ACTIVE | Our First SUP Lesson With EXE Adventures, Devon

We’d never been stand-up paddle boarding before but had always wanted to, mainly because we fancied something a little less strenuous than surfing!

Named after the river Exe Adventures, the adventure specialists are South Devon’s top mobile adventure and training centre established and managed by incredible tutor Sam. They pick up parties, or individuals from Dawlish warren campsites including Cofton Holiday Park, Lady’s Mile holiday park, Welcome Family holiday park, Dawlish Sands and Golden Sands, and Dawlish Warren beach.

Sam picked us up in his adventure van straight from Cofton holiday park where we were staying (read about our stay here). Sam drove us to the site where we’d be having the lesson but made sure he told us all about the local area on the way. We had a complete history lesson along with a beautiful drive through Dawlish.

When we arrived at the bank of the canal where we were to be taking to the chilly waters, Sam told us about the equipment we needed and provided us with life jackets, a dry bag for our belongings and some much needed encouragement!

The lesson was incredible. Sam took the time to teach us all the correct techniques for stand-up paddle boarding, along with keeping the atmosphere light with great conversation. Often, adventure sports come with some very serious trainers, but Sam combined safety with great light-hearted company to make the who afternoon a great experience.

Once we had taken to the water and got our balance, the activity became second nature to us and allowed us to take in the beautiful surroundings. We waved to dog walkers we passed and looked out for water fowl and other wildlife which made the day more than just a sporting activity.

I’d recommend SUP to anyone who loves to be on the water but also wants to take it easy and work their core without sweating buckets. After our lesson, we felt like we’d really worked our bodies hard, but we had barely noticed the whole way how hard our muscles were being put to use!

If you’re heading down to South Devon, give Sam at EXE Adventures a call. We couldn’t have wished for a better coach on our first adventure into SUP and we cannot recommend him enough. EXE adventures charges only £25 for a half day of coaching, but your experience with Sam will be priceless.

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GLAMPING | A Luxury Midwinter’s Weekend at Cofton Holiday Park, Devon

Where did we go?

Cofton holiday park
Cofton Lane
South Devon
Dawlish
EX6 8RP

Tel: 01626 890111
Prices: from £320 for a weekend stay in a luxury caravan
Website:  coftonholidays.co.uk

What did we think?

Cofton holiday park is located in South Devon along the historic coast of Dawlish, known for its Jurassic past and excellent coastlines. The park covers 80 acres of beautiful protected countryside hosting campers, campervans, cottages and luxury statics, along with a host of facilities including pools, bowling, dog exercise park, fishing ponds and of course – a spa!

The customer service was excellent even with our stay being out of season.

The park graciously catered for our late arrival by heating up the static caravan, leaving some lights on and placing our keys, along with welcome pack, local information and gift hamper, on the dining table inside. Overwhelmed with this excellent welcome and forward thinking, we even received top advice from reception for the local takeaways that would be open upon our arrival! The customer service was excellent even with our stay being out of season.

The cosy interior of the caravan

An assigned car parking space was neatly settled by the side of our weekend home and in perfect position for unloading holiday gear and shopping. The decking was a sight to behold with views over looking an adjacent donkey field and sweeping valley. Nestled on the decking was the main feature- a 4 person hot tub, preheated and ready to use for our stay. We took full advantage of this by having our morning coffee in the tub, with beautiful clear but cold skies above us.

The gorgeous king size bedroom inside the caravan

The interior was clear, bright and wonderfully heated for our winter getaway. There was more than enough room to host a hectic family and excellent TV systems to watch in the evening from the plentiful seating area, and along with the comfortable feel, the kitchen also boasted a fully stocked offering meaning we weren’t struggling for a bottle opener or baking tray!

Everything we needed was already there for us. Tea, coffee, toiletries, and even two sets of towels- one for the beach, and one for the shower! We were pleasantly surprised with the storage space and amenities inside the static caravan and felt comfortable from the minute we walked through the door.

Touring pitches at Cofton Holiday Park

The site was a site to behold when we explored. We were greeted by friendly staff at every turn, a fully stocked on-site shop and a great choice of menu options from the Cofton restaurant. The fishing lakes were beautiful and flourished with wonderful wildlife including king fishers, many native tit species and some cheeky badgers!

As a wildlife fan, it was great to see the vast amount of life on a site that is somewhat built-up compared to other country camping sites. Cofton even supplied a bird-watching checklist for children (and adults!) which was a great touch and displayed the pride in which Cofton treats the nature around the park.

