Something For The Weekend #21

Has Winter finally graced itself with it's presence? We've been holding fire and waiting for it to hit home over the last few weeks, but that temperature hasn't been willing to drop itself below 12°C before this week it seems, even the evenings have been fairly mild! I did however venture out to the football last night and it's the first time I've felt that wintry bite etching it's way on to my skin. I didn't freeze though, which is partly down to my decision to finally invest in a decent pair of 3 season socks. I find with warm feet, the rest of the body tends to follow suit! Although wearing JUST a pair of socks isn't to be advised...

The first port of call for this weeks Something For The Week comes courtesy of the October/November issue of Outdoor Fitness Magazine. If your feeling a bit peckish or trying to keep off the sweet stuffs ready for a good gorging at Christmas, then look away now.

Here's the top five Cycling Cake Stops in the UK.

1. Greystoke Cycle Cafe, Cumbria. After a muddy day out on the trails, staff at Greystoke Cycle Cafe will welcome you with towels and blankets when it's miserable, free water bottle fill ups, use of pumps and chunky, sticky flapjacks to eat. There's even a cycle barn for sleep overs. Open Easter weekend til late September.

2. Zappi's Cafe, Oxford. Quaff proper Italian coffee, surrounded by cycling banter, historic photos and racing memorabilia. Flavio Zappi, the Giro D'Italia Green Jersey winner, gives his name to this bastion of chocolate brownies and still rides out from here with his local cycle club.

3. National Trust Cafe, Box Hill, Surrey. No one does cake better than a National Trust tea room, so where better to stop off than the cycle friendly 'cafe hatch' at Box Hill? Light with a jam and cream filling, the Victoria Sponge is a just reward for riding up the Olympian Box Hill switchback.

4. Look Mum No Hands, London. Settle back to watch pro races on TV, fettle your bike, grease your chain, chat about your day and buy cracking, calorific cakes - try the Guinness cake. This is a cyclist's paradise and with such moreish treats, it can be tough to get back on your saddle.

5. Purple Mountain Cafe, Dalby Forest. A unique Biker Biscuit (chocolate and raisin) awaits those who can overcome the range of mountain bike trails at Dalby Forest in North Yorkshire. This cafe celebrates fresh, high quality, non-processed foods and loves nowt better than a muddy cyclist!

Not into that? Try this...

Why not get into the festive spirit at the Hyde Park Winter-wonderland! You can go and have a relaxing skate around the Ice Rink or test your nerves somewhat on the rollercoaster! And of course what Winter-wonderland wouldn't be complete without a visit to Santa and his Elves at the Grotto!

Product Of The Week

The North Face Women's Arctic Parka.

Something For The Weekend #20

Morning all! It's rather fresh out there today isn't it? John, our Business Development Manager has just had some exciting news through this morning, three of our products will be featuring on The Gadget Show on the 19th December! Hopefully gathering the same success as the Salomon Cosmic 4D GTX Boot did in September 2009, this years pick are The Lowa Renegade II, Timberland 6 Inch Premium and The North Face Chilkats. The Cosmic really has had a devout following ever since it's appearance, although in saying that the quality of the boot really does sell itself.

Following on quite neatly from last weeks post we thought we'd have a closer look at The Chesnut Centre Conservation & Wildlife Park. Situated just North-East of Chapel-en-le-Frith, it's also only a stones throw away from Buxton, which provides a healthy base for the Peaks. Having been there myself I can attest that it's well worth a visit! We found it by accident actually whilst out for a drive around the surrounding area. The Park's main focus is on it's Otter and Owl inhabitants.

Theres a mini lake in the centre of the park where you can amble around and watch the playful Otter's in their natural habitat. There are points where you have to play 'spot the otter', but theres always one that gleefully pokes it head out of the water for a photo opportunity. Down from the lake you find yourself greeted by all sorts of Owls, Pine Martens and other furry friends.

The park itself was founded in 1984 by the Heap family, who also own and run the New Forest Wildlife Park in Marchwood, Hampshire. As well as being a fantastic family attraction, the Chesnut Centre does valuable work when it comes to care facilities and rehabilitation for injured or orphaned otters.

Not into that? Try this...

If Owls and Otters aren't your thing then maybe the Bakewell Craft & Gift Fair can interest you? It happens every weekend in the Bridgend Hall, which is situated just through the bath gardens in the centre of town. Theres always hundreds of unique stalls selling individual crafts and gifts, perfect for a few stocking fillers! Plus you can pay a visit to one of the towns many bakery's and sample the world famous Bakewell Tart!

