your guide to
summer
@beoutsidebeactive/
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welcome and
hello!
Welcome to our first seasonal guide!
together, like Bach Bags new duffel!
I wanted to share with you some of the things that have helped my family make the most out of our staycation summer. From backpacking across the South Downs Way to trying out some of the gear that's kept us moving like the compression socks from CEP and the bags to hold it all
If you've not cooked in the "wild" before, we have a recipe for you to try, as well as tips for giving climbing a go for the first time. I hope you enjoy the issue. Matt Coyne Digital Director matt@raccoonevents.com
For more articles, inspiration and product reviews, head over to outsideandactive.com
CAMPING
EXCURSIONS
Thinking of going on an a backpacking adventure this summer? Have a read of our top 5 lightweight backpacking tents.
Walking, kayaking, running - whatever your adventure, avoid the crowds at these lesser-known outdoor spots on your 2021 staycation.
Read here
Read here
EAT OUTDOORS
WALKING
Start your day on the right foot before your adventure outdoors and tuck into this twist on your normal porridge recipe and Finnish coffee to get your juices flowing in the morning.
We live in one of the most beautiful countries in the world, but have you experienced it at night? Night-time walking brings a whole new experience to your senses.
Read here.
Read here
CLIMBING
RUNNING
Wondering how to catch your first fall? Or how to get started in climbing this summer? It's a great activity for your mind and body and one all ages can enjoy.
Have a baby or toddler and want to run with them this Summer? We share our top tips to get into buggy running to help get you going and inspire the next generation of runners.
Read here
Read here
six products we love Bach's duffel bag is big enough to fit everything for your summer staycation. We had enough gear for a five-day camping trip packed in, including clothes, cooking supplies, tent and sleeping bags.
We took a few products for a play on our staycation last month. Here are some of our favourites.
bachpacks.com
Natural walking through forest, fields and mountains, these sandals bring comfort to your summer hikes. lizardfootwear.com
’Simple, stylish, and sublimely comfortable thefoamlife.com
n socks These compressio our feet from CEP kept ister-free feeling fresh and bl ke across on our 40km hi ay. the South Downs W cepsports.co.uk
The super tough cooler from Utoka kept our milk cold for four days, was a handy seat at the end of a day out hiking and kept the beers fresh for the sundowner. utoka.co.uk
e is the Our favourite coffe ral "Grind" the all natu e from adaptogenic coffe which London Nootropics a boost in helped to give us and get us the morning rain ahead. going for the day cs.com londonnootropi
Why your feet will thank you for
compression
Our continental neighbours are used to the idea of hiking in compression socks, designed and made for the purpose, but the concept of compression socks for leisure activities is still relatively new in the UK. A growing number of UK runners are converts to compression socks - to reduce injuries, sustain muscle energy and combat the risk of blisters. For hikers, the same benefits apply, simply by wearing compression hiking socks. The clever people at CEP (sports compression brand) in Bayreuth, Germany produce a range of compression hiking socks at their hi-tech manufacturing facility. The socks are made with merino wool and high-tech fibres and are designed to energise the legs, provide foot comfort and support the ankles.
The compression profile in the socks, where the comfortable compression ‘squeeze’ is firmest at the ankle, works with the calf muscle’s pumping action to encourage blood flow back to the heart. This means that blood waste products, such as lactic acid, are removed efficiently and blood is re-oxygenated.
So, how do CEP’s compression socks work? The circulation-boosting compression in the fabric knit works against gravity to ensure blood does not pool in the feet and ankles and make them swell up. The compression support protects ankles from injuries and minimises the micro-muscle tears caused by the vibrations of every footstep.
