The Outdoors Station

Recently a listener in Australia enquired about the 2006 TGO Challenge series which I mentioned in the recent tribute to Andy Howell. (Podcast 539)Although it is in the listing, it wasn't live, so I've decided to re-release it once again as it still contains relevant information about the event and many interesting interviews with people, some of whom aren't with us any more.This was the crossing where one of our party had a serious fall breaking a few ribs. The TGO Challenge is no walk in the park, but it is a glorious celebration and privilege to walk across and landscape and learn more about yourself and your fellow (often solitary) backpackers.This is part final part of the series.

Recently a listener in Australia enquired about the 2006 TGO Challenge series which I mentioned in the recent tribute to Andy Howell. (Podcast 539)Although it is in the listing, it wasn't live, so I've decided to re-release it once again as it still contains relevant information about the event and many interesting interviews with people, some of whom aren't with us any more.This was the crossing where one of our party had a serious fall breaking a few ribs. The TGO Challenge is no walk in the park, but it is a glorious celebration and privilege to walk across and landscape and learn more about yourself and your fellow (often solitary) backpackers.This is part nine of ten.

Recently a listener in Australia enquired about the 2006 TGO Challenge series which I mentioned in the recent tribute to Andy Howell. (Podcast 539)Although it is in the listing, it wasn't live, so I've decided to re-release it once again as it still contains relevant information about the event and many interesting interviews with people, some of whom aren't with us any more.This was the crossing where one of our party had a serious fall breaking a few ribs. The TGO Challenge is no walk in the park, but it is a glorious celebration and privilege to walk across and landscape and learn more about yourself and your fellow (often solitary) backpackers.This is part eight of ten.

Recently a listener in Australia enquired about the 2006 TGO Challenge series which I mentioned in the recent tribute to Andy Howell. (Podcast 539)Although it is in the listing, it wasn't live, so I've decided to re-release it once again as it still contains relevant information about the event and many interesting interviews with people, some of whom aren't with us any more.This was the crossing where one of our party had a serious fall breaking a few ribs. The TGO Challenge is no walk in the park, but it is a glorious celebration and privilege to walk across and landscape and learn more about yourself and your fellow (often solitary) backpackers.This is part seven of ten.

Recently a listener in Australia enquired about the 2006 TGO Challenge series which I mentioned in the recent tribute to Andy Howell. (Podcast 539)Although it is in the listing, it wasn't live, so I've decided to re-release it once again as it still contains relevant information about the event and many interesting interviews with people, some of whom aren't with us any more.This was the crossing where one of our party had a serious fall breaking a few ribs. The TGO Challenge is no walk in the park, but it is a glorious celebration and privilege to walk across and landscape and learn more about yourself and your fellow (often solitary) backpackers.This is part six of ten.

Recently a listener in Australia enquired about the 2006 TGO Challenge series which I mentioned in the recent tribute to Andy Howell. (Podcast 539)Although it is in the listing, it wasn't live, so I've decided to re-release it once again as it still contains relevant information about the event and many interesting interviews with people, some of whom aren't with us any more.This was the crossing where one of our party had a serious fall breaking a few ribs. The TGO Challenge is no walk in the park, but it is a glorious celebration and privilege to walk across and landscape and learn more about yourself and your fellow (often solitary) backpackers.This is part five of ten.

Recently a listener in Australia enquired about the 2006 TGO Challenge series which I mentioned in the recent tribute to Andy Howell. (Podcast 539)Although it is in the listing, it wasn't live, so I've decided to re-release it once again as it still contains relevant information about the event and many interesting interviews with people, some of whom aren't with us any more.This was the crossing where one of our party had a serious fall breaking a few ribs. The TGO Challenge is no walk in the park, but it is a glorious celebration and privilege to walk across and landscape and learn more about yourself and your fellow (often solitary) backpackers.This is part four of ten.

Recently a listener in Australia enquired about the 2006 TGO Challenge series which I mentioned in the recent tribute to Andy Howell. (Podcast 539)Although it is in the listing, it wasn't live, so I've decided to re-release it once again as it still contains relevant information about the event and many interesting interviews with people, some of whom aren't with us any more.This was the crossing where one of our party had a serious fall breaking a few ribs. The TGO Challenge is no walk in the park, but it is a glorious celebration and privilege to walk across and landscape and learn more about yourself and your fellow (often solitary) backpackers.This is part three of ten.

