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
Sunday, May 24
Lake District: 3 Tarns Wildcamp: Tue May 19th
Before the wash-up post, a few words about the YHA, and Ambleside hostel in particular.
I've stayed at YHA hostels across the length and breadth of the UK since my first backpacking trip in the mid 70s (Llanbedr to Bangor - carrying kitchen sink and all) So I've some experience of the cultural changes across the organisation over the years, especially in the last two to three.
Whilst I can be a little nostalgic at times about the special atmosphere each hostel had in times past I'm realistic enough to acknowledge that the YHA has had to adapt to modern market conditions. Or cease to exist. At times some change seems to have been almost contrary to the ethos behind the organisation's original aims. But like most modern businesses (for that is what it must be to survive) change will be a continual and evolving process. With mistakes along the way.
I'm not keen on Ambleside YHA. Too large. Too impersonal. Too prone to school parties & day trippers. On the other hand it is ideally located for Ambleside, the Windermere cruiser, and the regular 555 bus service north to Grasmere/Keswick or south to Windermere Railway.
So an ideal hop on/off point, and why I stick with it despite some reservations.
As I’d already mentioned earlier trying to book a bed for the night had turned into a farce. On the plus side Ambleside's policy of offering Bed & Breakfast as a minimum has, I'm happy to say, now been dropped. Compared to past visits this time the YHA staff felt much more friendly and sincere, improving the general atmosphere of the hostel as a result.
I'm not too sure what bright spark decided to install a fully fitted bar on site, especially with the proximity of numerous pubs nearby, but that doesn't fit with the hostel's drive to attract school parties.
However I do suspect it might have had some small part to play in the detrimental nocturnal activity of a fellow roommate who managed to pass from taciturn window gazing/snacking to unconsciousness in a matter of minutes. Predictably, considering the position he lapsed into, that resulted in that great YHA bugbear - the Snorer From Hell. Well , they all have one, but this bloke surpassed every other contender I've ever had the misfortune to encounter over the years. Even over the rock music playing on my MP3 his sonic attack was unmistakable.
After twenty minutes he had a choking fit (I didn't touch him - honest) which resulted in his adopting a more normal sleeping position. The intensity of his speciality lessened. but not by much.
Luckily I was tuckered out after the last few days, and surprisingly managed to fall sleep. But given that it was still early the rest of the room had to contend with the assault as they crept to bed later in the evening.
One young guy I chatted with during the stay resorted to sleeping in the YHA lounge, amongst a number of other rooms (Hi Danny - hope it all works out for you) Or should I say tried to sleep. I thought I was first up the following morning, only to find the poor lad wandering wraith like & red-eyed around the hostel ground floor after a singularly unsuccessful night trying to find a dark/quiet corner to curl up and pass out.
OK. All you hostelers will have a similar tale I'm sure. Some even take the earplug/eyeshade approach. But there's got to be a better way surely?
On the positive side during this stay I was lucky enough to meet some like minded people and trade tales & experiences; Despite, inevitably, kids bouncing off the walls at times. For me that what hosteling is all about. Spending time, however transitory, with people from diverse backgrounds, but mostly sharing the urge to explore the world in their own particular way.
Its an unique strength that the YHA has largely lost, save in the occasional small/basic hostel. A major selling point really. But as to how to use it, if indeed it can ever be recovered….I've no idea.
Its this factor, not the accommodation cost, that keeps me renewing my membership. For a few pounds more I would have privacy & comfort in a B&B or budget hotel. But I prefer that old YHA buzz of interesting people stepping outside their normal lives to do something for themselves.
(The last morning)
I caught the early bus down to Windermere railway and ducked inside Booths Supermarket next door for a newspaper. Since my last visit Booths has added a fine café section, which offers a clear view of the station platform. So no more hanging around in the cold and rain for me from now on.
The return trip home was long and largely uneventful. For a change I fell into a couple of reasonably long conversations along the way. I'm normally an MP3-book out-leave me alone rail traveller but after the relaxation(!) of recent days I was more open to sharing time with those around me. Wonder how long that will last?
This time the change-over at Manchester Piccadilly gave me a chance to check out the local facilities. As I've discovered it offers a hourly direct service to Bournemouth it’s a route I think I’ll be using more in the future. One tip though - beware the station toilets - 30p entry!
I sat with crossed legs until the train arrived.
Given the amount of fast food/coffee bars in the esplanade those facilities must make a fortune.
As the train worked its way southwards the sky cleared until finally I disembarked to warm weather and bright sunshine. Bloody typical.
'Oh its been bad weather down here', I was told later.
'Not as bad as where I've been' I thought quietly to myself, gritting my teeth.
Another trip complete; This one rather more eventful than usual, leaving me much to reflect, and a few formative ideas for future pieces.
But for the moment, time to round it all up for the Wash-Up report.
Labels: Lake District, YHA
Friday, March 20
YHA Hostel Network - Update
A surprise lay on the doormat this evening, courtesy of the postman.
The YHA have sent me the 2009 Network Update. And whats more - its a printed version! Been quite a few years since I've seen one of these.
Despite the title it appears to be a complete listing of the hostels & camping barns, although the useful detail such as 'Distance to next hostel' has been dropped.
Nice to see a print version once again. There's something rather special about flicking through the pages and picking out some new places to explore.
Somehow its just never the same clicking from website page to page.Labels: YHA
Monday, June 9
YHA - Cheap Accomodation
The YHA is having a sale with beds for £10 at a limited number of locations in July.
No BOGOF as yet, but here's hopingLabels: YHA
Monday, April 28
Andover Outdoor Group - Avon Valley Path
A quick Hi to the Andover Outdoor Group folk I chatted with for a few minutes on Sunday as they were nearing the end of their Avon Valley Path wander. Hope you missed the boggy bits across the watermeadows.
And BTW - you cheated passing through that housing estate, but it will stay our secret. Honest. No-one will ever find out (lol)
Sunday, February 24
Jersey YHA
Jersey’s First Youth Hostel and once a double as the police station for the TV series Bergerac.
And now with a less welcome reputation it would appear
Update 25/3:
Official comment from the YHA underlining the fact that the inquiry relates to alleged incidents in the 1970/80s - many years before the YHA took over the building in 2004. A point some media reports seem to be omitting
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
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
Sunday, December 30
Blog - Diary of a YHA Trustee
I've written in the past of my guardedly optimistic recommendation of the YHA organisation, despite changes over the past few years. Its a sad fact of live that the YHA must reorganise and get much sharper at what it provides, and the way it does so, if it is to remain a viable organisation into the future.
And no doubt a few eggs will be inadvertently broken along the way.
A regular contributor to the uk.rec.youth-hostel newsgroup (mostly spam posts these days btw) reminded me of his appointment earlier in 2007.
Karl Shepherdson (29 - Oooo lapsing into proper journalism there lol) is blogging about his experiences as a YHA trustee and Vice-Chair of the Northern England Regional Council. His work is voluntary, with some financial support with travel costs. But bearing in mind Karl lives in Devon and there were twenty 2007 regional meetings at hostels spread around England & Wales you can see that it requires a solid commitment to deliver on his chosen role. And that's not including the preparation work pre meetings.
Hope Karl stands the pace - but its great to see someone prepared to get actively involved in one of the important institutions of the UK outdoor scene.Labels: YHA
Monday, October 1
New Outdoor websites, books and news
(This is going to be a bit of a catch-up post as I seem to have fallen behind with a recent rash of news and site visits)
One of our American colleagues - Daryl May - contacted me earlier in the year about his forthcoming LEJOG jaunt. Well the trip's now done and you can read the trip report and drool over the pictures here.
