Walking Catbells, Cumbria and Camping on the Autumn Equinox

At this time of year I always crave spending time outdoors. Autumn is my favourite time of year, followed by Spring, and with the Autumn Equinox upon us, I made a last minute decision to spend the weekend camping and walking the Lake District.

All set up at Castlerigg Hall Campsite

Our simple camping setup (not a fairylight or bunting in sight), using our brilliant Thermarest Tranquility 4 tent

With a new found love of hill walking, I’d been wanting to get up the Lake District for a good walk for some time so my last minute trip saw us drive up to Cumbria after work on Friday. We pitched up one of our favourite campsites, Castlerigg Hall Campsite near Keswick. The campsite overlooks Derwent water, and there are a host of enticing walks in the immediate area to choose from.

I chose to walk Catbells, a short Wainright walk that also rather handily features in my Collins guide book, The Low Fells: Walks on Cumbria’s Lower Fells.

The start of the Catbells ascent, starting at Hawse End

Our ascent of Catbells started at Hawse End, the ‘small carpark’ I’d read about, actually consisted of just a patch of gravel with space for 3 cars, and as we approached a car backed out. Hurrah! From there we followed the route set out in in my Collins guide book.

The ridge leading to Catbells summit

For those seeking soltitude, this is not a route to choose! Famed as a family walk, it was busy. The benefit of a walk that attracts a lot of people is that the route is made obvious, the downside however, was needing to wait a few minutes for each set of walkers to pass to get shots of the landscape without it looking too crowded!

Heading towards the summit

The ascent is short and sharp and we needed quite a few stops on the way up to catch our breath before we reached the first scramble. Bouyed with the confidence of watching a steady stream of fellow walkers drop to their knees and climb up, we followed suit, and soon found ourselves at the summit, just as the weather started to close in.

The final scramble towards the summit of Catbells

Me at the Catbells Trig point

The views from the summit, in fact, throughout the walk were stunning. Every step revealing enticing new vistas including Derwentwater, Bassenthwaite Lake and the peaks of Skiddaw and Blencathra. In terms of views, despite the modest length of the walk, Catbells is hard to beat.

Derwentwater viewed from the summit of Catbells

Don’t let the short length of this walk (just over 6km) or the fact that the fell is just 451 metres high make you think it’s easy! There are a couple of good scrambles that require both hands, and then on the descent, there’s a short scramble down from the summit which largely involved (at least for us and the other walkers we observed) sliding down rocks on our bum.

The descent down from Catbells

Beautiful Derwentwater on the way back down

Half way down

The descent of Catbells rewarded us with stunning views of Derwentwater and whilst the rocky steps were slippery with mud in the wet and we had to move slowly, it didn’t take us long to get down, and we were soon back at the car.

A waterfall on the way back down

Ancient woodland fringing Derwentwater

This was just the second time that I’ve ever scrambled, and I’ve decided that despite suffering from vertigo, thanks to the adrenaline kick, I love routes that require scrambling! The verdict is out however for Mr CWS who isn’t as keen, but we both enjoyed the walk and I couldn’t think of a better way to celebrate the Autumn Equinox.

Our Walk

• 6.23km circular walk, starting at Hawse End
• 3 hours 20 minutes, thanks to lots of photography and snack stops!
• Check out more photos from the walk over on Flickr

Find out more

• Castlerigg Hall Campsite
• Catbells Wainright Walk With Julia Bradbury
• Catbells via Hawse End walking route

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Autumn Walking – Hen Cloud in the Peak District

We arrive at The Roaches late one morning on a crisp and warm autumn day despite my satnav choosing an unusual route I can only describe as absurd; all winding and impossibly narrow single track lanes.

I’ve never been keen on the name. The Roaches counjours up the image of skittering bugs and certainly not a majestic ridge and despite living only 20 miles away, it was several years before we visited the region for the first time.

Towering high above Leek, just inside the Peak District national park, Hen Cloud is a striking rocky ridge right next to The Roaches. Currently managed by the Staffordshire Wildlife Trust, we’ve seen Red Grouse when walking here previously. Peregrine Falcoms can also be spotted here and The Roaches is actually designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest as it contains several important habitats.

