Better to be on the hill – than over the hill
As we approach the festive season, thoughts turn to Christmas presents and the dreaded list. I know all too well the pain this can create as just last week my wife said those dreaded words What do you want for Christmas? So, this is my ideal Christmas Present List, and before you ask, it is …
The Staunton Way is a 20.5 mile long-distance walking route passing through some of the most uninhabited places in Hampshire. It will take you from Queen Elizabeth Country Park, near Petersfield to Staunton Country Park on the fringes of Havant then looping back up to the start. The walk was originally designed as a linear …
There is an old Scottish or Northern English saying that took me some time to get my head around: Old age doesn’t come alone There are many thoughts and comments on this phrase but fundamentally it means - as we grow older, we do not just age in years but get sicker and infirmed. So, …
One of the biggest problems that I have experienced when walking is painful knee joints. Knee joint pain is common in old age, often caused by osteoarthritis (the wearing away of knee cartilage). However, in my case, it has been caused by abuse and knee injury from years of caving, potholing and rock climbing. Either …
Disability and long term health conditions Following on from the great news in the latest ‘Active Lives Adult Survey‘ report from Sport England, that Oldies were leading the way in increasing the nations active lifestyle. We must also add the fantastic news that there has been a growth in the activity levels of disabled adults …
Review: Trekmates - Hiker Shock Walking Pole I have been an advocate of walking /trekking poles for many years and have found that as I have grown older, they have become more an essential than a luxury. I have always used two poles in the Nordic walking style, so was intrigued when I was asked …
Literally seconds after publishing my previous blog 'Over 60’s Hikers Fitness Plan' I received the latest 'Active Lives Adult Survey' report from Sport England. Within a few minutes of starting to read it I was blown away by the results. The headline alone was a major eye catcher and the sort of news I like …
We all know that as we get older bits stop working properly or fall off! But what is more worrying, is that the effects of aging seem to accelerate after 65. However, all is not lost! Walking and just moving around is the single most important thing older people can do to extend their life …
There are many articles published in books and on online outlining how to read a map, contours, grids, take bearings etc. What many of these seem to miss, is that on top of knowing the basics, you need to learn something far more important. Something that is going to help you, even without a map …
The Serpent Trail is a long distance footpath which runs from Haslemere to Petersfield, winding its way through the rare heathlands of the South Downs National Park. The starting and finishing point of the 64 mile walk are just 11 miles apart in a straight line, the extended distance is achieved by a snaking trail …
