Tag: Wellbeing

Reasons to reflect on the Nantlle Ridge

The Nantlle Ridge was the route planned for this walk. Four of us were going to ascend Y Garn in Eryri (Snowdonia) and walk the ridge to the far end, spend the night near the last peak, descend the far side in the morning and walk the valley back to the start point. A solid walk for sure of 25k in total, and a camp at summit, not too shabby. 

However, “The best laid schemes ‘o mice and men gang aft agley”, but I’m getting slightly ahead of myself. 

The weather forecast showed that we would have a low cloud base at 400m on Saturday (well below the peak), meaning that we would be walking in cloud on the ridge. Not too much of an issue as navigating in conditions like that is fairly straightforward if you can use a map and compass, or even a mapping app. Most of the time you can just follow the path that goes in the general direction you need go, as there’s nearly always a reasonable amount of visibility, at least enough to see the path 20m ahead. 

One of us had to drop out early due to illness (completely understandable) nobody needs to be up a hill in a remote location if you’re not well enough for it, which left three us. 

Excited for the trip Mark and I met up the night before the walk for a cheeky nights camp out next to the lake (llyn) at the foot of Y Garn. After a little bit of scoping the local area we found the perfect spot to pitch up and settle in for the night. Being in one of the quieter areas of the national park, after a certain hour there was literally nobody around and the only company we had was a pair of geese, three ducks, and a cuckoo that we never got to see. Apart from the above there was absolute peace and quiet, a very real palpable calm. 

Saturday morning came with yet more of the same peace and quiet, and after the usual ablutions and breakfast we packed up and headed off to meet the third member of the walk. However, being in an area with virtually no mobile signal we had no idea that the fourth had also fallen ill and wasn’t coming. Again, it’s no good being in the hills with a case of flu, so it was the right call not to come. We did finally get the message after mooching around for a bit of signal for an hour, and the concern we had that he might just be late due to traffic or just being lost in a remote area was over, and we had confirmation all was well, if not healthy. 

Now we knew that it was just us we headed out to pick up our gear and set off up Y Garn.  It’s not a particularly high hill, but it is dramatic, and very steep. Pictures do not do it any kind of justice at all, and to say it was a hard slog to get to the top is not an exaggeration. I always knew this was the section that was going to need the most physical effort to complete, and it did not let me down. But we eventually made it, and climbing up into the cloud base and losing sight of the views below the land took on an ethereal feel, especially as towards the top the land became strewn with rock and boulders giving a very different look to what we had just walked over. 

After a short stop and a refuel at the top we headed off along the ridge. And this is where it gets interesting. The next section of the walk was an arete, or col, I can never really remember the difference, and in real terms it’s only a technicality because ultimately, it’s a narrow ridge between two peaks.  

It takes a certain amount of mettle to take on any kind of arete at the best of times, usually because any path will naturally be fairly close to the edge, but in this case the edge was mostly an abyss, a steep drop into nothing, and in the cloud it becomes that much more dangerous. Despite this we made our way along the arete picking our way across the rocks and navigating a few scrambles along the narrow ridge, and we made fairly good progress considering the conditions. 

However, it was at one of these scrambles that we hit a point at which we could not justifiably go any further. It was a moment of disappointment for sure, but most definitely the right decision. The scramble at this point was either over the top which meant climbing up high sections of rock face with a definite drop either side, or a very narrow ledge slightly lower down that needed you to cling tightly to the rock face. Either way was going to need a lot of effort and concentration, but in low visibility and what was becoming increasingly slippery rock surface because of the wet from the cloud, plus the heavy packs we were carrying, meant that on this occasion it was simply just too dangerous to continue any further. 

Despite the disappointment of having to turn back, as I said before, it was absolutely the right decision, and even if we had successfully continued onwards, it would have been more luck than judgement that would have kept us from potential tragedy. 

