The Outdoors Station - Live

22/01/2024

Like everyone who has returned from the National Running Show I've been reflecting on the brilliant atmosphere, the crowds and the interviews I did for the Live Stream from the event on Sunday morning.

Someone said, it isn't an event, it's a community. Well put, after all it is just putting one foot in front of another with friends.

It was a privilege to be one of the media partners so thanks to Nathalie Davies , Hannah Hopwood and all the team for creating something positive in this current dreary world full of negativity.

Thanks must also go to my team member Jesse Gillgrass in the Live Stream control room some 15 miles away, pulling it all together as I transmitted from my compact Outside Broadcast kit to the studio for a bit of polish, before sending it out to 5 different social media channels. A delay of only 5 seconds from the NEC exhibition floor to the world!

We even had comments coming from viewers in real time which in future will be questions directly for the exhibitors, opening up all kinds of doors for promotions and additional sales.

This was a soft launch of our Live Stream small footprint service as we were testing the technology ready for forthcoming exhibitions at the NEC and other locations around the South Midlands this Spring and Summer.

All the individual clips have now been compiled and sent to the respective contributors inov-8, JVC, HOKA, Nicky Chrascina, Charles Sproson, Rachel Heley, b***y Petzl plus a few more.

See you at the next event.

21/01/2024

Live stream complete and solid 2 and a half hours at featuring 12 brands, small and large. If you couldn’t make it today check out our YouTube page (link in bio) and you’ll see how it’s done with small compact outside broadcast unit. Some great new and innovative products on the running scene so check it out. Looking forward to the next live stream from .

19/01/2024

So this Sunday sees the return of the The Outdoors Station at the National Running Show for a Live Stream talking with brands large and small getting their latest news, products, deals and interviews.

This is the first in a series of outdoor related events and I am slowly getting back into the media saddle for more podcasts, videos and live streams talking with people who have a passion for the outdoors and of course looking at their stories, products and services.

Social media has evolved and changed in the last few years and I have been watching from the wings to see the direction it takes. I’ll still be undertaking projects which are close to my heart, however I will be including new aspects for variety.

Please support me by tuning in this Sunday at 9am over your tea and crumpets. Positive comments will welcomed on the stream.

Just follow the link in the bio and click the Notify me button for your early morning call.

19/01/2024

So this Sunday sees the return of the The Outdoors Station at the National Running Show for a Live Stream talking with brands large and small getting their latest news, products, deals and interviews.

This is the first in a series of outdoor related events and I am slowly getting back into the media saddle for more podcasts, videos and live streams talking with people who have a passion for the outdoors and of course looking at their stories, products and services.

Social media has evolved and changed in the last few years and I have been watching from the wings to see the direction it takes. I’ll still be undertaking projects which are close to my heart, however I will be including new aspects for variety.

Please support me by tuning in this Sunday at 9am over your tea and crumpets. Positive comments will welcomed on the stream.

Just follow the link in the bio and click the Notify me button for your early morning call.

https://www.youtube.com/live/h99ZeT9xfWk?si=e76YKY4bHwNPSNrU

16/01/2024

Live this coming weekend

https://www.youtube.com/live/h99ZeT9xfWk?si=6I7v5H479rFSjnqq

16/01/2024

Live this coming weekend

I shall be up at the NEC bright and early on Sunday 21st at the National Running Show for a series of conversations with brands, exhibitors and visitors.If y...

27/12/2023

So this year we headed not up but down to the coast to join in with the fund raising Boxing Day dip at the beach. Several hundred fellow ‘enthusiasts’ (ie nutters) stripping off and running 500m to the sea for a ‘bracing’ dip. (Not the first word on everyone’s lips!) The rip was far too strong to do anything but flounder as gracefully as circumstances would allow and the SLSC Club kept an eye on everyone and had all the safety under control. Wild swimming at its wildest 👍 I’m the one in the Santa hat!!

19/12/2023

I know I've been quiet for quite a few months and have been taking a sabbatical from Podcasting, but I'm still around watching from the side lines.

The world is in a real mess at the moment, so much greed and hate and not enough forgiveness. Religion and money seems to be the cause of every problem in this world, 'mine is true - yours is false'. Even those who preach peace rise to the challenge of war so quickly.