The verdict

 We found the site enchanting and beautiful, despite it being able to accommodate so many. The newer buildings didn’t take away from the natural settings and human traffic didn’t disturb the peaceful setting, although this may not be the case in peak-season. Just walking around the park was enough the transport you to an idyllic setting that was far from the commercial vibe the website gives off.

The local area was even more charming. We attended the christmas market on the Dawlish seafront and discovered just how creative the locals were with their handmade hats and scarves and wonderful mulled cider. Arms full of local goods, we then attended an amazing stand-up paddle board lesson with the incredible EXE adventures, where we realised we wanted to invest in our own boards and take the sport up! Instructor Sam made our adventure so incredible that you can read a full review of the lesson very soon!

The area alone is worth a road trip, and Cofton is the perfect place to lay your head at the end of an exciting day.

The Dawlish area was beautiful and full of enchanting history that would catch the attention of anyone. A Cofton holiday would suit anyone, from busy families to those who want a quieter retreat full of culture, history and nature. The area alone is worth a road trip, and Cofton is the perfect place to lay your head at the end of an exciting day.

Highlights

• The hot tub was perfectly set up and had a perfect view through the trees onto the rest of the park. Those who want a bit of glam in their caravan will not be beaten on this stylish addition.
• The location was spectacular, with wildlife at every turn and an ancient on-site church.
• Dawlish was a perfect little haven with adventure, activity, nature, history and excellent local produce.
• The little perks that were extra towels really made the trip feel like home. Anything you may have forgotten to pack, it was already there waiting for you.
• The staff were friendly and helpful, and gave us enough space to feel like we were in own own little world.

A massive thank you to Cofton Holidays for our Jurassic stay!

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WALKING | A Short 5.76Km Canal Side Walk from Wheelock to Malkins Bank, Cheshire

Circular walk

• Start & End Point: Wheelock, Cheshire, CW11 3RD
  
• Distance: 3.5 miles / 5.76Km
• Time Taken: approximately 1 hour 20 minutes
  
• Elevation: n/a
• Uphill: 0/5
• Technicality: 0/5
• Scenery rating: 2/5
  

Walk Summary

This is an easy flat walk along the Trent & Mersey canal towpath, walking from Wheelock past Malkins Bank and then back the same way again. Perfect for all abilities.

The lull in between Christmas and the new year is perhaps my favourite time of year. I’m lucky enough to have a few days off, which gives me time to think, rest and get all those things done that I’ve not had time to do until now!

As well as spending the time chilling, I also do a lot of thinking – planning what I want to achieve in the coming year, reflecting back on some of the highs and lows of the previous year and generally just taking time out to focus on my wellbeing. Though I’d hoped to get out for a walk before now, due to being busy traveling, today gave me my first chance to get outdoors.

When I woke up to a light dusting of snow I was up and out of the door as soon as I could. I headed towards Wheelock in Sandbach, and parked up close to the canal. I then simply walked, enjoying the crisp air and the crunch of snow underfoot as I headed past Malkins bank and turned back just before the canal reached the M6.

More information

• Trent & Mersey Canal
• Wheelock bottom lock

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OUTDOORS | Outdoor & Nature Based Things To Do To Combat The January Blues

Let’s face it, January can be a pretty tough month to get through. With all the fun and excitement of Christmas long gone, the first gloomy month of the year can seem never-ending.

But don’t fear. Here at Camping with Style we’ve been busy planning adventures and finding interesting and new things to fill 2017 with, so why not use January to plan some new adventures of your own?

Read on for some great suggestions of outdoors and nature based things to do this January.

1. Find nature based activities near you

You can easily find out about nature based activities and places to visit near you by visiting the Wildlife Trust website and popping in your location.

✰ Wildlife Trust What’s Happening Near Me

2. Survey the wild birds visiting your garden

Take part in the Big Garden Birdwatch taking place at the end of January, and run by the RSPB. Signup on their website to get your free kit and take part.

✰ RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch

Acorn Adventure glamping pods in the Brecon Beacons

3. Go winter glamping

One of the best things about glamping, is that unlike camping, there are no excuses not to do it year round! Even the most basic glamping pods are well insulated and usually contain an electric heater. Priced from about £40 per night, it’s a great way to spend time living that bit closer to nature during the colder winter months.