Meanwhile it looks like the SYHA is undergoing a hostel review at present, with an announcement here that 7 out of the network’s 53 hostels are to be sold. The organisation seems to be facing up to the same commercial pressures that its English counterpart has already undergone.
Paddy Dillon's name does seem to keep cropping up. And well it should with Paddy's excellent outdoor guides. Cicerone have a (new?) book "The National Trails" about to be published. Its not meant as an out-on-the walk guide, but more as a stay-at-home research. Whens the Psion version coming out Paddy? (and where's the reviewer copy hint hint)
;-)
Meanwhile there's a new outdoor blogger on the horizon - Gyrovagus "Peregrinations and ramblings about walking, books, music and other stuff" And before you ask (he says liberally quoting from G's site) "gyrovagus: from Late Latin gyro- circle + vagus wandering"
One to instantly add into your Favourites, coz you'll never be able to type it correctly each time I bet!
And finally - a free service from ninjaBlog Setup - "It’s our goal to provide professional WordPress blogs without you having to even think about all the technical details" No catch that I can find, except for the requirement to use hosting from one of their sponsor links. But a friendly and helpful assistance from what I've read so far.
Phew - think that's covered it for the present. Back to the HipPack judging!Labels: blog media, books, Scotland, UK Outdoors Blogger, YHA
Sunday, September 16
YHA Skiddaw
Back in February I commented that Skiddaw House, once a YHA, had reopened as a bunkhouse.
I noticed that the latest edition of the YHA Magazine 'Discover' now lists Skiddaw as a YHA. I've no idea what the arrangement may be, but booking is available via the YHA site.
I'd guess at some sort of co-partnership deal with the bunkhouse coming under the wing of the YHA booking/advertsing systems, but the hostel operating as an independent registered charity, looking at this news item from June. As I suppose the YHA is where most occasional users would naturally look for information it makes good commercial sense, and on this venture I'd congratulate the YHA on their positive approach. Credit where its due on this one.
Meanwhile the cunningly titled "Skiddaw House - the bunkhouse!" (sounds like the title of a movie) still has its own website offering booking information, but no mention of the YHA. Perhaps the web site has yet to be updated? Accommodation pricing is identical on both sites.
Best of luck to all in the venture, and here's hoping it stays strong and fully available to all this time around.Labels: Lake District, YHA
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
Lake District: 3 Tarns Wildcamp: Tue May 19th
Before the wash-up post, a few words about the YHA, and Ambleside hostel in particular.
I've stayed at YHA hostels across the length and breadth of the UK since my first backpacking trip in the mid 70s (Llanbedr to Bangor - carrying kitchen sink and all) So I've some experience of the cultural changes across the organisation over the years, especially in the last two to three.
Whilst I can be a little nostalgic at times about the special atmosphere each hostel had in times past I'm realistic enough to acknowledge that the YHA has had to adapt to modern market conditions. Or cease to exist. At times some change seems to have been almost contrary to the ethos behind the organisation's original aims. But like most modern businesses (for that is what it must be to survive) change will be a continual and evolving process. With mistakes along the way.
I'm not keen on Ambleside YHA. Too large. Too impersonal. Too prone to school parties & day trippers. On the other hand it is ideally located for Ambleside, the Windermere cruiser, and the regular 555 bus service north to Grasmere/Keswick or south to Windermere Railway.
So an ideal hop on/off point, and why I stick with it despite some reservations.
As I’d already mentioned earlier trying to book a bed for the night had turned into a farce. On the plus side Ambleside's policy of offering Bed & Breakfast as a minimum has, I'm happy to say, now been dropped. Compared to past visits this time the YHA staff felt much more friendly and sincere, improving the general atmosphere of the hostel as a result.
I'm not too sure what bright spark decided to install a fully fitted bar on site, especially with the proximity of numerous pubs nearby, but that doesn't fit with the hostel's drive to attract school parties.
However I do suspect it might have had some small part to play in the detrimental nocturnal activity of a fellow roommate who managed to pass from taciturn window gazing/snacking to unconsciousness in a matter of minutes. Predictably, considering the position he lapsed into, that resulted in that great YHA bugbear - the Snorer From Hell. Well , they all have one, but this bloke surpassed every other contender I've ever had the misfortune to encounter over the years. Even over the rock music playing on my MP3 his sonic attack was unmistakable.
After twenty minutes he had a choking fit (I didn't touch him - honest) which resulted in his adopting a more normal sleeping position. The intensity of his speciality lessened. but not by much.
Luckily I was tuckered out after the last few days, and surprisingly managed to fall sleep. But given that it was still early the rest of the room had to contend with the assault as they crept to bed later in the evening.
One young guy I chatted with during the stay resorted to sleeping in the YHA lounge, amongst a number of other rooms (Hi Danny - hope it all works out for you) Or should I say tried to sleep. I thought I was first up the following morning, only to find the poor lad wandering wraith like & red-eyed around the hostel ground floor after a singularly unsuccessful night trying to find a dark/quiet corner to curl up and pass out.
OK. All you hostelers will have a similar tale I'm sure. Some even take the earplug/eyeshade approach. But there's got to be a better way surely?
On the positive side during this stay I was lucky enough to meet some like minded people and trade tales & experiences; Despite, inevitably, kids bouncing off the walls at times. For me that what hosteling is all about. Spending time, however transitory, with people from diverse backgrounds, but mostly sharing the urge to explore the world in their own particular way.
Its an unique strength that the YHA has largely lost, save in the occasional small/basic hostel. A major selling point really. But as to how to use it, if indeed it can ever be recovered….I've no idea.
Its this factor, not the accommodation cost, that keeps me renewing my membership. For a few pounds more I would have privacy & comfort in a B&B or budget hotel. But I prefer that old YHA buzz of interesting people stepping outside their normal lives to do something for themselves.
(The last morning)
I caught the early bus down to Windermere railway and ducked inside Booths Supermarket next door for a newspaper. Since my last visit Booths has added a fine café section, which offers a clear view of the station platform. So no more hanging around in the cold and rain for me from now on.
The return trip home was long and largely uneventful. For a change I fell into a couple of reasonably long conversations along the way. I'm normally an MP3-book out-leave me alone rail traveller but after the relaxation(!) of recent days I was more open to sharing time with those around me. Wonder how long that will last?
This time the change-over at Manchester Piccadilly gave me a chance to check out the local facilities. As I've discovered it offers a hourly direct service to Bournemouth it’s a route I think I’ll be using more in the future. One tip though - beware the station toilets - 30p entry!
I sat with crossed legs until the train arrived.
Given the amount of fast food/coffee bars in the esplanade those facilities must make a fortune.
As the train worked its way southwards the sky cleared until finally I disembarked to warm weather and bright sunshine. Bloody typical.
'Oh its been bad weather down here', I was told later.
'Not as bad as where I've been' I thought quietly to myself, gritting my teeth.
Another trip complete; This one rather more eventful than usual, leaving me much to reflect, and a few formative ideas for future pieces.
But for the moment, time to round it all up for the Wash-Up report.
Labels: Lake District, YHA
Friday, March 20
YHA Hostel Network - Update
A surprise lay on the doormat this evening, courtesy of the postman.
The YHA have sent me the 2009 Network Update. And whats more - its a printed version! Been quite a few years since I've seen one of these.
Despite the title it appears to be a complete listing of the hostels & camping barns, although the useful detail such as 'Distance to next hostel' has been dropped.
Nice to see a print version once again. There's something rather special about flicking through the pages and picking out some new places to explore.
Somehow its just never the same clicking from website page to page.Labels: YHA
Monday, June 9
YHA - Cheap Accomodation
The YHA is having a sale with beds for £10 at a limited number of locations in July.