It's open this weekend, Saturday and Sunday, 10-30am till 4-30pm.

Product Of The Week

This weeks product of the week, just in case you encounter a bit of mud on your way around The Chesnut Centre, The Hunter Original Adjustable Boots.

Something For The Weekend #19

I thought I'd go for a morning slot for this weeks Something For The Weekend, that fresh nip in the air keeps your mind sprightly to assess whats going on this weekend. First of all I ought to mention that we're currently now open weekdays from 9am - 8pm, giving you ample time to get all your orders and queries in. Get yourself in from work, settle down with a the poison of your choice and and choose some lovely insulation for the winter or some Christmas gifts for your loved ones. Simples!

For a walk this week we thought we'd take in a more urban surrounding, although a beautiful urban surrounding it is too! We're going to have a gander at the enchanting Derbyshire spa town of Buxton. It's said to have the highest elevation point of any market town in the country and is widely seen as the 'gateway to the Peak District'. The walk itself starts at The Crescent in the centre of town and see's you ending up around the Pavillon Gardens.

The 5th Duke of Devonshire built Buxton's famous Crescent as glorious accomodation for the town's spa visitors. One of the main features of the buildings are it's wide doorways, built to allow the fashinonable broad skirted dresses of the day to pass through. The Crescent houses shops, coffee rooms and assembly rooms.

Onwards and upwards along from The Crescent you'll find yourself coming up to the Natural Mineral Baths which were built on the site of the old Roman Baths, between 1851 and 1854. You can also quench your thirst by filling up your bottles with healthy Buxton Mineral Water at St.Annes Well, which was said to have healed the ill folk of Buxton in Medieval times.

Further on down your walk you'll hit the Opera House. The Theatre manages to put on around 450 shows a year and is also home to the International Gilbert and Sullivan Festival. The Opera House was opened in 1903 and in 1927 it was used as a Cinema.

At point 14 of the walk you'll find yourself coming into the market place, which predates the famous Crescent. It's officially the highest market place in England, so make sure you take your breathing apparatus with you!

As you saunter along you'll also get to take in St. Annes Church, Grin Low Woods, Broad Walk and then finishing up at the Pavillon Gardens, which were designed by Joseph Paxton's own student, Edward Milner.





Not into that? Try this...

For something a little more homely you can also get yourself down to the Ideal Home Show At Christmas. The show brings together over 500 quality exhibitions, ranging from interiors & furnishings to food & drink. It certainly wouldn't be an Ideal Home Show without all your favourite celebs making an appearance too, theres going to be Laurence Llwelyn-Bowen, chef Gizzi Erskine and wine expert Olly Smith. It's all going on at Earls Court and tickets start from just £10, so if your still looking for ideas for your home this Christmas, or indeed any time, it's well worth a looky look!


Product Of The Week

This weeks product of the week, ensuring warm and cosy feet while venturing around Buxton, The Merrell Women's Oslo Waterproof Boot.

Something For The Weekend #18

Without stating the obvious, it's rather dark outside now isn't it? It's a bit of a so so to get used to, but once you've got used to driving home in the dark you get yourself into the routine eventually. Unfortunately there are people who find this time of the year tougher than others, being taken with 'Seasonal Affective Disorder' or rather glumly known as 'SAD'. There are ways to combat it though and I know a couple of people who use Bright Light Therapy, where your exposed to specific wavelengths or 'tones' of light which mimic natural sunlight. It's not a clinically proven cure or treatment, but it does seem to have some affect, which can only be a positive thing!

Right, now the elephant in the room has been acknowledged (and that's only because I turned my bright light box on), we can get on with the show!

We had a look at Glaramara in the lakes a few days ago, now it's the turn of Dale Head. Another Fell in the Lakes, Dale Head rises to 753 metres and is situated just north of Honister Pass. The route we're checking out today comes from the September/October edition of Lakeland Walker. It starts it's way from Rosthwaite by Tongue Gill and leads you up to the summit of Dale Head itself, where theres some lovely open views of the Newlands Valley and Skiddaw. Here's the route directions...

1. From the Car Park by the Church Hall, continue along the lane away from the main B5289 road, then turn right on track to River Derwent.