So, with this in mind we literally headed back the way we came until we reached the peak of Y Garn, where we took shelter in a cairn and rested for a short time while we refueled. After a suitable period of time spent eating and chatting, we headed downhill, very much with the assistance of gravity helping to speed our descent all the way down, which meant going down was a lot quicker than going up. And if not for the hiking poles we used, I suspect it would have been even more rapid. 

As we exited the cloud base the view opened up before our eyes revealing a clear vista across the valley and the llyn that was going to be our home again for the second night. We had made it down safely. A short walk, and about an hour later we had pitched up and got the stove on the go ready for a brew, some food, and a well deserved rest. It really was a lovely spot to pitch and simply take the time to soak it all up, and just be in the moment. 

After a long day and a huge amount of effort climbing and then descending one of the steepest hills in the area it was nice to hang out at the camp, chat about anything and everything with Mark, sip away on a mug of red, and simply relax before hitting the sack for a much needed good night’s sleep. 

The following morning was the usual process of ablutions, tea, breakfast, and packing up before heading off to the vehicles and the long drive home. But not before once again taking in the natural beauty of where we were and appreciating it fully for what it is. 

One thing that the the Stoics encourages us to do is to practice gratitude, and this weekend made me reflect on that practice more than most. So, here’s the list of things that I’m particularly grateful for. 

The many opportunities to go away camping given to me by my long suffering wife. The beauty of the places I get to see and explore. The strength to walk in these places. The opportunity to face the challenges in front of me. To rest and sleep in some truly awesome places. To share these amazing experiences in the company of a good friend, and any others that wish to experience the same. I’m grateful for the thrill I get from being ‘out there’ somewhere remote and away from the rest of the world. And I’m grateful for the wisdom to know when not to put others in a difficult or dangerous situation just to fulfil a desire to complete a planned route. 

I’m also incredibly grateful for my two best friends, my trusty hiking poles, that not only help to keep me walking, but also keep my tent up. 

This weekend certainly didn’t go exactly according to plan, but make no mistake, it was still a great weekend full of adventure, exercise and effort, a few challenges, great company and a lot of laughs. It was a shame that two of us failed to make it, they would have had a great time as well, but the two that remained had a good time and will return to finish the job at the earliest possible convenience. 

The mountain isn’t going anywhere. 

Take Heed!

This is a post I really didn’t want to write because I’m probably going to come off sounding a little preachy, I promise I’m not trying to be, but given today’s subject I don’t think it could go any other way, so strap in I’m going for it.

So I’ll start at the beginning, and the beginning was in December last year when I was reading through a few posts on FaceF**k. I occasionally trawl through a few camping groups that I registered with a while back, just to keep in touch with the hot topics of the day, that kind of thing.

Anyway, I happened to stumble upon one which was asking for a recommendation, nothing unusual there, there are dozens of such posts each day asking for advice on this that and the other. However, this one was from somebody who admitted to being a complete newbie asking for a recommendation for a tent that was storm worthy enough to stand against high winds on the peaks? WTF? I mean WTF?

This guy wanted to go on his first wildcamping experience into the hills and peaks in the depths of winter looking for bad weather in a tent he didn’t know how to choose for himself, and probably with just as much of an idea about the other kit he’d need to survive the night.

And this got me thinking. Thinking about what is actually required to take part in this great activity that we call wildcamping.
I’m a great believer in the fact that as many people as possible should get off their sofas and into the great outdoors and experience what this country has to offer in terms of wide open spaces and the benefits to health and mental wellbeing that come from it.
BUT, and this is a big old fat BUT, you have to do it safely, and that means two things, having the right kit, and having the right knowledge.

Nobody is saying that you have to be Lofty Wiseman (showing my age there) or Bear Grylls (for the younger readers) in order to enjoy hiking and camping out. You don’t need to be able to navigate in the pitch black of night using nothing more than a compass and pace counting (although it can help), but you should at least be able to use a map adequately enough to know where you are and where you’re going, and actually take a map. And you don’t need specialist equipment to enjoy a few nights out on the hills, but you do need the appropriate kit, even if it’s not the expensive kind.
But more importantly you need to know how to use it, and how to dress accordingly.

