The Rhinogs (also known in Welsh by the plurals Rhinogydd or Rhinogau) are a mountain range in Snowdonia, known for the rugged and wild terrain. It’s far less popular than other areas of Snowdonia such as Snowdon, the Glyderau, and Carneddau, and so a great place to truly get away from it all (particularly on …
Walking the Cotswold Way
The Cotswold Way has long been on my hit list since I first moved to this area back in 2004 (crickey!). Eight years later and I’ve finally got around to it! The decision was slightly random: last November 14th was Andrew’s and my two-year anniversary and we knew we wanted to spend a good chunk …
Tips for Cycle Touring in Wales
I’ve just returned from an incredible (and way too short) cycle tour of Wales. In four days I covered just over 100 miles from Chepstow to the Elan Valley following various branches of the wonderful National Cycle Route the whole way. The distance is a testament to the challenge – there are hills a plenty …
Essential Foot Care for Happy Adventures
If you’re like us, then going on an adventure usually involves a fair bit of walking, be it on a long day out up a mountain or on a multi-day trek across country (also sometimes involving mountains!). There are two things we’ve found that can make or break a trip: proper foot care, and solid …
Dartmoor Wild Camping: South Zeal and Cosdon Hill
We are just back from a short escape to Dartmoor for a wild camping excursion near South Zeal at the northwest corner of Dartmoor National Park. This is my new favourite part of Dartmoor! Bleak, empty, and remote, this is Dartmoor at its wildest, and at its best! The route: South Zeal, Belstone, and Cosdon Hill We started in …
Wild Camping on the Black Mountain
This post includes highlights and route details from a sensational walking and wild camping trip around the Black Mountain range in the Brecon Beacons. PLEASE NOTE: this post is about the Black Mountain near Carmarthen on the far western side of the Brecon Beacons National Park, NOT the easterly Black Mountains south of Hay on …
Thames Source Circular Walk
This post highlights an 11km circular walk via the Thames Source taking in The Monarchs Way and the village of Ewan. Scroll to the bottom for maps and other logistical tidbits. The Thames Source (aka Thames Head) has always been a special place for me. I’ve always liked walking to river sources; they feel like places of promise and …
Dartmoor Wild Camping: Hound Tor and Grimspound
Dartmoor has long been one of my favourite places for a wild camping adventure. This vast moorland, hallmarked by forests, rivers, and many exposed granite hilltops (tors), has a bleakness that makes you feel like you’ve truly escaped the world and have entered something truly wild and untouched by man (ironically, Dartmoor only looks the …
Supercharged Granola – High Protein, Low Sugar
Most granola is filled with lots of carbs and sugar that make it anything but a health food. This high protein granola uses Pulsin Whey Protein Crispies combined with jumbo oats to pack a protein punch and an awesome crispy texture. If you can’t get hold of the protein crispies, try a puffed grain such as puffed wheat or …
Big Agnes King Solomon 15 Sleeping Bag Review
If you’re part of a couple that likes to sleep in a tent, whether you camp with a car, or like to put all of your stuff in a backpack as we do, sooner or later you’re going to struggle with being separated from your co-conspirator by a piece of down-filled fabric. You could either …
Andy K’s No Bake Protein Bars
Easy and versatile, these no bake protein bars are perfect fodder for experimentation. Try amping up the spices or adding different dried fruits, nuts and seeds. Be creative! I like a combo of Willie’s 100% Cacao, cranberries, and pecans, with a coating of cacao nibs. Sometimes we even add chilli (dry or fresh). Credit to my CrossFit Cirencester …
In Pictures: Dartmoor Walking and Wild Camping
Scenes from an autumnal romp around Dartmoor National Park, starting at Postbridge, heading south and making a loop via Drizzlecombe to view its spectacular stone rows, with a wild camp in the middle on the River Plyn. It was a clear cold night but I had lots of layers, hearty food, hot tea, a good …