2. Cross the stepping stones and turn right, or you can head downstream around 300m and turn back left. Take path up to left of sidestream (Tongue Gill) to plateau.

3. Keep ahead (west) through wide col to meet cairned path and turn left to cross Newlands Beck to Dalehead Tarn.

4. The pitched path to the right of the tarn ascents North-West to shoulder, then less steeply South-West up spur to summit.

And there it is, the four steps of Dale Head!

Not into that? Try this...

Alternatively, you can take a more casual approach and bake a few cakes for the lakes! The 'Cakes for the Lakes' project has been organised by Friends of the Lake district. It's a fundraiser to help raise money to maintain the Lake Districts beautiful landscape. The initiative is being launched on 19th November by local food writer and Chef, Annette Gibbons OBE, at the Kendal United reformed church hall.

Pretty much anyone can get involved though and it's all about cooking delicious Cumbrian cake recipes and enjoying them with your friends and family.

Product Of The Week

This weeks product of the week, to help you up some of those steep inclines on your way to the summit of Dale Head, The Leki Wanderfreund Antishock Walking Pole.

Something For The Weekend #17

We've had a small hiatus from Something For The Weekend over the last week or so, which was mainly down to me heading off to Bruges for a short break. If your running out of ideas for city breaks then I urge you to take a look in it's direction. It's one of those cities you can just wander around aimlessly and discover a new little cafe or square round every corner. Some of the architecture is mind blowing, especially the city's renowned Belfy. There's also a plentiful array of museums, from Hans Miemling's 15th Century works to the Groeninge Museum's collection of art that spans through 6th centuries. Plus the local Belgian Beer is a must, once you go Leffe Bruin, you don't go back!

Anyway back to business, ever considered a walk around Glaramara in the Lakes? 'Glaramara' itself is a fell with a height of 783m at the central point of it's ridge. The fell stretches out a fair bit too, scaling a good 6km all the way from Stonethwaite in Borrowdale up to the mountain pass of Esk House.

The name 'Glaramara' has a bit of a Lord Of The Rings twang to it, but it derives from a series of old Norse words that literally translate as "The mountain with the shieling (mountain hut) by a ravine."

Glaramara also plays host to an annual fell race, starting from the Outdoor Centre around Seatoller and finishing up at the summit of Glaramara itself. It's around 8km and this years winning time was 45 minutes, very impressive!

If your not up to running 8km and let's face it most of us aren't, then there's plenty of other walking routes to take to really get the best out of Glaramara and it's surroundings. There's some brilliant views on this route starting at Seathwaite, or alternatively you could try this route starting at the already mentioned Stonethwaite.

Not into that? Try this...

Now we can't have a Someting For The Weekend post without mentioning some sort of food stuff or beverage and today is no different! With that being the case, why not have a look at 'The Wine Show' at London Olympia? It's dubbed as London's finest Wine experience, with the country's leading wine experts on hand to give advice and some of the world's best wine producer's present. There's even going to be a wine tasting session with TV expert and presenter, Oz Clarke!

If you feel like you need a bit of guidance on your wine journey then the Wine Show even offers a 'Wine Walk' headed by renowned critic Joe Wadsack, who will take you round each exhibition and talk you through his chosen wines.

The show itself starts on Friday and goes through to Sunday, so you've got plenty of time to get in and have a meander around this beverage heaven.

Product Of The Week

This weeks product of the week, to help keep that chilling wind at bay without weighing you down whilst out on Glaramara, The Mountain Equipment Men's Astron Hooded Jacket.

Something For The Weekend #16

Coming back to you on our regular Wednesday slot, as the title may suggest, It's this weeks Something For The Weekend. In a week that's seen the red mist decend on a certain England centre forward we're here again to attend to your weekend needs.

The week that was has also seen quite a major announcement in the ODK office, with Katie on our customer service team taking the opportunity to go and work in Norway for 5 months, it's a once in a lifetime chance and hopefully we'll be seeing her again in the near future to regale us with stories of her Scandinavia adventures. Not only has she been a vital member of the customer service team, she's been a fantastic part of the Outdoorkit family for the last year or so, so suffice to say she'll sorely be missed! When we next see her after her Scandanavian tour we expect her to be speaking flawless Norwegian too!

Right, onwards and upwards, what have we got this weekend? Well first up, an idea coming from our friends from Country Walking Magazine, weather permitting, why not give Tryfan a go?