Every year Mountain Rescue Teams throughout Britain are called out hundreds of times to rescue people that have either had an unfortunate accident that could not have been avoided, or more often than not to help misguided individuls and groups that have ventured out completely unprepared for what they are about to face.
The truth is, that despite the incredible beauty of the hills and mountains they are relentlessly dangerous places to be. From loose rocks and steep narrow paths, to boggy areas that can suck you in, and water hazards that can potentially sweep you away. And that’s not even to mention the drops and edges that are so easy to fall off if you’re not very careful. These are just a few of the many dangers that await any walker, no matter how experienced you are. Even experienced campers can succumb to the creeping death that is hypothermia.

And then there is the greatest danger of all…..ingnorance!
Failing to check the weather before heading out is one of the biggest and most common mistakes, that and underestimating the prevailing conditions, and then failing to prepare for them by not taking the appropriate clothing to cope with the changeable nature of mountain weather.

Lack of food and drink comes high on the list as well, the number of people who manage to return from a hike cold and hungry, or hot and dehydrated because they have failed to adequately consider the requirements of exerting so much energy while hiking with a load, being far too high for reason.

Not adequately understanding the route taken and any hazards along the way, not knowing if there are any bail out points along the route if things don’t go your way, or having a plan in case you get caught in a whitout are all things that can lead to a disastrous outcome if you’re unlucky.

And then there is the guy that started all of this rant, you know, the one that wants to find a tent that will keep him safe and sound in stormy weather at the top of a large hill/mountain during his first wildcamp. He’s the one that overestimates his own abilities and that of his kit, thinking that having the kit is what will keep him alive. All the gear and no idea!!

Kit does not replace wit.

As I said before, you don’t have to be a survival expert to successfully enjoy camping out somewhere remote, but a bit of knowledge goes a long way. Let me give you an example.
A hilleberg tent designed specifically for robust conditions if pitched poorly, or in just the wrong location, can fail and let you down just like any other tent can. However, a cheap £65 tent can easily be adapted to withstand much harsher conditions than it was designed for if you know how to do it, and if you give consideration to where you pitch up.

I’ve seen expensive storm tents collapse in only relatively bad weather because of piss poor pitching, and dirt cheap tents stand up unscathed in 50mph gusts because it was pitched with double guys and additional peg points using tarp clips to attach to the fly.
A little knowledge can go a long way towards keeping you safe.

Again, YOU DO NOT NEED TO BE A SURVIVAL EXPERT!!
But you do need to at least have some knowledge of your limitations, abilities, conditions and kit. In short you need common sense. And this applies equally whether you’re an old hand of forty years, or just starting out on your adventures.

Go out, go safe, and enjoy.

Rant over.

Why I do it.

As many of my friends know, I do a fair amount of hiking and wildcamping, and you may have even seen some of my posts about the walks I’ve done. It’s something that I personally get a huge amount of benefit from.

Some time ago now, I opened up a few of my trips for others to join me, with the purpose of sharing some of the benefits I experience from getting out amongst it.So far interest has been good, but unfortunately uptake has been very low.

It’s because of this that I wanted to share exactly what it is that I get from carrying 16kg up a hill, eating crap food, sleeping in a bag, and shitting in a hole that I’ve dug for myself.

So here goes…..The obvious ones.

First off it’s good exercise, walking for 15 to 20k carrying a load on your back requires you to push yourself, especially so if you’re going uphill. Physical exertion makes you feel good, which of course also means taking in lungfulls of fresh air and all the scents that come with it. Couple this with all of the sights and sounds that you begin to notice when you actually take the time to notice them, creates an internal mood of peace and harmony that just isn’t available anywhere else. Being in that moment in that place, and being much more aware of your place in it has an incredibly balancing effect.