Recently a listener in Australia enquired about the 2006 TGO Challenge series which I mentioned in the recent tribute to Andy Howell. (Podcast 539)Although it is in the listing, it wasn't live, so I've decided to re-release it once again as it still contains relevant information about the event and many interesting interviews with people, some of whom aren't with us any more.This was the crossing where one of our party had a serious fall breaking a few ribs. The TGO Challenge is no walk in the park, but it is a glorious celebration and privilege to walk across and landscape and learn more about yourself and your fellow (often solitary) backpackers.This is part two of ten.

Recently a listener in Australia enquired about the 2006 TGO Challenge series which I mentioned in the recent tribute to Andy Howell. (Podcast 539)Although it is in the listing, it wasn't live, so I've decided to re-release it once again as it still contains relevant information about the event and many interesting interviews with people, some of whom aren't with us any more.This was the crossing where one of our party had a serious fall breaking a few ribs. The TGO Challenge is no walk in the park, but it is a glorious celebration and privilege to walk across and landscape and learn more about yourself and your fellow (often solitary) backpackers.This is part one of ten.

I know it has been some 8 months since my last podcast and this latest release will fill you in with some of the reasons for the silence.It has been a strange 8 months. I'm not sure if it is the result of the third Covid lock down which I found harder than the previous 2 or the subjects I mention in the podcast, but the effect was the same and silence the result.In August following some enthusiastic support and supportive comments I was beginning to get new plans together for the next series and have been contacting potential contributors to add their spin.However I had some shattering news this week that Andy Howell a close friend, outdoor companion and supportive shoulder for all my podcasting efforts had suddenly passed away from an undiagnosed cancer. You will have heard him in many of my podcasts and he is well known in the outdoor community.So this podcast is raw and open and dedicated to him. A friendship I've cherished and meant more to me than my humble words can describe.

Meli and Rensso Hinostroza, are the sister and brother team behind Arms Of Andes. Their Peruvian parents were raised in small, mountain towns in the highlands of Peru and family vacations have always been to their ancestral home.Following a lot of research they discovered that Alpaca has similar properties to merino wool and the potential to perform even better.But they didn't want to just make outdoor apparel, they also wanted to lead the way in sustainable manufacturing practices. Manufacture of most clothing involves shipping materials to different countries for each part of the production process; but they realised that by keeping production in one place – Peru – they could greatly reduce the company's carbon footprint.Furthermore, alpaca wool is natural, renewable, and sustainably produced, so by including additional sustainable practices, such as using other natural materials (like natural dyes and cotton for labels and stitching) and reducing packaging they could make the most sustainable outdoor clothing. In fact, their naturally coloured shirts, beanies and neck gaiters are now 100% biodegradable, leaving no trace when composted!Family and where you come from are major cornerstones of the Peruvian culture, and who they are as a company. This is even reflected in their name: “Arms” is a combination of the first name initials of us four siblings and our roots are “of the Andes”.Join us in this podcast to hear the full story, or watch the reply now on YouTube. There is a limited time discount code at the end of this podcast.

After she walked the Camino de Santiago, solo, in 2017, Fran Turauskis became uncomfortable with descriptions such as 'brave' and 'inspirational' when people learned about her epilepsy diagnosis. She created Seize Your Adventure to normalise the idea of epilepsy in adventure. As host, editor and producer, she collates all audio and visual content on the podcast, website and social media. her co-host Frankie York is a passionate surfer, who for six years, had suffered frequent and debilitating seizures that stopped her from surfing entirely until the success of recent treatment that allows her to enjoy her water based passion once more.In this interview we discuss the art of balancing the condition with ambition in the outdoors and the perceptions of epilepsy in society and the adventure community.