Tryfan's a considerably challenging peak to conquer, it's aesthetics being more in keeping with something you'd expect to see on the back of a Stegosaurus. Consequently, all of it's ascents involve a certain amount of scrambling. If your not a fan of a leisurely scramble then Country Walking point out a more walkable route by the name of Heather Terrace. The route might put more emphasis on your legs than your legs and feet together, however it still has a certain amount of foreboding attached to it. Not that we want to put you off you understand, but it always seems better to overestimate your challenge than underestimate it. It's a rocky route, with crags above and cliffs below.

The route CW have fitted out gives you just over 8km of walking/scrambling with a healthy 5hr completion time. Theres only really one cafe near by, so stocking up on plenty of your own fluids and energy foods would be advisable! The route sees you starting off from the south of Llyn Ogwen, following the A5 North-Easterly of Tryfan itself, then scurring back down with Tryfan on your right, where the scrambling begins, unless you decide to take on Heather Terrace. After your successful summit, you'll see yourself arrowing back up again with Llyn Bochlywd on your left hand side, until you reach Ogwen Cottage where you can stop for a well earned breather. From there you follow the A5 back round to your starting position. Simples!

Not into that? Try this...

If a tranquill bike ride is more your thing, why not check out the Sky Ride inititive, which is trying to bring cycling to the masses. The route on show today is the Cheshire Lakes and Tatton Park. Setting off this Sunday at 10am the 11.4m route starts off in the idyllic village of Ashley and takes in a varied combination of scenic Cheshire lanes, roads and tracks. This particular ride has been classified in the 'Brisk' category with speeds getting up to around 9-10 mph.

Linking in with the Sky Ride inititive, it's also worth mentioning a new charity that has just been set up called 'Go Make It Happen'. It's been set up in aid of Sam Harding, who tragically lost his life while riding his bike in London. The aim of the charity is to give young people a leg up, an opportunity to fulfill their own potential. A fundraiser is being organised for the end of the year and Sky Ride have kindly donated a signed cycling bib by one of the members of Westlife!

Product of the Week

This weeks product of the week, to help keep your energy up while tackling Tryfan, the delectable Jack Link's Flamin' Buffalo Style Chicken Bites.

Something For The Weekend #15

A day later than usual, but still coming at you with the same vigour and excitement for the coming weekend, it is of course this weeks Something For The Weekend. It's been a rather busy week this week, we've all been pulling our weight in the Outdoorkit Warehouse, helping to put up racking and shelves to make room for all the shiny new products this Autumn/Winter! Plus today is the first day in a long while that I've actually felt a bit of a chill in the air, with that pinching Great British air knocking into you as you leave the warmth of your house first thing in the morning and make your way out to your car.

The main event for you this week is the Peak District Mountain Bike Challenge 2011. It's all happening this Saturday, 8th October in Hope Valley, Derbyshire. The Bike Challenge gives riders of all experience groups exciting biking routes, plus stunning views of the Peaks.

Theres a choice of four routes, which are as follows...

1. Adventure Route (Approx 14 miles) A great introduction to the Dark Peaks, Although this is our shortest route, it will provide you with some technical rocky trails, big hills and wonderful views.

2. Advanced Route (Approx 23 miles) This route is suited to more experienced riders wanting to ride some of the more technical trails, taking in some Dark Peak classics. Expect big hills and loose rocks.

3. Extreme Route (Approx 34 miles) For very fit and competent riders only, this is the ultimate off road biking experience. With 34 miles of steep hills and technical terrain, this really is a tough challenge.

4. Ultimate Route (Approx 42 miles) For very fit and competent riders only, this is the ultimate off road biking route. With 42 miles of steep hills, technical terrain and exposed stretches, this is the toughest of them all!

Unfortunately advanced registration for the event is now closed, however you can still get down there and register on the day at Hope Valley College. Registration times for the Ultimate and Extreme routes are 9.30am - 9.45am and for the Adventure and Advanced Routes 9.50am- 10am. Happy biking!

Not into that? Try this...

Grand Designs Live! Now having lived with someone who 'read' Architecture at University, I know just how revered Mr Kevin McCloud and his his empire of Grand Designs really is! Starting tomorrow and going through to Sunday, Grand Designs Live is coming to the NEC in Birmingham for one massive extravaganza.

The event packs in ideas and inspiration for the home with specific areas dedicated to interiors, kitchens, bathrooms plus technologies and gardens. Theres all sorts of unique products on offer. Over 500 exhibitors will be on show as well as 100's of seminars and work shops, giving you the low down all things design orientated.

