Notes
News: Cape Wrath Trail features published
There’s plenty to read about my February Cape Wrath Trail in TGO magazine this month. In my last blog post about the CWT, I promised that more detailed features about this trail would be published in due course. I’m glad to announce that the first of these features
Haute Route Pyrenees 2019: background and gear
Updated 2019-07-12 to reflect my final setup on the eve of my hike. My next thru-hike for 2019 will be a crossing of the Pyrenees from Atlantic to Mediterranean via the Haute Route. Here’s a little background on this hike, and some provisional thoughts about gear. Contents * What is
Lessons learned in the search for the perfect backpacking camera
It’s fair to say that, over the last few years, I’ve tried out a few different camera systems. Here’s what I’ve learned. A quick note: this is about my own personal needs, and a few lessons learned in finding them out. Your own requirements may differ.
World Poetry Day: a poem found at Kearvaig bothy
Poetry and the outdoors seem to go hand in hand. George Mallory said the ascent of a mountain is like a symphony, but I think a day in the hills is more like a poem. In February 2019, at the end of my winter Cape Wrath Trail, I found myself
The Cape Wrath Trail(ish) in winter(ish) – a very brief account
In February 2019, I hiked 299 miles from Ardnamurchan Point to Cape Wrath, the north-westernmost point of mainland Britain, mostly following the Cape Wrath Trail. Here’s how it went, plus a few photos. Folks looking for a comprehensive trip report may be disappointed this time. I’m a professional
The winter Cape Wrath Trail resupply plan
How am I feeding myself on the Cape Wrath Trail in February 2019? In summer I’d buy everything locally, but I’m using a different plan this time. Edit 8th of March 2019 I’d like to clarify that sending gas cartridges and batteries through the post isn’t
Why go offline on the Cape Wrath Trail – and how?
Originality thrives in seclusion free of outside influences beating upon us to cripple the creative mind. Be alone. That is the secret of invention. Be alone. That is when ideas are born. —Nikola Tesla For some years, I’ve been aware that I can’t think properly when my mind
The winter Cape Wrath Trail gear list
After months of preparation, I have a near-final gear list for next month’s winter Cape Wrath Trail attempt. Here are a few thoughts on the gear I’ve selected and why. Trigger warning: this is not an ultralight gear list! General gear considerations For information on the trip’s
Fighting the mind frazzle: techniques for deep work in a busy month
In less than two weeks, I’m dropping off grid for a while. The race is on to complete several major projects before I disappear. Here’s how I’ve been managing. Never let it be said that being a self-employed writer and editor is easy. This week I have
Added to the website: a ‘now’ page
Letting people know what you’re doing right now is something that social media does well, but this can be a double-edged sword. The good: * Sometimes what you’re doing is genuinely engaging and relevant. * It helps to demonstrate the breadth of your work and interests. * It helps potential clients