Saturday, June 5
YHA - Whither the Future
A piece in July's TGO reminded me to take a look at how the YHA is handling change these days. As a long time, if increasingly non-youthful supporter, I've expressed concerns in the past about the direction the movement is headed.
Investment plans to expand new hostels; Changes in the hosteling clientele; Shortcomings of the booking system; Even a well aimed kick at the groin in return for the refusal of a bed for the night and being left with the impression that my presence was Not Wanted Around Here;
During these pieces I hope my support for the YHA ethos has been supportive, whatever the individual criticism, with due recognition of the commercial necessities for a large business juggling solvency against a demanding & fluid customer base.
(If you want to see how the YHA judges its own efforts then their 2009 Annual Report can be found here)
But to business. Back in May YHA announced a further round of hostel closures including Capel Curig, Exeter, Grasmere Thorney Howe, Kendal & River Dart (They will continue to operate until at least Sept '10)
Grasmere I can understand, with 2 hostels in near proximity, even if the Grasmere Butharlyp Howe always seems to be bursting at the seams.
But some of these others?
I've stayed at both Capel Curig & Exeter. Both are in in great locations. Both have superb potential.
What went wrong such that they are deemed candidates for closure?
As a balance two new hostels will open next year, at Southease (Sussex) & Berwick on Tweed (Northumberland) plus investment schemes at two others (one being YHA Oxford Street in London)
The press release also mentions that the YHA’s Board of Trustees will look at opportunities for further funding this year at 'popular small country hostels'.
It's that last line I'm currently hanging my hopes on at present.
For it seems to me that the out of the way hostels, essential for walking trips 'off-piste', are slowly disappearing in order to fund (larger?) city based sites.
Off course there is a question of balance & running costs.
Use of the smaller 'traditional' style hostels can go extremely quiet out of season, if indeed they are even open.
But somewhere amongst this redistribution of the YHA property stock there must come a time when the hostels offered, & the core membership, come to a divergence of views on Hosteler demand & Hostel supply, leaving a new type of Hosteler in charge of YHA income.
And on present showing that could well be one that probably doesn’t give a damn about any long term continuation of the YHA's legacy, except as a budget B&B to use once in a while if the local Travel Lodge is full.
Use it or loose it folks.
Whilst you still have a choice. Labels: Lake District, Wales, YHA
Thursday, November 26
Pen-y-Pass Cafe closure
Planning to drop into the Peny Y Pass cafe as part of a forthcoming trip to Snowdonia?
Well don't. It has been shut for refurb & a new tenant.
Coming hot on the heels of that monstrosity on top of Yr Wyddfa closing its doors for the winter that hopefully will result in more route planning to include Pete's Eats in Llanberis.
That's assuming recent reports of financial trouble haven't hit that well liked establishment as well.
Sarnies anyone?
Labels: Wales
Monday, November 9
Mountain Rescue Services - Call-outs on the rise in 2009?
October's Mountain Rescue magazine dropped onto the doormat a few weeks ago, but it was only the past few days that I found time to sit down and peruse it at leisure.
As a member of Basecamp, the MRT Support Club for England & Wales, this comes as part of the membership package and is always an interesting read. Content is geared (naturally) towards MRT personnel, but there is usually a couple of items that catch my interest as a non-MRT reader (See July's piece concerning mobile telephone access to emergency services)
The latest issue was no exception with a report that Keswick MRT calls hit 100 in late August, an increase of 77% compared to 2008, and a 66% increase in alerts. North Wales also experienced a 20% rise over 2008 figures.
Whilst exceptional, this is not necessarily the pattern across all MR Teams.
But given a 14% increase in the number of individual team involvement call-outs across the Lake District area as a whole, prior to the August Bank Holiday, its clear that the demand on some MRTs is in danger of becoming untenable. Particularly for the many volunteers who freely give of their time, and live with the disruption to their personal & work life.
Basecamp proffers one solution, suggesting increasing awareness amongst groups on mountain activities.
I've a few more radical ideas concerning individual responsibility, self-assist, common sense, and unnatural hiding places for improperly used mobile phones.
But perhaps its better I resist the temptation to go into detail.
Well for the present, at least.
Labels: Lake District, Mountain Rescue Team(MRT), Mountain Resuce Team MRT BASECAMP, Wales
Friday, October 23
OMM 2009 - Brollies at the ready
Try to cast your mind back one year
Yes really. That far back.
Do you remember the media frenzy surrounding the 2008 Original Mountain Marathon cancellation?
Well the OMM 2009 event kicks off tomorrow.
The on-line forecast for Builth Wells looks reasonable (well for the Welsh hills at least)
So why did this evening's TV Weather forecast suggest nothing but wall to wall rain cloud covering the UK from early Saturday morning?
Run away & hide!
Worm on tongue; Breath suitably baited;
The cynical await this year's press coverage.Labels: Wales
Tuesday, October 20
Martial Art - Now 102 ways to kill a man?
Well in the case of one group of Midland charity walkers, not so much a secret art. More a bunch of artists (of a different sort) demonstrating their selfishness & a total miscomprehension of simple hill craft.
"The group from Coventry were taking part in a fundraising record attempt to see how many martial arts enthusiasts could climb the mountain at one time. They carried the man up Llanberis Path but found it too tough to go further. They then left the man in the wheelchair with a friend, while they carried on and reached the peak. When they returned to the man in the wheelchair, they were too tired to carry him back down and called for help from mountain rescuers" (Source BBC)
Thanks to Grough for flagging the story, and the Coventry Evening Telegraph for further detail.
So once again the local MRT get pulled in to dig a group of prats out of a hole of their own making.
In this case a little forethought would have prevented the incident. Or even a little less selfishness, when it started to go pearshaped, would have prevented an escalation.
I'll declare an interest here. I was once a martial artist - a pursuit that fosters self reliance and independent thinking. I also happen to originate from Coventry - so the 'City folk go dumb in the wilds' tag isn't accurate either.
Apparently the paraplegic was "their pal". With friends like this who needs enemies?
I suspect this is one charity event where their won't be much post event publicity from the charity concerned.
Labels: Mountain Rescue Team(MRT), Wales
Monday, October 5
Three Peaks, Slow Peaks
Whilst doing the last minute packing earlier this evening I was listening to BBC Radio 4's CostingThe Earth program (On Listen Again Now for the next 7 days).
"Every year around 60,000 people set out on the Three Peaks Challenge, aiming to climb the highest mountains in England, Wales and Scotland. Most do it to raise money for charity but there are increasing worries that the challenge is putting too much pressure on the environment, destroying some of our most beautiful places"
I was half listening to the usual pros & cons. All equally valid in their way, but nothing unusual.
Then towards the program's end a Snowdonia National Park Ranger provides a very evenly balanced view on mountain usage and its users. During his piece, he comes up with an interesting line of thought as to the Time element of the Challenge, citing that as one of the underlying causes that inevitably leads to the concentration of so many people gathering in a few very specific spots, typically at unsocial hours.
The program is worth listening to for this section alone (IMHO) suggesting a possible way for such Charity Challenges to continue into the future, whilst balancing local sensibilities.
I'm reminded of a comment attributed to Wainwright on hearing that someone had recently run the Pennine Way in under 3 days
"Why?"
Whilst it wasn't expressly said the program left me with an intriguing idea for a new event of this type.
Welcome to 'The Three Peaks Slow Challenge'.
Think about it for a moment........
Forget 3 peaks in 24 hours.
How about 3 peaks in as long a period as it takes to properly saviour each mountain?
Possibly start with different ascent & descent routes. Then build in timing each peak's top to enjoy a sunrise, sunset, or even perhaps a night on the mountain.
Certainly consider banning the use of mobile phones, unless by the Group Leader in the event of an emergency. With event exclusion being a penalty for abuse, especially when involving Mountain Rescue Services.
How about a 'Guess the Number' lottery for items of litter picked up along the way? A different way to garnish additional donations whilst being of immense usefulness.
Maybe even a 3 peaks - 3 wildcamps approach for instance? (That's not really going to affect most of us regular wildcampers by the way. We tend to steer clear of such peaks, due to their over popularity)
Lets take it further still. The winner (because such things always seem to turn into a competition) - the slowest time to "do" the 3 Peaks, with the most amount of enjoyment. Choose your own measurement.
Think the idea might catch on?
Certainly more of a Challenge from what I can see.Labels: Lake District, media, Scotland, Wales
Thursday, May 28
Welsh 3000s - Tut tut Trail Mag
Following my recent piece on Thomas Firbank I'd heard on the grapevine that June's Trail Magazine would include an article on the Welsh 3000s, a challenge originally arising with Firbank and documented in his 1940 book “I Bought A Mountain”.
A pity then that Trail somehow overlooked mentioning the debt owed to Firbank and friends(although Esme gets a slight look in). Instead the focus was more on the opportunity for Trail to become Challenger #1 on Snowdonia Society's 14 Peaks
Err - not a particularly impressive achievement 'Team Trail' if nobody else knows it exists. Especially if that success arrives at the same time as knowledge about the prize.
Whatever.
Happily the Snowdonia Society site provides an accurate history to balance the picture.
Actually, now I come to think about it, much of June's magazine had me spitting. Not least that two of my recent wildcamp areas appeared in their walks section (yes I know they would have done them months before I got there, and at least one is a relatively common area, but it just felt soooooooooooo wrong)
Then there's the article on Wildcamping which left me with a feeling on it all being rather jolly, but also rather off-balance somehow. Especially compared to Dave Mycroft's Outdoors Magic piece on the same subject.
To quote Trail “giving out exact grid references are a no-no because sites tend to get overused, so here are a few grid squares for you to hunt for a spot in”.
Next to a 4 digit grid ref and the name Red Tarn.
Err - the point of wildcamping is camping in the wild. Not watching the party animals whooping it up on the other side of the tarn, having picked up the camp site courtesy of an earlier WHSmith stop on the M6.
Argh!
I give up.
Is it just me who finds Trail Mag rapidly turning into a comic as it tries to ride the current Craze for (cheap) camping breaks?
Especially now the Credit Cr*p has made it all so very trendy in the media at present.
Labels: books, Trail Magazine, Wales
Monday, September 29
Mountain Top Mutterings
Snowdon's new summit building is near completion - latest news and views a plenty from the cunningly entitled Snowdon Summit Blog
And whilst we're mooching around the top of the UK hills, Hey, What's That site is offering a DIY panorama generator using a Google Map mash-up. Beta at present, but all clever stuff once you work out how to set your own viewpoint.Labels: blog media, Wales
Saturday, August 23
Snowdonia Backpacking & Wildcamping
An initial joy of the web is the incredible amount of information that suddenly becomes available. The depth and scope of this limited only by an ability to use a search engine such as Google.
An initial hate of the web is the incredible amount of information that suddenly becomes available. But is irrelevant, outdated, or even offensive.
As time passes this apparent paradox becomes resolved with personal filtering of how to find information, but as it does mining these seams to follow a specific interest will start to dry up, save for any newly established sites that may appear.
Hence the reducing number of site recommendations I make these days; Save for those Outdoor Blogs which continue to attract new enthusiasts with something to say about their view of gear, experiences and trips.
So I was pleased to come across Snowdonia Backpacking the other day. A site that has been quietly building up a store of backpacking and wildcamping experience for others. Trekking a very solitary path.
"...created to put online my accounts of the multiple-day walks with wild camping that I have done in the National Park ....since 1981....my writings tell not only of my appreciation of the Welsh mountains, but also of my trials and tribulations during my self-taught apprenticeship in the wilds.....
I have never been acquainted with any one else who goes backpacking, so everything I do has been learned from books and magazines, and from experience. I live over 200 miles away ...... I am not one of the lucky people who can slip out at weekends for a bit of practice in the hills....I have good stamina but I have always been slightly weaker compared to my contemporaries, and I don't mind admitting I am scared of heights!
It is hoped that the contents of Snowdonia Backpacking will inform you, pass on some of my hard-gained know-how and maybe entertain you, but above all I sincerely hope it will fill you with enthusiasm and inspiration, in much the same way as the books I read around 1980 did for me"
(And Mr Lumley, if your reading this, “Teach Yourself Backpacking” gets a grateful mention BTW)
I really sympathise with this approach. Howard was not alone in learning skills in this way, especially back in the 70s & 80s when sources for those living beyond traditional walking areas were limited, or nil (The modern net savvy generation now have such amazing access to the basic skills these days, especially when trying to contact like minded people)
A great read of one person's autumnal trips, with trial and error lessons for all of us to consider.
A new one for my recently revised links list I think.Labels: Backpacking Advice, Fellwalking, Gear, Wales, walks
Tuesday, July 8
Who will rescue the rescuer?
I don't usually link to video clips, but this one is certainly a unique circumstance. And an answer to one of those "What if....." questions that occasionally arise.
So just how do you get a Breakdown Service when your transport is a RAF Sea King helicopter, and you are in the middle of a Welsh MRT incident?
Send in the Chinook.
But of course.
Edit 9/7:
And the ever excellent Grough News has a different clip with much more detail on the circumstances behind the rescue.
Edit 11/7:
And a report from one of the MRT involved courtesy of Trail Magazine's Live for the Outdoors websiteLabels: media, Mountain Rescue Team(MRT), Wales
Sunday, April 13
Self Reliance on the hills
Regular readers of this site will know of my irritation with those pathetic individuals who regard ownership of a mobile phone on the hills as a valid reason to avoid taking any personal responsibility for their own safety and security.
On this wet and blowy Sunday afternoon, sat surfing the net post today's walk in the sun, showers & hail (ouch) I came across this posting. Nicely demonstrating that the spirit of self reliance is alive and well. Happily the story has a happy ending despite the potential for tragedy.
And whilst you're browsing Pete's site there's an interesting low level, circular footpath around Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) for a gentle 2-3 day walk using rights of way, access land and open countryside. Pete's thoughtfully provided a PDF describing the route which can also be downloaded.Labels: blog media, Mountain Rescue Team(MRT), Wales
Thursday, February 7
aRoundabout - outdoor news and views (Feb 7)
Unbowed by a backlash of utter indifferance, here's another weekly round-up for your entertainment.
New sites to check out?
Seb Green was 15 when as a result of his involvement in a boat theft he ended up stuck in mud in Fleet Lagoon late at night. Subsequently rescued (and charged) in the years since he's regretted his actions and on the 1st of February he started his walk around the coast of mainland UK to raise cash for charity to make amends to the local community.
The 18-year-old will spend nearly a year walking 5,821 miles with his border collie dog, Flash, camping as he goes. More details on his website
Outdoor News
That's the way to do it.........
In contrast to last week's report of ill prepared walkers and their involvement of various Mountain Rescue teams here's a happier report of a man showing real self reliance (thanks to Grough for this) Well done that man!
Wainwright Window Becomes Storm Victim
An appeal comes via the Online Fellwalking Club and The Wainwright Society to fund church repairs. Not normally something that would feature on here but the church in question is St. James in Buttermere. A small leaded window was battered by recent winter gales and is boarded up awaiting repair.
And the relevance?
Its the same window containing the memorial plaque to Wainwright, and that special view towards Haystacks. Target is around £1000 if you want to contribute.
News in March's Trail Magazine concerning the Vixen Tor campaign's new initiative based on the Highways Law (my background piece here) and a request for testimonials from anyone who can recall walking, climbing or just enjoying the site.
Whilst not of direct relevance to the E-Petition on the legal position of wildcamping in England & Wales (364 votes and building - is your name on it yet?) there are some useful lessons to be learnt from the campaign when looking at mounting and delivering change for outdoor access that relates to all of us. Whether we intend to use this spot or not.
And finally ......
Look to the skies. Is it a bird? Is it a plane? Nope its Air Viagra.
An Israeli study of mountain climbers in Africa has identified a link between erectile dysfunction drugs and improved performance at high altitude. An active ingredient in the drugs helped climbers perform better where oxygen was at reduced levels. The study indicates this may be of assistance for jet fighter pilots.
Hopefully they will work out any unrequired side effects (Beware sudden ejections - lol) but maybe that explains the mass of Viagra spam targeted at us hardened outdoor types.
Meanwhile US scientists, not to be outdone, have built an adapted knee brace that generates energy from human movement ".....we can get as much as 13 watts from walking .. .... enough to power about 30 minutes of talk time on a typical mobile phone from just one minute of walking"
Great news for ubertechnowalkers. Possibly. But not looking too good for the ultralight brigade.Labels: blog media, dartmoor, Lake District, podcasts, vixen tor, Wales, YHA
Monday, February 4
A good read - Thomas Firbank
During the last few weeks I've read a couple of pieces by Chris Townsend and Weird Darren concerning some of their outdoor literature recommendations. Which reminded me of one of the lesser-known authors. Not specifically walk based reading, but an evocative slice of pre and post war living in the wilder areas of the UK.
In 1931 a young Canadian, Thomas Firbank, bought a 2,400 acre sheep farm in Dyffryn Mymbyr near Capel Curig covering most of the land to the east of Glyder Fawr. Here he learnt his trade, while celebrating the beauty & reality of life working in Snowdonia. Along the way he married Esme Kirby and found time to be the first to record an ascent of all of the Welsh 3000s in less than 9 hours
He wrote about his experiences in "I Bought a Mountain" and the book turned out to be a huge success despite minimal publicity.
As is my usual approach after enjoying an author's work I started to track down his other writings.
The 1951 follow-up "I Bought a Star" was a real surprise as it described how he left the farm, went to war (winning the Military Star in Italy), and was divorced from Esme. Generously, for those times, he left his ex-wife the marital home, Dyffryn Mymbyr and Esme went on to use this as a base when helping to found the influential Snowdonia Society and later The Esmé Kirby Snowdonia Trust
Meanwhile, on a walking trip to North Wales in the late 1990s I managed to spot the house, that scene of so much activity, from the valley road. At that time it was still occupied by Esme who sadly died a short time afterwards. But this did lead to some related anecdotes appearing on uk.rec.walking, reinforcing her reputation as a formidable opponent and fierce protector of the Snowdonia landscape.
Firbank's 1953 offering "A Country of Memorable Honour" was back on an UK outdoors theme describing a walking tour through Wales. Once more a remarkably observed slice of rural life at that time.
I'd read the words from the man, visited some of the places he knew, and in some way walked alongside a life reporting on events before I was even born.
And as I closed that book along with Firbank, he was about to move to Japan and a new life. Or so I thought as far as his writing output concerned. It was finished.
Then, three years ago I happened to be browsing amongst the shelves of a notable second hand bookshop, sadly now closed, in Mortonhampstead on Dartmoor.
Firbank's name leapt out as I spotted a new title. Well unknown to me at least.
"Log Hut" (aka "Log Hut, Further Adventures in Home-making") was also first printed in 1953. This described Firbank's life living and working on Dartmoor. Adapting a log cabin for his new family (where did they come from?), and his attempts to reopen and commercially mine a local quarry.
And as I paid for my new treat the bookseller casually mentioned that the Log Hut in question was a short distance away. All very karmic (And although I believe I have traced the location, its one I've yet to see in the flesh)
If you want more information there's an excellent obituary article covering the many facets of Firbank's long life here.
Thomas Joseph Firbank, writer, sheep-farmer, soldier and businessman.
A man who through the written word remains able to speak to us across the many long years since his observations; Still capable of touching others through his description of the of the natural wild areas, and an ability to live amongst it all.
Now that's writing.Labels: books, dartmoor, Wales
Thursday, January 31
Walkabout's aRoundabout - outdoor news and views
A new approach for me.......Rather than post these bits 'n bobs individually here's a summary, cunningly named Walkabout's aRoundabout. Its an attempt to provide a quick browse for some pre-weekend entertainment, ideas & news. So at least if its rubbish, you'll only have to suffer it once a week in future. And quickly.
If the format works for you, or not please let me know.
Radio waves
I caught the last few minutes of a radio program earlier in the week and recognised that voice.
BBC 4's Great Lives had Joe Simpson (Author/Filmstar: Touching the Void et al), talking up one of his heroes, pioneering Austrian mountaineer Hermann Buhl. Or as Matthew Parris (presenter & journalist) describes the experience:
' yomping along the top of Froggatt Edge (Peak District) Joe's chosen great life was that of Hermann Buhl, the famously super-daring, self-reliant Austrian climber who died in a climbing fall at the age of 32; and as both Joe and my other guest climbing-writer, Ed Douglas, live in Sheffield we decided to record the programme not in a London studio, but outdoors ....... The driving rain was almost sleet, the wind was fierce and the ground sodden. I wanted to impress.........'
Don't cut that rope Joe. Please!
(Was it the Bee Gee's who had a hit with the tune 'Tragedy'? - oops no idea where that thought slipped in - lol)
Available on Podcast here to listen to it in full.
New sites to check out?
The Out of Towner ...........
Section Hiker - Philip is an avid US based hiker & backpacker.
I don't usually recommend US based sites. Not xenophobia honestly! I just find much of the climatic/ground/travel differences distracting at times as I keep mentally casting aside excellent advice but irrelevant from the UK backpacker's perspective walking in the UK. But Phil's got a lot to say on the subject in general. Worth a looksee.
Walking Fort Bragg - Ron is another US based blogger 'In my sixties, going on 12 but learning all the time!'
I've not had a lot of time to check this over, but I'm happy to publicise Ron's work especially for my American visitors.
Meanwhile nearer home ...........
Outdoors4u - Billy's new to the scene but digging in hard.
Early days - one to watch hopefully. Harrumph - these youngsters these days ..... mumble mumble....)
Beating The Bounds - A Blog about 'walking, thinking about walking, reading about walking…….and maybe other stuff'.
That would be mostly about Walking then I guess. And interesting to boot (Hee hee)
TheGreenOutdoors - Oliver is based around the Derby area, and his Blog's remit is 'Cultivating Green Design for the Great Outdoors - musings on outdoor sports apparel (and a bit on equipment too) of the sort I don't think you'll find anywhere else.....'
Lots to drool over, but better use the approved jacket cleaner afterwards.
Walkhighlands.com - Highlands of Scotland walks and accommodation '340 free detailed walk descriptions with GPS waypoints, maps and photos across the Highlands of Scotland'
Excellent research material here. Link to it quick - now don't you just know that you'll need it sometime soon anyway.
Outdoor News
YHA 2008/9 Investment Plans
Last weekend the YHA released details of their £13.5 million package for 2008/9. 37 building modernisation schemes, 3 new hostels (all S.E. UK - London, Eastbourne, Lewes) Schemes include Ilam (Peak District), Pen y Pass (Snowdonia), Conwy (N Wales) Ambleside & Windermere (Lake District) and Exeter (nr Dartmoor)
Browsing the full list it feels like a number of refits aimed initially at the larger hostels?
Two walkers rescued off Snowdon (28/1)
'...badly prepared and equipped........two were "lucky" to have escaped unharmed............. etc'
You've heard it so often from me before again and again. But there's more ....'...the men told rescuers that they had prepared for the trip by researching on the internet'
Obviously not come across this site in their Googling efforts then?
And finally ......
The recent and very well mannered debate around the wildcamping E-Petition has flushed John Manning back into the bloggersphere with a passionate arguement to rebut many points raised by those not in agreement with the current E-Petition initiative.
RUMBLINGS… The online diary of outdoor journalist John Manning.
Good stuff.Labels: blog media, dartmoor, Lake District, podcasts, Wales, YHA
Tuesday, September 4
New Welsh Nuttalls
It seems to matter to some people about collecting lists of things. Or to be more precise ticking off items on other peoples lists. Hills especially seem to attract such folk, although this didn't start until the 1890s when Sir Hugh Munro hit inadvertently started a craze. What a groovy cat.
Now we have the The Wainrights, The Munros, The Marilyns, and many, many more.
And then of course there is The Nuttalls - a list of mountain summits in England and Wales which reach the height of 2,000 feet.
Well as of 2nd September 2007 you peak baggers had better plan a quick trip over to Wales as there's now two new summits to conquer: Carnedd y Filiast North Top (SH617631) & Castell y Gwynt (SH654581)
And there was me thinking that the summits were mostly invulnerable to the fleeting whims of us transitory humans.
Next post -the Norfolk Peaks? Ah well, probably not.
;-)Labels: Fellwalking, Wales
All site material © John Hee - ask before you snatch
Investment plans to expand new hostels; Changes in the hosteling clientele; Shortcomings of the booking system; Even a well aimed kick at the groin in return for the refusal of a bed for the night and being left with the impression that my presence was Not Wanted Around Here;
During these pieces I hope my support for the YHA ethos has been supportive, whatever the individual criticism, with due recognition of the commercial necessities for a large business juggling solvency against a demanding & fluid customer base.
(If you want to see how the YHA judges its own efforts then their 2009 Annual Report can be found here)
But to business. Back in May YHA announced a further round of hostel closures including Capel Curig, Exeter, Grasmere Thorney Howe, Kendal & River Dart (They will continue to operate until at least Sept '10)
Grasmere I can understand, with 2 hostels in near proximity, even if the Grasmere Butharlyp Howe always seems to be bursting at the seams.
But some of these others?
I've stayed at both Capel Curig & Exeter. Both are in in great locations. Both have superb potential.
What went wrong such that they are deemed candidates for closure?
As a balance two new hostels will open next year, at Southease (Sussex) & Berwick on Tweed (Northumberland) plus investment schemes at two others (one being YHA Oxford Street in London)
The press release also mentions that the YHA’s Board of Trustees will look at opportunities for further funding this year at 'popular small country hostels'.
It's that last line I'm currently hanging my hopes on at present.
For it seems to me that the out of the way hostels, essential for walking trips 'off-piste', are slowly disappearing in order to fund (larger?) city based sites.
Off course there is a question of balance & running costs.
Use of the smaller 'traditional' style hostels can go extremely quiet out of season, if indeed they are even open.
But somewhere amongst this redistribution of the YHA property stock there must come a time when the hostels offered, & the core membership, come to a divergence of views on Hosteler demand & Hostel supply, leaving a new type of Hosteler in charge of YHA income.
And on present showing that could well be one that probably doesn’t give a damn about any long term continuation of the YHA's legacy, except as a budget B&B to use once in a while if the local Travel Lodge is full.
Use it or loose it folks.
Whilst you still have a choice.
Labels: Lake District, Wales, YHA
Pen-y-Pass Cafe closure
Planning to drop into the Peny Y Pass cafe as part of a forthcoming trip to Snowdonia?
Well don't. It has been shut for refurb & a new tenant.
Coming hot on the heels of that monstrosity on top of Yr Wyddfa closing its doors for the winter that hopefully will result in more route planning to include Pete's Eats in Llanberis.
That's assuming recent reports of financial trouble haven't hit that well liked establishment as well.
Sarnies anyone?
Labels: Wales
Monday, November 9
Mountain Rescue Services - Call-outs on the rise in 2009?
October's Mountain Rescue magazine dropped onto the doormat a few weeks ago, but it was only the past few days that I found time to sit down and peruse it at leisure.
As a member of Basecamp, the MRT Support Club for England & Wales, this comes as part of the membership package and is always an interesting read. Content is geared (naturally) towards MRT personnel, but there is usually a couple of items that catch my interest as a non-MRT reader (See July's piece concerning mobile telephone access to emergency services)
The latest issue was no exception with a report that Keswick MRT calls hit 100 in late August, an increase of 77% compared to 2008, and a 66% increase in alerts. North Wales also experienced a 20% rise over 2008 figures.
Whilst exceptional, this is not necessarily the pattern across all MR Teams.
But given a 14% increase in the number of individual team involvement call-outs across the Lake District area as a whole, prior to the August Bank Holiday, its clear that the demand on some MRTs is in danger of becoming untenable. Particularly for the many volunteers who freely give of their time, and live with the disruption to their personal & work life.
Basecamp proffers one solution, suggesting increasing awareness amongst groups on mountain activities.
I've a few more radical ideas concerning individual responsibility, self-assist, common sense, and unnatural hiding places for improperly used mobile phones.
But perhaps its better I resist the temptation to go into detail.
Well for the present, at least.
Labels: Lake District, Mountain Rescue Team(MRT), Mountain Resuce Team MRT BASECAMP, Wales
Friday, October 23
OMM 2009 - Brollies at the ready
Try to cast your mind back one year
Yes really. That far back.
Do you remember the media frenzy surrounding the 2008 Original Mountain Marathon cancellation?
Well the OMM 2009 event kicks off tomorrow.
The on-line forecast for Builth Wells looks reasonable (well for the Welsh hills at least)
So why did this evening's TV Weather forecast suggest nothing but wall to wall rain cloud covering the UK from early Saturday morning?
Run away & hide!
Worm on tongue; Breath suitably baited;
The cynical await this year's press coverage.Labels: Wales
Tuesday, October 20
Martial Art - Now 102 ways to kill a man?
Well in the case of one group of Midland charity walkers, not so much a secret art. More a bunch of artists (of a different sort) demonstrating their selfishness & a total miscomprehension of simple hill craft.
"The group from Coventry were taking part in a fundraising record attempt to see how many martial arts enthusiasts could climb the mountain at one time. They carried the man up Llanberis Path but found it too tough to go further. They then left the man in the wheelchair with a friend, while they carried on and reached the peak. When they returned to the man in the wheelchair, they were too tired to carry him back down and called for help from mountain rescuers" (Source BBC)
Thanks to Grough for flagging the story, and the Coventry Evening Telegraph for further detail.
So once again the local MRT get pulled in to dig a group of prats out of a hole of their own making.
In this case a little forethought would have prevented the incident. Or even a little less selfishness, when it started to go pearshaped, would have prevented an escalation.