Heres a sneaky peak of the London show...

Product Of The Week

This weeks product of the week, with the Peak District Mountain Bike Challenge in mind, the Ronhill Men's Advance Windlite Jacket. Lightweight, windproof, breathable protection.

Something For The Weekend #14

Something is definitely out of sync this week, 20°C plus at the end of September? Absolutely crackers, won't complain too much though, it is lovely out there! On the flip side we're still very much expecting a rather nippy, snowy Winter ahead, so make sure you get your insulated's on in preparation. We even had a bit of a Bergans trying on session last week, I was quite taken by the Kvitfjell Insulated Down Jacket, surprisingly lightweight and minimalist considering the amount of quality insulation it packs in.

Time to get down to the nitty gritty of finding something to do this weekend. This week we've got a route in Snowdonia as featured in November's edition of Trail. The route is 'Pen-y-Pass to Idwal Cottage' which follows the main Glyderau Ridge, taking in the Glyder Fawr and Glyder Fach peaks. The terrain can be steep with rocky crest's and high sided corries.

Here's the step by step route as listed by Trail Magazine...

1. From the back of the youth Hostel gain the broad shoulder overlooking Llyn Cwmffynnon. Head north-west to the base of the broad south ridge of Glyder Fawt, then climb the ridge direct to the summit.

2. Head east-north-east along the main ridge, passing the impressive rocks of Castell Y Gwynt to reach the summit rocks of Glyder Fach.

3. Descend east, watching out for The Cantilever Stone, and aim for the broad col occupied by Llyn Caseg-Fraith.

4. From just above the col pick up the Miners Track and follow it north-west as it traverses below the crags of Glyder Fach to reach Bwlch Tryfan.

5. From the col, either make a short out and back ascent of Tryfan, or continue down the Miners Track to Idwal Cottage Youth Hostel at the western end of Llyn Ogwen.

Altogether the route is 9km in length and has a total ascent of 750m. The approach to Glyder Fawr is possibly the hardest part of the route, but you can get that out the way fairly quickly, allowing you to relax somewhat and enjoy the rest of the ridge.

Not into that? Try this...

I must admit there seems to be a reccuring theme for this part of the blog. It's always seems to involve food! It might be partly down to the fact that everyone in the office takes part in 'Munchies Monday' where we all take it in turns to cook something delicious (or not) and then bring it in to be devoured at the beginning of the week, so we just have food on the membrane. Or it might be just that we all love our food in the U.K. so much that there's always at least one farmers market somewhere over a weekend!

This week we thought Notting Hill Farmers Market was well worth a glance. The markets been up and running since September 1999 and it's regarded as one of the areas best kept secrets with all sorts of produce available. You can get fresh eggs, freshly cut flowers, the best quality meats around plus an eclectic assortment of fruit, veg and cheeses. The next meet is this Saturday, 9am-1pm, 1st October. The market itself is just tucked away behind Notting Hill Tube Station.

Product Of The Week

For absolute durability and 'out of the box comfort', ideal for getting yourself around Glyderau Ridge, The Lowa Men's Renegade II GTX Mid Boots.

Something For The Weekend #13

The last couple of weeks has seen the new gear flying in. We've had Buff, Caterpillar, Jack Wolfskin, Bergans and Jack Link's all roll into the warehouse. So we're more than prepared for the Winter chill and that's without more imminent drops of the likes of The North Face, Haglofs and Berghaus Winter warmers!

But without further ado, let's have a look at a few possibilities to help fill up your weekends!

First up, why not have a relaxing amble around Buckinghamshire. Filled with picturesque villages and scenic lanes, Bucks has plenty to offer the avid walker. Of course, to the south of the county you have the rolling Chiltern Hills. Designated as an 'area of outstanding natural beauty' in the 1960's, the Chilterns highest peak is 876ft at Haddington Hill, close to Wendover.

You could even go and follow the Icknield Way, an ancient trackway that served the Anglo-Saxons. It was also said to have been part of the 'four highways' of Medieval Britain, along with Ermine Street, Fosse Way and Watling Street. The Four Highways were thought to have been constructed by royal authority and anyone who travelled on them had royal protection, so you can't find a safer walking route than Icknield Way! The existance of these ancient paths also lead to the existance of ancient civilisations and outposts, which you might be able to have a closer look at yourselves if you pay a visit.

