Monthly Archives: October 2011

Latest offers from Dare 2b Mountain Adventure Gear

Latest offers from Dare 2b Mountain Adventure Gear

For all of the latest offers please visit the Walks And Walking Shop

Dare 2b have just issued another colossal new voucher code! D2BFF20 allows a whopping 20% Off Every Purchase* – including ALL Sale items – until Midnight 27th November 2011.

To take advantage of these fantastic offers simply apply the voucher code D2BFF20 at checkout.

Offer Starts: Live Now!

Offer Ends: Midnight 27th November 2011

Offer: 20% Off Every Purchase*

Voucher Code: D2BFF20

Ts&Cs: *Voucher code cannot be used in conjunction with any other promos (ie Christmas promo), combos or bundles.

To take advantage of these fantastic offers simply click the Dare 2b banner below and apply the voucher code D2BFF20 at checkout.

Dare 2b is a mountain sports brand so whether you want to climb up it, slide down on it, race on it, sit on it, hike across it or follow walking routes around it they can offer you a good range of outdoor clothing.

Dare 2b gear is perfect for all types of walks, walking and walking routes.

Dare 2b Hiking Clothes - Walks And Walking

Dare 2b Hiking Clothes - Walks And Walking

Dare 2b’s hiking clothes include walking trousers, windshells, smocks, base layers leggings, base layer tops, overtrousers, fleeces and jackets at very reasonable prices.

Dare 2b also stocks a good range of climbing clothes, mountain biking clothes, running clothes and snow and snowboarding gear and regularly offer special deals and discounts.

If you visit their website there are links to their blog, facebook and twitter pages as well as their exclusive Mountain Lounge members area.

Latest Offers From Cotswold Outdoor

Latest offers from Cotswold Outdoor

For all the latest offers please visit the Walks And Walking Shop

Spring is in the air and Cotswold Outdoor have just released their exciting new range of walking boots, walking clothes and walking accessories with the latest technologies and styles from your favourite adventure brands, plus some great new brands thrown in and much more!

There are some amazing savings that Cotswold Outdoor are offering on the world’s favourite outdoor brands perfect for all types of walks, walking and walking routes.

There are some substantial price reductions of up to £100 OFF – some of the best offers that Cotswold Outdoor have ever had but stock is limited so these great savings won’t last long!

Walks And Walking - Cotswold Outdoor - Latest Offers

Walks And Walking - Cotswold Outdoor - Latest Offers

Cotswold Outdoor Ltd.

Cotswold Outdoor started life in 1974 as Cotswold Camping. The company premises consisted of a small outbuilding in the Cotswolds, from which the founders sold a range of basic camping accessories. Who would have thought that over 30 years later, we would be a multi-award winning retailer with numerous thriving stores located nationwide, an award winning website and a highly successful mail order service, with one of the most comprehensive ranges of outdoor clothing and equipment in the UK.

Walks And Walking – Essex Walks Thorndon Country Park Walking Route

Walks And Walking – Essex Walks Thorndon Country Park Walking Route

Thorndon Country Park is near Brentwood in Essex and includes rare areas of heathland which are populated by sheep and goats. This Essex walk starts in Upminster and the London Loop before taking advantage of the myriad of footpaths, bridleways and woodlands to walk through Thorndon Country Park and then down to West Horndon and a quick train journey back to Upminster.

Despite it being mid-October the weather was fantastic, very warm and with clear blue skies… perfect for walking. Standard walking clothes for today; walking trousers, walking boots, t-shirt and a lightweight waterproof jacket in my rucksack just in case.

October Trees - Thorndon Country Park Walking Route, Brentoowd, Essex. Walks And Walking Essex Walks

October Trees - Thorndon Country Park Walking Route, Brentoowd, Essex. Walks And Walking Essex Walks

From Upminster Railway Station I turned right to walk up the main road, heading north, to pass Upminster Golf Course and Tithe Barn, a medieval agricultural barn used to store tithes (a tenth of a farm’s produce that had to be given to the church). Continuing along the road to pass Avon Road before reaching Bird Lane by the signpost for the London Loop I then turned right and then took the first left to cross a stile by the public footpath sign.I was now quite glad that the road part of my walk was complete.

Continuing along the footpath to pass three signposts before reaching a stile at the footpath signpost No 145. A quick dash across the A127 to the other side and footpath No 144 Tomkyns Lane and some very overgrown rough brambles crossing another stile and then into open farmland to walk up and slightly to the right and a large gap in the hedge. I then turned left to walk up and then around to the right to find the first of four stiles which then bent round to the left and onto a gravel track in Folkes Lane Woodland.

Reaching the end of the track I turned right at the signpost for Tylers Walk to follow the edge of the hedge to the turn left and cross the footbridge over the M25 and then left again at the public footpath signpost. My Ordnance Survey Map, Southend on Seas and Basildon, shows just one right hand turn into the farmland by the public footpath signpost which is just after an open gate and through a gap in the hedges but there seemed to be quite a few other signposts and routes available.