For those who enjoy the freedom and rights to walk in or on our National Parks, Footpaths and rural byways in fact anywhere which is recognised as a national Right Of Way you are probably unaware of the historic nature of how this came into being following the Kinder Scout Trespass of 1932.Kinder Scout was a turning point in outdoor history. Without it we would be excluded from all wild places which would be fenced off and under strict private control of landowners through the UK.Currently access to the inland waterways in the UK is restricted to 4%. Imagine if we only had access to 4% of the the land and parks and open places we take for granted. We would be outraged and yet the water based enthusiasts have to accept this, or do they?There is currently a campaign gaining momentum for all water based enthusiasts, paddlers, wild swimmers, SUP users to gain Clear Access Clear Waters and work in harmony with other respective organisations to find a path through this confusing legislation.The waterways are no different to our other land based highways. Everyone from walkers to lorry drivers have to work with all the other users to maximise use and pleasure and functionality from the highways. Be it walkers, cyclists, equestrian, motorbikes, cars through to heavy good vehicles.This interview is with Ben Seal, Places To Paddle Manager at British Canoeing who are a main instigator in this campaign for all water enthusiasts. if you feel strongly about what you hear place sign the petition and support their efforts.

Here it is the first podcast of 2021 where we go through the diverse range of guests we are speaking with over the next few weeks.This year I'm looking to widen my horizons and talk with people associated with the outdoors who have influence on the direction outdoor life and education is taking.There comes a time when repeatedly talking with adventurers starts to wain a little and when you step back and take a look at the bigger picture, one realises there are more avenues to explore.I could talk about gear all the time, but that aspect is now dominated by countless groups on social media who all seem to ask the same question ‘what's the best and cheapest X?'I do hope this gives you a flavour of what is coming and you find it interesting and hopefully educational. If you too have suggesting for guests who may fit the same profile please do drop me an email and let me know.

This is it. We are finally at the end of 2020 and we all know what a terrible year it has been on every level.This podcast covers some of what has happened this year here and what I hope to put into place for 2021.Everything is still very fluid until we are all vaccinated and ‘normal', whatever that may be.I can't wait be free again to choose where I can go, who with and what I can do. The limitations we now find ourselves under make you realise the freedom to live, travel and have choice we take for granted.Thanks to everyone who has supported me in whatever way this year, my Patreons, Ko-Fi supporters, you the listener and viewers of my live streams.The more conversation we have the more I can keep creating content for you to enjoy.All the very best for 2021, keep safe, stay well and keep being positive. Thangs can only get better.

On the 15th September this year photographer Quintin Lake strode up the steps of St Paul's Cathedral and quietly finished his 5 year photography project of walking 11,000kms around the perimeter of the England, Wales and Scotland taking photographs virtually every step of the way. I spoke with him in 2016 on Podcast No 410 (well worth listening to again) when he was 25% of the way round. So much have happened in the intervening years, not least the challenge of Covid, but he still achieved his goal and now has one of the most unique catalogues of evidence which records all aspects of our country and its coastal heritage. He has become famous in the meantime, popping up on countless TV news shows for a short news clip. However on Wednesday we will have an hour to discuss all the various challenges, practicalities, joys and despair that a 5 years adventure like this encapsulates. Once again there will be a Q&A at the end of the show. If you listen to the podcast first you'll get a flavour of what's to come. Check out the YouTube video to see the images and video which go with the conversation.

Although this podcast goes into the background detail of what is involved in compiling a compendium like this which contains some of the best hikes in Europe, there is much else we discuss.Including the Cape Wrath Trail and the story of meeting Skye MacGregor, the 16-year-old lad hiking LEJOG via the CWT in winter through February.The Tour of Monte Rosa: benighted on the Europaweg. Hear how this was his first Alpine long-distance hike where he felt like he vaguely knew what he was doing, but still very much a learning curve, and what went wrong!How the Lochaber Traverse became his obsession over many years and several attempts, starting with a friend's broken ankle back in 2006.Finally the Mercantour Traverse: thunderstorm at altitude. Spark flying everywhere. It was his first real ultralight trip in a highly technical Alpine environment, going fast and light and pushing close to the limits of my comfort zone.Plus loads more ... enjoy ;)