The short climb is well worth it for some fantastic views, but the views prove even more expansive than on previous visits. We decide to head across a field and up to the enticing rocky outcrop to the north, known as Hen Cloud.

At it’s highest point the ridge rises to 505 metres which makes for an easy and quick ascent. Livestock graze all around and the there’s Heather carpeting every open space, a beautiful delicate pink in colour.

The weather was on our side this time, and the view from the top of Hen Cloud was truly expansive, affording us fantastic views of Tittersworth Reservoir and right out over the Cheshire plains. The perfect way to spend an Autumn day outdoors.

Find out more

• Visit the Roaches
• Things to do in the Peak District
• The Roaches Staffordshire Wildlife Trust

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First Wear Test – Autumn Walking in Craghoppers Airedale Trousers

What are they?

Women’s Airedale Trousers
Craghoppers £60
Buy them here

Features

• AquaDry Membrane
• Stretch
• Security
• Waterproof
• Breathable
• 3 pockets

In the last few years I’ve purchased 3 pairs of Craghoppers trousers, all of which are different colours and versions of Kiwi Stretch Pro trousers, and in terms of summer warlking , they are hard to beat.

During the colder months I usually wear a pair of thermal leggings under my walking trousers, and I always pack waterproof over trousers too, so often during winter walks, I end up with three layers on. Far from ideal, but the best solution I had until I was sent the Craghoppers Airedale Trousers.

The Airedale trousers feature Craghoppers’ AquaDry Membrane making them both waterproof and breathable. They also have a good amount of stretch making them very comfy, and essentially, easy to walk and scramble in. They have a stretch mesh lining, something I’ve not come across before, which did feel a bit weird initially, but I quickly got used to it.

One of the things I love about Craghoppers is that they provide trousers in three different lengths, making it easy to find the perfect fit. At 5 foot 6, I’m not particularly tall, but I usually choose Long trousers simply becuase I prefer the look of longer legs and prefer trousers to gather slightly on top of my walking boots.

Secure zipped back pockets

The Verdict

These trousers offer a true to fit size, and I love the stretch they have to them. The waistband too, has an elasticated section which makes the tousers super comfortable and easy to wear. One of the things I like most about my Kiwi Stretch Pro trousers is that fact that they have a nice high waist on them, and whilst the waist on the Airedale trousers does sit a bit lower, they are still a nice fit.

I am quite warm-blooded, but on a day hike in the Peak District in Autumn, I found the tousers were ideal. We got caught in one very short and sharp downpour and rain simply beads on the trousers and then runs off.

A very promising first wear, and I look forward to updating this review again after I’ve worn them more over winter and in heavy rain.

The velcro ankle strap which allows you to adjust the width of the bottom of the trousers

Favourite features

• The trousers have got velcro adjusters on the bottom, so if you prefer to tuck your trousers into your socks, or don’t want them flapping around, they can me made narrower with ease.
• The trousers have just enough stretch to make scrambling a cinch.
• They are warm without being bulky or too hot.
• The trousers fold away very small and don’t crease, so they are perfect for packing for weekends away or walking holidays.

Thank you to Craghoppers for sending us the featured product.

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WIN! Signed Box LEGO Ideas Old Fishing Store Worth £139.99

Following on from their big 4 day signing event in London, Paris, Berlin and Copenhagen we’ve teamed up with LEGO Ideas to bring you our latest competition to win a fantastic SIGNED box of the brand new LEGO Ideas Old Fishing Store worth £139.99!

The LEGO Ideas Old Fishing Store is perfect for both kids and adults, and having just returned from Legoland Denmark where I saw the set for myself, I can safely say you won’t need to be into fishing for this stunning new LEGO Ideas set to appeal!

To find out more or to buy your own set, visit the LEGO shop.

How to Enter

To be in with a chance of winning, all you need to do is answer the following question correctly. Simply comment below with your answer.