If theres any Vicar Of Dibley fans out there then it may be interesting to note the opening credits of the show featured an aerial shot of Stokenchurch Gap, a steep chalk cutting constructed through the Chiltern Hills, although you'll have to venture over the border into Oxfordshire for a wee gander.

For a walk slap bang in the middle of the Chilterns the Disraeli's Des Res route at Hughenden Manor is definitely worth a look.

Not into that? Try this...

The Taste Cumbria Food Festival. It's a weekend long celebration of Cumbria's finest food and drink and I'm sure theres going to be a plethora of samples on offer, as well as the chance to take some delicious goodies home with you! The Festival itself is taking place this weekend, 24th-25th September. You can buy tickets or a wristband here, to sample everything the festival has to offer.

You can also buy seperate tickets for celebrity demonstations. Celebrity Chefs heading up to Cumbria include the one and only Hairy Bikers, Tom Kitchin (fantastically appropriate name) and Ravinder Bhogal. Theres also a bounty of other food and drink specialists taking part, including breadmakers, bakers, brewers and many, many more!

Product Of The Week

This weeks product of the week, for all day walking comfort in The Chilterns, The SmartWool PhD Outdoor Light Crew Socks.

Something For The Weekend #12

In a week where the Rugby World Cup has kicked off, we're back for another Something For The Weekend. It's the big tournements that seem to excite even non Rugby fans. Being a self confessed Football nut myself, I never thought I'd get excited about Scotland vs Georgia kicking off at 8-30am in the morning. But there I was before I shot off to work, watching the Georgians proudly singing their national anthem and the scots belting out flower of Scotland. It's the same with tennis, I hardly watch a set all year, then Wimbledon or the US Open crops up and I'm completely fixated by it. Maybe I'm a 'fair weather' sports fan or perhaps I focus too much of my attention on the footy! Tonga vs Romania should be a cracker...

Anyway, I digress, back to the great outdoors! Inspired by an article in this months Country Walking Magazine, I thought it'd be rather pleasant to look at a renowned walk in the South-West. The Bath Skyline route consists of 6 miles of way-marked trails situated to the east of Bath city centre. With the route being quite elevated you end up with some stunning views of the beautiful and historic city. Heres one of the main routes provided by the National Trust.

1 Standing on Bathwick Hil, with your back to Cleveland Walk, take the path opposite that goes between houses. Go through kissing gate (KG) and bear left (L) diagonally across field. Through next KG, after 75m go through another KG and enter Richens Orchard. Exit Orchard through another KG and follow track right. Go through KG, down slope and steps and follow until KG. Cross track to next KG and bear diagonally R uphill.

2 Go through KG into field opposite and bear R diagonally uphill to KG. Bear diagonally L uphill across next field towards houses. At far corner turn R immediately after KG to road. Turn L uphill on road. After last house turn R across road and follow path uphill through woods. At KG turn R and follow path straight ahead to gap in wall. 100m across next field take path bearing R away from main gravel track. Enter trees, cross a junction of tracks and follow steps downhill with railings on R. At bottomof slope turn L before KG, keeping railings on your R.


3 At gateway turn L uphill through trees to playing fields then turn R, keeping fence on your L. Keep on round perimeter of field, then go through metal gate onto gravel track. Go straight across, through KG into woodland. Keep straight on across private drive, pass field on L and keep on through more woodland. Follow path to R as it skirts an old quarry and finally arrive at houses at woodland edge.

4 Turn L through KG into field. Keep field boundary on R and at end of field take the R of two gates and follow path along wall. At main road turn L and after 25m turn R down narrow footpath. Go straight on at playing field, keeping boundary immediately on L and come to RSPCA home on L.

5 Turn R on road and after 100m turn L over stone stile in wall. After 20m turn R at crossing path, go through gate, then L onto track. Follow to first corner of field, go through KG and bear L across field. At corner, where field and woodland meet, go through KG and cross field, following woodland edge to your R.

6 At end of field go through KG and enter Bathampton Woods. At first fork bear R and keep to main trail through woods.

7 Leave woods and straight on. Bear L, slightly uphill, heading towards the R of the TV masts. As you approach the masts, there’s a woodland on R and a golf course on L. The path gradually moves away from the woodland and joins a track just to the R of the masts.