I'll declare an interest here. I was once a martial artist - a pursuit that fosters self reliance and independent thinking. I also happen to originate from Coventry - so the 'City folk go dumb in the wilds' tag isn't accurate either.
Apparently the paraplegic was "their pal". With friends like this who needs enemies?
I suspect this is one charity event where their won't be much post event publicity from the charity concerned.
Labels: Mountain Rescue Team(MRT), Wales
Monday, October 5
Three Peaks, Slow Peaks
Whilst doing the last minute packing earlier this evening I was listening to BBC Radio 4's CostingThe Earth program (On Listen Again Now for the next 7 days).
"Every year around 60,000 people set out on the Three Peaks Challenge, aiming to climb the highest mountains in England, Wales and Scotland. Most do it to raise money for charity but there are increasing worries that the challenge is putting too much pressure on the environment, destroying some of our most beautiful places"
I was half listening to the usual pros & cons. All equally valid in their way, but nothing unusual.
Then towards the program's end a Snowdonia National Park Ranger provides a very evenly balanced view on mountain usage and its users. During his piece, he comes up with an interesting line of thought as to the Time element of the Challenge, citing that as one of the underlying causes that inevitably leads to the concentration of so many people gathering in a few very specific spots, typically at unsocial hours.
The program is worth listening to for this section alone (IMHO) suggesting a possible way for such Charity Challenges to continue into the future, whilst balancing local sensibilities.
I'm reminded of a comment attributed to Wainwright on hearing that someone had recently run the Pennine Way in under 3 days
"Why?"
Whilst it wasn't expressly said the program left me with an intriguing idea for a new event of this type.
Welcome to 'The Three Peaks Slow Challenge'.
Think about it for a moment........
Forget 3 peaks in 24 hours.
How about 3 peaks in as long a period as it takes to properly saviour each mountain?
Possibly start with different ascent & descent routes. Then build in timing each peak's top to enjoy a sunrise, sunset, or even perhaps a night on the mountain.
Certainly consider banning the use of mobile phones, unless by the Group Leader in the event of an emergency. With event exclusion being a penalty for abuse, especially when involving Mountain Rescue Services.
How about a 'Guess the Number' lottery for items of litter picked up along the way? A different way to garnish additional donations whilst being of immense usefulness.
Maybe even a 3 peaks - 3 wildcamps approach for instance? (That's not really going to affect most of us regular wildcampers by the way. We tend to steer clear of such peaks, due to their over popularity)
Lets take it further still. The winner (because such things always seem to turn into a competition) - the slowest time to "do" the 3 Peaks, with the most amount of enjoyment. Choose your own measurement.
Think the idea might catch on?
Certainly more of a Challenge from what I can see.Labels: Lake District, media, Scotland, Wales
Thursday, May 28
Welsh 3000s - Tut tut Trail Mag
Following my recent piece on Thomas Firbank I'd heard on the grapevine that June's Trail Magazine would include an article on the Welsh 3000s, a challenge originally arising with Firbank and documented in his 1940 book “I Bought A Mountain”.
A pity then that Trail somehow overlooked mentioning the debt owed to Firbank and friends(although Esme gets a slight look in). Instead the focus was more on the opportunity for Trail to become Challenger #1 on Snowdonia Society's 14 Peaks
Err - not a particularly impressive achievement 'Team Trail' if nobody else knows it exists. Especially if that success arrives at the same time as knowledge about the prize.
Whatever.
Happily the Snowdonia Society site provides an accurate history to balance the picture.
Actually, now I come to think about it, much of June's magazine had me spitting. Not least that two of my recent wildcamp areas appeared in their walks section (yes I know they would have done them months before I got there, and at least one is a relatively common area, but it just felt soooooooooooo wrong)
Then there's the article on Wildcamping which left me with a feeling on it all being rather jolly, but also rather off-balance somehow. Especially compared to Dave Mycroft's Outdoors Magic piece on the same subject.
To quote Trail “giving out exact grid references are a no-no because sites tend to get overused, so here are a few grid squares for you to hunt for a spot in”.
Next to a 4 digit grid ref and the name Red Tarn.
Err - the point of wildcamping is camping in the wild. Not watching the party animals whooping it up on the other side of the tarn, having picked up the camp site courtesy of an earlier WHSmith stop on the M6.
Argh!
I give up.
Is it just me who finds Trail Mag rapidly turning into a comic as it tries to ride the current Craze for (cheap) camping breaks?
Especially now the Credit Cr*p has made it all so very trendy in the media at present.
Labels: books, Trail Magazine, Wales
Monday, September 29
Mountain Top Mutterings
Snowdon's new summit building is near completion - latest news and views a plenty from the cunningly entitled Snowdon Summit Blog
And whilst we're mooching around the top of the UK hills, Hey, What's That site is offering a DIY panorama generator using a Google Map mash-up. Beta at present, but all clever stuff once you work out how to set your own viewpoint.Labels: blog media, Wales
Saturday, August 23
Snowdonia Backpacking & Wildcamping
An initial joy of the web is the incredible amount of information that suddenly becomes available. The depth and scope of this limited only by an ability to use a search engine such as Google.
An initial hate of the web is the incredible amount of information that suddenly becomes available. But is irrelevant, outdated, or even offensive.
As time passes this apparent paradox becomes resolved with personal filtering of how to find information, but as it does mining these seams to follow a specific interest will start to dry up, save for any newly established sites that may appear.
Hence the reducing number of site recommendations I make these days; Save for those Outdoor Blogs which continue to attract new enthusiasts with something to say about their view of gear, experiences and trips.
So I was pleased to come across Snowdonia Backpacking the other day. A site that has been quietly building up a store of backpacking and wildcamping experience for others. Trekking a very solitary path.
"...created to put online my accounts of the multiple-day walks with wild camping that I have done in the National Park ....since 1981....my writings tell not only of my appreciation of the Welsh mountains, but also of my trials and tribulations during my self-taught apprenticeship in the wilds.....
I have never been acquainted with any one else who goes backpacking, so everything I do has been learned from books and magazines, and from experience. I live over 200 miles away ...... I am not one of the lucky people who can slip out at weekends for a bit of practice in the hills....I have good stamina but I have always been slightly weaker compared to my contemporaries, and I don't mind admitting I am scared of heights!
It is hoped that the contents of Snowdonia Backpacking will inform you, pass on some of my hard-gained know-how and maybe entertain you, but above all I sincerely hope it will fill you with enthusiasm and inspiration, in much the same way as the books I read around 1980 did for me"
(And Mr Lumley, if your reading this, “Teach Yourself Backpacking” gets a grateful mention BTW)
I really sympathise with this approach. Howard was not alone in learning skills in this way, especially back in the 70s & 80s when sources for those living beyond traditional walking areas were limited, or nil (The modern net savvy generation now have such amazing access to the basic skills these days, especially when trying to contact like minded people)
A great read of one person's autumnal trips, with trial and error lessons for all of us to consider.
A new one for my recently revised links list I think.Labels: Backpacking Advice, Fellwalking, Gear, Wales, walks
Tuesday, July 8
Who will rescue the rescuer?
I don't usually link to video clips, but this one is certainly a unique circumstance. And an answer to one of those "What if....." questions that occasionally arise.
So just how do you get a Breakdown Service when your transport is a RAF Sea King helicopter, and you are in the middle of a Welsh MRT incident?
Send in the Chinook.
But of course.
Edit 9/7:
And the ever excellent Grough News has a different clip with much more detail on the circumstances behind the rescue.
Edit 11/7:
And a report from one of the MRT involved courtesy of Trail Magazine's Live for the Outdoors websiteLabels: media, Mountain Rescue Team(MRT), Wales
Sunday, April 13
Self Reliance on the hills
Regular readers of this site will know of my irritation with those pathetic individuals who regard ownership of a mobile phone on the hills as a valid reason to avoid taking any personal responsibility for their own safety and security.
On this wet and blowy Sunday afternoon, sat surfing the net post today's walk in the sun, showers & hail (ouch) I came across this posting. Nicely demonstrating that the spirit of self reliance is alive and well. Happily the story has a happy ending despite the potential for tragedy.
And whilst you're browsing Pete's site there's an interesting low level, circular footpath around Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) for a gentle 2-3 day walk using rights of way, access land and open countryside. Pete's thoughtfully provided a PDF describing the route which can also be downloaded.Labels: blog media, Mountain Rescue Team(MRT), Wales
Thursday, February 7
aRoundabout - outdoor news and views (Feb 7)
Unbowed by a backlash of utter indifferance, here's another weekly round-up for your entertainment.
New sites to check out?
Seb Green was 15 when as a result of his involvement in a boat theft he ended up stuck in mud in Fleet Lagoon late at night. Subsequently rescued (and charged) in the years since he's regretted his actions and on the 1st of February he started his walk around the coast of mainland UK to raise cash for charity to make amends to the local community.
The 18-year-old will spend nearly a year walking 5,821 miles with his border collie dog, Flash, camping as he goes. More details on his website
Outdoor News
That's the way to do it.........
In contrast to last week's report of ill prepared walkers and their involvement of various Mountain Rescue teams here's a happier report of a man showing real self reliance (thanks to Grough for this) Well done that man!
Wainwright Window Becomes Storm Victim
An appeal comes via the Online Fellwalking Club and The Wainwright Society to fund church repairs. Not normally something that would feature on here but the church in question is St. James in Buttermere. A small leaded window was battered by recent winter gales and is boarded up awaiting repair.
And the relevance?
Its the same window containing the memorial plaque to Wainwright, and that special view towards Haystacks. Target is around £1000 if you want to contribute.
News in March's Trail Magazine concerning the Vixen Tor campaign's new initiative based on the Highways Law (my background piece here) and a request for testimonials from anyone who can recall walking, climbing or just enjoying the site.
Whilst not of direct relevance to the E-Petition on the legal position of wildcamping in England & Wales (364 votes and building - is your name on it yet?) there are some useful lessons to be learnt from the campaign when looking at mounting and delivering change for outdoor access that relates to all of us. Whether we intend to use this spot or not.
And finally ......
Look to the skies. Is it a bird? Is it a plane? Nope its Air Viagra.
An Israeli study of mountain climbers in Africa has identified a link between erectile dysfunction drugs and improved performance at high altitude. An active ingredient in the drugs helped climbers perform better where oxygen was at reduced levels. The study indicates this may be of assistance for jet fighter pilots.
Hopefully they will work out any unrequired side effects (Beware sudden ejections - lol) but maybe that explains the mass of Viagra spam targeted at us hardened outdoor types.
Meanwhile US scientists, not to be outdone, have built an adapted knee brace that generates energy from human movement ".....we can get as much as 13 watts from walking .. .... enough to power about 30 minutes of talk time on a typical mobile phone from just one minute of walking"
Great news for ubertechnowalkers. Possibly. But not looking too good for the ultralight brigade.Labels: blog media, dartmoor, Lake District, podcasts, vixen tor, Wales, YHA
Monday, February 4
A good read - Thomas Firbank
During the last few weeks I've read a couple of pieces by Chris Townsend and Weird Darren concerning some of their outdoor literature recommendations. Which reminded me of one of the lesser-known authors. Not specifically walk based reading, but an evocative slice of pre and post war living in the wilder areas of the UK.
In 1931 a young Canadian, Thomas Firbank, bought a 2,400 acre sheep farm in Dyffryn Mymbyr near Capel Curig covering most of the land to the east of Glyder Fawr. Here he learnt his trade, while celebrating the beauty & reality of life working in Snowdonia. Along the way he married Esme Kirby and found time to be the first to record an ascent of all of the Welsh 3000s in less than 9 hours
He wrote about his experiences in "I Bought a Mountain" and the book turned out to be a huge success despite minimal publicity.
As is my usual approach after enjoying an author's work I started to track down his other writings.
The 1951 follow-up "I Bought a Star" was a real surprise as it described how he left the farm, went to war (winning the Military Star in Italy), and was divorced from Esme. Generously, for those times, he left his ex-wife the marital home, Dyffryn Mymbyr and Esme went on to use this as a base when helping to found the influential Snowdonia Society and later The Esmé Kirby Snowdonia Trust
Meanwhile, on a walking trip to North Wales in the late 1990s I managed to spot the house, that scene of so much activity, from the valley road. At that time it was still occupied by Esme who sadly died a short time afterwards. But this did lead to some related anecdotes appearing on uk.rec.walking, reinforcing her reputation as a formidable opponent and fierce protector of the Snowdonia landscape.
Firbank's 1953 offering "A Country of Memorable Honour" was back on an UK outdoors theme describing a walking tour through Wales. Once more a remarkably observed slice of rural life at that time.
I'd read the words from the man, visited some of the places he knew, and in some way walked alongside a life reporting on events before I was even born.
And as I closed that book along with Firbank, he was about to move to Japan and a new life. Or so I thought as far as his writing output concerned. It was finished.
Then, three years ago I happened to be browsing amongst the shelves of a notable second hand bookshop, sadly now closed, in Mortonhampstead on Dartmoor.
Firbank's name leapt out as I spotted a new title. Well unknown to me at least.
"Log Hut" (aka "Log Hut, Further Adventures in Home-making") was also first printed in 1953. This described Firbank's life living and working on Dartmoor. Adapting a log cabin for his new family (where did they come from?), and his attempts to reopen and commercially mine a local quarry.
And as I paid for my new treat the bookseller casually mentioned that the Log Hut in question was a short distance away. All very karmic (And although I believe I have traced the location, its one I've yet to see in the flesh)
If you want more information there's an excellent obituary article covering the many facets of Firbank's long life here.
Thomas Joseph Firbank, writer, sheep-farmer, soldier and businessman.
A man who through the written word remains able to speak to us across the many long years since his observations; Still capable of touching others through his description of the of the natural wild areas, and an ability to live amongst it all.
Now that's writing.Labels: books, dartmoor, Wales
Thursday, January 31
Walkabout's aRoundabout - outdoor news and views
A new approach for me.......Rather than post these bits 'n bobs individually here's a summary, cunningly named Walkabout's aRoundabout. Its an attempt to provide a quick browse for some pre-weekend entertainment, ideas & news. So at least if its rubbish, you'll only have to suffer it once a week in future. And quickly.
If the format works for you, or not please let me know.
Radio waves
I caught the last few minutes of a radio program earlier in the week and recognised that voice.
BBC 4's Great Lives had Joe Simpson (Author/Filmstar: Touching the Void et al), talking up one of his heroes, pioneering Austrian mountaineer Hermann Buhl. Or as Matthew Parris (presenter & journalist) describes the experience:
' yomping along the top of Froggatt Edge (Peak District) Joe's chosen great life was that of Hermann Buhl, the famously super-daring, self-reliant Austrian climber who died in a climbing fall at the age of 32; and as both Joe and my other guest climbing-writer, Ed Douglas, live in Sheffield we decided to record the programme not in a London studio, but outdoors ....... The driving rain was almost sleet, the wind was fierce and the ground sodden. I wanted to impress.........'
Don't cut that rope Joe. Please!
(Was it the Bee Gee's who had a hit with the tune 'Tragedy'? - oops no idea where that thought slipped in - lol)
Available on Podcast here to listen to it in full.
New sites to check out?
The Out of Towner ...........
Section Hiker - Philip is an avid US based hiker & backpacker.
I don't usually recommend US based sites. Not xenophobia honestly! I just find much of the climatic/ground/travel differences distracting at times as I keep mentally casting aside excellent advice but irrelevant from the UK backpacker's perspective walking in the UK. But Phil's got a lot to say on the subject in general. Worth a looksee.
Walking Fort Bragg - Ron is another US based blogger 'In my sixties, going on 12 but learning all the time!'
I've not had a lot of time to check this over, but I'm happy to publicise Ron's work especially for my American visitors.
Meanwhile nearer home ...........
Outdoors4u - Billy's new to the scene but digging in hard.
Early days - one to watch hopefully. Harrumph - these youngsters these days ..... mumble mumble....)
Beating The Bounds - A Blog about 'walking, thinking about walking, reading about walking…….and maybe other stuff'.
That would be mostly about Walking then I guess. And interesting to boot (Hee hee)
TheGreenOutdoors - Oliver is based around the Derby area, and his Blog's remit is 'Cultivating Green Design for the Great Outdoors - musings on outdoor sports apparel (and a bit on equipment too) of the sort I don't think you'll find anywhere else.....'
Lots to drool over, but better use the approved jacket cleaner afterwards.
Walkhighlands.com - Highlands of Scotland walks and accommodation '340 free detailed walk descriptions with GPS waypoints, maps and photos across the Highlands of Scotland'
Excellent research material here. Link to it quick - now don't you just know that you'll need it sometime soon anyway.
Outdoor News
YHA 2008/9 Investment Plans
Last weekend the YHA released details of their £13.5 million package for 2008/9. 37 building modernisation schemes, 3 new hostels (all S.E. UK - London, Eastbourne, Lewes) Schemes include Ilam (Peak District), Pen y Pass (Snowdonia), Conwy (N Wales) Ambleside & Windermere (Lake District) and Exeter (nr Dartmoor)
Browsing the full list it feels like a number of refits aimed initially at the larger hostels?
Two walkers rescued off Snowdon (28/1)
'...badly prepared and equipped........two were "lucky" to have escaped unharmed............. etc'
You've heard it so often from me before again and again. But there's more ....'...the men told rescuers that they had prepared for the trip by researching on the internet'
Obviously not come across this site in their Googling efforts then?
And finally ......
The recent and very well mannered debate around the wildcamping E-Petition has flushed John Manning back into the bloggersphere with a passionate arguement to rebut many points raised by those not in agreement with the current E-Petition initiative.
RUMBLINGS… The online diary of outdoor journalist John Manning.
Good stuff.Labels: blog media, dartmoor, Lake District, podcasts, Wales, YHA
Tuesday, September 4
New Welsh Nuttalls
It seems to matter to some people about collecting lists of things. Or to be more precise ticking off items on other peoples lists. Hills especially seem to attract such folk, although this didn't start until the 1890s when Sir Hugh Munro hit inadvertently started a craze. What a groovy cat.
Now we have the The Wainrights, The Munros, The Marilyns, and many, many more.
And then of course there is The Nuttalls - a list of mountain summits in England and Wales which reach the height of 2,000 feet.
Well as of 2nd September 2007 you peak baggers had better plan a quick trip over to Wales as there's now two new summits to conquer: Carnedd y Filiast North Top (SH617631) & Castell y Gwynt (SH654581)
And there was me thinking that the summits were mostly invulnerable to the fleeting whims of us transitory humans.
Next post -the Norfolk Peaks? Ah well, probably not.
;-)Labels: Fellwalking, Wales
All site material © John Hee - ask before you snatch
Well don't. It has been shut for refurb & a new tenant.
Coming hot on the heels of that monstrosity on top of Yr Wyddfa closing its doors for the winter that hopefully will result in more route planning to include Pete's Eats in Llanberis.
That's assuming recent reports of financial trouble haven't hit that well liked establishment as well.
Sarnies anyone?
Labels: Wales
Mountain Rescue Services - Call-outs on the rise in 2009?
October's Mountain Rescue magazine dropped onto the doormat a few weeks ago, but it was only the past few days that I found time to sit down and peruse it at leisure.
As a member of Basecamp, the MRT Support Club for England & Wales, this comes as part of the membership package and is always an interesting read. Content is geared (naturally) towards MRT personnel, but there is usually a couple of items that catch my interest as a non-MRT reader (See July's piece concerning mobile telephone access to emergency services)
The latest issue was no exception with a report that Keswick MRT calls hit 100 in late August, an increase of 77% compared to 2008, and a 66% increase in alerts. North Wales also experienced a 20% rise over 2008 figures.
Whilst exceptional, this is not necessarily the pattern across all MR Teams.
But given a 14% increase in the number of individual team involvement call-outs across the Lake District area as a whole, prior to the August Bank Holiday, its clear that the demand on some MRTs is in danger of becoming untenable. Particularly for the many volunteers who freely give of their time, and live with the disruption to their personal & work life.
Basecamp proffers one solution, suggesting increasing awareness amongst groups on mountain activities.
I've a few more radical ideas concerning individual responsibility, self-assist, common sense, and unnatural hiding places for improperly used mobile phones.
But perhaps its better I resist the temptation to go into detail.
Well for the present, at least.
Labels: Lake District, Mountain Rescue Team(MRT), Mountain Resuce Team MRT BASECAMP, Wales
Friday, October 23
OMM 2009 - Brollies at the ready
Try to cast your mind back one year
Yes really. That far back.
Do you remember the media frenzy surrounding the 2008 Original Mountain Marathon cancellation?
Well the OMM 2009 event kicks off tomorrow.
The on-line forecast for Builth Wells looks reasonable (well for the Welsh hills at least)
So why did this evening's TV Weather forecast suggest nothing but wall to wall rain cloud covering the UK from early Saturday morning?
Run away & hide!
Worm on tongue; Breath suitably baited;
The cynical await this year's press coverage.Labels: Wales
Tuesday, October 20
Martial Art - Now 102 ways to kill a man?
Well in the case of one group of Midland charity walkers, not so much a secret art. More a bunch of artists (of a different sort) demonstrating their selfishness & a total miscomprehension of simple hill craft.
"The group from Coventry were taking part in a fundraising record attempt to see how many martial arts enthusiasts could climb the mountain at one time. They carried the man up Llanberis Path but found it too tough to go further. They then left the man in the wheelchair with a friend, while they carried on and reached the peak. When they returned to the man in the wheelchair, they were too tired to carry him back down and called for help from mountain rescuers" (Source BBC)
Thanks to Grough for flagging the story, and the Coventry Evening Telegraph for further detail.
So once again the local MRT get pulled in to dig a group of prats out of a hole of their own making.
In this case a little forethought would have prevented the incident. Or even a little less selfishness, when it started to go pearshaped, would have prevented an escalation.
I'll declare an interest here. I was once a martial artist - a pursuit that fosters self reliance and independent thinking. I also happen to originate from Coventry - so the 'City folk go dumb in the wilds' tag isn't accurate either.
Apparently the paraplegic was "their pal". With friends like this who needs enemies?
I suspect this is one charity event where their won't be much post event publicity from the charity concerned.
Labels: Mountain Rescue Team(MRT), Wales
Monday, October 5
Three Peaks, Slow Peaks
Whilst doing the last minute packing earlier this evening I was listening to BBC Radio 4's CostingThe Earth program (On Listen Again Now for the next 7 days).
"Every year around 60,000 people set out on the Three Peaks Challenge, aiming to climb the highest mountains in England, Wales and Scotland. Most do it to raise money for charity but there are increasing worries that the challenge is putting too much pressure on the environment, destroying some of our most beautiful places"
I was half listening to the usual pros & cons. All equally valid in their way, but nothing unusual.
Then towards the program's end a Snowdonia National Park Ranger provides a very evenly balanced view on mountain usage and its users. During his piece, he comes up with an interesting line of thought as to the Time element of the Challenge, citing that as one of the underlying causes that inevitably leads to the concentration of so many people gathering in a few very specific spots, typically at unsocial hours.
The program is worth listening to for this section alone (IMHO) suggesting a possible way for such Charity Challenges to continue into the future, whilst balancing local sensibilities.
I'm reminded of a comment attributed to Wainwright on hearing that someone had recently run the Pennine Way in under 3 days
"Why?"
Whilst it wasn't expressly said the program left me with an intriguing idea for a new event of this type.
Welcome to 'The Three Peaks Slow Challenge'.
Think about it for a moment........
Forget 3 peaks in 24 hours.
How about 3 peaks in as long a period as it takes to properly saviour each mountain?
Possibly start with different ascent & descent routes. Then build in timing each peak's top to enjoy a sunrise, sunset, or even perhaps a night on the mountain.
Certainly consider banning the use of mobile phones, unless by the Group Leader in the event of an emergency. With event exclusion being a penalty for abuse, especially when involving Mountain Rescue Services.
How about a 'Guess the Number' lottery for items of litter picked up along the way? A different way to garnish additional donations whilst being of immense usefulness.
Maybe even a 3 peaks - 3 wildcamps approach for instance? (That's not really going to affect most of us regular wildcampers by the way. We tend to steer clear of such peaks, due to their over popularity)
Lets take it further still. The winner (because such things always seem to turn into a competition) - the slowest time to "do" the 3 Peaks, with the most amount of enjoyment. Choose your own measurement.
Think the idea might catch on?
Certainly more of a Challenge from what I can see.Labels: Lake District, media, Scotland, Wales
Thursday, May 28
Welsh 3000s - Tut tut Trail Mag
Following my recent piece on Thomas Firbank I'd heard on the grapevine that June's Trail Magazine would include an article on the Welsh 3000s, a challenge originally arising with Firbank and documented in his 1940 book “I Bought A Mountain”.
A pity then that Trail somehow overlooked mentioning the debt owed to Firbank and friends(although Esme gets a slight look in). Instead the focus was more on the opportunity for Trail to become Challenger #1 on Snowdonia Society's 14 Peaks
Err - not a particularly impressive achievement 'Team Trail' if nobody else knows it exists. Especially if that success arrives at the same time as knowledge about the prize.
Whatever.
Happily the Snowdonia Society site provides an accurate history to balance the picture.
Actually, now I come to think about it, much of June's magazine had me spitting. Not least that two of my recent wildcamp areas appeared in their walks section (yes I know they would have done them months before I got there, and at least one is a relatively common area, but it just felt soooooooooooo wrong)
Then there's the article on Wildcamping which left me with a feeling on it all being rather jolly, but also rather off-balance somehow. Especially compared to Dave Mycroft's Outdoors Magic piece on the same subject.
To quote Trail “giving out exact grid references are a no-no because sites tend to get overused, so here are a few grid squares for you to hunt for a spot in”.
Next to a 4 digit grid ref and the name Red Tarn.
Err - the point of wildcamping is camping in the wild. Not watching the party animals whooping it up on the other side of the tarn, having picked up the camp site courtesy of an earlier WHSmith stop on the M6.
Argh!
I give up.
Is it just me who finds Trail Mag rapidly turning into a comic as it tries to ride the current Craze for (cheap) camping breaks?
Especially now the Credit Cr*p has made it all so very trendy in the media at present.
Labels: books, Trail Magazine, Wales
Monday, September 29
Mountain Top Mutterings
Snowdon's new summit building is near completion - latest news and views a plenty from the cunningly entitled Snowdon Summit Blog
And whilst we're mooching around the top of the UK hills, Hey, What's That site is offering a DIY panorama generator using a Google Map mash-up. Beta at present, but all clever stuff once you work out how to set your own viewpoint.Labels: blog media, Wales
Saturday, August 23
Snowdonia Backpacking & Wildcamping
An initial joy of the web is the incredible amount of information that suddenly becomes available. The depth and scope of this limited only by an ability to use a search engine such as Google.
An initial hate of the web is the incredible amount of information that suddenly becomes available. But is irrelevant, outdated, or even offensive.
As time passes this apparent paradox becomes resolved with personal filtering of how to find information, but as it does mining these seams to follow a specific interest will start to dry up, save for any newly established sites that may appear.
Hence the reducing number of site recommendations I make these days; Save for those Outdoor Blogs which continue to attract new enthusiasts with something to say about their view of gear, experiences and trips.
So I was pleased to come across Snowdonia Backpacking the other day. A site that has been quietly building up a store of backpacking and wildcamping experience for others. Trekking a very solitary path.
"...created to put online my accounts of the multiple-day walks with wild camping that I have done in the National Park ....since 1981....my writings tell not only of my appreciation of the Welsh mountains, but also of my trials and tribulations during my self-taught apprenticeship in the wilds.....
I have never been acquainted with any one else who goes backpacking, so everything I do has been learned from books and magazines, and from experience. I live over 200 miles away ...... I am not one of the lucky people who can slip out at weekends for a bit of practice in the hills....I have good stamina but I have always been slightly weaker compared to my contemporaries, and I don't mind admitting I am scared of heights!
It is hoped that the contents of Snowdonia Backpacking will inform you, pass on some of my hard-gained know-how and maybe entertain you, but above all I sincerely hope it will fill you with enthusiasm and inspiration, in much the same way as the books I read around 1980 did for me"
(And Mr Lumley, if your reading this, “Teach Yourself Backpacking” gets a grateful mention BTW)
I really sympathise with this approach. Howard was not alone in learning skills in this way, especially back in the 70s & 80s when sources for those living beyond traditional walking areas were limited, or nil (The modern net savvy generation now have such amazing access to the basic skills these days, especially when trying to contact like minded people)
A great read of one person's autumnal trips, with trial and error lessons for all of us to consider.
A new one for my recently revised links list I think.Labels: Backpacking Advice, Fellwalking, Gear, Wales, walks
Tuesday, July 8
Who will rescue the rescuer?
I don't usually link to video clips, but this one is certainly a unique circumstance. And an answer to one of those "What if....." questions that occasionally arise.
So just how do you get a Breakdown Service when your transport is a RAF Sea King helicopter, and you are in the middle of a Welsh MRT incident?
Send in the Chinook.
But of course.
Edit 9/7:
And the ever excellent Grough News has a different clip with much more detail on the circumstances behind the rescue.
Edit 11/7:
And a report from one of the MRT involved courtesy of Trail Magazine's Live for the Outdoors websiteLabels: media, Mountain Rescue Team(MRT), Wales
Sunday, April 13
Self Reliance on the hills
Regular readers of this site will know of my irritation with those pathetic individuals who regard ownership of a mobile phone on the hills as a valid reason to avoid taking any personal responsibility for their own safety and security.
On this wet and blowy Sunday afternoon, sat surfing the net post today's walk in the sun, showers & hail (ouch) I came across this posting. Nicely demonstrating that the spirit of self reliance is alive and well. Happily the story has a happy ending despite the potential for tragedy.