✰ Find a glamping site here

4. Create a nature habitat in your garden

Turn part of your garden into a nature habitat to encourage wild animals to come and visit or take residence. The RSPB provides plenty of advice on how to create nature habitats for birds, bees, butterflies, frogs and more!

✰ Give Nature A Home

 Our garden ready for the Big Garden Birdwatch 

5. Get outdoors and try a park run!

If you’ve never done a park run before, how about signing up to something like the Stroke Association Resolution Run that’s taking place this March in Nottingham?

✰ Stroke Association Resolution Run

Some fungi we recently spotted growing on a rotting tree trunk

6. Learn to identify different flora and fauna

Although January isn’t a brilliant time for fungi, there are still plenty around and it can be fascinating and fun learning to indetify them and work out which ones are edible and which are poisonus. But it’s not just fungi you can learn to identify, birds and tress are equally fascinating to to learn about, especially at this time of year.

✰ Grab yourself a wildlife identification book to help

We love walking in winter we took this shot whilst walking in Ben Lawers in Scotland last year

7. Get out for a walk

If you are short on ideas, narrow it down to a region you love or have always wanted to visit and do some research either online or grab yourself a book on walking in a particular region. Don’t let cold weather put you off, a winter walk can be just as enjoyable as a summer walk, in fact we prefer walking in winter as popular walks aren’t as busy.

✰ Find a book on walking routes

8. Explore a National Trust garden

Head over to the National Trust website to find a garden or park near you, grab your camera, and then head outdoors to take photographs or to simply enjoy the landscape.

✰ Find a National Trust garden or park

Exploring The National Trusts Sizergh Castle Gardens

9. Take part in a nature photo challenge

Lots of bloggers and websites run various daily and weekly photo challenges. The easiest ones to get involved in will often give you a theme, and your task is to take a picture that fits the theme and upload it to your preferred social media platform using a specific hashtag.

✰ Check out the Splodz Blogz Weekly Photo Challenge

10. Plan an Easter Bank Holiday road trip

It might seem early, but when it comes to booking campsites, glamping or holiday park accommodation, they can get booked up very quickly, so planning now makes sense. Always fancied walking in the Scottish Highlands? Go for it.

✰ Be inspired by our 2016 Easter road trip to the Highlands

Get your camping gear ready for the first camping trip of the year

11. Get ready for your spring camping trip

Now is a great time to sort out your camping gear and to figure out if you need to invest in anything new. Donate any unwanted camping and outdoors gear to a homeless charity, and make a list of campsites you’d like to stay at in the coming year. Why not be super organised, and book ahead for half term?

✰ Find a camp site to stay at

12. Get into Geocaching

Geocaching is like a high-tech treasure hunt, and trust as when we say it’s seriously addictive! Geocaces need to be tracked down and then logged, and some are trickier than others! Start with caches ranked as easy to find and you’ll soon get the hang of it, and it’s something that the whole family can enjoy.

✰ Join the world’s largest treasure hunt

One of our first Geocache finds, at Sizergh Castle

Still searching for inspiration? Outdoors bloggers share their tips on how to spend more time outdoors.

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GEAR | Cimalp Winter Thermal Touchscreen Gloves – Review

What I tested

Cimalp Winter Thermal Touchscreen Gloves (size medium)
£19.95 Buy them here

Features

• Brushed interior for warmth and softness
• Conductive fingers so that you can use your phone while wearing your gloves
• Stretch wrists for the perfect fit
• Sizes small to XL available

Conductive thumb pad

The verdict

I’ve been after a pair of gloves like this for ages but the closest I had until now were my Dakine snowboarding glove liners, but they didn’t allow me to use a touch screen, and on their own they weren’t very warm either, so not ideal.

Counductive finger pad

The Cimalp gloves are very thin, but are excellent at keeping my fingers warm. I love the fact that I don’t have to keep taking off my gloves in order to take photographs on my phone when I’m out walking too and have found that the conductive finger and thumb tips work very well.

I don’t have particularly small hands, and usually find that a medium glove fits well, but I could probably have done with the small as the fingers are quite long on these particular gloves.

They are very comfortable to wear, and considering they are so thin, they are surprisingly warm too. I’ve done lots of walking this winter wearing them and have been really happy with their performance so they definitely get a big thumbs up from me!

Thank you to Cimalp for providing the featured product for us to review.