The seamless knit ensures your feet are protected from blisters. Many of us will have experienced a walk ruined by blisters. The CEP hiking socks are left and right foot specific in design and the padded, seamfree zones prevent friction and provide superb comfort. No more blisters on the toes and ankles. Hooray!
start with Your Feet Sounds obvious, but comfortable and supportive footwear is an absolute MUST, ensuring the "toebox" of your shoes or boots is not too restrictive
fit your socks Avoid super discount multi-pack socks - you will only end up with blisters. Choose socks that are breathable, seamless around the toe zone and padded around the ankle bones and achilles tendon.
cut thy nails We're not saying you need a pedicure, but badly cut toenails can quickly ruin a days hike causing blisters, cutting into other toes or bruising, so pay attention to your little digits; give them a cut a few days before you set off.
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walking
TOP TIPS ----
to look after your feet on your next walk
spare socks Maybe the last thing to carry as a spare in your daypack, but if you're on a wet hike with a few hours to go, think how great it will feel to slip into some dry socks for your return journey.
take breaks Stop for photos, snack stops, getting lost, or just enjoying the moment. Take your shoes off, dangle your feet in a stream, feel free on your next hike!
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Kieran Creevy
eat outdoors This is a super simple flatbread recipe that can be cooked on a skillet over an open fire or equally at home on the hob or even under a hot grill. Of course we're going to say it will taste better if you cook it in the great outdoors!
Fast Flatbreads Brown butter dipping sauce This one is great for car camping: 200g salted butter (or vegan substitute) 3 sprigs wild thyme 1/2 cup ripe blackberries Method Melt butter in a warm pan - medium heat, when liquid add the thyme. Reduce to minimum heat and keep warm for 20-30 minutes. Remove thyme, heat to medium until butter starts foaming, swirling pan so it doesn’t burn. When it smells nutty remove from the heat, mash the berries and add to the butter.
We love flatbreads not just because it's a fast recipe to help fill a hunger hole, but it’s also such a simple recipe that it’s great for kids to get involved in making their own food. Ingredients 200g white/rye/wholemeal/GF flour 1/3 teaspoon sugar ½ teaspoon salt 30ml olive or rapeseed oil Water Method In a bowl combine the dry ingredients. Add the oil and mix briefly Add enough water, a little at a time to make a stiff dough. Heat a dry pan to medium/hot. Break off a squash ball sized piece of dough, flatten with your palms, dusting with additional flour as needed, until you have a thin disk. Cook for 2-3 minutes each side on the pan. Serve warm
s e r u t n e v d a l l #fora
utoka.co.uk
theoutdoorguide.co.uk
The Outdoor Guide have compiled a list of their favourite film walks that take in the sites from famous film and tv characters, taking in famous sites from Cornwall to the Moors and everywhere in between to help inspire you for your next walk.
The Poldark One 1.5 miles circular, family suitable National Trust Cape Cornwall Car Park
the harry potter one 12.9 19km Malham Beck The Limestone Pavement at Malham Cove features in The Deathly Hallows Part 1 when Harry and Hermione are on the run searching for Horcruxes. The spectacular scene highlights the unusual rock formations which make the area such a hotspot for muggles and wizards alike.
Half of Cornwall, and most of the tin coast, featured in the BBCs hit drama Poldark. Not all locations can claim to be as important to the story as Botallack Mine, which inspired author Winston Grahame to write the books. It also features heavily in the series itself, playing the part of Ross Poldarks tin mine, Wheal Gambler. Our short, circular, family-friendly walk at the National Trust location is just 1.5miles long with a wealth of things to see and explore. There is, of course, the mine itself, but there are also wildflowers, birds and insects to spot. Keep an ear out for the soft call of the cough, a Cornwall resident almost as iconic as Ross Poldark.
Click on each walk for more detail from The Outdoor Guide
the dracula one 10.99km Marina Front car park, Whitby You’d be forgiven for not wanting to follow in the footsteps of the evil monster Dracula, he is after all a murderous, blood-sucking vampire. But we think our Whitby to Robin’s Hood Bay route may be lovely enough to persuade you. Famous as the landing place of Dracula and as the inspiration for Bram Stoker's famous book, Whitby is a charming seaside town steeped in history. You can get a bus back from Robin Hoods Bay, to rest your tired legs back to Dracula's lair.
the robin hood one 10.46km Bardon Mill, Hexham Sycamore Gap along Hadrian’s Wall is one of the most photographed trees in England. It’s also had its fair share of time on the big screen, having featured in Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves starring Kevin Costner, Morgan Freeman and Alan Rickman. Although Sycamore Gap isn’t the biggest star in the film, it’s definitely our favourite cast member.
