The Outdoors Station

After 10 months, 4000 mountain miles, of which 450 were snowshoeing miles Judy Armstrong is pack from her epic Via Alpina trip. Traveling with just a 5kg pack she tells of her experiences and shares her love for that part of the world. Please join our newsletter and follow us on our socials > https://linktr.ee/the_outdoors_station

This week we chat with the on-line enthusiasts who are keeping a log of their activities and share their passion for their hobby for us all to enjoy. We catch with Judy Armstrong on her return from her 4000 mile Via Alpina trip and meet some popular outdoor bloggers to find out why they do, what they do! Plus of course we announce the competition winner for the Lightwave rucksack and launch anothe...

Andy Howell joins Colin Ibbotson for a lightweight tarp weekend in Snowdonia during late summer 07. They share the Welsh weather, simple shelters, some local sustenance and interesting conversations all about long distance lightweight hiking. Please join our newsletter and follow us on our socials > https://linktr.ee/the_outdoors_station

Where to start looking for information regarding your gap year or sabbatical is getting harder as there's so much choice. We interview the 'google' search engine for service providers, and meet the Gap Year company described as the Rolls-Royce of the industry. But don't forget travel safety and awareness with the team who advised Ewan Mcgregor and Charlie Boorman. Plus, keep taking the tablets guy...

In this show we review interesting gear released this year with Chris Townsend, and Andy Howell has a rummage through his bookshelf for some of the more exciting books to keep you company during the darker days. Plus we of course announce the winners to last week competition and give you the chance to win a Lightwave rucksack before Christmas! Please join our newsletter and follow us on our social...

Jane Smith a primary school ITC supply teacher, who tells us about her experience of stepping out of the box, and her work and travelling experiences in very rural Gambia. This came about via a simple local connection in the UK and this relationship has continued, into this third year. Please join our newsletter and follow us on our socials > https://linktr.ee/the_outdoors_station

Into December we go with another Podzine where we meet Max Graves from Vango who takes us through some exciting new products for 2008 and we meet up again with Lillian Sullivan from Ardblair, to discuss underwear! Plus of course a bit of a chit chat, a small diary section and this weeks competition to win the new National Trails book by Paddy Dillon. Please join our newsletter and follow us on our...

Once again we look at the exciting world of travel and explore how you could travel, learn and earn all at the same time! Commercial China is rapidly expanding, is it right for you? Looking for your first job in a difficult UK market, why? What about taking a leap of faith into the unknown and learning to fly? Ideas, ideas, ideas ...... Please join our newsletter and follow us on our socials > htt...

A new series of podcasts within The Outdoors Station which specifically looks at all aspects of overseas travel for gappers, sabbaticals or just extended trips. In this first show we look at the simplest and most important aspect of all, your health! We meet Practice Nurse Sue Taylor, and touch on basic hygiene, injections and avoiding simple accidents which can bring any trip to a sudden end. Ple...

Food glorious food with Expedition Foods and what exciting new designs have we got to look forward to from AKU for 2008? Plus of course trade gossip, how to understand women on the hills and a new competition to win an Inov-8 goodie bag! Please join our newsletter and follow us on our socials > https://linktr.ee/the_outdoors_station

In this Podzine we spend a few wet hours in the delightful company of The Worcestershire Fungus Group, in Shrawley Woods in Worc's. Here we learn to 'see' fungus amongst leaf litter, and to recognize just a few of the edible species from the thousands which grow throughout the UK. Please join our newsletter and follow us on our socials > https://linktr.ee/the_outdoors_station

Welcome back to this weeks show, where we chat to the world famous photographer Colin Prior regarding his new photographic courses (an ideal Christmas present) which have been running now for almost 2 years. There's a 'what's on' diary section for people in the south of the country, a bit of gossip and a new competition to win 12 of Colin's 2008 calendars. Inspirational stuff! Please join our news...

On this weeks Podzine we chat to the Brigit Kendrick from Ordnance Survey and find out more about their free 'explore' portal for user generated routes. Nick Smith from Alpkit drops by to discuss the Colab competition they are running and the on-going search for your good outdoor ideas. We also take a peek at the December issues of Camping and Trail Magazines and you have the chance to win a £105...