And whilst you're browsing Pete's site there's an interesting low level, circular footpath around Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) for a gentle 2-3 day walk using rights of way, access land and open countryside. Pete's thoughtfully provided a PDF describing the route which can also be downloaded.Labels: blog media, Mountain Rescue Team(MRT), Wales
Thursday, February 7
aRoundabout - outdoor news and views (Feb 7)
Unbowed by a backlash of utter indifferance, here's another weekly round-up for your entertainment.
New sites to check out?
Seb Green was 15 when as a result of his involvement in a boat theft he ended up stuck in mud in Fleet Lagoon late at night. Subsequently rescued (and charged) in the years since he's regretted his actions and on the 1st of February he started his walk around the coast of mainland UK to raise cash for charity to make amends to the local community.
The 18-year-old will spend nearly a year walking 5,821 miles with his border collie dog, Flash, camping as he goes. More details on his website
Outdoor News
That's the way to do it.........
In contrast to last week's report of ill prepared walkers and their involvement of various Mountain Rescue teams here's a happier report of a man showing real self reliance (thanks to Grough for this) Well done that man!
Wainwright Window Becomes Storm Victim
An appeal comes via the Online Fellwalking Club and The Wainwright Society to fund church repairs. Not normally something that would feature on here but the church in question is St. James in Buttermere. A small leaded window was battered by recent winter gales and is boarded up awaiting repair.
And the relevance?
Its the same window containing the memorial plaque to Wainwright, and that special view towards Haystacks. Target is around £1000 if you want to contribute.
News in March's Trail Magazine concerning the Vixen Tor campaign's new initiative based on the Highways Law (my background piece here) and a request for testimonials from anyone who can recall walking, climbing or just enjoying the site.
Whilst not of direct relevance to the E-Petition on the legal position of wildcamping in England & Wales (364 votes and building - is your name on it yet?) there are some useful lessons to be learnt from the campaign when looking at mounting and delivering change for outdoor access that relates to all of us. Whether we intend to use this spot or not.
And finally ......
Look to the skies. Is it a bird? Is it a plane? Nope its Air Viagra.
An Israeli study of mountain climbers in Africa has identified a link between erectile dysfunction drugs and improved performance at high altitude. An active ingredient in the drugs helped climbers perform better where oxygen was at reduced levels. The study indicates this may be of assistance for jet fighter pilots.
Hopefully they will work out any unrequired side effects (Beware sudden ejections - lol) but maybe that explains the mass of Viagra spam targeted at us hardened outdoor types.
Meanwhile US scientists, not to be outdone, have built an adapted knee brace that generates energy from human movement ".....we can get as much as 13 watts from walking .. .... enough to power about 30 minutes of talk time on a typical mobile phone from just one minute of walking"
Great news for ubertechnowalkers. Possibly. But not looking too good for the ultralight brigade.Labels: blog media, dartmoor, Lake District, podcasts, vixen tor, Wales, YHA
Monday, February 4
A good read - Thomas Firbank
During the last few weeks I've read a couple of pieces by Chris Townsend and Weird Darren concerning some of their outdoor literature recommendations. Which reminded me of one of the lesser-known authors. Not specifically walk based reading, but an evocative slice of pre and post war living in the wilder areas of the UK.
In 1931 a young Canadian, Thomas Firbank, bought a 2,400 acre sheep farm in Dyffryn Mymbyr near Capel Curig covering most of the land to the east of Glyder Fawr. Here he learnt his trade, while celebrating the beauty & reality of life working in Snowdonia. Along the way he married Esme Kirby and found time to be the first to record an ascent of all of the Welsh 3000s in less than 9 hours
He wrote about his experiences in "I Bought a Mountain" and the book turned out to be a huge success despite minimal publicity.
As is my usual approach after enjoying an author's work I started to track down his other writings.
The 1951 follow-up "I Bought a Star" was a real surprise as it described how he left the farm, went to war (winning the Military Star in Italy), and was divorced from Esme. Generously, for those times, he left his ex-wife the marital home, Dyffryn Mymbyr and Esme went on to use this as a base when helping to found the influential Snowdonia Society and later The Esmé Kirby Snowdonia Trust
Meanwhile, on a walking trip to North Wales in the late 1990s I managed to spot the house, that scene of so much activity, from the valley road. At that time it was still occupied by Esme who sadly died a short time afterwards. But this did lead to some related anecdotes appearing on uk.rec.walking, reinforcing her reputation as a formidable opponent and fierce protector of the Snowdonia landscape.
Firbank's 1953 offering "A Country of Memorable Honour" was back on an UK outdoors theme describing a walking tour through Wales. Once more a remarkably observed slice of rural life at that time.
I'd read the words from the man, visited some of the places he knew, and in some way walked alongside a life reporting on events before I was even born.
And as I closed that book along with Firbank, he was about to move to Japan and a new life. Or so I thought as far as his writing output concerned. It was finished.
Then, three years ago I happened to be browsing amongst the shelves of a notable second hand bookshop, sadly now closed, in Mortonhampstead on Dartmoor.
Firbank's name leapt out as I spotted a new title. Well unknown to me at least.
"Log Hut" (aka "Log Hut, Further Adventures in Home-making") was also first printed in 1953. This described Firbank's life living and working on Dartmoor. Adapting a log cabin for his new family (where did they come from?), and his attempts to reopen and commercially mine a local quarry.
And as I paid for my new treat the bookseller casually mentioned that the Log Hut in question was a short distance away. All very karmic (And although I believe I have traced the location, its one I've yet to see in the flesh)
If you want more information there's an excellent obituary article covering the many facets of Firbank's long life here.
Thomas Joseph Firbank, writer, sheep-farmer, soldier and businessman.
A man who through the written word remains able to speak to us across the many long years since his observations; Still capable of touching others through his description of the of the natural wild areas, and an ability to live amongst it all.
Now that's writing.Labels: books, dartmoor, Wales
Thursday, January 31
Walkabout's aRoundabout - outdoor news and views
A new approach for me.......Rather than post these bits 'n bobs individually here's a summary, cunningly named Walkabout's aRoundabout. Its an attempt to provide a quick browse for some pre-weekend entertainment, ideas & news. So at least if its rubbish, you'll only have to suffer it once a week in future. And quickly.
If the format works for you, or not please let me know.
Radio waves
I caught the last few minutes of a radio program earlier in the week and recognised that voice.
BBC 4's Great Lives had Joe Simpson (Author/Filmstar: Touching the Void et al), talking up one of his heroes, pioneering Austrian mountaineer Hermann Buhl. Or as Matthew Parris (presenter & journalist) describes the experience:
' yomping along the top of Froggatt Edge (Peak District) Joe's chosen great life was that of Hermann Buhl, the famously super-daring, self-reliant Austrian climber who died in a climbing fall at the age of 32; and as both Joe and my other guest climbing-writer, Ed Douglas, live in Sheffield we decided to record the programme not in a London studio, but outdoors ....... The driving rain was almost sleet, the wind was fierce and the ground sodden. I wanted to impress.........'
Don't cut that rope Joe. Please!
(Was it the Bee Gee's who had a hit with the tune 'Tragedy'? - oops no idea where that thought slipped in - lol)
Available on Podcast here to listen to it in full.
New sites to check out?
The Out of Towner ...........
Section Hiker - Philip is an avid US based hiker & backpacker.
I don't usually recommend US based sites. Not xenophobia honestly! I just find much of the climatic/ground/travel differences distracting at times as I keep mentally casting aside excellent advice but irrelevant from the UK backpacker's perspective walking in the UK. But Phil's got a lot to say on the subject in general. Worth a looksee.
Walking Fort Bragg - Ron is another US based blogger 'In my sixties, going on 12 but learning all the time!'
I've not had a lot of time to check this over, but I'm happy to publicise Ron's work especially for my American visitors.
Meanwhile nearer home ...........
Outdoors4u - Billy's new to the scene but digging in hard.
Early days - one to watch hopefully. Harrumph - these youngsters these days ..... mumble mumble....)
Beating The Bounds - A Blog about 'walking, thinking about walking, reading about walking…….and maybe other stuff'.
That would be mostly about Walking then I guess. And interesting to boot (Hee hee)
TheGreenOutdoors - Oliver is based around the Derby area, and his Blog's remit is 'Cultivating Green Design for the Great Outdoors - musings on outdoor sports apparel (and a bit on equipment too) of the sort I don't think you'll find anywhere else.....'
Lots to drool over, but better use the approved jacket cleaner afterwards.
Walkhighlands.com - Highlands of Scotland walks and accommodation '340 free detailed walk descriptions with GPS waypoints, maps and photos across the Highlands of Scotland'
Excellent research material here. Link to it quick - now don't you just know that you'll need it sometime soon anyway.
Outdoor News
YHA 2008/9 Investment Plans
Last weekend the YHA released details of their £13.5 million package for 2008/9. 37 building modernisation schemes, 3 new hostels (all S.E. UK - London, Eastbourne, Lewes) Schemes include Ilam (Peak District), Pen y Pass (Snowdonia), Conwy (N Wales) Ambleside & Windermere (Lake District) and Exeter (nr Dartmoor)
Browsing the full list it feels like a number of refits aimed initially at the larger hostels?
Two walkers rescued off Snowdon (28/1)
'...badly prepared and equipped........two were "lucky" to have escaped unharmed............. etc'
You've heard it so often from me before again and again. But there's more ....'...the men told rescuers that they had prepared for the trip by researching on the internet'
Obviously not come across this site in their Googling efforts then?
And finally ......
The recent and very well mannered debate around the wildcamping E-Petition has flushed John Manning back into the bloggersphere with a passionate arguement to rebut many points raised by those not in agreement with the current E-Petition initiative.
RUMBLINGS… The online diary of outdoor journalist John Manning.
Good stuff.Labels: blog media, dartmoor, Lake District, podcasts, Wales, YHA
Tuesday, September 4
New Welsh Nuttalls
It seems to matter to some people about collecting lists of things. Or to be more precise ticking off items on other peoples lists. Hills especially seem to attract such folk, although this didn't start until the 1890s when Sir Hugh Munro hit inadvertently started a craze. What a groovy cat.
Now we have the The Wainrights, The Munros, The Marilyns, and many, many more.
And then of course there is The Nuttalls - a list of mountain summits in England and Wales which reach the height of 2,000 feet.
Well as of 2nd September 2007 you peak baggers had better plan a quick trip over to Wales as there's now two new summits to conquer: Carnedd y Filiast North Top (SH617631) & Castell y Gwynt (SH654581)
And there was me thinking that the summits were mostly invulnerable to the fleeting whims of us transitory humans.
Next post -the Norfolk Peaks? Ah well, probably not.
;-)Labels: Fellwalking, Wales
All site material © John Hee - ask before you snatch
October's Mountain Rescue magazine dropped onto the doormat a few weeks ago, but it was only the past few days that I found time to sit down and peruse it at leisure.
As a member of Basecamp, the MRT Support Club for England & Wales, this comes as part of the membership package and is always an interesting read. Content is geared (naturally) towards MRT personnel, but there is usually a couple of items that catch my interest as a non-MRT reader (See July's piece concerning mobile telephone access to emergency services)
The latest issue was no exception with a report that Keswick MRT calls hit 100 in late August, an increase of 77% compared to 2008, and a 66% increase in alerts. North Wales also experienced a 20% rise over 2008 figures.
Whilst exceptional, this is not necessarily the pattern across all MR Teams.
But given a 14% increase in the number of individual team involvement call-outs across the Lake District area as a whole, prior to the August Bank Holiday, its clear that the demand on some MRTs is in danger of becoming untenable. Particularly for the many volunteers who freely give of their time, and live with the disruption to their personal & work life.
Basecamp proffers one solution, suggesting increasing awareness amongst groups on mountain activities.
I've a few more radical ideas concerning individual responsibility, self-assist, common sense, and unnatural hiding places for improperly used mobile phones.
But perhaps its better I resist the temptation to go into detail.
Well for the present, at least.
Labels: Lake District, Mountain Rescue Team(MRT), Mountain Resuce Team MRT BASECAMP, Wales
OMM 2009 - Brollies at the ready
Try to cast your mind back one year
Yes really. That far back.
Do you remember the media frenzy surrounding the 2008 Original Mountain Marathon cancellation?
Well the OMM 2009 event kicks off tomorrow.
The on-line forecast for Builth Wells looks reasonable (well for the Welsh hills at least)
So why did this evening's TV Weather forecast suggest nothing but wall to wall rain cloud covering the UK from early Saturday morning?
Run away & hide!
Worm on tongue; Breath suitably baited;
The cynical await this year's press coverage.Labels: Wales
Tuesday, October 20
Martial Art - Now 102 ways to kill a man?
Well in the case of one group of Midland charity walkers, not so much a secret art. More a bunch of artists (of a different sort) demonstrating their selfishness & a total miscomprehension of simple hill craft.
"The group from Coventry were taking part in a fundraising record attempt to see how many martial arts enthusiasts could climb the mountain at one time. They carried the man up Llanberis Path but found it too tough to go further. They then left the man in the wheelchair with a friend, while they carried on and reached the peak. When they returned to the man in the wheelchair, they were too tired to carry him back down and called for help from mountain rescuers" (Source BBC)
Thanks to Grough for flagging the story, and the Coventry Evening Telegraph for further detail.
So once again the local MRT get pulled in to dig a group of prats out of a hole of their own making.
In this case a little forethought would have prevented the incident. Or even a little less selfishness, when it started to go pearshaped, would have prevented an escalation.
I'll declare an interest here. I was once a martial artist - a pursuit that fosters self reliance and independent thinking. I also happen to originate from Coventry - so the 'City folk go dumb in the wilds' tag isn't accurate either.
Apparently the paraplegic was "their pal". With friends like this who needs enemies?
I suspect this is one charity event where their won't be much post event publicity from the charity concerned.
Labels: Mountain Rescue Team(MRT), Wales
Monday, October 5
Three Peaks, Slow Peaks
Whilst doing the last minute packing earlier this evening I was listening to BBC Radio 4's CostingThe Earth program (On Listen Again Now for the next 7 days).
"Every year around 60,000 people set out on the Three Peaks Challenge, aiming to climb the highest mountains in England, Wales and Scotland. Most do it to raise money for charity but there are increasing worries that the challenge is putting too much pressure on the environment, destroying some of our most beautiful places"
I was half listening to the usual pros & cons. All equally valid in their way, but nothing unusual.
Then towards the program's end a Snowdonia National Park Ranger provides a very evenly balanced view on mountain usage and its users. During his piece, he comes up with an interesting line of thought as to the Time element of the Challenge, citing that as one of the underlying causes that inevitably leads to the concentration of so many people gathering in a few very specific spots, typically at unsocial hours.
The program is worth listening to for this section alone (IMHO) suggesting a possible way for such Charity Challenges to continue into the future, whilst balancing local sensibilities.
I'm reminded of a comment attributed to Wainwright on hearing that someone had recently run the Pennine Way in under 3 days
"Why?"
Whilst it wasn't expressly said the program left me with an intriguing idea for a new event of this type.
Welcome to 'The Three Peaks Slow Challenge'.
Think about it for a moment........
Forget 3 peaks in 24 hours.
How about 3 peaks in as long a period as it takes to properly saviour each mountain?
Possibly start with different ascent & descent routes. Then build in timing each peak's top to enjoy a sunrise, sunset, or even perhaps a night on the mountain.
Certainly consider banning the use of mobile phones, unless by the Group Leader in the event of an emergency. With event exclusion being a penalty for abuse, especially when involving Mountain Rescue Services.
How about a 'Guess the Number' lottery for items of litter picked up along the way? A different way to garnish additional donations whilst being of immense usefulness.
Maybe even a 3 peaks - 3 wildcamps approach for instance? (That's not really going to affect most of us regular wildcampers by the way. We tend to steer clear of such peaks, due to their over popularity)
Lets take it further still. The winner (because such things always seem to turn into a competition) - the slowest time to "do" the 3 Peaks, with the most amount of enjoyment. Choose your own measurement.
Think the idea might catch on?
Certainly more of a Challenge from what I can see.Labels: Lake District, media, Scotland, Wales
Thursday, May 28
Welsh 3000s - Tut tut Trail Mag
Following my recent piece on Thomas Firbank I'd heard on the grapevine that June's Trail Magazine would include an article on the Welsh 3000s, a challenge originally arising with Firbank and documented in his 1940 book “I Bought A Mountain”.
A pity then that Trail somehow overlooked mentioning the debt owed to Firbank and friends(although Esme gets a slight look in). Instead the focus was more on the opportunity for Trail to become Challenger #1 on Snowdonia Society's 14 Peaks
Err - not a particularly impressive achievement 'Team Trail' if nobody else knows it exists. Especially if that success arrives at the same time as knowledge about the prize.
Whatever.
Happily the Snowdonia Society site provides an accurate history to balance the picture.
Actually, now I come to think about it, much of June's magazine had me spitting. Not least that two of my recent wildcamp areas appeared in their walks section (yes I know they would have done them months before I got there, and at least one is a relatively common area, but it just felt soooooooooooo wrong)
Then there's the article on Wildcamping which left me with a feeling on it all being rather jolly, but also rather off-balance somehow. Especially compared to Dave Mycroft's Outdoors Magic piece on the same subject.
To quote Trail “giving out exact grid references are a no-no because sites tend to get overused, so here are a few grid squares for you to hunt for a spot in”.
Next to a 4 digit grid ref and the name Red Tarn.
Err - the point of wildcamping is camping in the wild. Not watching the party animals whooping it up on the other side of the tarn, having picked up the camp site courtesy of an earlier WHSmith stop on the M6.
Argh!
I give up.
Is it just me who finds Trail Mag rapidly turning into a comic as it tries to ride the current Craze for (cheap) camping breaks?
Especially now the Credit Cr*p has made it all so very trendy in the media at present.
Labels: books, Trail Magazine, Wales
Monday, September 29
Mountain Top Mutterings
Snowdon's new summit building is near completion - latest news and views a plenty from the cunningly entitled Snowdon Summit Blog
And whilst we're mooching around the top of the UK hills, Hey, What's That site is offering a DIY panorama generator using a Google Map mash-up. Beta at present, but all clever stuff once you work out how to set your own viewpoint.Labels: blog media, Wales
Saturday, August 23
Snowdonia Backpacking & Wildcamping
An initial joy of the web is the incredible amount of information that suddenly becomes available. The depth and scope of this limited only by an ability to use a search engine such as Google.
An initial hate of the web is the incredible amount of information that suddenly becomes available. But is irrelevant, outdated, or even offensive.
As time passes this apparent paradox becomes resolved with personal filtering of how to find information, but as it does mining these seams to follow a specific interest will start to dry up, save for any newly established sites that may appear.
Hence the reducing number of site recommendations I make these days; Save for those Outdoor Blogs which continue to attract new enthusiasts with something to say about their view of gear, experiences and trips.
So I was pleased to come across Snowdonia Backpacking the other day. A site that has been quietly building up a store of backpacking and wildcamping experience for others. Trekking a very solitary path.
"...created to put online my accounts of the multiple-day walks with wild camping that I have done in the National Park ....since 1981....my writings tell not only of my appreciation of the Welsh mountains, but also of my trials and tribulations during my self-taught apprenticeship in the wilds.....
I have never been acquainted with any one else who goes backpacking, so everything I do has been learned from books and magazines, and from experience. I live over 200 miles away ...... I am not one of the lucky people who can slip out at weekends for a bit of practice in the hills....I have good stamina but I have always been slightly weaker compared to my contemporaries, and I don't mind admitting I am scared of heights!
It is hoped that the contents of Snowdonia Backpacking will inform you, pass on some of my hard-gained know-how and maybe entertain you, but above all I sincerely hope it will fill you with enthusiasm and inspiration, in much the same way as the books I read around 1980 did for me"
(And Mr Lumley, if your reading this, “Teach Yourself Backpacking” gets a grateful mention BTW)
I really sympathise with this approach. Howard was not alone in learning skills in this way, especially back in the 70s & 80s when sources for those living beyond traditional walking areas were limited, or nil (The modern net savvy generation now have such amazing access to the basic skills these days, especially when trying to contact like minded people)
A great read of one person's autumnal trips, with trial and error lessons for all of us to consider.
A new one for my recently revised links list I think.Labels: Backpacking Advice, Fellwalking, Gear, Wales, walks
Tuesday, July 8
Who will rescue the rescuer?
I don't usually link to video clips, but this one is certainly a unique circumstance. And an answer to one of those "What if....." questions that occasionally arise.
So just how do you get a Breakdown Service when your transport is a RAF Sea King helicopter, and you are in the middle of a Welsh MRT incident?
Send in the Chinook.
But of course.
Edit 9/7:
And the ever excellent Grough News has a different clip with much more detail on the circumstances behind the rescue.
Edit 11/7:
And a report from one of the MRT involved courtesy of Trail Magazine's Live for the Outdoors websiteLabels: media, Mountain Rescue Team(MRT), Wales
Sunday, April 13
Self Reliance on the hills
Regular readers of this site will know of my irritation with those pathetic individuals who regard ownership of a mobile phone on the hills as a valid reason to avoid taking any personal responsibility for their own safety and security.
On this wet and blowy Sunday afternoon, sat surfing the net post today's walk in the sun, showers & hail (ouch) I came across this posting. Nicely demonstrating that the spirit of self reliance is alive and well. Happily the story has a happy ending despite the potential for tragedy.
And whilst you're browsing Pete's site there's an interesting low level, circular footpath around Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) for a gentle 2-3 day walk using rights of way, access land and open countryside. Pete's thoughtfully provided a PDF describing the route which can also be downloaded.Labels: blog media, Mountain Rescue Team(MRT), Wales
Thursday, February 7
aRoundabout - outdoor news and views (Feb 7)
Unbowed by a backlash of utter indifferance, here's another weekly round-up for your entertainment.
New sites to check out?
Seb Green was 15 when as a result of his involvement in a boat theft he ended up stuck in mud in Fleet Lagoon late at night. Subsequently rescued (and charged) in the years since he's regretted his actions and on the 1st of February he started his walk around the coast of mainland UK to raise cash for charity to make amends to the local community.
The 18-year-old will spend nearly a year walking 5,821 miles with his border collie dog, Flash, camping as he goes. More details on his website
Outdoor News
That's the way to do it.........
In contrast to last week's report of ill prepared walkers and their involvement of various Mountain Rescue teams here's a happier report of a man showing real self reliance (thanks to Grough for this) Well done that man!
Wainwright Window Becomes Storm Victim
An appeal comes via the Online Fellwalking Club and The Wainwright Society to fund church repairs. Not normally something that would feature on here but the church in question is St. James in Buttermere. A small leaded window was battered by recent winter gales and is boarded up awaiting repair.
And the relevance?
Its the same window containing the memorial plaque to Wainwright, and that special view towards Haystacks. Target is around £1000 if you want to contribute.
News in March's Trail Magazine concerning the Vixen Tor campaign's new initiative based on the Highways Law (my background piece here) and a request for testimonials from anyone who can recall walking, climbing or just enjoying the site.
Whilst not of direct relevance to the E-Petition on the legal position of wildcamping in England & Wales (364 votes and building - is your name on it yet?) there are some useful lessons to be learnt from the campaign when looking at mounting and delivering change for outdoor access that relates to all of us. Whether we intend to use this spot or not.
And finally ......
Look to the skies. Is it a bird? Is it a plane? Nope its Air Viagra.
An Israeli study of mountain climbers in Africa has identified a link between erectile dysfunction drugs and improved performance at high altitude. An active ingredient in the drugs helped climbers perform better where oxygen was at reduced levels. The study indicates this may be of assistance for jet fighter pilots.
Hopefully they will work out any unrequired side effects (Beware sudden ejections - lol) but maybe that explains the mass of Viagra spam targeted at us hardened outdoor types.
Meanwhile US scientists, not to be outdone, have built an adapted knee brace that generates energy from human movement ".....we can get as much as 13 watts from walking .. .... enough to power about 30 minutes of talk time on a typical mobile phone from just one minute of walking"
Great news for ubertechnowalkers. Possibly. But not looking too good for the ultralight brigade.Labels: blog media, dartmoor, Lake District, podcasts, vixen tor, Wales, YHA
Monday, February 4
A good read - Thomas Firbank
During the last few weeks I've read a couple of pieces by Chris Townsend and Weird Darren concerning some of their outdoor literature recommendations. Which reminded me of one of the lesser-known authors. Not specifically walk based reading, but an evocative slice of pre and post war living in the wilder areas of the UK.
In 1931 a young Canadian, Thomas Firbank, bought a 2,400 acre sheep farm in Dyffryn Mymbyr near Capel Curig covering most of the land to the east of Glyder Fawr. Here he learnt his trade, while celebrating the beauty & reality of life working in Snowdonia. Along the way he married Esme Kirby and found time to be the first to record an ascent of all of the Welsh 3000s in less than 9 hours
He wrote about his experiences in "I Bought a Mountain" and the book turned out to be a huge success despite minimal publicity.
As is my usual approach after enjoying an author's work I started to track down his other writings.
The 1951 follow-up "I Bought a Star" was a real surprise as it described how he left the farm, went to war (winning the Military Star in Italy), and was divorced from Esme. Generously, for those times, he left his ex-wife the marital home, Dyffryn Mymbyr and Esme went on to use this as a base when helping to found the influential Snowdonia Society and later The Esmé Kirby Snowdonia Trust
Meanwhile, on a walking trip to North Wales in the late 1990s I managed to spot the house, that scene of so much activity, from the valley road. At that time it was still occupied by Esme who sadly died a short time afterwards. But this did lead to some related anecdotes appearing on uk.rec.walking, reinforcing her reputation as a formidable opponent and fierce protector of the Snowdonia landscape.
Firbank's 1953 offering "A Country of Memorable Honour" was back on an UK outdoors theme describing a walking tour through Wales. Once more a remarkably observed slice of rural life at that time.
I'd read the words from the man, visited some of the places he knew, and in some way walked alongside a life reporting on events before I was even born.
And as I closed that book along with Firbank, he was about to move to Japan and a new life. Or so I thought as far as his writing output concerned. It was finished.
Then, three years ago I happened to be browsing amongst the shelves of a notable second hand bookshop, sadly now closed, in Mortonhampstead on Dartmoor.
Firbank's name leapt out as I spotted a new title. Well unknown to me at least.
"Log Hut" (aka "Log Hut, Further Adventures in Home-making") was also first printed in 1953. This described Firbank's life living and working on Dartmoor. Adapting a log cabin for his new family (where did they come from?), and his attempts to reopen and commercially mine a local quarry.
And as I paid for my new treat the bookseller casually mentioned that the Log Hut in question was a short distance away. All very karmic (And although I believe I have traced the location, its one I've yet to see in the flesh)
If you want more information there's an excellent obituary article covering the many facets of Firbank's long life here.
Thomas Joseph Firbank, writer, sheep-farmer, soldier and businessman.
A man who through the written word remains able to speak to us across the many long years since his observations; Still capable of touching others through his description of the of the natural wild areas, and an ability to live amongst it all.
Now that's writing.Labels: books, dartmoor, Wales
Thursday, January 31
Walkabout's aRoundabout - outdoor news and views
A new approach for me.......Rather than post these bits 'n bobs individually here's a summary, cunningly named Walkabout's aRoundabout. Its an attempt to provide a quick browse for some pre-weekend entertainment, ideas & news. So at least if its rubbish, you'll only have to suffer it once a week in future. And quickly.
If the format works for you, or not please let me know.
Radio waves
I caught the last few minutes of a radio program earlier in the week and recognised that voice.
BBC 4's Great Lives had Joe Simpson (Author/Filmstar: Touching the Void et al), talking up one of his heroes, pioneering Austrian mountaineer Hermann Buhl. Or as Matthew Parris (presenter & journalist) describes the experience:
' yomping along the top of Froggatt Edge (Peak District) Joe's chosen great life was that of Hermann Buhl, the famously super-daring, self-reliant Austrian climber who died in a climbing fall at the age of 32; and as both Joe and my other guest climbing-writer, Ed Douglas, live in Sheffield we decided to record the programme not in a London studio, but outdoors ....... The driving rain was almost sleet, the wind was fierce and the ground sodden. I wanted to impress.........'
Don't cut that rope Joe. Please!
(Was it the Bee Gee's who had a hit with the tune 'Tragedy'? - oops no idea where that thought slipped in - lol)
Available on Podcast here to listen to it in full.
New sites to check out?
The Out of Towner ...........
Section Hiker - Philip is an avid US based hiker & backpacker.
I don't usually recommend US based sites. Not xenophobia honestly! I just find much of the climatic/ground/travel differences distracting at times as I keep mentally casting aside excellent advice but irrelevant from the UK backpacker's perspective walking in the UK. But Phil's got a lot to say on the subject in general. Worth a looksee.
Walking Fort Bragg - Ron is another US based blogger 'In my sixties, going on 12 but learning all the time!'
I've not had a lot of time to check this over, but I'm happy to publicise Ron's work especially for my American visitors.
Meanwhile nearer home ...........
Outdoors4u - Billy's new to the scene but digging in hard.
Early days - one to watch hopefully. Harrumph - these youngsters these days ..... mumble mumble....)
Beating The Bounds - A Blog about 'walking, thinking about walking, reading about walking…….and maybe other stuff'.
That would be mostly about Walking then I guess. And interesting to boot (Hee hee)
TheGreenOutdoors - Oliver is based around the Derby area, and his Blog's remit is 'Cultivating Green Design for the Great Outdoors - musings on outdoor sports apparel (and a bit on equipment too) of the sort I don't think you'll find anywhere else.....'