Walking
listen Bored of your music? Want to learn something whilst you run? Here's our top 5 podcasts to listen to on your next run. Whilst music can be great to say run to a specific tempo, if you just want to forget about running, dive into these audio treats for your ears. Click on the cover for the link direc to the podcast
5 podcasts to listen to whilst you run
eat at the right time
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If you lack energy for your run, you may become sluggish and cut your run short. Work backwards from your planned run time and ensure you allow enough time to digest your meal so you don't run on a full stomach!
Eat right Running is a great excuse to eat! But, you need to make sure you're eating the right things to carry you along your run. Great pre-run meals include porridge, almond butter on toast and if you need to snakc, dates, a banana or trail mix works too.
Hydrate Ensure you regularly top up with water, not just on the day of your run, but every day! Guidance suggests on average we should drink 2.3 litres of water per day (for 70kg person) and at least 500ml about 2 hours before your run.
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TIPS
running to help you prepare for your next run
---#kitlay
Do a quick search on Instagram for #kitlay Getting your kit ready is a simple method to help you not procrastinate about your run when you get home. And you get to see what everyone else is wearing for your group run!
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Commit - tell a pal Making yourself accountable by telling a pal or even better, meeting up with one, is a sure fire way to get yourself out the door and running! For more tips, head over to outsideandactive.com/running
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londonnootropics.com
How can adaptogens benefit your next
adventure
wellbeing Use th e code ACTIV E for a 2 0% discou nt
What are adaptogens? Adaptogens are natural ingredients, such as medicinal mushrooms, that help your mind & body adapt to physical, mental & emotional stressors and find balance.
Adaptogens can help with energy, stamina and mental clarity when exploring the outdoors. Rhodiola, for example, is an adaptogenic herb that’s known for its effects on balancing stresslevels, improving brain functioning and increasing physical stamina - the Sherpa people in the Himalayas used it when climbing at high altitudes as it is known to prevent altitude sickness. A great way to incorporate adaptogens into your daily diet is adaptogenic coffee. Why adaptogens and coffee? Adaptogens help balance physical and mental stressors in our mind & body. Caffeine can help increase our alertness and attention (by blocking our adenosine receptors, which make us drowsy) - it can also increase our cortisol levels (our stress hormone) leading to jitters/anxiety. Adaptogens can help balance our cortisol levels, ensuring we get the benefits from coffee whilst minimising jitters/anxiety - plus they have additional health benefits too! We love London Nootropics adaptogenic coffee blends - they’re designed to help you flow through your day and give you all the benefits of regular coffee whilst minimising side effects such as jitters, anxiety and a crash. Made with the highest-quality adaptogens and each blend is designed for a specific purpose - Grind for mental clarity and focus, Zen to alleviate stress & anxiety and Mojo for a natural boost! You can read more about each of their blends and the adaptogens they contain on their website londonnootropics.com
rainy day movies If the weather turns and your taking some time to relax, why not tune into these inspiring short films to help motivate you for your next adventure. To watch all of our interviews and movies head over to outsideandactive.com The Grand Round featuring John Kelly takes us on his epic run over 5 days, 3 countries, 590 miles and 113 peaks. Lighthouse in the Dark follows Rhys Click to watch Jenkins 870 mile record attempt on the Welsh coastal path This is an interview with mountaineer Alan Ward talking to us about his experiences and offering top tips to prepare you for your summer adventures into the mountains.
