Category: Outdoor Tips

How about a campervan Christmas… In Cornwall?

Where to camp at Christmas

A UK campervan Christmas isn’t for everybody but if you fancy swapping the family noise for a bit of peace and quiet, there are campervan sites open all year and finding campsites at Christmas isn’t as tricky as you might think.

Two years ago we decided to turn our backs on the traditional family gathering and try a campervan Christmas instead. Despite living in Devon, we didn’t opt for Christmas by the beach but set off instead to one of the UK’s best campsites at Christmas.

Continue reading “How about a campervan Christmas… In Cornwall?”

Five map symbols to help you explore Scotland

We all know there are map symbols for rivers, maps symbols for forests and map symbols for the coast but did you know there are also some map symbols that are especially useful if you are travelling to Scotland?

Continue reading “Five map symbols to help you explore Scotland”

Dogs in campervans – my top tips

Before our recent road trip to Scotland, I wondered how compatible dogs and campervans really were.

But even in our small van, I have been pleasantly surprised.

This fortnight road trip around Scotland was Fred’s third campervan holiday but it was also his longest. When he was just an excitable pup we celebrated a white Christmas in the van at Glen Coe.

Once he’s clean, he makes an excellent hot water bottle.

Continue reading “Dogs in campervans – my top tips”

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.

Continue reading “Six really helpful coastal map symbols”

5 fun ways to use your route-planning app

It’s no secret that I think the best route-planning app is OS Maps but whichever map app you choose, you’ll be pleased to hear these clever geographical gizmos aren’t just useful for planning walks, runs and cycle rides.

Route planning apps can also be a whole lot of fun.

Continue reading “5 fun ways to use your route-planning app”

Sustainable New Year Resolutions for Outdoor Adventurers

Last year’s new year resolution

I’m not really a new year’s resolution type of girl. Mainly because I don’t have a good success rate, but this year I did manage to complete (just about) the new year’s resolution (some might call it a challenge) I set in January 2023.

I didn’t shop in supermarkets for a whole year.

Continue reading “Sustainable New Year Resolutions for Outdoor Adventurers”

Are outdoor gear ‘essentials’ too expensive?

What kit do I need for a DofE expedition?

The topic of outdoor gear essentials has, in the past, been a favourite of mine. From Ten Tors kit lists to wild camping tent recommendations, I have been just as keen as the next outdoor expert to insist people need certain kit to take part in certain outdoor activities.

But this year, as I faced my first group of 2024 Duke of Edinburgh’s Award trainees, I realised how much my thoughts on the topic of essential outdoor kit have changed over the last 20 years.

Continue reading “Are outdoor gear ‘essentials’ too expensive?”

How to use snap to path in OS Maps 2023

What is snap to path?

If you know how to use the OS Maps app to plan a walking route, you’ve probably already used the snap-to-path feature. It’s a useful tool that can take some of the time (and clicks) out of creating an online route by automatically aligning it with existing roads, paths and tracks.

It’s useful but not perfect…yet!

Continue reading “How to use snap to path in OS Maps 2023”

Frantic Christmas Eve? We have ten quick outdoor activities for the whole family.

For many of us here in the UK, Christmas Eve is a time of preparation. As well as the obvious jobs like sprouts, presents and potatoes, there are those tasks nobody else ever thinks about. You know the sort of thing.

Continue reading “Frantic Christmas Eve? We have ten quick outdoor activities for the whole family.”

How to get the whole family to go for a walk this Christmas

The Christmas holidays are nearly here. The family needs entertaining. And you need a break from Christmas preparations. Why not forget the to-do list for a few hours, and go for a walk with the whole family?

Well even I can think of plenty of reasons!

Continue reading “How to get the whole family to go for a walk this Christmas”