Hardcore festival goers may not have their spirits dampened by the rain, but here are a few waterproof festival essentials which will keep everything else dry. Happy festivalling!

Yes, you really did read the title correctly. Love it or hate it, fashion for your furry friend is very on trend. With seemingly hundreds of pets becoming 'instafamous' for their cute, creative style, many dog owners are following suit with their own pet apparel. Indeed, you might be surprised by the sheer amount of dogwear websites. So, to save you sifting through these, we've brought you our pick of the best outdoor wear for your adventure partner!

1. Ruffwear

Excellent pun aside, in the dog clothing market Ruffwear are in the lead (pun unintentional) in creating clothing designed specifically to withstand the wear and tear of you and your dog’s outdoor adventures. Described as having the same 'technical innovations as human apparel' Ruffwear's products range from collars to Grip Trex Boots! Who knew that dogs needed shoes, eh? If you've ever felt sorry for your dogs' lack of cover up on a particularly chilly walk then Ruffwear may just be the brand for you.

2. Pettecoats

Pettecoats may not necessarily be the ideal choice for more extreme weather and walking conditions but where Ruffwear may lack in style, Pettecoats more than steps up. Pettecoats is for the fashion forward owner who enjoys a leisurely stroll around the block together to show off your pets' newfound fashion sense. However, if you're keen for more affordable waterproof clothing for your dog, Pettecoats does indeed have more affordable waterproof dog coats that have a bit more style.

3. Urban Pup

If you're a creative type who'd like to design your own dog shirt then Urban Pup should be right up your street. Perfect for special occasions and dressing your dog up as a novelty rather than for practical reasons, Urban Pup very much celebrates the internet's fascination with dressing up dogs. You can even buy 'bridal' wear just in case your pooch has a big day coming up...

4. Doggie Style Store

Think of Doggie Style Store as the Primark of the dog fashion world. Doggie Style Store has the most affordable clothing with adorable jumpers starting at just £5.99. They have a wide variety of products ranging from slippers, socks and even sunglasses! Doggie Style Store is perfect if you want to pamper your pet on a budget!

5. Love My Dog

With designer dogwear tailor made for every breed, Love My Dog is a dog boutique, perfect if you want to bring a bit of luxury into your canine friend's life. With over ten years' experience in hand crafting dogwear and with more exact measurements for sizings than you might get with other dogwear sites, Love My Dog is a brand you can trust for quality. This is however, sufficiently reflected in the pricetag.

Highly Waterproof

As the outdoor clothing experts since 1987, we believe in only using high performing materials, expert craftsmanship and unique designs. Our fabrics are tested, so that they pass the waterproof standards that we expect.

When it rains and pours, you can rest assured that your little students will be protected against the elements.

Highly Breathable

Without sounding too technical, breathability pertains to the ability of a garment to regulate moisture. Basically, what this means is that your little ones school coat or jacket will be comfy and cosy and won’t leave them feeling clammy and overheated. This will come in handy for running to the school bus or for lunchtime play.

Fully Taped Seams

Stitching is normally the weak point of a garment, which can let in wind and rain. We prevent this by using fully taped seams, so school uniforms aren’t ruined by random damp patches.

Concealed Hood

Whether the sun is shining or the heavens have opened, we have designed outerwear to combat the unpredictable weather. Many of our coats and jackets have a concealed hood tucked under the collar, so it can be hidden away whilst the sun is shining and quickly revealed when there’s a heavy downpour.

1 Year Guarantee

We stand by our clothing because we know that each garment is expertly made. That’s why we promise that if our clothing doesn’t meet your expectations or standards, we will replace them within 1 years of purchase. 

Smart kids deserve smart clothes and we believe that our outerwear deserves a gold star for functionality, fit and design.

Shop Kids school outerwear now including school favourite the Vancouver. 

The Target Dry offices are open as normal on Good Friday to answer any calls or emails regarding your order.

We will be closed Easter Monday and Tuesday and will be back in the office on Wednesday 23rd April.

Enjoy the Easter break everyone!

After more storms with their own names brought such an array of unpredictable weather, there's no doubt that most of us are glad to see the end of February looming.

The beginning of Spring is so close you can almost feel it in the air. Well, maybe if the pesky frost stopped making its appearance in the morning.

Nonetheless, to get you through the last of February we've put together this list of reminders about why you should get excited for Spring!

1. Longer Evenings, Brighter Mornings

Quite simply, more daylight. Yes, after a long winter of dark mornings and dark evenings, a bit more daylight is more than welcome in our books. You've probably started to notice it already.

Getting up in the morning with a hint more light in the sky that definitely wasn't there yesterday and wondering if you really even need your headlights on for your drive home from work (you probably still do though, sorry).

The days of leaving work when it's dark and returning home in the dark are on their way out and we are on the home stretch towards summer!

2. Chocolate Eggs

Mini eggs, creme eggs, Lindt bunnies... We've all been eyeing them up in the supermarkets and whether they make you fear for your fitness and nutrition regime or not, they definitely aren't going anywhere... for a while yet anyway.

Just one creme egg surely couldn't hurt? Chocolate has endorphins that make you feel good after all...

3. Spring Fashion Trends

It might still be cold outside (unfortunately) but that's no reason to stop you from donning some of Spring 2025's trends. 

Bright colours, statement stripes and of course, florals, are all on the cards for Spring style. So while you might not be able to leave your waterproof coat behind just yet you can start to get creative by injecting a bit of SS25 into your in-between seasons look! 

4. Snowdrops and Daffodils

Seeing flowers and growth again generally will be nice but is there a more welcome sight after a long winter than the heads of snowdrops and daffodils bobbing in the breeze? They serve as a firm reminder that the end of winter is in sight and warmer days (hopefully!) lie ahead.

5. Baby Animals

Everyone knows that Spring is baby animal season. However, do you actually get to see baby animals in Spring? Unless you live in a rural area probably not.

So why not make a point of venturing on a countryside walk and seeing if you can spot some cute lambs? Or heading to an open farm? Guaranteed it will improve your day. Maybe even your week.

Whether you’re cooking for one, two or even more, figuring out what to have for your meals from week to week can be a difficult task. This is where meal planning comes in handy. Planning ahead and getting organised when it comes to meal times will save you lots of time, energy, money, potentially help you stay healthier by avoiding those takeaways AND minimise food waste.

The problem with meal planning is that many people don’t even know where to begin. To help you get started and inspire a few ideas we’ve put together a few meal planning tips that will hopefully make your life that little bit easier!

1. Get excited about cooking

Make a list of your favourite meals and start researching new recipes to supplement your old favourites. Pinterest is great for finding new and exciting recipes that you might not have ever tried before. Just looking at the photos of the meals and trying out new methods of cooking is bound to inspire you with meal planning ideas and get you excited about cooking. This will make the prospect of meal planning all the more manageable!

2. Make a Budget

Next up is to make a list of ingredients garnered from your recipe compilation along with prices which you can total off to see if it’s within your budget. Having this list ready to bring with you on your next shop will help to stave off impulse buys, detours to the local takeaway and keep you within your budget from week to week.

3. Put together a meal planning calendar

You have the ingredients now it’s time to start planning when you’re going to make the meals. Ask yourself what leftovers can be eaten for the next couple of day’s lunches and what can be frozen for future use. Sorting out all these details that you might have overlooked before you started meal planning will help you avoid discovering that forgotten bag of off potatoes or the out of date remains of a loaf of bread.

4. Cook components of meals

Preparing and freezing components of meals for future use is a great way of saving time when it comes to cooking meals. This could be preparing tomato sauces for use in pasta and lasagna dishes or having pre-chopped veg and herbs ready to be thrown into a dish.

5. Keep an eye on supermarket sales

Many find that they make savings by planning their meals each week around what’s on sale in the supermarkets. It can be worth keeping an eye on what’s on sale and if it’s a cheaper alternative to what you would usually buy then why not avail of the offer? However, it is dependent on your tastes, you or your family might not necessarily like what’s on offer one week or you might find the savings aren’t worth compromising on brands you rely on and trust.

After a long day at work it's hard to resist going straight home to sit in front of the TV all night. In our fast-paced, technology driven world experiencing the great outdoors has taken the back seat in favour of Netflix, gaming and gyms. Granted, the weather might not always seem like it but getting outdoors has many important and valuable benefits. Simply taking half an hour or so each day for a walk even around the block can make a big difference to your overall wellbeing. Still need some convincing? Read on...

1. Vitamin D

Unfortunately, if you don't live in a regularly sunny location (ahem, we're looking at you UK...) then getting Vitamin D into your system can be pretty tricky. Especially as it isn't present in many foods. Vitamin D is important for your immune system and disease resistance so making the most of the sun while it's out by going for a walk or a cycle is vital in this sense. Apparently just 10 mins sun exposure is plenty to score your dosage of Vitamin D. So there's really no excuse to stay cooped up indoors all day!

2. Defeats Stress

The very nature of our technology obsessed, constantly moving world has almost normalised stress as being an accepted facet of our daily lives. Unfortunately, distracting ourselves with TV shows after a bad day really won't defeat stress, but simply bury it for a while. Getting out into the fresh air and experiencing outdoor surroundings can help us garner perspective and thus help relieve the pressure of our daily lives.

3. Improves Memory and Attention

Feeling a bit forgetful lately? Perhaps getting outside for a bit will help you with that. A recent study has found that having a nature walk can help improve your memory by 20%. So if you're struggling to remember what you went upstairs to get or just can’t remember what you're supposed to be typing into your Google search then maybe it's time to clear your head for a it. Even a short walk around the block for a bit will refresh your mind.

4. You Won't Be Looking At A Screen

The 21^st Century has completely disregarded all mothers' warnings that watching too much TV will "make your eyes go square." In fact, in complete defiance we have surrounded ourselves with more and more screens to gawp at day in, day out. Although our eyes have not in fact gone square, too much time spent in front of screens is indeed having negative effects on our eyes. It also makes us less creative. In essence; too much time behind screens is turning us into zombies a bit. Along with improving memory and relieving stress, being outside and observing nature for a little while each day can do wonders for our creativity. And creativity must be in short supply if the amount of time we spend behind screens is anything to go by...

I can't believe I'm writing this at the end of April while it snows outside - eek - but I know the longer warmer days of summer are ahead of us and what better thing to do on a bitterly cold day than to plan some great days out with the kids for the next month. 

For us, May is the first month that we really start making plans at the weekends to get out and about. It coincides with lots of great events as well as two bank holidays so here are my picks for great family days out:

The Ballance House Spring Fair is an annual event held in Glenavy, just outside Lisburn, in the restored birth place of the 14th Premier of New Zealand, John Ballance. This year, the fun kicks off at 1pm on the 7th May and you'll find something for everyone including a great selection of craft, plant and produce stalls. There are also activities for children and delicious fare for everyone to sample.

Also on the 7th of May, The Hillmount Kids Club is a free gardening club that runs on the first Saturday of every month between 10am - 11am. It's perfect for kids aged between 4 - 11 who don't mind getting their hands dirty and want to learn about plants, wildlife and the environment. Oh and the coffee shop and restaurant is excellent here too so us grown ups have that to look forward to!

For more information Tel: 028 9044 8213 or visit www.hillmount.co.uk

Keeping with a gardening theme, A particular favourite of ours is the Alliance Garden Show Ireland which takes place in the beautiful Antrim Castle Gardens from 6th - 8th May 2016. As well as a visit from Show Patron Monty Don, this year’s event has plant & artisan food stalls, local craft and show gardens, live music, a dedicated kids zone with kite making, insect hotels and fairy houses, a tea dance, flower arranging competitions and much more. My kids had a great time last year and we even brought granny too! Incidentally, if you can't make it to the Garden Show, the Antrim Castle Gardens are a great place to take the kids on a day out - they have had a stunning restoration and there's so much to do and see.