Click to wath
Click to watch Through the Pain documents the the journey of Shelli Gordon running through the Spine Race in memory of her partner Tony. Click to watch
youtube.com/therunshow
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Zoe Holland Jugglingonrollerskates.com
Sustainable staycations ----
Camping Five things to look for when planning a sustainable staycation We all have our list of requirements when planning our UK Summer getaway. Being close to the beach, good facilities for the kids, private hot tub and great views are all fairly common on any family staycation wish list. But what about sustainability?
reduce, reuse, recycle Most holiday venues offer a range of recycling these days, but keep your eyes peeled for places taking this a step further. Upcycling furniture, using recycled building materials and offering home-made produce are trends starting to not only become more accepted by guests, but are actually becoming highly desirable attributes to a set up. Take a look at Shred & Butta who has made an art of converting old American Skool buses into slick glamping accommodation for inspiration.
Destinations offering an eco-friendly approach to holidaying are becoming increasingly desirable. A trend that has become even more apparent post Covid thanks a new appreciation for cleaner air, reconnecting with wildlife and an appreciation of local food sources. So what should you look out for when booking a sustainable staycation? Here are a few pointers to get you started as well as few of my tried and tested recommendations.
To follow Zoe's family adventures visit jugglingonrollerskates.com
locally sourced produce
It’s always great to see staycation venues supporting local businesses while keeping produce locally sourced. Why not ask about the best local farm shops or eateries during your stay, making sure that you keep investing and supporting the small businesses who need it most. The Secret Campsite in Lewes for example, offers locally foraged cordials from Hedgewitch as well as selling locally sourced, ethically raised meat boxes for campers. Great example!
embrace your natural surroundings
Staycation destinations are increasingly seeking ways to allow their guests to connect with their surroundings during their holiday. This not only encourages guests to remain on site (thus avoiding road travel) but also educates guests while encouraging a greater appreciation of local landscapes and wildlife. Check out Hill Farm in Tintern who offer a range of activities from Forest Bathing and Woodland Spa to Bush Craft and Mindfulness for children.
Explore alternative energy sources
Look for signs that your chosen staycation destination is embracing renewable energy sources such as solar power, wind turbines or locally sourced water. A big up and coming trend is to also offer power charging sources for electric cars. I’m using the wonderful Secret Campsite in Lewes again as an example who have installed solar powered showers, car charging points and lots of solar panels across the site allowing them to sell power back to the local community through a scheme run by Ovesco.
Offer items for others to use
Can you imagine how many frisbees, plastic tennis racquets, buckets and spades etc etc get bought each year only to be used for one day? Why not find a venue that offers the use of items like this as part of their guest service? It’s a no-brainer really. Swallowtail Hill near Rye offers a range of miscellaneous items for loan including badminton, boules, blue tooth speakers and wind up radios.
Debbie Watts @MoleValleyFitness
staying
hydrated When training for an event or an extended family hike, how do we keep ourselves hydrated, especially when it gets just "too hot"? Do we stay indoors because its simply too much or tough it out because we suffer with FOMO, stick to our training plans religiously and force the kids out the door and off of their electronic devices? If we do, do we really understand how to recognise the signs of dehydration or worse Hyponatremia? And, do we know how to stay hydrated and cool in the heat?
Signs of Dehydration Thirst Dry mouth Feeling tired or sluggish Craving sweet food Losing co-ordination Becoming clumsy Goosebumps/fever/chills Headaches Muscle cramps Feeling Sick Fatigue
The NHS recommend taking children under 5 years of age straight to A&E if they have any of the additional symptoms: Fast breathing Little or no tears when they cry Sunken fontanelle (soft spot sinks inwards on their head) Dark yellow urine or haven’t urinated in the last 12hours Have cold or blotchy looking hands and feet
so what can
you do?
Sports drinks, hydration tablets or powders are a great way to do this. If on a long event try taking spare tablets or sachets of powder with you to replace the fluid you drink, but also take another bottle for just for water. Ensure that we hydrate regularly especially in the lead up to an endurance event.
Replace electrolytes, drink, eat regularly. If out on an adventure, every 45mins-1hour or if on an event, at least at every aid station. Avoid caffeinated beverages or too many caffeinated gels, alcohol, overly sugary drink and fizzy drinks, as they act as a diuretic and may just make you want to pee more often!