Being out in a large landscape also offers you the valuable perspective of being only a small part of a much larger place, and equally, any of the troubles you carry with you are just as small, which in turn helps to take away some of the bloated importance we give them. The positive psychological effects and peace of mind offered by being in a large open space cannot be overstated.The not so obvious ones.

Being responsible for yourself, and possibly others, in an environment where help is usually a long way off makes you consider your actions much more carefully. You have to pay closer attention to what you’re doing and how you’re doing it, focussing your mind and forcing you to give consideration to everything you do. In short, encouraging self reliance and in turn the self confidence that brings.

However, despite the need for careful thought, the sense of freedom is almost intoxicating, especially if you’re not on any specific timescale or route. The ability to go where you like, when you like, knowing that all you have to do is find a patch of land big enough for your tent and you’ll be fine is incredibly liberating, and once you accept that fact you can really relax and let go of all the concerns that we carry with us like so much dead weight.

The ones you might not have thought of.

Basically, planning and equipping yourself for a trip into the hills and valleys is exactly the same as planning and equipping yourself for life. Where am I going? (12 month plan), how many days or stages (quarter plan), checkpoints/milestones (28 day plan). Every step along the way is just another day in your immediate vicinity (weekly plans) heading towards your goals. All of the obstacles on the walk that have to be navigated are no different to the obstacles we face when planning our lives. We have to know where we’re going and how we’re going to get there, overcoming often unseen challenges along the way to get to our goal.

Often we’ll have to alter course, or change plans according to new information or circumstances, or simply for no other reason than you just want to. And when you do, you adjust your plans/routes accordingly, taking into account the new obstacles and challenges, then simply head off in that direction.

When it rains it rains. You can either find shelter and hunker down, or put your waterproofs on and get on with it. Both are acceptable.Sometimes you need to take an unscheduled break, just to get your breath back, and sometimes you just need or want to push on through to reach your destination.

The equipment you take will depend on your particular journey and what you’ll need along the way, plus a few other items just in case.

Your Structures, Routines, and Systems (SRS) that we have are this equipment, how you pack it, and how you use it when it’s required. Essential when setting up or striking camp, feeding yourself, and general camp admin. With organised kit kept in good order (your SRS) you can do anything, go anywhere. Without it you’ll be stumbling around in disarray potentially putting yourself in danger, but at the very least it will be much more of a struggle both in camp and while travelling, as it is in life.

And just like life, consistent application of solid SRS practices has huge benefits. This in itself promotes self confidence and the feeling of self worth. In terms of literally everything we do in life, it’s huge.The list of parallels between hiking/camping and life in general is immense, these are just a few of the key points, and I could quite literally go on all day about it going into more detail about every single aspect and how it all relates to everything we try to achieve in life.

But I won’t, I think I’ve run on quite enough.

As an old hiking campaigner I’ve known about these benefits for many years, but it wasn’t until about 18 months ago that I made the obvious link between what we do to improve our lives in terms of having a structured existence, and the benefits of competently heading out for a few days on your own. It’s an obvious link when you actually think about it, but one I had never made until then.

However, once I did make the connection, I started to relate to this activity in a way I hadn’t before, using it to become more structured in my life, strengthening my SRS, and becoming 100% consistent with my actions ever since. This in turn has improved my life beyond measure. Imagine being 100% consistent for 18 months, I feel like I’ve won the golden ticket to the chocolate factory.

And that’s why I wrote this, I want to encourage everyone to seek the same benefits I have. But here’s the kicker. This isn’t something you can read about and gain all the benefits from, you have to actually do it.

It’s a little like talking about driving, you can talk about it all you like but unless you sit in the driver’s seat and actually start driving you just don’t know.

You have to be in the environment looking at your destination and thinking to yourself “I just need to get to the next point”, that tree in the distance, that pile of rocks, or whatever it is, and then the next one, and the next, and so on, step by step until you reach your destination. You have to think about where you’re going, plan for it, and then execute the plan, allowing for changes and challenges along the way. But above all, above everything else, you have to actually do it.

You have to show up in life, as much as you do when going for a hike, and do what you said you were going to do. It all means nothing if you don’t.