I continued around the wide grassy path following the edge of the fields and the natural walking route, which looks well walked. Being such a nice day there were a few mountain bikers, horse riders and dog walkers around. I have seen fallow deer in this area, mainly the fields below, but I knew I had no chance on a day like today.After a few twists and turns the field edges lead me to a small road where I turned right down to Hole Farm to turn left at the signpost to a steep climb up the tarmac pathway. Now joining the road I turned left up to the church and then turned right at the footpath sign for Birds Lane.

I then continued along this track crossing five stiles and a footbridge to join Birds Lane where I turned left and then right down Magpie Lane to the footpath sign No 112 on my left and a sign for the entrance to Warley Gap, a woodland area of Oak, Beech and Silver Birch. The various dips and ridges created by the remains of pits and banks created by the old gravel workings. Keeping to the right hand side of Warley Gap I continued to head up to then left the woodland and enter the Ford building. Warley itself used to be a large military camp dating back to 1804.

I then turned right at the road and right again to walk around and in front of the Ford buildings and followed the pavement to enter Barrack Wood and then the entrance to Thorndon Park at the cross roads where the gap in the forest was on the other side of the road and just to the right.

Now in Thorndon Country Park I followed the main road passed the first car park and then down and along passed the second car park to bear left passed Hatch House and then down to Hatch Farm where the pathway was just to the right hand side of the entrance to then find the footpath signpost for West Horndon.

Walking down to pass The Old Shop to now join more open fields and the notice board for Pigeon Mount. THe mount itself is now just an odd-looking lump with some trees on top. In its day there was a powdery white tower used for savouring the views of the Essex countryside and as a working pigeon loft.

I then turned left to join the gravel pathway to walk around the field edge where I turned a sharp right just before the large fishing pond. With Mill Wood on my left hand side I continued down following the field edge to the A127 and another quick dash across when the traffic died down for a few seconds.

Following the footpath signpost on the other side of the road I continued down to cross a stile and then another by the school playing fields to then enter West Horndon residential area. I then turned right and then left at the end of the road and then right again to see the Railway Hotel just in front of West Horndon Railway Station after completing a good 12 miles in just over 3 hours. Fortunately, I only had to wait five minutes for a train back to Upminster.

Click here for more photographs from this walk; Thorndon Country Park photos

Walks And Walking in Wales – Welsh Waterfalls

Walks And Walking in Wales – Welsh Waterfalls

The Brecon Beacons in South Wales are famous for mountain walks across the vast ranges of the Brecon Beacons National Park. However, by visiting South Wales and the Brecon Beacons National Park you are also rewarded with the spectacular Welsh waterfalls hidden amongst the ancient woodlands and forest walking routes.

Welsh Waterfalls in South Wales

Welsh Waterfalls in South Wales

Whilst the Brecon Beacons offer reliable walks and walking routes there are also claustrophobic caverns, woodland gorges and forest tracks that spring pleasant scenic surprises. Where the sandstone gives way to a band of outcropping carboniferous limestone you enter Waterfall Country.

The limestone weathers to form craggy, fractured landscapes made up of narrow gorges, pot holes, sink holes, caves and, most rewarding, waterfalls.

The landscape has definitely suffered for the pleasure of man and the main area to see these splendid features is Ystradfellte, an isolated area close to the abundant Mellte, Hepste, Nedd and Pyrddin Rivers. It is here that there are a succession of magnificent waterfalls which includes the most famous Welsh waterfall; Sgwd-yr-Eira also known as The Spout of Snow.

The overhang at Sgwd-yr-Eira is such that you can walk the low pathway around and behind the cascading waterfall without getting (too) wet.

For the caving enthusiasts there is the giant mouth of Porth-yr-Ogof up the Mellte River but for the walkers, hikers, trekkers and ramblers staying above ground is a happier pursuit to the underground mazes created by the erosive action of water on limestone.

Unlike the mountain ranges of the Brecon Beacons that are best tackled with the assistance of clear blue skies it is best to walk the Welsh waterfall walking routes when it has been raining, preferably the night beforehand.

Most of the walks and walking routes for the Welsh waterfalls can be found at the Clun Gwyn starting point by the Mellte, Hepste, Need and Pyrddin rivers that all plunge over a series of waterfalls although the distance becomes tiring due to the tricky, rocky climbs of this eight mile stretch.

Following the Afon Mellte you emerge at the Sgwd Uchaf Clun Gwyn, Sgwd being the Welsh for waterfall. Continuing along Gwaun Hepste to the Sgwd Isaf Clun Gwyn there are opportunities to splash through streams passing between the Mellte and Hepste valleys until reaching the Sgwd-yr-Eira. Then following Afon Nedd to Afon Pyrddin the result is the Sgwd Gwladys beauty spot.

The final Welsh waterfall of note is Henrhyd Falls. This delightful walking route takes you through Craig-y-nos Country Park and its 19th century castle to the summit of Cribarth returning along the beautiful gorge to Henrhyd Falls.

Henryhd Falls is the highest waterfall in South Wales and offers another chance to walk behind this fabulous Welsh waterfall without getting too wet, even offering enough space to sit down, relax, enjoy a picnic and marvel at this unbelievable area of outstanding natural beauty.

