Outdoors

All the very latest news, product reviews and useful information to help you make the most of the great outdoors.

Review – Cube AMS 100 Comp

Review – Cube AMS 100 Comp

The German brand Cube are slowly setting up a UK network of dealers and with the bikes I've seen so far I've been impressed with the build, ride and value for money they offer over established brands in the UK. Cube offer a 'choose your own finishing parts' options. You pick from either a frame and fork with headset and stem, or a complete bike, which you then choose the groupset, fork and brakes you want. Both options offer great value for money and build quality is superb. My Cube AMS is now…continue reading →
Essential tips for your first-time wild camping

Essential tips for your first-time wild camping

Photo above from Coleman Tents. Camping wild is something everyone should experience in my eyes, however there are some very simple gold rules to remember. Here are my top tips for wild camping to that you have a great trip and a wonderful nights sleep under the stars. 1 Where in the countryside are you allowed to wild camp in the UK? Scotland is the only location where you can legally camp in the wild. England, Wales and Northern Ireland you need to ask the landowner’s permission. However in many hills areas such…continue reading →
Holidaying with mans best friends

Holidaying with mans best friends

My dogs are very much part of my family, so why would I leave them at home when I go on holiday? Well I don't! Over the years I have spent a great deal of time hunting the internet for dog friendly holiday accommodation in the UK. Some pleaces have been good, offering just what they state on their websites. Some places very poor, saying they are dog friendly only to get there and find all sorts of restrictions. Then a few places have stood out from the crowd not only been stunning…continue reading →
Making the most of a summers evenings

Making the most of a summers evenings

Watching the warm glowing light of another days sunset spill over the horizon will make you stop for just a minute and appreciate life. You really do need to get out in the evenings this time of year and enjoy the extra light. With day light well past 10pm in Hampshire at the moment, its just a waste sitting at home. June and July produces some amazing sights if you just take a second to stop and look. With a massive array of wild flowers, bumble bees, butterflys, lady birds and so much more.…continue reading →
An cycle in The Test Valley

An cycle in The Test Valley

I've enjoyed cyclying for many years, ever since I tought myself to ride an old Raleigh road bike that I was given by a family friend. I'm lucky to live in a beautiful part of England. Hampshire and The Test Valley have miles of stunning riding through picture postcard thatched villages and some of the finest rivers in the UK. The River Test is the Test Valley's and Hampshire's finest chalk stream. World famous for great fishing. The Test Way footpath follows the banks for alot of it's run of 44 mile. The…continue reading →
Little Darcey

Little Darcey

Darcey is a very special little dog in my family. She was a rescue dog, only 9 or so months old when we got her. She was a confussed and very nervious little girl, dribbled alot and very anxious. There was only one way to really handle her and turn her in to the great dog and friend that she is now. We through her in the deep end. Darcey is a Sprollie, Border Collies and Springer Spaniels cross. They thrive within a busy, active family environment but require you to spend plenty of…continue reading →
The taste of summer. Grow your own!

The taste of summer. Grow your own!

It’s almost July and that means Strawberries and lots of them. Add in some with cream and I'm in heaven. One of my favourite past times growing up in the summer was visiting the local pick your own place. Not only was it fun, but we always wanted to see who could find the biggest strawberry. Of course you have to sampling one or two of them while you’re there! Many local pick your owns now offer more than just strawberries with blueberries, raspberries and other such crops and jams often on offer…continue reading →

Exmoor at it’s very best

  • Posted on 23rd June 2015
  • /Under Outdoors
On Exmoor it is still possible to find tranquillity, peace and quiet as well as rediscover your sense of adventure and back to nature. Catching a glimpse of wild red deer, be amazed by night sky full of star, and explore unique villages full of character and local charm. Exmoor is a unique place, shaped over thousands of years and the people that live their and nature and is recognized as one of the UK's finest landscapes. The large open moorland provide a sense of remoteness and tranquillity rarely available elsewhere in southern…continue reading →
The River Test

The River Test

  • Posted on 23rd June 2015
  • /Under Outdoors
The River Test is probabily the Test Valley and Hampshire's finest chalk stream. It's world famous for its superb trout fishing. The Test Way footpath and cycle way follows the banks for alot of it's run of 44 mile. The Test way starts from the dramatic, high chalk downs at Inkpen down to Eling where its tidal waters flow into Southampton Water. The crystal-clear waters are a haven for wildlife, ideal for watercress growers. Many wild birds and plants can be seen right along the River Test, kingfishers, Marsh Harriers and Litlle Grebe,…continue reading →