QUESTION: Which curious LEGO figure pet likes to stroll about the docks of the LEGO Old Fishing Store set?
[tip: take a close look at the large image of the LEGO Ideas Old Fishing Store]

Terms & Conditions

• Winner will be drawn at random from all correct entries and will be notified within 48 hours of the closing date
• Competition ends at 12 noon on Sunday 24th September 2017
• No cash alternative offered
• Competition open to UK residents only
• 1 entry per person
• You must enter by leaving a comment below and correctly answering the question
• Prize supplied by LEGO Ideas

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Simply Stunning! The Royal Robbins Merinolux Plaid Shirt in Raspberry Crush

What is it?

Ladies Merinolux Plaid Shirt, Autumn/Winter 2017
Available in Raspberry Crush (as shown) as well as Poseidon and Green Gables
£80 Royal Robbins
Buy it here

What did I think?

Though the inclusion of Merino wool always commands a premium, my first thought when I saw the £80 price tag of the Royal Robbins Merinolux Plaid Shirt, was that it needed to be one seriously special shirt to warrant the cost….and since putting it on, I’ve been reluctant to take it off again, in fact the moment it’s dry, it’s straight back on me.

I recently traveled to to Denmark in the shirt and it was brilliant!

Before I’d even put the shirt on for the first time, It was clear that this wasn’t just any old checked shirt. The Merinolux material consists of a blend of Sorona® Fibres and Merino wool, which enhances durability and provides breathability but also makes for an incredibly tactile and soft material that’s thick without the bulk.

I tend to be quite warm-blooded and dislike very thick layers, and whilst the quality of the material does make it thicker than your average brushed cotton shirt, it’s not at all heavy or bulky.

Great at regulating temperature even when worn on a warm day in summer

The verdict

I’ve been lucky enough to test some great products over the years, but the Royal Robbins Merinolux Plaid Shirt is hands down one of the very best and I can’t recommend it highly enough.

One my favourite items in my wardrobe, this shirt is exceptionally high quality and I wear it every chance I get. Despite the hefty price tag, I am seriously considering buying another one in a different colour – the comfort and fit is superb and its quality makes this a true ‘buy well, buy once’ investment.

The shirt after being packed in a bag for more than 24 hours

The best bits

• Exceptionally high quality material which includes Merino wool as well as a small amount of stretch so there’s no restriction in mobility
• I found the shirt to be excellent at maintaining temperature; I’ve stayed cool whilst wearing the shirt on hot summers days, and snug during chilly early Autumn evenings
• True to size fit and a flattering cut and langth, with concealed poppers instead of buttons and a clever concealed zip pocket on the right hip
• Excellent for travel as it washes easily, dries quickly and remains crease free

Thank you to Royal Robbins for supplying this shirt for us to review.

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Have Your Say in the Camping with Style 2017 Camping Survey

We’d love to hear your thoughts, and we’d love to know more about how you camp.

Tell us things like;

• Are you a camper or a glamper?
• Do you camp off-grid or with an EHU?
• What’s your favourite campsite?

It will take just 2 minutes of your time, we don’t require a login or any personal details, we’d just love to hear your thoughts!

Tell us how you do it here: https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/RPXL2H6

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

I love kayaking, though I normally take to the water on lochs and lakes and have only once, very briefly, ventured out on to the sea before. With the opportunity to spend 5 days in Cornwall over the August bank holiday weekend, I thought it would be the ideal chance to take a kayak out onto the sea to explore some of the coast.

 Trevaunance Cove, St. Agnes, the base for our kayak adventure

I wasn’t keen on the idea of kayaking on the sea alone, so I looked for kayak tours close to where I was staying and came across Koru Kayaking. I booked a sea kayaking adventure, setting off from Trevaunance Cove, St Agnes, about a 30 minute drive from Fir Hill glamping where I stayed just outside of Newquay.

Koru Kayaking provide all the kit you need, so I left my BA in the car, but grabbed my swimsuit, wetsuit and water shoes. I already have a selection of dry bags, but before I went away, I bought a waterproof pouch for my mobile phone which turned out to be a good call. Paddling back onto the beach our kayak ended up being swiped sideways by a large wave, and we capsized – thank goodness for dry bags!