It wouldn't be May without The Balmoral Show and this year sees the 148th event in Balmoral Park between the 11th-13th May 2016. If you've never been before, it's a feast of food, farming, family and fun with lots going on to keep the Family entertained. It's perfect for farm animal and machinery mad kids but I love to go along to watch the equestrian events...and check out the hundreds of trade stands (shopping opportunities!)

Staying in the Lisburn area and the 14th May sees the Mayor's Carnival Parade and this year the theme is 'Crowns & Coronets' in honour of the Queen's 90th birthday. The Carnival parade leaves Island Arts Centre at 1pm and makes its way around the town centre. 

Running alongside, there's a family fun day in Wallace park, where following in the theme of the Parade, six magical Princes & Princesses will meet and greet the public. Attractions include a Fun Fair, Punch and Judy Magic Show, Crafts, Face painting, Bouncy Castle, arena acts by Trialstar, Boxing and the ever popular Dog Show. 

Also on the 14th May, you can join a National Trust warden and a Lagan Valley Regional Park ranger for a walk around the picturesque Minnowburn area in Belfast. Learn about the wildlife, botany and history of this outstanding location. Children and dogs (on leads...the dogs, not the kids!) are welcome between 11:00 - 12:30. Further details on the Northern Ireland National Trust page.

Moving to the weekend of the 28th May when the 35th Portrush Raft Race Weekend takes place at the Harbour in Portrush. The full programme will be launched in early May, but the lineup includes The Wild Geese Skydiving Team landing on the beach, live music throughout the day, on-board tours of historic lifeboats, a rookie life-guard challenge for kids aged 10-15 and much more. A jam-packed bank holiday weekend of harbour-side family mayhem and fun!

This is one of the largest free charity events held annually in NI but it’s also an important annual event for the RNLI and the town of Portrush with all funds raised going directly to the local branch. 

Finishing with a few events that run throughout the month of May (and beyond) and every Saturday and Sunday from 2pm-4pm, you can enjoy free family fun at Cockle Row Cottages in the quaint seaside village of Groomsport.

These lovingly restored fisherman's cottages open their doors each year from Easter to September and children will have the opportunity to join in on a range of activities including face painting, children's crafts, balloon modelling and much more. While you wait, you can enjoy live music and crafts.

Meanwhile, just outside Belfast in Colin Glen Forest Park, the kids can follow the popular story of the Gruffalo any day of the week. Each character from the story has been magically recreated by sculptor Andrew McIntyre and set against the backdrop of a stunning forest park this is one of the best family attractions in Belfast. From entering through the Gruffalo Archway, through the forest park to a beautiful Gruffalo themed seating area next to the cascading Colin river, your children will be completely amazed at meeting their favourite Gruffalo characters, whilst getting out in the fresh air - all for free! What more could you ask for. And I have it on good authority that even the older kids enjoy this one so I'm definitely taking the 12 year old with me!

 Phew - I think that should keep us all entertained this month. Don't forget your raincoat!

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So, you're getting away for a few days? Hurray! However, is that thought of packing at the back of your mind dampening your excitement? Whenever you're unsure of what the weather will be like and only have a few vague plans in place, packing everything you'll need into the limited space of your carry-on can feel like quite the ordeal. Whether you're jetting off to explore a UK city or even further afield in Europe, we have a list of city break packing tips - designed to make fitting everything into that carry-on feel less impossible!

1. A Reliable Carry-on Bag

Make sure everything is in working order before packing. The last thing you want to discover in the airport is a broken wheel or half ripped handle. Also make sure it's a bag that you're prepared to haul around the airport with you and awkwardly stuff into the overhead on the plane. There's nothing worse than having a bag you aren't comfortable carrying around.

2. One Reliable Hand-Bag

No, you definitely don't want to bring that small bag with the dodgy zip just because it matched that skirt you probably won't even wear. You might be co-ordinated but at the cost of having a bag you can't fit everything you need into? Not worth it. Instead, bring just one spacious bag that has served you well on long days out in town shopping. These days where you walked about a lot will most closely match your city break experience so you can then gauge whether your bag will indeed fit the bill. Chances are that one that chafes on your shoulder for instance won't go down a treat. Remember, you want it to be spacious for all your essentials, durable and comfortable do you can get fully immersed in your surroundings!

3. Versatile Clothing

For instance, if you're going to pack a dress for evening wear then make sure it's a dress that can be dressed up or down - from daywear to evening wear. Having an idea of how you want to wear both looks will really help with this. Likewise, if you plan on wearing jeans during the day then make sure you pack a top you can dress them up with for evening time. There's no need to pack a new outfit for everyday/evening, simply get pieces that are easily co-ordinated to save space. Having versatile clothing will free up crucial space in your carry-on for more important things - like souvenirs! It's all about strategy when packing for a city break.

4. One Pair of Comfortable Shoes

Let's face it, nothing weights a suitcase down and simultaneously takes up an unforgivable amount of space quite like a bulky pair of shoes. And do you really need more than one pair anyway? The answer is most likely, no. Make the only pair you need the ones you wear to the airport. They're going to need to be both comfortable and, again, versatile - shoes that you can walk about in during the day and dress up for hitting the town in the evening. A pair of boots fits this description perfectly. And luckily knee high boots just so happen to be very fashionable right now. They will go with jeans, leggings, dresses and skirts. Above all though, they need to be a pair you trust. There's no point wearing a new pair to only find out that they are cripplingly painful after a half hour wearing them. Break them in first.

And there you have it, a few important tips to bear in mind before you start throwing everything into your suitcase. Happy packing!

Have you heard about Lighthous clothing? It's one of our most loved brands!

We have a nautical inspired range for ladies, men's and kids encompassing raincoats, jackets and leisurewear. Retaining all the great waterproof and breathable features you have come to rely on with Target Dry, we've expanded our vision on to a completely new, exciting brand and style.

The Lighthouse philosophy is all about inspiring the inner wanderer and adventurer in us all. It celebrates the special connection we feel with the outdoors and beloved locations through crafting clothing that allows you to feel completely in tune with these surroundings and the new ones we discover in our journeys.  

Check out the Lighthouse website here- www.lighthouseclothing.co.uk. 

Find Lighthouse on -

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I've only just started using a family meal planner and I can't believe it's taken me until now to fully embrace it. I guess I've always had a rough idea of what we would have on maybe 3 of the nights in the week but it was still flexible and frequently, I'd realise too late that I'd not got the right ingredients - nothing more frustrating! 

But now we work from a menu of about 5 multi-purpose dishes that I rotate regularly. Hands up, it's not extensive and it's not particularly adventurous but it's all largely made from scratch with a good helping of vegetables (hidden and visible) and my kids eat it all. Can't complain about that! So on this blog post, I'm going to share a few of my reliable recipes, along with some killer freezer tips for busy families.

Ragu that becomes Spag Bol & Lasagne

 I'll start with my children's favourite - ragu. I've used a version of Delia's recipe for ragu for over a year now and once a week, I make a massive pot of it. It's SO easy to make and can be tweaked and changed if you don't have exactly everything on the list. It's best made in advance and slow cooked so I sometimes do it at the weekend or in the evening after the kids are in bed.

750g pack of beef mince

500g pack of pork mince

1 pack of pancetta or streaky bacon (optional)

2 onions

2/3 big cloves of garlic

Half a head of celery (optional)

1 jar of sun-dried tomato paste (not a problem if you don't have this - just use lots of tomato puree)

1 tin of chopped tomatoes

1 carton of passata (tinned tomatoes can be substituted here)

Beef Stock Cube

Water/wine - either - a glass full

Handful of chopped fresh basil (dried works just as well)

Salt & Pepper

Cook off both your minces in a separate frying pan and drain off the fat in a sieve. While doing this, fry your onions, celery and garlic in a large casserole with a lid, then add the pancetta (if using) and colour. Add the cooked and drained minced beef and pork.

Add all the other ingredients and mix, bringing back up to a bubbling heat. Add additional water or wine to make sure there is sufficient liquid to keep the dish from drying out during the slow cooking.

Bung in the oven for 2 or 3 hours. I often put it on for 2 and then leave it in the (cooling) oven overnight before putting it in the fridge the next day until I prep for dinner.

This can be used to make 2-4 dishes (depending on how big your family is). I always get 2 generous dinners for 6 - a spaghetti bolognaise on one day using the ragu as it is and just heating up as much as I need and serving with wholewheat spaghetti. With the remaining ragu, I layer it in a large lasagne dish with dry lasagne sheets. Pour over a jar of white sauce (or you can make your own using flour, butter and milk). Sprinkle cheese (parmesan or cheddar) on top and pre-cook it for 30 minutes, ensuring it doesn't get too coloured on top (use foil if necessary). Then it goes in the fridge until we need it, at which time, I cook it for another 30-40 minutes with foil over it. The double cooking is the secret to AMAZING lasagne.

Soup that turns into Curry Sauce

My next double up recipe is a red pepper and sweet potato soup, which makes an amazing chicken curry. We usually eat the soup as lunch at the weekend but I always make a double quantity. The soup is really easy - just 4 ingredients & season to taste. 

4 Red Peppers - cut into chunks

2 Onions chopped

4 Sweet Potatoes - cut into chunks 

1.5 litres of Veg or Chicken Stock & .5 litre of boiling water.

Fry off the onions for a couple of minutes, throw in the peppers for a bit, then the sweet potatoes (no need to peel - just cut off any rough bits). Then add the hot stock and simmer until all the veg is soft. Add more water/stock as required. Blitz with a blender and serve with crusty bread (see freezer tip below).

I keep a tub of any leftover soup then and a few days later, I fry off some chicken in a large wok, add a couple of dessert spoonfuls of Korma paste then as much soup as necessary to make a nice consistency. The EASIEST curry ever and it's chock full of vegetable goodness!

Leftover Rice 

 The last dish that features every week is our leftover rice. It's basically a paella style recipe that uses up anything that's left in the fridge - chicken, sausages, chorizo, prawns - and it's one of the few dinners that I can whip up when there's literally nothing left as it's a proper store cupboard & freezer dish.

2 x Peppers (any colour)

Celery/Onions

2 cups of Brown Rice 

4 cups of Stock

Tomato Pureee

Leftover cooked meat or a bag of frozen prawns

Frozen Peas and/or Corn

Fry off the peppers and celery and/or onions with some olive oil. Add the rice, stir in the tomato puree and then immediately add the hot stock. Reduce the temperature and simmer, covered, for 15 minutes.

Stir the dish and add more stock if necessary. Add the frozen peas, prawns, chicken etc. heat through and serve. This is great with some sweet chill sauce or for the older members of the family, good old Tabasco.

Family Freezer Tips 

 I'm finishing with a few freezer tips to help make the weekly dinner dilemma even easier. Your freezer is your friend when it comes to feeding the family:

- buy chopped frozen onions, peppers, herbs and garlic. They're not that much much more expensive than fresh, never go off and make prepping dinner even faster.

- always have a bag of frozen prawns at the ready. Add pesto, cooked pasta & toasted pine nuts for another quick dinner.

- Iceland have the most amazing range of frozen breads that can be baked for 10-15 minutes. Best of the range are the crusty round rolls and the ciabatta loaf.

- freeze any leftover dinners in single portions. Then once every few weeks, you can have a mix and match dinner where everyone choses their favourite dinner from the leftover portions. These single portions are also great for nights when not everyone is home for dinner.

- if you've a bag of potatoes about to go off, don't let them! Simply peel, quarter, parboil, toss in oil and freeze in a bag. They will make perfect roasties, cooked from frozen for about 40 minutes until crispy. 

- Nothing to do with dinner but keep a bag of marshmallows in your freezer - they make an AMAZING ice pack with the bonus of being a yummy treat to make whomever's been injured feel better :)

Happy healthy meal planning!

