2024 REI Winter Sale: These are the 15 Best Deals!
Every November, the REI has a huge winter sale that I think is one of their best sales of the year. This year’s sale is taking place November 15-25, and it’s a great time to stock up on winter gear, holiday gifts, or outdoor products […]
Backpacking
My Favorite Oboz Hiking Boots – Reviewed
I’ve been wearing Oboz hiking boots for the last 8 years, and I’ve tried almost every shoe in their lineup. Whether I’m tackling a rugged backcountry trail, on a quick hike with my dogs, or looking for a stylish option to transition seamlessly from trail […]
Backpacking
20 Ultralight Gifts for Hikers and Backpackers
Are you looking for an awesome gift for your favorite hiker or backpacker? I’ve been hiking and backpacking for the last two decades, and in this hiker and backpacker gift guide, I share my most used gear of 2024. Whether it’s a new ultralight tent, […]
Backpacking
How to Survive Camping in the Rain
I was inspired to write this post after our camping trip last week, where it rained (rather predictably), but we still had an amazing time. It’s safe to say that this last winter in the UK has been incredibly wet, and the theme seems to […]
CAMPING TIPSI was inspired to write this post after our camping trip last week, where it rained (rather predictably), but we still had an amazing time. It’s safe to say that this last winter in the UK has been incredibly wet, and the theme seems to be continuing well into 2024. We’ve definitely spent less time outdoors over the last few months than we would normally have. We generally don’t mind bad weather, but when it’s just relentlessly wet and muddy it does get you down and put you off going outdoors.
Last week we spent 4 nights camping, we knew it was going to be wet and ordinarily I would’ve been dreading it. Yet after feeling cooped up for so long, I was actually super excited. Even the boys were looking forward to a change of scenery and doing something different.
Preparation
We started with the basics: making sure we all had waterproofs and boots. I bought new waterproof trousers for the boys as they help to keep them clean as well as dry.
Also, my choice of campsite was no accident. Camping in the UK in the summer we can manage without electric hook up, but in the cooler months it makes life much more comfortable. It meant that we could use a small heater at night, and there were also laundry facilities on site. I was happy about this as it meant I could dry anything if we needed to. As it turned out, I didn’t need to use the laundry, but it’s a good back up. Some campsites, such as Great Langdale, have drying rooms which are fantastic for our climate and make life as a camper so much easier.
I also researched things to do in the area in case of really bad weather. In the event, we had a mixed bag of wind, rain, and brief glimpses of sunshine, so we were able to stick to the plans and get in a couple of walks. One day we went swimming to avoid the worst of the rain, but it wasn’t quite as bad as I feared.
Choosing the Right Tent
When camping in the UK you are going to have to contend with rain at some point. This year has been particularly bad, but it’s always a risk, even in the high summer. This is why we chose the design of tent that we did. Our Coleman Valdes 4 has a large open porch at the front, and this is the area that we end up spending most of our time. It’s where we cook, eat and sit watching the world go by. This means we can still be outdoors, but remain under shelter. This time we also added a wind break (nothing fancy, just the ones you get at the beach) for extra protection. We are so impressed with this design and will definitely always keep to something similar.
We love the design of our Coleman Valdes 4 with the large front porch/living area
With our last tent we didn’t have a covered cooking area and so we purchased a shelter for this very use. It also came in handy when we stayed in a camping pod in the Lake District in October a few years ago.
Our gazebo saved the day on a wet October trip and meant we could still cook and eat outside in the rain
Setting Up and Packing Away
There’s no getting away from it: setting up and packing away when camping is miserable. It’s even more miserable in the rain. We’ve been camping in the UK for many years now, so we’ve got it down to a fine art, this is what works for us.
It’s never fun packing up in the rain!
Firstly, think about where you’re setting up your tent. If it’s possible, try to avoid a head on wind. We try to pitch with the wind behind us, and also try to make use of any natural shelter, like hedges, as much as possible. It’s a good idea to avoid boggy patches as puddles are likely to form if there is more rain.
When setting up, we get the tent up as quickly as possible. We have an air tent, so it takes literally minutes, as all we need to do is peg out the 4 corners and then inflate the 2 tubes. Our tent is now upright and fairly stable, so I crack on with setting up and unpacking, while Luke pegs everything down. This way we can keep all our stuff as dry as possible.