Sea kayaking is something I’d been looking forward to for a long time and the Koru Kayaking tour didn’t disappoint. Paddling in double kayaks, we covered around 5km of the St. Agnes coastline with knowledgemeble guide Tom providing us with fascinating insights and facts about the areas mining heritage, as well as its rich marine life.

We tackled some lively looking waves, spotted seals, paddled between rocks and even explored a secluded pebble beach and the entrance to an old mine. At just over 2 hours long, I felt it was the ideal lengh of time and it was so enjoyable that it’s given me the confidence to say that sea kayaking is definitely something I’ll be doing much more of in the future, though I’ll be sticking to guided tours for a little while longer.

If you’re heading to Cornwall and fancy having a go at sea kayaking yourself, I would not hesitate in recommending Tom and Hetty. The North Coast Kayak Adventure from Trevaunance Cove costs £40 per person with Koru Kayaking.

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Unforgettable Luxury Glamping Holidays at Fir Hill Yurts, Cornwall

Idyllic countryside with abundant wildflowers, close proximity to dramatic Cornish coastline and a historic estate full of intrigue, and that’s barely scratching the surface. Since being abandoned in the 1940’s, the Fir Hill estate in Colan near Newquay, has recently been transformed into a stunning glamping site, providing stylish traditional Mongolian yurt accommodation.

The Fir Hill yurts are completely off-grid and set within 62 acres of woodland, just 5km from Newquay and a short walk away from Porth Reservoir. There are currently 9 yurts on site, providing comfortable and spacious accommodation, ideal for family holidays.

The Yurt Accommodation

The construction of these traditional Mongolian yurts is perfection. With not a gap in sight and generous use of material layers including thick 100% sheep wool felt insulation, the result is a truly cosy interior, snug during chilly summer nights and yet surprisingly cool during the day.

After a long but pleasant drive and a warm welcome, I settle into my own Tardis-like yurt. Inside I find a kingsize and two double beds, each equally comfortable, along with bedside tables and lanterns. There’s also two large armchairs, and unlike most glamping accommodation I’ve stayed in, there’s also somewhere to hang clothes up and a set of drawers allowing me to tidy away the contents of my bags and make myself at home.

Each yurt is set within its own landscaped grounds, dominated with a spacious decked area which includes a picnic bench. Beyond that, each yurt has its own kitchen shelter containing cutlery, crockery, cookware, a kettle and gas burner.

The camper in me dictates I must be over-prepared for every situation, and I bring my own cool box, crockery and cookware with me. I needn’t have bothered though, everything I need, including a good quality igloo cool box and even kindling for my personal fire pit, is right here.

Each yurt comes with its own well equipped kitchen shelter

My usually invaluable solar power hub proves unnecessary too, as the barn, a funky communal space that guests are encouraged to use, is not only a great space to relax in, but a convenient place to recharge any essential devices.

Despite it being the August Bank holiday weekend, good weather is of course never a given in the UK, but for 5 days straight I awoke to blue skies and blazing sunshine, the ideal weather to enjoy glamping to it’s fullest, and perfect for exploring the grounds of the estate and this part of Cornwall.

The Fir Hill Estate

The estate is a historic treasure trove, rich in archaeological features that provide glimpses into the ancient use of the woodland, including what’s thought to be the remains of a rare Ochre mine, as well as clear evidence of the John Edyvean canal, an ambitious scheme to create a lockless canal sytem, running from Mawgan Porth to St Columb Porth, that was never completed.

I enjoy a lazy afternoon walk through the estate grounds in the company of charming owner, Charlie Hoblyn. As we walk he talks animatedly, revealing future plans, pointing out archaeological features and sharing his seemingly endless knowledge of the trees and plants that we pass.

Charlies words demonstrate a clear love for this place, and his commitment to the land is evident in meticulous woodland management and the planting of hundreds of new trees, ensuring that for every area of ground cleared to accommodate yurts, at least as much has been replanted, and his enthusiasm and passion is infectious.