This is a part two of a two part interview with the author of Grandma Gatewood's Walk. The book is a New York Times best seller and writer Ben Montgomery was a Pulitzer Prize finalist in 2010.Part one covers her younger history, the life and times she lived through in the early 1950's, the abuse she suffered for 30 years and her discovery of the Appalachian Trail, before setting foot in it initially in 1954.We all know the basic story, that in 1955 67 year old Grandma Gatewood set off on a remarkable journey, to accidentally become the first woman to walk the entire 2050 miles in 145 days of the Appalachian Trail.Today her name is iconic within the lightweight backpacking community, as she carried only 15 pounds of supplies and a tiny amount of food in a simple knapsack, hiking in sneakers, sleeping under a shower curtain and living off the land.Not only that, she did again 2 years later, followed by the Oregon Trail then aged 71.This audio is an extract from the video live stream (which can be found on YouTube) I broadcast recently with the author Ben Montgomery who found that Grandma Gatewood was his Mother's Great Aunt.In it you'll hear previously unearthed stories about this amazing woman, her diaries, her gritty life and what led her to set off on the trail all of which can be found in his fascinating biography - Grandma Gatewoods Walk.Part two concludes with a few stories from the trail, her subsequent fame and celebrity status and how she became the iconic ambassador for walking with her name and legacy living on.

This is a part one of a two part interview with the author of Grandma Gatewood's Walk. The book is a New York Times best seller and writer Ben Montgomery was a Pulitzer Prize finalist in 2010.We all know the basic story, that in 1955 67 year old Grandma Gatewood set off on a remarkable journey, to accidentally become the first woman to walk the entire 2050 miles in 145 days of the Appalachian Trail.Today her name is iconic within the lightweight backpacking community, as she carried only 15 pounds of supplies and a tiny amount of food in a simple knapsack, hiking in sneakers, sleeping under a shower curtain and living off the land.Not only that, she did again 2 years later, followed by the Oregon Trail then aged 71.This audio is an extract from the video live stream (which can be found on YouTube) I broadcast recently with the author Ben Montgomery who found that Grandma Gatewood was his Mother's Great Aunt.In it you'll hear previously unearthed stories about this amazing woman, her diaries, her gritty life and what led her to set off on the trail all of which can be found in his fascinating biography - Grandma Gatewood's Walk.Part one covers her younger history, the life and times she lived through in the early 1950's, the abuse she suffered for 30 years and her discovery of the Appalachian Trail, before setting foot in it initially in 1954.Part two concludes with a few stories from the trail, her subsequent fame and celebrity status and how she became the iconic ambassador for walking with her name and legacy living on.

Join us as we welcome back forager Lisa Cutcliffe from Edulis Wild Food to delve into all things autumn, discussing edible delights from gluts of berries in the hedgerows to fantastic fungi on the forest floor, as well as touching on how getting outdoors can positively affect our mental health & that having meditative activities such as foraging to enjoy as we wander can be even more beneficial to our wellbeing.Lisa introduces us to cauliflower fungus, hedgehog mushrooms, hen of the woods, trumpets of death, aniseed funnels and velvet shanks for the table, sloe gin and seabuckthorn juice for foraged cocktails, umami seasoning hits from truffles and seaweeds, and also powerful medicinals for the wild medicine cabinet such as elderberry, hawthorn, chaga, turkeytail fungus and rosehips.You can still enjoy Lisa's inaugural appearance on the show back in April in the archive, chatting all things springtime, greenery and vitality heading into the warmer months of the year.Topics include identification, eating and the mental health benefits she enjoys from foraging while learning more about nature's bountiful larder.So join as we seek to help make your lockdown walks more entertaining and informative plus of course, there's a Q&A session at the end.

Kevin Augello is a documentary film maker who in October 2020 has just set off with a group of relative strangers to make a film of the Cape Wrath Trail.He has made films for BBC, National Geographic and the Discovery Channel to name but a few and this project, which was supposed to start in March 2020, has been delayed and now possibly enhanced by the Covid outbreak.The film is predominantly about Mental Health and how being alive in the great outdoors can become a real helper. Under the current circumstances it is also a reflection of the importance and value wild places can have following lockdown. The project is to follow a team (found on social media) undertaking one of the hardest trails, certainly in Europe. The Cape Wrath Trail in Scotland.They are following all the Covid related advice provided by Scottish Mountaineering and Sport Scotland and have been advised that they can proceed in a group of six by following Covid Risk Assessments and Test & Protect Measures and half of the team work in front line Emergency Services.