So you've had a bad day.

Well, the thing about bad days is that they're always the result of the way we handle negative situations.

That being said, its no easy feat to not be affected by your car breaking down, spilling coffee down your white blouse or misplacing your debit card.

Yet, when these occur they tend to activate a domino effect on the rest of your day, then suddenly you're thinking about how you cannot wait for THIS day to end. It's a natural reaction. You can listen to as much of Daniel Powter's hit song as you like but writing the entire day off as "bad" isn't ideal. Getting back in control of your day is important to stop this domino effect in its tracks.

That's why we've put together a list of small things you can incorporate into your day to improve it, even marginally...

Switch Off Technology For a While

Whenever we're feeling our worst the last thing you want to see is a photo of that friend-of-a-friend you met on a night out having the time of their life in sunny climes.

Punctuating our lives with these small glimpses into the perfected, social media friendly version of people's lives has a negative affect that often goes unnoticed. It's a smart move to move away from our smartphones and technology every now and then.

Switch it off and banish it to a drawer. Even if it's just for an hour or two it will help clear your head and gain some perspective instead of boiling up resentment and self-deprecation about the fact you're not sunning yourself on a beach in Thailand. 

Read a Book

Yes, I'm talking about that teetering pile of untouched fiction on your shelf that you've been complaining about having no time to read.

If we redirected those idle moments spent glazed eyed, endlessly scrolling through Facebook or Instagram towards picking up one of those books that have been allowed to gather dust, we'd have a completely adequate amount of time to read them. It's the perfect way to escape from the bad vibes of the day and concentrate on something interesting and different.

 Write it Down

Having a physical manifestation of your annoyances in ink can be a therapeutic way of improving your day. Think of it as prising your problems from your brain and sealing them away somewhere else so you can get on with your day.

Take a Walk

When clambering into bed and screaming into a pillow for the evening might seem like the only viable option to finish your bad day, often this won't help you stop dwelling on your problems.

It's better to keep busy and if nothing else feels appealing why not just get out of the house and take a walk? Rain or shine, getting out for a bit can be a great idea.

Don't let the weather deter you from getting out in those colder, rainier months. Finally throw that half broken umbrella in the bin and invest in a protective winter coat or a handy, waterproof Mac in a Sac for when the sky looks a bit foreboding and you want a reliable source of rain protection.

It's a few weeks into the new year and for me, this is the best time to start thinking health and fitness. Let's face it, a week after Christmas is too soon for diets and exercise....the house is full of boxes of sweets and tins of biscuits for one thing! So I always pace myself - enjoy the last of the Baileys and avoid the overcrowded gym classes...until it gets to the end of January.

I'm not a fitness or nutrition expert so read my words with that in mind. I do however have a huge interest in nutrition and exercise and the impact both have on our health and wellbeing so with that in mind, here are my top tips for staying fit and healthy in 2016

1. Walk more places

I am not a fan of walking or running in a circle. I think about where I need to go and look on google maps to see how far away it is. Just the other day, I realised my choir rehearsal venue is only 3 mile from my home. That's about a 35 minute walk at a brisk pace. So I now leave home 15 minutes earlier and walk over (when it's dry). I'm under time pressure to get there for 7.30 so I really stride out. A friend brings me home afterwards so we get to have a great chat in the car. I call that a win/win.

2. Incorporate strength into your exercise routine.

Walking or running alone will not get you in the best shape. Alternate it with some sort of weight bearing exercise to keep you strong. Body Pump is an amazing class that you can take at your own pace and even just doing it once a week, I've got guns to be proud of....and building muscle helps you burn fat. Another win/win!

3. Stop eating after 7pm.

Studies have shown that your body metabolises food in a different way and at a slower rate in the evening so you are more likely to be healthier and slimmer if you eat earlier in the day and have a long (ideally 12 hours) break between your last meal of the day and breakfast the next day.

4. Cook from scratch when you can.

When I think about what makes a healthy diet, I'd say it starts with this. Nothing complicated mind you. Favourites in this house are fish baked in foil with sweet potato chips or chicken curry (made with paste). Delia's ragu is well worth making in bulk at the weekends. I'll not end up on master chef but it definitely improves your diet if you're in control of what goes into your meals on at least 5 days in the week.

5. Eat breakfast!

Your mum told you this all your life and it's so true. If you eat well to start the day, you're less likely to eat rubbish later in the day. A chocolate bar at 11am is often justified by having missed breakfast. Your body needs fuel in the morning to get going and porridge is the ultimate breakfast fodder but if you can't stand it, how about a couple of poached eggs with toast? Be very careful and read the labels of breakfast cereals. They're better than eating nothing but many are high in sugar and salt and won't sustain you for as long as porridge or eggs will.

6. My last one is all about the kids.

We sometimes forget that we are responsible for our kids' diets and inherent in that, we're dictating the attitude they will have to food when they are adults. Say no more often! They should only eat about 6 teaspoons of sugar every day so explain to them what that looks like and how much is in some of the foods they eat...they'll be fascinated by this, especially if you get the sugar bowl out and get them to measure it. I never talk about weight or shape to my kids but I do always tell them to look to see how much salt is in their Bran Flakes or how much sugar is in Cheerios. My kids would love the latter every day for breakfast but now they know how unhealthy they are, they're ok with just having them on Saturday mornings. I'm not trying to be the smug mum here - it's no different to teaching them to be safe on the road or to work hard at school. It might not work with them all but you've got a duty to try. Oh, and in case it helps, my kids voted this the best sugar video to watch on Youtube:

https://www.youtube.com/embed/Yda8RtOcVFU?rel=0

I'll leave you with a few sites that I love looking at when I'm struggling for food inspiration.

- My latest crush is on Joe Wicks, The Body Coach. His 15 second Facebook videos are hilarious....the kids love them as much as I do. Think Russell Brand and Nigella Lawson's love child and you'll get the gist

- Davina has just released her Smart Carbs book but before you buy, you can get lots of inspiration and daily meal plans from her website

- As I'm trying to have a meat-free day each week, I enjoy browsing the videos on Honesty Healthy Food. They have some great kids recipes too - something lots of blogs and chefs forget about.

Here's to a healthy 2016 and to starting New Year resolutions in February.....with the bonus that it's the shortest month :)

Ax

As a travel blogger, my new year's resolutions tend to relate to places I want to visit and things I want to try, rather than things I want to change about myself. Personally, I think that's a much nicer way of doing things – and it's a great way to share travel inspiration! Here are three of the top destinations on my radar for 2016...

Britain

Much as I love to travel the world, I think it's really important to get to know your home too – so this year I plan to see a whole lot more of my own great country. Britain has some dazzling scenery and hundreds of truly beautiful towns, so I plan to see much more of the country throughout 2016. I even have my eye on an “end to end” hike from the top of Scotland to Land's End which I'm hoping to put together for summer – so I'll need to stock up on hiking gear and start improving my fitness levels a little over the next few months!

South America

This glorious continent has it all; adventure, spectacular scenery, incredible cuisine, and some of nature's best extremes (from the driest desert to the largest rainforest). It's also increasingly popular, with Chile and Northern Peru both appearing on Wanderlust Magazine's list of where to travel in 2016. This year, I'm planning to head back to my favourite continent on earth in order to see some of the places I missed last time I was there!

Estonia

I love to visit under the radar destinations and places that don't see too many tourists, so there are several places in Europe that I'm really hoping to get to this year and Estonia is top of the list. Lonely Planet are touting it as one of the cheapest places to travel in 2016, which makes this pretty country of fairytale castles and medieval towns extra attractive to me!

Unfortunately for me, these three destinations are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to my wish-list for the coming year. If you're wondering where to travel in 2025, you really can't go wrong with one of these.

Pop on your coat & visit a museum or art exhibition

Rainy days don’t always mean that you have to stay cooped up inside. Grab a waterproof coat and a good pair of boots or wellies and check out your nearest art exhibition. You will feel better for getting a bit of fresh air and enjoying some cultural inspiration. Even a trip to a museum will ensure that your day isn’t wasted and you never know, you might pick up an interesting fact or two.

Read a book on the porch & listen to the rain 

If you’re lucky enough to have a balcony or a porch, provided the rain isn’t coming down in every direction, then why not sit outside and enjoy the sound of the rain against the roof. Pour yourself a cup of tea or hot chocolate, grab a good book and relax and de-stress.

Pick up a new hobby

Whether it’s arts and crafts, playing the guitar or taking up baking, there’s always something new to be learnt. When the weather’s against you and you just can’t face heading outside, occupy your time with a passion that you’ve always wanted to pursue. Make sure it’s achievable and something that will maintain your interest. 

Go out in the rain and play like a kid

There’s nothing quite like the freedom of grabbing your waterproof coat and welly boots and heading outside to play in the rain and splash in the puddles. Dance in the rain like no-one’s watching.

Make a scrapbook of your favourite memories

Scrapbooking; the quintessential 80s & 90s teenage activity definitely isn’t as popular now as it was back then. Social media provides a quick and easy way of documenting your memories, but there’s still nothing quite like digging out family albums or scrapbooks of old photos, cinema tickets, leaflets and pressed flowers. Get an old sketchpad, pritt stick and a few treasured possessions and create a book of memories.

Catch up on the latest blogs and youtubers

Draw inspiration from your favourite blogs and Youtube accounts, whether it be style, beauty, interiors or lifestyle. Relax, unwind and enjoy a bit of frivolous reading and viewing.

Refresh your room

Updating your home doesn’t always demand a lot of time and money. A quick refresh can make a room look new to you and to your guests. Move around ornaments or lamps to create new focal points or purchase a wall vinyl to add a quirky element.

Have an indoor film festival

Put some popcorn in the microwave, pop on a DVD and enjoy a golden oldie or a new rom-com.

Get some exercise

Get your waterproof jacket and overtrousers on and head outdoors for a bike ride. A light rain shower never hurt anyone and as long as you’re covered up, you can still get a bit of exercise and a breath of fresh air.

Pick up the phone or grab a coffee with a friend

When it’s dark and miserable outside, you can always brighten up your mood with a quick phone call to a friend or a loved one. Even better, why not meet at your local coffee shop and catch up on life, love and other pursuits.

Those that are accustomed to the weather in the British Isles wouldn't exactly describe it as sunny or warm. Some would even go so far as to say that we have no summers at all and that perpetual rain and wind are the norm here! We love it for what it is though and, as a great man once said: 'There is no such thing as bad weather, just poor kit choices.' So, without further ado, we are going to talk about those great kit choices and what you can do to keep yourself dry and warm when the weather turns wet and miserable.

The key to keeping warm and dry in the great outdoors is known as the layering system. Wearing multiple thin layers will keep you much warmer than one very thick layer. It also allows much more flexibility when it comes to managing your temperature when you are out in the elements. It is much more comfortable to remove a jumper and put on a thin waterproof layer, should it be raining in the summer, than to wear a big and bulky jacket. The layering system can be broken up into four broad categories, which are…

Base Layer

The base layer is designed to sit comfortably next to the skin. Traditionally base layers have been created from Merino wool. Merino is an extremely fine wool fabric which has excellent wicking properties, meaning that it draws sweat away from the skin and so keeping you dry. Being wool, the merino also keeps the thin layer next to your skin very warm. There are a number of synthetic alternatives on the market which offer an excellent price to performance ratio and are designed to pack up extremely small for when you need to just throw them in your bag overnight. 

Mid Layer

The mid layer, or warmth layer or soft shell layer, as it is sometimes described, is primarily here to provide the warmth insulation that you might need. Coupled with the base layer, it works in tandem by trapping further heat inside the layer and also wicking moisture vapour away from your base layer, keeping you dry. Some of the better mid layers also offer an element of being water resistant, meaning you only have to pull out the waterproofs when the weather really turns bad. 