Packing away a tent in the rain is…well…awful. I can’t hide it. Packing away in the sunshine is hardly fun and my least favourite part of camping, so add in rain and it’s downright depressing.
There’s not a lot you can do in all honesty. I keep an eye on the weather forecast to try and pick the driest window, and once or twice we have even packed up and gone home early to avoid bad weather. If we have to pack up the tent in the rain, we back the car up as close as possible and clear everything out from inside first. We usually put the tent on the back seat so this works for us. The aforementioned large porch area helps with this as we can use it to store our stuff while we clear out the tent.
Ideally, you want to pack your tent away dry (we take old towels to wipe down our tent when packing away) but unfortunately it isn’t always possible when camping in the uk. If you do have to pack your tent away when it’s wet, make sure that you dry it out at the next available opportunity. This is one of the reasons we downsized from our old Outwell tent, as it was so big we couldn’t easily put it up in our garden to dry out.
British Climate
The fact is, if you want to go camping in the UK, you’re going to have to contend with some less than ideal weather conditions. There’s no avoiding it, but with some preparation and the right kit, you can make the best of it and still enjoy a great trip.
Have you camped in the rain? Let me know how it went!
Hampshire Pub Walk
During our last camping trip, we enjoyed a lovely 3 mile circular walk taking in 3 Hampshire villages. It is largely flat and so suitable for the whole family. The route mostly follows footpaths which may get muddy in the winter, there is also a […]
WALKINGDuring our last camping trip, we enjoyed a lovely 3 mile circular walk taking in 3 Hampshire villages. It is largely flat and so suitable for the whole family. The route mostly follows footpaths which may get muddy in the winter, there is also a couple of stretches along roads.
I asked at the campsite if they knew of any local walks, and they gave me a printout of this lovely Hampshire pub walk, which starts and finishes at the Abbots Mitre in Chilbolton. I noticed that there were copies at the pub, and the route is also available to be downloaded from the pub’s website. (Hence I am not going to offer step by step instructions here, rather just some nice photos of the route.)
We parked up at the Abbots Mitre and turned left out of the car park, heading out of the village. As the road bent to the right, we turned left and followed Drove Road. After passing the last house, we followed the road to the right, Little Drove Road, and continued straight ahead.
As we followed the lane we were able to see the antenna dish of Chilbolton Observatory. We carried on until we reached Test Valley Farm, taking the footpath on the left hand side and following the narrow path.
We reached the edge of the West Down Nature Reserve, and enjoyed this relaxing stretch through the chalk downland. It is home to many different habitats, but is especially noted for its butterflies.
We kept walking towards the great views across the Test Valley, and finally came out the other side of the reserve and headed down to the road.
As we reached the road, we crossed over and picked up the Test Way. This is a 44 mile route, which follows the River Test from the chalk downs of Inkpen to Eling, where it flows into Southampton Water.
We took the path heading towards Andover. The route here follows a disused railway line, and was flat and shady, offering a nice easy stretch towards the village of Cottonworth.
Once we reached the end of the path, we turned right at the road, and then right again to head towards the village of Wherwell. This stretch was the worst bit as it followed the road into the village. For some bits there was no pavement. Luckily the road was quiet, but it’s never easy shepherding young children when you’re keeping one eye on them and another on the road.
Once we reached the village we continued until we came to the pretty cottage Westmill on the right hand side. Here we took the bridleway and followed the boardwalk over the River Test.
Once we had crossed the river we reached Chilbolton Common. The common is a Site of Special Scientific Interest and is home to over 100 different plants and grasses, and many species of bird.
It is also a good spot for a paddle (outside of nesting season) on a warm day.
From the common we were able to follow the path back to Chilbolton, coming out opposite the pub and all very eager for a well earned pub lunch!
This is an area that we will definitely be returning to, and we will definitely explore some more of the Test Valley.
Have you ever walked in this area? Let me know if you have any recommendations for walks in Hampshire.
Review: Night Owl 3-in-1 Sleeping Bag
As you know if you’re a regular reader, we are definitely campers as opposed to glampers. We like to keep our set up simple and stick to the essentials. However, that’s not to say that we aren’t willing to inject a little bit of luxury […]
Camping gear reviewsAs you know if you’re a regular reader, we are definitely campers as opposed to glampers. We like to keep our set up simple and stick to the essentials. However, that’s not to say that we aren’t willing to inject a little bit of luxury into our outdoor adventures.