Lots to drool over, but better use the approved jacket cleaner afterwards.
Walkhighlands.com - Highlands of Scotland walks and accommodation '340 free detailed walk descriptions with GPS waypoints, maps and photos across the Highlands of Scotland'
Excellent research material here. Link to it quick - now don't you just know that you'll need it sometime soon anyway.
Outdoor News
YHA 2008/9 Investment Plans
Last weekend the YHA released details of their £13.5 million package for 2008/9. 37 building modernisation schemes, 3 new hostels (all S.E. UK - London, Eastbourne, Lewes) Schemes include Ilam (Peak District), Pen y Pass (Snowdonia), Conwy (N Wales) Ambleside & Windermere (Lake District) and Exeter (nr Dartmoor)
Browsing the full list it feels like a number of refits aimed initially at the larger hostels?
Two walkers rescued off Snowdon (28/1)
'...badly prepared and equipped........two were "lucky" to have escaped unharmed............. etc'
You've heard it so often from me before again and again. But there's more ....'...the men told rescuers that they had prepared for the trip by researching on the internet'
Obviously not come across this site in their Googling efforts then?
And finally ......
The recent and very well mannered debate around the wildcamping E-Petition has flushed John Manning back into the bloggersphere with a passionate arguement to rebut many points raised by those not in agreement with the current E-Petition initiative.
RUMBLINGS… The online diary of outdoor journalist John Manning.
Good stuff.Labels: blog media, dartmoor, Lake District, podcasts, Wales, YHA
Tuesday, September 4
New Welsh Nuttalls
It seems to matter to some people about collecting lists of things. Or to be more precise ticking off items on other peoples lists. Hills especially seem to attract such folk, although this didn't start until the 1890s when Sir Hugh Munro hit inadvertently started a craze. What a groovy cat.
Now we have the The Wainrights, The Munros, The Marilyns, and many, many more.
And then of course there is The Nuttalls - a list of mountain summits in England and Wales which reach the height of 2,000 feet.
Well as of 2nd September 2007 you peak baggers had better plan a quick trip over to Wales as there's now two new summits to conquer: Carnedd y Filiast North Top (SH617631) & Castell y Gwynt (SH654581)
And there was me thinking that the summits were mostly invulnerable to the fleeting whims of us transitory humans.
Next post -the Norfolk Peaks? Ah well, probably not.
;-)Labels: Fellwalking, Wales
All site material © John Hee - ask before you snatch
Yes really. That far back.
Do you remember the media frenzy surrounding the 2008 Original Mountain Marathon cancellation?
Well the OMM 2009 event kicks off tomorrow.
The on-line forecast for Builth Wells looks reasonable (well for the Welsh hills at least)
So why did this evening's TV Weather forecast suggest nothing but wall to wall rain cloud covering the UK from early Saturday morning?
Run away & hide!
Worm on tongue; Breath suitably baited;
The cynical await this year's press coverage.
Labels: Wales
Martial Art - Now 102 ways to kill a man?
Well in the case of one group of Midland charity walkers, not so much a secret art. More a bunch of artists (of a different sort) demonstrating their selfishness & a total miscomprehension of simple hill craft.
"The group from Coventry were taking part in a fundraising record attempt to see how many martial arts enthusiasts could climb the mountain at one time. They carried the man up Llanberis Path but found it too tough to go further. They then left the man in the wheelchair with a friend, while they carried on and reached the peak. When they returned to the man in the wheelchair, they were too tired to carry him back down and called for help from mountain rescuers" (Source BBC)
Thanks to Grough for flagging the story, and the Coventry Evening Telegraph for further detail.
So once again the local MRT get pulled in to dig a group of prats out of a hole of their own making.
In this case a little forethought would have prevented the incident. Or even a little less selfishness, when it started to go pearshaped, would have prevented an escalation.
I'll declare an interest here. I was once a martial artist - a pursuit that fosters self reliance and independent thinking. I also happen to originate from Coventry - so the 'City folk go dumb in the wilds' tag isn't accurate either.
Apparently the paraplegic was "their pal". With friends like this who needs enemies?
I suspect this is one charity event where their won't be much post event publicity from the charity concerned.
Labels: Mountain Rescue Team(MRT), Wales
Monday, October 5
Three Peaks, Slow Peaks
Whilst doing the last minute packing earlier this evening I was listening to BBC Radio 4's CostingThe Earth program (On Listen Again Now for the next 7 days).
"Every year around 60,000 people set out on the Three Peaks Challenge, aiming to climb the highest mountains in England, Wales and Scotland. Most do it to raise money for charity but there are increasing worries that the challenge is putting too much pressure on the environment, destroying some of our most beautiful places"
I was half listening to the usual pros & cons. All equally valid in their way, but nothing unusual.
Then towards the program's end a Snowdonia National Park Ranger provides a very evenly balanced view on mountain usage and its users. During his piece, he comes up with an interesting line of thought as to the Time element of the Challenge, citing that as one of the underlying causes that inevitably leads to the concentration of so many people gathering in a few very specific spots, typically at unsocial hours.
The program is worth listening to for this section alone (IMHO) suggesting a possible way for such Charity Challenges to continue into the future, whilst balancing local sensibilities.
I'm reminded of a comment attributed to Wainwright on hearing that someone had recently run the Pennine Way in under 3 days
"Why?"
Whilst it wasn't expressly said the program left me with an intriguing idea for a new event of this type.
Welcome to 'The Three Peaks Slow Challenge'.
Think about it for a moment........
Forget 3 peaks in 24 hours.
How about 3 peaks in as long a period as it takes to properly saviour each mountain?
Possibly start with different ascent & descent routes. Then build in timing each peak's top to enjoy a sunrise, sunset, or even perhaps a night on the mountain.
Certainly consider banning the use of mobile phones, unless by the Group Leader in the event of an emergency. With event exclusion being a penalty for abuse, especially when involving Mountain Rescue Services.
How about a 'Guess the Number' lottery for items of litter picked up along the way? A different way to garnish additional donations whilst being of immense usefulness.
Maybe even a 3 peaks - 3 wildcamps approach for instance? (That's not really going to affect most of us regular wildcampers by the way. We tend to steer clear of such peaks, due to their over popularity)
Lets take it further still. The winner (because such things always seem to turn into a competition) - the slowest time to "do" the 3 Peaks, with the most amount of enjoyment. Choose your own measurement.
Think the idea might catch on?
Certainly more of a Challenge from what I can see.Labels: Lake District, media, Scotland, Wales
Thursday, May 28
Welsh 3000s - Tut tut Trail Mag
Following my recent piece on Thomas Firbank I'd heard on the grapevine that June's Trail Magazine would include an article on the Welsh 3000s, a challenge originally arising with Firbank and documented in his 1940 book “I Bought A Mountain”.
A pity then that Trail somehow overlooked mentioning the debt owed to Firbank and friends(although Esme gets a slight look in). Instead the focus was more on the opportunity for Trail to become Challenger #1 on Snowdonia Society's 14 Peaks
Err - not a particularly impressive achievement 'Team Trail' if nobody else knows it exists. Especially if that success arrives at the same time as knowledge about the prize.
Whatever.
Happily the Snowdonia Society site provides an accurate history to balance the picture.
Actually, now I come to think about it, much of June's magazine had me spitting. Not least that two of my recent wildcamp areas appeared in their walks section (yes I know they would have done them months before I got there, and at least one is a relatively common area, but it just felt soooooooooooo wrong)
Then there's the article on Wildcamping which left me with a feeling on it all being rather jolly, but also rather off-balance somehow. Especially compared to Dave Mycroft's Outdoors Magic piece on the same subject.
To quote Trail “giving out exact grid references are a no-no because sites tend to get overused, so here are a few grid squares for you to hunt for a spot in”.
Next to a 4 digit grid ref and the name Red Tarn.
Err - the point of wildcamping is camping in the wild. Not watching the party animals whooping it up on the other side of the tarn, having picked up the camp site courtesy of an earlier WHSmith stop on the M6.
Argh!
I give up.
Is it just me who finds Trail Mag rapidly turning into a comic as it tries to ride the current Craze for (cheap) camping breaks?
Especially now the Credit Cr*p has made it all so very trendy in the media at present.
Labels: books, Trail Magazine, Wales
Monday, September 29
Mountain Top Mutterings
Snowdon's new summit building is near completion - latest news and views a plenty from the cunningly entitled Snowdon Summit Blog
And whilst we're mooching around the top of the UK hills, Hey, What's That site is offering a DIY panorama generator using a Google Map mash-up. Beta at present, but all clever stuff once you work out how to set your own viewpoint.Labels: blog media, Wales
Saturday, August 23
Snowdonia Backpacking & Wildcamping
An initial joy of the web is the incredible amount of information that suddenly becomes available. The depth and scope of this limited only by an ability to use a search engine such as Google.
An initial hate of the web is the incredible amount of information that suddenly becomes available. But is irrelevant, outdated, or even offensive.
As time passes this apparent paradox becomes resolved with personal filtering of how to find information, but as it does mining these seams to follow a specific interest will start to dry up, save for any newly established sites that may appear.
Hence the reducing number of site recommendations I make these days; Save for those Outdoor Blogs which continue to attract new enthusiasts with something to say about their view of gear, experiences and trips.
So I was pleased to come across Snowdonia Backpacking the other day. A site that has been quietly building up a store of backpacking and wildcamping experience for others. Trekking a very solitary path.
"...created to put online my accounts of the multiple-day walks with wild camping that I have done in the National Park ....since 1981....my writings tell not only of my appreciation of the Welsh mountains, but also of my trials and tribulations during my self-taught apprenticeship in the wilds.....
I have never been acquainted with any one else who goes backpacking, so everything I do has been learned from books and magazines, and from experience. I live over 200 miles away ...... I am not one of the lucky people who can slip out at weekends for a bit of practice in the hills....I have good stamina but I have always been slightly weaker compared to my contemporaries, and I don't mind admitting I am scared of heights!
It is hoped that the contents of Snowdonia Backpacking will inform you, pass on some of my hard-gained know-how and maybe entertain you, but above all I sincerely hope it will fill you with enthusiasm and inspiration, in much the same way as the books I read around 1980 did for me"
(And Mr Lumley, if your reading this, “Teach Yourself Backpacking” gets a grateful mention BTW)
I really sympathise with this approach. Howard was not alone in learning skills in this way, especially back in the 70s & 80s when sources for those living beyond traditional walking areas were limited, or nil (The modern net savvy generation now have such amazing access to the basic skills these days, especially when trying to contact like minded people)
A great read of one person's autumnal trips, with trial and error lessons for all of us to consider.
A new one for my recently revised links list I think.Labels: Backpacking Advice, Fellwalking, Gear, Wales, walks
Tuesday, July 8
Who will rescue the rescuer?
I don't usually link to video clips, but this one is certainly a unique circumstance. And an answer to one of those "What if....." questions that occasionally arise.
So just how do you get a Breakdown Service when your transport is a RAF Sea King helicopter, and you are in the middle of a Welsh MRT incident?
Send in the Chinook.
But of course.
Edit 9/7:
And the ever excellent Grough News has a different clip with much more detail on the circumstances behind the rescue.
Edit 11/7:
And a report from one of the MRT involved courtesy of Trail Magazine's Live for the Outdoors websiteLabels: media, Mountain Rescue Team(MRT), Wales
Sunday, April 13
Self Reliance on the hills
Regular readers of this site will know of my irritation with those pathetic individuals who regard ownership of a mobile phone on the hills as a valid reason to avoid taking any personal responsibility for their own safety and security.
On this wet and blowy Sunday afternoon, sat surfing the net post today's walk in the sun, showers & hail (ouch) I came across this posting. Nicely demonstrating that the spirit of self reliance is alive and well. Happily the story has a happy ending despite the potential for tragedy.
And whilst you're browsing Pete's site there's an interesting low level, circular footpath around Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) for a gentle 2-3 day walk using rights of way, access land and open countryside. Pete's thoughtfully provided a PDF describing the route which can also be downloaded.Labels: blog media, Mountain Rescue Team(MRT), Wales
Thursday, February 7
aRoundabout - outdoor news and views (Feb 7)
Unbowed by a backlash of utter indifferance, here's another weekly round-up for your entertainment.
New sites to check out?
Seb Green was 15 when as a result of his involvement in a boat theft he ended up stuck in mud in Fleet Lagoon late at night. Subsequently rescued (and charged) in the years since he's regretted his actions and on the 1st of February he started his walk around the coast of mainland UK to raise cash for charity to make amends to the local community.
The 18-year-old will spend nearly a year walking 5,821 miles with his border collie dog, Flash, camping as he goes. More details on his website
Outdoor News
That's the way to do it.........
In contrast to last week's report of ill prepared walkers and their involvement of various Mountain Rescue teams here's a happier report of a man showing real self reliance (thanks to Grough for this) Well done that man!
Wainwright Window Becomes Storm Victim
An appeal comes via the Online Fellwalking Club and The Wainwright Society to fund church repairs. Not normally something that would feature on here but the church in question is St. James in Buttermere. A small leaded window was battered by recent winter gales and is boarded up awaiting repair.
And the relevance?
Its the same window containing the memorial plaque to Wainwright, and that special view towards Haystacks. Target is around £1000 if you want to contribute.
News in March's Trail Magazine concerning the Vixen Tor campaign's new initiative based on the Highways Law (my background piece here) and a request for testimonials from anyone who can recall walking, climbing or just enjoying the site.
Whilst not of direct relevance to the E-Petition on the legal position of wildcamping in England & Wales (364 votes and building - is your name on it yet?) there are some useful lessons to be learnt from the campaign when looking at mounting and delivering change for outdoor access that relates to all of us. Whether we intend to use this spot or not.
And finally ......
Look to the skies. Is it a bird? Is it a plane? Nope its Air Viagra.
An Israeli study of mountain climbers in Africa has identified a link between erectile dysfunction drugs and improved performance at high altitude. An active ingredient in the drugs helped climbers perform better where oxygen was at reduced levels. The study indicates this may be of assistance for jet fighter pilots.
Hopefully they will work out any unrequired side effects (Beware sudden ejections - lol) but maybe that explains the mass of Viagra spam targeted at us hardened outdoor types.
Meanwhile US scientists, not to be outdone, have built an adapted knee brace that generates energy from human movement ".....we can get as much as 13 watts from walking .. .... enough to power about 30 minutes of talk time on a typical mobile phone from just one minute of walking"
Great news for ubertechnowalkers. Possibly. But not looking too good for the ultralight brigade.Labels: blog media, dartmoor, Lake District, podcasts, vixen tor, Wales, YHA
Monday, February 4
A good read - Thomas Firbank
During the last few weeks I've read a couple of pieces by Chris Townsend and Weird Darren concerning some of their outdoor literature recommendations. Which reminded me of one of the lesser-known authors. Not specifically walk based reading, but an evocative slice of pre and post war living in the wilder areas of the UK.
In 1931 a young Canadian, Thomas Firbank, bought a 2,400 acre sheep farm in Dyffryn Mymbyr near Capel Curig covering most of the land to the east of Glyder Fawr. Here he learnt his trade, while celebrating the beauty & reality of life working in Snowdonia. Along the way he married Esme Kirby and found time to be the first to record an ascent of all of the Welsh 3000s in less than 9 hours
He wrote about his experiences in "I Bought a Mountain" and the book turned out to be a huge success despite minimal publicity.
As is my usual approach after enjoying an author's work I started to track down his other writings.
The 1951 follow-up "I Bought a Star" was a real surprise as it described how he left the farm, went to war (winning the Military Star in Italy), and was divorced from Esme. Generously, for those times, he left his ex-wife the marital home, Dyffryn Mymbyr and Esme went on to use this as a base when helping to found the influential Snowdonia Society and later The Esmé Kirby Snowdonia Trust
Meanwhile, on a walking trip to North Wales in the late 1990s I managed to spot the house, that scene of so much activity, from the valley road. At that time it was still occupied by Esme who sadly died a short time afterwards. But this did lead to some related anecdotes appearing on uk.rec.walking, reinforcing her reputation as a formidable opponent and fierce protector of the Snowdonia landscape.
Firbank's 1953 offering "A Country of Memorable Honour" was back on an UK outdoors theme describing a walking tour through Wales. Once more a remarkably observed slice of rural life at that time.
I'd read the words from the man, visited some of the places he knew, and in some way walked alongside a life reporting on events before I was even born.
And as I closed that book along with Firbank, he was about to move to Japan and a new life. Or so I thought as far as his writing output concerned. It was finished.
Then, three years ago I happened to be browsing amongst the shelves of a notable second hand bookshop, sadly now closed, in Mortonhampstead on Dartmoor.
Firbank's name leapt out as I spotted a new title. Well unknown to me at least.
"Log Hut" (aka "Log Hut, Further Adventures in Home-making") was also first printed in 1953. This described Firbank's life living and working on Dartmoor. Adapting a log cabin for his new family (where did they come from?), and his attempts to reopen and commercially mine a local quarry.
And as I paid for my new treat the bookseller casually mentioned that the Log Hut in question was a short distance away. All very karmic (And although I believe I have traced the location, its one I've yet to see in the flesh)
If you want more information there's an excellent obituary article covering the many facets of Firbank's long life here.
Thomas Joseph Firbank, writer, sheep-farmer, soldier and businessman.
A man who through the written word remains able to speak to us across the many long years since his observations; Still capable of touching others through his description of the of the natural wild areas, and an ability to live amongst it all.
Now that's writing.Labels: books, dartmoor, Wales
Thursday, January 31
Walkabout's aRoundabout - outdoor news and views
A new approach for me.......Rather than post these bits 'n bobs individually here's a summary, cunningly named Walkabout's aRoundabout. Its an attempt to provide a quick browse for some pre-weekend entertainment, ideas & news. So at least if its rubbish, you'll only have to suffer it once a week in future. And quickly.
If the format works for you, or not please let me know.
Radio waves
I caught the last few minutes of a radio program earlier in the week and recognised that voice.
BBC 4's Great Lives had Joe Simpson (Author/Filmstar: Touching the Void et al), talking up one of his heroes, pioneering Austrian mountaineer Hermann Buhl. Or as Matthew Parris (presenter & journalist) describes the experience:
' yomping along the top of Froggatt Edge (Peak District) Joe's chosen great life was that of Hermann Buhl, the famously super-daring, self-reliant Austrian climber who died in a climbing fall at the age of 32; and as both Joe and my other guest climbing-writer, Ed Douglas, live in Sheffield we decided to record the programme not in a London studio, but outdoors ....... The driving rain was almost sleet, the wind was fierce and the ground sodden. I wanted to impress.........'
Don't cut that rope Joe. Please!
(Was it the Bee Gee's who had a hit with the tune 'Tragedy'? - oops no idea where that thought slipped in - lol)
Available on Podcast here to listen to it in full.
New sites to check out?
The Out of Towner ...........
Section Hiker - Philip is an avid US based hiker & backpacker.
I don't usually recommend US based sites. Not xenophobia honestly! I just find much of the climatic/ground/travel differences distracting at times as I keep mentally casting aside excellent advice but irrelevant from the UK backpacker's perspective walking in the UK. But Phil's got a lot to say on the subject in general. Worth a looksee.
Walking Fort Bragg - Ron is another US based blogger 'In my sixties, going on 12 but learning all the time!'
I've not had a lot of time to check this over, but I'm happy to publicise Ron's work especially for my American visitors.
Meanwhile nearer home ...........
Outdoors4u - Billy's new to the scene but digging in hard.
Early days - one to watch hopefully. Harrumph - these youngsters these days ..... mumble mumble....)
Beating The Bounds - A Blog about 'walking, thinking about walking, reading about walking…….and maybe other stuff'.
That would be mostly about Walking then I guess. And interesting to boot (Hee hee)
TheGreenOutdoors - Oliver is based around the Derby area, and his Blog's remit is 'Cultivating Green Design for the Great Outdoors - musings on outdoor sports apparel (and a bit on equipment too) of the sort I don't think you'll find anywhere else.....'
Lots to drool over, but better use the approved jacket cleaner afterwards.
Walkhighlands.com - Highlands of Scotland walks and accommodation '340 free detailed walk descriptions with GPS waypoints, maps and photos across the Highlands of Scotland'
Excellent research material here. Link to it quick - now don't you just know that you'll need it sometime soon anyway.
Outdoor News
YHA 2008/9 Investment Plans
Last weekend the YHA released details of their £13.5 million package for 2008/9. 37 building modernisation schemes, 3 new hostels (all S.E. UK - London, Eastbourne, Lewes) Schemes include Ilam (Peak District), Pen y Pass (Snowdonia), Conwy (N Wales) Ambleside & Windermere (Lake District) and Exeter (nr Dartmoor)
Browsing the full list it feels like a number of refits aimed initially at the larger hostels?
Two walkers rescued off Snowdon (28/1)
'...badly prepared and equipped........two were "lucky" to have escaped unharmed............. etc'
You've heard it so often from me before again and again. But there's more ....'...the men told rescuers that they had prepared for the trip by researching on the internet'
Obviously not come across this site in their Googling efforts then?
And finally ......
The recent and very well mannered debate around the wildcamping E-Petition has flushed John Manning back into the bloggersphere with a passionate arguement to rebut many points raised by those not in agreement with the current E-Petition initiative.
RUMBLINGS… The online diary of outdoor journalist John Manning.
Good stuff.Labels: blog media, dartmoor, Lake District, podcasts, Wales, YHA
Tuesday, September 4
New Welsh Nuttalls
It seems to matter to some people about collecting lists of things. Or to be more precise ticking off items on other peoples lists. Hills especially seem to attract such folk, although this didn't start until the 1890s when Sir Hugh Munro hit inadvertently started a craze. What a groovy cat.
Now we have the The Wainrights, The Munros, The Marilyns, and many, many more.
And then of course there is The Nuttalls - a list of mountain summits in England and Wales which reach the height of 2,000 feet.
Well as of 2nd September 2007 you peak baggers had better plan a quick trip over to Wales as there's now two new summits to conquer: Carnedd y Filiast North Top (SH617631) & Castell y Gwynt (SH654581)
And there was me thinking that the summits were mostly invulnerable to the fleeting whims of us transitory humans.
Next post -the Norfolk Peaks? Ah well, probably not.
;-)Labels: Fellwalking, Wales
All site material © John Hee - ask before you snatch
"The group from Coventry were taking part in a fundraising record attempt to see how many martial arts enthusiasts could climb the mountain at one time. They carried the man up Llanberis Path but found it too tough to go further. They then left the man in the wheelchair with a friend, while they carried on and reached the peak. When they returned to the man in the wheelchair, they were too tired to carry him back down and called for help from mountain rescuers" (Source BBC)
Thanks to Grough for flagging the story, and the Coventry Evening Telegraph for further detail.
So once again the local MRT get pulled in to dig a group of prats out of a hole of their own making.
In this case a little forethought would have prevented the incident. Or even a little less selfishness, when it started to go pearshaped, would have prevented an escalation.
I'll declare an interest here. I was once a martial artist - a pursuit that fosters self reliance and independent thinking. I also happen to originate from Coventry - so the 'City folk go dumb in the wilds' tag isn't accurate either.
Apparently the paraplegic was "their pal". With friends like this who needs enemies?
I suspect this is one charity event where their won't be much post event publicity from the charity concerned.
Labels: Mountain Rescue Team(MRT), Wales
Three Peaks, Slow Peaks
Whilst doing the last minute packing earlier this evening I was listening to BBC Radio 4's CostingThe Earth program (On Listen Again Now for the next 7 days).
"Every year around 60,000 people set out on the Three Peaks Challenge, aiming to climb the highest mountains in England, Wales and Scotland. Most do it to raise money for charity but there are increasing worries that the challenge is putting too much pressure on the environment, destroying some of our most beautiful places"
I was half listening to the usual pros & cons. All equally valid in their way, but nothing unusual.
Then towards the program's end a Snowdonia National Park Ranger provides a very evenly balanced view on mountain usage and its users. During his piece, he comes up with an interesting line of thought as to the Time element of the Challenge, citing that as one of the underlying causes that inevitably leads to the concentration of so many people gathering in a few very specific spots, typically at unsocial hours.
The program is worth listening to for this section alone (IMHO) suggesting a possible way for such Charity Challenges to continue into the future, whilst balancing local sensibilities.
I'm reminded of a comment attributed to Wainwright on hearing that someone had recently run the Pennine Way in under 3 days
"Why?"
Whilst it wasn't expressly said the program left me with an intriguing idea for a new event of this type.
Welcome to 'The Three Peaks Slow Challenge'.
Think about it for a moment........
Forget 3 peaks in 24 hours.
How about 3 peaks in as long a period as it takes to properly saviour each mountain?
Possibly start with different ascent & descent routes. Then build in timing each peak's top to enjoy a sunrise, sunset, or even perhaps a night on the mountain.
Certainly consider banning the use of mobile phones, unless by the Group Leader in the event of an emergency. With event exclusion being a penalty for abuse, especially when involving Mountain Rescue Services.
How about a 'Guess the Number' lottery for items of litter picked up along the way? A different way to garnish additional donations whilst being of immense usefulness.
Maybe even a 3 peaks - 3 wildcamps approach for instance? (That's not really going to affect most of us regular wildcampers by the way. We tend to steer clear of such peaks, due to their over popularity)
Lets take it further still. The winner (because such things always seem to turn into a competition) - the slowest time to "do" the 3 Peaks, with the most amount of enjoyment. Choose your own measurement.
Think the idea might catch on?
Certainly more of a Challenge from what I can see.Labels: Lake District, media, Scotland, Wales
Thursday, May 28
Welsh 3000s - Tut tut Trail Mag
Following my recent piece on Thomas Firbank I'd heard on the grapevine that June's Trail Magazine would include an article on the Welsh 3000s, a challenge originally arising with Firbank and documented in his 1940 book “I Bought A Mountain”.
A pity then that Trail somehow overlooked mentioning the debt owed to Firbank and friends(although Esme gets a slight look in). Instead the focus was more on the opportunity for Trail to become Challenger #1 on Snowdonia Society's 14 Peaks
Err - not a particularly impressive achievement 'Team Trail' if nobody else knows it exists. Especially if that success arrives at the same time as knowledge about the prize.
Whatever.
Happily the Snowdonia Society site provides an accurate history to balance the picture.
Actually, now I come to think about it, much of June's magazine had me spitting. Not least that two of my recent wildcamp areas appeared in their walks section (yes I know they would have done them months before I got there, and at least one is a relatively common area, but it just felt soooooooooooo wrong)
Then there's the article on Wildcamping which left me with a feeling on it all being rather jolly, but also rather off-balance somehow. Especially compared to Dave Mycroft's Outdoors Magic piece on the same subject.
To quote Trail “giving out exact grid references are a no-no because sites tend to get overused, so here are a few grid squares for you to hunt for a spot in”.
Next to a 4 digit grid ref and the name Red Tarn.
Err - the point of wildcamping is camping in the wild. Not watching the party animals whooping it up on the other side of the tarn, having picked up the camp site courtesy of an earlier WHSmith stop on the M6.
Argh!
I give up.
Is it just me who finds Trail Mag rapidly turning into a comic as it tries to ride the current Craze for (cheap) camping breaks?
Especially now the Credit Cr*p has made it all so very trendy in the media at present.
Labels: books, Trail Magazine, Wales
Monday, September 29
Mountain Top Mutterings
Snowdon's new summit building is near completion - latest news and views a plenty from the cunningly entitled Snowdon Summit Blog
And whilst we're mooching around the top of the UK hills, Hey, What's That site is offering a DIY panorama generator using a Google Map mash-up. Beta at present, but all clever stuff once you work out how to set your own viewpoint.Labels: blog media, Wales
Saturday, August 23
Snowdonia Backpacking & Wildcamping
An initial joy of the web is the incredible amount of information that suddenly becomes available. The depth and scope of this limited only by an ability to use a search engine such as Google.
An initial hate of the web is the incredible amount of information that suddenly becomes available. But is irrelevant, outdated, or even offensive.
As time passes this apparent paradox becomes resolved with personal filtering of how to find information, but as it does mining these seams to follow a specific interest will start to dry up, save for any newly established sites that may appear.
Hence the reducing number of site recommendations I make these days; Save for those Outdoor Blogs which continue to attract new enthusiasts with something to say about their view of gear, experiences and trips.
So I was pleased to come across Snowdonia Backpacking the other day. A site that has been quietly building up a store of backpacking and wildcamping experience for others. Trekking a very solitary path.
"...created to put online my accounts of the multiple-day walks with wild camping that I have done in the National Park ....since 1981....my writings tell not only of my appreciation of the Welsh mountains, but also of my trials and tribulations during my self-taught apprenticeship in the wilds.....
I have never been acquainted with any one else who goes backpacking, so everything I do has been learned from books and magazines, and from experience. I live over 200 miles away ...... I am not one of the lucky people who can slip out at weekends for a bit of practice in the hills....I have good stamina but I have always been slightly weaker compared to my contemporaries, and I don't mind admitting I am scared of heights!
It is hoped that the contents of Snowdonia Backpacking will inform you, pass on some of my hard-gained know-how and maybe entertain you, but above all I sincerely hope it will fill you with enthusiasm and inspiration, in much the same way as the books I read around 1980 did for me"
(And Mr Lumley, if your reading this, “Teach Yourself Backpacking” gets a grateful mention BTW)
I really sympathise with this approach. Howard was not alone in learning skills in this way, especially back in the 70s & 80s when sources for those living beyond traditional walking areas were limited, or nil (The modern net savvy generation now have such amazing access to the basic skills these days, especially when trying to contact like minded people)
A great read of one person's autumnal trips, with trial and error lessons for all of us to consider.
