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As part of their 60th anniversary celebrations, Vango invited Trek & Mountain along with a select group of other outdoor media to Glenmore Lodge in the Cairngorms for a very special couple of days dedicated to saving lives.Teaming up with one of their partners, Standstone Training, Vango had put together a 24-hour itinerary that was built around the idea of saving lives in the outdoor environment. The first day would be spent in Glenmore Lodge itself, with both classroom and practical outdoor sessions led by Tim and Mike from Sandstone both ex-military operatives with considerable in-the-field experience and on the second day wed be going up (as it turned out) a snowy Cairn Gorm to find out how the resorts ski patrol stabilise and evacuate casualties when accidents on the slopes occur.Having been founded in Glasgow in 1966, and still proudly based in Scotland, the Cairngorms were the perfect choice for Vango to run an event steeped in its Spirit of Adventure ethos, and Glenmore Lodge, another partner of theirs, was the ideal venue to base the event. Chris and I had previously spent a fantastic week at the Lodge a few years ago doing our Mountain Leader training and we were delighted to be visiting the centre again, with its comfortable rooms and top-notch facilities. As we arrived, we were greeted by Chris from Vango, the Sandstone team and an excited group of other attendees keen to get stuck into the days activities!A snowy Glenmore Lodge, Scotlands national outdoor centreDay 1: Life-saving skillsAfter a typically tasty lunch in the Glenmore Lodge canteen, we were promptly whisked away to help rescue Malcolm who had become trapped under a vehicle outside in the carpark. Malcolm, a training mannequin who was brought along by the folks at Sandstone Training, would suffer a series of unfortunate events while the group tried to manage the situation and apply life-saving first aid. What to do first: Stabilise the victim? Call 999? Check the vehicle was not still moving? All of the above?! Staying calm while acting decisively is vital in emergency situations like this, and Sandstone had thrown us in the deep end from the word go.Having recovered from the excitement of the impromptu emergency, it quickly became clear that we were not in for your average first aid course. This wasnt about what to do for a sprained ankle, minor cut or blisters; instead it was focused on what to do in true emergencies where minutes, and sometimes seconds, matter such as the instance when a casualty is not breathing, or has an arterial bleed that will be fatal without immediate action.Sandstone Trainings Mike demonstrating how to do chest compressionsFirst up we were shown how to stop an arterial bleed. Our victim held the same amount of blood as a human (a lot less than youd think around just 10 pints!) and as he began to bleed fake blood youll be pleased to hear we realised how swiftly we needed to act if we were going to save their life (shockingly, it only takes a couple of minutes or so to die from a major bleed). With plenty of experience of recent conflicts in which British forces have been involved, the Sandstone team clearly could walk the walk as well as talk the talk, and they expertly demonstrated how to pack a wound, and also how to apply a tourniquet (high and tight), while dispelling common myths such as being able to use your shoelaces or belt as you might see in a Hollywood film! We practised on each other and would also later apply this to saving Malcolm and his accident-prone friends outside.CPR and the use of a defibrillator were next up. Whether you spend time in the outdoors or not, this is something that everyone should know and update regularly, and its great to see more and more initiatives bringing this to communities in the UK. Chris and I had previously done multiple CPR and defib courses, but you can never practise these skills enough, and it never fails to surprise us how tiring it is doing chest compressions for a few minutes especially when youre being egged on by an instructor to the strains of the Bee Gees Stayin Alive!Our casualty Malcolm looking a bit worse for wear!Once wed gotten plenty of practice, the remainder of the course was hands-on in an outdoor setting around the grounds of Glenmore Lodge. It was suitably cold and snowy another factor to throw into the mix and our victims had gotten themselves into all sorts of trouble. We heard calls for help and it turned out there were multiple victims that we had to apply life-saving first aid to, while also trying to keep them warm and calm, and also call for help. Sandstone acted out scenarios in a way that created a very real sense of panic and urgency shouting and creating confusion which really forced us to think about how to remain calm and tackle the various scenarios in a methodical manner.After a nice dinner back at the lodge we all gathered for a pint and a debrief. We chatted, asked questions, and hung out for the rest of the evening discussing all things outdoors.Trek & Mountains Chris and Amanda at Loch MorlichDay 2: Cairn Gorm ski patrolWe got up the next morning to blue skies and a blanket of snow covering everything in sight the perfect (and rare) Scottish winter day! After a hearty breakfast, we drove down to Loch Morlich to enjoy the views from the stunning beach at its east end, and get some group photos of all the events participants. We then jumped back in our vehicles and headed up towards Cairn Gorm.Although there was sunshine and blue skies at the lift base station, once we got out at the top of the furnicular train we were hit by below freezing temps and a biting wind and this again demonstrated (if it was needed) that the elements are a huge factor when dealing with casualties. The ski patrol then proceeded to demonstrate the kit they use for rescuing skiers that have injured themselves on the mountain. This included the use of vacuum stretchers, which