I was recently sent a Night Owl 3-in-1 Sleeping Bag from The Fine Bedding Company and have enjoyed trying it out.
First Impressions
Firstly, I was impressed with how smart it looked, definitely a step up from our usual more utilitarian sleeping bags! The colour is a lovely blue, and it is definitely smart enough to use at home for guests. It also feels super soft and snuggly, in fact it really does feel more like a duvet, as opposed to a shiny, slippery sleeping bag. We have used it around the house a lot, it makes a great blanket to cosy up under for family film nights, and it was great when we had family stay over.
The Night Owl 3-in-1 Sleeping Bag looks great and is perfect for using at home or on camping trips
It’s not all style over substance though. The filling is 100% Smartfil® Polyester made from recycled PET bottles and the 7.0 tog rating is enough to keep you warm through 3 seasons.
In the Field
We took the Night Owl 3-in-1 with us to the Lake District last month. Breaking the habit of a lifetime, we ditched the tent in favour of a camping pod at Low Wray Campsite. It wasn’t too cold, but it was very wet and so it was important to be able to get nice and warm at night time when everything was damp. Being October, the nights were getting cooler, and you know how important it is to be warm and comfortable at night when camping. The success of the trip relies on it!
Our last camping trip in October meant the nights were getting cooler so we needed to stay warm
It performed really well, and helped to make our pod super cosy. I also really like the versatility of the Night Owl 3-in-1 Sleeping Bag: you can use it as a double sleeping bag, or two singles, or even just a big blanket if you fancy a duvet day. This helped when we were away as we could adapt to changing sleeping arrangements depending on what we or the kids were doing.
The Night Owl Sleeping Bag kept us warm and cosy in our camping pod
Care
The Night Owl 3-in-1 is very easy to look after. I have washed it a couple of times (I just separate it into 2 singles and pop each in the washing machine). It came out really well both times and dries quickly. It still feels the same as when we got it, and looks in perfect condition.
Conclusion
As you can probably tell the whole family are big fans of this sleeping bag. It’s hard to come up with a negative, it has performed really well, it looks great and is easy to look after. It isn’t especially designed for the great outdoors, but we will definitely use it in the summer for our camping trips, and it is perfect for glamping or caravanning for example. It doesn’t have straps on the bag and so doesn’t pack down as small as our other sleeping bags, but I’m willing to forgive this minor drawback as it’s not designed for the lightweight camping market.
At a RRP of £95 it is not the cheapest sleeping bag, but given its versatility and the fact we use it so much at home between camping trips, I think it is still good value.
What do you think of the Night Owl 3-in-1 Sleeping Bag?
I was gifted a Night Owl 3-in1 Sleeping Bag for the purposes of this review. All opinions and words are my own.
The Beginners Guide to Camping Etiquette
Due to current circumstances, there are more of us holidaying in the UK, and more of us camping for the first time. It can be a daunting prospect to go on a completely different type of holiday to what you’re used to. Luckily I’m here […]
CAMPING TIPSDue to current circumstances, there are more of us holidaying in the UK, and more of us camping for the first time. It can be a daunting prospect to go on a completely different type of holiday to what you’re used to. Luckily I’m here to help! Here is my beginners guide to camping etiquette, to help demystify camping and help everyone enjoy themselves. Who knows, maybe this year you’ll discover a whole new appreciation for the great outdoors and our beautiful country.
Follow the Rules
Camping is, by its nature, a more communal holiday than you might be used to. If you haven’t camped before, it can be a shock to have to share facilities with strangers. With this feeling of community comes some positives, campers are generally a friendly bunch and almost every time we go camping we strike up conversation with interesting people and the kids find some lovely friends to play with. But there is a downside; the success of a camping holiday relies on everyone adhering to the rules and taking responsibility for themselves.
Every campsite will have a set of rules governing what you can and can’t do on the premises, and while this may seem like a downer on your holiday, it is for every ones benefit. No one wants their sleep disturbed or their holiday ruined by antisocial behaviour. Afterall, it works both ways. If you want your fellow campers to show you some consideration, you have to do the same.
It is for everyone’s benefit that the campsite rules are followed.
Clean up after yourself
With the ‘togetherness’ of camping it is even more vital to clean up after yourself. Nobody wants to step into a dirty shower or use washing up bowl full of other people’s leftover food.