No BOGOF as yet, but here's hopingLabels: YHA
Monday, April 28
Andover Outdoor Group - Avon Valley Path
A quick Hi to the Andover Outdoor Group folk I chatted with for a few minutes on Sunday as they were nearing the end of their Avon Valley Path wander. Hope you missed the boggy bits across the watermeadows.
And BTW - you cheated passing through that housing estate, but it will stay our secret. Honest. No-one will ever find out (lol)
Sunday, February 24
Jersey YHA
Jersey’s First Youth Hostel and once a double as the police station for the TV series Bergerac.
And now with a less welcome reputation it would appear
Update 25/3:
Official comment from the YHA underlining the fact that the inquiry relates to alleged incidents in the 1970/80s - many years before the YHA took over the building in 2004. A point some media reports seem to be omitting
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
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
Sunday, December 30
Blog - Diary of a YHA Trustee
I've written in the past of my guardedly optimistic recommendation of the YHA organisation, despite changes over the past few years. Its a sad fact of live that the YHA must reorganise and get much sharper at what it provides, and the way it does so, if it is to remain a viable organisation into the future.
And no doubt a few eggs will be inadvertently broken along the way.
A regular contributor to the uk.rec.youth-hostel newsgroup (mostly spam posts these days btw) reminded me of his appointment earlier in 2007.
Karl Shepherdson (29 - Oooo lapsing into proper journalism there lol) is blogging about his experiences as a YHA trustee and Vice-Chair of the Northern England Regional Council. His work is voluntary, with some financial support with travel costs. But bearing in mind Karl lives in Devon and there were twenty 2007 regional meetings at hostels spread around England & Wales you can see that it requires a solid commitment to deliver on his chosen role. And that's not including the preparation work pre meetings.
Hope Karl stands the pace - but its great to see someone prepared to get actively involved in one of the important institutions of the UK outdoor scene.Labels: YHA
Monday, October 1
New Outdoor websites, books and news
(This is going to be a bit of a catch-up post as I seem to have fallen behind with a recent rash of news and site visits)
One of our American colleagues - Daryl May - contacted me earlier in the year about his forthcoming LEJOG jaunt. Well the trip's now done and you can read the trip report and drool over the pictures here.
Meanwhile it looks like the SYHA is undergoing a hostel review at present, with an announcement here that 7 out of the network’s 53 hostels are to be sold. The organisation seems to be facing up to the same commercial pressures that its English counterpart has already undergone.
Paddy Dillon's name does seem to keep cropping up. And well it should with Paddy's excellent outdoor guides. Cicerone have a (new?) book "The National Trails" about to be published. Its not meant as an out-on-the walk guide, but more as a stay-at-home research. Whens the Psion version coming out Paddy? (and where's the reviewer copy hint hint)
;-)
Meanwhile there's a new outdoor blogger on the horizon - Gyrovagus "Peregrinations and ramblings about walking, books, music and other stuff" And before you ask (he says liberally quoting from G's site) "gyrovagus: from Late Latin gyro- circle + vagus wandering"
One to instantly add into your Favourites, coz you'll never be able to type it correctly each time I bet!
And finally - a free service from ninjaBlog Setup - "It’s our goal to provide professional WordPress blogs without you having to even think about all the technical details" No catch that I can find, except for the requirement to use hosting from one of their sponsor links. But a friendly and helpful assistance from what I've read so far.
Phew - think that's covered it for the present. Back to the HipPack judging!Labels: blog media, books, Scotland, UK Outdoors Blogger, YHA
Sunday, September 16
YHA Skiddaw
Back in February I commented that Skiddaw House, once a YHA, had reopened as a bunkhouse.
I noticed that the latest edition of the YHA Magazine 'Discover' now lists Skiddaw as a YHA. I've no idea what the arrangement may be, but booking is available via the YHA site.
I'd guess at some sort of co-partnership deal with the bunkhouse coming under the wing of the YHA booking/advertsing systems, but the hostel operating as an independent registered charity, looking at this news item from June. As I suppose the YHA is where most occasional users would naturally look for information it makes good commercial sense, and on this venture I'd congratulate the YHA on their positive approach. Credit where its due on this one.
Meanwhile the cunningly titled "Skiddaw House - the bunkhouse!" (sounds like the title of a movie) still has its own website offering booking information, but no mention of the YHA. Perhaps the web site has yet to be updated? Accommodation pricing is identical on both sites.
Best of luck to all in the venture, and here's hoping it stays strong and fully available to all this time around.Labels: Lake District, YHA
All site material © John Hee - ask before you snatch
I've stayed at YHA hostels across the length and breadth of the UK since my first backpacking trip in the mid 70s (Llanbedr to Bangor - carrying kitchen sink and all) So I've some experience of the cultural changes across the organisation over the years, especially in the last two to three.
Whilst I can be a little nostalgic at times about the special atmosphere each hostel had in times past I'm realistic enough to acknowledge that the YHA has had to adapt to modern market conditions. Or cease to exist. At times some change seems to have been almost contrary to the ethos behind the organisation's original aims. But like most modern businesses (for that is what it must be to survive) change will be a continual and evolving process. With mistakes along the way.
I'm not keen on Ambleside YHA. Too large. Too impersonal. Too prone to school parties & day trippers. On the other hand it is ideally located for Ambleside, the Windermere cruiser, and the regular 555 bus service north to Grasmere/Keswick or south to Windermere Railway.
So an ideal hop on/off point, and why I stick with it despite some reservations.
As I’d already mentioned earlier trying to book a bed for the night had turned into a farce. On the plus side Ambleside's policy of offering Bed & Breakfast as a minimum has, I'm happy to say, now been dropped. Compared to past visits this time the YHA staff felt much more friendly and sincere, improving the general atmosphere of the hostel as a result.
I'm not too sure what bright spark decided to install a fully fitted bar on site, especially with the proximity of numerous pubs nearby, but that doesn't fit with the hostel's drive to attract school parties.
However I do suspect it might have had some small part to play in the detrimental nocturnal activity of a fellow roommate who managed to pass from taciturn window gazing/snacking to unconsciousness in a matter of minutes. Predictably, considering the position he lapsed into, that resulted in that great YHA bugbear - the Snorer From Hell. Well , they all have one, but this bloke surpassed every other contender I've ever had the misfortune to encounter over the years. Even over the rock music playing on my MP3 his sonic attack was unmistakable.
After twenty minutes he had a choking fit (I didn't touch him - honest) which resulted in his adopting a more normal sleeping position. The intensity of his speciality lessened. but not by much.
Luckily I was tuckered out after the last few days, and surprisingly managed to fall sleep. But given that it was still early the rest of the room had to contend with the assault as they crept to bed later in the evening.
One young guy I chatted with during the stay resorted to sleeping in the YHA lounge, amongst a number of other rooms (Hi Danny - hope it all works out for you) Or should I say tried to sleep. I thought I was first up the following morning, only to find the poor lad wandering wraith like & red-eyed around the hostel ground floor after a singularly unsuccessful night trying to find a dark/quiet corner to curl up and pass out.
OK. All you hostelers will have a similar tale I'm sure. Some even take the earplug/eyeshade approach. But there's got to be a better way surely?
On the positive side during this stay I was lucky enough to meet some like minded people and trade tales & experiences; Despite, inevitably, kids bouncing off the walls at times. For me that what hosteling is all about. Spending time, however transitory, with people from diverse backgrounds, but mostly sharing the urge to explore the world in their own particular way.
Its an unique strength that the YHA has largely lost, save in the occasional small/basic hostel. A major selling point really. But as to how to use it, if indeed it can ever be recovered….I've no idea.
