The Outdoorsy "Sofa".

[Edie]

Fairfield Horseshoe is a classic.
UKH Route Cards - 'The Fairfield Horseshoe'


Start and Finish in Ambleside (ish). If done clockwise it's a short and steep start and a then rolling ridge all the way round with a gentle descent.

In decent weather theres no nav needed. If the cloud comes in you'll need to be careful coming off Fairfield itself but can then follow a dry stone wall almost to the end.

As it's a horseshoe ridge walk there grear airy views the whole way on a nice day. There's always other people around and you don't have to think about the route really.

Had a look. That actually looks perfect for a first attempt on my own. Thanks very much.

 

[chilango]

Had a look. That actually looks perfect for a first attempt on my own. Thanks very much.

It's a lovely walk.

 

[LDC]

View attachment 137750

This is where I start getting daft ideas...

I'm quite getting into the idea of open water swimming for when climbing isn't an option (weather, lack of partner, etc.) and for when my joints pack up for running. Might need some lessons first, my swimming is a bit weak...

 

[chilango]

I'm quite getting into the idea of open water swimming for when climbing isn't an option (weather, lack of partner, etc.) and for when my joints pack up for running. Might need some lessons first, my swimming is a bit weak...

My wife's been doing it for a couple of years. There's local training too in the Summer. Thinking of giving up my expensive gym membership and need stuff to ug the gap (that isn't running).

 

[chilango]

I can swim ok, but get bored doing lengths, so if might work.

 

[Supine]

Horseshoe is great. I'd recommend doing it from right to left because that steep bit is a killer. Plus you can have a pint in the badger bar when you get down.

 

[bellaozzydog]

I'm quite getting into the idea of open water swimming for when climbing isn't an option (weather, lack of partner, etc.) and for when my joints pack up for running. Might need some lessons first, my swimming is a bit weak...

If you want to improve your stroke and really enjoy open water swimming google "total immersion swimming"

It's a bit of a game changer. Loads of triathletes train "total immersion" mainly because the swimming is their weakest link and normally learning to swim properly/train competitively is an early years thing.

I'm very envious of swimmers who take it up in later life using the total immersion technique. As a life long competitive swimmer it's hard to convert style and habits

 

[baldrick]

Open water swimming is great.

It's becoming reasonably popular now so the facilities for swimming outdoors are definitely there. The wetsuit is the worst part, though that stuffed sausage feeling does dissipate a bit in the water. I am not brave enough for skins.

 

[UnderOpenSky]

If you want to improve your stroke and really enjoy open water swimming google "total immersion swimming"

It's a bit of a game changer. Loads of triathletes train "total immersion" mainly because the swimming is their weakest link and normally learning to swim properly/train competitively is an early years thing.

I'm very envious of swimmers who take it up in later life using the total immersion technique. As a life long competitive swimmer it's hard to convert style and habits

Intresting. I can plod along with breast stroke for hours, but crawl knackers me and think it's definitely technique rather then just fitness.

 

[bellaozzydog]

Open water swimming is great.

It's becoming reasonably popular now so the facilities for swimming outdoors are definitely there. The wetsuit is the worst part, though that stuffed sausage feeling does dissipate a bit in the water. I am not brave enough for skins.

Modern suits are a very nice fit

 

[LDC]

I love the idea of a journey through the mountains or a similar wild place that involves a run, a swim, and an easy climb/scramble.

 

[UnderOpenSky]

Blast up Snowdon after work today. Honestly some of the clearest views I've ever had. Did the proper tourist way of up Miners and down Pyg, but was later in the day so not so manic. Managed up and down in 2hrs 27mins which I'm fairly happy with.

 

[craigxcraig]

UnderAnOpenSky lovely day for it, you must have been one of the only people up there.

 

[UnderOpenSky]

There was still a fair few people about, but it certainly wasn't busy given the weather.

My calfs kinda hurt now. Did it in trainers and managed to run sections of it, so probably to be expected. Got anothet day working underground tomorrow. Getting to the mine will be intresting!

 

[craigxcraig]

Currently we're on the Isle of Gigha and we've just set up camp. The whole island is stunning and the weather is perfect

 

[heinous seamus]

I went a walk up Tinto Hill in South Lanarkshire yesterday. It must be one of the busiest hill walks in Scotland!

 

[Brainaddict]

Went up Stac Pollaidh in Wester Ross yesterday. It was pretty great, and a good way to break in my new Meindl boots.

 

[chilango]

Gone (family) camping. It's raining for the first time in months

 

[kebabking]

Did some of Hadrian's Wall path on Saturday evening - lovely breeze, good views, and I can recommend both the new YHA and the pub at Twice Brewed.

 

[baldrick]

I went there last August bank holiday, it's fab isn't it? Lovely location. And the pub next door is pretty good. We went to Vindolanda, which was pretty awesome and had a long run along the wall. Bloody hilly though. I stopped to take photos about every five minutes for a breather. I think I've got snaps of every milecastle between twice brewed and the reservoir

This August bank holiday, we're going back to Northumberland, but headed to the coast this time. Looking forward to it, hopefully the weather will be good.

 

[kebabking]

..we're going back to Northumberland, but headed to the coast this time. Looking forward to it, hopefully the weather will be good.

Northumbrian coast is amazing, you'll love it - and an hour from Edinburgh as well. 100 miles of beaches, castles, mountain, forest and Early Medieval Christian locations like Lindisfarne and the Farmers: what more could any sane person want?

 

[baldrick]

That sounds fab to be fair. I want a nice beach, some good walking and views, so that should work!

Much better than our week away at the start of August... to Kidderminster

I want to make clear it wasn't my choice of destination. But at least there's the steam railway.

 

[kebabking]

That sounds fab to be fair. I want a nice beach, some good walking and views, so that should work!

Much better than our week away at the start of August... to Kidderminster

I want to make clear it wasn't my choice of destination. But at least there's the steam railway.

Go to Bewdley - I live between Kiddy, Droitwich and Worcester. Lots of nice pubs and shops in Bewdley, and go to Ludlow for the day, Bridgnorth is good and has a funicular, Shrewsbury (45 mins from Kiddy) is beautiful, and the Wyre Forest is great for long, cool walks. Brown Clee Hill, Long Mynd,, Stiperstones, Malverns, and Mortimer Forest all offer good walking...

 

[baldrick]

I'm familiar with the Malverns on that list but not much else. Cheers!

 

[chilango]

Months of blazing sun. Today I go up Fairfield.

 

[kebabking]

Months of blazing sun. Today I go up Fairfield.

View attachment 143435

Umbria, oh Umbria!

(for readers of a certain scurrilous little rag...)

 

[chilango]

I had to put a coat on and everything!

 

[chilango]

Off to the Arctic tomorrow

 

[treefrog]

We're slowly coming into spring and summer and I'm mad keen to get the hiking gear out and hit the trails. Unfortunately, most of the local trails are closed for the long term due to a horrible disease killing the native trees and our son isn't great going on a long walk after a long car trip.

He's 18 months old, we did a wee bit of hiking with him in a carrier when he was small, but he's now too wriggly and big for it but not quite ready for walking by himself. Hoping he settles enough by the time the season really gets into gear!

 

[friedaweed]

Canoe's got wheels