It’s not rocket science, just leave everything how you would like to find it. Often there will be a mop in the showers to give the cubicle a quick once over, and after you’ve washed up just give the sink a rinse. Nobody wants to spend their holiday cleaning, but it only takes a few seconds to be considerate and help others enjoy their holiday just that little bit more.
Make sure you leave communal areas as clean as you’d like to find them
No bubbles!
It might seem like a great idea to occupy the kids with some bubbles while you’re enjoying so much time outdoors, but please don’t. It will seriously annoy your neighbours at the campsite and is the quickest way to cause an argument. The detergent in bubble mixture can damage the proofing of tents, like any soap or oil can.
Respect Boundaries
Whilst I have emphasised the communal nature of camping in this post, it is still important to respect your fellow campers’ space. My number one bugbear when camping is people walking through my set up. I also go on and on at my kids about this as it is so important.
At some campsites the pitches might be drawn on the ground, which makes it super clear. But even if that isn’t the case, it’s not hard to respect other people’s boundaries. Imagine that you draw a circle around everyone’s camp. Their car, their tent and anything else they may have, like a gazebo or pup tent. You DO NOT walk into that circle at any point. It sounds straightforward, but so many people take a short cut and I find it so rude.
Similarly, if you are camping at a site with no allocated pitches, make sure to leave an adequate space of at least 3 metres between you and your neighbours. This is important for fire safety as well as privacy reasons.
My intention with this post isn’t to scare anyone or make camping seem like it’s full of rules. I find that, in general, campers are an incredibly friendly bunch and all too happy to help. I can’t even count how many times we’ve had to ask complete strangers if we can borrow something we’ve forgotten, and likewise we are always happy to lend equipment or advice when needed.
I just wanted to point out a few simple things that can make all the difference between a good camping trip, and a great one!
What are your most important camping rules?
Read more camping tips here:
9 Most Beautiful Walks in the UK
With so many walking trails in the UK, it can be hard to decide where to start from. There are many attractive paths that you can enjoy trekking on as you unwind. Are you tired of having to travel miles to a hiking trail? Here […]
WALKINGWith so many walking trails in the UK, it can be hard to decide where to start from. There are many attractive paths that you can enjoy trekking on as you unwind. Are you tired of having to travel miles to a hiking trail? Here are the nine best hiking trails you can visit.
- Trelissick Cornwall
This Trelissick circular walk is a great trail to start with. What’s more thrilling than taking a walk through historic parkland? Trelissick Cornwall is chilled by an oak fringe creek, a fort, and an eightieth-century quarry.
If you would like to take your dog along, this trail is dog-friendly, and it’s easy to use. Walking through the trail takes between thirty to forty minutes. The best thing about using the trail is that you start and end at the same point.
Regardless of the season, you can enjoy your lunch under an oak tree and chill without caring what’s happening in the world. If you feel so tired after trekking for the whole day you can check for a list of inspiring films at Lottoland to get inspired.
2. Stowe Buckinghamshire
Remember when you were a kid and spent hours trying to find secret gardens? Taking a walk here will let you remember those memories. The journey is about three miles long, and you’ll take around two hours to complete the adventure. Along the way, you can explore many secret hidden holes and lakes.
You’ll also get an opportunity to take a walk around Stowe’s house. While enjoying the fantastic breathtaking views of nature, you can also take up some history. The trail is dog-friendly and very easy to use.
3. Sizergh’s Castle Cumbria
This walking trail is a perfect way to start your Lake District holiday. Along the way, you can enjoy the breathtaking views of Morecambe Bay Lake. The paintings along your way will make you discover a fantastic array of natural history. The trail is suitable for everyone, young and old.
4. Attingham Shropshire
If you’re looking for a trail with a bit more wildlife, Attingham is the place to be. The two-and-a-half-mile circular trail is in the deer park, and you can have an amazing view of many animals roaming around. The trail is dog-friendly, and it takes around an hour to complete your journey.
The trail offers lots of open fields to walk in. You can also pass through the woodlands and enjoy the serene environment. Hikers like the trail because it’s an excellent place to end in a place where you started from. You can also order a map to find out more about what is in the area.
5. Sheringham Woodland, Norfolk
This woodland trail is truly breathtaking. The trail is seven miles long, and you will take over two hours to complete your adventure. The trail offers impressive views of woodlands, parklands, and a cliff at the end.