The sun setting over Porth Reservoir, viewed from the barn

I can think of no better environment for a relaxing, back to nature family holiday, but don’t expect back to basics from this glamping site. The facilities here are excellent.

The barn is a stunning building with the most incredible countryside views that lead the eye down towards Porth Reservoir. Packed full of comfy sofas, stunning wooden tables and a cupboard full of boardgames, the first floor features enormous picture windows; the perfect vantage point from which to view the setting sun.

Inside the barn which guests are free to use

From the secluded woodland setting of the estate, it’s hard to believe the lively coastal town of Newquay is only a few kilometres away. Indeed, the only real clue as to the proximity of the coast are the many wetsuits slung over the small wooden fences that surround each occupied yurt. When I return after a day on the water exploring the dramatic St Agnes coastline, knowing my own wetsuit will soon be drying in the warm evening sunshine is curiously gratifying.

My wetsuit drying in the sunshine after a day on the water

Out and About

Don’t be mistaken into believing that all this part of Cornwall has to offer revolves around the sea though. Whilst the powerful Atlantic is a huge draw to surfers and adrenaline junkies alike, within half an hour in either direction of the Fir Hill, there are an endless number of places to see and things to do.

From walking the superb South West Coast Path, ambling around delightful little fishing villages and sampling fresh Cornish crab, shopping or even trying your hand at local arts and crafts, through to the more obvious crowd pleasers like Newquay Zoo and The Eden Project; the area provides something for absolutely everyone.

Bedruthan Step is a short drive away

I spend my evenings reading, either sitting outside on my deck, or laying on my ridiculously comfortable bed, yurt door flung open, allowing me to glance up every now and again to appreciate the stunning views. The closeness of such ancient woodland is truly calming. The quiet is punctuated by cattle lowing and the plaintive cries of Buzzards; all to the backing of delicate twittering birdsong and the distant carefree sound of children playing.

Enjoying the sun setting after another glorious day

The final verdict

My own five days at the Fir Hill flew by, and a week or more could very easily and comfortably be spent here.

For those seeking an alternative family holiday or for couples wanting a romantic long weekend break at the luxury end of the glamping scale, the Fir Hill offers everything you could want from a glamping holiday, and at the end of your stay, you’ll be sad to leave this slice of idyllic Cornish countryside behind.

Why should you choose the Fir Hill yurts?

• The Fir Hill yurts are perfectly located for exploring the north Cornwall coastline. Half an hour south takes you to historic St. Agnes where I booked a superb sea kayaking trip with Koru Kayaking, whilst half an hour north will get you to Padstow and beyond.
• The estate is a short drive from Newquay and all of its attractions, I went on the Newquay Sea Safaris seal spotting boat tour and can throughly recommend it.
• The Fir Hill estate is stunning and packed full of the historic remnants of the old Manor house and it’s numerous outbuildings. Wild and enchanting, the woodland here is ripe for exploration.
• The quality of the yurts is exceptional. Whilst they don’t contain wood burning stoves, their construction is such that even in the colder months, I suspect they would remain comfortably habitable.
• The rustic wooden bedframes house ridiculously comfy beds with warm duvets, woolen throws and plump pillows – I promise you will not sleep badly here.
• The facilities are excellent and over the coming years are set to get even better, with plans to develop further woodland walkways and to install wood-heated hot tubs.
• Generous light, airy and clean shower and toilet rooms (with off-grid power and water heating) are a pleasure to use. Just bring your toiletries, flip flops and a fluffy robe.
• A great team including owner Charlie, cousin Phillip and younger Charlie who are full of smiles and happy to chat or answer questions.
• Lilly, the adorably placid big grey labradoodle who rolls over for a tummy rub and often pads over to the yurts at breakfast time in hope of a sausage.

Find out more or book your holiday at the Fir Hill Glamping here.

See more photographs of Fir Hill Glamping.

Thank you to Charlie at the Fir Hill for inviting me to stay.

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