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Cicerone Press
‘The Outdoor Environment’
The landscape of our islands is constantly changing. We think we notice big changes, houses, wind turbines, but some are more subtle, as the countryside and its use over centuries is eased into a developing world. With his farming background, and more recent career as an outdoor writer, Mark Richards is uniquely placed to discuss how we can interpret these changes, and enjoy our countryside walks in an environmentally-conscious way.
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Cicerone Press
‘The John Muir Trail’
The John Muir Trail is a spectacular trek through California’s High Sierra from Yosemite (El Capitan and Half-Dome) to Mount Witney, highest peak in the continental US.
The 216 mile route can be comfortably fitted into a three-week holiday, but planning and preparation is critical as Ronald Turnbull will tell you – tune in to find out more, then get the Cicerone guidebook
and off you go!
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Cicerone Press
‘Jordan’
Tony Howard and Di Taylor have been climbing and trekking in the mountains of North Africa and the Middle East for over 30 years. In 1984 they discovered the area of Wadi Rum, and wrote the first guidebook. They return to Jordan every year to find a land of forested hills, dales carpeted in flowers, huge canyons, caves, limestone cliffs in wooded valleys and high mountains. This is the country of world famous sites of Petra, Pella, Ajlun and Kerak.
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Cicerone Press
‘Walking In Scotland’
Scotland and outdoor activities seem to have been made for each other. With so much choice, it’s sometimes hard to decide where to go for your walking adventure. Here we talk to Ronald Turnbull, whose extensive knowledge of the best walking regions in Scotland is brought together in (currently) two guidebooks to the ranges near Ben Nevis and Glencoe, and the Cairngorms in the East.
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Cicerone Press
‘The Book Of The Bivvy’
Ronald Turnbull is an outdoor writer with a difference! His boundless knowledge, quirky writing style and boyish sense of fun in the outdoors are all brought together in ‘The book of the Bivvy’. Here we hear from the man himself, with tips on bivvying in the rain, ideas for great trips, and the sheer pleasure of being on the hills for hours before (and after) the crowds have descended to the town below.
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Cicerone Press
‘Cycle Touring’
Cycle touring need not be the sole reserve of the fit, lean ‘Tour de France’ cyclist, or even the club cyclist. In this podcast we hear from Jon Sparks about how to get started, just what level of ability you really do need, and some of the delights of moving through the countryside at a pace which combines a reasonable rate of progress with time to enjoy your surroundings to the full.
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Cicerone Press
‘The Ribble Way’
Certainly a less well-known long-distance route, but one which captures everything that a good trail should have. The River Ribble springs from the limestone of the Yorkshire Dales, high on Cam Fell in the heart of Three Peak country. The 70-mile route is ideal for those new to trekking, with plentiful accommodation and sights of interest on the way.
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are happy to be supporting this new water filtration and purification bottle from Drinksafe Systems. The Aquagear Survivor is the lightest proven system in the world. This affordable, light, flexible bottle will solve all the dilemmas you've ever had, when wondering if your available drinking water is safe. Perfect for the hiker, cyclist, kayaker, bushcrafter, traveler and business person. |
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Cicerone Press
‘Paddy Dillon’
Life As A Guidebook Writer
Paddy is a prolific outdoor writer with over 30 books to his name. Brought up in the Pennines, Paddy’s love of walking quickly translated into a career as a writer. Here he describes how he actually goes about preparing information for one of his many guide books. He also explains how his life as an outdoor writer is highly organized so as to maximize opportunities throughout the year.
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Cicerone Press
‘Paddy Dillon’
Islomania
Islomania is defined as a craze for, or a strong attraction to islands… and Paddy Dillon has the bug! Paddy is a prolific outdoor writer with over 30 books to his name. Here we find out just how many islands he has visited (and walked all over!), and what makes island visits so very special. You can get loads of great holiday ideas here!
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Cicerone Press
‘Paddy Dillon’
The National Trails
Opened in 1965, the Pennine Way was Britain’s first national trail. Since then another 14 have been designated in England and Wales, with a further 4 in Scotland. Each one has unique qualities which explore the rich, scenic and historic countryside of Britain. Paddy Dillon has walked all the trails – twice! Here he talks about his love of the routes and his new guide, ‘The National Trails’.
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Cicerone Press
‘Photography’
Photography and the outdoors could have been made for each other, yet we all sometimes find there is a disappointing miss-match between what we wanted to capture, and what we actually achieved! Jon Sparks has developed his youthful hobby into a professional career, and here he offers some valuable tips for outdoor enthusiasts, whatever their sport or destination.
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Cicerone Press
‘Mark Richards’
Life As An Outdoor Writer
Mark Richards’ transition from full-time farmer to full-time outdoor writer has been a gradual one. In 1973, with the direct encouragement of Alfred Wainwright, he wrote his first walking guide to the Cotswold Way. Since then he has indulged his pleasure in exploring rural Britain by creating a range of walking guides.
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Cicerone Press
‘GR5 and GR20’
The GR5 an Alpine walk from Lake Geneva to Nice, and the legendary GR20, reputedly Europe’s toughest trek. Paddy Dillon has walked both of these routes at least twice, and has written guidebooks to them both. Here he discusses both routes, and looks at how they can be combined to create a trek to excite you for the entire summer.
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Cicerone Press
‘Pembrokeshire’
Pembrokeshire contains Britain’s only coastal National Park, such is its beauty, with soaring rugged cliffs, tranquil inlets and broad sandy beaches. There is immense variety in both the scenery and natural life of the Pembrokeshire coast. Dennis and Jan Kelsall talk about their lifetime of exploration on foot, which can be equally satisfying for serious walkers and those more inclined to potter.