An excellent choice for mid-layers is a fleece type material. You will want to choose your fleece layer wisely, depending on your activity. If you are mountain climbing, you will likely want an active fleece layer which is not designed to be so thick. However if you are lounging about camp or just having a stroll with the dogs, you may want a thicker passive fleece layer. 

Shell Layer

The Shell layer, or waterproof layer, is the top most protection that you will wear. This layer is specifically designed to keep you dry and to protect you from the wind. This layer is often designed from two types of material:

Membrane - this is the likes of GoreTex, Pertex and others of similar design.

Coated Nylon - this is generally lighter and cheaper but not as breathable. 

The shell layer is designed solely to keep you dry and out of the wind. This is the layer that you want to turn to when the heavens open (as is often the case here!) and the rain starts. It is important to remember to pack a shell layer no matter what the weather, especially when you are planning on an overnight trip. Being in wet clothing can be very dangerous, hypothermia can set in quickly and in surprisingly milk weather, especially if you have been sweating during the day as well. Be safe, especially for the sake of a few extra grams. 

Fine tuning

It is always important to protect your extremities. Even on hot days, at altitude the wind can be bitterly cold, especially when blowing around fingers and ears! It is always a good idea to pack some gloves and a hat, even in the summer. The hat can then double up whilst you are asleep in your sleeping bag to protect your head at night. Winner! 

Fabrics to avoid

The one fabric to avoid when out walking and camping is cotton and its derivatives - denim and other similar garments. Cotton soaks up water and sweat and retains that moisture, taking a long time to dry. This can be extremely dangerous when out on longer expeditions as when garments are wet for prolonged periods, especially when next to the skin, there is a much greater risk of developing hypothermia. This includes avoiding cotton underwear and socks, which are prime culprits! Always aim for a wicking, fast drying material as detailed above, for when you want to be warm, comfortable and safe when out enjoying the beautiful countryside.

Put any guy in front of a flaming barbecue and all of a sudden he thinks he is God’s gift to the cooking world. In reality, most people struggle to not burn marshmallows when cooking in the wild, let alone making anything tasty and nutritious, and so any good pointers on what to eat and how to cook it are usually welcomed with open arms! 

The trick to cooking outdoors is, quite simply: Keep It Simple! See what I did there…? Cooking an amazing meal in the comfort of your kitchen is sometimes hard enough, so when out camping you need all of the little hacks that you can get. Check out below our top tips on the best food to take camping and how to cook it while you're out there.

Equipment

Equipment will always play a big part in what you are cooking. If you plan on having loads of nibble little bits then you may not even need any cooking equipment at all. A cool-bag stuffed with treats and you're away! For the more adventurous of you, the aim is to do as much cooking as possible on as little amount of kit as possible - keep the list short and think of taking:

• A few lightweight aluminium pots
• A camping cooker or, if you're allowed to cook on an open fire where you're going, think of taking some long tongs to move pots around on the embers.
• A lighter (to get the fire started)
• Some cotton balls covered in vaseline as fire starters. These burn steadily for a long time, giving you ample time to build your fire around them.
• Cutlery
• A lightweight frying pan if you have one. Most decent aluminium pot sets will have a lid that doubles up as a small frying pan as well! 
• A Washing up scourer
• A small bottle of biodegradable washing up liquid

Breakfast

One word springs to mind here: Carbs. Depending on what you have planned for the day, whether it is a leisurely stroll through the countryside, a day’s rock pooling on the beach with the little ones or climbing one of the beautiful mountain ranges that we have here, you are going to need some real fuel to get you going for the day. Carbohydrates are what you should be aiming to fill yourself up on early on. The best types you can get are small packs of ready made oats which you just have to add boiling water to. This way, you're not burning porridge onto the bottom of your cooking pots at the start of the day and you have a good belly full of porridge to keep you going for the day! 

If you're feeling really adventurous and have got enough pots with you, then it is super easy to fry up some sausages and boil some potatoes (yup!) to really fire you up as well. Potatoes are a great alternative to bread as they are much easier to transport without squishing in your bag, they don't go mouldy and they're a prime source of those carbs you desperately need for the day! Just remember that anything too complicated means a lot of cleaning up afterwards and so you don't want to be bogged down with that at the start of your amazing day! 

Lunch

When we are out on a hike or down at the beach rock pooling, the last thing that we want to be doing is cracking out all of the cooking gear and getting bogged down for hours making something complicated. Just as we always think on our feet, we always eat on our feet as well! Taking foods that you can eat on the go are a must, some of our personal favourites are: 

• Homemade granola bars
• Carrot Sticks with hummus
• Grapes
• Cherry Tomatoes
• Apples
• Hard boiled eggs
• Scotch Eggs 
• Sausage Rolls (Always a favourite with kids!)
• Crisps
• Dried fruit and nuts
• Dried/cured meats

When you're out and on the go with the family in those hills, it is important to remember that you're going to need a lot of energy to keep doing all of that fun stuff and to stop you lagging during the day. You shouldn't worry about how much ‘fatty stuff’ you're eating or feeding the kids, they'll burn it off today, just don't make a habit of it! Well, unless you're out here every day… 

Dinner

Now is the time to really shine! You've had a hard day’s walking and adventuring and now all you want to do is have a good hearty meal and relax. There are some interesting facts to talk about before we get onto what food to cook. Your body regulates warmth better when you have had a good sized meal. So, if its cold out, don't skip dinner! You will be warmer at night in your sleeping bag if you get some food in you. We have all been there - After arriving back at camp after a long slog, all you want to do is climb into your sleeping bag and sleep; well fight that urge! 

Now onto the good food… Some of our real favourites revolve around an open fire. Always remember, when cooking with an open fire, that you should never cook with the flame. Always wait until the fire dies down to the point that you have hot embers, then you can rest your pots on top and get going. Some of our favourites are: 

• Chop up a load of carrots, leeks, potatoes, beans and any other veg that you love before you leave home and put it all in a sandwich bag. Fry up some diced chicken and put that in a separate  sandwich bag. When you get to your camp in the evening, empty it all into a pot and fill to the brim with water, throw in two oxo cubes and some pepper and boil away for an hour. You will have the heartiest and most rewarding chicken soup that you have ever made. 
• If you have been fishing that day, why not try freshly caught grilled fish and potatoes. Prepare the fish as you would at home and butterfly half it. Grip it between two green sticks and stick them in the ground, holding the fish above the embers. Whilst that cooks, boil up some potatoes and you'll love the result. A few freshly picked chives and some wild garlic and you are in heaven. 
• If you're really adventurous, bringing some chicken to slowly fry and picking a wild salad can be an extremely satisfying challenge. You need to be sure of what you are picking, but March through to September in the UK can yield some real wild salad treasures. Do your research and you'll be surprised on what you can find out there! 

What foods to avoid…

As with every activity out there, there are some big foods to avoid. When you're relying on your body to be fuelled and set for the day, you really should be concentrating on putting quality nutrition in in order to get the best results out. You should avoid: 

• Sugar based foods such as sweets, fizzy drinks and the like should be avoided at all costs save for a treat following dinner. The reason for this is that, whilst they may give you a sugar based high for a short while, they can cause a dangerous crash when you least want it. Not so bad if you're relaxing on the beach with the kiddies, but if you're halfway up Ben Nevis in poor weather this can mean the difference between a nice stroll back and some tricky times. 
• Avoid alcohol. Its great to enjoy a tipple when you're sitting around the campfire at night, but remember that unless you want to be getting up a lot in the night, its always best to be sensible when out and about.

Cleaning

Cleaning up sucks, doesn't it? Well, be smart! If you're the last one using the pots and pans at night, throw some water in the pot while you're eating and stick it back on the fire. The water will simmer most of the yuckyness off of the pots while you eat and the rest should come away easily afterwards. A clever trick that saves us hours of scrubbing (because I am notorious at burning food onto my pans!) is to drop a denture cleaning tablet into a dirty pot and fill it to the brim with water overnight. The tablet will do the trick of breaking down the food and by the morning your pots are nice and clean again! Minimal effort all round. 

Always be sure to take all of your rubbish away with you. We all enjoy our countryside as picturesque scenes and having rubbish blowing across it, harming the local wildlife, is definitely not what we all want to experience. All campsites will have space for you to leave your rubbish and if you're out and about in the hills, just keep a section of a bag handy to stick it all into until you find yourself back in civilisation. 

Last but by no means least… 

Water. Take lots and lots and LOTS of water. If you think you have enough water, take a bit more just in case. Your body uses water to break down food, to regulate temperature, to help you concentrate and of course to rehydrate you when you have been sweating in the glorious sun that we so frequently have here in the UK (ha!). 

Before I joined the National Trust, I thought that it was a bit of a waste to be a member in Northern Ireland as there seems to be less to see and do here with a membership that costs the same as it does across the water. It took a 2 week family holiday to England to encourage us to join but even then, we thought we would use it to visit lots of the places near where we were holidaying and then maybe use it once or twice at home before cancelling the membership when our year was up.

4 years on, we're still members and do you know what? We hardly used it on that original holiday as we were so busy exploring generally and simply didn't have time to see as many of the National Trust place to visit as we'd hoped. Where we have really used and enjoyed our membership is at home - here in NI - because we've so many more weekends and free days here and we're always on the look out for inexpensive days out with the kids.

Hand on heart, every National Trust property we've visited locally (and across the water admittedly) has been a wow moment....when you turn that corner and catch the first glimpse....you almost have to pinch yourself. Invariably, we say to each other on arrival 'why have we not been here before?' and I can guarantee you that one visit is never enough....they're that good. Not to mention the regular National Trust Events that bring us back - like Halloween trails, Christmas markets, kite flying and antique fairs. Apart from the Fermanagh locations, which are just that bit further away from our home, we've been to all the other properties more than once and closer to Belfast properties like Rowallane and Mount Stewart, we visit multiple times per season.

For me, the main thing that keeps me coming back to these local properties is the gardens. National Trust Gardens are truly something special and it's seeing how they change over the seasons that I most enjoy. Mount Stewart is a favourite in this regard as it's got its own micro-climate that means it has plants that you'd never see in a garden elsewhere in Northern Ireland. But it's the walled garden in Rowallane that is the most charming in my opinion and the kids love racing around the paths, hiding from each other behind yew hedges while I sit on one of the benches, soaking up some rays and wishing it was my own garden!

But you're guaranteed proper wow moments if you visit the North Coast properties, which are just over an hour from Belfast...after all, the Giant's Causeway is a World Heritage Site and the Carrick A Rede bridge is an iconic tourist site known worldwide. Both see hundreds of thousands of visitors each year from all over the world...and we can go there as often as we wish with free entry! To escape the crowds, Downhill and Mussenden Temple is another breathtaking spot where you can admire the rugged coastline and stunning beaches in this part of the country.

We no longer think of our National Trust membership as being an expense or a necessity....we consider it a complete and utter privilege and I commend the organisation behind it for the work they do to conserve these historic buildings, venues and gardens. We worked it out last year that each visit cost us less than £10 in admission charges for all 5 of us. A no brainer I reckon!

Ax

The 5.30am alarm stirs me and my stomach sinks… In the haze of waking from my short sleep I remember what today is… It creates a kind of nervous sinking feeling a bit like the butterflies you get before a presentation. I love what is ahead of me, but I’m also nervous because as thrilling and adventurous as it to challenge yourself, it is almost always painful and uncertain… today my mate and I are running the Mourne Wall again!

