Journal

Trying hard up hills and often falling down them.

10 things no one tells you about bikepacking!

Kit & Gear, Mountain Biking, Travel August 5, 2018
As you may have seen from my last blog, I’ve just got back from 2 weeks bikepacking in Slovenia. This was originally booked as a very deliberate Type 1 fun holiday, as for the past three years, every holiday has been mountaineering, climbing or ski-mountaineering. Not that this is a bad thing – far from […]
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Bikepacking Slovenia Part 2: Kranjska Gora to Trieste

Mountain Biking July 10, 2018
This is the continues on from Bikepacking Slovenia Part 1… Day 4: Kranjska Gora to Bovec I’d argue there’s nothing better than waking up to see the sun rising over the mountains – this was one of the most scenic spots we’d stayed so far. However, knowing we had a big day ahead of us, […]
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Bikepacking Slovenia Part 1: Škofia Loka to Kranjska Gora

Mountain Biking July 9, 2018
Day 1: Arrival in Škofia Loka Looking out of the aeroplane window at the landscape below, I thought of everything I had heard about this beautiful country. I already had high hopes, and it seemed Slovenia was not going to disappoint. Luscious green meadows gave way to undulating hills and soaring peaks. Pressing my nose […]
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Liquid Meditation

Wild Swimming March 23, 2018
I’m sat in my van – it’s cold and a bit miserable outside but at least it’s not dark at this time anymore. I check my phone, for once I’m early, it’s a rare occurrence. Before I begin to question why I’ve dragged myself out of bed at 5.30am, a car pulls into the car […]
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It’s okay (not to be okay).

Outdoor Life November 28, 2017
For a quite some time I’ve had a nagging question in the back of my mind – how much of my true-self am I happy in ‘putting out there’? I set up Mud, Chalk and Gears to keep a record of my adventures and encourage others to give things a go. It’s important to me […]
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Women’s Trad Festival 2017

Climbing August 28, 2017
Inspired by the Women’s International Climbing Meet in Llanberis a few years ago, Charlie Low and Ellie Fuller set up the Women’s Trad Festival to encourage people to take the next step in their climbing. Whether you’re looking to attempt your first lead, push your grades or even climb outside for the first time – […]
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Baby steps up big things.

Climbing, Mountaineering, Travel August 1, 2017
Location location On booking this holiday, the plan had been to head over to Saas Fee as it has a number of achievable 4000m peaks we could ‘try and tick off’ (Tom’s words not mine!). However, in the weeks approaching our trip, it was apparent the weather gods were not looking kindly on the Swiss […]
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Slightly damp ‘adventure-trad’ at Baggy Point!

Climbing July 15, 2017
I can’t put my finger on it, but there’s something about climbing sea cliffs that fascinates me. I’m not sure if it’s situation you’re in with the smell of the sea and the crashing waves below or the extra dollop of ‘adventure’ you encounter, relatively uncertain of your route choice and where to abseil down! […]
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