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OUTDOORS | 12 Of The Best Bits Of 2017 – A Year Of Heartache, Hope & Happiness

2017 proved to be another amazing year, but one that came very close to ending in tradegy after my mum was left fighting for her life.

With a long term relationship ending, and a new one beginning, it’s been a year of change, but of positive change.

I’ve spent a lot of time outdoors and feel more connected to the natural world that I have done for a very long time.

Here’s a summary of some of the best and worst bits of 2017.

January 2017 Urban walk with friends on New Year’s Day

I love finding hiden gems like Walton Park amidst a bustling city

We kicked the year off by going for a bracing new year’s day walk with friends in Liverpool. The 4 mile walk was just what we needed to clear our heads after a night of partying and it was the perfect start to what turned out to be the year I spent more time outdoors than I’ve done since I was a carefree child.

A New Year’s Day Walk Around Walton Park in Liverpool

February 2017 Facing fears in Delamere Forest

This was a pretty big deal for someone with vertigo and a lifelong fear of heights!

OK so to most people Go Ape isn’t exactly the pinnacle of daring adventure, but for me, with vertigo and a lifelong fear of heights, it was a big deal. A couple of years ago I’d have simply turned an opportunity like that down without a second thought, but when I was approached to try out the classic treetop adventure, I immediately said yes.

Once I’d got over my terror, I loved it, though I must admit to liking the zip wires more than the walking across wobbly high things! It just goes to show that having a positive ‘yes’ mindset can reap rewards and it felt like I’d truly started the year as I meant to go on!

A Day of Adventure at Go Ape Delamere Forest, Cheshire

March 2017 Glamping with the whole family

Some of the quirky glamping accommodation at Glamping Thorpe

In March we stayed at one of the quirkiest glamping sites we’ve ever been to! We slept in a converted horse box, whilst my sister stayed in a stunning shepherds hut and the whole family got together for a party at the fantastic Glamping Thorpe in Oxfordshire.

Ultra-Quirky Glamping For Couples & Groups at Glamping Thorpe in Oxfordshire

April 2017 Exploring northern Cornwall

Padstow harbour in Cornwall

In April we headed down to Cornwall and stayed in a gorgeous lodge at Juliots Well. We explored Padstow and despite an ankle injury, managed to make it up to Tintagel for some breathtaking views.

We also visited the magical St. Nectans Glen, marking the first of many waterfalls that I’d visit during 2017.

The Perfect Spring Weekend Break at Juliots Well, Plus Out & About In North Cornwall

May 2017 Bucket list Indian Ocean diving

Snorkeling in the Indian Ocean on my bucket-list holiday

In May I went on a bucket list holiday to the Indian Ocean where I swam with sharks, spotted lionfish, stroked a moray eel and cried my eyes out when I saw a Mata Ray. The trip was everything I’d hoped it would be and more.

Discovering the Stunning Biodiversity of the Maldives

June 2017 Solo Scottish road trip and mountain summit

Nearing the summit of Ben Lawers on my first solo hike

Soon after I returned from the Maldives I embarked on a solo road trip to Scotland. I glamped on my own close to Loch Tay, and did my first ever mountain walk on my own.

Having attempted the walk the previous year, we’d had to turn back due to blizzard conditions and deep snow so this time I was determined to reach the two summits of Beinn Ghals and Ben Lawers. The weather at the base was sweltering and came as a shock, and I found the walk demanding, but I did it, and confidence wise, it did me the world of good!

My Scottish Road Trip – Kayaking on a Loch & Standing On Top Of Mountains

July 2017  Camping with friends at Cae Du Wales

Camping with friends at my favourite campsite

We love Cae Du campsite in Wales and this year we were lucky enough to return with a big group of friends for several glorious sunny days in July. Living all over the country and with our own demanding lives, it’s rare that we get to spend so much quality time with our friends, so our camping trip felt like a real treat and also gave me the chance to review a funky new tent.

5 Nights Camping In The Stunning New Star Canopy Bell Tent from Boutique Camping

August 2017 Critical illness

Mum on her way to recovery on the Intensive Care ward

In July my mum was rushed into hospital, and I stood in horror beside her hospital bed watching the stats on her monitor plummet as her lung function completely ceased and she lost consciousness. It was a harrowing experience, but after nearly 2 weeks in Intensive care, mum was finally well enough to come home.

