It is possible to grow to dislike a mountain. A hill, even. Perhaps it’s making a mountain out of a molehill (ba-dum tish!) to start to dislike inanimate objects, especially ones of significant age. But by the end of 2011, I was beginning to dislike Carnedd Llewelyn. Now, don’t get me wrong, I respect the … Continue reading
Latest Entries
It’s just like learning to ride a bike
Almost without noticing, the summer of 2011 has become the official ‘summer of learning’. Earlier this year, I took the decision to learn how to lead climb; the worst summer weather since 1993 has conspired against me, so that practice hasn’t been as frequent as I might like, but then again I’ve also realised that … Continue reading
The tall tale of Mr Frog
“EEEEEEEEeeeeeeeeeeeeee!” went the noise outside my window. I tapped away at my computer keys; it barely registered. “EEEEEEEEEEEEEEeeeeeeeeeeeeee!” it continued. Now it penetrated my consciousness. What is that noise? It sounds like a squeaky toy, or a balloon being let down very slowly. “EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!”. Nothing makes that noise. Nothing happy, anyway. I could hear the … Continue reading
How to have an entirely unsuccessful bouldering trip
With a few days to fill while Dave is on a mountain-biking holiday in France, and with a climbing trip to Wales having fallen through, I was left with a dilemma. Should I head to the hills for some hiking? Get out on my bike? With weather undecided, I made an early dash up to … Continue reading
Walking the Yorkshire Three Peaks
"Surely it's got to be Paul Simon?" "Got to be." This was not how I'd expected my day to end, coming last in a pub quiz in Long Preston, having a few drinks and enjoying the free chips. But then it had been a day in which I'd already learnt a lot: that Grenadine is … Continue reading
On learning to lead climb
I'll let you into a secret. I was a teenager in the 90s. Remember the grunge look? Checked shirts, terrible baggy cardigans and doc martens? That was me. The alternative music of that decade – Smashing Pumpkins, Soundgarden, Nirvana – still fills my iPod now. But one of the best things about growing up in … Continue reading
A cycle in the Peak District
A few weeks back, Dave and I had our first camping trip of the year, riding our bikes in the Peak District and Ordnance Survey were kind enough to publish my post as a guest blog on their site. You can check it out here: http://blog.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/2011/05/a-cycle-in-the-peak-district/ Continue reading
Gear review: Smartwool Microweight LS Tshirt
I feel something of a fraud writing this review. After all, it isn’t really a review, with technical specs outlined, comparisons made and a final judgement given. No, this is really just an opportunity for me to look over some of the gear I’ve purchased in the last few years and highlight what about it … Continue reading
What’s a girl to do?
Since my last post, my biking activities have been significantly curtailed, by the world's lengthiest puncture repair/ inner tube replacement process – and even after finally getting back on the bike, technical issues continue (evidenced by a slightly terrifying experience involving a seized wheel whilst crossing the road in front of a speeding van). So, … Continue reading
Where does national bike route six go?
Ever since we moved into our house, I've been curious about the sign at the bottom of the street. Down by the railway line which separates our road from the Rylands area beyond, there's a small blue sign indicating a cut through to the next street; the blue sign has a picture of a white … Continue reading
Continental drift 