Three favourite coffee table books
I know coffee table books are mainly supposed to be decorative objects that make you look clever when people come round, but I happen to disagree. Coffee table books are…
Wedding rings and rotor blades
Last weekend, my fine friends T and Y were married. They are almost the only people I’ve ever met who have managed to make a long-term, long-distance relationship work, and…
Five comfort drinks
It’s a shame that a lot of people only ever tip back cocktails in specialist bars, because some mixed drinks are at their best in your own home, sipped sunk…
A day at the races
I spent Saturday watching some of the Gold Cup at Oliver’s Mount. It’s a motorcycle road racing track on the hill overlooking Scarborough, and for a good value day out…
In praise of the Meindl Bhutan
Last summer, I bought myself a pair of Meindl Bhutans, and as hiking boots go they’re hands-down the best pair I’ve ever owned. The Bhutan is the successor to the…
The big expedition gear review: sleeping, carrying and cooking
Over the past couple of years I seem to have spent a fair amount of time and money on outdoor gear, and I’ve been thinking that it might be worth…
Returning from my Green Ribbon, and a bit of hindsight
I’m finally back at my cottage, conspicuous from afar in our well-kept village on account of its wild, untrimmed hedges and a little front garden so overgrown that you can…
Treriksröset
So here I am. The border cairn at Treriksröset, my finish line at the Finnish line. Fifty-six days and 1391km on the trail, and my Green Ribbon is over. It’s…
Nordkalotten
Let it be said, the Nordkalotten trail as it cuts up through Norway is an absolute joy for hikers. It’s fairly demanding at times, with a lot of ascent through…
Abisko
After sixteen days walking the Kungsleden, I’ve reached the flash turiststation at Abisko, and I find myself in contemplative mood. This final part of the Kungsleden was everything I was…