I am a 32 year old Freelance Graphic Designer who is quite obsessed with the great outdoors! Before I go any further, let me make this clear - I am not the fastest, fittest or most talented of outdoors people, I simply love the challenge, adventure and freedom that the outdoors can bring and I seek it as often as life allows! In any given week I’ll be cycling over the Antrim Hills, sailing around the coast, running in the Mournes, surfing in Portrush or mountain biking in my local trails. Like any addiction it is about finding the next fix…

The Mourne Wall is a beautiful route that takes in the heart of the Mournes in 35km loop (22miles) covering a painful 3000 metres of ascent (9842 feet) while summiting over 14 peaks (the route also skirts along the edge of Rocky Mountain but not its summit). My mate Matt and I test ourselves on this route every summer. We think it will keep us young and fit with a challenge always on the horizon. It is hard, but it is wonderful.

Years ago, when we first challenged ourselves on the route we took massive rucksacks with loads of food and water, wearing big heavy hiking boots and it ended up taking us a whopping 13hours! Now, a few years on, fitter and with more experience we turn up in fell shoes and shorts with tiny bags filled with jelly babies and bacon sandwiches and bang it out in around 7 hours. It’s not amazing considering the top fell runners probably look for a sub 4 hour time, but every year we are getting faster, and thats what counts!

Northern Ireland is a wonderland for outdoor adventure. We have so many options for different activities within our reach. From the Mournes to the Sperrins, from our coast line to Lough Neagh, from our local forest trails to the tow paths there is somewhere close by to get out and enjoy the fresh air. We even have amazing trail running & hiking routes in the outskirts of Belfast in the form of Cave Hill!

As a Belfast based clothing company I think Target Dry have seen the possibilities for local ‘micro’ adventures for everyday people and produced a well thought out range of waterproof outdoor clothing that covers everyday adventures from family trips to the beach to long wet hiking days in the Mournes. With this thought process in mind I will be blogging with Target Dry every month now and as I do so I hope I can share a little bit of the passion I have for the adventures and challenges that are just waiting for us all to just give them a go!

Over the next few months I’ll be cycling around Donegal, running the Mourne Wall (again!), preparing for the Mourne Mountain Marathon, training for a fundraising ultra marathon and tipping my toe into some wild outdoor swimming! There will also be some last minute camping trips, sailing races and surf sessions mixed in there as well!

I look forward to sharing these with you.

Right, thats enough writing… I’m off out for a run!

Unless you are lucky enough to work in the great outdoors, did you know that on average we spend 90% of our time stuck indoors? That seems like a scarily high figure, considering how much we all love the outdoors, right? I am going to go out on a limb and guess that most people’s excuse is that they don’t have time to get out after work or on days off… Well look at it this way: the average person gets 112 days off every year. Add that to time off after work and that equals 6736 hours free every year. Now tell me that you really can't spare 12 hours to go camping…

With that excuse out of the way, lets have a look at what the next big hurdle usually is: Having the right kit. 

The discussion of what you need to take camping with you can be as simple or as complicated as you want to make it. The thing to bare in mind are: you are not tackling Everest. Unless you’re going to be heading right into the hills then you really only need a few basics. Lets have a look at those basics now. 

Shelter

We have two amazing options when it comes to shelters. We have the option of the traditional tent, easy to pitch, enclosed space, great for bad weather and they keep the bugs out (most of the time!). Tents are a super option for beginners, they give you the added sense of security when it comes to being in the great outdoors. I have never really managed to be comfortable in a tent though, I feel too trapped. This led me to my second great discovery: Bivi bags and tarps. A bivi bag is an enclosure for your sleeping bag; nothing more, nothing less. It is essentially a big, breathable, waterproof sack that you crawl into. The downside? Well, it’s not for the claustrophobic. It’s a lot smaller space than a tent, meaning that you don’t have the comfort of being able to get changed inside. In fact you don’t have the comfort of being able to do anything but lay down! The upside? You can fall asleep looking up at the stars. A tarp is a sheet of fabric that you suspend above your bivi bag to keep the worst of the weather off of you. It takes some practice to get right but it allows so much more freedom on where you can camp and makes it lighter to drag along on a trek with you!

Sleeping Bag

Sleeping bags come in many shapes and sizes. The two primary types are synthetically lined bags and down lined bags. Synthetic doesn’t pack as small, isn’t quite as light but is just as warm and still retains it’s heating capacity when wet. Down filled bags pack much smaller, are lighter, but usually more expensive; the other, major, downside to down bags is that when the down gets wet, it loses it’s warming capability and so it is important to keep your bag dry when you are out and about or you will have a chilly night! Fact is though, if you’re simply heading out on a one night camping trip then you don’t need to spend hundreds of pounds on a sleeping bag! £20 from your local supermarket will usually get you a great synthetic lined mummy style bag. The trick is to just take a jumper with you if you think it won’t hold up to the weather and you have just increased the capability of your sleeping bag no end! Result! 

Cooking Gear & Food

Open fires are very pretty and all but they’re not ideal for making sure that the beautiful countryside that you’re visiting is left undisturbed after your visit. You generally have three options with camping stoves: Gas canister cookers, liquid fuel cookers and solid fuel cookers. Gas canister cookers are super simple: screw your stove head into the top of a camping stove and away you go - pop your cooking pot on, throw in some water and pasta and Bob’s your uncle! Liquid fuel stoves are almost the same but they require a bit more prep - you have to pressurise the fuel canister and heat the fuel before you can really get cooking. The benefit of liquid fuel over canisters? Liquid fuel is more efficient at higher altitude. Not really something we need to worry too much about in our part of the world… The last option is solid fuel. Solid fuel comes in the form of small pellet type capsules that sit in an enclosure and you simply set fire to them, pop your stove on and you’re done. The downside to this final option is that there is no cooking heat adjustment - you’re either cooking or you’re not! 

Food wise, keep it simple when you’re heading out. The best, easiest option is to simply have a great meal before you leave and take some milk and cereal for breakfast! No cooking involved - result! For the more adventurous, it’s not a huge jump to being able to fry up a few sausages in a pot, put them to one side and then cook some beans in the same pot over a stove. You will be surprised at how simple it is to cook in the outdoors. The main thing to remember is to avoid high sugar foods such as chocolate and sweets - they’re great for a pick-me-up but will leave you crashing afterwards which is never fun. Keep it simple on the cooking front and it will be easier in the long run.

Clothing

Summer in the England, Wales, Ireland and Scotland. It’s the best time of year when it comes to getting outdoors and enjoying the beauty of this part of the world that we live in. The downside to this part of the world is that summer usually means just as much rain (just slightly less snow) than the winter months. For this reason always pack waterproofs. Something simple for your top and bottoms such as this waterproof jacket and these waterproof overtrousers will pack away into a side pocket on your backpack and you can forget about them until you need them. For the super prepared and creative, you can probably use a poncho like this (which will also cover your backpack) and then use it as a tarp at night… Nothing will make you quite as miserable as being soaked through, so be prepared! 

The next layer down is usually a thermal layer. Again, you never can really trust the Summer here and so making sure that you at least have a jumper or fleece with you will keep you happy. Worst case, you can use it as a pillow when you bed down for the night! You will get cold when you least expect it, even if it has been a super warm day, by the time the sun sets you are usually left with quite a chill so make sure you have something to keep you warm. 

The final layer is your base layer. The base layer is what you wear directly next to your skin - it helps to wick moisture away from your skin and to keep you dry and warm when you need it. Layers are the key when it comes to keeping warm and to flexibility. It is better to wear three thin layers than one very thick layer. When you are trekking for miles you will sweat regardless of the weather, it is always good to be able to strip back a layer or two when you need to and add them back on when you really need them. 

That is a lot of information for a beginner to take in! Lets look at the basics again though:

Shelter: Tent or Bivi - keep it simple and fun. 

Sleeping bag: Synthetic or Down - keep it cheap and cheerful and wear an extra jumper if you think it might be a bit chilly.

Cooking: Gas, Liquid or Solid fuel - make life easier by eating before you leave and taking food that doesn’t require cooking.

Clothing: Layers, Layers, Layers! - Base layer, warming layer, waterproof layer. In that order. 

Finally… keep it simple, keep it fun! We all love the outdoors and there is little point in hiking and camping if it’s not fun. Enjoy the world! Keep exploring… 

Being a travel blogger seems like the perfect part-time activity. Office jobs just don't offer the same thrill and adventure as an outdoors getaway, getting back to nature, exploring new countries and discovering beautiful scenic landscapes. 

We are delighted to have Vaughan & Katie from The Explorers Home guest blog for us. Expect monthly posts covering travel inspiration, packing tips and more, but to begin with let's get an insight into their lives and daily routine. 

Tell us a bit about yourself 

Adventure is a part of us all. We can all remember those times of wonder and discovery as a kid when everything we saw was a new discovery and life was full of wonder. Most of us grew up though, filling our days with school, college, work, family… and we lost the adventure somewhere in amongst all of the stuff that fills our time. We want to bring that back for people. 

Vaughan Williams (myself) and Katie Cockerill are just your average people, from average towns in the UK. I grew up on the outskirts of London and Katie in the small town of Scunthorpe, North Lincolnshire. What is so special about that, you ask? Well, nothing in fact. But what we had in our towns was the same small piece of magic that every kid has in their hometown - wonder and discovery. What we want to do is show people that work, university, even family time, doesn't have to fill every hour of your day. The world is a big place but most of us don't even adventure outside of our commute to work and local shops, we show people that you can rekindle that spark of adventure and rediscover the world around you.

It must be great being able to write on the road and experience the world?

It must be amazing huh! We wouldn't know either though… We work full time jobs, just like everyone else! The truth is, there is such a small, glamourised, number of people that travel blog and write about adventures but the fact of the matter is that near 99.9% of the world work, live and breathe in the town that they live in right now. We are no different! I work in commercial property compliance (yawn!) and Katie manages an adventure travel gear store (woo!). We wouldn't be able to write about showing people how to discover adventure in that huge chunk of the day that you're not at work if we didn't do just that, would we? 

What do you try to show people?

Lets think about this for a second… Most people work 8-9 hour days, 5 days a week. So on that basis: including days off, standard holidays, weekends, bank holidays etc, the average person has 112 days off each year. More than that, including time when you're not at work, the average person has 6736 hours when they're not at work. How long does it take to throw a sleeping bag in a bag, walk ten miles to a local wood and camp out the night? Not 6736 hours, thats for sure!

It's not all about camping and hiking, but we do promote it where we can. Sitting around a crackling fire, the stars above you and a cheeky beverage in your hand is well known to be possibly the best cure ever for a stressful day. Waking up to morning mist, a sunrise that can knock your socks off and a brief swim in a cold water river is sure to set you up for anything a day in the office can throw at you as well! And whats the worst thing that can happen? You don't sleep so great and you smell a bit when you get to the office, perhaps. But I dare say that absolutely nothing will wipe that smile off of your face from the new adventure you have just experienced…

You must have a pretty hectic daily life, how do you fit it all in?

I’m an early riser, up at 5.30am most days by default and I don't sleep until about 11.30pm. That is just me and I know not everyone is that energetic. Katie would live her entire life in bed if the mountains could come to her; up at 8am, asleep by 10pm most nights at the latest. But those hours when we aren't at work are when we cram it in. I highly advise getting to sleep earlier and up earlier. Most people like to stay up late as it gives them the sense that they have done something other than work that day - what is to say that can't be in the mornings as well? We went to the allotment to water the greenhouse and made strawberry jam before work yesterday morning, and when I told people what we had done that morning they just stared at me in bewilderment, like I had just grown another head! “How do you find the time?!” they murmured between sips of super strong coffee, “I just went to bed early and got up early…”.

We always advocate checking for cheap train deals (Megabus, Skyscanner etc.) and just booking something when you spot it. Worry about the accommodation later, grab that deal for now! Working in a shop, Katie’s time isn't very flexible, but even then we try to get away on a Friday night after work, on the train and back Sunday evening for an early night to feel super amazing for the Monday - 48 hours of adventure right there! 

