Karrimor Elite Ridge 2 - New Tent, and ideas for improvement/modification...

Had a game of guess the tent on Facebook, many thought it to be a higher end brand such as Terra Nova etc...

So, having had my Vango Tempest side by side with my friend Simon's semi-geodesic The North Face 'Sphinx' again a few weeks ago; I started to think how comfortable I am in the Tempest 200 and whether there was scope for an alternative, given my usually low budget...

Walking On The Glyders - My First Venture Into Snowdonia...

Overlooking Devil's Kitchen. Our route down from the Glyderau.

It's been a week now since my friend Simon Worsley and I returned from Snowdonia after my first time in the National Park, and his first experience of wild camping. We didn't quite have time to complete the route we had planned out, but we both came away having learnt a few things and having tested some new bits of gear. Most of all, we both arrived home having thoroughly enjoyed the two days...

What have I been up to...?

My first venture into the Lake District.

Well, I can't deny that I have been neglecting the documentation of my time outdoors since I got back from Ben Nevis all those months ago. Between one thing and another, it has been extremely hard to get time to do any writing about my outings. There have been some ups and downs in my life recently, but I have still been trying to get out as much as possible. Not as much as I'd have liked by a long way - but good times have been had nonetheless. Here are some pictures from the last  few months...

Pictures and a video from my trip to Scotland, walking up Ben Nevis.

Although I have written an entry on my trip to Scotland, I didn't put all of my favourite pictures in the post. So this is just a post with a few more pictures in from such a memorable weekend. :)

Ben Nevis via the Carn Mor Dearg Arete...

Looking at the route ahead. The Carn Mor Dearg Arete route, onto Ben Nevis.

So, it finally happened. I managed to venture out of the Peak District for a good solid day's walking. The weekend entailed my first time outside of the Peak District, first ridge walk and scramble, first ascent of Ben Nevis, first Munro climbed (if you like lists), and - first night under canvas in an actual camp site...

Rhinog write-off. Destination, Derwent (Moor).

View from Whinstone Lee Tor, towards Wheel Stones.

So, unfortunately; the planned trip to Rhinog range of Snowdonia had to be postponed due to an injury to the nether region of my good friend Simon. That said, I do respect his decision to call off the trip as he has another planned for this coming weekend. One that I will hopefully be able to be a part of (work depending). Ill not mention too much about it as yet, but it should be great if I can manage it. In the mean time - I decided to venture out anyway. Where? Derwent Moor. Well, almost...

Ready for the Rhinogydd...

The Rhinogydd range of Snowdonia National Park.

So I will be heading to Snowdonia for the first time next weekend, and straying from the comfort of the familiar Peak District for the first time also. I'm very much looking forward to getting out of my comfort zone, especially in what looks to be a stunning area...