Its this factor, not the accommodation cost, that keeps me renewing my membership. For a few pounds more I would have privacy & comfort in a B&B or budget hotel. But I prefer that old YHA buzz of interesting people stepping outside their normal lives to do something for themselves.
(The last morning)I caught the early bus down to Windermere railway and ducked inside Booths Supermarket next door for a newspaper. Since my last visit Booths has added a fine café section, which offers a clear view of the station platform. So no more hanging around in the cold and rain for me from now on.
The return trip home was long and largely uneventful. For a change I fell into a couple of reasonably long conversations along the way. I'm normally an MP3-book out-leave me alone rail traveller but after the relaxation(!) of recent days I was more open to sharing time with those around me. Wonder how long that will last?
This time the change-over at Manchester Piccadilly gave me a chance to check out the local facilities. As I've discovered it offers a hourly direct service to Bournemouth it’s a route I think I’ll be using more in the future. One tip though - beware the station toilets - 30p entry!
I sat with crossed legs until the train arrived.
Given the amount of fast food/coffee bars in the esplanade those facilities must make a fortune.
As the train worked its way southwards the sky cleared until finally I disembarked to warm weather and bright sunshine. Bloody typical.
'Oh its been bad weather down here', I was told later.
'Not as bad as where I've been' I thought quietly to myself, gritting my teeth.
Another trip complete; This one rather more eventful than usual, leaving me much to reflect, and a few formative ideas for future pieces.
But for the moment, time to round it all up for the Wash-Up report.
Labels: Lake District, YHA
YHA Hostel Network - Update
A surprise lay on the doormat this evening, courtesy of the postman.
The YHA have sent me the 2009 Network Update. And whats more - its a printed version! Been quite a few years since I've seen one of these.
Despite the title it appears to be a complete listing of the hostels & camping barns, although the useful detail such as 'Distance to next hostel' has been dropped.
Nice to see a print version once again. There's something rather special about flicking through the pages and picking out some new places to explore.
Somehow its just never the same clicking from website page to page.Labels: YHA
Monday, June 9
YHA - Cheap Accomodation
The YHA is having a sale with beds for £10 at a limited number of locations in July.
No BOGOF as yet, but here's hopingLabels: YHA
Monday, April 28
Andover Outdoor Group - Avon Valley Path
A quick Hi to the Andover Outdoor Group folk I chatted with for a few minutes on Sunday as they were nearing the end of their Avon Valley Path wander. Hope you missed the boggy bits across the watermeadows.
And BTW - you cheated passing through that housing estate, but it will stay our secret. Honest. No-one will ever find out (lol)
Sunday, February 24
Jersey YHA
Jersey’s First Youth Hostel and once a double as the police station for the TV series Bergerac.
And now with a less welcome reputation it would appear
Update 25/3:
Official comment from the YHA underlining the fact that the inquiry relates to alleged incidents in the 1970/80s - many years before the YHA took over the building in 2004. A point some media reports seem to be omitting
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
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
Sunday, December 30
Blog - Diary of a YHA Trustee
I've written in the past of my guardedly optimistic recommendation of the YHA organisation, despite changes over the past few years. Its a sad fact of live that the YHA must reorganise and get much sharper at what it provides, and the way it does so, if it is to remain a viable organisation into the future.
And no doubt a few eggs will be inadvertently broken along the way.
A regular contributor to the uk.rec.youth-hostel newsgroup (mostly spam posts these days btw) reminded me of his appointment earlier in 2007.
Karl Shepherdson (29 - Oooo lapsing into proper journalism there lol) is blogging about his experiences as a YHA trustee and Vice-Chair of the Northern England Regional Council. His work is voluntary, with some financial support with travel costs. But bearing in mind Karl lives in Devon and there were twenty 2007 regional meetings at hostels spread around England & Wales you can see that it requires a solid commitment to deliver on his chosen role. And that's not including the preparation work pre meetings.
Hope Karl stands the pace - but its great to see someone prepared to get actively involved in one of the important institutions of the UK outdoor scene.Labels: YHA
Monday, October 1
New Outdoor websites, books and news
(This is going to be a bit of a catch-up post as I seem to have fallen behind with a recent rash of news and site visits)
One of our American colleagues - Daryl May - contacted me earlier in the year about his forthcoming LEJOG jaunt. Well the trip's now done and you can read the trip report and drool over the pictures here.
Meanwhile it looks like the SYHA is undergoing a hostel review at present, with an announcement here that 7 out of the network’s 53 hostels are to be sold. The organisation seems to be facing up to the same commercial pressures that its English counterpart has already undergone.
Paddy Dillon's name does seem to keep cropping up. And well it should with Paddy's excellent outdoor guides. Cicerone have a (new?) book "The National Trails" about to be published. Its not meant as an out-on-the walk guide, but more as a stay-at-home research. Whens the Psion version coming out Paddy? (and where's the reviewer copy hint hint)
;-)
Meanwhile there's a new outdoor blogger on the horizon - Gyrovagus "Peregrinations and ramblings about walking, books, music and other stuff" And before you ask (he says liberally quoting from G's site) "gyrovagus: from Late Latin gyro- circle + vagus wandering"
One to instantly add into your Favourites, coz you'll never be able to type it correctly each time I bet!
And finally - a free service from ninjaBlog Setup - "It’s our goal to provide professional WordPress blogs without you having to even think about all the technical details" No catch that I can find, except for the requirement to use hosting from one of their sponsor links. But a friendly and helpful assistance from what I've read so far.
Phew - think that's covered it for the present. Back to the HipPack judging!Labels: blog media, books, Scotland, UK Outdoors Blogger, YHA
Sunday, September 16
YHA Skiddaw
Back in February I commented that Skiddaw House, once a YHA, had reopened as a bunkhouse.
I noticed that the latest edition of the YHA Magazine 'Discover' now lists Skiddaw as a YHA. I've no idea what the arrangement may be, but booking is available via the YHA site.
I'd guess at some sort of co-partnership deal with the bunkhouse coming under the wing of the YHA booking/advertsing systems, but the hostel operating as an independent registered charity, looking at this news item from June. As I suppose the YHA is where most occasional users would naturally look for information it makes good commercial sense, and on this venture I'd congratulate the YHA on their positive approach. Credit where its due on this one.
Meanwhile the cunningly titled "Skiddaw House - the bunkhouse!" (sounds like the title of a movie) still has its own website offering booking information, but no mention of the YHA. Perhaps the web site has yet to be updated? Accommodation pricing is identical on both sites.
Best of luck to all in the venture, and here's hoping it stays strong and fully available to all this time around.Labels: Lake District, YHA
All site material © John Hee - ask before you snatch
The YHA have sent me the 2009 Network Update. And whats more - its a printed version! Been quite a few years since I've seen one of these.
Despite the title it appears to be a complete listing of the hostels & camping barns, although the useful detail such as 'Distance to next hostel' has been dropped.
Nice to see a print version once again. There's something rather special about flicking through the pages and picking out some new places to explore.
Somehow its just never the same clicking from website page to page.
Labels: YHA
YHA - Cheap Accomodation
The YHA is having a sale with beds for £10 at a limited number of locations in July.
No BOGOF as yet, but here's hopingLabels: YHA
Monday, April 28
Andover Outdoor Group - Avon Valley Path
A quick Hi to the Andover Outdoor Group folk I chatted with for a few minutes on Sunday as they were nearing the end of their Avon Valley Path wander. Hope you missed the boggy bits across the watermeadows.
And BTW - you cheated passing through that housing estate, but it will stay our secret. Honest. No-one will ever find out (lol)
Sunday, February 24
Jersey YHA
Jersey’s First Youth Hostel and once a double as the police station for the TV series Bergerac.