When you need that peace and quiet, where do you aim for?

Adventure and discovery isn't always about escaping to the hills. The fact is some people flat out hate the outdoors, and that’s ok. Discovery and exploration can come in many forms. Personally, if I really need the peace, I will stick my headphones in, grab a coffee somewhere and just read a book for hours. Katie is a water baby, so goes swimming for hours on end if it's been a tough day. The options are endless though - throw in your headphones and wander around one of the thousands of museums dotting the country; you don't even have to read anything. Books, crafts, cooking, baking, knitting, even cleaning my outdoor gear are all forms of discovery for me that involve a bit of ‘brain downtime’ - they mean I can shut off for a bit but still learn something new.

What would you encourage others to do if they want the same experiences?

Step outside the front door, for starters. What is outside your house down the street to the right, at the end of the road on the left? Don't know? Find out! Get off of the bus or train on the way home from work a few stops early tonight and discover a bit more of your hometown. Have a sleeping bag? Well it's summer out there (apparently!) right now so grab yourself a £5 tarp from the hardware store and have yourself a sleepover in the woods, I promise you there are not nearly as many crazy people out there as the news will have you believe…

There are huge swathes of the country that are ready for you to discover if you take the time though. If you have a few days spare, throw some kit in a backpack and jump on a bus into the wilderness - there are no wolves or bears here, you're safe. Keep an eye on the weather because you don't want to get caught in a snowstorm, but otherwise you're pretty safe if you stay dry. The worst that can happen is that you get a bit wet, a bit groggy and you jump on the bus back home, shower it off and laugh at yourself! The best that can happen? Well, mountains, sunrises, wild deer sleeping outside your tent, campfires with friends, you get the picture.

Belfast based Hugh Mcgoldrick will be undergoing a gruelling fitness regime to make sure he is ready to take on the Matterhorn mountain. Known for it's difficult terrain of rock and ice, it will be tough but hugely rewarding. Hugh is an accomplished mountaineer and we are delighted to be able to provide him with high performing footwear and fleeces, so he can brave the elements throughout his journey to the summit. 

We managed to grab a few minutes of his time to check out how he's coping with the 5am starts and strict fitness routine!

What made you want to embark on this expedition?                                                                                            

For some years now I have been climbing in and around the Mournes, there are some fantastic routes available and being close to where I live there isn’t really much choice. I also climbed extensively in the Highlands of Scotland while I was at University. I made the transition into Mountaineering in my third year of University when I decided to climb Mont Blanc, via the Aguille di midi route. Since this expedition I have caught the mountaineering bug and been in the Alps any chance I can get. However due to my day to day working life this has become increasingly difficult. I had always planned to do a big climb this summer and when I came into contact with Pretty ‘n’ Pink it spurred me on to organise an expedition to hopefully climb in aid of a local Northern Irish Charity. I really enjoy having the opportunity of raising funds for a very worthwhile cause through doing something I really love.

What’s involved in your training routine?

My training regime is intense and focused towards increasing my aerobic fitness levels, while also conditioning particular areas of my physique. I try and run 10km 3 days a week with a big run at the weekend, this is if I can’t get out in the Mournes for proper climbing which always takes precedence. I do weights sessions 2 days a week, these weights sessions are focused mainly towards strengthening my core, as well as improving leg and back strength which is vital for such an expedition, where long hours of climbing can really take their toll.

Obviously life takes over and sometimes it will be longer sessions some days and shorter others. I’m usually pretty shattered by the weekend but do try and make use of my rest days. I am generally a pretty motivated person but after the “honeymoon” training period ends it can be a real tough slog getting yourself up in the morning.

I am an active person so feel I have a good residual fitness level, I have just stopped playing rugby after 10 years due to recurring injuries so I know how to push myself pretty hard in personal training.

Are you on a specific diet?

To be honest I have never been one of those people who calorie counts, I have been blessed with a lightning fast metabolism, so I eat when I am hungry and I eat a lot. I have never really enjoyed eating fast food or junk food so I don’t really have too much to cut down on or change for a climb.

The main drawback of preparing for the climb is having to cut back on the odd casual drink after work or at the weekend. One evening with a couple of pints sets me back a week so I just have to flat out avoid it.

What will you be bringing with you? 

One of the essential elements of a successful climb is packing light, you are carrying everything on your back so lighter the better.

Target Dry have provided me with technical waterproof fleeces for the climb, these are lightweight and breathable allowing for maximum benefit with minimum weight impact.

I have also been supplied with Target Dry’s state of the art socks, which are designed specifically for such expeditions, speaking from experience of having had massive blisters on my feet after one day of climbing on previous climbs, keeping your feet in optimum condition is vital and Target Dry’s socks definitely are on the fore front.

For the summit attempt itself I will have to be pretty wrapped up with temperatures dropping to as low as -40c, this will require a pretty hefty down jacket which continues to allow good movement while maintaining core body temperature.

What do you imagine will be the most challenging part of the expedition?

I plan a week long acclimatisation period in the Alps prior to my summit attempt, naturally with my body adjusting to altitude while climbing 12 hours a day for the first couple of days will be pretty grim.

The summit attempt morning will be an early start but I am not someone who minds rising early and the adrenaline will be pumping which will get me warm pretty quick.

How can the public support you and donate?

I have had a website built for the climb which is connected to my Just Giving page, all funds donated will go directly to Pretty ‘n’ Pink, a Northern Irish Breast Cancer Charity. This charity provides care and support for breast cancer suffers across Northern Ireland.

The website is www.hughmcgoldrick.com

How will you celebrate when you reach the top?

To be honest I haven’t thought that far ahead, there are a lot of extraneous variables that have to go my way to allow a summit attempt, usually I decide when I reach the top. The most dangerous part of the climb is the descent so I will be celebrating with a pint or two at the bottom.

Thanks Hugh for taking the time to be interviewed! This journey will be a dangerous and extremely challenging one which is why he needs your support. Please donate by visiting his justgiving page. 

Of course, trends come and go, but there are some festival wear staples that will never go out of fashion.

We’ve put together a few essential pieces that will help you pack for the festival season and make sure you can change up your look without needing to bring your entire wardrobe.

Denim shorts

It wouldn’t be a festival without the appearance of frayed edge denim shorts! A staple item that can be worn with virtually anything, it’s definitely one for the backpack. Customise them by adding a few rips.

Graphic slogan tee

An easy item to style with anything, a good festival tee will either have your fave band or artist printed on the front or your favourite slogan. There are plenty of graphic tees on the high street, but if you want to go that bit further, you can customise your own tee.

Wellies & knee length socks

The one essential that everyone has to pack. Wellies will see you through the festival season, especially if you will be frequenting UK festivals which are notorious for wet and mucky conditions. Wear with long socks to protect your feet and avoid nasty blisters.

Waterproof jacket/poncho

There’s nothing like a heavy downpour to leave you feeling wet and miserable. Packaway macs are great for easy access when the heavens open. Waterproof jackets and/or ponchos are an absolute must if you want to avoid getting hypothermia.

Headscarf

Versatile, practical and fashionable, the headscarf is great for covering up bad hair days. Bring a couple of patterned scarves to style up your outfit and create a quirky look.

Stacks of jewellery

If all else fails, pile on the jewellery. A simple outfit can easily be brought to life with a few well chosen pieces. The high street has plenty of jewellery items that are sold in bunches, taking the stress out of sourcing individual pieces.

What will you be packing for the festival season?

Our Top 3 Routes

Cross Fell from Kirkland

We thought we’d start with a good route to take you up to the highest point of the Pennines: Cross Fell Mountain. This walk is 8.54 miles (13.75 km) long and should take roughly about 4 ½ hours to complete.

Begin in the Kirkland car park and follow the farm track path which is basically like a continuation of the road. Follow it through fields towards the foot of the North Pennines, which you will see rising in front of you. As you gain height, the path will begin to get rougher. As you continue, you will pass through a couple of gates, and begin to climb around the north side of High Cap. This will take you to the hummocks and hollows an old abandoned mine. The track soon begins to dwindle to a smaller path which continues in an eastern direction over boggy moorland (don’t forget the waterproofs!) towards the summit of Cross Fell. On a broad shoulder just north of Cross Fell, you will meet the well-trodden and very famous Pennine Way.

Turn right onto the Pennine Way for the climb onto Cross Fell's wide, windy summit plateau. This area is quite marshy, so again, remember to pack your waterproofs. A trig point and a stone walled windbreak mark the highest point of the summit.

Continue in a southeast direction on the Pennine Way. The path is marked by a few tall cairns along the way. Just above the saddle of Tees Head look out for a lesser used path appearing on the right.

This will take you down across Cross Fell's secluded southern flank, giving picturesque views over the Eden Valley to the Lake District. The path does a slight zigzag after a prominent cliff edge called Wildboar Scar, then begins to descend around the flank of Grumply Hill to follow down to the walled pastures of the valley. Here you will finally take a right turn onto a track through Ranbeck farm which will lead you back to Kirkland carpark.

Helm Crag

This route is short and family-friendly at just 5.07 miles (8.16km) and should take about 4 hours to complete. Beginning at Grasmere's Town Head, it explores a beautiful valley and climbs an easy ridge to a classic Lakeland micro-summit.

Follow the road of Town Head in a south-westerly direction towards Helmside for 200m. You can park your car by the farm at Town Head for just a couple of pounds. Take the track which goes northwest and follow it up a hill which takes you past more buildings. Take the obvious Landrover track going northwest, following the wall parallel to the river. Keep going on this track over a foot bridge, staying on the same side of the river. 

Cross over some stepping stones and keep following a path which is sometimes not very well defined in places. Keep moving towards the top of the ridge. Follow the ridge in a south-easterly direction for approximately 2km, passing a series of peaks, before reaching the final summit of Helm Crag which is distinguished by an obvious rocky peak. The highest point of the crag can be reached by a short but exposed and testing grade one scramble to the top of the obvious pinnacle. This is known as The Howitzer. The only way to get off this is to retrace the way you came up so keep this in mind. Now follow the path which descends in a south-easterly direction into the valley.

After about 1km, at the junction with the wall, go through the gate, then take the small gate which is immediately on your left. This is an accommodating path which leads through the gardens of the Lancrigg Hotel. Follow the path out of the hotel drive, and go east onto a track that passes a youth hostel. At the junction with the road, follow it north and this will take you back towards Town Head.

Bowscale Fell via Bowscale Tarn

Start at the houses at Bowscale and take an obvious hill track in a westerly direction, to follow a long rising track across the slopes overlooking a picturesque valley of the River Caldew. Bowscale Tarn was originally used to take Victorian visitors up by pony so as you can imagine, the track is an easy climb. It would also be nice on a bike too.

Take a rough path that continues up a steep grassy hill, through some scattered rocky outcrops, and leads onto the smoother ground of the fell's north ridge. Continue up the cliff edge and then bear right to cross the broad summit which slopes to reach the cairn at the top. From here you will see a great view of Blencathra's Sharp Edge. Now retrace the way you came briefly moving towards the top of Tarn Crags, then bear right to come to a cairn on a minor summit.

Continue down onto the east ridge of the Bowscale Tarn, then take a left turn and head straight for the northeast corner of the tarn. This is a steep and rough descent with no real path to follow. Once you are down by the tarn, follow an obvious trail which leads along the base of the moraine ridge that dams the water. From here you can then rejoin the pony track to make a quick return to Bowscale.

Little Known Facts

• The Pennines are home to one of Britain’s best known and toughest hikes: The Pennine Way. It stretches for 267 miles (429 km) and takes you through 287 gates, over 249 timber stiles, 183 stone stiles and across 204 bridges!
• The path was first proposed by the journalist and hiker Tom Stephenson. He was inspired by similar trails in America such as the Appalachian Trail. Stephenson suggested the concept in an article he wrote for the Daily Herald in 1935, and later lobbied Parliament for the creation of an official trail- the first official long distance walking trail in the UK. The final section of the path was opened in a ceremony on 24 April 1965.