You also get an opportunity to climb a treetop gazebo to enjoy the fantastic views. You will also see all types of plants, wildlife, and other incredible views. To know what to view along the way, you can get an Explorer two v two maps to guide you.
Sheringham Woodland, Norfolk trail
6. Burns Trail, Ayrshire
Walking along this trail will give you the best experience. The trail is twelve and a half miles long. You can decide to walk through a sacred village full of history. Before going to the hills, you can first visit the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum.
You can take pictures while climbing along Carrick hills. Burns Trail is the best place to be if you want to unwind and be away from the city. The best part is your dog and friends can accompany you.
7. St Cuthbert’s Way, Northumberland
This trail is among the best trails that will give you incredible and unique scenery. The journey begins at Wooler and ends at Holy Island. Walking along Till river, your will enjoy interacting with nature and viewing adorable arable fields.
You can learn more about history by visiting the St Cuthbert’s Cave. Afterward, you can climb on top of the hill and watch the North Sea coast.
8. Flatford and Constable Country walk
Want to take a walk and interact with nature? Flatford trail will fulfil your desires. Passing through the Stour Valley, the trail is surrounded by beautiful vegetation and incredible landscape.
If you’re a paint lover, learn more about the history of John Constable’s paintings as you take your favourite refreshment. You don’t have to be lonely as your pet or friends can accompany you.
9. Ashridge Estate
Ashridge Estate is a place to be if you’re looking forward to trying something different. During autumn, the trees change their colour, making the place appear magical. You can get a chance to see wildlife roaming across the woods and parklands.
If you’re a history lover, pass by the historic Ashridge Estate owned by the National Trust. You can take your lunch as you interact with people living there.
Final Thought
Sometimes, it’s worth taking a break from the busy metropolitan life and take a holiday or adventure. If you’re looking for something different, visiting the most beautiful walks in the UK will be a great choice. Don’t have a plan on where to visit? You can pick from the list provided above.
A Guide To The Wye Valley Walk
The Wye Valley Walk stretches the length of the River Wye providing amazing scenery across England and Wales. It is a 136 mile walk, although you can walk as much or as little of it as you like. If you’ve not heard of it, then […]
WALKINGThe Wye Valley Walk stretches the length of the River Wye providing amazing scenery across England and Wales. It is a 136 mile walk, although you can walk as much or as little of it as you like. If you’ve not heard of it, then by the end of this post we hope to have you lacing up your boots ready to go.
Where Is The Wye Valley Walk?
The Wye Valley Walk runs from Plynlinon in Powys to Chepstow in Monmouthshire, passing through many notable towns and cities such as Herefordshire, Hay-on-Wye and Ross-on-Wye. It crosses the Wales-England border many times on it’s route and provides a variety of different terrains from deep valleys to woodland.
Despite its length and variety of scenery it is a very accessible and easy walk that is suitable to most people. There is no obligation to do the whole walk, you can take sections that you fancy, whether that is 3 hours or 3 weeks!
Top Spots To Visit
Being in the Wye Valley, the walk is full of places that you just have to visit. Here are some of our top places that we recommend stopping at along the way.
Tintern Abbey
Tintern Abbey is a wonderful sight to behold. Dating back to 1131, this ancient site is the ruins of an old Abbey founded by a lord. It is quite a site to see, sitting on the banks of the River Wye.
Symonds Yat
Symonds Yat is another great spot. The valley is home to Yat Rock which offers some spectacular views. There are also plenty of lovely country pubs that are situated on the river side.
Ross-on-Wye
The small market town of Ross-on-Wye is a lovely spot to stop off at during your trip. There are plenty of small tea shops or country pubs to seek refuge and rest those weary legs.
Where To Stay On The Wye Valley Walk
Naturally, there are plenty of accomodation options along the walk. We highly recommend camping or glamping along your route. It’s a great way to connect with nature and to stay in some truly remarkable locations. White House on Wye Glamping is an example of one of the excellent glamping sites on offer.
For those who prefer something with a more solid roof then there are many BnBs and hotels that can be found too.
How To Plan Your Trip
In order to plan your trip, you’ll need to decide on the amount of time that you have and how far you’d like to hike. If you’re just after doing part of the route then take a look at the sections that the walk is split into. A useful resource for this is the official Wye Valley Walk website which has a route planning tool for different recommended sections of the walk.
