Archive

2012

Running up Skiddaw

One of my favorite mountains, is Skiddaw in the Lake District. At 931 m (3,054 ft) above Sea level Skiddaw, is the forth highest mountain in England and dominates the skyline of the Northern Lakes. For those attempting the infamous Bob Graham Round, it is also the first summit when doing the clockwise circuit. Despite a rather grim weather forecast, we drove to the Lakes for the weekend with a run up Skiddaw planned for Saturday. One of the reasons I like running on Skiddaw so much is the variety it offers, you can... Read More

09/08/2012

Carry on Camping

Hopefully, I’ll be getting out camping for the August Bank holiday this year… a friend of mine has never been camping so a few of us thought we’d spend the weekend breaking her in to, cooking on a small stove, sleeping in a tent, playing frisbee until it’s too dark to see, card games, midnight walks and sneaky toilet trips in the middle of the night. I’ll most likely be going to Hadrian’s wall as it’s local to where I live and is perfect for a couple of nights easy... Read More

New brands for the winter!

So it’s getting to that time of year again for us at the LD Mountain Centre. The (even) colder months are coming round all too quickly again as we will begin to get winter stock at the end of this month. Although we haven’t had much of a summer, we do have exciting new brands to look forward to for the winter. 686 On November 13, 1992, the 686 technical apparel company was formed. The 686 name comes from a crucial date in the life of Mike’s grandmother (June 6th,... Read More

Sun, Sea and Heat stroke

If you’re heading out to warmer climates this summer, it’s vital that you protect your skin from the harmful rays – Especially, if you are pale like me! I was badly burnt in Thailand earlier in the year and stupidly underestimated the strength of the sun, after being on the beach less than 1 hour I ended up with heat stroke, quite badly and a very sore burnt back. Even at 25 years old I should definitely have known better, in my mind I could hear my mum 6000miles away telling me... Read More

Paclite, Pro, Active?

The Women’s Alpine Project Jacket is from The North Face’s Summit Series™ which is designed to be the strongest and lightest gear available, gear designed to withstand the planet’s harshest environments. The Alpine Project Jacket is an ultra-light alpine shell designed for the most demanding mountain conditions. The Gore-Tex® Active Shell construction uses a lighter, thinner Gore-Tex membrane to deliver the ultimate 3-layer waterproof and breathable construction for active mountain athletes. Designed for use under the worst weather conditions, the Women’s Alpine Project Jacket has a fully adjustable hood with a wire brim, a brushed chin guard and pit... Read More

My Favourite Jacket

Some of my colleagues here at the LD Mountain Centre often comment on the number of jackets I have calling me the Imelda Marcus of the outdoor Jacket world.  Alright I admit it I am kit geek and I do have one or two jackets but I do use them all or most of them.  Don’t tell the other jackets but I do have a favourite one, that gets used a lot more than the others.  My favourite is the May THE NORTH FACE Super Zephyrus Hoodie. https://www.ldmountaincentre.com/product.aspx?id=7809 The Super... Read More

Midge bites suck.

In Scotland, 37 different species of midges have been recorded. Now that’s a horrible thought. “Culicoides impunctatus, which is responsible for up to 90% of the bites on humans, occurs throughout the country, although it is most abundant in the west and the north, where the boggy and acidic ground provides an optimal environment for breeding. Midges are at their most numerous at lower elevations, and are seldom encountered above about 500 metres, where the wind reduces their ability to fly.” Most people I know have experienced a bite from a midge –... Read More

Thai Adventure

Earlier this year I went to Thailand, my first time to another continent as well as my first ‘proper’ go at climbing in the outdoors. After travelling around for a couple of weeks, briefly visiting Thailand’s capital, Bangkok (that’s a different story) then down to Krabi, Railay Beach for some kayaking, diving and exploring the beaches I headed up to Chiang Mai, North Thailand. The people were lovely and the place we stayed was my personal favorite – Eco Resort – It’s good to find your own places to stay but if I... Read More

An Introduction to Trail Running

Trail running is one of the fastest growing running disciplines in the UK and is a great excuse to get out in the hills allowing you to cover bigger than normal distances and get fit in the process. Trail running allows you to explore the hills in a different way, moving swiftly it brings freedom and endless views, away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. At its heart, trail running is very simplistic, all you need is a pair of decent shoes, and the motivation to get out... Read More

Small Hills, Big Views

As the title say there are some small hills around the country that despite their small statue have view s to rival the high mountains, here is a selection of little peaks that are an hour or so stroll from your car that will reward you with a beautiful breath taking view. Perhaps you have a some suggestions of your, if you do feel free to post them on our Facebook, you never know you might get a prize