I just wish everyone who sees this a quiet, calm and happy holiday season. We have lost many big characters in the Outdoors World this year, certainly in the TGO Challenge circles. Health and time are two gifts which we should all cherish. So I hope you can share yours with your loved ones as we go into 2024.

Take care everyone and I look forward to returning to the microphone sometime next year.

05/11/2023

On top of the world at Rawlsbury Camp in Dorset hiking on a very wet weekend. Dropping by the rude man of Cerne Village for a quick peek. Living the soggy dream 😱🤣

31/07/2023

The appeal has been successful!! https://amp.theguardian.com/environment/2023/jul/31/wild-camping-dartmoor-court-appeal

10/02/2023

This podcast and video is for people who want to understand the full impact of long term travel.

To many, more than a couple of weeks travelling/hiking/backpacking/camping may seem like a long time. However there are those who have made it a life's journey or project to go further, much further for much longer.

This is a story about two women who have travelled by self powered means almost 20 thousand miles over 7 years in one continuous trail.

It is a journey that began in South America on Nov. 23, 2015. It was on that day that Bethany Hughes and Lauren Reed embarked on Her Odyssey, a human-powered journey on trails some established, others ancient which connected the Americas.

Their objective to travel from the southern most tip of the Americas to the northern most tip where it meets the Artic ocean. All by self powered means, walking, cycling and paddling.

In the middle of all this came Covid and my first interview with them back in July 2020 they were just south of the Canadian border trapped by lockdown.

Please listen to Podcast No 526 and 527, then you can really understand this epic nature of their journey and the deeper questions in this Podcast.

06/02/2023

This country is going backwards to the dark ages. I can’t see this ending well.

03/02/2023

Podcast No 561 and Video Interview now live. The Perfect Trail Shoes

Most 'enlightened' hikers these days use trail shoes, so if you've an avid boot user who repeats the mantra 'ankle support' without ever questioning it, this podcast is not for you :)

Like all outdoor manufacturing things have moved on in leaps and bounds in the trail shoe market as elsewhere. With the current need to change the manufacturing process to take in account sustainability, recycling and environmental damage I have lost track of what brands are doing with the current range and where design is taking us over the next few years.

However I know a person who knows much more about the current state of play and who has her finger on the pulse.

is the UK’s best YouTube channel providing trail and ultra running advice, inspiration and gear reviews, created by Claire Maxted, co-founder and former editor of Trail Running magazine. She also has a very successful podcast on the same topic.

She created Wild Ginger Running YouTube channel in 2017 to help trail and ultra runners get advice and inspiration via weekly films and podcasts. She recently released her first book “The Ultimate Trail Running Handbook” and offers training camp events in the Peak District.

I wanted to discuss what the marketplace was currently offering and if she had found the perfect trail shoe yet. We touch on shoe design, sustainability and how the manufacturing base needs to make drastic changes from now on to meet targets.

27/01/2023

Podcast No 560 and Video now available - Outdoor Gear Coach - check out the links in the Bio.

Advice is easy to come by when it comes to outdoors clothing and gear. But is it the ‘right’ advice?

Just like asking Dr Google about your medical ailments, you need to read any replies with a certain amount of question. Who is giving you this advice, what experience do they have, do they understand the technicalities of the fabrics and product manufacture of the item concerned and do they have any particular bias towards a brand for any reason.

Until consumers and product designers actually start looking, many don’t realise the sheer volume of offerings now available from material manufacturers around the world. Added to which the numerous ways in which materials can be sewn, the strength of different stitches, the wealth of thread types, the environmental impact of the manufacturing process of the source materials as well as the whole item production.

Outdoor Gear Coach is a UK based, not-for-profit CIC (Community Interest Company). Their objectives are to serve the outdoor activity community with publications and training courses about products and garments. This community includes anyone participating in any of the following activities. Walking, hill walking, backpacking, scrambling, rock climbing, mountaineering, orienteering, cycling and mountain biking, ski touring.

20/01/2023

Podcast No 559 now live on audio and YouTube video. Comparing the equipment and mental approach of a 17th Century Highlander with modern day alternatives. (Link in the bio)

This interview is partly educational and partly entertainment. Tom Langhorne is a wilderness and survival instructor based in the highlands of Scotland. A superb challenging environment to learn and put skills to the test. Skills which really 'have' to work to keep you warm and create shelter when the famous Scots weather turns from the touristic beauty into harsh cold wet reality.