The walk is marked with waymarks along the footpath so it is relatively straightforward to follow. The signpost has a unique leaping salmon that you’ll soon come to recognise. Despite this it is still recommendable to bring a map along.
So, When Are You Going?
There you have it, everything you need to get your trip to the Wye Valley planned. This walk is not to be missed. Start with planning a weekend and we’re sure that you’ll be back for more in no time at all!
This is a guest post from Rich, the owner of a small glamping site in Herefordshire called White House Glamping.
Using walking to help you to de-stress and recover from injury
People walk for all kinds of reasons. Walking is a great way to stay fit, see more of the world and spend quality time with friends and family. It can also be a great way to recover after something like an injury at work. You […]
WALKINGPeople walk for all kinds of reasons. Walking is a great way to stay fit, see more of the world and spend quality time with friends and family. It can also be a great way to recover after something like an injury at work.
You can use walking to help you to get fitter and to relieve some of the stress that is associated with seeking compensation from your employer. Below is an overview of how you could get started and give it a go.
Speak to your doctor
When recovering from any injury, it is important to follow the advice of your doctor throughout your recovery. Walking is a very gentle form of exercise. But it may still not be a good idea for everyone. So, before starting to do more of it speak to your doctor first. Be sure to follow the advice you are given. You do not want to ignore them and slow your recovery. There could be all kinds of negative consequences if that happened. So, you do need to be a bit careful about what type of exercise you do while recovering from an injury.
You don’t need to buy a lot of kit to start with, but if you decide to carry on hiking, it is worth investing in some key pieces
Start slowly
You should always start slowly. Gradually build up how long you walk for and how far you go.
Monitor your progress
For many people, keeping a track of their progress is a positive thing to do. If you have had a bad day being able to look back and see how far you have come can be very helpful.
Invest in some good gear
Once you get the walking bug it becomes a lifetime passion. So, it is worth
investing in some good quality gear. If money is tight, which it is likely to be if you have not been able to work for a while, just use what you already own. You can also find good gear in charity shops. You want to be able to get your walking fix in all weathers. Don’t underestimate the value of a good jacket. Look for one that will keep the wind out as well as the rain. It is also important that it is made from a breathable material. Just click this link to find out what breathable fabric is and how to choose the best one to suit your needs.
Wait before investing in a pair of high-quality boots But, initially, be wary of spending a fortune on a pair of hiking boots. You need to be sure that what you are buying is really suitable for you. In the early days, go for something mid-range. That way you can try each format out, to see what boot form suits the type of walking you like. For some people walking boots are the best option. Whereas, for others, hiking shoes or trail boots are a far better option.
Have you found that walking is a great way to de-stress and recover from illness and injury?
Our Favourite Scenic UK Walks
We are so lucky in the UK to have some truly stunning landscapes right on our doorstep. Wherever you live, I guarantee there’ll be some amazingly scenic walks not too far from you. It’s one of the best things about walking, that not only do […]
WALKINGWe are so lucky in the UK to have some truly stunning landscapes right on our doorstep. Wherever you live, I guarantee there’ll be some amazingly scenic walks not too far from you. It’s one of the best things about walking, that not only do you get the physical and mental benefits from the fresh air and exercise, but you get to experience the beauty of nature. We’ve done a lot of walks over the last few years, so I’ve rounded up a few of our favourite scenic walks.
New to walking or have nobody to go with?
Me and Luke are lucky in that we have each other to go walking with, and we are getting our kids used to coming out with us as well. If you are keen to explore the best UK scenic walks, but are new to walking or have nobody to accompany you, it really isn’t a problem. There are lots of walking groups up and down the country, as well as some great singles walking holidays across the UK, so a lack of confidence or company is no barrier!
I have to start this round up with my favourite ever walk and quite frankly the best scenery we’ve ever encountered. We were lucky to do this walk on a sunny, clear day. When you consider that there are only around 14 clear days A YEAR at the summit, we really were incredibly fortunate. The walk up Ben Nevis is a long hard slog and took us about four hours, but the views were worth it.
The path up is well trodden and easy to navigate on a clear day
The views from the top of Ben Nevis were simply stunning
You’re going to have to take my word that this is a top UK scenic walk, as when me and Luke last did this route, we couldn’t see a thing! It started off so well, but the cloud quickly descended and visibility deteriorated rapidly.