A new one for my recently revised links list I think.Labels: Backpacking Advice, Fellwalking, Gear, Wales, walks
Tuesday, July 8
Who will rescue the rescuer?
I don't usually link to video clips, but this one is certainly a unique circumstance. And an answer to one of those "What if....." questions that occasionally arise.
So just how do you get a Breakdown Service when your transport is a RAF Sea King helicopter, and you are in the middle of a Welsh MRT incident?
Send in the Chinook.
But of course.
Edit 9/7:
And the ever excellent Grough News has a different clip with much more detail on the circumstances behind the rescue.
Edit 11/7:
And a report from one of the MRT involved courtesy of Trail Magazine's Live for the Outdoors websiteLabels: media, Mountain Rescue Team(MRT), Wales
Sunday, April 13
Self Reliance on the hills
Regular readers of this site will know of my irritation with those pathetic individuals who regard ownership of a mobile phone on the hills as a valid reason to avoid taking any personal responsibility for their own safety and security.
On this wet and blowy Sunday afternoon, sat surfing the net post today's walk in the sun, showers & hail (ouch) I came across this posting. Nicely demonstrating that the spirit of self reliance is alive and well. Happily the story has a happy ending despite the potential for tragedy.
And whilst you're browsing Pete's site there's an interesting low level, circular footpath around Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) for a gentle 2-3 day walk using rights of way, access land and open countryside. Pete's thoughtfully provided a PDF describing the route which can also be downloaded.Labels: blog media, Mountain Rescue Team(MRT), Wales
Thursday, February 7
aRoundabout - outdoor news and views (Feb 7)
Unbowed by a backlash of utter indifferance, here's another weekly round-up for your entertainment.
New sites to check out?
Seb Green was 15 when as a result of his involvement in a boat theft he ended up stuck in mud in Fleet Lagoon late at night. Subsequently rescued (and charged) in the years since he's regretted his actions and on the 1st of February he started his walk around the coast of mainland UK to raise cash for charity to make amends to the local community.
The 18-year-old will spend nearly a year walking 5,821 miles with his border collie dog, Flash, camping as he goes. More details on his website
Outdoor News
That's the way to do it.........
In contrast to last week's report of ill prepared walkers and their involvement of various Mountain Rescue teams here's a happier report of a man showing real self reliance (thanks to Grough for this) Well done that man!
Wainwright Window Becomes Storm Victim
An appeal comes via the Online Fellwalking Club and The Wainwright Society to fund church repairs. Not normally something that would feature on here but the church in question is St. James in Buttermere. A small leaded window was battered by recent winter gales and is boarded up awaiting repair.
And the relevance?
Its the same window containing the memorial plaque to Wainwright, and that special view towards Haystacks. Target is around £1000 if you want to contribute.
News in March's Trail Magazine concerning the Vixen Tor campaign's new initiative based on the Highways Law (my background piece here) and a request for testimonials from anyone who can recall walking, climbing or just enjoying the site.
Whilst not of direct relevance to the E-Petition on the legal position of wildcamping in England & Wales (364 votes and building - is your name on it yet?) there are some useful lessons to be learnt from the campaign when looking at mounting and delivering change for outdoor access that relates to all of us. Whether we intend to use this spot or not.
And finally ......
Look to the skies. Is it a bird? Is it a plane? Nope its Air Viagra.
An Israeli study of mountain climbers in Africa has identified a link between erectile dysfunction drugs and improved performance at high altitude. An active ingredient in the drugs helped climbers perform better where oxygen was at reduced levels. The study indicates this may be of assistance for jet fighter pilots.
Hopefully they will work out any unrequired side effects (Beware sudden ejections - lol) but maybe that explains the mass of Viagra spam targeted at us hardened outdoor types.
Meanwhile US scientists, not to be outdone, have built an adapted knee brace that generates energy from human movement ".....we can get as much as 13 watts from walking .. .... enough to power about 30 minutes of talk time on a typical mobile phone from just one minute of walking"
Great news for ubertechnowalkers. Possibly. But not looking too good for the ultralight brigade.Labels: blog media, dartmoor, Lake District, podcasts, vixen tor, Wales, YHA
Monday, February 4
A good read - Thomas Firbank
During the last few weeks I've read a couple of pieces by Chris Townsend and Weird Darren concerning some of their outdoor literature recommendations. Which reminded me of one of the lesser-known authors. Not specifically walk based reading, but an evocative slice of pre and post war living in the wilder areas of the UK.
In 1931 a young Canadian, Thomas Firbank, bought a 2,400 acre sheep farm in Dyffryn Mymbyr near Capel Curig covering most of the land to the east of Glyder Fawr. Here he learnt his trade, while celebrating the beauty & reality of life working in Snowdonia. Along the way he married Esme Kirby and found time to be the first to record an ascent of all of the Welsh 3000s in less than 9 hours
He wrote about his experiences in "I Bought a Mountain" and the book turned out to be a huge success despite minimal publicity.
As is my usual approach after enjoying an author's work I started to track down his other writings.
The 1951 follow-up "I Bought a Star" was a real surprise as it described how he left the farm, went to war (winning the Military Star in Italy), and was divorced from Esme. Generously, for those times, he left his ex-wife the marital home, Dyffryn Mymbyr and Esme went on to use this as a base when helping to found the influential Snowdonia Society and later The Esmé Kirby Snowdonia Trust
Meanwhile, on a walking trip to North Wales in the late 1990s I managed to spot the house, that scene of so much activity, from the valley road. At that time it was still occupied by Esme who sadly died a short time afterwards. But this did lead to some related anecdotes appearing on uk.rec.walking, reinforcing her reputation as a formidable opponent and fierce protector of the Snowdonia landscape.
Firbank's 1953 offering "A Country of Memorable Honour" was back on an UK outdoors theme describing a walking tour through Wales. Once more a remarkably observed slice of rural life at that time.
I'd read the words from the man, visited some of the places he knew, and in some way walked alongside a life reporting on events before I was even born.
And as I closed that book along with Firbank, he was about to move to Japan and a new life. Or so I thought as far as his writing output concerned. It was finished.
Then, three years ago I happened to be browsing amongst the shelves of a notable second hand bookshop, sadly now closed, in Mortonhampstead on Dartmoor.
Firbank's name leapt out as I spotted a new title. Well unknown to me at least.
"Log Hut" (aka "Log Hut, Further Adventures in Home-making") was also first printed in 1953. This described Firbank's life living and working on Dartmoor. Adapting a log cabin for his new family (where did they come from?), and his attempts to reopen and commercially mine a local quarry.
And as I paid for my new treat the bookseller casually mentioned that the Log Hut in question was a short distance away. All very karmic (And although I believe I have traced the location, its one I've yet to see in the flesh)
If you want more information there's an excellent obituary article covering the many facets of Firbank's long life here.
Thomas Joseph Firbank, writer, sheep-farmer, soldier and businessman.
A man who through the written word remains able to speak to us across the many long years since his observations; Still capable of touching others through his description of the of the natural wild areas, and an ability to live amongst it all.
Now that's writing.Labels: books, dartmoor, Wales
Thursday, January 31
Walkabout's aRoundabout - outdoor news and views
A new approach for me.......Rather than post these bits 'n bobs individually here's a summary, cunningly named Walkabout's aRoundabout. Its an attempt to provide a quick browse for some pre-weekend entertainment, ideas & news. So at least if its rubbish, you'll only have to suffer it once a week in future. And quickly.
If the format works for you, or not please let me know.
Radio waves
I caught the last few minutes of a radio program earlier in the week and recognised that voice.
BBC 4's Great Lives had Joe Simpson (Author/Filmstar: Touching the Void et al), talking up one of his heroes, pioneering Austrian mountaineer Hermann Buhl. Or as Matthew Parris (presenter & journalist) describes the experience:
' yomping along the top of Froggatt Edge (Peak District) Joe's chosen great life was that of Hermann Buhl, the famously super-daring, self-reliant Austrian climber who died in a climbing fall at the age of 32; and as both Joe and my other guest climbing-writer, Ed Douglas, live in Sheffield we decided to record the programme not in a London studio, but outdoors ....... The driving rain was almost sleet, the wind was fierce and the ground sodden. I wanted to impress.........'
Don't cut that rope Joe. Please!
(Was it the Bee Gee's who had a hit with the tune 'Tragedy'? - oops no idea where that thought slipped in - lol)
Available on Podcast here to listen to it in full.
New sites to check out?
The Out of Towner ...........
Section Hiker - Philip is an avid US based hiker & backpacker.
I don't usually recommend US based sites. Not xenophobia honestly! I just find much of the climatic/ground/travel differences distracting at times as I keep mentally casting aside excellent advice but irrelevant from the UK backpacker's perspective walking in the UK. But Phil's got a lot to say on the subject in general. Worth a looksee.
Walking Fort Bragg - Ron is another US based blogger 'In my sixties, going on 12 but learning all the time!'
I've not had a lot of time to check this over, but I'm happy to publicise Ron's work especially for my American visitors.
Meanwhile nearer home ...........
Outdoors4u - Billy's new to the scene but digging in hard.
Early days - one to watch hopefully. Harrumph - these youngsters these days ..... mumble mumble....)
Beating The Bounds - A Blog about 'walking, thinking about walking, reading about walking…….and maybe other stuff'.
That would be mostly about Walking then I guess. And interesting to boot (Hee hee)
TheGreenOutdoors - Oliver is based around the Derby area, and his Blog's remit is 'Cultivating Green Design for the Great Outdoors - musings on outdoor sports apparel (and a bit on equipment too) of the sort I don't think you'll find anywhere else.....'
Lots to drool over, but better use the approved jacket cleaner afterwards.
Walkhighlands.com - Highlands of Scotland walks and accommodation '340 free detailed walk descriptions with GPS waypoints, maps and photos across the Highlands of Scotland'
Excellent research material here. Link to it quick - now don't you just know that you'll need it sometime soon anyway.
Outdoor News
YHA 2008/9 Investment Plans
Last weekend the YHA released details of their £13.5 million package for 2008/9. 37 building modernisation schemes, 3 new hostels (all S.E. UK - London, Eastbourne, Lewes) Schemes include Ilam (Peak District), Pen y Pass (Snowdonia), Conwy (N Wales) Ambleside & Windermere (Lake District) and Exeter (nr Dartmoor)
Browsing the full list it feels like a number of refits aimed initially at the larger hostels?
Two walkers rescued off Snowdon (28/1)
'...badly prepared and equipped........two were "lucky" to have escaped unharmed............. etc'
You've heard it so often from me before again and again. But there's more ....'...the men told rescuers that they had prepared for the trip by researching on the internet'
Obviously not come across this site in their Googling efforts then?
And finally ......
The recent and very well mannered debate around the wildcamping E-Petition has flushed John Manning back into the bloggersphere with a passionate arguement to rebut many points raised by those not in agreement with the current E-Petition initiative.
RUMBLINGS… The online diary of outdoor journalist John Manning.
Good stuff.Labels: blog media, dartmoor, Lake District, podcasts, Wales, YHA
Tuesday, September 4
New Welsh Nuttalls
It seems to matter to some people about collecting lists of things. Or to be more precise ticking off items on other peoples lists. Hills especially seem to attract such folk, although this didn't start until the 1890s when Sir Hugh Munro hit inadvertently started a craze. What a groovy cat.
Now we have the The Wainrights, The Munros, The Marilyns, and many, many more.
And then of course there is The Nuttalls - a list of mountain summits in England and Wales which reach the height of 2,000 feet.
Well as of 2nd September 2007 you peak baggers had better plan a quick trip over to Wales as there's now two new summits to conquer: Carnedd y Filiast North Top (SH617631) & Castell y Gwynt (SH654581)
And there was me thinking that the summits were mostly invulnerable to the fleeting whims of us transitory humans.
Next post -the Norfolk Peaks? Ah well, probably not.
;-)Labels: Fellwalking, Wales
All site material © John Hee - ask before you snatch
"Every year around 60,000 people set out on the Three Peaks Challenge, aiming to climb the highest mountains in England, Wales and Scotland. Most do it to raise money for charity but there are increasing worries that the challenge is putting too much pressure on the environment, destroying some of our most beautiful places"
I was half listening to the usual pros & cons. All equally valid in their way, but nothing unusual.
Then towards the program's end a Snowdonia National Park Ranger provides a very evenly balanced view on mountain usage and its users. During his piece, he comes up with an interesting line of thought as to the Time element of the Challenge, citing that as one of the underlying causes that inevitably leads to the concentration of so many people gathering in a few very specific spots, typically at unsocial hours.
The program is worth listening to for this section alone (IMHO) suggesting a possible way for such Charity Challenges to continue into the future, whilst balancing local sensibilities.
I'm reminded of a comment attributed to Wainwright on hearing that someone had recently run the Pennine Way in under 3 days
"Why?"
Whilst it wasn't expressly said the program left me with an intriguing idea for a new event of this type.
Welcome to 'The Three Peaks Slow Challenge'.
Think about it for a moment........
Forget 3 peaks in 24 hours.
How about 3 peaks in as long a period as it takes to properly saviour each mountain?
Possibly start with different ascent & descent routes. Then build in timing each peak's top to enjoy a sunrise, sunset, or even perhaps a night on the mountain.
Certainly consider banning the use of mobile phones, unless by the Group Leader in the event of an emergency. With event exclusion being a penalty for abuse, especially when involving Mountain Rescue Services.
How about a 'Guess the Number' lottery for items of litter picked up along the way? A different way to garnish additional donations whilst being of immense usefulness.
Maybe even a 3 peaks - 3 wildcamps approach for instance? (That's not really going to affect most of us regular wildcampers by the way. We tend to steer clear of such peaks, due to their over popularity)
Lets take it further still. The winner (because such things always seem to turn into a competition) - the slowest time to "do" the 3 Peaks, with the most amount of enjoyment. Choose your own measurement.
Think the idea might catch on?
Certainly more of a Challenge from what I can see.
Labels: Lake District, media, Scotland, Wales
Welsh 3000s - Tut tut Trail Mag
Following my recent piece on Thomas Firbank I'd heard on the grapevine that June's Trail Magazine would include an article on the Welsh 3000s, a challenge originally arising with Firbank and documented in his 1940 book “I Bought A Mountain”.
A pity then that Trail somehow overlooked mentioning the debt owed to Firbank and friends(although Esme gets a slight look in). Instead the focus was more on the opportunity for Trail to become Challenger #1 on Snowdonia Society's 14 Peaks
Err - not a particularly impressive achievement 'Team Trail' if nobody else knows it exists. Especially if that success arrives at the same time as knowledge about the prize.
Whatever.
Happily the Snowdonia Society site provides an accurate history to balance the picture.
Actually, now I come to think about it, much of June's magazine had me spitting. Not least that two of my recent wildcamp areas appeared in their walks section (yes I know they would have done them months before I got there, and at least one is a relatively common area, but it just felt soooooooooooo wrong)
Then there's the article on Wildcamping which left me with a feeling on it all being rather jolly, but also rather off-balance somehow. Especially compared to Dave Mycroft's Outdoors Magic piece on the same subject.
To quote Trail “giving out exact grid references are a no-no because sites tend to get overused, so here are a few grid squares for you to hunt for a spot in”.
Next to a 4 digit grid ref and the name Red Tarn.
Err - the point of wildcamping is camping in the wild. Not watching the party animals whooping it up on the other side of the tarn, having picked up the camp site courtesy of an earlier WHSmith stop on the M6.
Argh!
I give up.
Is it just me who finds Trail Mag rapidly turning into a comic as it tries to ride the current Craze for (cheap) camping breaks?
Especially now the Credit Cr*p has made it all so very trendy in the media at present.
Labels: books, Trail Magazine, Wales
Monday, September 29
Mountain Top Mutterings
Snowdon's new summit building is near completion - latest news and views a plenty from the cunningly entitled Snowdon Summit Blog
And whilst we're mooching around the top of the UK hills, Hey, What's That site is offering a DIY panorama generator using a Google Map mash-up. Beta at present, but all clever stuff once you work out how to set your own viewpoint.Labels: blog media, Wales
Saturday, August 23
Snowdonia Backpacking & Wildcamping
An initial joy of the web is the incredible amount of information that suddenly becomes available. The depth and scope of this limited only by an ability to use a search engine such as Google.
An initial hate of the web is the incredible amount of information that suddenly becomes available. But is irrelevant, outdated, or even offensive.
As time passes this apparent paradox becomes resolved with personal filtering of how to find information, but as it does mining these seams to follow a specific interest will start to dry up, save for any newly established sites that may appear.
Hence the reducing number of site recommendations I make these days; Save for those Outdoor Blogs which continue to attract new enthusiasts with something to say about their view of gear, experiences and trips.
So I was pleased to come across Snowdonia Backpacking the other day. A site that has been quietly building up a store of backpacking and wildcamping experience for others. Trekking a very solitary path.
"...created to put online my accounts of the multiple-day walks with wild camping that I have done in the National Park ....since 1981....my writings tell not only of my appreciation of the Welsh mountains, but also of my trials and tribulations during my self-taught apprenticeship in the wilds.....
I have never been acquainted with any one else who goes backpacking, so everything I do has been learned from books and magazines, and from experience. I live over 200 miles away ...... I am not one of the lucky people who can slip out at weekends for a bit of practice in the hills....I have good stamina but I have always been slightly weaker compared to my contemporaries, and I don't mind admitting I am scared of heights!
It is hoped that the contents of Snowdonia Backpacking will inform you, pass on some of my hard-gained know-how and maybe entertain you, but above all I sincerely hope it will fill you with enthusiasm and inspiration, in much the same way as the books I read around 1980 did for me"
(And Mr Lumley, if your reading this, “Teach Yourself Backpacking” gets a grateful mention BTW)
I really sympathise with this approach. Howard was not alone in learning skills in this way, especially back in the 70s & 80s when sources for those living beyond traditional walking areas were limited, or nil (The modern net savvy generation now have such amazing access to the basic skills these days, especially when trying to contact like minded people)
A great read of one person's autumnal trips, with trial and error lessons for all of us to consider.
A new one for my recently revised links list I think.Labels: Backpacking Advice, Fellwalking, Gear, Wales, walks
Tuesday, July 8
Who will rescue the rescuer?
I don't usually link to video clips, but this one is certainly a unique circumstance. And an answer to one of those "What if....." questions that occasionally arise.
So just how do you get a Breakdown Service when your transport is a RAF Sea King helicopter, and you are in the middle of a Welsh MRT incident?
Send in the Chinook.
But of course.
Edit 9/7:
And the ever excellent Grough News has a different clip with much more detail on the circumstances behind the rescue.
Edit 11/7:
And a report from one of the MRT involved courtesy of Trail Magazine's Live for the Outdoors websiteLabels: media, Mountain Rescue Team(MRT), Wales
Sunday, April 13
Self Reliance on the hills
Regular readers of this site will know of my irritation with those pathetic individuals who regard ownership of a mobile phone on the hills as a valid reason to avoid taking any personal responsibility for their own safety and security.
On this wet and blowy Sunday afternoon, sat surfing the net post today's walk in the sun, showers & hail (ouch) I came across this posting. Nicely demonstrating that the spirit of self reliance is alive and well. Happily the story has a happy ending despite the potential for tragedy.
And whilst you're browsing Pete's site there's an interesting low level, circular footpath around Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) for a gentle 2-3 day walk using rights of way, access land and open countryside. Pete's thoughtfully provided a PDF describing the route which can also be downloaded.Labels: blog media, Mountain Rescue Team(MRT), Wales
Thursday, February 7
aRoundabout - outdoor news and views (Feb 7)
Unbowed by a backlash of utter indifferance, here's another weekly round-up for your entertainment.
New sites to check out?
Seb Green was 15 when as a result of his involvement in a boat theft he ended up stuck in mud in Fleet Lagoon late at night. Subsequently rescued (and charged) in the years since he's regretted his actions and on the 1st of February he started his walk around the coast of mainland UK to raise cash for charity to make amends to the local community.
The 18-year-old will spend nearly a year walking 5,821 miles with his border collie dog, Flash, camping as he goes. More details on his website
Outdoor News
That's the way to do it.........
In contrast to last week's report of ill prepared walkers and their involvement of various Mountain Rescue teams here's a happier report of a man showing real self reliance (thanks to Grough for this) Well done that man!
Wainwright Window Becomes Storm Victim
An appeal comes via the Online Fellwalking Club and The Wainwright Society to fund church repairs. Not normally something that would feature on here but the church in question is St. James in Buttermere. A small leaded window was battered by recent winter gales and is boarded up awaiting repair.
And the relevance?
Its the same window containing the memorial plaque to Wainwright, and that special view towards Haystacks. Target is around £1000 if you want to contribute.
News in March's Trail Magazine concerning the Vixen Tor campaign's new initiative based on the Highways Law (my background piece here) and a request for testimonials from anyone who can recall walking, climbing or just enjoying the site.
Whilst not of direct relevance to the E-Petition on the legal position of wildcamping in England & Wales (364 votes and building - is your name on it yet?) there are some useful lessons to be learnt from the campaign when looking at mounting and delivering change for outdoor access that relates to all of us. Whether we intend to use this spot or not.
And finally ......
Look to the skies. Is it a bird? Is it a plane? Nope its Air Viagra.
An Israeli study of mountain climbers in Africa has identified a link between erectile dysfunction drugs and improved performance at high altitude. An active ingredient in the drugs helped climbers perform better where oxygen was at reduced levels. The study indicates this may be of assistance for jet fighter pilots.
Hopefully they will work out any unrequired side effects (Beware sudden ejections - lol) but maybe that explains the mass of Viagra spam targeted at us hardened outdoor types.
Meanwhile US scientists, not to be outdone, have built an adapted knee brace that generates energy from human movement ".....we can get as much as 13 watts from walking .. .... enough to power about 30 minutes of talk time on a typical mobile phone from just one minute of walking"
Great news for ubertechnowalkers. Possibly. But not looking too good for the ultralight brigade.Labels: blog media, dartmoor, Lake District, podcasts, vixen tor, Wales, YHA
Monday, February 4
A good read - Thomas Firbank
During the last few weeks I've read a couple of pieces by Chris Townsend and Weird Darren concerning some of their outdoor literature recommendations. Which reminded me of one of the lesser-known authors. Not specifically walk based reading, but an evocative slice of pre and post war living in the wilder areas of the UK.
In 1931 a young Canadian, Thomas Firbank, bought a 2,400 acre sheep farm in Dyffryn Mymbyr near Capel Curig covering most of the land to the east of Glyder Fawr. Here he learnt his trade, while celebrating the beauty & reality of life working in Snowdonia. Along the way he married Esme Kirby and found time to be the first to record an ascent of all of the Welsh 3000s in less than 9 hours
He wrote about his experiences in "I Bought a Mountain" and the book turned out to be a huge success despite minimal publicity.
As is my usual approach after enjoying an author's work I started to track down his other writings.
The 1951 follow-up "I Bought a Star" was a real surprise as it described how he left the farm, went to war (winning the Military Star in Italy), and was divorced from Esme. Generously, for those times, he left his ex-wife the marital home, Dyffryn Mymbyr and Esme went on to use this as a base when helping to found the influential Snowdonia Society and later The Esmé Kirby Snowdonia Trust
Meanwhile, on a walking trip to North Wales in the late 1990s I managed to spot the house, that scene of so much activity, from the valley road. At that time it was still occupied by Esme who sadly died a short time afterwards. But this did lead to some related anecdotes appearing on uk.rec.walking, reinforcing her reputation as a formidable opponent and fierce protector of the Snowdonia landscape.
Firbank's 1953 offering "A Country of Memorable Honour" was back on an UK outdoors theme describing a walking tour through Wales. Once more a remarkably observed slice of rural life at that time.
I'd read the words from the man, visited some of the places he knew, and in some way walked alongside a life reporting on events before I was even born.
And as I closed that book along with Firbank, he was about to move to Japan and a new life. Or so I thought as far as his writing output concerned. It was finished.
Then, three years ago I happened to be browsing amongst the shelves of a notable second hand bookshop, sadly now closed, in Mortonhampstead on Dartmoor.
Firbank's name leapt out as I spotted a new title. Well unknown to me at least.
"Log Hut" (aka "Log Hut, Further Adventures in Home-making") was also first printed in 1953. This described Firbank's life living and working on Dartmoor. Adapting a log cabin for his new family (where did they come from?), and his attempts to reopen and commercially mine a local quarry.
And as I paid for my new treat the bookseller casually mentioned that the Log Hut in question was a short distance away. All very karmic (And although I believe I have traced the location, its one I've yet to see in the flesh)
If you want more information there's an excellent obituary article covering the many facets of Firbank's long life here.
Thomas Joseph Firbank, writer, sheep-farmer, soldier and businessman.
A man who through the written word remains able to speak to us across the many long years since his observations; Still capable of touching others through his description of the of the natural wild areas, and an ability to live amongst it all.
Now that's writing.Labels: books, dartmoor, Wales
Thursday, January 31
Walkabout's aRoundabout - outdoor news and views
A new approach for me.......Rather than post these bits 'n bobs individually here's a summary, cunningly named Walkabout's aRoundabout. Its an attempt to provide a quick browse for some pre-weekend entertainment, ideas & news. So at least if its rubbish, you'll only have to suffer it once a week in future. And quickly.
If the format works for you, or not please let me know.
Radio waves
I caught the last few minutes of a radio program earlier in the week and recognised that voice.
BBC 4's Great Lives had Joe Simpson (Author/Filmstar: Touching the Void et al), talking up one of his heroes, pioneering Austrian mountaineer Hermann Buhl. Or as Matthew Parris (presenter & journalist) describes the experience:
' yomping along the top of Froggatt Edge (Peak District) Joe's chosen great life was that of Hermann Buhl, the famously super-daring, self-reliant Austrian climber who died in a climbing fall at the age of 32; and as both Joe and my other guest climbing-writer, Ed Douglas, live in Sheffield we decided to record the programme not in a London studio, but outdoors ....... The driving rain was almost sleet, the wind was fierce and the ground sodden. I wanted to impress.........'
Don't cut that rope Joe. Please!
(Was it the Bee Gee's who had a hit with the tune 'Tragedy'? - oops no idea where that thought slipped in - lol)
Available on Podcast here to listen to it in full.
New sites to check out?
The Out of Towner ...........
Section Hiker - Philip is an avid US based hiker & backpacker.
I don't usually recommend US based sites. Not xenophobia honestly! I just find much of the climatic/ground/travel differences distracting at times as I keep mentally casting aside excellent advice but irrelevant from the UK backpacker's perspective walking in the UK. But Phil's got a lot to say on the subject in general. Worth a looksee.
Walking Fort Bragg - Ron is another US based blogger 'In my sixties, going on 12 but learning all the time!'
I've not had a lot of time to check this over, but I'm happy to publicise Ron's work especially for my American visitors.
Meanwhile nearer home ...........
Outdoors4u - Billy's new to the scene but digging in hard.
Early days - one to watch hopefully. Harrumph - these youngsters these days ..... mumble mumble....)
Beating The Bounds - A Blog about 'walking, thinking about walking, reading about walking…….and maybe other stuff'.
That would be mostly about Walking then I guess. And interesting to boot (Hee hee)
TheGreenOutdoors - Oliver is based around the Derby area, and his Blog's remit is 'Cultivating Green Design for the Great Outdoors - musings on outdoor sports apparel (and a bit on equipment too) of the sort I don't think you'll find anywhere else.....'
Lots to drool over, but better use the approved jacket cleaner afterwards.
Walkhighlands.com - Highlands of Scotland walks and accommodation '340 free detailed walk descriptions with GPS waypoints, maps and photos across the Highlands of Scotland'
Excellent research material here. Link to it quick - now don't you just know that you'll need it sometime soon anyway.
Outdoor News
YHA 2008/9 Investment Plans
Last weekend the YHA released details of their £13.5 million package for 2008/9. 37 building modernisation schemes, 3 new hostels (all S.E. UK - London, Eastbourne, Lewes) Schemes include Ilam (Peak District), Pen y Pass (Snowdonia), Conwy (N Wales) Ambleside & Windermere (Lake District) and Exeter (nr Dartmoor)
Browsing the full list it feels like a number of refits aimed initially at the larger hostels?
Two walkers rescued off Snowdon (28/1)
'...badly prepared and equipped........two were "lucky" to have escaped unharmed............. etc'
You've heard it so often from me before again and again. But there's more ....'...the men told rescuers that they had prepared for the trip by researching on the internet'
Obviously not come across this site in their Googling efforts then?
And finally ......
The recent and very well mannered debate around the wildcamping E-Petition has flushed John Manning back into the bloggersphere with a passionate arguement to rebut many points raised by those not in agreement with the current E-Petition initiative.
RUMBLINGS… The online diary of outdoor journalist John Manning.
Good stuff.Labels: blog media, dartmoor, Lake District, podcasts, Wales, YHA
Tuesday, September 4
New Welsh Nuttalls
It seems to matter to some people about collecting lists of things. Or to be more precise ticking off items on other peoples lists. Hills especially seem to attract such folk, although this didn't start until the 1890s when Sir Hugh Munro hit inadvertently started a craze. What a groovy cat.
Now we have the The Wainrights, The Munros, The Marilyns, and many, many more.
And then of course there is The Nuttalls - a list of mountain summits in England and Wales which reach the height of 2,000 feet.