Walks And Walking – Timberland Discounts on Boots and Jackets

Walks And Walking – Timberland Discounts on Boots and Jackets

Timberland Discounts on Boots and Jackets for Men Women and Children - Walks And Walking

Timberland Discounts on Boots and Jackets for Men Women and Children - Walks And Walking


Timberland are currently running 20% off Boots and Jackets for men, women and kids!

 For all of the latest offers please visit the Walks And Walking Shop

Timberland Boots and Jackets Discount while using the code: TWENTY11

This offer is available until Sunday 16th October.

Walks And Walking – Timberland Bags Latest Offers

Walks And Walking – Timberland Bags Latest Offers

For all of the latest offers please visit the Walks And Walking Shop

Timberland Canvass Messenger Bag - Walks And Walking

Timberland Canvass Messenger Bag - Walks And Walking

Save 60% on this Timberland Canvass Messenger Bag with Leather Trim!

Was £100, now only £40 – click the link below and enter the code:

Timberland Canvas Messenger Bag and enter: CMBLT6

Timberland Earthkeepers Canvass Field Bag - Walks And Walking

Timberland Earthkeepers Canvass Field Bag - Walks And Walking

Save 45% on this Timberland Earthkeepers™ Canvass Field Bag with Leather Trim!

Was £125, now only £68.75 – click the link below and enter the code:

Timberland Earthkeepers Canvas Field Bag and enter: EKCFB45


ABOUT TIMBERLAND 

Timberland is a global leader in designing, engineering and marketing premium-quality footwear, clothing and accessories for men, women and children. Our mission is to equip people to make a difference in their world. How do we do this? By creating outstanding products and by doing all we can to make a difference in the communities where we live and work.

Walks And Walking in Wales – Mount Snowdon

Walks And Walking in Wales – Mount Snowdon

Mount Snowdon is situated in the Snowdonia National Park of North Wales and is certainly a mountain that is accessible but can also be very demanding. It offers truly entertaining and enjoyable walks and walking routes for the family and the adventurer.

Mount Snowdon in Snowdonia National Park North Wales

Mount Snowdon in Snowdonia National Park North Wales

Perhaps the best approach to see Mount Snowdon is from the Telford old road from Shrewsbury to Holyhead where it turns at Capel Curig. On a clear day you can celebrate the serrated line of beautiful peaks coming in to view along the skyline with Mount Snowdon sat in the centre as the king of them all.

From Llanberis, one of the most traditional and steady walking routes to the top of Mount Snowdon, its peak rises behind the mountain range, almost hidden by the Crib y Ddysgle. Llanberis is also where you can find the famous Mount Snowdon Railway.

There are five main rocky ridges that radiate from Mount Snowdon and between them five deep cwms, Welsh valleys, which add a formidable aspect to each approach to the summit. Once the lush green valley’s are left behind the ascent of Mount Snowdon can be unforgiving if you do not follow the traditional walks and walking routes as you climb steadily upwards.

Although barren, the wildness and silence offers a breathtaking experience with the many lakes and small streams running through the heather and down through the mountains to the cwms below. From the summit the views are spectacular, as you would expect, and it does not let you down in terms of the time spent planning the trip, mapping the walking routes, purchasing the correct equipment, breaking in your walking boots and buying those extra thermal layers.

Mount Snowdon won’t let you down but can be your downfall so make sure you are prepared for any eventuality as there are many grim ridges and hollows for the inexperienced hiker to get caught out.

Yr Wyddfa, the Welsh name for Snowdon, translated means “the great mound” or “the great tomb” due to the legend of Rhita Fawr who was reputed to be buried somewhere on Mount Snowdon.

The legend began when there were only two kings in Britain; Nynniaw and Peibiaw who declared war on each other. When the king of Wales, one Rhita Fawr, heard of this war he decided to end it promptly by attacking them both. Such was the outrage from the rest of Britain that they declared war on Rhita Fawr but emerged victorious cutting off all of their beards to make a cloak reaching down from his shoulders to the floor. Rhita Fawr was eager to add King Arthur’s beard to his cloak but was defeated and subsequently buried under a cairn of stones on the summit of Mount Snowdon marking the end of his legend.

Mount Snowdon has seven main and well marked walking routes up to its summit. The Snowdon Mountain Railway offers the easier way to the top, the Llanberis Path offering the most gradual ascent and the Horseshoe Walk is perhaps the most famous. The Snowdon Ranger Path is an easy and pleasant walk being slightly shorter than the Llanberis Path. The Beddgelert-Rhyd-Ddu Path has two starting points with very steep walks, sheer drops and corkscrewing pathways. The Watkins Path takes you through one of the great cwms before rising to a rough scramble to the top. The PIG Track, or PYG Track, offers a varied walking route with less climbing than the others.

There are other walking routes and traverses available for the more experienced walker, trekkers, ramblers, hikers and climbers which broadens the overall appeal and popularity of the Snowdonia National Park.