After going out on a few longer 2 day hikes we felt confident enough to have a proper backpacking trip. Packing for that first trip on the West Highland Way was difficult and we carried way too much stuff which kind of hampered the enjoyment of the first couple of days. By the 5th day on trail we had whittled down some of the excess and ate a lot of the food we had been carrying so things became easier. We went from what we might need to what we had actually used.
Tag Archives: backpacking
Fast Packing the West Wight
Fast Packing. Apparently its a thing. Rather than simply hiking with a big pack its a combination of hiking and trail running. Using gear that increases in price as it decreases in weight, packs are light, kit is minimal and miles get covered. I started training this year for an ultra marathon so I’ve beenContinue reading “Fast Packing the West Wight”
Why I Want to Run an Ultra Marathon
I think the biggest factor was that feeling of simply moving through a landscape at a pace dictated by me. Not the weight in my pack or how fast the kids were moving or what the trail was like or how much my legs ached. If I wanted to run, I ran.
There were 5 in the tent and the little ones said….
Dad! Shift your butt over!!!
Review: Mountain Hardwear Lamina 0 Sleeping Bag.
A few thoughts about my warmest sleeping bag and how it performed in arecent hike around the Isle of Wight
Day 2 St Helens to Shanklin.
Day 2 of our hike around this little island we call home.
Ice creams, amusements and dead hiking shoes included.
Day 1 Gurnard to St Helens
Day One of our Round the Island hike on the Isle of Wight Coastal Path
Children! Know Your Limits.
So every time we hit the trail, I’ve gone through this process of asking myself these questions and at times they can cause some anxiety, am I doing the right thing? What if we haven’t enough food? or do the kids really want to hike 10 miles today?
The Joy of Coastal Hiking
There are many benefits to hiking on the coast. Scenic views, access to “facilities”, plentiful Ice Cream to name a few.
Round the Island; Not a Trip Report
Last week we hiked around the Isle of Wight, our home. Here’s a little highlights package of the hike while I write up a full trip report.
Meet the Family.
An introduction to the stars of Just Up The Trail
A Brief Note about Tents.
A few thoughts about what makes a good family tent, not necessarily family sized, but good for us.
Glyndwrs Way 2018
Trip report of our attempt to thru-hike Glyndwrs Way with the kids. Aborted after 30 odd miles of rain, mud and snow.
The West Highland Way 2017
Reposting our epic adventure from Easter, on the West Highland Way