Well as of 2nd September 2007 you peak baggers had better plan a quick trip over to Wales as there's now two new summits to conquer: Carnedd y Filiast North Top (SH617631) & Castell y Gwynt (SH654581)
And there was me thinking that the summits were mostly invulnerable to the fleeting whims of us transitory humans.
Next post -the Norfolk Peaks? Ah well, probably not.
;-)Labels: Fellwalking, Wales
All site material © John Hee - ask before you snatch
Following my recent piece on Thomas Firbank I'd heard on the grapevine that June's Trail Magazine would include an article on the Welsh 3000s, a challenge originally arising with Firbank and documented in his 1940 book “I Bought A Mountain”.
A pity then that Trail somehow overlooked mentioning the debt owed to Firbank and friends(although Esme gets a slight look in). Instead the focus was more on the opportunity for Trail to become Challenger #1 on Snowdonia Society's 14 Peaks
Err - not a particularly impressive achievement 'Team Trail' if nobody else knows it exists. Especially if that success arrives at the same time as knowledge about the prize.
Whatever.
Happily the Snowdonia Society site provides an accurate history to balance the picture.
Actually, now I come to think about it, much of June's magazine had me spitting. Not least that two of my recent wildcamp areas appeared in their walks section (yes I know they would have done them months before I got there, and at least one is a relatively common area, but it just felt soooooooooooo wrong)
Then there's the article on Wildcamping which left me with a feeling on it all being rather jolly, but also rather off-balance somehow. Especially compared to Dave Mycroft's Outdoors Magic piece on the same subject.
To quote Trail “giving out exact grid references are a no-no because sites tend to get overused, so here are a few grid squares for you to hunt for a spot in”.
Next to a 4 digit grid ref and the name Red Tarn.
Err - the point of wildcamping is camping in the wild. Not watching the party animals whooping it up on the other side of the tarn, having picked up the camp site courtesy of an earlier WHSmith stop on the M6.
Argh!
I give up.
Is it just me who finds Trail Mag rapidly turning into a comic as it tries to ride the current Craze for (cheap) camping breaks?
Especially now the Credit Cr*p has made it all so very trendy in the media at present.
Labels: books, Trail Magazine, Wales
Mountain Top Mutterings
Snowdon's new summit building is near completion - latest news and views a plenty from the cunningly entitled Snowdon Summit Blog
And whilst we're mooching around the top of the UK hills, Hey, What's That site is offering a DIY panorama generator using a Google Map mash-up. Beta at present, but all clever stuff once you work out how to set your own viewpoint.Labels: blog media, Wales
Saturday, August 23
Snowdonia Backpacking & Wildcamping
An initial joy of the web is the incredible amount of information that suddenly becomes available. The depth and scope of this limited only by an ability to use a search engine such as Google.
An initial hate of the web is the incredible amount of information that suddenly becomes available. But is irrelevant, outdated, or even offensive.
As time passes this apparent paradox becomes resolved with personal filtering of how to find information, but as it does mining these seams to follow a specific interest will start to dry up, save for any newly established sites that may appear.
Hence the reducing number of site recommendations I make these days; Save for those Outdoor Blogs which continue to attract new enthusiasts with something to say about their view of gear, experiences and trips.
So I was pleased to come across Snowdonia Backpacking the other day. A site that has been quietly building up a store of backpacking and wildcamping experience for others. Trekking a very solitary path.
"...created to put online my accounts of the multiple-day walks with wild camping that I have done in the National Park ....since 1981....my writings tell not only of my appreciation of the Welsh mountains, but also of my trials and tribulations during my self-taught apprenticeship in the wilds.....
I have never been acquainted with any one else who goes backpacking, so everything I do has been learned from books and magazines, and from experience. I live over 200 miles away ...... I am not one of the lucky people who can slip out at weekends for a bit of practice in the hills....I have good stamina but I have always been slightly weaker compared to my contemporaries, and I don't mind admitting I am scared of heights!
It is hoped that the contents of Snowdonia Backpacking will inform you, pass on some of my hard-gained know-how and maybe entertain you, but above all I sincerely hope it will fill you with enthusiasm and inspiration, in much the same way as the books I read around 1980 did for me"
(And Mr Lumley, if your reading this, “Teach Yourself Backpacking” gets a grateful mention BTW)
I really sympathise with this approach. Howard was not alone in learning skills in this way, especially back in the 70s & 80s when sources for those living beyond traditional walking areas were limited, or nil (The modern net savvy generation now have such amazing access to the basic skills these days, especially when trying to contact like minded people)
A great read of one person's autumnal trips, with trial and error lessons for all of us to consider.
A new one for my recently revised links list I think.Labels: Backpacking Advice, Fellwalking, Gear, Wales, walks
Tuesday, July 8
Who will rescue the rescuer?
I don't usually link to video clips, but this one is certainly a unique circumstance. And an answer to one of those "What if....." questions that occasionally arise.
So just how do you get a Breakdown Service when your transport is a RAF Sea King helicopter, and you are in the middle of a Welsh MRT incident?
Send in the Chinook.
But of course.
Edit 9/7:
And the ever excellent Grough News has a different clip with much more detail on the circumstances behind the rescue.
Edit 11/7:
And a report from one of the MRT involved courtesy of Trail Magazine's Live for the Outdoors websiteLabels: media, Mountain Rescue Team(MRT), Wales
Sunday, April 13
Self Reliance on the hills
Regular readers of this site will know of my irritation with those pathetic individuals who regard ownership of a mobile phone on the hills as a valid reason to avoid taking any personal responsibility for their own safety and security.
On this wet and blowy Sunday afternoon, sat surfing the net post today's walk in the sun, showers & hail (ouch) I came across this posting. Nicely demonstrating that the spirit of self reliance is alive and well. Happily the story has a happy ending despite the potential for tragedy.
And whilst you're browsing Pete's site there's an interesting low level, circular footpath around Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) for a gentle 2-3 day walk using rights of way, access land and open countryside. Pete's thoughtfully provided a PDF describing the route which can also be downloaded.Labels: blog media, Mountain Rescue Team(MRT), Wales
Thursday, February 7
aRoundabout - outdoor news and views (Feb 7)
Unbowed by a backlash of utter indifferance, here's another weekly round-up for your entertainment.
New sites to check out?
Seb Green was 15 when as a result of his involvement in a boat theft he ended up stuck in mud in Fleet Lagoon late at night. Subsequently rescued (and charged) in the years since he's regretted his actions and on the 1st of February he started his walk around the coast of mainland UK to raise cash for charity to make amends to the local community.
The 18-year-old will spend nearly a year walking 5,821 miles with his border collie dog, Flash, camping as he goes. More details on his website
Outdoor News
That's the way to do it.........
In contrast to last week's report of ill prepared walkers and their involvement of various Mountain Rescue teams here's a happier report of a man showing real self reliance (thanks to Grough for this) Well done that man!
Wainwright Window Becomes Storm Victim
An appeal comes via the Online Fellwalking Club and The Wainwright Society to fund church repairs. Not normally something that would feature on here but the church in question is St. James in Buttermere. A small leaded window was battered by recent winter gales and is boarded up awaiting repair.
And the relevance?
Its the same window containing the memorial plaque to Wainwright, and that special view towards Haystacks. Target is around £1000 if you want to contribute.
News in March's Trail Magazine concerning the Vixen Tor campaign's new initiative based on the Highways Law (my background piece here) and a request for testimonials from anyone who can recall walking, climbing or just enjoying the site.
Whilst not of direct relevance to the E-Petition on the legal position of wildcamping in England & Wales (364 votes and building - is your name on it yet?) there are some useful lessons to be learnt from the campaign when looking at mounting and delivering change for outdoor access that relates to all of us. Whether we intend to use this spot or not.
And finally ......
Look to the skies. Is it a bird? Is it a plane? Nope its Air Viagra.
An Israeli study of mountain climbers in Africa has identified a link between erectile dysfunction drugs and improved performance at high altitude. An active ingredient in the drugs helped climbers perform better where oxygen was at reduced levels. The study indicates this may be of assistance for jet fighter pilots.
Hopefully they will work out any unrequired side effects (Beware sudden ejections - lol) but maybe that explains the mass of Viagra spam targeted at us hardened outdoor types.
Meanwhile US scientists, not to be outdone, have built an adapted knee brace that generates energy from human movement ".....we can get as much as 13 watts from walking .. .... enough to power about 30 minutes of talk time on a typical mobile phone from just one minute of walking"
Great news for ubertechnowalkers. Possibly. But not looking too good for the ultralight brigade.Labels: blog media, dartmoor, Lake District, podcasts, vixen tor, Wales, YHA
Monday, February 4
A good read - Thomas Firbank
During the last few weeks I've read a couple of pieces by Chris Townsend and Weird Darren concerning some of their outdoor literature recommendations. Which reminded me of one of the lesser-known authors. Not specifically walk based reading, but an evocative slice of pre and post war living in the wilder areas of the UK.
In 1931 a young Canadian, Thomas Firbank, bought a 2,400 acre sheep farm in Dyffryn Mymbyr near Capel Curig covering most of the land to the east of Glyder Fawr. Here he learnt his trade, while celebrating the beauty & reality of life working in Snowdonia. Along the way he married Esme Kirby and found time to be the first to record an ascent of all of the Welsh 3000s in less than 9 hours
He wrote about his experiences in "I Bought a Mountain" and the book turned out to be a huge success despite minimal publicity.
As is my usual approach after enjoying an author's work I started to track down his other writings.
The 1951 follow-up "I Bought a Star" was a real surprise as it described how he left the farm, went to war (winning the Military Star in Italy), and was divorced from Esme. Generously, for those times, he left his ex-wife the marital home, Dyffryn Mymbyr and Esme went on to use this as a base when helping to found the influential Snowdonia Society and later The Esmé Kirby Snowdonia Trust
Meanwhile, on a walking trip to North Wales in the late 1990s I managed to spot the house, that scene of so much activity, from the valley road. At that time it was still occupied by Esme who sadly died a short time afterwards. But this did lead to some related anecdotes appearing on uk.rec.walking, reinforcing her reputation as a formidable opponent and fierce protector of the Snowdonia landscape.
Firbank's 1953 offering "A Country of Memorable Honour" was back on an UK outdoors theme describing a walking tour through Wales. Once more a remarkably observed slice of rural life at that time.
I'd read the words from the man, visited some of the places he knew, and in some way walked alongside a life reporting on events before I was even born.
And as I closed that book along with Firbank, he was about to move to Japan and a new life. Or so I thought as far as his writing output concerned. It was finished.
Then, three years ago I happened to be browsing amongst the shelves of a notable second hand bookshop, sadly now closed, in Mortonhampstead on Dartmoor.
Firbank's name leapt out as I spotted a new title. Well unknown to me at least.
"Log Hut" (aka "Log Hut, Further Adventures in Home-making") was also first printed in 1953. This described Firbank's life living and working on Dartmoor. Adapting a log cabin for his new family (where did they come from?), and his attempts to reopen and commercially mine a local quarry.
And as I paid for my new treat the bookseller casually mentioned that the Log Hut in question was a short distance away. All very karmic (And although I believe I have traced the location, its one I've yet to see in the flesh)
If you want more information there's an excellent obituary article covering the many facets of Firbank's long life here.
Thomas Joseph Firbank, writer, sheep-farmer, soldier and businessman.
A man who through the written word remains able to speak to us across the many long years since his observations; Still capable of touching others through his description of the of the natural wild areas, and an ability to live amongst it all.
Now that's writing.Labels: books, dartmoor, Wales
Thursday, January 31
Walkabout's aRoundabout - outdoor news and views
A new approach for me.......Rather than post these bits 'n bobs individually here's a summary, cunningly named Walkabout's aRoundabout. Its an attempt to provide a quick browse for some pre-weekend entertainment, ideas & news. So at least if its rubbish, you'll only have to suffer it once a week in future. And quickly.
If the format works for you, or not please let me know.
Radio waves
I caught the last few minutes of a radio program earlier in the week and recognised that voice.
BBC 4's Great Lives had Joe Simpson (Author/Filmstar: Touching the Void et al), talking up one of his heroes, pioneering Austrian mountaineer Hermann Buhl. Or as Matthew Parris (presenter & journalist) describes the experience:
' yomping along the top of Froggatt Edge (Peak District) Joe's chosen great life was that of Hermann Buhl, the famously super-daring, self-reliant Austrian climber who died in a climbing fall at the age of 32; and as both Joe and my other guest climbing-writer, Ed Douglas, live in Sheffield we decided to record the programme not in a London studio, but outdoors ....... The driving rain was almost sleet, the wind was fierce and the ground sodden. I wanted to impress.........'
Don't cut that rope Joe. Please!
(Was it the Bee Gee's who had a hit with the tune 'Tragedy'? - oops no idea where that thought slipped in - lol)
Available on Podcast here to listen to it in full.
New sites to check out?
The Out of Towner ...........
Section Hiker - Philip is an avid US based hiker & backpacker.
I don't usually recommend US based sites. Not xenophobia honestly! I just find much of the climatic/ground/travel differences distracting at times as I keep mentally casting aside excellent advice but irrelevant from the UK backpacker's perspective walking in the UK. But Phil's got a lot to say on the subject in general. Worth a looksee.
Walking Fort Bragg - Ron is another US based blogger 'In my sixties, going on 12 but learning all the time!'
I've not had a lot of time to check this over, but I'm happy to publicise Ron's work especially for my American visitors.
Meanwhile nearer home ...........
Outdoors4u - Billy's new to the scene but digging in hard.
Early days - one to watch hopefully. Harrumph - these youngsters these days ..... mumble mumble....)
Beating The Bounds - A Blog about 'walking, thinking about walking, reading about walking…….and maybe other stuff'.
That would be mostly about Walking then I guess. And interesting to boot (Hee hee)
TheGreenOutdoors - Oliver is based around the Derby area, and his Blog's remit is 'Cultivating Green Design for the Great Outdoors - musings on outdoor sports apparel (and a bit on equipment too) of the sort I don't think you'll find anywhere else.....'
Lots to drool over, but better use the approved jacket cleaner afterwards.
Walkhighlands.com - Highlands of Scotland walks and accommodation '340 free detailed walk descriptions with GPS waypoints, maps and photos across the Highlands of Scotland'
Excellent research material here. Link to it quick - now don't you just know that you'll need it sometime soon anyway.
Outdoor News
YHA 2008/9 Investment Plans
Last weekend the YHA released details of their £13.5 million package for 2008/9. 37 building modernisation schemes, 3 new hostels (all S.E. UK - London, Eastbourne, Lewes) Schemes include Ilam (Peak District), Pen y Pass (Snowdonia), Conwy (N Wales) Ambleside & Windermere (Lake District) and Exeter (nr Dartmoor)
Browsing the full list it feels like a number of refits aimed initially at the larger hostels?
Two walkers rescued off Snowdon (28/1)
'...badly prepared and equipped........two were "lucky" to have escaped unharmed............. etc'
You've heard it so often from me before again and again. But there's more ....'...the men told rescuers that they had prepared for the trip by researching on the internet'
Obviously not come across this site in their Googling efforts then?
And finally ......
The recent and very well mannered debate around the wildcamping E-Petition has flushed John Manning back into the bloggersphere with a passionate arguement to rebut many points raised by those not in agreement with the current E-Petition initiative.
RUMBLINGS… The online diary of outdoor journalist John Manning.
Good stuff.Labels: blog media, dartmoor, Lake District, podcasts, Wales, YHA
Tuesday, September 4
New Welsh Nuttalls
It seems to matter to some people about collecting lists of things. Or to be more precise ticking off items on other peoples lists. Hills especially seem to attract such folk, although this didn't start until the 1890s when Sir Hugh Munro hit inadvertently started a craze. What a groovy cat.
Now we have the The Wainrights, The Munros, The Marilyns, and many, many more.
And then of course there is The Nuttalls - a list of mountain summits in England and Wales which reach the height of 2,000 feet.
Well as of 2nd September 2007 you peak baggers had better plan a quick trip over to Wales as there's now two new summits to conquer: Carnedd y Filiast North Top (SH617631) & Castell y Gwynt (SH654581)
And there was me thinking that the summits were mostly invulnerable to the fleeting whims of us transitory humans.
Next post -the Norfolk Peaks? Ah well, probably not.
;-)Labels: Fellwalking, Wales
All site material © John Hee - ask before you snatch
And whilst we're mooching around the top of the UK hills, Hey, What's That site is offering a DIY panorama generator using a Google Map mash-up. Beta at present, but all clever stuff once you work out how to set your own viewpoint.
Labels: blog media, Wales
Snowdonia Backpacking & Wildcamping
An initial joy of the web is the incredible amount of information that suddenly becomes available. The depth and scope of this limited only by an ability to use a search engine such as Google.
An initial hate of the web is the incredible amount of information that suddenly becomes available. But is irrelevant, outdated, or even offensive.
As time passes this apparent paradox becomes resolved with personal filtering of how to find information, but as it does mining these seams to follow a specific interest will start to dry up, save for any newly established sites that may appear.
Hence the reducing number of site recommendations I make these days; Save for those Outdoor Blogs which continue to attract new enthusiasts with something to say about their view of gear, experiences and trips.
So I was pleased to come across Snowdonia Backpacking the other day. A site that has been quietly building up a store of backpacking and wildcamping experience for others. Trekking a very solitary path.
"...created to put online my accounts of the multiple-day walks with wild camping that I have done in the National Park ....since 1981....my writings tell not only of my appreciation of the Welsh mountains, but also of my trials and tribulations during my self-taught apprenticeship in the wilds.....
I have never been acquainted with any one else who goes backpacking, so everything I do has been learned from books and magazines, and from experience. I live over 200 miles away ...... I am not one of the lucky people who can slip out at weekends for a bit of practice in the hills....I have good stamina but I have always been slightly weaker compared to my contemporaries, and I don't mind admitting I am scared of heights!
It is hoped that the contents of Snowdonia Backpacking will inform you, pass on some of my hard-gained know-how and maybe entertain you, but above all I sincerely hope it will fill you with enthusiasm and inspiration, in much the same way as the books I read around 1980 did for me"
(And Mr Lumley, if your reading this, “Teach Yourself Backpacking” gets a grateful mention BTW)
I really sympathise with this approach. Howard was not alone in learning skills in this way, especially back in the 70s & 80s when sources for those living beyond traditional walking areas were limited, or nil (The modern net savvy generation now have such amazing access to the basic skills these days, especially when trying to contact like minded people)
A great read of one person's autumnal trips, with trial and error lessons for all of us to consider.
A new one for my recently revised links list I think.Labels: Backpacking Advice, Fellwalking, Gear, Wales, walks
Tuesday, July 8
Who will rescue the rescuer?
I don't usually link to video clips, but this one is certainly a unique circumstance. And an answer to one of those "What if....." questions that occasionally arise.
So just how do you get a Breakdown Service when your transport is a RAF Sea King helicopter, and you are in the middle of a Welsh MRT incident?
Send in the Chinook.
But of course.
Edit 9/7:
And the ever excellent Grough News has a different clip with much more detail on the circumstances behind the rescue.
Edit 11/7:
And a report from one of the MRT involved courtesy of Trail Magazine's Live for the Outdoors websiteLabels: media, Mountain Rescue Team(MRT), Wales
Sunday, April 13
Self Reliance on the hills
Regular readers of this site will know of my irritation with those pathetic individuals who regard ownership of a mobile phone on the hills as a valid reason to avoid taking any personal responsibility for their own safety and security.
On this wet and blowy Sunday afternoon, sat surfing the net post today's walk in the sun, showers & hail (ouch) I came across this posting. Nicely demonstrating that the spirit of self reliance is alive and well. Happily the story has a happy ending despite the potential for tragedy.
And whilst you're browsing Pete's site there's an interesting low level, circular footpath around Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) for a gentle 2-3 day walk using rights of way, access land and open countryside. Pete's thoughtfully provided a PDF describing the route which can also be downloaded.Labels: blog media, Mountain Rescue Team(MRT), Wales
Thursday, February 7
aRoundabout - outdoor news and views (Feb 7)
Unbowed by a backlash of utter indifferance, here's another weekly round-up for your entertainment.
New sites to check out?
Seb Green was 15 when as a result of his involvement in a boat theft he ended up stuck in mud in Fleet Lagoon late at night. Subsequently rescued (and charged) in the years since he's regretted his actions and on the 1st of February he started his walk around the coast of mainland UK to raise cash for charity to make amends to the local community.
The 18-year-old will spend nearly a year walking 5,821 miles with his border collie dog, Flash, camping as he goes. More details on his website
Outdoor News
That's the way to do it.........
In contrast to last week's report of ill prepared walkers and their involvement of various Mountain Rescue teams here's a happier report of a man showing real self reliance (thanks to Grough for this) Well done that man!
Wainwright Window Becomes Storm Victim
An appeal comes via the Online Fellwalking Club and The Wainwright Society to fund church repairs. Not normally something that would feature on here but the church in question is St. James in Buttermere. A small leaded window was battered by recent winter gales and is boarded up awaiting repair.
And the relevance?
Its the same window containing the memorial plaque to Wainwright, and that special view towards Haystacks. Target is around £1000 if you want to contribute.
News in March's Trail Magazine concerning the Vixen Tor campaign's new initiative based on the Highways Law (my background piece here) and a request for testimonials from anyone who can recall walking, climbing or just enjoying the site.
Whilst not of direct relevance to the E-Petition on the legal position of wildcamping in England & Wales (364 votes and building - is your name on it yet?) there are some useful lessons to be learnt from the campaign when looking at mounting and delivering change for outdoor access that relates to all of us. Whether we intend to use this spot or not.
And finally ......
Look to the skies. Is it a bird? Is it a plane? Nope its Air Viagra.
An Israeli study of mountain climbers in Africa has identified a link between erectile dysfunction drugs and improved performance at high altitude. An active ingredient in the drugs helped climbers perform better where oxygen was at reduced levels. The study indicates this may be of assistance for jet fighter pilots.
Hopefully they will work out any unrequired side effects (Beware sudden ejections - lol) but maybe that explains the mass of Viagra spam targeted at us hardened outdoor types.
Meanwhile US scientists, not to be outdone, have built an adapted knee brace that generates energy from human movement ".....we can get as much as 13 watts from walking .. .... enough to power about 30 minutes of talk time on a typical mobile phone from just one minute of walking"
Great news for ubertechnowalkers. Possibly. But not looking too good for the ultralight brigade.Labels: blog media, dartmoor, Lake District, podcasts, vixen tor, Wales, YHA
Monday, February 4
A good read - Thomas Firbank
During the last few weeks I've read a couple of pieces by Chris Townsend and Weird Darren concerning some of their outdoor literature recommendations. Which reminded me of one of the lesser-known authors. Not specifically walk based reading, but an evocative slice of pre and post war living in the wilder areas of the UK.
In 1931 a young Canadian, Thomas Firbank, bought a 2,400 acre sheep farm in Dyffryn Mymbyr near Capel Curig covering most of the land to the east of Glyder Fawr. Here he learnt his trade, while celebrating the beauty & reality of life working in Snowdonia. Along the way he married Esme Kirby and found time to be the first to record an ascent of all of the Welsh 3000s in less than 9 hours
He wrote about his experiences in "I Bought a Mountain" and the book turned out to be a huge success despite minimal publicity.
As is my usual approach after enjoying an author's work I started to track down his other writings.
The 1951 follow-up "I Bought a Star" was a real surprise as it described how he left the farm, went to war (winning the Military Star in Italy), and was divorced from Esme. Generously, for those times, he left his ex-wife the marital home, Dyffryn Mymbyr and Esme went on to use this as a base when helping to found the influential Snowdonia Society and later The Esmé Kirby Snowdonia Trust
Meanwhile, on a walking trip to North Wales in the late 1990s I managed to spot the house, that scene of so much activity, from the valley road. At that time it was still occupied by Esme who sadly died a short time afterwards. But this did lead to some related anecdotes appearing on uk.rec.walking, reinforcing her reputation as a formidable opponent and fierce protector of the Snowdonia landscape.
Firbank's 1953 offering "A Country of Memorable Honour" was back on an UK outdoors theme describing a walking tour through Wales. Once more a remarkably observed slice of rural life at that time.
I'd read the words from the man, visited some of the places he knew, and in some way walked alongside a life reporting on events before I was even born.
And as I closed that book along with Firbank, he was about to move to Japan and a new life. Or so I thought as far as his writing output concerned. It was finished.
Then, three years ago I happened to be browsing amongst the shelves of a notable second hand bookshop, sadly now closed, in Mortonhampstead on Dartmoor.
Firbank's name leapt out as I spotted a new title. Well unknown to me at least.
"Log Hut" (aka "Log Hut, Further Adventures in Home-making") was also first printed in 1953. This described Firbank's life living and working on Dartmoor. Adapting a log cabin for his new family (where did they come from?), and his attempts to reopen and commercially mine a local quarry.
And as I paid for my new treat the bookseller casually mentioned that the Log Hut in question was a short distance away. All very karmic (And although I believe I have traced the location, its one I've yet to see in the flesh)
If you want more information there's an excellent obituary article covering the many facets of Firbank's long life here.
Thomas Joseph Firbank, writer, sheep-farmer, soldier and businessman.
A man who through the written word remains able to speak to us across the many long years since his observations; Still capable of touching others through his description of the of the natural wild areas, and an ability to live amongst it all.
Now that's writing.Labels: books, dartmoor, Wales
Thursday, January 31
Walkabout's aRoundabout - outdoor news and views
A new approach for me.......Rather than post these bits 'n bobs individually here's a summary, cunningly named Walkabout's aRoundabout. Its an attempt to provide a quick browse for some pre-weekend entertainment, ideas & news. So at least if its rubbish, you'll only have to suffer it once a week in future. And quickly.
If the format works for you, or not please let me know.
Radio waves
I caught the last few minutes of a radio program earlier in the week and recognised that voice.
BBC 4's Great Lives had Joe Simpson (Author/Filmstar: Touching the Void et al), talking up one of his heroes, pioneering Austrian mountaineer Hermann Buhl. Or as Matthew Parris (presenter & journalist) describes the experience:
' yomping along the top of Froggatt Edge (Peak District) Joe's chosen great life was that of Hermann Buhl, the famously super-daring, self-reliant Austrian climber who died in a climbing fall at the age of 32; and as both Joe and my other guest climbing-writer, Ed Douglas, live in Sheffield we decided to record the programme not in a London studio, but outdoors ....... The driving rain was almost sleet, the wind was fierce and the ground sodden. I wanted to impress.........'
Don't cut that rope Joe. Please!
(Was it the Bee Gee's who had a hit with the tune 'Tragedy'? - oops no idea where that thought slipped in - lol)
Available on Podcast here to listen to it in full.
New sites to check out?
The Out of Towner ...........
Section Hiker - Philip is an avid US based hiker & backpacker.
I don't usually recommend US based sites. Not xenophobia honestly! I just find much of the climatic/ground/travel differences distracting at times as I keep mentally casting aside excellent advice but irrelevant from the UK backpacker's perspective walking in the UK. But Phil's got a lot to say on the subject in general. Worth a looksee.
Walking Fort Bragg - Ron is another US based blogger 'In my sixties, going on 12 but learning all the time!'
I've not had a lot of time to check this over, but I'm happy to publicise Ron's work especially for my American visitors.
Meanwhile nearer home ...........
Outdoors4u - Billy's new to the scene but digging in hard.
Early days - one to watch hopefully. Harrumph - these youngsters these days ..... mumble mumble....)
Beating The Bounds - A Blog about 'walking, thinking about walking, reading about walking…….and maybe other stuff'.
That would be mostly about Walking then I guess. And interesting to boot (Hee hee)
TheGreenOutdoors - Oliver is based around the Derby area, and his Blog's remit is 'Cultivating Green Design for the Great Outdoors - musings on outdoor sports apparel (and a bit on equipment too) of the sort I don't think you'll find anywhere else.....'
Lots to drool over, but better use the approved jacket cleaner afterwards.
Walkhighlands.com - Highlands of Scotland walks and accommodation '340 free detailed walk descriptions with GPS waypoints, maps and photos across the Highlands of Scotland'
Excellent research material here. Link to it quick - now don't you just know that you'll need it sometime soon anyway.
Outdoor News
YHA 2008/9 Investment Plans
Last weekend the YHA released details of their £13.5 million package for 2008/9. 37 building modernisation schemes, 3 new hostels (all S.E. UK - London, Eastbourne, Lewes) Schemes include Ilam (Peak District), Pen y Pass (Snowdonia), Conwy (N Wales) Ambleside & Windermere (Lake District) and Exeter (nr Dartmoor)
Browsing the full list it feels like a number of refits aimed initially at the larger hostels?
Two walkers rescued off Snowdon (28/1)
'...badly prepared and equipped........two were "lucky" to have escaped unharmed............. etc'
You've heard it so often from me before again and again. But there's more ....'...the men told rescuers that they had prepared for the trip by researching on the internet'
Obviously not come across this site in their Googling efforts then?
And finally ......
The recent and very well mannered debate around the wildcamping E-Petition has flushed John Manning back into the bloggersphere with a passionate arguement to rebut many points raised by those not in agreement with the current E-Petition initiative.
RUMBLINGS… The online diary of outdoor journalist John Manning.
Good stuff.Labels: blog media, dartmoor, Lake District, podcasts, Wales, YHA
Tuesday, September 4
New Welsh Nuttalls
It seems to matter to some people about collecting lists of things. Or to be more precise ticking off items on other peoples lists. Hills especially seem to attract such folk, although this didn't start until the 1890s when Sir Hugh Munro hit inadvertently started a craze. What a groovy cat.