My apologies for having rambled on for so long, and if you’ve made it this far then you must have nothing better to do with your time.

The importance of flexibility in daily life.

The background.

As a younger man I considered myself to be a pretty physically fit individual, able to carry heavy loads over long distances, and in fairly short order. I never really suffered with the usual training injuries of pulled muscles, strained ligaments etc, and consider myself quite lucky in that regard. Lucky that I never had any issues with my physical health (outside of injuries caused), which gave me a sense of indestructibility that later on would lead me to be short sighted and disregard the long term effects of proper care and maintenance.

You see, 25 years ago, when I moved to Norfolk to start my family, I stopped all forms of training and exercise, not gradually over time with a warm down period, but quite literally overnight. I should have known better, in fact I did know better, but I didn’t pay much attention to the better part of my judgement and experience, I had other, newer concerns on my mind.

The next 20 years or so saw me take on a completely different life as I built and grew my family, foregoing any consideration as to my own physical well being. Well, to cut a long story short, and following a few further injuries caused, I have since come to learn the true cost of my ignorance, folly, and flagrant disregard for my own wellbeing.

On to today.

In the last few years as part of my personal growth and development, I began engaging in some basic physical fitness training. For a while all was well as I gradually built myself up and started to train on a regular basis. But it didn’t last. At this point I have to say that I do suffer with a mild case of osteoarthritis in my hips and knees. This does cause me a certain amount of pain and discomfort when exerting myself, but for a long time I mistakenly believed that it was the only cause.

The last two years has been filled with a huge number of pulls, strains, and other various injuries.However, It transpires that some of the pain I’ve been feeling is not from the arthritis, but from the fact that I’ve lost an amazing amount of strength and mobility in the complex structure that makes up my hips and connected structure. In the normal course of daily life I don’t generally experience any issues outside the low level ache of what the arthritis causes. However, a return to exercise has highlighted the shocking lack of mobility and muscle tightness that causes a lot of the pain I feel when they’re activated through stretching or exercise, and I’ve had to deal with quite a lot of pain in doing so.

So why write this, why talk about my issues like this? As an excuse? As a reason to bemoan my situation to garner a little sympathy? In short, no.

It’s to highlight the fact that with only a basic amount of stretching incorporated into any training or exercise regime you can easily avoid many of the issues that will cause you pain and injury. Not only that, but it will make you stronger in the long run (no pun intended).

Talking to, and reading about, what many of us guys do to exercise, it’s become clear to me that many of us neglect the stretching aspect of exercise in favour of strength and endurance. This is fine, but only to a point. Without proper flexibility we become linear and unidirectional in movement, and therefore strength, limiting our bodies to a reduced range of movement, and therefore increasing the risk of injury as we move outside that range when circumstances demand or cause it.

From my own personal experience I have come to learn this lesson far too late, and at a cost to my personal health. However, it’s never too late to try and do something about it, and the sooner you start the better.

I’m 54 years old now, and any progress for me will inevitably be slow and arduous because of my previous short sightedness and folly, believing that I still held on to some of my former glory. I didn’t.

I would urge in the strongest terms possible for anybody reading this to carefully consider this aspect of their physical training. To include some form of mobility and stretching regime into whatever form of exercise you do. And if you don’t do any other exercise at all then at least just stretch, your body will thank you for it later, that much is guaranteed.

Ten to fifteen minutes of quality stretching every other day is all it takes to keep you from suffering with tightness in the neck and shoulders, reducing the likelihood of tension headaches, and to open up your hip mobility giving you greater ease of movement preventing you from becoming stiff and tight, and reducing the likelihood of any training injuries.

Given that we engage in an activity that requires us to walk long distances over uneven and rugged terrain, and very often with heavy packs, it makes sense to look after our physical health. Having strong and flexible hips, knees, and ankles, will also increase back strength and stability, all the things we require to engage in the activity we call hiking.

So come on guys……..stretch 🧘🧎