The approximate southern-boundary of the range runs from slightly east of Braemar, west along Glen Dee to White Bridge, through Glen Geldie to the head of Glen Feshie. The western-boundary runs down Glen Feshie and the River Spey to Aviemore. The northern-boundary runs roughly eastward from Aviemore through Glen More to Glen Avon. The eastern-boundary then runs up Glen Avon, and over Am Bealach Dearg to slightly east of Braemar.

Our Top 3 Routes

Meall a'Bhuachaille & Ryvoan Bothy from Glenmore Visitor Centre

This short walk with its spectacular views on good paths provides a fantastic introduction to the area for a first time visitor. It shows magnificent views over the Cairngorm National Park in a fairly easy half day. Good weather is desirable to make the most of the extensive views.

Park at the Forestry Commission Visitor Centre in Glenmore. Take a steep path to the left of the Centre through the trees to a fork in the trail. Take the left path and climb easily, following the track until the path emerges from the forest to open mountainside. After this, the trail is badly eroded and very muddy, especially if there has been wet weather. It leads upwards, heading for the Bealach between Creagan Gorm and the summit of Meal a'Bhuachaille. Turn east now and climb the west ridge to the summit.

The way on from the summit is not a clearly marked path, but head in a north easterly direction across the summit plateau for about 200metres when a clear path will appear, winding steeply down, due East to Ryvoan Bothy.

A rough track leads south west from here, becoming much smoother as it passes An Lochan Uaine and continues on to Glenmore Lodge. A footpath then runs parallel to the road, leading directly back to the Visitor Centre. Refreshments and souvenirs are available here, as well as picnic tables with scenic views across Loch Morlich.

Cairngorm & Ben Macdui from the ski centre

This walk covers two of the highest mountains in the UK, so get ready for some amazing views on your hike. Cairngorm (4,084 feet) is the sixth highest and Ben Macdui (4,295 feet) is the second. It is exceeded in height in the UK only by Ben Nevis.

Despite the height of these mountains, this particular walk is not a very strenuous one for the average fit hiker. You will first begin by walking up the Coire Cas Route which is found to the right of the ski centre car park to the top of the funicular station. From the top station, it is a straightforward walk to the top of Cairngorm. You will follow a clear, rocky path which makes Cairngorm a fairly easy climb. As you get closer to the summit, you will come across a series of cairns which appear in a line as if to guide you to the top. The very top is marked by a large cairn and when you look back, Loch Morlich can be seen below.

At this point there is no path leading onwards, but head in a south westerly direction and walk down the rocky hillside. The route passes close to Coire an t-Sneachda and Coire an Lochain, the latter of which is passed on the return route later in the walk on the opposite side of the corrie.

Following the ridge ahead, you will reach a clear path. The gradients are generally gentle here and as a result, you should progress relatively quickly. The granite tors of Beinn Mheadhoin will appear as humps on the ridge of the mountain to the left and you will pass Lochan Buidhe on the left of the path before the gradient begins to steepen. Follow another line of cairns similar to the ones on Cairngorm, they will take you in the right direction towards Ben Macdui which is about a mile further on. You will follow a rock-covered plateau to the sizeable cairn which marks the summit. Weather conditions can be cold and wet at the best of times, meaning this is an unlikely place to take a break for any length of time.

For the return route, retrace your steps back as far as Lochan Buidhe. Once you reach this point, take the path that veers to the left. Follow the path ahead in a northerly direction. The path will then pass the other side of Coire an Lochain which now appears on the right. As you follow the ridge down, eventually you return to the the start point in the car park after you cross a stream at the end.

Cairngorm Mountain via Coire an t-Sneachda from the Ski Centre

We’ve left this route to the end as it includes a grade one winter climb and should only be undertaken by those who are competent to do so. You will need two ice axes and crampons if you are intending to hike between the months of October and April. You must take great care as the area is prone to avalanche conditions during this time. You can ask for advice on climbing conditions at the ranger station in the ski centre car park.

After parking the car at the ski centre, take the path that leads to the west passing the ski tows. After about ten minutes the path forks. Take the left path and this will take you southwards towards Ston Coire an t-Sneachda. You will cross of a large boulder field. Take particular care here as the drops in between can be hazardous. Once you reach the Loch, head left and round the side of the loch where a path begins to appear underneath the Central Gully/Vent. The path will thicken and start to climb and cross diagonally towards the Goat Track.

At this point, the going is quite tough and the gradient is steepening. Once you enter the gully, continue to the left next to the rocks. The snow is at its thinnest which provides good axe and foot holds. You should expect the climb to take around an hour as it is quite demanding. Once you reach the top, turn left and follow the edge toward Cairngorm Mountain which will not yet be in view.

Keep following the edge and it will start to turn northwards and begin to drop downhill a little. Continue until you reach the 1141 metre spot height which is marked by a large cairn. Now turn east and head up the last slope towards the top of Cairngorm Mountain. The summit marker at the top provides a welcome break from the wind as you take in the views of the 4081ft giant.

When you leave, follow the line of cairns northwards away from the summit until you come to a roped path. Within 30 minutes you will reach the Ptarmigan Station. Moving on from the station, head north. The route follows the fence for around 500m before it slowly turns left where it then descends to the rear of the day lodge, where you walk through and onto the car park where you first started out.

Little Known Facts

• The Park covers 4528 square kilometres (1748 square miles). This is twice the size of the Lake District and Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Parks. It is the biggest national park in the UK. This makes up a massive 6% of Scotland.
• Parts of the Cairngorms have been described as an arctic wilderness. The land above 600 metres which is known as the 'montane zone' is the largest area of arctic mountain landscape in the British Isles.
• Although a lot of the landscape is made up of heather-covered moors, the park is also home to forests of historical note. There are rare remnants of ancient Caledonian pine forests still standing here, and a rare pinewood that grows only in Scotland and Norway can also be found in the Cairngorms.

This week, we’re starting off with our homeland, Northern Ireland.

The Mourne Mountains (or the Mountains of Mourne) form the highest and most dramatic mountain range in Northern Ireland. With breath-taking views across the Irish Sea and an intricate map of weaving paths to explore, they are high on any keen hiker’s to-do list.

The mountains can be divided into two distinctive areas: the Eastern, or “High Mournes” and the Western or “Low Mournes”. Below is a map of the mountains to show this. The Mournes are well known for providing a wide variety of stunning scenery for a relatively small geographical area.

Sourced from walkni.com

The area of the Mournes is compact and navigation is usually straightforward. The Eastern Mournes are laid out in the shape of a trident with two large valleys running from the north to the south, separating the three 'prongs' of the trident. West of this area, there is another group of high hills which centre on the twin peaks of Eagle Mountain and ShanSlieve before sloping to lower hills which then continue west and south towards the small village of Rostrevor.

Our Top 3 Routes

Slieve Donard from Newcastle

We’re starting with this route as it is perhaps the most popular walk in the Mournes. In fact, it’s been so popular that considerable erosion has become evident in recent years, causing the need for renovation work on the path. It is the normal and most direct route up Slieve Donard, the highest peak in the Mournes. It should take around 2 ½ hours at a decent walking pace to get to the top.

Start in the Donard car park in Newcastle and follow an obvious path at the back of the park which leads into the trees. Follow the path up the left bank of the Glen River where you will come across a bridge. Cross this bridge and turn right to ascent the left bank of the river, with waterfalls on the right. Here you will come to a second bridge. Cross this and continue again on the left bank past more waterfalls to a third and final bridge. Do not cross this bridge, but continue up a rocky track to a gate which gives access to the open mountainside.

Continue straight ahead with the Glen River on the left and forest on the right. Near the head of the valley, turn left to cross the river. The path, which is well worn and has been substantially re-engineered in recent years goes directly up, then curves right on to the flat saddle between Slieve Donard and Slieve Commedagh. Walk in a southerly direction to intercept the Mourne Wall. Turn left along the wall to head for the top of Donard.

The final part of the hike climbs beside the wall directly up to the summit of Slieve Donard. This part is especially tough as it is a continuous slope for 1000 feet, but increasingly impressive views over the Mourne countryside make the slog a little easier to bear.

Slieve Binian from Carricklittle

This route is the most direct route to the top of Slieve Binnian. It begins in the Carricklittle car park. This is at the junction of the Head Road and Oldtown Road near Annalong. The route is quite tiring, though the views are very impressive. This route should take about 2 hours to get to the top.

From the car park go up the track which runs north before it curves west to join the Mourne Wall at a gate and stile. Cross over the stile and continue straight with the Mourne wall on your left and a fence on the right. The track then curves right to follow the south western edge of the forest. Leave the track and go directly along the side of the wall. It runs fairly straight for half a mile up a steady slope.

The wall begins to veer left and left again while the slope steepens, ending finally against the summit tor of Slieve Binnian. The Summit cannot easily be gained from this point. Move right along the base of the tor and make your way up steep grass and heather slopes to a gap. Turn left here and climb a rock step. Cross the rock slabs with care to get to the final step up to the summit. You will find an old metal fence post at the top. Take extra care at the last part of this climb as strong winds or snow and ice will make this route particularly hazardous.

Trassey to Bloody Bridge

This route is a moderate linear walk for those of you who would prefer a less challenging walk. It links the Trassey Track and the Bloody Bridge via the Brandy Pad. You can see sights such as the Mourne Wall, the Castles, Slieve Commedagh and Slieve Donard on this walk.

To begin, turn left out of Trassey car park. You will see double gates and a stone stile to mark the start of the Trassey Track. Continue straight ahead up this quarry track and pass through another 2 sets of double gates. The path becomes steeper and steeper as it follows the river. Continue up the Trassey Track towards Hare's Gap which is the col between Slievenaglogh and Slieve Bernagh. Cross over the Mourne Wall using the stile and veer left, onto a well-worn track called the Brandy Pad. Continue along this track for 3 km where you will pass three large mountains: Slievenaglogh, Slieve Corragh and Slieve Commedagh, which is the second highest peak in the Mournes. You will come to some stone steps which lead up to the col between Slieve Beg and Slieve Commedagh. Veer left on the col to pass underneath the craggy outcrops of the Castles which will be on your left. Continue on the main path which follows around the base of Slieve Donard to meet the wall at the Bog of Donard. Cross over the Mourne Wall and keep on the track which follows down the Bloody Bridge River. When you come to a quarry, cross over the Bloody Bridge River and continue along the well-worn quarry track. Follow the track to the left towards the Bloody Bridge River and then cross the river using conveniently located boulders as stepping stones. Follow this river downstream, crossing a wooden footbridge over the Glenfofanny River. Keep following the river down towards the coast and turn left when you come to the Ballagh Road. The Bloody Bridge car park will be 20m away on the opposite side of the road.

Little-Known Facts

The Mourne Wall

A famous landmark, The Mourne Wall runs through the Mournes, over the top of no less than 15 mountains, is an impressive 22 miles in length and runs over the summit of the highest peak: the Slieve Donard. Its main purpose was originally to keep cattle and sheep out of the water catchment area of the Silent Valley reservoir but has since become a useful guide for hikers and an impressive sight to visit. Completed in 1922, the wall took over 18 years to finish with many skilled local tradesmen employed seasonally to build it. The wall still stands up to 8ft high and 3ft wide today.

Smuggler’s Haven

Illegal cargo ships stocked full of prohibited packages of tobacco, wine, spirits, leather, silk and spices docked at the foot of the Mournes in Newcastle during the 18th and 19th Centuries. The smugglers would then load horses with these illegal products and trek through the Mourne Mountains to Hilltown. Trade was so good and the route was so widely used that a track was soon worn away by the hooves of the heavily laden horses. This old track is still there today and is a popular walking route among hikers, appropriately known as "The Brandy Pad".