And now with a less welcome reputation it would appear
Update 25/3:
Official comment from the YHA underlining the fact that the inquiry relates to alleged incidents in the 1970/80s - many years before the YHA took over the building in 2004. A point some media reports seem to be omitting
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
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
Sunday, December 30
Blog - Diary of a YHA Trustee
I've written in the past of my guardedly optimistic recommendation of the YHA organisation, despite changes over the past few years. Its a sad fact of live that the YHA must reorganise and get much sharper at what it provides, and the way it does so, if it is to remain a viable organisation into the future.
And no doubt a few eggs will be inadvertently broken along the way.
A regular contributor to the uk.rec.youth-hostel newsgroup (mostly spam posts these days btw) reminded me of his appointment earlier in 2007.
Karl Shepherdson (29 - Oooo lapsing into proper journalism there lol) is blogging about his experiences as a YHA trustee and Vice-Chair of the Northern England Regional Council. His work is voluntary, with some financial support with travel costs. But bearing in mind Karl lives in Devon and there were twenty 2007 regional meetings at hostels spread around England & Wales you can see that it requires a solid commitment to deliver on his chosen role. And that's not including the preparation work pre meetings.
Hope Karl stands the pace - but its great to see someone prepared to get actively involved in one of the important institutions of the UK outdoor scene.Labels: YHA
Monday, October 1
New Outdoor websites, books and news
(This is going to be a bit of a catch-up post as I seem to have fallen behind with a recent rash of news and site visits)
One of our American colleagues - Daryl May - contacted me earlier in the year about his forthcoming LEJOG jaunt. Well the trip's now done and you can read the trip report and drool over the pictures here.
Meanwhile it looks like the SYHA is undergoing a hostel review at present, with an announcement here that 7 out of the network’s 53 hostels are to be sold. The organisation seems to be facing up to the same commercial pressures that its English counterpart has already undergone.
Paddy Dillon's name does seem to keep cropping up. And well it should with Paddy's excellent outdoor guides. Cicerone have a (new?) book "The National Trails" about to be published. Its not meant as an out-on-the walk guide, but more as a stay-at-home research. Whens the Psion version coming out Paddy? (and where's the reviewer copy hint hint)
;-)
Meanwhile there's a new outdoor blogger on the horizon - Gyrovagus "Peregrinations and ramblings about walking, books, music and other stuff" And before you ask (he says liberally quoting from G's site) "gyrovagus: from Late Latin gyro- circle + vagus wandering"
One to instantly add into your Favourites, coz you'll never be able to type it correctly each time I bet!
And finally - a free service from ninjaBlog Setup - "It’s our goal to provide professional WordPress blogs without you having to even think about all the technical details" No catch that I can find, except for the requirement to use hosting from one of their sponsor links. But a friendly and helpful assistance from what I've read so far.
Phew - think that's covered it for the present. Back to the HipPack judging!Labels: blog media, books, Scotland, UK Outdoors Blogger, YHA
Sunday, September 16
YHA Skiddaw
Back in February I commented that Skiddaw House, once a YHA, had reopened as a bunkhouse.
I noticed that the latest edition of the YHA Magazine 'Discover' now lists Skiddaw as a YHA. I've no idea what the arrangement may be, but booking is available via the YHA site.
I'd guess at some sort of co-partnership deal with the bunkhouse coming under the wing of the YHA booking/advertsing systems, but the hostel operating as an independent registered charity, looking at this news item from June. As I suppose the YHA is where most occasional users would naturally look for information it makes good commercial sense, and on this venture I'd congratulate the YHA on their positive approach. Credit where its due on this one.
Meanwhile the cunningly titled "Skiddaw House - the bunkhouse!" (sounds like the title of a movie) still has its own website offering booking information, but no mention of the YHA. Perhaps the web site has yet to be updated? Accommodation pricing is identical on both sites.
Best of luck to all in the venture, and here's hoping it stays strong and fully available to all this time around.Labels: Lake District, YHA
All site material © John Hee - ask before you snatch
No BOGOF as yet, but here's hoping
Labels: YHA
Andover Outdoor Group - Avon Valley Path
A quick Hi to the Andover Outdoor Group folk I chatted with for a few minutes on Sunday as they were nearing the end of their Avon Valley Path wander. Hope you missed the boggy bits across the watermeadows.
And BTW - you cheated passing through that housing estate, but it will stay our secret. Honest. No-one will ever find out (lol)
Sunday, February 24
Jersey YHA
Jersey’s First Youth Hostel and once a double as the police station for the TV series Bergerac.
And now with a less welcome reputation it would appear
Update 25/3:
Official comment from the YHA underlining the fact that the inquiry relates to alleged incidents in the 1970/80s - many years before the YHA took over the building in 2004. A point some media reports seem to be omitting
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
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
Sunday, December 30
Blog - Diary of a YHA Trustee
I've written in the past of my guardedly optimistic recommendation of the YHA organisation, despite changes over the past few years. Its a sad fact of live that the YHA must reorganise and get much sharper at what it provides, and the way it does so, if it is to remain a viable organisation into the future.
And no doubt a few eggs will be inadvertently broken along the way.
A regular contributor to the uk.rec.youth-hostel newsgroup (mostly spam posts these days btw) reminded me of his appointment earlier in 2007.
Karl Shepherdson (29 - Oooo lapsing into proper journalism there lol) is blogging about his experiences as a YHA trustee and Vice-Chair of the Northern England Regional Council. His work is voluntary, with some financial support with travel costs. But bearing in mind Karl lives in Devon and there were twenty 2007 regional meetings at hostels spread around England & Wales you can see that it requires a solid commitment to deliver on his chosen role. And that's not including the preparation work pre meetings.
Hope Karl stands the pace - but its great to see someone prepared to get actively involved in one of the important institutions of the UK outdoor scene.Labels: YHA
Monday, October 1
New Outdoor websites, books and news
(This is going to be a bit of a catch-up post as I seem to have fallen behind with a recent rash of news and site visits)
One of our American colleagues - Daryl May - contacted me earlier in the year about his forthcoming LEJOG jaunt. Well the trip's now done and you can read the trip report and drool over the pictures here.
Meanwhile it looks like the SYHA is undergoing a hostel review at present, with an announcement here that 7 out of the network’s 53 hostels are to be sold. The organisation seems to be facing up to the same commercial pressures that its English counterpart has already undergone.
Paddy Dillon's name does seem to keep cropping up. And well it should with Paddy's excellent outdoor guides. Cicerone have a (new?) book "The National Trails" about to be published. Its not meant as an out-on-the walk guide, but more as a stay-at-home research. Whens the Psion version coming out Paddy? (and where's the reviewer copy hint hint)
;-)
Meanwhile there's a new outdoor blogger on the horizon - Gyrovagus "Peregrinations and ramblings about walking, books, music and other stuff" And before you ask (he says liberally quoting from G's site) "gyrovagus: from Late Latin gyro- circle + vagus wandering"
One to instantly add into your Favourites, coz you'll never be able to type it correctly each time I bet!
And finally - a free service from ninjaBlog Setup - "It’s our goal to provide professional WordPress blogs without you having to even think about all the technical details" No catch that I can find, except for the requirement to use hosting from one of their sponsor links. But a friendly and helpful assistance from what I've read so far.
Phew - think that's covered it for the present. Back to the HipPack judging!Labels: blog media, books, Scotland, UK Outdoors Blogger, YHA
Sunday, September 16
YHA Skiddaw
Back in February I commented that Skiddaw House, once a YHA, had reopened as a bunkhouse.
I noticed that the latest edition of the YHA Magazine 'Discover' now lists Skiddaw as a YHA. I've no idea what the arrangement may be, but booking is available via the YHA site.
