can be done in the comfort of your own home, or sitting at your desk.

In Summary: I think and hope this year will be just as invigorating despite us not having a long term challenge or a specific set of targets and goals to aim for. By balancing out our physical activity with some mental stimulation, we hope to have an equally interesting, active and enjoyable 2025, and hope you do too!