This is the concluding conversation with Lauren (Neon) Reed and Bethany (Fidget) Hughes from Her Odyssey regarding their current expedition to travel by self powered means from the southern tip of the Americas to the most northern point.Currently they are 8000 miles into the 20,000 mile total and so I was seeking to know about how they cope with family pressures and expectations, the financial tightrope they walk and the good and bad traits they have discovered about each other.But first we start with the US Hiker preoccupation with Trail names. A curious occupation solely promoted by this niche sector of the hiking community.

Traversing the length of the Americas by non-motorized means, connecting stories of the land and its inhabitants.Part one of a fascinating interview with Bethany ‘Fidgit' Hughes and Lauren ‘Neon' Reed who are traveling the length of the Americas by non-motorized means, gathering stories of people along the way, inspiring others to pursue their own audacious dreams.An epic journey which began at the southern most tip of Argentina in November 2015 and was originally envisioned to be completed in Alaska late 2020, however life, Covid and other things seem to happen when you are making plans.This isn't an interview about travelling detail, but one which touches on all kinds of aspects, the original plan, the changes and the sacrifices in an effort to dig deeper than a simple trip report and hear more in depth about the people undertaking the journey, the reasons why and the changes it has made to them.

Cicerone Press have just released the book The Big Rounds by David Lintern.A guide to Britain's three most challenging long distance mountain rounds in the Lake District, Snowdonia and Lochaber. Not just for the fell runner, but the day walker and backpacker too.The Bob Graham Round, the Paddy Buckley Round and the Charlie Ramsay Round.Designed to inform and inspire, this book is for both runners and walkers to discover these extremely challenging routes.The history, the technical detail and everything you need to help with planning and preparation.

In 2016 Sophie Rooney set off with the bold intention of becoming the first woman to run the length of Scandinavia. From Nordkapp (the northernmost point of mainland Europe) to the German border with Denmark (3000 km south) carrying everything she needed on her back. Initially accompanied by a fellow trail runner, Sophie finds herself thrown into a solo adventure running through some of the most rugged scenery Europe has to offer.This is the audio from a recent video live stream interview with Sophie detailing her adventure, her emergency hospital treatment and subsequent reaching of her goal. A gutsy gal!

This is the audio only from my recent Live Stream interview with Lisa Cutcliffe from Edulis Wild Foods.As Spring bursts forth in abundance around us in the countryside we witness new life in the form of fresh shoots, leaves and herbs.We pass them by often wondering if they are edible, or safe to eat, what they taste like or how to use them to experience natures splendour.Lisa Cutcliffe from Edulis Wild Foods a wild food specialist and foraging instructor based in Leeds, UK. With 18 years' experience picking wild fungi, fruits, flowers and foliage from nature's larder.

This is part two of my fascinating conversation with Philip Carcia who completed the Single Year Grid last year in New Hampshire.Do have a listen to part one if you haven't made the time to put this into perspective.In this episode we cover lots of topics, including the changes he noticed in himself, attitude of other hikers, his gear choices and why, plus the many sacrifices he had to commit to in order to achieve this goal.In total though it was an enjoyable 2 hours conversation with someone who has a love and a passion for the mountains and this project in particular. I'm sure whatever he puts his mind to for the next project will be equally rewarding.

This interviewee was suggested by long term listener Keith Foskett who met Philip on a mountain one day while hiking in the states.His story and the target he set himself is pretty incredible and shows a massive amount of dedication, sacrifice and commitment to achieve it.Philip J. Carcia is a hiker, runner, and media creator who has logged over 15,000 miles on some of the most iconic trail networks in North America. Growing up in Massachusetts and cutting my teeth in New Hampshire, he fostered a deep love affair with the mountains of the Northeast at an early age. Almost two-decades later, that love continues to widen, and has become an anchor in both his personal and professional narrative.This podcast relates to last year when he climbed all 48 4,000-footers in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, start to finish, in every month, for 12 consecutive months, completing one of the most grueling and obscure peak-bagging projects in the United States - the Single Year Grid.  