are gently slid underneath injured skiers and provide a rigid structure that can be used to lift them onto a vehicle for evacuation.Cairn Gorm ski patrol demonstrating how they stabilise and evacuate a casualtyWe then got to try handling a casualty ourselves. Chris was tasked with holding the victims head still (in case of spinal injuries) while the rest of the team strapped the casualty into the stretcher and prepared to lift and carry to the waiting snowplough. What became clear was that teamwork is crucial to successfully evacuating casualties, and it was reassuring that the Cairn Gorm ski patrol seemed such a professional and friendly bunch just what you need in the instance you break your leg on the slopes!Back at Glenmore Lodge we recapped on what wed learned over the last 24 hours. We were kindly presented with a custom first aid kit that Sandstone had put together for us not your standard plasters and safety pins type of first aid kit, though this one had a proper tourniquet and bandages for packing serious wounds, all contained in a rugged, waterproof bag. Tim had made the point that in the case of a major emergency, standard outdoor or travel first aid kits are pretty much useless; for example, the flimsy scissors you get in these kits arent nearly burly enough to cut through clothing when youre trying to get to a bleeding artery or open fracture quickly. And a standard bandage is not going to be anywhere near good enough to stop a serious bleed.Save A Life attendees enjoying the snowy weatherSo what did we take away from the event? Well, the first thing is that in an emergency situation where someone is going to die if you dont do anything, doing something is better than doing nothing, and you shouldnt waste time on niceties or whether youre doing everything exactly by the book just get on with it! You may literally have only 2 minutes to stop someone from dying, so act quickly and decisively.The other thought we took away was how if more people had basic life-saving skills, many more people who get into trouble in the outdoors could be treated quickly, and hopefully kept alive, in the time that it takes for emergency services to reach them. Chris and I have both been in situations in remote areas where people have been in serious trouble (including a trekker having a heart attack on Aconcagua and unfortunately passing away before mountain rescue arrived), and so the key messages that Sandstone were delivering really struck home.In an ideal world, every person who goes adventuring in the outdoors should have some life-saving skills to call on, because any one of us could round a corner and be faced with a fellow walker/trekker/climber in a life-threatening condition. Think about being in that situation and ask yourself, what would I do? If you dont know the answer, then signing up for a course such as Save A Life should be a priority.Thanks to Tim and Mike from Sandstone Training, Chris from Vango and Vikki from Brandwave Marketing for a highly informative and enjoyable two days and Glenmore Lodge. For more info on Vango and Sandstone Trainings Save A Life course, see the links below.Useful links:VangoSandstone Training

The Stanley Wildfare Core Fry Pan Cookset is a compact camping cookset thats ideal for easy outdoor cooking and delicious family meals. Read on to find out more.What is it?Wildfare Core Fry Pan Cookset RRP: 99StockistsMountain WarehouseGo OutdoorsBlacksAmazon.co.ukIf youre looking for a camping cookset that keeps things simple without skimping on style, the Stanley Wildfare Core Fry Pan Cookset is worth a look. Designed with compact packing, practical features and easy campsite cooking in mind, its a really smart option for couples, weekend campers and anyone who likes their outdoor kit to feel as well put together as their glamping pitch.At the heart of the set is a tri-ply bonded stainless steel fry pan, which is designed to distribute heat evenly. Thats always a good sign when youre cooking outdoors, where uneven heat can quickly turn a simple breakfast or one-pan supper into a bit of a faff. The fold-and-lock handle is another thoughtful touch, helping the whole set pack away neatly when space is at a premium. The 12-piece version of the Wildfare Core set includes the essentials youd want for relaxed camp cooking: a lid with vent and strain holes, a cutting board, a silicone trivet, plates, sporks and a two-piece spatula. In other words, its aiming to give you a complete little outdoor kitchen rather than just a pan and a couple of extras. For camping trips where you want to keep prep, cooking and clearing up straightforward, that makes a lot of sense.What really stands out is how neatly everything nests together. For campers who are always trying to make the most of limited space, compact design is a real bonus. It also has that classic Stanley feel so its practical, durable and nicely considered, without looking overcomplicated.Reviews across major retail sites are strong, with many reviewers praising the compact design, sturdy feel and how easy it is to pack away. Some reviews also mention that it works well for two people, which makes sense given the size of the pan and the overall setup. A few users note that some of the accessories are on the small side, but for light, efficient camping meals, that may not be a drawback at all.Overall, the Stanley Wildfare Core Fry Pan Cookset looks like a great choice for anyone who wants a compact, all-in-one camp cooking solution. If you like your gear to be practical, compact and ready for simple outdoor meals with minimal fuss, its well worth a look.For a cheaper alternative, consider the Quechua Stainless steel, non-stick camping cookset 500 available at Decathlon, or check out our campsite cooking feature, Camp Kitchen Essentials For Your Next Camping Trip.The post Campsite Cooking Stanley Wildfare Core Fry Pan Cookset appeared first on Camping Blog Camping with Style | Travel, Outdoors & Glamping Blog.