I'd guess at some sort of co-partnership deal with the bunkhouse coming under the wing of the YHA booking/advertsing systems, but the hostel operating as an independent registered charity, looking at this news item from June. As I suppose the YHA is where most occasional users would naturally look for information it makes good commercial sense, and on this venture I'd congratulate the YHA on their positive approach. Credit where its due on this one.
Meanwhile the cunningly titled "Skiddaw House - the bunkhouse!" (sounds like the title of a movie) still has its own website offering booking information, but no mention of the YHA. Perhaps the web site has yet to be updated? Accommodation pricing is identical on both sites.
Best of luck to all in the venture, and here's hoping it stays strong and fully available to all this time around.Labels: Lake District, YHA
All site material © John Hee - ask before you snatch
And BTW - you cheated passing through that housing estate, but it will stay our secret. Honest. No-one will ever find out (lol)
Jersey YHA
Jersey’s First Youth Hostel and once a double as the police station for the TV series Bergerac.
And now with a less welcome reputation it would appear
Update 25/3:
Official comment from the YHA underlining the fact that the inquiry relates to alleged incidents in the 1970/80s - many years before the YHA took over the building in 2004. A point some media reports seem to be omitting
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
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
Sunday, December 30
Blog - Diary of a YHA Trustee
I've written in the past of my guardedly optimistic recommendation of the YHA organisation, despite changes over the past few years. Its a sad fact of live that the YHA must reorganise and get much sharper at what it provides, and the way it does so, if it is to remain a viable organisation into the future.
And no doubt a few eggs will be inadvertently broken along the way.
A regular contributor to the uk.rec.youth-hostel newsgroup (mostly spam posts these days btw) reminded me of his appointment earlier in 2007.
Karl Shepherdson (29 - Oooo lapsing into proper journalism there lol) is blogging about his experiences as a YHA trustee and Vice-Chair of the Northern England Regional Council. His work is voluntary, with some financial support with travel costs. But bearing in mind Karl lives in Devon and there were twenty 2007 regional meetings at hostels spread around England & Wales you can see that it requires a solid commitment to deliver on his chosen role. And that's not including the preparation work pre meetings.
Hope Karl stands the pace - but its great to see someone prepared to get actively involved in one of the important institutions of the UK outdoor scene.Labels: YHA
Monday, October 1
New Outdoor websites, books and news
(This is going to be a bit of a catch-up post as I seem to have fallen behind with a recent rash of news and site visits)
One of our American colleagues - Daryl May - contacted me earlier in the year about his forthcoming LEJOG jaunt. Well the trip's now done and you can read the trip report and drool over the pictures here.
Meanwhile it looks like the SYHA is undergoing a hostel review at present, with an announcement here that 7 out of the network’s 53 hostels are to be sold. The organisation seems to be facing up to the same commercial pressures that its English counterpart has already undergone.
Paddy Dillon's name does seem to keep cropping up. And well it should with Paddy's excellent outdoor guides. Cicerone have a (new?) book "The National Trails" about to be published. Its not meant as an out-on-the walk guide, but more as a stay-at-home research. Whens the Psion version coming out Paddy? (and where's the reviewer copy hint hint)
;-)
Meanwhile there's a new outdoor blogger on the horizon - Gyrovagus "Peregrinations and ramblings about walking, books, music and other stuff" And before you ask (he says liberally quoting from G's site) "gyrovagus: from Late Latin gyro- circle + vagus wandering"
One to instantly add into your Favourites, coz you'll never be able to type it correctly each time I bet!
And finally - a free service from ninjaBlog Setup - "It’s our goal to provide professional WordPress blogs without you having to even think about all the technical details" No catch that I can find, except for the requirement to use hosting from one of their sponsor links. But a friendly and helpful assistance from what I've read so far.
Phew - think that's covered it for the present. Back to the HipPack judging!Labels: blog media, books, Scotland, UK Outdoors Blogger, YHA
Sunday, September 16
YHA Skiddaw
Back in February I commented that Skiddaw House, once a YHA, had reopened as a bunkhouse.
I noticed that the latest edition of the YHA Magazine 'Discover' now lists Skiddaw as a YHA. I've no idea what the arrangement may be, but booking is available via the YHA site.
I'd guess at some sort of co-partnership deal with the bunkhouse coming under the wing of the YHA booking/advertsing systems, but the hostel operating as an independent registered charity, looking at this news item from June. As I suppose the YHA is where most occasional users would naturally look for information it makes good commercial sense, and on this venture I'd congratulate the YHA on their positive approach. Credit where its due on this one.
Meanwhile the cunningly titled "Skiddaw House - the bunkhouse!" (sounds like the title of a movie) still has its own website offering booking information, but no mention of the YHA. Perhaps the web site has yet to be updated? Accommodation pricing is identical on both sites.
Best of luck to all in the venture, and here's hoping it stays strong and fully available to all this time around.Labels: Lake District, YHA
All site material © John Hee - ask before you snatch
And now with a less welcome reputation it would appear
Update 25/3:
Official comment from the YHA underlining the fact that the inquiry relates to alleged incidents in the 1970/80s - many years before the YHA took over the building in 2004. A point some media reports seem to be omitting
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
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
Sunday, December 30
Blog - Diary of a YHA Trustee
I've written in the past of my guardedly optimistic recommendation of the YHA organisation, despite changes over the past few years. Its a sad fact of live that the YHA must reorganise and get much sharper at what it provides, and the way it does so, if it is to remain a viable organisation into the future.
And no doubt a few eggs will be inadvertently broken along the way.
A regular contributor to the uk.rec.youth-hostel newsgroup (mostly spam posts these days btw) reminded me of his appointment earlier in 2007.
Karl Shepherdson (29 - Oooo lapsing into proper journalism there lol) is blogging about his experiences as a YHA trustee and Vice-Chair of the Northern England Regional Council. His work is voluntary, with some financial support with travel costs. But bearing in mind Karl lives in Devon and there were twenty 2007 regional meetings at hostels spread around England & Wales you can see that it requires a solid commitment to deliver on his chosen role. And that's not including the preparation work pre meetings.
Hope Karl stands the pace - but its great to see someone prepared to get actively involved in one of the important institutions of the UK outdoor scene.Labels: YHA
Monday, October 1
New Outdoor websites, books and news
(This is going to be a bit of a catch-up post as I seem to have fallen behind with a recent rash of news and site visits)
One of our American colleagues - Daryl May - contacted me earlier in the year about his forthcoming LEJOG jaunt. Well the trip's now done and you can read the trip report and drool over the pictures here.
Meanwhile it looks like the SYHA is undergoing a hostel review at present, with an announcement here that 7 out of the network’s 53 hostels are to be sold. The organisation seems to be facing up to the same commercial pressures that its English counterpart has already undergone.
Paddy Dillon's name does seem to keep cropping up. And well it should with Paddy's excellent outdoor guides. Cicerone have a (new?) book "The National Trails" about to be published. Its not meant as an out-on-the walk guide, but more as a stay-at-home research. Whens the Psion version coming out Paddy? (and where's the reviewer copy hint hint)
;-)
Meanwhile there's a new outdoor blogger on the horizon - Gyrovagus "Peregrinations and ramblings about walking, books, music and other stuff" And before you ask (he says liberally quoting from G's site) "gyrovagus: from Late Latin gyro- circle + vagus wandering"
One to instantly add into your Favourites, coz you'll never be able to type it correctly each time I bet!
And finally - a free service from ninjaBlog Setup - "It’s our goal to provide professional WordPress blogs without you having to even think about all the technical details" No catch that I can find, except for the requirement to use hosting from one of their sponsor links. But a friendly and helpful assistance from what I've read so far.
