The Outdoors Station

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 >...

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/th...

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 > htt...

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_o...

One of the best known characters of the Challenge is Alan Sloman who always seems to be at the heart of any of the many social gatherings which take place during the crossing. This year he had somehow managed to combine the traverse of Scotland with a Lands End to John O'Groats walk for charity. A total of over 1600 miles. Of course, once he had finished the Challenge he then had to walk back to t...

While Andy and Kate enjoy a restful start to their day off, our damp little group gather ourselves together before heading into Braemar for some well earned refreshments. Once in town we naturally head for the Fife Arms, and meet up with other challengers Peter Shepherd, Colin Ibbotson and David Albon. Please join our newsletter and follow us on our socials > https://linktr.ee/the_outdoors_stat...

Andy starts the day by sharing the beauty of Glen Feshie, while we pack up and leave Martin to head via the Burma Road to Aviemore. We have one last brew stop before we arrive in town and hit the shops. The following day I have to say farewell to a tearful Rose and continue on my own in the hope of meeting Lee Wells and Tony Bone. Eventually we make it to Derry Lodge and look for sheltered spot aw...

Andy and Kate start from Laggan, while Rose and I cross Loch Ness early in the morning before heading into the Monaghliath Mountains via Errogie. On route we meet Martin Banfield and Ian Cotterill and share a few miles with them and end the day at a lovely riverside camping spot where do a bit of a gear review. Please join our newsletter and follow us on our socials > https://linktr.ee/the_outd...

A day of rest for us and an easy day for Andy and Kate. Interviews with Mountain Guide Richard Kermode, Challengers Ian Gillies snr, Ian Gillies jnr, John Watson, Lee Wells and Tony Bowe. Plus we chat to locals Drumnadrochit B&B owner Laurence Selleck and the Loch Ness Ferryman Gordon Menzies. Please join our newsletter and follow us on our socials > https://linktr.ee/the_outdoors_station