Before all the Covid-19 hit the news and somewhere after the fire in Australia I had the pleasure to speak with Emily Penn about a topic that was in the news at the time, the impact single use plastics were having in our lives and more importantly how plastic was now in our food chain and no doubt, within us too.As you'll hear she was lovely to talk to and her knowledge and the factual evidence she had to hand on the subject matter has certainly made me think in more detail about the consequences and responsibilities we have as consumers.

I've spoken with Dermot and Katie in previous Podcasts about crossing Iceland in the better weather. However Ben James along with Neil Cox Having completed a summer crossing in 2017 unsupported, set themselves the ultimate goal to complete this in winter unsupported. Many attempted crossings in Winter have failed due to the extreme conditions, the -20 temperatures mixed with 100 mph winds and driving rain have beaten most peoples kit and resolve! Add to that only around 4 hours day light, it's certainly going to be a test of will power and motivation. As you'll hear it wasn't easy going with numerous challenges they had to overcome during the month they set themselves. Sickness, weather and a little memory loss all made this an epic adventure.

Finally the electrician showed up to wire up and connect the new building, the office and more importantly the studio.Don't you just love it when ‘yeah tomorrow or day after' turns into 2 weeks?But we are in and these last few days have been one of humping and shifting stuff in the pouring rain and wind, in and out of containers, lofts and garages to install into the place and make it look efficient.One of the reasons for getting it tidy was the impending visit by the Queen! Well not THE Queen exactly, but Russ Hepton from The Trail Hunter who is visiting us before he heads out on the PCT next week. So it felt like we had to get the place looking spick and span and super slick for his arrival.The first visitor to the new studio!

It has been a while since we spoke with a guest regarding either starting or finishing the PCT. To delve into their preparation or their conclusions.So it is good timing that my guest today Camile Mateos willingly discusses her thorough preparation in all aspects related to the PCT which she will be starting this Spring.The most important being the financial and time challenge most of us would face away from a busy job, plus of course fitness, skill level, confidence and gear.You may be interested to hear that Cam from Cam-Hikes is approaching the 2600 mile trail as light as possible with a 35lt pack. However she is also going stoveless to save weight and relying on what she can find to eat at the trail heads between the long sections.

This is the concluding part of my conversation with two British adventurers who in 2019 followed a route which consisted of a 900 mile paddle and 400 miles walk in the footsteps of a piece of shameful American history now known as The Trail Of Tears.Although it is a story and a piece of history we in Europe know nothing about, it has similarities to some of our own shameful activities which also took place in the 1830's, the Highland Clearances where villages were cleared, homes burned and thousands evicted to survive how best they could.Ian Finch and Jamie Barnes traced the Trail of Tears and crossed from East United States to the West Mississippi over some of the harshest lands and dangerous waterways in the world.

This is part one of a fascinating story about two British adventurers who in 2019 followed a route which consisted of a 900 mile paddle and 400 miles walk in the footsteps of a piece of shameful American history.Although it is a story and a piece of history we in Europe know nothing about, it has similarities to some of our own shameful activities which also took place in the 1830's.Ian Finch and Jamie Barnes traced the Trail of Tears and crossed from East United States to the West Mississippi over some of the harshest lands and dangerous waterways in the world.The weather wasn't kind to them however as the story unfolds you will see that they at least were prepared and aware of their choices, whereas the original American Indians, in particular the Cherokee, were forcefully repatriated at gunpoint in the harshest of winters. 

This is the second part of my interview with Nikki Ray regarding her solo cycle trip to Ghana on a bike she built herself.In it we touch on the the different kind of travellers you meet on the road, how it feels to knock on a strangers door and seek shelter and how much it cost to build her own bike for the trip.She wanted to arrive in Ghana before her 30th birthday using her own leg power…and she did!

Let me introduce you to Nikki Ray who between August 2018 and May 2019 cycled solo, carrying all her belongings (including a ukulele), from Santander in Spain to Accra in Ghana covering 10,000km in total.She wanted to arrive in Ghana before her 30th birthday using her own leg power…and she did!The last few years before starting this trip she had been working as a cycling instructor in London. She did her first solo cycle tour in the Scottish Highlands in 2015.As an adult she had long been interested in travelling overland, rather than flying, because you get to experience how the landscape and people change, in a significantly less polluting way than flying. She often combined cycling and trains/coaches to travel around in Europe.Before this trip she had cycled in England, Scotland, France and Switzerland as short trips so this was to be her biggest adventure yet.She decided to refer to this journey as Ready Steady Slow as she didn't want to rush to Ghana without taking in everything that was happening around her on the way.

