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Snowdonia Way – Machynlleth to Dolwyddelan

Russell Anthony

Day 1 – Machnynlleth to Dolgellau I’d decided to try the Snowdonia Way on a bit of a whim. I suddenly found myself with a week off work so wanted to find something around 90-100 miles and this one appeared to fit the criteria. The replacement bus service from Shrewsbury to Machnynlleth was a bit of a pain and so meant I didn’t actually get underway until gone 2pm. The knock on of this meaning I had to cover 14 odd miles to my campsite, still at least the sun was shining… The first day was pretty tough going on … Continue reading Snowdonia Way – Machynlleth to Dolwyddelan

Gear, Snowdonia WayLeave a comment

Snowdonia Way gear load out

Russell Anthony

Kit list for the Snowdonia Way walk – 7th – 13th May 2023 Current load out for Sunday. The weather looks wet so am going full waterproofs this time. First time out with the Enlightened Equipment quilt and Big Agnes sleep mat – hopefully keep me warm enough! Feels like I’m getting to a point of nailing down my core kit now – it’s only taken 3 years! Continue reading Snowdonia Way gear load out

Blog, England, Other WalksLeave a comment

Peaks – Eyam, Monyash

Russell Anthony

Back in September I spent a couple of days in the Peaks for a road test of the new Durston X mid tent. I parked at the campsite in Monyash and set off from there. The path to Lathkill Dale was literally just over the road from the campsite. The weather had been really hot for the previous few weeks so the riverbeds were all dried up which was a shame. Nonethess it was a pleasant stroll along the dale eventually doubling back via Youlgreave into Monyash. Stopped off for a few jars at the Bulls Head pub before pitching … Continue reading Peaks – Eyam, Monyash

GearLeave a comment

New Year, New Gear…

Russell Anthony

Finally took the plunge and treated myself to a couple of new additions to my 3 season load out. Having spent last April up in the Highlands walking the Great Glen Way I was caught out in the cold with my summer set up, so thought I’d better sort myself out before I’m back in 2023! I don’t know why but I’ve always found sleep mats with vertical baffles suit me better. I move about a bit in the night but I predominantly sleep on my left side so comfort trumps weight every time for me, hence the purchase of … Continue reading New Year, New Gear…

GearLeave a comment

Durston x-mid 1p v2

Russell Anthony

A quick look at my new Dan Durston tent. I’ve been waiting a long, long time for this to arrive! Just got back from a couple of days in the Peak District putting it through it’s paces. Despite costing a tidy sum (£400+additional charges), I have to say this is a great piece of kit. It’s no wonder it’s often referred to as the worlds most sought after tent. Positives: Trekking pole tent that pitches with just 4 titanium pegs, weighs in at just 795g and packs down incredibly small. Has a huge vestibule with plenty of space for cooking, … Continue reading Durston x-mid 1p v2

Cumbria Way, England, Long Distance TrailsLeave a comment

Cumbria Way part 2 – Great Langdale to Carlisle

Russell Anthony

Day 3 – Great Langdale to Keswick A real highlight today taking in the sharp climb up Stake Pass and along the beck to Keswick. I left the campsite at Langdale early – the onsite shop doesn’t open until 8am and I didn’t want to hang about so I was away just after 06:30. What a breathtaking walk today was! The climb up Stake pass was doubly tough as I’d somehow missed the path on the map and so I spent an hour or so scrambling over rocks and sheep until I realised I’d gone very wrong! It all got … Continue reading Cumbria Way part 2 – Great Langdale to Carlisle

Cumbria Way, England, Long Distance TrailsLeave a comment

Cumbria Way part 1 – Ulverston to Great Langdale

Russell Anthony

Day 1 – Ulverston to Coniston The Cumbria Way is a path that had been on my radar for a while so I was delighted to have finally arrived in Ulverston to give it a crack! Overhead cable problems meant that I arrive a little later than planned in Ulvertson so I knew I was going to be facing a tough afternoon to get to Coniston, particularly as it was touching a very warm 25 degrees. Not to be deterred I stocked up with a Tesco meal deal and I was off… Day 1 felt never ending, lots of farmers … Continue reading Cumbria Way part 1 – Ulverston to Great Langdale

GearLeave a comment

Atom Packs ‘The Mo’ EP50

Russell Anthony

I’ve been aware of Atom Packs for a while but have always been put off by justifying the price v usage, that said I’ve struggled to find a pack that’s comfortable for a while having tried several. I’ve got the Osprey Exos 48 as my chosen pack at the moment but I just find it’s got too many features and pockets that I just don’t really use. Anyway, long story short, I picked one up prior to my Cumbria Way walk and I can tell you it’s frickin great. It’s a 50L pack made up of a main compartment of … Continue reading Atom Packs ‘The Mo’ EP50

Great Glen Way, Long Distance Trails, ScotlandLeave a comment

Great Glen Way part 2 – Fort Augustus to Inverness

Russell Anthony

Day 4 – Fort Augustus to Altsigh It’s a steep climb out of Fort Augustus to start the day and I was certainly glad to have paid for breakfast at Morags beforehand, especially to soak up some of the IPAs from the night before! Once at the top the views start to open up over Loch Ness – it’s a real difference to staring at a canal for hours on end! It was quite misty up top and it quickly closed in so that visibility was pretty poor along the ridge line. Out of the mist I stumbled across a … Continue reading Great Glen Way part 2 – Fort Augustus to Inverness

Great Glen Way, Long Distance Trails, ScotlandLeave a comment

Great Glen Way – Part 1 Fort William to Fort Augustus

Russell Anthony

Day 1 – Home to Moy Swing Bridge I bounced out of bed bright and early catching the 6.45am train out of Rugby up to Glasgow, then from Glasgow Queen Street up to Fort William. The Great Glen Way was calling me and frankly I couldn’t wait to get started. The journey up to Fort William was particularly picturesque as the train wound its way across Lochs, hillsides and Rannoch Moor. It was 5:30hrs before I disembarked in Fort William so I was eager to stretch my legs! I’d originally booked a pitch at the Camping and Caravan Park near … Continue reading Great Glen Way – Part 1 Fort William to Fort Augustus