Phew - think that's covered it for the present. Back to the HipPack judging!Labels: blog media, books, Scotland, UK Outdoors Blogger, YHA
Sunday, September 16
YHA Skiddaw
Back in February I commented that Skiddaw House, once a YHA, had reopened as a bunkhouse.
I noticed that the latest edition of the YHA Magazine 'Discover' now lists Skiddaw as a YHA. I've no idea what the arrangement may be, but booking is available via the YHA site.
I'd guess at some sort of co-partnership deal with the bunkhouse coming under the wing of the YHA booking/advertsing systems, but the hostel operating as an independent registered charity, looking at this news item from June. As I suppose the YHA is where most occasional users would naturally look for information it makes good commercial sense, and on this venture I'd congratulate the YHA on their positive approach. Credit where its due on this one.
Meanwhile the cunningly titled "Skiddaw House - the bunkhouse!" (sounds like the title of a movie) still has its own website offering booking information, but no mention of the YHA. Perhaps the web site has yet to be updated? Accommodation pricing is identical on both sites.
Best of luck to all in the venture, and here's hoping it stays strong and fully available to all this time around.Labels: Lake District, YHA
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
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
Sunday, December 30
Blog - Diary of a YHA Trustee
I've written in the past of my guardedly optimistic recommendation of the YHA organisation, despite changes over the past few years. Its a sad fact of live that the YHA must reorganise and get much sharper at what it provides, and the way it does so, if it is to remain a viable organisation into the future.
And no doubt a few eggs will be inadvertently broken along the way.
A regular contributor to the uk.rec.youth-hostel newsgroup (mostly spam posts these days btw) reminded me of his appointment earlier in 2007.
Karl Shepherdson (29 - Oooo lapsing into proper journalism there lol) is blogging about his experiences as a YHA trustee and Vice-Chair of the Northern England Regional Council. His work is voluntary, with some financial support with travel costs. But bearing in mind Karl lives in Devon and there were twenty 2007 regional meetings at hostels spread around England & Wales you can see that it requires a solid commitment to deliver on his chosen role. And that's not including the preparation work pre meetings.
Hope Karl stands the pace - but its great to see someone prepared to get actively involved in one of the important institutions of the UK outdoor scene.Labels: YHA
Monday, October 1
New Outdoor websites, books and news
(This is going to be a bit of a catch-up post as I seem to have fallen behind with a recent rash of news and site visits)
One of our American colleagues - Daryl May - contacted me earlier in the year about his forthcoming LEJOG jaunt. Well the trip's now done and you can read the trip report and drool over the pictures here.
Meanwhile it looks like the SYHA is undergoing a hostel review at present, with an announcement here that 7 out of the network’s 53 hostels are to be sold. The organisation seems to be facing up to the same commercial pressures that its English counterpart has already undergone.
Paddy Dillon's name does seem to keep cropping up. And well it should with Paddy's excellent outdoor guides. Cicerone have a (new?) book "The National Trails" about to be published. Its not meant as an out-on-the walk guide, but more as a stay-at-home research. Whens the Psion version coming out Paddy? (and where's the reviewer copy hint hint)
;-)
Meanwhile there's a new outdoor blogger on the horizon - Gyrovagus "Peregrinations and ramblings about walking, books, music and other stuff" And before you ask (he says liberally quoting from G's site) "gyrovagus: from Late Latin gyro- circle + vagus wandering"
One to instantly add into your Favourites, coz you'll never be able to type it correctly each time I bet!
And finally - a free service from ninjaBlog Setup - "It’s our goal to provide professional WordPress blogs without you having to even think about all the technical details" No catch that I can find, except for the requirement to use hosting from one of their sponsor links. But a friendly and helpful assistance from what I've read so far.
Phew - think that's covered it for the present. Back to the HipPack judging!Labels: blog media, books, Scotland, UK Outdoors Blogger, YHA
Sunday, September 16
YHA Skiddaw
Back in February I commented that Skiddaw House, once a YHA, had reopened as a bunkhouse.
I noticed that the latest edition of the YHA Magazine 'Discover' now lists Skiddaw as a YHA. I've no idea what the arrangement may be, but booking is available via the YHA site.
I'd guess at some sort of co-partnership deal with the bunkhouse coming under the wing of the YHA booking/advertsing systems, but the hostel operating as an independent registered charity, looking at this news item from June. As I suppose the YHA is where most occasional users would naturally look for information it makes good commercial sense, and on this venture I'd congratulate the YHA on their positive approach. Credit where its due on this one.
Meanwhile the cunningly titled "Skiddaw House - the bunkhouse!" (sounds like the title of a movie) still has its own website offering booking information, but no mention of the YHA. Perhaps the web site has yet to be updated? Accommodation pricing is identical on both sites.
Best of luck to all in the venture, and here's hoping it stays strong and fully available to all this time around.Labels: Lake District, YHA
All site material © John Hee - ask before you snatch
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
Blog - Diary of a YHA Trustee
I've written in the past of my guardedly optimistic recommendation of the YHA organisation, despite changes over the past few years. Its a sad fact of live that the YHA must reorganise and get much sharper at what it provides, and the way it does so, if it is to remain a viable organisation into the future.
And no doubt a few eggs will be inadvertently broken along the way.
A regular contributor to the uk.rec.youth-hostel newsgroup (mostly spam posts these days btw) reminded me of his appointment earlier in 2007.
Karl Shepherdson (29 - Oooo lapsing into proper journalism there lol) is blogging about his experiences as a YHA trustee and Vice-Chair of the Northern England Regional Council. His work is voluntary, with some financial support with travel costs. But bearing in mind Karl lives in Devon and there were twenty 2007 regional meetings at hostels spread around England & Wales you can see that it requires a solid commitment to deliver on his chosen role. And that's not including the preparation work pre meetings.
Hope Karl stands the pace - but its great to see someone prepared to get actively involved in one of the important institutions of the UK outdoor scene.Labels: YHA
Monday, October 1
New Outdoor websites, books and news
(This is going to be a bit of a catch-up post as I seem to have fallen behind with a recent rash of news and site visits)
One of our American colleagues - Daryl May - contacted me earlier in the year about his forthcoming LEJOG jaunt. Well the trip's now done and you can read the trip report and drool over the pictures here.
Meanwhile it looks like the SYHA is undergoing a hostel review at present, with an announcement here that 7 out of the network’s 53 hostels are to be sold. The organisation seems to be facing up to the same commercial pressures that its English counterpart has already undergone.
Paddy Dillon's name does seem to keep cropping up. And well it should with Paddy's excellent outdoor guides. Cicerone have a (new?) book "The National Trails" about to be published. Its not meant as an out-on-the walk guide, but more as a stay-at-home research. Whens the Psion version coming out Paddy? (and where's the reviewer copy hint hint)
;-)
Meanwhile there's a new outdoor blogger on the horizon - Gyrovagus "Peregrinations and ramblings about walking, books, music and other stuff" And before you ask (he says liberally quoting from G's site) "gyrovagus: from Late Latin gyro- circle + vagus wandering"
One to instantly add into your Favourites, coz you'll never be able to type it correctly each time I bet!
And finally - a free service from ninjaBlog Setup - "It’s our goal to provide professional WordPress blogs without you having to even think about all the technical details" No catch that I can find, except for the requirement to use hosting from one of their sponsor links. But a friendly and helpful assistance from what I've read so far.
Phew - think that's covered it for the present. Back to the HipPack judging!Labels: blog media, books, Scotland, UK Outdoors Blogger, YHA
Sunday, September 16
YHA Skiddaw
Back in February I commented that Skiddaw House, once a YHA, had reopened as a bunkhouse.