A few years back Tom started looking more closely at the recorded historical detail of the 17th Century Scots inhabitant. A turbulent time in Scottish history, when every male would have been either conscripted into the army or alternatively the rebellion before travelling long distances on foot across mountainous landscape. During which they would need to camp and survive off the land whilst preparing to be ready to fight at any moment.

Have we improved that much with our new materials and devices? Is the 'outdoors' more a state of mind, rather than achieving an adventurous goal for Instagram?

Have a listen and consider the similarities between the items he has made and how they performed which would have been used some 600 years ago and those in your pack. Let me know what you think.

13/01/2023

This is part two of my conversation with Mark Waring regarding the joys of Packrafting and his 140km trip in 2022 along the River Kaitum in Sweden with fellow packrafters David Lintern and Debra West.

In the conversation he mentions that it involved a 2 day walk to the put in, some it along the magnificent Kungsleden Trail. Once they were on the water, the trip took on all kinds of grade challenges and mixed terrain as they portaged around the more turbulent and high water rapids

It all has the feel of a perfect combination for any multi-disciplined trip. A mix of challenging technical paddling, hiking through dense undergrowth and an assortment of magnificent camping spots on open planes and riverside. Plus a few days to take in the view from high peaks too.

In the interview Mark mentions his previous solo trip a few years earlier along the same route and this can be found on Theoutdoorsstation.co.uk.

The map on the Kaitum which is mentioned and shown in the video can be found Theoutdoorsstation.co.uk.

As Mark mentioned in his first interview, Packrafting does indeed offer a unique viewpoint of remote terrain from the water. The penalty of the extra weight of paddling equipment is easily offset by the flexible access and ability not to be hemmed in by water. Be it lake or river.

Now you have the mix of lightweight camping and extensive travel in some cases, to remote locations or shores few others rarely have the chance to set foot on.

However it has to be said you need to expect the unexpected sometimes, as the freak weather conditions brought out the most vicious mosquitos they could possibly encounter. Plan for the worst folks!

Learn how to safely Packraft at .scot and 

                             

10/01/2023

For those interested in cycle touring or bike packing there's a new social group which has been launched by enthusiasts who want to get out and travel more with new friends called Bikepacking Buds

Here's my interview with Itzi about her adventures and how she started this popular group with other bikepackers.

10/01/2023

Navigation on the hills, cycling and generally walking can take many forms. Here's a very thorough look at the Hiiker App to show what it can do and the story behind it.

10/01/2023

So you feel like 'chilling out'? In that case this is just for you. An interview with Sara Barnes regarding her new book The Cold Fix where she shares the thrills of cold water immersion.

10/01/2023

Just catching up with my interview videos. This time I am talking with Mark Waring and the practical introduction to Packrafting. Part two will follow soon and it is epic!

06/01/2023

Podcast No 557 now live. Link in the bio.

Todays interview is with Itzi Aldecoa Tamayo .at one of the co-founders of .buds.

A UK based network and collective of bikepackers, who want to meet others interested in this past time leading to socially gatherings for Micro or Major bike based adventures.

Open to all ages and sexes the social media network shares trips, gear tips, knowledge and enthusiasm for people who may not have the confidence to venture out on their own for an overnight or more.

There’s also support and monthly virtual meet ups to get to know everyone and form relationships which enable groups to be created in certain areas and join in the fun.

Their ultimate goal is to make bikepacking accessible to as many people as possible.

Bikepacking Buds is a free and inclusive community dedicated to creating a non-competitive, supportive space where people live more adventurously.

On our podcast we share diverse stories from our community and through our blog, monthly webinars and route collections we provide people with the tools and resources to start their own adventure.

30/12/2022

New Podcast No 556 now live. Interview with Sara Barnes author of The Cold Fix available on Podcast and Youtube.

25/12/2022

The Outdoors Station annual Christmas walk from high up in the Brecon Hills wishing everyone a happy, safe, healthy and enjoyable holiday break.

23/12/2022

Today's podcast is with Eoin Hamilton, one of the key players behind the increasingly popular Hiiker App, which I'm sure you've seen popping up around various websites supporting various outdoor bloggers and influencers.

The Hiiker is an app contributed to by members of the outdoor community to help users discover, plan, and navigate their outdoor adventures. The app has numerous hikes, paths and trails collated from around the world, so wherever you go, you will probably have access to routes that even locals don't know about.