The bushfires in Australia are now reaching biblical proportions and even though the news media has already moved on to the Corona Virus, the fires are still increasing. Lives are being lost, homes reduced to dust and the environmental bill becomes incalculable.Today's news (28/1/20) is that southern Canberra is under attack after the spotlight from a rescue helicopter accidentally started a fire in the Tharwa region just outside of the city.I reached out to Tim Savage a fellow podcaster from the Australian Hiker Podcast for a balanced report on the current situation, the short to medium term impact and an overall look at the environmental damage to nature and the economy the fire this year were having.

In part one Jenny tells us of her project to run solo and unsupported across a mountain range on every continent where indigenous mountain people live isolated from the outside, urban world and details some of the stories from her Kyrgyzstan and Moroccan journeys.Part two deals with two other ranges each of which present their own unique challenges, the Bolivian Andes and the Southern Alps in New Zealand.

This interview with Jenny Tough took place while she is Kathmandu waiting for her flight back home to Scotland just before the New Year.She wanted a quick relaxing holiday break and chose to take her bike to Kathmandu and for kicks and giggles, decided to bike pack over the Thorong La Pass which has an elevation of 5,416m. While she was there they had a little snow as you can see in the pictures, so she spent a lot of the time carrying her bike between refuges and hostels. But hey, Jenny thought it was fun and enjoyed the break.This may give you an idea of what type of woman she is. The rest of the interview we talk about her Run The Mountains Of The World person project she has set herself. Jenny has always discovered commonalities with mountains - and mountain people. This major project is to run solo and unsupported across a mountain range on every continent where indigenous mountain people live isolated from the outside, urban world.In Kyrgyzstan she met the Kyrgyz nomads, who live a traditional lifestyle in yurts and were overwhelmingly friendly towards me. In the Atlas Mountains, the Berbers were an essential support network who welcomed me into their communities and helped me survive in the incredible hostile desert environment.

In part one Anna told us about her experiences while walking the Kings Trail in Sweden and the Green Ribbon in Scandinavia. This podcast concentrates on her 2018 4000km tandem kayak paddle with her friend Kate to the Black Sea from LondonDetails of her trip can be found under the heading trekking across the wilderness of arctic Sweden2019 was another exciting one: in September she completed the latest expedition, The Green Ribbon, a 1,000km solo trek across Arctic and Northern Scandinavia.However turning the clock back to 2018 this podcast specifically discusses Kayaking the Continent expedition, a world first journey tandem kayaking 4,000km from London to the Black Sea in Romania with her friend Kate.I'm sure you will agree Anna is a gutsy 26 year old and her enthusiasm for travel and life is a pleasure to hear.

Welcome to the first podcast of 2020 and I'm delighted to introduce you to Anna Blackwell a 26 year old adventurer who got bitten by the adventure and travel bug just a few years ago when she undertook her gap year in South America.She has since taken this passion to the limit pushing herself further and over greater distances completing a series of adventures over the last few years: trekking across the wilderness of arctic Sweden with just reindeer for company, walking 500 and 1000 miles across France and Spain along ancient pilgrimage routes, summiting the highest peak in North Africa, and hitch-hiking to Morocco (amongst plenty of others!)

Wishing all our listeners a happy and healthy holiday season and hope that we all travel into 2020 in a positive and relaxed manner.This podcast was recorded on Christmas Day 2019 while walking on the local Malvern Hills with Rose and Pip the dog.In it we review the 27 podcasts we have produced this year and discuss some of the key elements we've taken from each one.Every person was a delight to talk to and the reason I enjoy doing the podcast is that I never stop learning from others. Expanding knowledge and understanding of all the fascinating aspects which go to make up outdoor life.More exciting podcasts coming in 2020 and if you have time please leave a review on iTunes or wherever you get your downloads.