I noticed that the latest edition of the YHA Magazine 'Discover' now lists Skiddaw as a YHA. I've no idea what the arrangement may be, but booking is available via the YHA site.
I'd guess at some sort of co-partnership deal with the bunkhouse coming under the wing of the YHA booking/advertsing systems, but the hostel operating as an independent registered charity, looking at this news item from June. As I suppose the YHA is where most occasional users would naturally look for information it makes good commercial sense, and on this venture I'd congratulate the YHA on their positive approach. Credit where its due on this one.
Meanwhile the cunningly titled "Skiddaw House - the bunkhouse!" (sounds like the title of a movie) still has its own website offering booking information, but no mention of the YHA. Perhaps the web site has yet to be updated? Accommodation pricing is identical on both sites.
Best of luck to all in the venture, and here's hoping it stays strong and fully available to all this time around.Labels: Lake District, YHA
All site material © John Hee - ask before you snatch
And no doubt a few eggs will be inadvertently broken along the way.
A regular contributor to the uk.rec.youth-hostel newsgroup (mostly spam posts these days btw) reminded me of his appointment earlier in 2007.
Karl Shepherdson (29 - Oooo lapsing into proper journalism there lol) is blogging about his experiences as a YHA trustee and Vice-Chair of the Northern England Regional Council. His work is voluntary, with some financial support with travel costs. But bearing in mind Karl lives in Devon and there were twenty 2007 regional meetings at hostels spread around England & Wales you can see that it requires a solid commitment to deliver on his chosen role. And that's not including the preparation work pre meetings.
Hope Karl stands the pace - but its great to see someone prepared to get actively involved in one of the important institutions of the UK outdoor scene.
Labels: YHA
New Outdoor websites, books and news
(This is going to be a bit of a catch-up post as I seem to have fallen behind with a recent rash of news and site visits)
One of our American colleagues - Daryl May - contacted me earlier in the year about his forthcoming LEJOG jaunt. Well the trip's now done and you can read the trip report and drool over the pictures here.
Meanwhile it looks like the SYHA is undergoing a hostel review at present, with an announcement here that 7 out of the network’s 53 hostels are to be sold. The organisation seems to be facing up to the same commercial pressures that its English counterpart has already undergone.
Paddy Dillon's name does seem to keep cropping up. And well it should with Paddy's excellent outdoor guides. Cicerone have a (new?) book "The National Trails" about to be published. Its not meant as an out-on-the walk guide, but more as a stay-at-home research. Whens the Psion version coming out Paddy? (and where's the reviewer copy hint hint)
;-)
Meanwhile there's a new outdoor blogger on the horizon - Gyrovagus "Peregrinations and ramblings about walking, books, music and other stuff" And before you ask (he says liberally quoting from G's site) "gyrovagus: from Late Latin gyro- circle + vagus wandering"
One to instantly add into your Favourites, coz you'll never be able to type it correctly each time I bet!
And finally - a free service from ninjaBlog Setup - "It’s our goal to provide professional WordPress blogs without you having to even think about all the technical details" No catch that I can find, except for the requirement to use hosting from one of their sponsor links. But a friendly and helpful assistance from what I've read so far.
Phew - think that's covered it for the present. Back to the HipPack judging!Labels: blog media, books, Scotland, UK Outdoors Blogger, YHA
Sunday, September 16
YHA Skiddaw
Back in February I commented that Skiddaw House, once a YHA, had reopened as a bunkhouse.
I noticed that the latest edition of the YHA Magazine 'Discover' now lists Skiddaw as a YHA. I've no idea what the arrangement may be, but booking is available via the YHA site.
I'd guess at some sort of co-partnership deal with the bunkhouse coming under the wing of the YHA booking/advertsing systems, but the hostel operating as an independent registered charity, looking at this news item from June. As I suppose the YHA is where most occasional users would naturally look for information it makes good commercial sense, and on this venture I'd congratulate the YHA on their positive approach. Credit where its due on this one.
Meanwhile the cunningly titled "Skiddaw House - the bunkhouse!" (sounds like the title of a movie) still has its own website offering booking information, but no mention of the YHA. Perhaps the web site has yet to be updated? Accommodation pricing is identical on both sites.
Best of luck to all in the venture, and here's hoping it stays strong and fully available to all this time around.Labels: Lake District, YHA
All site material © John Hee - ask before you snatch
One of our American colleagues - Daryl May - contacted me earlier in the year about his forthcoming LEJOG jaunt. Well the trip's now done and you can read the trip report and drool over the pictures here.
Meanwhile it looks like the SYHA is undergoing a hostel review at present, with an announcement here that 7 out of the network’s 53 hostels are to be sold. The organisation seems to be facing up to the same commercial pressures that its English counterpart has already undergone.
Paddy Dillon's name does seem to keep cropping up. And well it should with Paddy's excellent outdoor guides. Cicerone have a (new?) book "The National Trails" about to be published. Its not meant as an out-on-the walk guide, but more as a stay-at-home research. Whens the Psion version coming out Paddy? (and where's the reviewer copy hint hint)
;-)
Meanwhile there's a new outdoor blogger on the horizon - Gyrovagus "Peregrinations and ramblings about walking, books, music and other stuff" And before you ask (he says liberally quoting from G's site) "gyrovagus: from Late Latin gyro- circle + vagus wandering"
One to instantly add into your Favourites, coz you'll never be able to type it correctly each time I bet!
And finally - a free service from ninjaBlog Setup - "It’s our goal to provide professional WordPress blogs without you having to even think about all the technical details" No catch that I can find, except for the requirement to use hosting from one of their sponsor links. But a friendly and helpful assistance from what I've read so far.
Phew - think that's covered it for the present. Back to the HipPack judging!
Labels: blog media, books, Scotland, UK Outdoors Blogger, YHA
YHA Skiddaw
Back in February I commented that Skiddaw House, once a YHA, had reopened as a bunkhouse.
I noticed that the latest edition of the YHA Magazine 'Discover' now lists Skiddaw as a YHA. I've no idea what the arrangement may be, but booking is available via the YHA site.
I'd guess at some sort of co-partnership deal with the bunkhouse coming under the wing of the YHA booking/advertsing systems, but the hostel operating as an independent registered charity, looking at this news item from June. As I suppose the YHA is where most occasional users would naturally look for information it makes good commercial sense, and on this venture I'd congratulate the YHA on their positive approach. Credit where its due on this one.
Meanwhile the cunningly titled "Skiddaw House - the bunkhouse!" (sounds like the title of a movie) still has its own website offering booking information, but no mention of the YHA. Perhaps the web site has yet to be updated? Accommodation pricing is identical on both sites.
Best of luck to all in the venture, and here's hoping it stays strong and fully available to all this time around.Labels: Lake District, YHA
I noticed that the latest edition of the YHA Magazine 'Discover' now lists Skiddaw as a YHA. I've no idea what the arrangement may be, but booking is available via the YHA site.
I'd guess at some sort of co-partnership deal with the bunkhouse coming under the wing of the YHA booking/advertsing systems, but the hostel operating as an independent registered charity, looking at this news item from June. As I suppose the YHA is where most occasional users would naturally look for information it makes good commercial sense, and on this venture I'd congratulate the YHA on their positive approach. Credit where its due on this one.
Meanwhile the cunningly titled "Skiddaw House - the bunkhouse!" (sounds like the title of a movie) still has its own website offering booking information, but no mention of the YHA. Perhaps the web site has yet to be updated? Accommodation pricing is identical on both sites.
Best of luck to all in the venture, and here's hoping it stays strong and fully available to all this time around.
Labels: Lake District, YHA
All site material © John Hee - ask before you snatch