Choose natural foods over dry snacks, for example instead of pretzels and crackers, choose fruit and veg, as it contains up to 90% water, vitamins and minerals, there’s nothing better than a bit of watermelon as a refreshing snack in the heat too. Yoghurt, skimmed milk, soya milk and ice lollies are also good snacks.
Dress cooler, wear suntan lotion (the last thing you want is to be burnt to a crisp too), wet your hair to keep cool before going out and during if needed, soak a buff in water and place around your head or neck. Find shaded areas for rest where possible.
Salt tablets are another reliable source of sodium for ultra-runners, others prefer a more natural source such as coconut water.
Be aware of pre-existing health conditions and medication that may affect your body’s ability to maintain a healthy balance of electrolytes. If ever you're in doubt, consult your doctor or emergency services straight away.
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Steve McClure steve-mcclure.com
get into
climbing
Climbing is one of the fastest growing sports in The UK! Not surprising as it offers a unique combination of fun, exercise and mental challenges combined with a wide ranging social scene and, if venturing outdoors, the majestic beauty of the hills and mountains. But for those who have yet to scale the walls, what’s the best way to enter such a cool sport?
Try it indoors There are many indoor climbing facilities around the country and the majority will happily take complete beginners and ‘show them the ropes’. Search for your local centre and book today.
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Go bouldering Bouldering is climbing without ropes, on short indoor walls or outdoor boulders. The height is usually just a few meters, and indoors the ground is well padded. This style of climbing is great fun, and is all about movement, with no worries about fear of heights and all the complexities of ropework. It’s a great way to start climbing.
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climbing boulder outside If you have been indoors and experienced the fun of bouldering, taking it outside is one of the most satisfying activities you will ever do! When bouldering outside we often use portable ‘crash pads’, worn like rucksacks, that can be carried to the boulders. They reduce the impact on the ground and on our bodies if we fall. Find your local spots, buy a guide at boulderbritain.com and don't forget your crash pad.
book a climbing day
Join the BMC The BMC (British Mountaineering Council) looks after access to the hills and cliffs and pretty much anything else to do with climbing in the UK. A great resource for you to check out plus, you'll be able to find a club near you to meet like minded people who all want to make the most of the great outdoors, climbing. thebmc.co.uk/find-a-club
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If you don't want to go it alone, sign up to an outdoor climbing day. There are many companies that have regular days out climbing, with small groups in beautiful places enjoying movement in the great outdoors. Expect a lot of fun, meeting some great people and an experience that will leave you wanting more. Search online for "climbing courses", and you’ll find all you need in your local area.
Beyond Limits "a life through climbing by Steve McClure is available at steve-mcclure.com
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Live Less Ordinary
With a bold style and a focus on sustainability, they are fast becoming summer essentials and the ‘must have’ item for that après surf chic look wherever you are. Perfect to slip on after your long day outside and active. We caught up with FoamLife Co-Founder, Daniel Macaulay, to find out about the brand ‘Living Less Ordinary’. ‘Live Less Ordinary’ – Where does that come from and what does it mean to you? Live Less Ordinary is really a simple reflection of our own collective approach to life. Less about following the traditional choices, career path, 9-5 slog, and more about taking the road less travelled and defining your own path. It’s not always the easiest route but oftentimes, if you stick with it, it can be the more rewarding one. “For us, Live Less Ordinary is a positive anti-conformist state of mind. We all have different metrics of what success is. It’s about thinking independently, following your passions, and doing what’s important for you. Not what’s important for everyone else”. “…kicking my shoes off and slipping my flip flops on generally kickstarts an instant change in mindset. I think the same can be said for a lot of people”. Click here to read the full article
Photo Credit: Adam Simms and Amanda Beenan
As more and more people start to re-evaluate their lifestyle due to changes through the pandemic, whether that’s work/ life balance or choosing to relocate to a better location for their family to enjoy a better quality of life, FoamLife, a new flip flop brand launched in the pandemic year, caught our eye.
inspiration for a lifestyle outside
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