Now we have the The Wainrights, The Munros, The Marilyns, and many, many more.
And then of course there is The Nuttalls - a list of mountain summits in England and Wales which reach the height of 2,000 feet.
Well as of 2nd September 2007 you peak baggers had better plan a quick trip over to Wales as there's now two new summits to conquer: Carnedd y Filiast North Top (SH617631) & Castell y Gwynt (SH654581)
And there was me thinking that the summits were mostly invulnerable to the fleeting whims of us transitory humans.
Next post -the Norfolk Peaks? Ah well, probably not.
;-)Labels: Fellwalking, Wales
All site material © John Hee - ask before you snatch
An initial hate of the web is the incredible amount of information that suddenly becomes available. But is irrelevant, outdated, or even offensive.
As time passes this apparent paradox becomes resolved with personal filtering of how to find information, but as it does mining these seams to follow a specific interest will start to dry up, save for any newly established sites that may appear.
Hence the reducing number of site recommendations I make these days; Save for those Outdoor Blogs which continue to attract new enthusiasts with something to say about their view of gear, experiences and trips.
So I was pleased to come across Snowdonia Backpacking the other day. A site that has been quietly building up a store of backpacking and wildcamping experience for others. Trekking a very solitary path.
"...created to put online my accounts of the multiple-day walks with wild camping that I have done in the National Park ....since 1981....my writings tell not only of my appreciation of the Welsh mountains, but also of my trials and tribulations during my self-taught apprenticeship in the wilds.....
I have never been acquainted with any one else who goes backpacking, so everything I do has been learned from books and magazines, and from experience. I live over 200 miles away ...... I am not one of the lucky people who can slip out at weekends for a bit of practice in the hills....I have good stamina but I have always been slightly weaker compared to my contemporaries, and I don't mind admitting I am scared of heights!
It is hoped that the contents of Snowdonia Backpacking will inform you, pass on some of my hard-gained know-how and maybe entertain you, but above all I sincerely hope it will fill you with enthusiasm and inspiration, in much the same way as the books I read around 1980 did for me"
(And Mr Lumley, if your reading this, “Teach Yourself Backpacking” gets a grateful mention BTW)
I really sympathise with this approach. Howard was not alone in learning skills in this way, especially back in the 70s & 80s when sources for those living beyond traditional walking areas were limited, or nil (The modern net savvy generation now have such amazing access to the basic skills these days, especially when trying to contact like minded people)
A great read of one person's autumnal trips, with trial and error lessons for all of us to consider.
A new one for my recently revised links list I think.
Labels: Backpacking Advice, Fellwalking, Gear, Wales, walks
Who will rescue the rescuer?
I don't usually link to video clips, but this one is certainly a unique circumstance. And an answer to one of those "What if....." questions that occasionally arise.
So just how do you get a Breakdown Service when your transport is a RAF Sea King helicopter, and you are in the middle of a Welsh MRT incident?
Send in the Chinook.
But of course.
Edit 9/7:
And the ever excellent Grough News has a different clip with much more detail on the circumstances behind the rescue.
Edit 11/7:
And a report from one of the MRT involved courtesy of Trail Magazine's Live for the Outdoors websiteLabels: media, Mountain Rescue Team(MRT), Wales
Sunday, April 13
Self Reliance on the hills
Regular readers of this site will know of my irritation with those pathetic individuals who regard ownership of a mobile phone on the hills as a valid reason to avoid taking any personal responsibility for their own safety and security.
On this wet and blowy Sunday afternoon, sat surfing the net post today's walk in the sun, showers & hail (ouch) I came across this posting. Nicely demonstrating that the spirit of self reliance is alive and well. Happily the story has a happy ending despite the potential for tragedy.
And whilst you're browsing Pete's site there's an interesting low level, circular footpath around Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) for a gentle 2-3 day walk using rights of way, access land and open countryside. Pete's thoughtfully provided a PDF describing the route which can also be downloaded.Labels: blog media, Mountain Rescue Team(MRT), Wales
Thursday, February 7
aRoundabout - outdoor news and views (Feb 7)
Unbowed by a backlash of utter indifferance, here's another weekly round-up for your entertainment.
New sites to check out?
Seb Green was 15 when as a result of his involvement in a boat theft he ended up stuck in mud in Fleet Lagoon late at night. Subsequently rescued (and charged) in the years since he's regretted his actions and on the 1st of February he started his walk around the coast of mainland UK to raise cash for charity to make amends to the local community.
The 18-year-old will spend nearly a year walking 5,821 miles with his border collie dog, Flash, camping as he goes. More details on his website
Outdoor News
That's the way to do it.........
In contrast to last week's report of ill prepared walkers and their involvement of various Mountain Rescue teams here's a happier report of a man showing real self reliance (thanks to Grough for this) Well done that man!
Wainwright Window Becomes Storm Victim
An appeal comes via the Online Fellwalking Club and The Wainwright Society to fund church repairs. Not normally something that would feature on here but the church in question is St. James in Buttermere. A small leaded window was battered by recent winter gales and is boarded up awaiting repair.
And the relevance?
Its the same window containing the memorial plaque to Wainwright, and that special view towards Haystacks. Target is around £1000 if you want to contribute.
News in March's Trail Magazine concerning the Vixen Tor campaign's new initiative based on the Highways Law (my background piece here) and a request for testimonials from anyone who can recall walking, climbing or just enjoying the site.
Whilst not of direct relevance to the E-Petition on the legal position of wildcamping in England & Wales (364 votes and building - is your name on it yet?) there are some useful lessons to be learnt from the campaign when looking at mounting and delivering change for outdoor access that relates to all of us. Whether we intend to use this spot or not.
And finally ......
Look to the skies. Is it a bird? Is it a plane? Nope its Air Viagra.
An Israeli study of mountain climbers in Africa has identified a link between erectile dysfunction drugs and improved performance at high altitude. An active ingredient in the drugs helped climbers perform better where oxygen was at reduced levels. The study indicates this may be of assistance for jet fighter pilots.
Hopefully they will work out any unrequired side effects (Beware sudden ejections - lol) but maybe that explains the mass of Viagra spam targeted at us hardened outdoor types.
Meanwhile US scientists, not to be outdone, have built an adapted knee brace that generates energy from human movement ".....we can get as much as 13 watts from walking .. .... enough to power about 30 minutes of talk time on a typical mobile phone from just one minute of walking"
Great news for ubertechnowalkers. Possibly. But not looking too good for the ultralight brigade.Labels: blog media, dartmoor, Lake District, podcasts, vixen tor, Wales, YHA
Monday, February 4
A good read - Thomas Firbank
During the last few weeks I've read a couple of pieces by Chris Townsend and Weird Darren concerning some of their outdoor literature recommendations. Which reminded me of one of the lesser-known authors. Not specifically walk based reading, but an evocative slice of pre and post war living in the wilder areas of the UK.
In 1931 a young Canadian, Thomas Firbank, bought a 2,400 acre sheep farm in Dyffryn Mymbyr near Capel Curig covering most of the land to the east of Glyder Fawr. Here he learnt his trade, while celebrating the beauty & reality of life working in Snowdonia. Along the way he married Esme Kirby and found time to be the first to record an ascent of all of the Welsh 3000s in less than 9 hours
He wrote about his experiences in "I Bought a Mountain" and the book turned out to be a huge success despite minimal publicity.
As is my usual approach after enjoying an author's work I started to track down his other writings.
The 1951 follow-up "I Bought a Star" was a real surprise as it described how he left the farm, went to war (winning the Military Star in Italy), and was divorced from Esme. Generously, for those times, he left his ex-wife the marital home, Dyffryn Mymbyr and Esme went on to use this as a base when helping to found the influential Snowdonia Society and later The Esmé Kirby Snowdonia Trust
Meanwhile, on a walking trip to North Wales in the late 1990s I managed to spot the house, that scene of so much activity, from the valley road. At that time it was still occupied by Esme who sadly died a short time afterwards. But this did lead to some related anecdotes appearing on uk.rec.walking, reinforcing her reputation as a formidable opponent and fierce protector of the Snowdonia landscape.
Firbank's 1953 offering "A Country of Memorable Honour" was back on an UK outdoors theme describing a walking tour through Wales. Once more a remarkably observed slice of rural life at that time.
I'd read the words from the man, visited some of the places he knew, and in some way walked alongside a life reporting on events before I was even born.
And as I closed that book along with Firbank, he was about to move to Japan and a new life. Or so I thought as far as his writing output concerned. It was finished.
Then, three years ago I happened to be browsing amongst the shelves of a notable second hand bookshop, sadly now closed, in Mortonhampstead on Dartmoor.
Firbank's name leapt out as I spotted a new title. Well unknown to me at least.
"Log Hut" (aka "Log Hut, Further Adventures in Home-making") was also first printed in 1953. This described Firbank's life living and working on Dartmoor. Adapting a log cabin for his new family (where did they come from?), and his attempts to reopen and commercially mine a local quarry.
And as I paid for my new treat the bookseller casually mentioned that the Log Hut in question was a short distance away. All very karmic (And although I believe I have traced the location, its one I've yet to see in the flesh)
If you want more information there's an excellent obituary article covering the many facets of Firbank's long life here.
Thomas Joseph Firbank, writer, sheep-farmer, soldier and businessman.
A man who through the written word remains able to speak to us across the many long years since his observations; Still capable of touching others through his description of the of the natural wild areas, and an ability to live amongst it all.
Now that's writing.Labels: books, dartmoor, Wales
Thursday, January 31
Walkabout's aRoundabout - outdoor news and views
A new approach for me.......Rather than post these bits 'n bobs individually here's a summary, cunningly named Walkabout's aRoundabout. Its an attempt to provide a quick browse for some pre-weekend entertainment, ideas & news. So at least if its rubbish, you'll only have to suffer it once a week in future. And quickly.
If the format works for you, or not please let me know.
Radio waves
I caught the last few minutes of a radio program earlier in the week and recognised that voice.
BBC 4's Great Lives had Joe Simpson (Author/Filmstar: Touching the Void et al), talking up one of his heroes, pioneering Austrian mountaineer Hermann Buhl. Or as Matthew Parris (presenter & journalist) describes the experience:
' yomping along the top of Froggatt Edge (Peak District) Joe's chosen great life was that of Hermann Buhl, the famously super-daring, self-reliant Austrian climber who died in a climbing fall at the age of 32; and as both Joe and my other guest climbing-writer, Ed Douglas, live in Sheffield we decided to record the programme not in a London studio, but outdoors ....... The driving rain was almost sleet, the wind was fierce and the ground sodden. I wanted to impress.........'
Don't cut that rope Joe. Please!
(Was it the Bee Gee's who had a hit with the tune 'Tragedy'? - oops no idea where that thought slipped in - lol)
Available on Podcast here to listen to it in full.
New sites to check out?
The Out of Towner ...........
Section Hiker - Philip is an avid US based hiker & backpacker.
I don't usually recommend US based sites. Not xenophobia honestly! I just find much of the climatic/ground/travel differences distracting at times as I keep mentally casting aside excellent advice but irrelevant from the UK backpacker's perspective walking in the UK. But Phil's got a lot to say on the subject in general. Worth a looksee.
Walking Fort Bragg - Ron is another US based blogger 'In my sixties, going on 12 but learning all the time!'
I've not had a lot of time to check this over, but I'm happy to publicise Ron's work especially for my American visitors.
Meanwhile nearer home ...........
Outdoors4u - Billy's new to the scene but digging in hard.
Early days - one to watch hopefully. Harrumph - these youngsters these days ..... mumble mumble....)
Beating The Bounds - A Blog about 'walking, thinking about walking, reading about walking…….and maybe other stuff'.
That would be mostly about Walking then I guess. And interesting to boot (Hee hee)
TheGreenOutdoors - Oliver is based around the Derby area, and his Blog's remit is 'Cultivating Green Design for the Great Outdoors - musings on outdoor sports apparel (and a bit on equipment too) of the sort I don't think you'll find anywhere else.....'
Lots to drool over, but better use the approved jacket cleaner afterwards.
Walkhighlands.com - Highlands of Scotland walks and accommodation '340 free detailed walk descriptions with GPS waypoints, maps and photos across the Highlands of Scotland'
Excellent research material here. Link to it quick - now don't you just know that you'll need it sometime soon anyway.
Outdoor News
YHA 2008/9 Investment Plans
Last weekend the YHA released details of their £13.5 million package for 2008/9. 37 building modernisation schemes, 3 new hostels (all S.E. UK - London, Eastbourne, Lewes) Schemes include Ilam (Peak District), Pen y Pass (Snowdonia), Conwy (N Wales) Ambleside & Windermere (Lake District) and Exeter (nr Dartmoor)
Browsing the full list it feels like a number of refits aimed initially at the larger hostels?
Two walkers rescued off Snowdon (28/1)
'...badly prepared and equipped........two were "lucky" to have escaped unharmed............. etc'
You've heard it so often from me before again and again. But there's more ....'...the men told rescuers that they had prepared for the trip by researching on the internet'
Obviously not come across this site in their Googling efforts then?
And finally ......
The recent and very well mannered debate around the wildcamping E-Petition has flushed John Manning back into the bloggersphere with a passionate arguement to rebut many points raised by those not in agreement with the current E-Petition initiative.
RUMBLINGS… The online diary of outdoor journalist John Manning.
Good stuff.Labels: blog media, dartmoor, Lake District, podcasts, Wales, YHA
Tuesday, September 4
New Welsh Nuttalls
It seems to matter to some people about collecting lists of things. Or to be more precise ticking off items on other peoples lists. Hills especially seem to attract such folk, although this didn't start until the 1890s when Sir Hugh Munro hit inadvertently started a craze. What a groovy cat.
Now we have the The Wainrights, The Munros, The Marilyns, and many, many more.
And then of course there is The Nuttalls - a list of mountain summits in England and Wales which reach the height of 2,000 feet.
Well as of 2nd September 2007 you peak baggers had better plan a quick trip over to Wales as there's now two new summits to conquer: Carnedd y Filiast North Top (SH617631) & Castell y Gwynt (SH654581)
And there was me thinking that the summits were mostly invulnerable to the fleeting whims of us transitory humans.
Next post -the Norfolk Peaks? Ah well, probably not.
;-)Labels: Fellwalking, Wales
All site material © John Hee - ask before you snatch
So just how do you get a Breakdown Service when your transport is a RAF Sea King helicopter, and you are in the middle of a Welsh MRT incident?
Send in the Chinook.
But of course.
Edit 9/7:
And the ever excellent Grough News has a different clip with much more detail on the circumstances behind the rescue.
Edit 11/7:
And a report from one of the MRT involved courtesy of Trail Magazine's Live for the Outdoors website
Labels: media, Mountain Rescue Team(MRT), Wales
Self Reliance on the hills
Regular readers of this site will know of my irritation with those pathetic individuals who regard ownership of a mobile phone on the hills as a valid reason to avoid taking any personal responsibility for their own safety and security.
On this wet and blowy Sunday afternoon, sat surfing the net post today's walk in the sun, showers & hail (ouch) I came across this posting. Nicely demonstrating that the spirit of self reliance is alive and well. Happily the story has a happy ending despite the potential for tragedy.
And whilst you're browsing Pete's site there's an interesting low level, circular footpath around Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) for a gentle 2-3 day walk using rights of way, access land and open countryside. Pete's thoughtfully provided a PDF describing the route which can also be downloaded.Labels: blog media, Mountain Rescue Team(MRT), Wales
Thursday, February 7
aRoundabout - outdoor news and views (Feb 7)
Unbowed by a backlash of utter indifferance, here's another weekly round-up for your entertainment.
New sites to check out?
Seb Green was 15 when as a result of his involvement in a boat theft he ended up stuck in mud in Fleet Lagoon late at night. Subsequently rescued (and charged) in the years since he's regretted his actions and on the 1st of February he started his walk around the coast of mainland UK to raise cash for charity to make amends to the local community.
The 18-year-old will spend nearly a year walking 5,821 miles with his border collie dog, Flash, camping as he goes. More details on his website
Outdoor News
That's the way to do it.........
In contrast to last week's report of ill prepared walkers and their involvement of various Mountain Rescue teams here's a happier report of a man showing real self reliance (thanks to Grough for this) Well done that man!
Wainwright Window Becomes Storm Victim
An appeal comes via the Online Fellwalking Club and The Wainwright Society to fund church repairs. Not normally something that would feature on here but the church in question is St. James in Buttermere. A small leaded window was battered by recent winter gales and is boarded up awaiting repair.
And the relevance?
Its the same window containing the memorial plaque to Wainwright, and that special view towards Haystacks. Target is around £1000 if you want to contribute.
News in March's Trail Magazine concerning the Vixen Tor campaign's new initiative based on the Highways Law (my background piece here) and a request for testimonials from anyone who can recall walking, climbing or just enjoying the site.
Whilst not of direct relevance to the E-Petition on the legal position of wildcamping in England & Wales (364 votes and building - is your name on it yet?) there are some useful lessons to be learnt from the campaign when looking at mounting and delivering change for outdoor access that relates to all of us. Whether we intend to use this spot or not.
And finally ......
Look to the skies. Is it a bird? Is it a plane? Nope its Air Viagra.
An Israeli study of mountain climbers in Africa has identified a link between erectile dysfunction drugs and improved performance at high altitude. An active ingredient in the drugs helped climbers perform better where oxygen was at reduced levels. The study indicates this may be of assistance for jet fighter pilots.
Hopefully they will work out any unrequired side effects (Beware sudden ejections - lol) but maybe that explains the mass of Viagra spam targeted at us hardened outdoor types.
Meanwhile US scientists, not to be outdone, have built an adapted knee brace that generates energy from human movement ".....we can get as much as 13 watts from walking .. .... enough to power about 30 minutes of talk time on a typical mobile phone from just one minute of walking"
Great news for ubertechnowalkers. Possibly. But not looking too good for the ultralight brigade.Labels: blog media, dartmoor, Lake District, podcasts, vixen tor, Wales, YHA
Monday, February 4
A good read - Thomas Firbank
During the last few weeks I've read a couple of pieces by Chris Townsend and Weird Darren concerning some of their outdoor literature recommendations. Which reminded me of one of the lesser-known authors. Not specifically walk based reading, but an evocative slice of pre and post war living in the wilder areas of the UK.
In 1931 a young Canadian, Thomas Firbank, bought a 2,400 acre sheep farm in Dyffryn Mymbyr near Capel Curig covering most of the land to the east of Glyder Fawr. Here he learnt his trade, while celebrating the beauty & reality of life working in Snowdonia. Along the way he married Esme Kirby and found time to be the first to record an ascent of all of the Welsh 3000s in less than 9 hours
He wrote about his experiences in "I Bought a Mountain" and the book turned out to be a huge success despite minimal publicity.
As is my usual approach after enjoying an author's work I started to track down his other writings.
The 1951 follow-up "I Bought a Star" was a real surprise as it described how he left the farm, went to war (winning the Military Star in Italy), and was divorced from Esme. Generously, for those times, he left his ex-wife the marital home, Dyffryn Mymbyr and Esme went on to use this as a base when helping to found the influential Snowdonia Society and later The Esmé Kirby Snowdonia Trust
Meanwhile, on a walking trip to North Wales in the late 1990s I managed to spot the house, that scene of so much activity, from the valley road. At that time it was still occupied by Esme who sadly died a short time afterwards. But this did lead to some related anecdotes appearing on uk.rec.walking, reinforcing her reputation as a formidable opponent and fierce protector of the Snowdonia landscape.
Firbank's 1953 offering "A Country of Memorable Honour" was back on an UK outdoors theme describing a walking tour through Wales. Once more a remarkably observed slice of rural life at that time.
I'd read the words from the man, visited some of the places he knew, and in some way walked alongside a life reporting on events before I was even born.
And as I closed that book along with Firbank, he was about to move to Japan and a new life. Or so I thought as far as his writing output concerned. It was finished.
Then, three years ago I happened to be browsing amongst the shelves of a notable second hand bookshop, sadly now closed, in Mortonhampstead on Dartmoor.
Firbank's name leapt out as I spotted a new title. Well unknown to me at least.
"Log Hut" (aka "Log Hut, Further Adventures in Home-making") was also first printed in 1953. This described Firbank's life living and working on Dartmoor. Adapting a log cabin for his new family (where did they come from?), and his attempts to reopen and commercially mine a local quarry.
And as I paid for my new treat the bookseller casually mentioned that the Log Hut in question was a short distance away. All very karmic (And although I believe I have traced the location, its one I've yet to see in the flesh)
If you want more information there's an excellent obituary article covering the many facets of Firbank's long life here.
Thomas Joseph Firbank, writer, sheep-farmer, soldier and businessman.
A man who through the written word remains able to speak to us across the many long years since his observations; Still capable of touching others through his description of the of the natural wild areas, and an ability to live amongst it all.
Now that's writing.Labels: books, dartmoor, Wales
Thursday, January 31
Walkabout's aRoundabout - outdoor news and views
A new approach for me.......Rather than post these bits 'n bobs individually here's a summary, cunningly named Walkabout's aRoundabout. Its an attempt to provide a quick browse for some pre-weekend entertainment, ideas & news. So at least if its rubbish, you'll only have to suffer it once a week in future. And quickly.
If the format works for you, or not please let me know.
Radio waves
I caught the last few minutes of a radio program earlier in the week and recognised that voice.
BBC 4's Great Lives had Joe Simpson (Author/Filmstar: Touching the Void et al), talking up one of his heroes, pioneering Austrian mountaineer Hermann Buhl. Or as Matthew Parris (presenter & journalist) describes the experience:
' yomping along the top of Froggatt Edge (Peak District) Joe's chosen great life was that of Hermann Buhl, the famously super-daring, self-reliant Austrian climber who died in a climbing fall at the age of 32; and as both Joe and my other guest climbing-writer, Ed Douglas, live in Sheffield we decided to record the programme not in a London studio, but outdoors ....... The driving rain was almost sleet, the wind was fierce and the ground sodden. I wanted to impress.........'
Don't cut that rope Joe. Please!
(Was it the Bee Gee's who had a hit with the tune 'Tragedy'? - oops no idea where that thought slipped in - lol)
Available on Podcast here to listen to it in full.
New sites to check out?
The Out of Towner ...........
Section Hiker - Philip is an avid US based hiker & backpacker.
I don't usually recommend US based sites. Not xenophobia honestly! I just find much of the climatic/ground/travel differences distracting at times as I keep mentally casting aside excellent advice but irrelevant from the UK backpacker's perspective walking in the UK. But Phil's got a lot to say on the subject in general. Worth a looksee.
Walking Fort Bragg - Ron is another US based blogger 'In my sixties, going on 12 but learning all the time!'
I've not had a lot of time to check this over, but I'm happy to publicise Ron's work especially for my American visitors.
Meanwhile nearer home ...........
Outdoors4u - Billy's new to the scene but digging in hard.
Early days - one to watch hopefully. Harrumph - these youngsters these days ..... mumble mumble....)
Beating The Bounds - A Blog about 'walking, thinking about walking, reading about walking…….and maybe other stuff'.
That would be mostly about Walking then I guess. And interesting to boot (Hee hee)
TheGreenOutdoors - Oliver is based around the Derby area, and his Blog's remit is 'Cultivating Green Design for the Great Outdoors - musings on outdoor sports apparel (and a bit on equipment too) of the sort I don't think you'll find anywhere else.....'
Lots to drool over, but better use the approved jacket cleaner afterwards.
Walkhighlands.com - Highlands of Scotland walks and accommodation '340 free detailed walk descriptions with GPS waypoints, maps and photos across the Highlands of Scotland'
Excellent research material here. Link to it quick - now don't you just know that you'll need it sometime soon anyway.
Outdoor News
YHA 2008/9 Investment Plans
Last weekend the YHA released details of their £13.5 million package for 2008/9. 37 building modernisation schemes, 3 new hostels (all S.E. UK - London, Eastbourne, Lewes) Schemes include Ilam (Peak District), Pen y Pass (Snowdonia), Conwy (N Wales) Ambleside & Windermere (Lake District) and Exeter (nr Dartmoor)
Browsing the full list it feels like a number of refits aimed initially at the larger hostels?
Two walkers rescued off Snowdon (28/1)
'...badly prepared and equipped........two were "lucky" to have escaped unharmed............. etc'
You've heard it so often from me before again and again. But there's more ....'...the men told rescuers that they had prepared for the trip by researching on the internet'
Obviously not come across this site in their Googling efforts then?
And finally ......
The recent and very well mannered debate around the wildcamping E-Petition has flushed John Manning back into the bloggersphere with a passionate arguement to rebut many points raised by those not in agreement with the current E-Petition initiative.
RUMBLINGS… The online diary of outdoor journalist John Manning.
Good stuff.Labels: blog media, dartmoor, Lake District, podcasts, Wales, YHA
Tuesday, September 4
New Welsh Nuttalls
It seems to matter to some people about collecting lists of things. Or to be more precise ticking off items on other peoples lists. Hills especially seem to attract such folk, although this didn't start until the 1890s when Sir Hugh Munro hit inadvertently started a craze. What a groovy cat.
Now we have the The Wainrights, The Munros, The Marilyns, and many, many more.
And then of course there is The Nuttalls - a list of mountain summits in England and Wales which reach the height of 2,000 feet.
Well as of 2nd September 2007 you peak baggers had better plan a quick trip over to Wales as there's now two new summits to conquer: Carnedd y Filiast North Top (SH617631) & Castell y Gwynt (SH654581)
And there was me thinking that the summits were mostly invulnerable to the fleeting whims of us transitory humans.
Next post -the Norfolk Peaks? Ah well, probably not.
;-)Labels: Fellwalking, Wales
All site material © John Hee - ask before you snatch
On this wet and blowy Sunday afternoon, sat surfing the net post today's walk in the sun, showers & hail (ouch) I came across this posting. Nicely demonstrating that the spirit of self reliance is alive and well. Happily the story has a happy ending despite the potential for tragedy.
And whilst you're browsing Pete's site there's an interesting low level, circular footpath around Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) for a gentle 2-3 day walk using rights of way, access land and open countryside. Pete's thoughtfully provided a PDF describing the route which can also be downloaded.
Labels: blog media, Mountain Rescue Team(MRT), Wales
aRoundabout - outdoor news and views (Feb 7)
Unbowed by a backlash of utter indifferance, here's another weekly round-up for your entertainment.
New sites to check out?
Seb Green was 15 when as a result of his involvement in a boat theft he ended up stuck in mud in Fleet Lagoon late at night. Subsequently rescued (and charged) in the years since he's regretted his actions and on the 1st of February he started his walk around the coast of mainland UK to raise cash for charity to make amends to the local community.
The 18-year-old will spend nearly a year walking 5,821 miles with his border collie dog, Flash, camping as he goes. More details on his website
Outdoor News
That's the way to do it.........
In contrast to last week's report of ill prepared walkers and their involvement of various Mountain Rescue teams here's a happier report of a man showing real self reliance (thanks to Grough for this) Well done that man!
Wainwright Window Becomes Storm Victim
An appeal comes via the Online Fellwalking Club and The Wainwright Society to fund church repairs. Not normally something that would feature on here but the church in question is St. James in Buttermere. A small leaded window was battered by recent winter gales and is boarded up awaiting repair.
And the relevance?
Its the same window containing the memorial plaque to Wainwright, and that special view towards Haystacks. Target is around £1000 if you want to contribute.
News in March's Trail Magazine concerning the Vixen Tor campaign's new initiative based on the Highways Law (my background piece here) and a request for testimonials from anyone who can recall walking, climbing or just enjoying the site.
Whilst not of direct relevance to the E-Petition on the legal position of wildcamping in England & Wales (364 votes and building - is your name on it yet?) there are some useful lessons to be learnt from the campaign when looking at mounting and delivering change for outdoor access that relates to all of us. Whether we intend to use this spot or not.
And finally ......
Look to the skies. Is it a bird? Is it a plane? Nope its Air Viagra.
An Israeli study of mountain climbers in Africa has identified a link between erectile dysfunction drugs and improved performance at high altitude. An active ingredient in the drugs helped climbers perform better where oxygen was at reduced levels. The study indicates this may be of assistance for jet fighter pilots.
Hopefully they will work out any unrequired side effects (Beware sudden ejections - lol) but maybe that explains the mass of Viagra spam targeted at us hardened outdoor types.
Meanwhile US scientists, not to be outdone, have built an adapted knee brace that generates energy from human movement ".....we can get as much as 13 watts from walking .. .... enough to power about 30 minutes of talk time on a typical mobile phone from just one minute of walking"
Great news for ubertechnowalkers. Possibly. But not looking too good for the ultralight brigade.Labels: blog media, dartmoor, Lake District, podcasts, vixen tor, Wales, YHA
Monday, February 4
A good read - Thomas Firbank
During the last few weeks I've read a couple of pieces by Chris Townsend and Weird Darren concerning some of their outdoor literature recommendations. Which reminded me of one of the lesser-known authors. Not specifically walk based reading, but an evocative slice of pre and post war living in the wilder areas of the UK.
In 1931 a young Canadian, Thomas Firbank, bought a 2,400 acre sheep farm in Dyffryn Mymbyr near Capel Curig covering most of the land to the east of Glyder Fawr. Here he learnt his trade, while celebrating the beauty & reality of life working in Snowdonia. Along the way he married Esme Kirby and found time to be the first to record an ascent of all of the Welsh 3000s in less than 9 hours
He wrote about his experiences in "I Bought a Mountain" and the book turned out to be a huge success despite minimal publicity.
As is my usual approach after enjoying an author's work I started to track down his other writings.
