Helvellyn via Striding and Swirral Edge in the Snow

    Since booking the trip to the Lake District, I’ve been excited about climbing to the summit of Helvellyn, especially because of the ascent via Striding Edge. This is the Lake’s version of climbing Crib Goch to Snowdon’s summit. Being a famous and classic route, it is considered to be just as spectacular as Crib Goch, though not quite as challenging in summer conditions. This climb would still test our skills in tackling a narrow, exposed ridge on the…

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Scafell Pike from Seathwaite via the Corridor Route and Buff Neckwear Review

    On our first full day in the Lake District we decided to attempt to climb Scafell. I say ‘attempt’ as all the forecasts were pointing to a lot of snow and were recommending that it not be attempted without proper equipment and training. Bearing this in mind, we set off with the mind-set that we would see how far we could go and would turn back when the terrain got too treacherous or snow impassable. We opted for…

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The Camping and Caravanning Club Keswick in The Lake District Review

    Over a couple of trips last year, we summited the 14 tallest mountains in Wales. Although we both love the Welsh mountains a great deal, we needed a new challenge. So this February half term we ventured even further north – up to The Camping and Caravanning Site in Keswick in the Lake District. Neither of us had ever been to the Lakes before, so when we turned off the M6 and started driving down route 66 (A66)…

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Keela Zenith Pro Jacket Review

    When we were away in The Forest of Dean I tested out my new soft shell from Keela. I’ve been wearing Keela gear for a few years now and am especially keen on their trousers which I love wearing climbing. The new jacket in question is the Zenith Pro Jacket. What drew me to this softshell is that it is suitable for wearing as both a lightweight, breathable mid-layer and an outer layer which will defend you against…

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Icebreaker Men’s BodyfitZONE Winter Zone Long Sleeve Half Zip Review

    Since really getting into hiking and doing a couple walking and scrambling holidays in Snowdonia this year, where we tackled all 15 of the Welsh 3000ft mountains and quiet a few extra, I’ve really learnt to appreciate hardcore, technical base layers. When it comes to baselayers, there is one company who are right at the top of the pile – Icebreaker. We recently got some of their midweight winter baselayers so that we could keep being active and…

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