This interview is with Tim Moss from The Next Challenge website. It provides some background to his outdoor history and how he has turned the tables from searching for funds to assist his trips, to offering funds and support for other first time adventurers.Tim has organised expeditions to all seven continents, made first and first-British ascents of several mountains from Russia to Bolivia, and has travelled around the world using eighty methods of transport, a trip for which he won the Year Of The Volunteer ‘Award for Innovation'. He is a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society, a Guinness World Record breaker and was shortlisted as an ‘Adventurer of the Year'.

A fascinating interview with someone who has chosen a different path which requires sacrifice and bravery to live life with more adventure and see where the journey takes her. We talk about life decisions and living for today, plus the financial challenges and practicalities of travel.Alice Bowers put time aside an hour from her temporary job this cold December day where she is selling Christmas Trees to happy Londoners, to tell us all more about her story. Currently homeless but not depressed, she feels free to explore with world and all her savings are going towards her next trip on the Camino De Santiago during January and February 2020.Hopefully we will chat agin at the end and see how she got one out of the normal hiking season.

What a pleasure to chat with Tom Gale from Atom Packs.The instigator behind the UK's only lightweight, bespoke, pack manufacture for the lightweight hiker. Designed by him and manufactured with his team of four, he produces solid, quality lightweight products based on his experience of the long distance hiking, completing the triple crown, several mountain qualifications and the Te Araroa trail in New Zealand.All tough trails and the best possible training for someone who has put experience and knowledge into a pack that will perform as you wish, but last for the duration of your adventure and more.This podcast tells the full story of his journey from unfocussed student to creator of this small manufacturing base employing 4 staff. It's a journey which has legs, has covered thousands of miles and one which has picked up a bucket load of experience on route.

Abbie Barnes is a very popular film maker on Youtube and active on other social media so if you are into walking any of the UK National Trails I am sure you will have watched at least one or more of her videos.She has set herself the task of walking and recording at a very honest level all 16 of the UK National Trails describing the rich experience each one offers, accompanied by an eloquent explanation of the history and natural environment which goes to make each one special.This year that task also included releasing a new video every Monday, which in itself is an almighty pressure to keep creating and releasing content at such a high quality level.

This interview came about following an email from a regular listener who heard of a small charity in Buxton in need some outdoor exposure to support their fabulous work.They are raising funds to build a lodge at White Hall Education Centre in the heart of the beautiful Peak District of Derbyshire with the aim to provide access to outdoor activities and respite accommodation for children and young people with additional needs. This includes children living with difficult life circumstances, such as young carers or those who have lost a parent or sibling.However one of the key ways they are doing this, is with the creation of a specialist outdoor themed charity shop. They receive items from all over related to sport and the outdoors and find new homes for them at reasonable prices.This could be a great starting point for those on a tight budget, DoE explorers not wanting to spend too much plus lets face it, this is the perfect excuse to pass on your old sports/outdoors items and have a browse for something you ‘never knew you needed' in return. Helping a fabulous cause along the way.

This is it, the 500th episode in the long running series produced by me and released almost 14 years to the date of the first podcast release back in 2005.This is a fun, musical chat with some reflection on the last 14 years.In it I look at the past, a few of the many changes to the digital landscape which now surrounds us and speculate over some of the developments for The Outdoors Station for 2020.If you want to get involved in anyway or have suggestions click on any of our Social Media links and drop me a line.Once the new studio is completed and I'm inside and getting warm these changes will slowly take place.Many thanks to one and all of you my audience. You've been a big part of this journey and I hope to be keeping making content you all to enjoy for many years to come.

Every wanted to go (or try) Wild Camping but never quite sure where to start? You don't want to feel a fool posting on the many public forums to get dismissive replies and you have worries about trespassing and other fears?However you really want to see what all the fuss is about and if it is for you?Then how about Nearly Wild Camping?This is a small helpful cooperative or over 80 locations around the country which are certainly far removed from typical commercial campsites, but still may have the important basics of water and a loo.Many cater for tents, tarps and traditional camping set ups, however quite a few also have trees for hammocks, allow camp fires and offer rural education should you wish it, about the habitat and environment you might be camping in.