Dry robe review. The D-Robe Beaufort Robe

Disclaimer: The Beaufort dry robe was gifted to me by D-Robe, who did not ask me to write this review. It is an honest and open account of my opinion.

Whether your outdoor swimming pool is at the beach, a river or a lake, as winter approaches you can be sure of one thing.

The water is going to get colder.

Cold water swimming is amazing for your physical and mental health. I would recommend it and the communities that surround it to anyone. Wild swimming, especially sea swimming is absolutely the best way I’ve found of cheering myself up on darker winter days.

But I do find it difficult to warm up afterwards.

Until now I’ve resisted the urge to try a changing robe. In fact I’m almost the last person in my swimming group not to have one. but I am aware that putting the heating on to warm up after a swim isn’t great for the environment or my energy bills.

So when D-Robe offered me their Beaufort outdoor robe to try, I was keen to take the opportunity.

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Six really helpful coastal map symbols

We tend to associate map symbols with hills and footpaths but our popular coastal walking routes like the South West Coast Path have their own idiosyncrasies. Luckily for us, Ordnance Survey maps have a set of map symbols to help us safely navigate coastal areas and enjoy being by the sea.

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Adventures by train – Par’s Time and Tide Bell

One of the things I love most about my train adventures is they take me off the beaten path to explore places and discover treasure I wasn’t expecting to find.

Like a bell in the middle of a lonely beach.

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Ten Devon and Cornwall train adventures

Have you noticed any hints of autumn yet? I have but they’re so slight, I’m choosing to ignore them and make the most of the last few weeks of summer 2024.

So far I’ve had a grand summer.

Especially when it comes to train adventures.

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My GWR Pullman Dining Experience

I love trains and I love food (doesn’t everybody?)

Which means that when GWR (Great Western Railway) my local train company asked me if I would like to try the new summer menu for their Pullman dining experience, I jumped at the chance.

And so did my daughter.

In truth I had been looking for a mother and daughter day out, and this seemed like the perfect way to spend some quality time together.

Because eating together is always special.

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South Devon beach hut rental near train stations.

Beach hut life can be every bit as wonderful as the Instagram images make it look. Who wouldn’t want a place on the beach to call their own?

Even just for the day.

  • Somewhere to sit and watch the world
  • Your own private picnic location
  • A piece of seaside real estate to call your own
  • Shelter if the wind gets up

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Graffiti: Art or Vandalism

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If you enjoy street art, you’ll love this discussion on the topic of graffiti. And you’ll be even more impressed with the suggestions for car free trips to visit street art across Europe.

Graffiti is a subject of heated debate; is it art or is it vandalism? From colorful murals that adorn urban landscapes to hastily sprayed tags on public property, graffiti provokes a myriad of reactions. But is it a legitimate form of artistic expression, or merely an act of defacement?

Here we delve into the multifaceted world of graffiti to explore its history, its impact, and the opinions that surround it.

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UK boat trains – how to travel to Europe by train and ferry.

When I was 16 my mum put me on a train from Malvern to Weymouth. It was 1984, I had just completed my O’Level exams and was destined to get some work experience with Aunty Guernsey.

At Weymouth I was supposed to catch the boat train to Weymouth Harbour before getting on board the Guernsey ferry. All I needed to do was change platforms but when I arrived, the boat train wasn’t there.

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Days out by train with a Devon and Cornwall Railcard

It’s no secret that regional train travel in the UK is cheaper than longer distance travel. Especially if your journey necessitates you travelling though certain cities.

But exploring your local area can be great fun.

In June 2023, GWR became the first train company to take their regional railcard digital. I applied for mine online, and now have a Devon and Cornwall Railcard stored safely on my phone.

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Afternoon tea in Devon – near a train station

From train to scone in five minutes.

Sounds great doesn’t it. And let’s face it, when the British seaside weather is playing up, what better way to while away the afternoon than with a traditional afternoon tea.

We’ve discovered that even the best afternoon tea tastes more delicious when you arrive in style by train. No traffic queues, no parking hassle, just a comfy seat and perhaps a book to read.

So sit back and enjoy the view; we’ve got the low-down on the best Devon afternoon teas you can enjoy just a short stroll from their nearest train station.

How’s that for a car-free treat?

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