Our Ford Transit Connect campervan conversion project is far from finished. So behold the concept of Minimum Viable Camper (MVC*), our version of the camper with just enough features to be usable for a night out. Frankly, I could sleep in anything, but as our overnight was destined to be in winter, there were a …
Camp coffee convenience? Review of Lola’s Coffee Bags
I take my backcountry coffee pretty seriously and have long sacrified weight, bulk and convenience for the promise of a good brew at camp. That said, there have been numerous times – often when the weather is poor and I’m fatigued from walking – when digging out the V60 or Aeropress from my pack feels …
Camp coffee convenience? Review of Lola’s Coffee BagsRead More
Book Review: Scottish Bothy Walks
Geoff Allan’s Scottish Bothy Walks books is a superb companion to his earlier book The Scottish Bothy Bible. Whereas The Scottish Bothy Bible provides details on each individual bothy in Scotland, Scottish Bothy Walks focuses on 28 select bothies and the beautiful journeys that will take you there. It’s somewhat unfortunate that Allan’s new book was …
Ford Transit Connect Camper Conversion
This post documents my Ford Transit Connect camper conversion journey. I started the project in September 2020 when I sold my car and bought a 2012 Ford Transit Connect long wheel base high roof panel van with 55,000 miles and a lot of potential. I’ll keep this post updated along the way. Use the links …
Llanbedr Horseshoe, Black Mountains
The Llanbedr Horseshoe is a classic ridge walk in the Black Mountains, the easternmost hill range in the Brecon Beacons. With over 16 miles in length and almost 1000 meters of ascent, this walk makes for an exhilarating day out and a highly rewarding challenge, particularly on a beautiful day. After a steep climb at …
Chickpea Nettle Burgers
I now have nettle burgers to add to my lexicon of favourite nettle recipes (which also includes nettle pesto, nettle pizza, and nettle spanakopita!). These burgers are mega tasty, super nutritious, and easy to make with a food processor. The ingredients: nettles (of course), your favourite bean (chickpeas or any white bean work well), cumin …
Erme Plains, Magical Wild Camping in Dartmoor
Fans of history, solitude, and off piste wild camping will have a field day in The Erme Plains in Dartmoor. All of Dartmoor is rich in prehistory, with the Erme Plains containing a particularly dense cluster of still-visible Bronze Age settlements, stone rows, and stone circles. The first part of this walk takes the easy-to-follow …
My Pick For Dog-Friendly Self-Catering Near Loch Ness
I’ve been really lucky over the last few years to not only take a few stupendous trips to Scotland, but to also have the pleasure of staying at Pinewood Steading, a dog-friendly self-catering cottage near Loch Ness. I’ve known the owners Jane and James Slaughter for years, so I may be a little biased, but I …
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Shenavall Bothy and Ruadh Stac Mor
This trip report details a summer wild camping trip to Shenavall Bothy with a climb up Ruadh Stac Mor, considered one of the most remote Munros in Scotland. The Munro is located in the Fisherfield Forest, known as the “Great Wilderness” as the area is wonderfully devoid of any settlements. Ambitious folks take on not …
Suilven and Canisp Wild Camping
For insane mountain views and idyllic wild camping, head to Assynt in the Scottish Highlands and plunk yourself in the middle of Glencanisp Forest between Suilven and Canisp, two exquisite mountains with totally different personalities. I recommend a two nighter for this one. The two mountains are a challenge but doable in a day. Or …
Cafflano Klassic Coffee Maker Review
The Cafflano “Klassic” coffee maker is an all-in-one grind and brew coffee maker with stackable components and travel-friendly features that make it possible to enjoy great coffee wherever you go. This, of course, includes outdoor adventures, picnics, and wild camping. I’m not one for skimping on coffee when backpacking. I love the morning ritual of …
Gooseberry and Elderflower Cordial
When I saw this recipe for gooseberry and elderflower cordial in Fiona Beckett’s book How to Drink Without Drinking, I knew I had to try it. Elderflowers are a highlight of my early summer foraging routine and I’m always looking for new ways to use them. Elderflower cordial is always the first thing I make. …