8 Follow track to second KG on R, down into woods. Path drops down very steeply through trees, then go to L just before a wire fence. Continue on path, winding through trees, go up some wooden steps to viewpoint and stone pillars of golf club drive. Here, make a short detour to Sham Castle then return to route and go through KG on R of stone pillars and follow path downhill with field boundary on L. Alternatively, for a level walk, continue from the Castle to and follow path, keeping plantation on L, across field to stile. Cross wooden bridge and continue along track through car park, at end turn R onto private road. Carry straight until Bathwick Hill, opposite Copseland. Walk down Copseland and cross Widcombe Hill to Quarry Farm. Continue along path to KG on R. Rejoin route at

9 At bottom of slope go through KG onto road (cross with care) and turn R along pavement. Take footpath L between a field and a garden and follow downhill to emerge onto Clevedon Walk. Turn L to Bathwick Hill and the start of the walk.


Not into that? Try this...

If a meandering walk around Bath isn't your thing then here's one for all you film buffs. Why not get yourself booked on an Alfred Hitchcook walk. Sandra Shevey started the London Hitchcock walk in 1999 after becoming interested in his film locations after interviewing the man himself in the 1970's. The walk sporned when she managed to find out some of the locations from Hitchcock's biggest blockbusters, such as 'Frenzy', 'The Man Who Knew Too Much' and 'The Paradine Case'.

Accompanying the walks you get an Audio guide, Sandra also uses period photos and storyboards to make the walker feel like their slap bang in the middle of a Hitchcock film. If you want to book yourself on to the walk or need more information you can email her at sandra_shevey@yahoo.com


This weeks product of the week, ideal for a merry Somerset countryside walk, The Brasher Men's Kuga GTX Shoe.

Something For The Weekend #11

We're back again to dabble into the wonderful world of the weekend. Last week we featured the 'Ring Of Steall' route in The Mamores and Poker in the Park in Hannover Square and like every week we've got two fresh ideas today!

Up first we've got a 'Sunset and Night Walk'. The walk see's you ascend to the highest point in the Peak District to view the sunset and take on the stunning surrounding views, all while sipping an inviting cup of hot chocolate.

After taking in the sunset it's off for the remainder of the night walk. There will be two possible routes, the first following the Pennine Way down Jacob's Ladder or circling around the southern edge, passing Crowden Clough to Grinslow Knoll. The plan is to arrive back at Edale between 11pm and 12pm. It's only £20 per person and a kit list is provided on booking your place. Suffice to say a headtorch would come in handy!

If you fancy staying the night in the area there's B & B's and camping available around Edale itself.

Not into that? Try this...

If your based in the south of the country and your looking for something a bit closer to home, the Thames Festival 2011 is well worth getting yourself down to! It's taking place between Westminster Bridge and Tower Bridge this weekend and there's plenty going on. Theres food and drink in abundance at the Thames Feast, you can touch up on your dancing skills with Al Fresco Tango and you can even brush up on your photography!

Probably the best thing about the whole festival is that all the events are entirely free! So you can get down and enjoy yourself, take in the entertainment and not have to blow an exceedingly large hole in your wallet at the same time.

If your not convinced, check out some of the photo's from previous Thames Festivals. There really is something for everyone! Here's the fireworks from last year's event...

This weeks product of the week, ensuring you can see every step in front of you while taking in the sunset in The Peaks, the Petzl Zipka 2 Head Torch.

Something For The Weekend #10

Ah, back at work after a refreshingly long weekend. I must say the cricket on Saturday was mindblowingly good, there was an unprecedented two bowl offs in the two semi finals which certainly added to the tension and the atmosphere and then Leicestershire came out as the surprise overall winners. The only slight downer on the day were the showers that seemed to occur every hour or so, but rain always seems to lend to the togetherness you experience at the Cricket, highlighted by the very kind bloke next to us lending us his brolly! When you work at an outdoor gear shop you really should know better than to NOT take a waterproof with you to the cricket! With a couple of beers down the hatch you tend not to notice being soggy too much however.

First up this week, we've got a walk in Scotland for you. It's the 'Ring Of Steall' just south of Fort William. This particular walk is located in a group of mountains called 'The Mamores' Which make up part of the Grampians and was featured on January's edition of Trail Magazine.