We were blessed with blue skies and solitude at the start of our hike
From the summit of Helvellyn we should have been able to see one of the UK’s most iconic vistas across the mighty Striding Edge, but instead we could barely see our hands in front of our faces! Oh well, it just means we will have to make another trip north and tackle it on a better day.
One of the things I love about the Peak District is that there is a walk for everyone. There are some serious peaks to take on, such as the imperial Kinder Scout, or some more family friendly routes, such as Dovedale or the Tissington Trail. One of my favourite UK scenic walks is along the spine from Mam Tor to Lose Hill with great views over the Edale Valley.
Luke looking over the Edale Valley and towards Kinder Scout
Pen y Fan is a popular summit and it’s not surprising why. The Brecon Beacons are full of amazing scenic routes, but this accessible peak is a popular choice for experienced and beginner walkers. There’s no shame in following a well trodden path, especially when you’re not an expert hiker and when the landscape is as stunning as this.
Pen y Fan is very exposed so was a tad windy at the summit
Luke and Finn take a breather on the way up Pen y Fan
For our final favourite UK scenic walk, it’s time for a change of scenery. Walks don’t always have to feature big climbs to be scenic, some of the UK’s most beautiful landscapes can be found near the coast. We’ve enjoyed some great coastal walks in Norfolk and North Devon, but special mention has to go to the South West Coast Path. We have walked stretches of it from Lyme Regis to Portland and I thought it was especially beautiful. Along the way there are big open beaches, quaint villages and rugged coastline. I also really enjoyed exploring Portland and the famous lighthouse.
We walked part of the South West Coast path a couple of years ago
Hopefully by sharing some of our favourite UK scenic walks I’ve given you some inspiration. There is so much out there to explore, so why not start ticking off your wishlist right now!
What is your favourite scenic walk in the UK?
This post is written in collaboration with HF Holidays. All words and photos are my own.
Great Langdale Walk
This summer we spent a brilliant five days camping at one of our favourite campsites, Great Langdale in the Lake District. It’s run by the National Trust and is a great family friendly campsite. The facilities have been upgraded since I last visited in 2013 […]
WALKINGThis summer we spent a brilliant five days camping at one of our favourite campsites, Great Langdale in the Lake District. It’s run by the National Trust and is a great family friendly campsite. The facilities have been upgraded since I last visited in 2013 and I was really impressed. It doesn’t have electric hook up (if you want some luxury, you can stay in one of the camping pods or a yurt) but actually we enjoy a more simple experience these days. It has a play area which Finn loved, as well as playing in the stream that ran through the campsite. It also has a laundry and drying room, a well stocked shop and it boasts some of the best scenery of any campsite we’ve stayed at. It’s also a perfect base for a Great Langdale walk.
Another bonus is it’s location. There are a couple of pubs within walking distance, plus the pretty town of Ambleside is a short drive away. There is also a Co-op a couple of miles away at Chapel Stile. I also like the fact that you can do several walks straight from the campsite. If you fancy a challenge you’re right near to the Langdale Pikes, and it’s even possible to hike to Scafell Pike if you’re feeling particularly adventurous. However, don’t worry if you’re looking for some more family friendly routes, as there really is a variety of walks in the vicinity.
Here’s a really easy 3 mile circular route we enjoyed up to Blea Tarn.
Click here to see the route on OS Maps
This route starts at the end of the campsite, if you’re heading away from the reception, go past the climbing wall and you need to take the footpath on your left hand side. As you go through the gate, this first section is quite steep as the path zig zags upwards, however it’s a short climb and then at the top you get some great views.
After the initial short, sharp climb you can take it easy and enjoy the views.
Once that first climb is done, the rest of the walk is either flat or downhill, so it’s not too tough at all. Our four year old managed perfectly fine with a couple of breathers and the promise of an ice cream at the end! When you reach the top, cross over the road, keeping the cattle grid on your left. Take the footpath immediately on your left hand side and this takes you to Blea Tarn. This section around the water is nice and flat and easy to follow.
The path around Blea Tarn is easy to follow and relatively flat, so it’s a great route for the whole family.
As great as Finn is, he is prone to being a bit whiny, so I find that walks with things to look at and lots of distraction goes a long way to keeping him happy. On this Great Langdale walk we stopped for a while so he could look at the water, watch some ducks and have a little paddle in his wellies.