The 1951 follow-up "I Bought a Star" was a real surprise as it described how he left the farm, went to war (winning the Military Star in Italy), and was divorced from Esme. Generously, for those times, he left his ex-wife the marital home, Dyffryn Mymbyr and Esme went on to use this as a base when helping to found the influential Snowdonia Society and later The Esmé Kirby Snowdonia Trust
Meanwhile, on a walking trip to North Wales in the late 1990s I managed to spot the house, that scene of so much activity, from the valley road. At that time it was still occupied by Esme who sadly died a short time afterwards. But this did lead to some related anecdotes appearing on uk.rec.walking, reinforcing her reputation as a formidable opponent and fierce protector of the Snowdonia landscape.
Firbank's 1953 offering "A Country of Memorable Honour" was back on an UK outdoors theme describing a walking tour through Wales. Once more a remarkably observed slice of rural life at that time.
I'd read the words from the man, visited some of the places he knew, and in some way walked alongside a life reporting on events before I was even born.
And as I closed that book along with Firbank, he was about to move to Japan and a new life. Or so I thought as far as his writing output concerned. It was finished.
Then, three years ago I happened to be browsing amongst the shelves of a notable second hand bookshop, sadly now closed, in Mortonhampstead on Dartmoor.
Firbank's name leapt out as I spotted a new title. Well unknown to me at least.
"Log Hut" (aka "Log Hut, Further Adventures in Home-making") was also first printed in 1953. This described Firbank's life living and working on Dartmoor. Adapting a log cabin for his new family (where did they come from?), and his attempts to reopen and commercially mine a local quarry.
And as I paid for my new treat the bookseller casually mentioned that the Log Hut in question was a short distance away. All very karmic (And although I believe I have traced the location, its one I've yet to see in the flesh)
If you want more information there's an excellent obituary article covering the many facets of Firbank's long life here.
Thomas Joseph Firbank, writer, sheep-farmer, soldier and businessman.
A man who through the written word remains able to speak to us across the many long years since his observations; Still capable of touching others through his description of the of the natural wild areas, and an ability to live amongst it all.
Now that's writing.Labels: books, dartmoor, Wales
Thursday, January 31
Walkabout's aRoundabout - outdoor news and views
A new approach for me.......Rather than post these bits 'n bobs individually here's a summary, cunningly named Walkabout's aRoundabout. Its an attempt to provide a quick browse for some pre-weekend entertainment, ideas & news. So at least if its rubbish, you'll only have to suffer it once a week in future. And quickly.
If the format works for you, or not please let me know.
Radio waves
I caught the last few minutes of a radio program earlier in the week and recognised that voice.
BBC 4's Great Lives had Joe Simpson (Author/Filmstar: Touching the Void et al), talking up one of his heroes, pioneering Austrian mountaineer Hermann Buhl. Or as Matthew Parris (presenter & journalist) describes the experience:
' yomping along the top of Froggatt Edge (Peak District) Joe's chosen great life was that of Hermann Buhl, the famously super-daring, self-reliant Austrian climber who died in a climbing fall at the age of 32; and as both Joe and my other guest climbing-writer, Ed Douglas, live in Sheffield we decided to record the programme not in a London studio, but outdoors ....... The driving rain was almost sleet, the wind was fierce and the ground sodden. I wanted to impress.........'
Don't cut that rope Joe. Please!
(Was it the Bee Gee's who had a hit with the tune 'Tragedy'? - oops no idea where that thought slipped in - lol)
Available on Podcast here to listen to it in full.
New sites to check out?
The Out of Towner ...........
Section Hiker - Philip is an avid US based hiker & backpacker.
I don't usually recommend US based sites. Not xenophobia honestly! I just find much of the climatic/ground/travel differences distracting at times as I keep mentally casting aside excellent advice but irrelevant from the UK backpacker's perspective walking in the UK. But Phil's got a lot to say on the subject in general. Worth a looksee.
Walking Fort Bragg - Ron is another US based blogger 'In my sixties, going on 12 but learning all the time!'
I've not had a lot of time to check this over, but I'm happy to publicise Ron's work especially for my American visitors.
Meanwhile nearer home ...........
Outdoors4u - Billy's new to the scene but digging in hard.
Early days - one to watch hopefully. Harrumph - these youngsters these days ..... mumble mumble....)
Beating The Bounds - A Blog about 'walking, thinking about walking, reading about walking…….and maybe other stuff'.
That would be mostly about Walking then I guess. And interesting to boot (Hee hee)
TheGreenOutdoors - Oliver is based around the Derby area, and his Blog's remit is 'Cultivating Green Design for the Great Outdoors - musings on outdoor sports apparel (and a bit on equipment too) of the sort I don't think you'll find anywhere else.....'
Lots to drool over, but better use the approved jacket cleaner afterwards.
Walkhighlands.com - Highlands of Scotland walks and accommodation '340 free detailed walk descriptions with GPS waypoints, maps and photos across the Highlands of Scotland'
Excellent research material here. Link to it quick - now don't you just know that you'll need it sometime soon anyway.
Outdoor News
YHA 2008/9 Investment Plans
Last weekend the YHA released details of their £13.5 million package for 2008/9. 37 building modernisation schemes, 3 new hostels (all S.E. UK - London, Eastbourne, Lewes) Schemes include Ilam (Peak District), Pen y Pass (Snowdonia), Conwy (N Wales) Ambleside & Windermere (Lake District) and Exeter (nr Dartmoor)
Browsing the full list it feels like a number of refits aimed initially at the larger hostels?
Two walkers rescued off Snowdon (28/1)
'...badly prepared and equipped........two were "lucky" to have escaped unharmed............. etc'
You've heard it so often from me before again and again. But there's more ....'...the men told rescuers that they had prepared for the trip by researching on the internet'
Obviously not come across this site in their Googling efforts then?
And finally ......
The recent and very well mannered debate around the wildcamping E-Petition has flushed John Manning back into the bloggersphere with a passionate arguement to rebut many points raised by those not in agreement with the current E-Petition initiative.
RUMBLINGS… The online diary of outdoor journalist John Manning.
Good stuff.Labels: blog media, dartmoor, Lake District, podcasts, Wales, YHA
Tuesday, September 4
New Welsh Nuttalls
It seems to matter to some people about collecting lists of things. Or to be more precise ticking off items on other peoples lists. Hills especially seem to attract such folk, although this didn't start until the 1890s when Sir Hugh Munro hit inadvertently started a craze. What a groovy cat.
Now we have the The Wainrights, The Munros, The Marilyns, and many, many more.
And then of course there is The Nuttalls - a list of mountain summits in England and Wales which reach the height of 2,000 feet.
Well as of 2nd September 2007 you peak baggers had better plan a quick trip over to Wales as there's now two new summits to conquer: Carnedd y Filiast North Top (SH617631) & Castell y Gwynt (SH654581)
And there was me thinking that the summits were mostly invulnerable to the fleeting whims of us transitory humans.
Next post -the Norfolk Peaks? Ah well, probably not.
;-)Labels: Fellwalking, Wales
All site material © John Hee - ask before you snatch
New sites to check out?
Seb Green was 15 when as a result of his involvement in a boat theft he ended up stuck in mud in Fleet Lagoon late at night. Subsequently rescued (and charged) in the years since he's regretted his actions and on the 1st of February he started his walk around the coast of mainland UK to raise cash for charity to make amends to the local community.
The 18-year-old will spend nearly a year walking 5,821 miles with his border collie dog, Flash, camping as he goes. More details on his website
Outdoor News
That's the way to do it.........
In contrast to last week's report of ill prepared walkers and their involvement of various Mountain Rescue teams here's a happier report of a man showing real self reliance (thanks to Grough for this) Well done that man!
Wainwright Window Becomes Storm Victim
An appeal comes via the Online Fellwalking Club and The Wainwright Society to fund church repairs. Not normally something that would feature on here but the church in question is St. James in Buttermere. A small leaded window was battered by recent winter gales and is boarded up awaiting repair.
And the relevance?
Its the same window containing the memorial plaque to Wainwright, and that special view towards Haystacks. Target is around £1000 if you want to contribute.
News in March's Trail Magazine concerning the Vixen Tor campaign's new initiative based on the Highways Law (my background piece here) and a request for testimonials from anyone who can recall walking, climbing or just enjoying the site.
Whilst not of direct relevance to the E-Petition on the legal position of wildcamping in England & Wales (364 votes and building - is your name on it yet?) there are some useful lessons to be learnt from the campaign when looking at mounting and delivering change for outdoor access that relates to all of us. Whether we intend to use this spot or not.
And finally ......
Look to the skies. Is it a bird? Is it a plane? Nope its Air Viagra.
An Israeli study of mountain climbers in Africa has identified a link between erectile dysfunction drugs and improved performance at high altitude. An active ingredient in the drugs helped climbers perform better where oxygen was at reduced levels. The study indicates this may be of assistance for jet fighter pilots.
Hopefully they will work out any unrequired side effects (Beware sudden ejections - lol) but maybe that explains the mass of Viagra spam targeted at us hardened outdoor types.
Meanwhile US scientists, not to be outdone, have built an adapted knee brace that generates energy from human movement ".....we can get as much as 13 watts from walking .. .... enough to power about 30 minutes of talk time on a typical mobile phone from just one minute of walking"
Great news for ubertechnowalkers. Possibly. But not looking too good for the ultralight brigade.
Labels: blog media, dartmoor, Lake District, podcasts, vixen tor, Wales, YHA
A good read - Thomas Firbank
During the last few weeks I've read a couple of pieces by Chris Townsend and Weird Darren concerning some of their outdoor literature recommendations. Which reminded me of one of the lesser-known authors. Not specifically walk based reading, but an evocative slice of pre and post war living in the wilder areas of the UK.
In 1931 a young Canadian, Thomas Firbank, bought a 2,400 acre sheep farm in Dyffryn Mymbyr near Capel Curig covering most of the land to the east of Glyder Fawr. Here he learnt his trade, while celebrating the beauty & reality of life working in Snowdonia. Along the way he married Esme Kirby and found time to be the first to record an ascent of all of the Welsh 3000s in less than 9 hours
He wrote about his experiences in "I Bought a Mountain" and the book turned out to be a huge success despite minimal publicity.
As is my usual approach after enjoying an author's work I started to track down his other writings.
The 1951 follow-up "I Bought a Star" was a real surprise as it described how he left the farm, went to war (winning the Military Star in Italy), and was divorced from Esme. Generously, for those times, he left his ex-wife the marital home, Dyffryn Mymbyr and Esme went on to use this as a base when helping to found the influential Snowdonia Society and later The Esmé Kirby Snowdonia Trust
Meanwhile, on a walking trip to North Wales in the late 1990s I managed to spot the house, that scene of so much activity, from the valley road. At that time it was still occupied by Esme who sadly died a short time afterwards. But this did lead to some related anecdotes appearing on uk.rec.walking, reinforcing her reputation as a formidable opponent and fierce protector of the Snowdonia landscape.
Firbank's 1953 offering "A Country of Memorable Honour" was back on an UK outdoors theme describing a walking tour through Wales. Once more a remarkably observed slice of rural life at that time.
I'd read the words from the man, visited some of the places he knew, and in some way walked alongside a life reporting on events before I was even born.
And as I closed that book along with Firbank, he was about to move to Japan and a new life. Or so I thought as far as his writing output concerned. It was finished.
Then, three years ago I happened to be browsing amongst the shelves of a notable second hand bookshop, sadly now closed, in Mortonhampstead on Dartmoor.
Firbank's name leapt out as I spotted a new title. Well unknown to me at least.
"Log Hut" (aka "Log Hut, Further Adventures in Home-making") was also first printed in 1953. This described Firbank's life living and working on Dartmoor. Adapting a log cabin for his new family (where did they come from?), and his attempts to reopen and commercially mine a local quarry.
And as I paid for my new treat the bookseller casually mentioned that the Log Hut in question was a short distance away. All very karmic (And although I believe I have traced the location, its one I've yet to see in the flesh)
If you want more information there's an excellent obituary article covering the many facets of Firbank's long life here.
Thomas Joseph Firbank, writer, sheep-farmer, soldier and businessman.
A man who through the written word remains able to speak to us across the many long years since his observations; Still capable of touching others through his description of the of the natural wild areas, and an ability to live amongst it all.
Now that's writing.Labels: books, dartmoor, Wales
Thursday, January 31
Walkabout's aRoundabout - outdoor news and views
A new approach for me.......Rather than post these bits 'n bobs individually here's a summary, cunningly named Walkabout's aRoundabout. Its an attempt to provide a quick browse for some pre-weekend entertainment, ideas & news. So at least if its rubbish, you'll only have to suffer it once a week in future. And quickly.
If the format works for you, or not please let me know.
Radio waves
I caught the last few minutes of a radio program earlier in the week and recognised that voice.
BBC 4's Great Lives had Joe Simpson (Author/Filmstar: Touching the Void et al), talking up one of his heroes, pioneering Austrian mountaineer Hermann Buhl. Or as Matthew Parris (presenter & journalist) describes the experience:
' yomping along the top of Froggatt Edge (Peak District) Joe's chosen great life was that of Hermann Buhl, the famously super-daring, self-reliant Austrian climber who died in a climbing fall at the age of 32; and as both Joe and my other guest climbing-writer, Ed Douglas, live in Sheffield we decided to record the programme not in a London studio, but outdoors ....... The driving rain was almost sleet, the wind was fierce and the ground sodden. I wanted to impress.........'
Don't cut that rope Joe. Please!
(Was it the Bee Gee's who had a hit with the tune 'Tragedy'? - oops no idea where that thought slipped in - lol)
Available on Podcast here to listen to it in full.
New sites to check out?
The Out of Towner ...........
Section Hiker - Philip is an avid US based hiker & backpacker.
I don't usually recommend US based sites. Not xenophobia honestly! I just find much of the climatic/ground/travel differences distracting at times as I keep mentally casting aside excellent advice but irrelevant from the UK backpacker's perspective walking in the UK. But Phil's got a lot to say on the subject in general. Worth a looksee.
Walking Fort Bragg - Ron is another US based blogger 'In my sixties, going on 12 but learning all the time!'
I've not had a lot of time to check this over, but I'm happy to publicise Ron's work especially for my American visitors.
Meanwhile nearer home ...........
Outdoors4u - Billy's new to the scene but digging in hard.
Early days - one to watch hopefully. Harrumph - these youngsters these days ..... mumble mumble....)
Beating The Bounds - A Blog about 'walking, thinking about walking, reading about walking…….and maybe other stuff'.
That would be mostly about Walking then I guess. And interesting to boot (Hee hee)
TheGreenOutdoors - Oliver is based around the Derby area, and his Blog's remit is 'Cultivating Green Design for the Great Outdoors - musings on outdoor sports apparel (and a bit on equipment too) of the sort I don't think you'll find anywhere else.....'
Lots to drool over, but better use the approved jacket cleaner afterwards.
Walkhighlands.com - Highlands of Scotland walks and accommodation '340 free detailed walk descriptions with GPS waypoints, maps and photos across the Highlands of Scotland'
Excellent research material here. Link to it quick - now don't you just know that you'll need it sometime soon anyway.
Outdoor News
YHA 2008/9 Investment Plans
Last weekend the YHA released details of their £13.5 million package for 2008/9. 37 building modernisation schemes, 3 new hostels (all S.E. UK - London, Eastbourne, Lewes) Schemes include Ilam (Peak District), Pen y Pass (Snowdonia), Conwy (N Wales) Ambleside & Windermere (Lake District) and Exeter (nr Dartmoor)
Browsing the full list it feels like a number of refits aimed initially at the larger hostels?
Two walkers rescued off Snowdon (28/1)
'...badly prepared and equipped........two were "lucky" to have escaped unharmed............. etc'
You've heard it so often from me before again and again. But there's more ....'...the men told rescuers that they had prepared for the trip by researching on the internet'
Obviously not come across this site in their Googling efforts then?
And finally ......
The recent and very well mannered debate around the wildcamping E-Petition has flushed John Manning back into the bloggersphere with a passionate arguement to rebut many points raised by those not in agreement with the current E-Petition initiative.
RUMBLINGS… The online diary of outdoor journalist John Manning.
Good stuff.Labels: blog media, dartmoor, Lake District, podcasts, Wales, YHA
Tuesday, September 4
New Welsh Nuttalls
It seems to matter to some people about collecting lists of things. Or to be more precise ticking off items on other peoples lists. Hills especially seem to attract such folk, although this didn't start until the 1890s when Sir Hugh Munro hit inadvertently started a craze. What a groovy cat.
Now we have the The Wainrights, The Munros, The Marilyns, and many, many more.
And then of course there is The Nuttalls - a list of mountain summits in England and Wales which reach the height of 2,000 feet.
Well as of 2nd September 2007 you peak baggers had better plan a quick trip over to Wales as there's now two new summits to conquer: Carnedd y Filiast North Top (SH617631) & Castell y Gwynt (SH654581)
And there was me thinking that the summits were mostly invulnerable to the fleeting whims of us transitory humans.
Next post -the Norfolk Peaks? Ah well, probably not.
;-)Labels: Fellwalking, Wales
All site material © John Hee - ask before you snatch
In 1931 a young Canadian, Thomas Firbank, bought a 2,400 acre sheep farm in Dyffryn Mymbyr near Capel Curig covering most of the land to the east of Glyder Fawr. Here he learnt his trade, while celebrating the beauty & reality of life working in Snowdonia. Along the way he married Esme Kirby and found time to be the first to record an ascent of all of the Welsh 3000s in less than 9 hours
He wrote about his experiences in "I Bought a Mountain" and the book turned out to be a huge success despite minimal publicity.
As is my usual approach after enjoying an author's work I started to track down his other writings.
The 1951 follow-up "I Bought a Star" was a real surprise as it described how he left the farm, went to war (winning the Military Star in Italy), and was divorced from Esme. Generously, for those times, he left his ex-wife the marital home, Dyffryn Mymbyr and Esme went on to use this as a base when helping to found the influential Snowdonia Society and later The Esmé Kirby Snowdonia Trust
Meanwhile, on a walking trip to North Wales in the late 1990s I managed to spot the house, that scene of so much activity, from the valley road. At that time it was still occupied by Esme who sadly died a short time afterwards. But this did lead to some related anecdotes appearing on uk.rec.walking, reinforcing her reputation as a formidable opponent and fierce protector of the Snowdonia landscape.
Firbank's 1953 offering "A Country of Memorable Honour" was back on an UK outdoors theme describing a walking tour through Wales. Once more a remarkably observed slice of rural life at that time.
I'd read the words from the man, visited some of the places he knew, and in some way walked alongside a life reporting on events before I was even born.
And as I closed that book along with Firbank, he was about to move to Japan and a new life. Or so I thought as far as his writing output concerned. It was finished.
Then, three years ago I happened to be browsing amongst the shelves of a notable second hand bookshop, sadly now closed, in Mortonhampstead on Dartmoor.
Firbank's name leapt out as I spotted a new title. Well unknown to me at least.
"Log Hut" (aka "Log Hut, Further Adventures in Home-making") was also first printed in 1953. This described Firbank's life living and working on Dartmoor. Adapting a log cabin for his new family (where did they come from?), and his attempts to reopen and commercially mine a local quarry.
And as I paid for my new treat the bookseller casually mentioned that the Log Hut in question was a short distance away. All very karmic (And although I believe I have traced the location, its one I've yet to see in the flesh)
If you want more information there's an excellent obituary article covering the many facets of Firbank's long life here.
Thomas Joseph Firbank, writer, sheep-farmer, soldier and businessman.
A man who through the written word remains able to speak to us across the many long years since his observations; Still capable of touching others through his description of the of the natural wild areas, and an ability to live amongst it all.
Now that's writing.
Labels: books, dartmoor, Wales
Walkabout's aRoundabout - outdoor news and views
A new approach for me.......Rather than post these bits 'n bobs individually here's a summary, cunningly named Walkabout's aRoundabout. Its an attempt to provide a quick browse for some pre-weekend entertainment, ideas & news. So at least if its rubbish, you'll only have to suffer it once a week in future. And quickly.
If the format works for you, or not please let me know.
Radio waves
I caught the last few minutes of a radio program earlier in the week and recognised that voice.
BBC 4's Great Lives had Joe Simpson (Author/Filmstar: Touching the Void et al), talking up one of his heroes, pioneering Austrian mountaineer Hermann Buhl. Or as Matthew Parris (presenter & journalist) describes the experience:
' yomping along the top of Froggatt Edge (Peak District) Joe's chosen great life was that of Hermann Buhl, the famously super-daring, self-reliant Austrian climber who died in a climbing fall at the age of 32; and as both Joe and my other guest climbing-writer, Ed Douglas, live in Sheffield we decided to record the programme not in a London studio, but outdoors ....... The driving rain was almost sleet, the wind was fierce and the ground sodden. I wanted to impress.........'
Don't cut that rope Joe. Please!
(Was it the Bee Gee's who had a hit with the tune 'Tragedy'? - oops no idea where that thought slipped in - lol)
Available on Podcast here to listen to it in full.
New sites to check out?
The Out of Towner ...........
Section Hiker - Philip is an avid US based hiker & backpacker.
I don't usually recommend US based sites. Not xenophobia honestly! I just find much of the climatic/ground/travel differences distracting at times as I keep mentally casting aside excellent advice but irrelevant from the UK backpacker's perspective walking in the UK. But Phil's got a lot to say on the subject in general. Worth a looksee.
Walking Fort Bragg - Ron is another US based blogger 'In my sixties, going on 12 but learning all the time!'
I've not had a lot of time to check this over, but I'm happy to publicise Ron's work especially for my American visitors.
Meanwhile nearer home ...........
Outdoors4u - Billy's new to the scene but digging in hard.
Early days - one to watch hopefully. Harrumph - these youngsters these days ..... mumble mumble....)
Beating The Bounds - A Blog about 'walking, thinking about walking, reading about walking…….and maybe other stuff'.
That would be mostly about Walking then I guess. And interesting to boot (Hee hee)
TheGreenOutdoors - Oliver is based around the Derby area, and his Blog's remit is 'Cultivating Green Design for the Great Outdoors - musings on outdoor sports apparel (and a bit on equipment too) of the sort I don't think you'll find anywhere else.....'
Lots to drool over, but better use the approved jacket cleaner afterwards.
Walkhighlands.com - Highlands of Scotland walks and accommodation '340 free detailed walk descriptions with GPS waypoints, maps and photos across the Highlands of Scotland'
Excellent research material here. Link to it quick - now don't you just know that you'll need it sometime soon anyway.
Outdoor News
YHA 2008/9 Investment Plans
Last weekend the YHA released details of their £13.5 million package for 2008/9. 37 building modernisation schemes, 3 new hostels (all S.E. UK - London, Eastbourne, Lewes) Schemes include Ilam (Peak District), Pen y Pass (Snowdonia), Conwy (N Wales) Ambleside & Windermere (Lake District) and Exeter (nr Dartmoor)
Browsing the full list it feels like a number of refits aimed initially at the larger hostels?
Two walkers rescued off Snowdon (28/1)
'...badly prepared and equipped........two were "lucky" to have escaped unharmed............. etc'
You've heard it so often from me before again and again. But there's more ....'...the men told rescuers that they had prepared for the trip by researching on the internet'
Obviously not come across this site in their Googling efforts then?
And finally ......
The recent and very well mannered debate around the wildcamping E-Petition has flushed John Manning back into the bloggersphere with a passionate arguement to rebut many points raised by those not in agreement with the current E-Petition initiative.
RUMBLINGS… The online diary of outdoor journalist John Manning.
Good stuff.Labels: blog media, dartmoor, Lake District, podcasts, Wales, YHA
Tuesday, September 4
New Welsh Nuttalls
It seems to matter to some people about collecting lists of things. Or to be more precise ticking off items on other peoples lists. Hills especially seem to attract such folk, although this didn't start until the 1890s when Sir Hugh Munro hit inadvertently started a craze. What a groovy cat.
Now we have the The Wainrights, The Munros, The Marilyns, and many, many more.
And then of course there is The Nuttalls - a list of mountain summits in England and Wales which reach the height of 2,000 feet.
Well as of 2nd September 2007 you peak baggers had better plan a quick trip over to Wales as there's now two new summits to conquer: Carnedd y Filiast North Top (SH617631) & Castell y Gwynt (SH654581)
And there was me thinking that the summits were mostly invulnerable to the fleeting whims of us transitory humans.
Next post -the Norfolk Peaks? Ah well, probably not.
;-)Labels: Fellwalking, Wales
All site material © John Hee - ask before you snatch
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Radio waves
I caught the last few minutes of a radio program earlier in the week and recognised that voice.
BBC 4's Great Lives had Joe Simpson (Author/Filmstar: Touching the Void et al), talking up one of his heroes, pioneering Austrian mountaineer Hermann Buhl. Or as Matthew Parris (presenter & journalist) describes the experience:
' yomping along the top of Froggatt Edge (Peak District) Joe's chosen great life was that of Hermann Buhl, the famously super-daring, self-reliant Austrian climber who died in a climbing fall at the age of 32; and as both Joe and my other guest climbing-writer, Ed Douglas, live in Sheffield we decided to record the programme not in a London studio, but outdoors ....... The driving rain was almost sleet, the wind was fierce and the ground sodden. I wanted to impress.........'
Don't cut that rope Joe. Please!
(Was it the Bee Gee's who had a hit with the tune 'Tragedy'? - oops no idea where that thought slipped in - lol)
Available on Podcast here to listen to it in full.
New sites to check out?
The Out of Towner ...........
Section Hiker - Philip is an avid US based hiker & backpacker.
I don't usually recommend US based sites. Not xenophobia honestly! I just find much of the climatic/ground/travel differences distracting at times as I keep mentally casting aside excellent advice but irrelevant from the UK backpacker's perspective walking in the UK. But Phil's got a lot to say on the subject in general. Worth a looksee.
Walking Fort Bragg - Ron is another US based blogger 'In my sixties, going on 12 but learning all the time!'
I've not had a lot of time to check this over, but I'm happy to publicise Ron's work especially for my American visitors.
Meanwhile nearer home ...........
Outdoors4u - Billy's new to the scene but digging in hard.
Early days - one to watch hopefully. Harrumph - these youngsters these days ..... mumble mumble....)
Beating The Bounds - A Blog about 'walking, thinking about walking, reading about walking…….and maybe other stuff'.
That would be mostly about Walking then I guess. And interesting to boot (Hee hee)
TheGreenOutdoors - Oliver is based around the Derby area, and his Blog's remit is 'Cultivating Green Design for the Great Outdoors - musings on outdoor sports apparel (and a bit on equipment too) of the sort I don't think you'll find anywhere else.....'
Lots to drool over, but better use the approved jacket cleaner afterwards.
Walkhighlands.com - Highlands of Scotland walks and accommodation '340 free detailed walk descriptions with GPS waypoints, maps and photos across the Highlands of Scotland'
Excellent research material here. Link to it quick - now don't you just know that you'll need it sometime soon anyway.
Outdoor News
YHA 2008/9 Investment Plans
Last weekend the YHA released details of their £13.5 million package for 2008/9. 37 building modernisation schemes, 3 new hostels (all S.E. UK - London, Eastbourne, Lewes) Schemes include Ilam (Peak District), Pen y Pass (Snowdonia), Conwy (N Wales) Ambleside & Windermere (Lake District) and Exeter (nr Dartmoor)
Browsing the full list it feels like a number of refits aimed initially at the larger hostels?
Two walkers rescued off Snowdon (28/1)
'...badly prepared and equipped........two were "lucky" to have escaped unharmed............. etc'
You've heard it so often from me before again and again. But there's more ....'...the men told rescuers that they had prepared for the trip by researching on the internet'
Obviously not come across this site in their Googling efforts then?
And finally ......
The recent and very well mannered debate around the wildcamping E-Petition has flushed John Manning back into the bloggersphere with a passionate arguement to rebut many points raised by those not in agreement with the current E-Petition initiative.
RUMBLINGS… The online diary of outdoor journalist John Manning.
Good stuff.
Labels: blog media, dartmoor, Lake District, podcasts, Wales, YHA
New Welsh Nuttalls
It seems to matter to some people about collecting lists of things. Or to be more precise ticking off items on other peoples lists. Hills especially seem to attract such folk, although this didn't start until the 1890s when Sir Hugh Munro hit inadvertently started a craze. What a groovy cat.
Now we have the The Wainrights, The Munros, The Marilyns, and many, many more.
And then of course there is The Nuttalls - a list of mountain summits in England and Wales which reach the height of 2,000 feet.
Well as of 2nd September 2007 you peak baggers had better plan a quick trip over to Wales as there's now two new summits to conquer: Carnedd y Filiast North Top (SH617631) & Castell y Gwynt (SH654581)
And there was me thinking that the summits were mostly invulnerable to the fleeting whims of us transitory humans.
Next post -the Norfolk Peaks? Ah well, probably not.
;-)Labels: Fellwalking, Wales
Now we have the The Wainrights, The Munros, The Marilyns, and many, many more.
And then of course there is The Nuttalls - a list of mountain summits in England and Wales which reach the height of 2,000 feet.
Well as of 2nd September 2007 you peak baggers had better plan a quick trip over to Wales as there's now two new summits to conquer: Carnedd y Filiast North Top (SH617631) & Castell y Gwynt (SH654581)
And there was me thinking that the summits were mostly invulnerable to the fleeting whims of us transitory humans.
Next post -the Norfolk Peaks? Ah well, probably not.
;-)
Labels: Fellwalking, Wales
All site material © John Hee - ask before you snatch