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Cicerone Press
‘Navigation’
One of the keys to unlocking the hills and countryside is to have the ability to navigate confidently using a map and compass.
Having this ability is a liberating experience, and we talk to navigation expert Pete Hawkins about what is involved in learning these skills.
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Cicerone Press
‘The Book Story’
Guidebooks can provide the reader with far more than just a route description. A good guide has essential background information for travel, accommodation, alternative routes, difficulty and above all, provides inspiration. Cicerone have been publishing guides for forty years, and the current team are as enthusiastic as ever as they describe what’s involved in making a great guidebook.
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The Abu Dhabi Hiking Scene!
Sponsored by
backpackinglight.co.uk
I chat with Roy Richards in Abu Dhabi, who has recently been in the desert climbing mountains with others in a very remote region.
When you hear the interview you'll understand why 'lightweight' is the way to go especially when carrying 6kg+ in water!
34 mins - 16 meg
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www.backpackinglight.co.uk
After 10 months, 4000 mountain miles, of which 450 were snowshoeing miles
Judy Armstrong is pack from her epic Via Alpina trip. Traveling with just a 5kg pack she tells of her experiences and shares her love for that part of the world.
56 mins - 27 meg |
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The 2007 Rab TGO Challenge
Part Fourteen
The Thursday night meal and celebration at the Park Hotel in Montrose, is where Challengers meet up with old friends to share their experiences and congratulate each other for completing the trip. During this particular evening I talk with Craig Macpherson, Rolk Kerikoff, Peter Varley, Jennet Tenant, Christine Roach and Ann Ling and of course organizer
Roger Smith.
48 mins - 23 meg
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The 2007 Rab TGO Challenge
Part Thirteen
The final days walking involved navigating the notorious Fetteresso forest and the many misleading paths. However we finally make it to Stonehaven in one piece on a beautiful sunny day for the traditional paddle in the sea. Andy and Kate also complete their route to Montrose and enjoy the Wednesday night celebratory meal at the Park Hotel.
34 mins - 16 meg
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The 2007 Rab TGO Challenge
Part Twelve
Andy and Kate have a moment of reflection on this their last night at Northwater Bridge campsite and consider how they feel about this years crossing. At Spittal Cott I empty out my bag and review each item in turn and discuss what I did and didn't use and which items I could do without for next time, passing on any tips where I can.
39 mins - 19 meg
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The 2007 Rab TGO Challenge
Part Eleven
Finally we all arrive at the welcome haven of Tarfside and camp on the playing field. Andy and Kate take the soft option in the hostel. There Andy has a very interesting chat with Rob Howsman who is hiking in sandles. The following day we head to The Retreat for a full breakfast before parting company and heading different ways to the coast.
48 mins - 23 meg
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The 2007 Rab TGO Challenge
Part Ten
We meet Andy and Kate on route to Loch Callater Lodge and then share the rest of the journey over Jocks Road to find a secluded little spot in the woods, for a good rest and chat about using lightweight gear on the Challenge. Loch Callater has to be one of the most charming glens you could ever wish to walk along.
42 mins - 20 meg
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The 2007 Rab TGO Challenge
Part Nine
One of the best known characters of the Challenge is Alan Sloman who always seems to be at the heart of any of the many social gatherings which take place during the crossing. This year he had somehow managed to combine the traverse of Scotland with a Lands End to John O'Groats walk for charity. A total of over 1600 miles.
34 mins - 14 meg
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The 2007 Rab TGO Challenge
Part Eight
While Andy and Kate enjoy a restful start to their day off, our damp little group gather ourselves together before heading into Braemar for some well earned refreshments. Once in town we naturally head for the Fife Arms, and meet up with other challengers Peter Shepherd, Colin Ibbotson and David Albon.
38 mins - 18 meg
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The 2007 Rab TGO Challenge
Part Seven
Andy starts the day by sharing the beauty of Glen Feshie, while we pack up and leave Martin to head via the Burma Road to Aviemore.
The following day I have to say farewell to a tearful Rose and continue on my own in the hope of meeting Lee Wells and Tony Bone. Eventually we make it to Derry Lodge to hide from the storm
42 mins - 20 meg
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The 2007 Rab TGO Challenge
Part Six
Andy and Kate start from Laggan, while Rose and I cross Loch Ness early in the morning before heading into the Monaghliath Mountains via Errogie. On route we meet Martin Banfield and Ian Cotterill and share a few miles with them and end the day at a lovely riverside camping spot where do a bit of a gear review.
36 mins - 17 meg
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The 2007 Rab TGO Challenge
Part Five
A day of rest for us and an easy day for Andy and Kate. Interviews with Mountain Guide Richard Kermode, Challengers Ian Gillies snr, Ian Gillies jnr, John Watson, Lee Wells and Tony Bowe.
Plus we chat to locals Drumnadrochit B&B owner Laurence Selleck and the Loch Ness Ferryman Gordon Menzies.
42 mins - 20 meg
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The 2007 Rab TGO Challenge
Part Four
Day four and we are all on our way now, settling into the trip and doing battle with the ticks.
Includes interviews with other challengers Maurice Gray, Ant Cathcart, Peter Goodwin, Jonathon Smith and Susanne Monka.
36 mins - 17 meg
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The 2007 Rab TGO Challenge
Part Three
Day three of the challenge and the cold wind starts to bite! Shoulders ache and feet start to get sore.
Includes interviews with Gill Blair the warden at the remotest YH in the UK and Darren Christie and his timely rescue
44 mins - 21 meg
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