Lots of campervan trips so far this year but only one backpacking trip so far.
Been struggling with ankle pain after it was replaced a couple of years ago - was better than went downhill again. Hoping to get out again later this week. Not ready to give up yet! How about everyone else? Not been on UKCS for a good while - been quiet in this section so not missed much!
Had a Scottish trip planned for this month but ended up getting an appendectomy and now have to go for a colonoscopy. Had to cancel and to tell you the truth my fitness has evaporated and am very tired all the time.
I will see if I can get out in June if all goes well. Even an easy overnighter up the hills would be good.
------------- Hypercamp Alaska
Vango Force 10 mk3
Vango F10 Helium 1
Coleman Cobra Pro 3
Coleman Cobra 2
Naturehike Star River 2
Eureka! Solitaire
Dutch army goretex bivvy bag
Quote: Originally posted by Ewen c on 18/5/2023
Had a Scottish trip planned for this month but ended up getting an appendectomy and now have to go for a colonoscopy. Had to cancel and to tell you the truth my fitness has evaporated and am very tired all the time.
I will see if I can get out in June if all goes well. Even an easy overnighter up the hills would be good.
Good luck getting back into shape & back out again. I have a colonoscopy every five years. Fascinating to watch on the monitor!
Quote: Originally posted by TimCESmith on 18/5/2023
It doesn’t count as backpacking but I’ve done a couple of bicycle camping trips so far this year, though I’m usually a fully loaded “family” camper
Was a great trip but I almost decided I’m too old for this sort of caper: Cornwall to hilly for my old legs / knees for now. Must do some more!
That counts in my book! I'm hoping to get some bike trips in this year too.
Got away for a couple of days - not used to the heat! My new orthotics worked well but after 6 months my midsoles are shot on my lightweight boots. Not built to take my 100kg & gait I reckon. Will be going for a resole upgrade soon. Had that successfully done on my winter boots recently.
My 37 year old rucsac still going strong this weekend. I've replaced it 5 times! Non of the replacements last long before I decide to go back to my old pack. I'll be sticking with it.
Just in the process of sorting my trip to walk the Leeds Liverpool canal. A canal tour maybe a good idea for your ankle. Canal and rivers trust have done extensive work on some routes over the years. Plenty of pubs to get ankle medicine too
------------- Martin
Born again Camper.
Force 10 Nitro 200+
Vango F10 Xenon UL 2 Tent
Wild Country Zephyros 1
For more flat walking or cycling, try the John Muir Way coast to coast (Dunbar to Helensburgh, c.160 miles, minor hills en route). Or walk / cycle the shorter route along the Forth & Clyde and Union Canal towpaths; worth it for the Falkirk Wheel & The Kelpies. Maps etc https://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/forth-clyde-union-canal.shtml
Scottish access legislation covers you for responsible wild camping because you’re travelling under your own steam & carrying your gear. Though I wouldn’t pitch up in Clydebank - I used to work near the canal & the locals got up to some interesting capers at lunchtime, not somewhere to be at night.
PS - South Scotland has been blissfully devoid of midges this year because of the long dry spell: hot spots as expected (eg Glencoe, west coast). Handy map at the Smidge sponsored app https://www.smidgeup.com/midge-forecast/
I'm off for a 2 day bike tour Hadrian Wall way in the next few weeks & I have a 6 day backpack in the highlands coming up in October. Mostly glens so nice & easy.
Canals are a favourite destination in the campervan this year. Just been in the Peak District & walked along part of the Cromford Canal.
Aye - well stocked up on Smidge for our upcoming van trip in late September if we catch the tail end of the midges plus a couple of zone protection devices which have worked well for us.