There is something rather wonderful about realising that you do not always have to travel far to feel like you have got away

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May is National Walking Month! More daylight, more sunshine (hopefully) and more opportunities to walk.Walking is the most accessible form of exercise there is. It costs nothing, requires no equipment beyond a decent pair of shoes, and the benefits as we touched on last month in reference to the POMNI survey are manifold, both physical, mental and emotional. Whether you prefer a gentle stroll along the coast, a forest trail with the family, or something that gets your heart pumping up into the hills, Northern Ireland has a walk for every mood and every ability.Walk with othersOne of the best things about walking is that its as good in company as it is in solitude. If youre looking for a group to get out with, the Ulster Federation of Rambling Clubs (UFRC) brings together walking clubs from right across Northern Ireland and is a great way to meet like-minded people, discover new routes and build a regular habit of getting outside. Over May and June, they are running a series of Walk With Us events, introducing people to their walking clubs. Find them on their website.For those who feel that walking is not always designed with them in mind, the Walking for All programme is well worth exploring. This cross-border initiative is designed to make walking more inclusive and accessible, supporting people of all abilities and backgrounds to enjoy the outdoors. It is, in their own words, a simple way to get active, enjoy the outdoors and connect with others in your community.Walk your own wayOf course, sometimes the best walk is the one you do yourself, on your own terms, at your own pace. A dander round the park. A coastal path after work. A forest trail on a Sunday morning. It doesnt have to be epic or gruelling to be worth doing, it just has to get you outside.WalkNI has almost 1,000 walks across Northern Ireland, free to access, searchable by location, difficulty and type. Whether youre after a stroll or a challenge, a mountain or a shoreline, a solo ramble or a family outing, its all there.May is your invitation to get out and explore. Find your walk here.The post May is National Walking Month! appeared first on WalkNI.

For nine years, Ive walked and documented Irelands incredible trails. Thousands of kilometres and just as many hours, Ive spent my life in the Irish elements, falling in love with our amazing landscapes and habitats. And now I want to share it with you.In 2024 I became a Lowland Leader, which means Im qualified to bring groups out on the tracks and trails Ive grown up on. This summer, Im starting small with my own series, and hopefully I might see you on one of them.A big goal of mine for these hikes is to create a space to meet new people and make friends with people who want to spend time outdoors! 1. Beginner Hike: Howth Head TrailsAccessible from Dublin City via public transport, Howth Head offers so many options for a morning walk. Beginner Group Hike: Howth Head 15.00 Come for a laid back morning walk along Howth Head. Meet others and make friends with people who want to spend time outdoors! Details: Date: 12th July 2026Meeting time: 9:15amDuration: approx. 3hrs Pace: relaxed! Trail Grade: Easy - BeginnerMainly on easily identifiable paths, with good underfoot conditions. This is a beginner friendly walk! Weather permitting, we will be taking in the gorgeous views from Howth hill and the cliffs. All walks are led by qualified and insured leaders. Feel free to email me with any questions - ellie@toughsoles.iePublic Transport:The timing of this hike has been set to give participants time to get the bus from Dublin City Centre: find the Dublin Bus Route 6 timetable here. Add to cart When: Sunday 12th JulyWhere: Howth HeadMeeting time: 9:15amDuration: approx. 3hrs Pace: relaxed! Trail Grade: Easy - Beginneron easily identifiable paths, with good underfoot conditions. Learn more about trail grades here.Public transport: Dublin bus route 6This is a beginner friendly walk to enjoy the fantastic trails around Howth Head at a leisurely pace. Hopefully with good weather will let us also see the great views out over the Irish Sea. Total group size will not exceed 10 people. Tickets 15 per person. 