The starting and finishing point is the car park at the head of Glen Nevis road. Follow the path up the gorge to the hidden meadow at Steall, which is backed by the 100m Steall Falls. Get yourself across the infamous wire bridge across the water of nevis to reach the Steall Hut. Ascend steeply west-south-west through woods to an open bowl. Then traverse hard left below crags until it's possible to scramble up a short turfy step onto Sgurr a' Mhaim's north-east ridge. Climb this until you reach a shallow corrie where the ridge broadens and turns to the left. Scree and boulders lead to a meeting with the east ridge. Next up, tackle the summit pyramid, sticking to the crest until barred to a craggy crest. You then move slightly right before climbing ledge's on the left.

Onwards! Descend south the to narrow arete of the Devil's ridge. One of the first scrambles is a descent into a notch, which is exiled up a slabby rock step. Soon after this you pass a pinnacle via a groove on it's right, the arete then continues over a sharp summit before ending at a saddle. Next up you climb the stony slopes onto Sgurr an lubhair.

Climb the broad, stony ridge onto Am Bodach, then descend steeply north-east. A small unamed top follows and then the rounded peak of Stob Coire a' Chairn, where the main Mamores ridge is. Descend again to a bealach below the ragged fang of An Garbhanach, then climb the rough slopes immediately left of the crest to reach the knife edged peak.

To complete the walk you come through an easy scramble, which is made slightly easier if you keep the right as you go. From the top of An Gearanach descend the grassy north ridge until you overlook the shallow north corrie. Again keep to the right then back left to a cairn on a little shoulder. From this cairn zig zag down the corrie into Glen Nevis, cross a few bogs below Steall Falls and follow your steps from the beginning of the walk to get you back to the car park.

Not into that? Try this...

Poker in the park! It's basically the world's largest Poker Festival, with over 20,000 vistors expected. It's all happening in Hannover Square, just a short walk away from Oxford Circus. Now in it's fifth it's going to be bigger and better than ever with marquees, lectures and a new main stage.

So if you like a friendly flutter or just fancy a day out, then it's well worth checking in to see what's going on! It starts this Friday and continues through to Saturday. It's not all about Poker though, despite the name. On the main stage theres plenty of live music, card tricks, chest and Mahjong exhibitions!

This weeks product of the week, simply because getting wet at the cricket really isn't all that. The Berghaus Men's Paclite Jacket.

Something For The Weekend #9

This weeks rather propelled by so far! Monday shot by in a flash and then we had Jules our North Face rep pop in yesterday for a bit of enlightenment on their new Autumn/Winter ranges, before we knew it the clock had struck 5-30pm and another day at Outdoorkit HQ had passed. But enough about the week at work, let's look forward to those two shining beacons that fall just after Friday, that we like to call plurally, The Weekend.

If your up in Bonny Scotland this weekend, why not go and say hello to a certain Mr Ben Cruachan. Situated south of Fort William and north westerly of Glasgow, it's a classic Pyramid Peak which dominates the surrounding areas of Loch Awe and Lock Etive. The Mountain actually has a hydroelectric powerstation inside one of it's caverns with a reservoir located down the bottom of the horseshoe shaped ridges.

One of the favoured routes brings you full circle around the peaks, starting off at Loch Awe, on to Ben Cruachan itself, over to Stob Diamh and then back down past the reservoir back to the Loch. It's about an 8 mile walk in all (No Eminen references please) and has been graded as 'Easy'. Giving you enough time to thoroughly enjoy the walk and get a few magnificent photo snaps along the way, 5 hours will see you round nicely.

Not into that? Try this...

It's 2020 Cricket Finals day! If your not a fan of watching test match cricket, then 2020 might well be the tournement to get you into the sport! Essentially each match consists of 40 overs, with each team getting 20 overs to bat and smash as many runs as possible. It's all a lot more fast paced compared to test match cricket, plus there's fielding restrictions in place to encourage higher scoring games. As a day out it's fantastic. This year it's at Edgbaston and theres loads to keep you occupied inside the ground if you fancy a stretch of the legs. There's beer and fast food stalls galore as well as other activities going on around the ground.

The absolute highlight of the day however has to be the mascot race with David 'Bumble' Lloyd running round the assault course commentanting as mayhem ensues. There are still tickets left, so it's not too late to get in there! I'll be there, and if the sun comes out to play as well, It should turn out to be one heck of a day! Coverage on the Box starts at 10.30am on Sky Sports 1.

This weeks product of the week, to make sure you get round Ben Cruachan on steady feet, The Lowa Stirling GTX Boots.