I will never be able to express the graitute I feel for the team at Stafford hospital who battled for over an hour to save my mums’ life, nor the team that looked after her whilst she was in intensive care at Royal Univeristy Hospital Stoke.

We have always been a close family, but this Christmas feels like the biggest gift we’ve ever been given.

Spending all day every day in a waiting room, the rollercoaster of being told to give up hope then glimpses of improvement took it’s toll on us all, and I for the sake of my own sanity, I sought a few hours away from the hospital in order to be alone with my thoughts out on the water.

Me kayaking at Astbury Mere in Cheshire

A Moment Of Reflection Kayaking Out On The Water – Time Outdoors During A Crisis

As mum started to get stronger, towards the end of August I once again set off on my own, this time for a long bank holiday break down in Cornwall. I stayed in a stunning yurt at The Fir Hill and booked a wildlife spotting boat trip and went on a sea kayaking adventure. Sea kayaking is something I’d always wanted to do, and I loved every second of it and I can’t wait to do it again next year.

Kayaking off the coast of St. Agnes in Cornwall

Exploring The St Agnes Coast With Koru Kayaking, Trevaunance Cove in Cornwall

September 2017 Walking in Wainwrights footsteps

Near the summit of Catbells having done my very first Wainwright walk

I had fully intended to visit the Lake District well before September but had such a busy year, the opportunity didn’t arrive until late.

Autumn camping trip at Castlerigg Hall campsite, Cumbria

We decided a bit of Autumn camping was in order, and returned to one of our favourite campsites, Castlerigg Hall, and whilst in the area we did our very first Wainwright walk.

Hawse End to Catbells & Camping in Cumbria on the Autumn Equinox

October 2017 Discovering walking in the Lancashire Moors

Walking on the Lancashire moors for the first time

After the amicable break up of my relationship earlier in the year, by this time I had someone new in my life who not only shares my passion for the outdoors but also writes about the outdoors and is a keen walker and ecologist.

Slowly the sorrow I naturally felt at the end of my previous relationship was replaced with a new found sense of happiness, and we wasted no time in spending as much time outdoors as possible.

Our very first walk at the start of October took us up into the Lancashire Moors as we walked from Brinscall up to Great Hill.

Brinscall to Great Hill – Walking In The Lancashire Moors

November 2017 Discovering there’s more to Snowdonia than Snowdon

Aber Falls in Snowdonia

We booked a luxury weekend break with Under the Thatch and stayed in a stunning Victorian cottage in Snowdonia.

Inside the beautiful cottage in Snowdonia

We chose the property mainly based on it’s location and we managed to get two great walks over the weekend, including a walk at Newborough Warren and Llanddwyn Island in Angelsey, as well as a lovely circular walk to Aber Falls in North Wales which took us through some magiacl ancient woodland, to two enormous waterfalls and then onwards towards the North Wales coast providing us with expansive views of Angelsey.

Walking Aber Falls, Wales, 7.42km Circular Walk

December 2017  Snowy canal winter walk in Wheelton

Lock number 59 in Wheelton, Lancashire

During a weekend which saw much the UK blanketed in snow, we headed up to Leyland in Lancashire for a weekend break, and found ourselves by chance in an area that was almost completely free of snow.

The light was stunning thanks to the low winter sun, cloudless skies and reflection of the bright white snow. The simple joy of walking on a cold but bright and sunny winters day never gets old for me; there’s something so life affirming about hearing the crunch of snow underfoot and the warmth of the sun on your face.

A Snowy Winter Canal Walk in Wheelton, Lancashire

Finishing 2017 on a high

I’m finishing the year happier than I’ve ever been and confident that whilst next year is sure to throw up it’s own challenges, I’ll be able to face whatever comes my way. I wanted to ensure that 2017 was all about prioritising my own wellbeing, saying yes to more fun travel and adventure opportunities, no to more freelance work and spending time outdoors, and I feel like I’ve done that.

Looking forward to 2018

In 2018 I’m looking forward to more camping, walking and I’d love to do sea kayaking again. I also want to try climbing outdoors, to finally master SUP, and I’m keen to snorkel or even dive off the coast here in the UK. Finally I’d also really like to get back up to Scotland again, and we are currently planning a week long Scottish road trip for some time in 2018.

Here’s to you

I wish you a very happy new year, and would like to take a moment to say a big heartfelt thank you to all of the team here at Camping with Style, my family and friends and to you the readers for your going support.

Happy 2018!

Shell x

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