2. Beginner / Intermediate: Wild Nephin National Park Loop Group Hike: Wild Nephin Loop, Mayo 25.00 Explore some of Irelands wilder trails in Wild Nephin National Park! along this 12km adventureDetails: Date: 1st August 2026Start Time: 10am Start Location: Letterkeen Trail Head (Google Maps)Distance: 12kmApprox. Duration: 3 hoursAll walks are led by qualified and insured leaders. Feel free to email me with any questions - ellie@toughsoles.ie Add to cart Along this 12km adventure well experience the desolate beauty and wildness that still exists in Ireland, as well as finding some of Irelands only bothies.Date: 1st August 2026Start Time: 10am Approx. Duration: 3 - 4 hoursTrail Grade: Easy - ModerateLearn more about trail grades here.This route is inspiring whether you're new to the trails, or a dab hand at the hills. The Wild Nephin National Park is a stunning setting. Group will be kept small to minimise impact to the natural landscape. Tickets 25 per person. 3. Intermediate: St. Kevins Way, Wicklow St. Kevin's Way - Wicklow 36.00 St. Kevins Way is a gorgeous 26km trail that winds its way through the heart of Wicklow. Details: Date: 11th JulyStart time: 9am at the Glendalough Upper Car Park (Google maps)Finish time: approx. 6pmIncluded in the ticket price is an Irish Camino Passport, car parking at Glendalough, and shuttle bus. This is a full day event, and all attendees will need to bring a packed lunch and lots of snacks.All walks are led by qualified and insured leaders. Feel free to email me with any questions - ellie@toughsoles.ie Add to cart St. Kevins Way is a gorgeous 26km trail that winds its way through the heart of Wicklow.Date: 11th JulyStart time: 9amFinish time: approx. 6pmTrail Grading: Easy - ModerateThis is a waymarked route with some road walking, as well as more informal paths, rougher, boggy and more uneven terrain.Learn more about trail grades here.Included in the ticket price is an Irish Camino Passport, car parking at Glendalough, and shuttle bus. This is a full day event, and all attendees will need to bring a packed lunch and lots of snacks. What makes this trail difficult is not the underfoot terrain, but the length of the day. Tickets 36 per person. 4. To Be Announced: Boyne Valley Trails Festival 2026Date: mid-september Trail grading: easy-moderateDetails will be updated once events are announced - all I can say for now is that I am so excited to get to come back to the Boyne Valley Trails Festival again this year for some more fantastic hiking. For the most up to date info, check out the Boyne Valley Trails Website. Important notes:Plans in the Irish outdoors are subject to our wild weather and the sustainability of the habitat - Ive already changed one hike location due to recent fires. This is to give the habitat adequate time to recover this summer, and to make sure that we have the best possible experience.Pre-booking is essential. My permits for events and safety planning are based on specific numbers of attendees. If youve any questions, please email hello@toughsoles.ie .Checking the Tough Soles Events Page is the best place to find up-to-date information on upcoming events.

If youve ever pulled a damp towel out of a bag on day three of a camping trip and been hit by a pong youd rather scrub from your olfactory memory forever, youll appreciate the anti-niff properties of this copper-infused towel. Especially useful if youre living out of a van or bag for days at a time.The Copper Clothing Antimicrobial Cotton Towel is 100% cotton and its properly soft and absorbent, without the sensory hell hat is a microfibre situation, and its infused with copper ions that actively destroy bacteria and fungi on contact. Practically speaking this means no musty smell between uses, even when you havent been able to wash it for a few days.For multi-day camping trips or van life, this is genuinely useful. When storage space is tight, laundry visits arent possible or are perhaps irregular, a towel that can go longer between washes without becoming a biohazard is one less thing to think about. The towel measures 125 x 70cm, so its a roughly bath-towel size. At 500 GSM it feels more like something you might find at a hotel compared to the usual microfibre towels, which do the job, but just dont give you that satisfying proper towel feel. PRODUCT INFORMATIONMore about the antimicrobial cotton towelThe Copper Clothing Antimicrobial Bath & Gym Towel is 100% cotton, 500 GSM, and priced at 19.99. Free from added chemicals, its safe for sensitive skin, children, and pets. Find out more at copperclothing.comIts not the cheapest towel on the market, but its also not disposable the copper infusion is built into the fibres, not a coating that washes off after a limited number of uses, so it lasts the lifetime of the towel and keeps on doing its thing long-term. Weve scored it 4.5 out of 5, simply because I usually choose, and prefer, colourful towels that are slightly larger, but Mark has happily yoinked this one from me for his camping kit bag.DISCLOSURE | The featured product was gifted to us. We were not paid or required to write this review.The post The Copper Infused Cotton Towel Thats Ideal For Camping Trips & Van Life appeared first on Camping Blog Camping with Style | Travel, Outdoors & Glamping Blog.

