Archive

2017

shopping online is not always best 15/11/2017

Online VS Instore Shopping: The Best of Both Worlds

Christmas is coming, which has got us thinking about the nature of commerce and how there has never been a better time for buying ‘things’. The collective sum of an entire planets’ design and production power lies at the touch of a button.  Choice is no longer a luxury but endemic to the civilised world, a Universal Constant, stretching from your fingertips into infinity. This is especially true for the still-a-bit niche that is the Outdoor Industry.  There was a time not so long ago when it would be common... Read More

Down Insulation Advice 10/11/2017

Turn that Frown Upside DOWN

It happens every year.  The days yield to the night, the sun, exhausted by its Summer efforts, reclines lower in the sky, and the temperature drops as heat rescinds to return with the leaves.  All part of the celestial rhythm, as old as time itself. And yet, we forget until we emerge one morning to see the ground dusted with frost, and our breath condensing in horror on the air’s chill, that we may need a warm jacket. Cue the usual mad scramble! We think the best way to do... Read More

08/11/2017

Getting Wim’s Goat II: Running Reflections

I’ve been doing a lot of running recently. Well, I say a lot.. definitely more than usual.  Enough to notice a change in my body AND my mind. A lot of my training has been running to and from LD. I used to love cycling in for the ease and freedom, but I love running in for the space it creates, both in my day and in my head, though some may argue there was plenty space in there beforehand. Running – and walking for that matter – is definitely... Read More

06/11/2017

Adventure Couture

In this post, we focus on some of the most iconic brands in a generation, and look at what gives them such timeless appeal.  Although their pieces and collections may at first glance appear different, they have three principle things in common; a focus on detail and premium quality, strong outdoor pedigree, and incredible style.  Introducing: The success of these brands is not only due to their quality, style and design, but also the demand for outdoor clothing which is as at home on the high street as the summits... Read More

getting wims goat 1 26/10/2017

GETTING WIMS GOAT (part I)

Cold Brew Events have been responsible for some of the most innovative and challenging running races in our region over the past few years.  What sets them apart from the rest is the amalgamation of local culture and history, immersed within the challenging and beautiful terrain of our county.  One need only look to their two most recent offerings for confirmation of this: The Duergar A night time half marathon through the Simondside hills, inspired by the Simonside Dwarfs that lend the run its name.  Duergar are said to take... Read More

Hiking on the Canary Islands: All You Need to Know

Thanks to Chantel from Cottages in Northumberland for this piece on the Canary Islands. Image source: Pixabay With millions of visitors each year, the Canary Islands are a popular holiday destination that have so much to offer holidaymakers – including amazing weather, beautiful beaches and mountainous terrain. However, it isn’t just sun worshipers who want to come and enjoy this stunning collection of islands – it’s a popular place for hikers too. From the epic volcanic peaks on Tenerife to Lanzarote’s eerie, lunar landscape, hiking enthusiasts will be rewarded with... Read More

Glentress and the Lost Gloves

Sometimes you just have to go for it, regardless of the weather, although I must admit that the older I get the more I have a preference for fair weather. Anyway Neil, James and I had planned a quick day trip up to Glentress as a welcome change to hitting the bike trails at our more local Hamsterley Forest. The Playpus, Dakine and Osprey bags got a good field test! The forecast wasn’t great and the rain came and went as we drove up through the Borders and under tyre... Read More

A warm welcome back to NORDICA

LD Mountain Centre is seeing a welcome return to our store from the leading ski brand Nordica with a new range of skis and boots to tempt our customers for what we hope is going to be a cold and snowy winter. The iconic speedmachine range is back and as some of you know it’s been around a while but as you would expect from a leading brand these latest models have been updated to include the latest innovations in technology and construction. Nordica Speedmachine 110 With Nordica skis we’ve... Read More

Five Iconic Hikes in the North East

Here’s a piece from friend of LD Mountain Centre, Chantel Stevenson, who works in the tourist industry in Northumberland and the North East at Cottages in Northumberland. Dunstanburgh Castle and a not so peaceful coastline As we head further into summer, the North East is offering up some of the best natural scenery in the British Isles. With breath-taking expanses of peaceful coastline and dense green forests galore, this region proudly boasts some of Europe’s most attractive destinations for outdoor enthusiasts. Tranquility at Kielder Water With plenty of adventurous routes... Read More

A Day on Dow

Dow Crag above Coniston is one of, if not the, most accessible big crags in the Lake District with a big mountain atmosphere and many classic multi-pitch trad routes in all grades. The walk from Walna Scar to the crag is pleasant and easy going On a recent visit, having parked on the Walna Scar Road and enjoyed the easy 45 minute walk to Goat’s Water we tackled the inevitable slog up the scree to the foot of A Buttress. In reality the scree slope only takes 10 or 15 minutes... Read More