The app has everything from day hikes and nature walks to long-distance trails like the Coast to Coast, Hadrians Wall, The Pennine way through to the Camino de Santiago and the Tour du Mont Blanc. Data in the app is sourced from various databases, but what makes Hiiker special is that information on the trails is sourced by those who have hiked it, making the quality of the content more reliable.

This is now a live audio Podcasts. However you might find it more useful to watch the complete video review on YouTube. Links in the bio. There's also a 20% discount code at the end. Don’t forget to check out too!

16/12/2022

Sorry about the lack of podcasts this week folks. Illness and tech issues stopped play. I’m catching up big style next week though so you’ll have something to listen too over Xmas. In the meantime here’s some pretties from my local walk.

02/12/2022

Packrafting is growing in popularity and many people are now looking at those blue lines on the map much closer to see what potential adventures await.

However it needs to be tempered with the safety element, as like any new emerging sport, accidents can happen and sometimes without experience these can be fatal.

That said if the sport is approached in the right way, the danger element can be limited and the fun factor enhanced.

This is an interview with Mark Waring an enthusiast advocate in the packrafting scene and someone who admits to learning the ropes slowly and carefully to get the most out of any wet and dry trip.

The advantage to packrafting is the weight and bulk of the kit is fairly small and ‘relatively’ light. Meaning you can walk into mountainous areas carrying your ‘boat’ and explore inland waters virtually unexplored by anyone else.

This becomes more exciting when you know where to go which offers the most exciting landscape, such as Scotland and Scandinavia.

This podcast is an introduction to the sport and some background information and where to go, what it costs, the safety element and some of the adventures awaiting to be had.

Part two will be a discussion with Mark, David Lintern and Debra West regarding a recent trip they took to Swedish Lapland down the river Kaiten. A long hike into the mountains, a 140km paddle, concluding with a hike out in one of the most spectacular countries in the world lasting over a week meeting no other person on route.

https://open.spotify.com/episode/7yEmR2AFq8cmSvdN96Vjav?si=487a2ba107914be7

Or if you prefer video

https://youtu.be/ft8Ky_uchqc

29/11/2022

Another full length interview, this time with John Burns regarding his latest book The Hot Tent Diaries.

Here we have a light hearted look at some of the key points in his book about how to keep warm in a tipi tent and enjoy the solitude that winter can offer in the Highlands.

29/11/2022

Almost live, but don't worry we will be doing some more in the next few months.

Here's the full video interview with Anna Richards regarding her Transcaucasian Hike in summer this year. It's a new series of trails pulled together to create one mammoth distance through an area unfamiliar for many europeans.

Check it out if you like remote wild landscapes.

25/11/2022

Today's Podcast now live in both audio and video form.

John D. Burns has spent over forty years among the mountains of the Scottish Highlands. He is an author and public speaker. His books tell of his adventures in this iconic landscape and have become classics for those who love wild places.

His latest book The Hot Ten Diaries will be a joy to anyone who loves wild places all year round and sleep in a warm cosy shelter in remote inspiring locations.

John D. Burns takes us on a journey to the Scottish Highlands where he returns to an old way of living in a canvas tent heated by a woodburning stove.

This is more than a book about camping. It tells of his love of spending nights in remote places with only a layer of canvas between him and the stars. Told in the author’s unique style it is full of stories and humour.

As well as sharing the author’s adventures there is practical advice on setting up a hot tent and some suggestions for little-known camping spots in the heart of the Highlands. The Hot Tent Diaries are a great introduction for anyone who wants to follow John into the wild – an invitation to adventure.

This podcast covers all these key aspects, certainly not the lightest way to travel, but certainly one where comfort is priority and pleasure is to be had in making life easier for oneself.

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5tltJq0acCCLGMQIZ4e1CB?si=cAp-ipGKSe6hY8d9I2hsyg

YouTube: https://youtu.be/HEOOFj_muwM

18/11/2022

Podcast No 552 now live. This continues the conversation with Anna Richards regarding her TCT thru hike during the summer of 2022.
We get into detail about the practicalities of hiking through the country, the language barrier, money, equipment failures and of course, how to get there and back.
Plus we have a quick look in her rucksack discussing the best and worst piece of kit and if there's anything she felt she missed during the hike.
It is a great interview and I do hope you'll leave feedback or comments here or in social media.
If you have the opportunity to leave a review on iTunes that would be fantastic. Many thanks!