There is surely nothing better than a winter’s walk on a clear day, with snow on the ground. The low sun creates an excellent light which even an amateur photographer can make look good. The walking is easy on the hard ground (as long as the snow is not too thick) and a cosy pub…

“BOOK REVIEW” a Lifetime of Hill Walking is a high quality book which describes Barry’s 50 years of climbing mountains in Britain & Ireland. The challenge is to climb the highest 500 mountains in Britain & Ireland which have a 500 foot drop on all sides. The 340 page, hard back book is professionally put together…

I received a letter the other day complaining about the difficulty of a climb up Blencathra. He said it was too dangerous and finished his letter with the phrase “the outdoors is not a playground, it is a dangerous place”. I nearly fell off my bar stool. Of course it is a play ground. If…

Take some exercise, connect with nature, learn a new skill (or brush up on an old one) with our course dates for guided walks and navigation skills now available. We have a full calendar of events to enjoy the outdoors in 2019. Just click on the photos to find more. Learn a Skill Weekends Learn…

I have walked all my life, not just a stroll round the streets, but proper walking. From when I can first remember I walked. Whether along the beaches of Northumberland, the steep climb up to the Haven at St Abbs or in the Lake District. My Dad’s first thoughts were not what walk his child…

Roughly 100,000 walkers came to the Yorkshire Dales in 2018 to climb the 3 Peaks (24 miles, 5,500 feet of climbing).  The difficulty and distance make a completion (within the preferred 12 hours) a cause for great satisfaction. As a guide on the 3 Peaks I would estimate 60 to 70% of walkers complete the…

Many of the best approaches to the higher Lake District peaks are not necessarily the most popular. As an example Skiddaw from Keswick is much bettered by an approach from the north. I have listed below some of my favourite alternative’ approaches to the Lakes highest fells. I think they are the best approaches. More…

Taking to the fells of Britain today is very different to what it was 30 years ago, neither better or worse but very different. The best things do not change, most people who are out and about are thoroughly enjoying themselves (even in bad weather once the decision is made to go out the day…

I have always enjoyed wild camping, whatever the weather. There is a real adrenalin buzz when you can hear the rain hammering on the tent, only inches away from where you are lying or the wind is buffeting the tent and you wonder whether you have put the tent pegs in deep enough.  This year…

The weather really is extraordinary. I do not remember the famous heatwave of 1976 but I can definitely say this is the longest and warmest spell of weather I ever remember in this country. Sunny walks though can be brilliant (despite what some of the doom mongers say). I must admit I treat walking in…

I really am an average photographer but walking the Yorkshire Dales and the Lake District so regularly over the years has improved me immeasurably. There is only so much that the written word can do when describing what a walk is like, factual details and hopefully a flavour is all that can be done. However…

With the rapid growth and use of technology I can’t help but worry about the use of traditional map and compass. There is little doubt that more people are exploring our higher lands armed only with a handheld Gps or a mapping software on their phone. Viewranger seems the most popular at the present time.…