Like all kids, Finn is drawn to water
AS we reached the top end of Blea Tarn we turned left, (if you wanted to make this Great Langdale walk longer, you can head straight on at this point) and followed the path around the tarn and headed back to the road. We followed the road back to our starting point, and headed back down the hill to the campsite. The road is narrow, so take care as it can be a busy road.
Have you ever camped at Great Langdale? Do you know any other great family friendly walks in the area?
Tent Review: Coleman FastPitch Air Valdes 4
I’ve been thinking about this review for a while, but I wanted to wait until we’d tried out our new Coleman FastPitch Air Valdes 4 a few times and given it a proper test. After 4 nights of wind and rain in the Lake District, […]
Camping gear reviewsI’ve been thinking about this review for a while, but I wanted to wait until we’d tried out our new Coleman FastPitch Air Valdes 4 a few times and given it a proper test. After 4 nights of wind and rain in the Lake District, as well as a couple of shorter camping trips, I feel like I am now qualified to comment!
Any regular readers will know that up until this year we had been camping in our Montana 6AC. Now don’t get me wrong, that is a brilliant tent, but it has several drawbacks, mainly relating to its sheer size. So this year we decided to downsize and simplify our set up. We started by buying a new tent. We opted for the Coleman FastPitch Air Valdes 4 for a few reasons, firstly we like air tents (they are easy to set up when you’re also wrangling young children), we liked the large porch (something we felt was really lacking on our old tent, and thirdly and probably most importantly, we wanted blackout bedrooms.
Layout
We love the layout of the Coleman Valdes 4. It’s not a big tent, it has two bedroom pods, each sleeping two people, a small living area and a porch.
The living area and bedroom pods
It also has a large window on one side and a door on the other. The door has a fly sheet so you can have it open, but keep out all the bugs. I love the storage pockets and there’s also a hanging point for a light in the living area.
For us though, the main draw was the spacious porch, as let’s face it, if you’re camping in the UK, you’re going to need a dry area to cook in when it rains. It really rankled that our old tent didn’t have this. After shelling out the best part of £1000 on it, we then had to buy a shelter so that we had a cooking area. There’s no such issue with the Coleman Valdes 4.
The porch really came into its own during a wet trip to the Lakes last week
Last week we camped in the Lake District and were treated to torrential rain throughout the trip. It was great to be able to sit under cover and watch the world go by. We could cook and stay dry and it really felt like we were still able to enjoy the outdoors. Many other campers had to retreat indoors, but we loved sitting in the porch.
The blackout bedrooms are a-maz-ing!
So what about the blackout bedrooms? Do they really make a difference?
I don’t know why all tents don’t have them as standard, but they make a MASSIVE difference. Anyone who camps with babies and young children, knows the trauma of getting them to sleep when it’s still light and trying to keep them in bed once the sun is up. Ollie really isn’t a great sleeper and so I was sceptical that the blackout pods would help. They really did! I cannot stress enough that they are completely dark-even in broad daylight. We even managed to get him napping in there during the day-unheard of in any other tent we’ve owned! They also help to regulate the temperature-keeping it a tad warmer at night and cooler during the day. I can safely say that we will never buy a tent without blackout bedrooms, there’s no going back.
I know I’m biased, but it really is a good looking tent!
Any niggles?
There was always doing to be compromises downsizing our set up with two children, and we are looking at getting a shelter next year to give extra space. Having said that, we really like this tent and have very few complaints.
It’s a bit awkward blowing it up as two of the points are inside the tent, plus you need to remember to have the buttons out when inflating. We’re getting better though, and can actually pitch it quite quickly-particularly when we remember to bring the right attachment for the pump.
My only other niggle with the Coleman Valdes 4 is the front door. What is it about front doors on tents? I didn’t like the one on the Montana either. I just want a simple up and down door, preferably with a flysheet so we can let the air in and keep our feral children contained. The door on this tent has a hinged design so it opens like a conventional door. In theory it sounds great, but in reality it’s really fiddly, which isn’t ideal when you’re struggling to get out at 6am to get a bottle for a screaming baby. Also, as it has a lip, me and Luke trip over it on average 10 times a day, each. It gets annoying. It also eats into the porch space when you pin it back, which isn’t ideal.
None of these niggles are a deal breaker and are very minor in the grand scheme of things. Overall, we’re very happy with the design and the quality and plan to use this tent for many more family trips.
Have you found your ideal tent yet? What are your must-have features?
Want to buy this tent?
Go Outdoors currently have a great deal on this tent (affiliate link)