If you are flying into Dublin and planning a campervan trip around Ireland, the process is simpler than most people expect. Our Greystones depot is 45 minutes from Dublin Airport on a clear run, and picking up from there rather than trying to find a hire company in the city itself is genuinely more straightforward.This guide covers everything you need to know: how to get from Dublin Airport to our depot, what happens when you arrive, what to bring, and where to go on your first night.Campervan hire near Dublin AirportGetting from Dublin Airport to our Greystones depotOur depot is at Knight Park, Charlesland, Greystones, Co. Wicklow (postcode A63 WW87).From Dublin Airport, the most practical route is: take the M50 southbound towards Bray and Greystones, exit at Junction 14 (Bray North / Greystones), follow the signs for Greystones Town via the R761, and continue through Greystones Town towards Charlesland. The journey is around 45 minutes in normal traffic, a little longer during Dublin commuter hours (7-9am and 5-7pm on weekdays). If you are arriving on a weekend morning, you will likely be with us in 40 minutes.You can get an Uber or taxi from the airport directly to the depot for around 40-50. There is also a DART train from the Airport Bus stop at Spencer Dock (short Aircoach ride from arrivals) to Greystones Station, and the depot is a short taxi from there.What to bringYou do not need much beyond what you are already carrying. A few things worth having ready:Your driving licence. You will need the original, not a photo. If you completed our online check-in before arrival, you will already have uploaded a copy, but we check the physical licence at pickup.Your booking confirmation, either on your phone or printed.If you are bringing a dog, let us know in advance. Our fleet is pet-friendly and we are happy to accommodate well-behaved dogs.Payment for any extras you have added (table and chairs, bed linen) if you have not already paid online. Most customers sort this in the check-in email two days before pickup.What happens when you arriveChristopher or another member of the team will meet you at the depot. Plan for about 30 minutes for the full handover. It is thorough but not complicated. We will:Walk you through the van: how the gas works, how to set up the sleeping areas, how the heating operates, where the water connections are, how to dump waste at campsites.Go through the rental agreement and confirm your return date and time.Take the security deposit. You will have already chosen your deposit option in the check-in email (2,000, 1,000, or 500, all fully refundable) so this takes a moment.Point you in the right direction. Christopher is happy to recommend a first-night campsite or route based on where you are heading.By the time you leave, you will know the van well enough to feel comfortable. Most people are surprised how quickly it all makes sense.What is included in your hireFull 24-hour breakdown cover across Ireland, Northern Ireland and the UK. Included in the price, not an extra charge.Full gas cylinder. Fresh water in the tank. Clean bedding if you have opted for that extra. A full kitchen setup: hob, oven, fridge, freezer, crockery and utensils. Hot shower. Private toilet area. 12V power inverter for charging phones and electronics wherever you are parked.You bring your personal gear, food, and anything specific to your trip.View our full fleetWhere to go on your first nightFrom Greystones you have several good options within 90 minutes:Head south along the coast through Wicklow and Arklow towards Wexford. There are excellent campsites near Courtown and Rosslare.Head west over the Wicklow Mountains on the Military Road. It is spectacular scenery and a memorable first drive. Stop at a campsite near Laragh or Rathdrum.Head north-west towards Kildare and onwards to the Midlands if you are making for Roscommon or Galway on your first day.If you want to do the Wild Atlantic Way, most customers leave Greystones and head straight for Galway on day one, stopping somewhere around Athlone or Ballinasloe overnight. You will be well into Connemara by the next morning.Returning the vanReturn is the reverse of pickup. Arrive at the agreed time. We will ask you to agree a return time when you collect. We check the van together. Empty the waste, top up the water if possible, and bring it back broadly as you found it. Christopher does a full check with you present, and if everything is in order, your deposit is released the same day.Planning your routeWe are happy to help with route planning. Christopher at the Greystones depot and Joe at our Roscommon depot both know the Irish road network from years of customer conversations. If you want suggestions for a 7-day route, a weekend break, or a trip built around specific areas, just ask when you arrive or drop us an email before you travel.The whole of Ireland is genuinely accessible from Greystones. The west coast is under three hours. The southwest is four. The north is three and a half. You have more flexibility than most people realise when they start planning.For more answers, visit our FAQ page.Campervan holiday offersThe post Campervan Hire Near Dublin Airport: Your Complete Pickup Guide appeared first on Craic N Campers.

Cornwall is one of my favourite places on the planet and its rugged coastlines, hidden coves, wild swims, cliff-top walks and sandy beaches alsoThe post The Best Cottages for Adventure in Cornwall (for Every Budget) appeared first on the girl outdoors.