And so the weekly shows keeps coming! This week we chat with Buff and look at the new products bubbling under for 2008 and we speak with Trangia and Wayfarer Food distributor AMG. We also visit the best town pub in the UK which is a stone's throw from the hills and Horror, Shock, probe it actually welcomes muddy walkers and their dogs, plus we give you a chance to win some exciting new products fr...

Sponsored by backpackinglight.co.uk I chat with Roy Richards in Abu Dhabi, who has recently been in the desert climbing mountains with others in a very remote region. When you hear the interview you'll understand why 'lightweight' is the way to go especially when carrying 6kg+ in water! Please join our newsletter and follow us on our socials > https://linktr.ee/the_outdoors_station

On this weeks show we interview Lifesaver Systems regarding a new water purification product, catch up with El Alto after a years trading with ethically made clothing, review a couple of blogs, look at the outdoor 'what's on' and give you chance to win a Moppel! Please join our newsletter and follow us on our socials > https://linktr.ee/the_outdoors_station

The start of the week, a new show and more interviews, this time with Wild Country and Leki regarding forthcoming 2008 products. Plus a double 'Christmas list' book review, a very large social 'what's on' and the all important weekly competition to win valuable prizes! Please join our newsletter and follow us on our socials > https://linktr.ee/the_outdoors_station

The new Podzine show, includes an interview with Inov-8 designer Graham Jordison for some background information about the new Rocklite 390 GTX and Chris Watts distributor of MSR gear in the UK, who explains what make the Reactor stove so efficient. Plus there's a head to head review of Novembers Trail and TGO Magazine, a what's on diary for the next few weeks and a competition win some some Golit...

The new book Sex In A Tent is just hitting the shelves all over the world and we get an exclusive interview with the author Michelle Waitzman. She tells us about her research, some of the people she met with interesting stories and how to introduce your partner to the 'all' the pleasures the great outdoors can offer! Please join our newsletter and follow us on our socials > https://linktr.ee/the_o...

The popularity of bushcraft or woodcraft, call it what you will, is steadily growing in the UK. More people are wanting to find out about their surroundings to maximize their enjoyment, for short days walks, just as much as long treks. I speak with Tony Bristow editor of BushcraftUK magazine and website regarding the development and potential future of this interesting pastime. Please join our new...

The Thursday night meal and celebration at the Park Hotel in Montrose, is where Challengers meet up with old friends to share their experiences, hear hiking stories and congratulate each other for completing the trip. A night of good humour, companionship and for making plans for next time. During this particular evening I talk with Craig Macpherson from Texas, Rolk Kerikoff from Holland, Peter Va...

The final days walking involved navigating the notorious Fetteresso forest and the many misleading paths. However we finally make it to Stonehaven in one piece on a beautiful sunny day ready for the traditional paddle in the sea. Andy and Kate also complete their route to Montrose and relax on the campsite before enjoying the Wednesday night celebratory meal at the Park Hotel. Please join our news...

Andy and Kate have a moment of reflection on this their last night at Northwater Bridge camspite and consider how they feel about this years crossing. At Spittal Cott I empty out my bag and review each item in turn and discuss what I did and didn't use and which items I could do without for next time, passing on any tips where I can. Please join our newsletter and follow us on our socials > https:...

Finally we all arrive at the welcome haven of Tarfside and while we camp on the playing field, Andy and Kate take the soft option of warm beds and clean linen! In the hostel Andy has a very interesting chat with Rob Hausam who is hiking in sandles, while I catch up with Doug Scott, Beppe Valfre and Simone Pinzolo. The following day we head to The Retreat for a full breakfast before once again part...

We meet Andy and Kate on route to Loch Callater Lodge and then share the rest of the journey over Jocks Road to find a secluded little spot in the woods, for a good rest and chat about using lightweight gear on the Challenge. Loch Callater has to be one of the most charming glens you could ever wish to walk along. Please join our newsletter and follow us on our socials > https://linktr.ee/the_outd...