Driving

If you are one of many people taking your car to work every day, you will no doubt notice a huge change in traffic when the weather is bad. Even a heavy downpour of rain can turn a 20 minute commute into half an hour. The first piece of valuable advice we can give you is to ensure you have plenty of time. Time is key. If there is a wintry forecast on the cards for the morning, make sure you allow yourself a good extra 20-30 minutes.

Follow these tips to make sure your car remains functional in snow and ice:

• Cover your windscreen before you go to bed. You can get covers made especially for your car, or just use an old blanket or even a black bin bag if you don’t have one of these. This will save you a lot of time de-icing in the morning!
• If you don’t cover your windscreen, you will no doubt wake up to a thick layer of ice obstructing your view in the morning. Do not be tempted to bring the kettle out to get rid of it as the sudden dramatic temperature change can cause your windscreen to crack. Use de-icer and a scraper and just be patient. If you are in a hurry, you can use cold water to help.
• Turn your car on while you are de-icing it. The temperature from the air inside will help the defrosting process.
• Remove any snow from around the wheels and roof. The roof is particularly important as any lying snow could fall onto your windscreen while driving making it very dangerous!
• If you have a long commute, you might want to pack some extra supplies in the boot of the car just in case you might end up stranded somewhere. We recommend extra blankets, jump-leads, food and water.
• When you finally get on the road, make sure you drive slowly and carefully. Do not misjudge how treacherous the road conditions are. Even if they have been well gritted, take extra care for black ice. It is a good idea to stick to main roads where possible.
• If you have the option to leave the car at home, do it. Accidents are much more likely in poor driving conditions and you are better to be a little inconvenienced that involved in a crash. Safety first.

Walking

If you live close enough to your work to walk in, or even just walk as part of your journey, you will need to make sure you are well prepared for the icy conditions. Here are our top tips for battling the wintry elements on your walking commute:

• Allow yourself a lot of extra time. Depending on how far you need to walk, we would advise allowing anything up to 40 minutes extra. A good general guideline is to allow twice as much time as it normally takes for walking.
• You will need layers and a thick, insulated, waterproof coat. Your stylish yet flimsy work blazer is no good today!
• You will also need a good pair of waterproof wellies or snow boots to keep your feet warm and dry until you get into work. It’s a good idea to pack a small backpack with shoes that are perhaps a little more office-worthy for when you get there. An extra pair of socks are useful too in case your waterproof boots fail you.
• The pavements can be very dangerous when there has been a snowfall. Unlike the roads, usually the pavement will not have been gritted. Try to avoid routes that take you up or down steep hills as there will be increased chances of slipping and falling- we know this is easier said than done!
• If you are nervous about the slippery conditions, you could try adding a pair of spikes to your boots. You can get these online or in most good outdoor shops.

Cycling

If you take your bike to work, you are also at risk in the deep freeze although you don’t have to leave your bike at home! Follow these tips to make sure you stay safe while you cycle in the snow.

• Avoid dark clothing as you want to make sure you remain visible to motorists and pedestrians. Reflective clothing and ideally a flashing light are perfect for making sure you are seen.
• Try and stay out of the gutter if you can as this is where most of the ice will build up. Sticking to main roads will also be much safer as these will normally be gritted before the first flow of traffic.
• Make sure your bike is ready for the winter before taking it out in icy conditions. Lower your seat by 5cm to lower your centre of gravity. This will give you more control and enable you to get your foot down more easily should you need to stop quickly or steady yourself. Consider adding slightly wider tyres to your bike to increase grip and improve traction.
• As always, don't forget your helmet! You are at a much higher risk of being in an accident when you go out on your bike in the snow.

Hopefully you find these tips helpful when you find the conditions difficult. If you think of anything else useful that we have left out, feel free to drop us a line on social media.

New Year, new you? After the Christmas season of cheer and indulgence, the cold harsh reality of January can be tough when it hits. The best thing to do to brighten the New Year is to set yourself some healthy goals to achieve. Buy yourself a new healthy eating cookery book and aim to cook out of it at least 4 times a week, or set yourself a new fitness regime and stick to it. This week we’re exploring the possibility of a new hiking routine- explore the countryside and get fit all at the same time? Sounds good to us. Here’s what we’re putting in our rucksack:

1. First Aid Kit

The first and most important thing on our list is a first aid kit. Hopefully you won’t need it, but you never know when you could get a bad cut or scrape in the undergrowth. You can buy these ready-made from the chemist but if you’re throwing it together yourself, you will need to include anti-sceptic cream and assorted sizes of plasters. Don’t forget extra blister plasters too! We recommend Compeed. They’re awesome.

2. Energy Food

Now we know this post is all about getting in shape. New year, new you and all that jazz. BUT there is simply nothing worse than finding yourself being peckish on the top of a mountain. Tired. In the rain. With sore feet. While hiking, you will use a lot of energy so you need to keep those energy levels topped up frequently. It doesn’t need to be wildly unhealthy either, you could try something nutritious like celery sticks with peanut butter or a packet of tasty dried fruit. Or if all else fails, a good dose of Lucozade should sort you out.

3. Spare Socks

If you happen upon an unexpected area of marshland, chances are your feet could get wet very quickly. A spare pair of hiking socks will provide much appreciated warmth and dryness to soggy feet that will no doubt be feeling very sorry for themselves.

4. Map & Compass

Smart phones and their new-fangled navigation apps are all well and good- until they run out of battery. Keep a good old fashioned map and a compass with you and you will always be able to work out where to go.

5. Towel

I don’t know about you, but I don’t fancy falling in an ice cold river in the middle of January. But it could easily happen. This is Britain. It is very cold in winter and you never know what the weather will throw at you. Best to be prepared for the worst and a small towel will definitely come in handy, even for sponging the sweat off your forehead when the going gets tough. Remember: no pain, no gain.

6. Spare Layers

It can get particularly chilly the higher up you climb on your hike. Remember to pack an extra fleece just in case you are feeling the chill or if you get caught in an unexpected downpour.

7. Packaway Jacket

You will need a light waterproof cover up you can pull out and throw on over your clothes quickly when the rain comes on. We would recommend both a jacket and a pair of overtrousers to ensure you stay as dry as possible. Eh, hello Mac in a Sac!

8. Torch

Just in case you are still on the go when darkness falls, you will need a small torch to see where you are stepping. Remember you want to avoid getting that first aid kit out at all costs.

9. Water Bottle

It is very important to keep yourself hydrated on your hike so make sure you include a good full water bottle in your rucksack. You can buy all kinds of fancy ones in an outdoor shop to keep your water cool and make sure it doesn’t leak.

10. Rain Cover

More of an essential if you are hiking over a longer period of time, but a rain cover for your rucksack can be very useful for ensuring your valuables stay dry when the rain comes on. Not ideal if you reach for your spare set of dry clothes only to find they’ve been drenched too!

So there you have it: our top 10 items to carry in your backpack. All that’s left to do is throw it all together and get out there! Good luck with your new training regime!

Why are hiking socks important?

• They cushion your feet to make your hike more enjoyable and comfortable.
• They wick moisture away from your feet to help prevent blisters and keep your feet dry.
• They keep your feet warm when hiking in winter or adverse weather.
• They reduce blister-causing friction.
• They can be used to improve boot fit, but only very small amounts.

Points to keep in mind when choosing your socks:

• Never wear cotton socks when you go hiking. Cotton absorbs moisture and takes time to dry.
• Wear woollen socks to stay warm and wick away moisture. These socks tend to be the most expensive. Look for Merino Wool for softer, finer fibres.
• Socks made from synthetics are great if your feet tend to sweat a lot because they wick moisture away better than natural fibres.
• Thicker hiking socks tend to be more durable. The thickness can also help improve the fit of a boot that is ever so slightly too big. It might be best to consider wearing thicker socks in the morning and changing into a thinner pair after lunch when your feet have swelled a bit with all the walking.
• Seams should be flat so they do not create more pressure points on your foot.
• Socks should have good elastic stretch at the top so they hold to your ankle well and don’t slip down into bunches in your boot.
• The fit should be snug, but not too tight. Any bagginess or extra material at the heel or toe means it’s too big.

What will you be doing?

Different socks are intended for different purposes. Our own range of socks come in three different weights, each appropriate for a certain type of hiking:

Lightweight:

Our Walklite Socks (men’s and women’s) are the lightest of the three weights. They are intended for hiking in warmer weather, or for shorter hikes that won’t put your feet under too much pressure.

Mid-weight:

Our Hikemid Socks (men’s and women’s) are the perfect all-rounder socks. They will keep your feet warm and well protected from blisters. They are intended for a good intensity level of hiking and will wear well.

Heavyweight:

Our Trek Comfort Socks (unisex) are a heavy weight sock. They are very durable and are intended for long-distance hiking in cold weather. They are the perfect boot-filler if your boots are slightly on the big side.

If you need any more information, or a little help choosing the right socks for you, we are always on hand to help. Get in touch with us through one of our social media pages and we will be happy to answer your questions.

Find out more about our socks here.

The most important thing to consider before you set off on your journey is the possibility of getting lost and what you should do if this happens. Getting lost while hiking, especially when you are exploring somewhere new you are not familiar with, can be very serious and even fatal if you don’t manage the situation correctly. Follow our steps below to make sure you will know what to do if this happens to you.

Before you go

• Plan your journey. Where are you going to go? How long will this take? Make sure you are familiar with your map and you have a compass that you know how to use. Don’t just study your route- have a look at the surrounding area so you will know which direction is best to head in if you get lost.

• Tell a friend where you are going and what time you expect to be back. If you are not back at this time or shortly afterwards, they will know to raise the alarm. It is also a good idea to leave a copy of your planned route with your friend so that mountain rescue will know where to start looking for you.

• Make sure you have a fully charged mobile phone with you. Up in the mountains, it is likely you will have no network reception but keep it with you anyway and keep it turned off to conserve the battery. If you follow our steps below, you might be able to make your way to somewhere that does have reception.

During your hike

Remember prevention is better than cure! There are a few things you can do on your way to make sure you don’t get lost in the first place.

• Leave markers. You can create markers from sticks and stones in the shape of an arrow etc. This way you can just go back the way you came if you are unsure of your forward route.

• Observe your surroundings as you go. Are there any natural sounds that stand out along the way like a noisy fast-flowing river? Maybe there is a funny shaped tree or other distinctive natural feature you can keep in mind.

• Take pictures. If you have a camera, you can easily just look back and take a picture of the way you came. You can also include your hand pointing in the right direction in the photo.

So you forgot to leave markers and now you’re lost. What next?

• Stop and assess the situation. Get your map and compass out and look around for any big landmarks or anything that will help you find your bearings.

• Stay calm and maintain a positive mental attitude. This is the most important thing to remember. If you panic, you won’t be able to think straight. If you can't think straight, you won't be able to help yourself.

• Orient yourself. If you have no map or compass (or are so far gone that you can’t possibly figure out how to use it effectively), you can still get a general idea of your location by looking at the position of the sun. Remember that the sun rises in the east and sets in the west. Remember studying the surrounding area on the map before you left? This is how you can determine where to go next.

• If you still can't find the trail, look around for a nearby river or stream. Follow it downstream. This will eventually lead you to civilization.

• If nightfall approaches and you don't know where you are, it is usually wiser to stay put and try to find your way home in the daylight. By this stage there will probably be someone looking for you anyway. Look for shelter somewhere that will keep you dry and reasonably warm. Leave something out that will attract attention if someone is looking for you like a brightly coloured bandana or scarf.

• If you have a whistle, blow it. The sound may attract help. The sound from a whistle travels much farther and is more easily located than the sound of a shout.