4-5 minute readAll too often, this time of year sees many of us determined to make sweeping changes. While some of those good intentions may stick, more often than not we try to do too much, too quickly, and end up feeling disheartened when we cant sustain it all. This year, lets try something different.Instead of overhauling everything at once, lets commit to just one gentle change, something that supports us rather than overwhelms us, and use it to ease ourselves into the new year. Read on for five simple, achievable ideas to help you get started.1. Get curious about natureIts easy to move through our days without really noticing the natural world around us. Even in familiar places, theres so much we pass by without pausing to see.Getting curious can begin close to home learning the names of the trees that line your street, noticing the animals that dart through your local park, or observing which birds regularly visit your garden. These small moments of attention gently draw us back into the present, an effective way of grounding ourselves and regulating our nervous system.Curiosity about the little things is a simple and effective feel-good practice, helping us feel more connected to the natural world. If your identification skills are a little rusty (or completely non-existent), there are plenty of free apps that can help you put names to what you notice. Try Merlin, which is great for identifying birds, or Seek by iNaturalist which is perfect for identifying wildlife, plants and fungi.2. Create a daily ritualAt first glance, the idea of a daily ritual can sound quite involved or even a little indulgent. In reality, a ritual can be as simple or as spacious as you need it to be.If time feels limited, start small. Commit to just five or ten minutes a day that are intentional and non-negotiable, a pocket of time that belongs entirely to you. Some people find it helpful to choose a set time each day, while others prefer more flexibility. Your ritual might involve ten minutes of gentle stretching when you get out of bed in the morning, instead of reaching for your phone. It could be making a brew and standing quietly at the window, watching the bids in the garden or observing the clouds.What matters isnt what you do, but the intention behind it. By carving out a small, consistent moment for yourself, youre gently reminding your nervous system that you matter and that self care doesnt have to be complicated to be meaningful.3. Local nature walksThe aim here isnt to clock up miles, chase big views, or tick another Wainwright off a list. Its not about recording your fastest pace on Strava or searching for a hidden gem. Instead, its about walking for the simple pleasure of movement and reconnecting with the outside world.A local nature walk can be as modest as a familiar footpath, a nearby park, or a quiet stretch of countryside close to home. What matters isnt where you go, its being present whilst you walk there.If it feels doable for you, commit to spending an hour outside once a week. If that feels like too much, start with just half an hour. Let the intention be presence rather than distance, noticing the feel of the air, the changing light, the sounds around you and giving yourself permission to simply be, without needing to achieve anything at all.4. Mindfulness takes practiceMindfulness may have had its moment in the spotlight a few years ago, particularly during lockdown, but it remains a simple and powerful way to gently shift how we experience our lives. While its spoken about less now, its value hasnt diminished.For some people, being fully present can feel challenging, especially where theres unresolved stress or trauma, and thats important to acknowledge. For others, even small moments of mindfulness can be quietly transformative, helping to soften our perspective and bring a greater sense of ease and contentment.Starting a daily mindfulness practice doesnt need to be complicated, time-consuming or costly and can be woven into the rhythm of everyday life. Rather than spending your morning commute caught up in traffic frustration, you might try using that time to take a few slow breaths, notice the world around you, or reflect on something youre grateful for.Gently checking in with yourself throughout the day can also be helpful. Try a simple body scan and ask, How do I feel in my body right now? and when you notice how you speak to yourself, whether in thought or out loud, aim for kindness. Soft, supportive self-talk is a practice in itself too, and one that grows stronger with time.5. Strat planning ahead to springNow is a wonderful time to look ahead to the welcome lift that brighter spring days bring. If youre someone who enjoys having something to look forward to, gently planning a spring getaway can be a lovely way to carry yourself through the quieter months.For families tied to school holidays, campsites and holiday parks often book up quickly for popular dates, so thinking ahead can help take the pressure off later in the year. A little planning now can create a sense of ease rather than urgency.That said, try not to fall into the habit of living only for whats next. Looking forward can be nourishing, but its important not to rely on future plans at the expense of the present moment.This year, lets release the urge to do everything at once, to overhaul our lives during the darkest, most demanding months of the year. Instead, meet yourself with kindness. Gentle steps, taken in season, are more than enough.Where to next?WELLBEING | Brilliant Nature, Travel & Folklore Books To Inspire Your Outdoor AdventuresWELLBEING | 10-Minute Nature Awareness Mini Meditation for BeginnersWELLBEING | Celebrating The Joy Of Little Wins With a Bit of Help From My Garmin Venu 3SThe post WELLBEING | 5 Gentle Ways to Ease Into The New Year appeared first on Camping Blog Camping with Style | Travel, Outdoors & Glamping Blog.

8 ways to create an outdoors-inspired home Ever heard of hikecore? If you spend as much time as possible in the great outdoors, youll loveThe post 8 ways to create an outdoors-inspired home appeared first on the girl outdoors.

CollaborationBoosting wellbeing doesnt need to be complicated and can be as simple as taking time to rest and switching off. Creating space where dont need to check your emails and nobody expects you to do anything. Hiking, camping or simply spending a day outdoors imersed in nature is the perfect way to help us feel calm and relaxed, but embraing the journey can be part of that experience! Read on to find out more.Outdoor time does not have to be extreme or impressive. Sometimes a walk through the woods is enough. It can be a night in a tent or a weekend away with no plan all. Outdoor time like this makes us feel like were reconnecting with ourselves, and with nature again. Walking Trails and Slowing DownWalking trails are great because they let you slow down. You can take your time when you are on walking trails. Walking trails give you a chance to see things that you might not notice if you were in a hurry.When you are on walking trails you can slow down. Look around you. You can see the trees and the birds and the flowers. Walking trails are very good for people who want to slow down and enjoy nature.Some walking trails are easy to walk and some are harder.. They all let you slow down and take in the sights and sounds of nature. Walking trails are a way to get some exercise and slow down at the same time. Walking trails are really good, for you.Walking as a Way to Clear Your MindWalking is the ideal thing to do when you want to get out of your own head. You can walk as fast or as slow as you want to, stop whenever you feel like it and of course you can even veer off the path if you see something that catches your eye.When you slow down and walk with intention, you start to notice things again. You notice the smell of the trees. You hear the sound that your shoes make when you walk on gravel. You feel the wind when it moves across the water. Walking is a way to do this. You are. You start to notice these things without even trying. After a while your thoughts calm down. Your breathing gets slower. Nothing big happens everything just feels a bit more peaceful. When you walk it does not take a lot of concentration or energy. Walking just gives you some space.The best part is how little it takes to go for a walk. You do not need any gear or special training to go for a walk. All you need is a pair of shoes to go for a walk. Many of the walking routes, for a walk start well outside the city and getting there becomes part of the experience of going for a walk itself.Camping Without Trying to Make It PerfectCamping without trying to make it perfect is really about having a time.When you go camping you do not have to make everything perfect.Camping is supposed to be fun and relaxing.You should be able to enjoy the outdoors and spend time with your family and friends.Sometimes people get too caught up in trying to make their camping trip perfect.They want to have the campsite and the perfect food.The truth is, camping without trying to make it perfect is a lot more fun.You can just go with the flow. See what happens.Camping without trying to make it perfect means you can make mistakes. It is okay.You can forget something at home. It is not the end of the world.Camping is about having a time and enjoying nature.So time you go camping try not to make it perfect.Just. Have fun and see what happens.Camping, without trying to make it perfect is really the way to do it.Keeping Camping SimpleCamping is great because it makes things simple. There are no schedules to worry about no need to get a lot done. Nobody is expecting anything from you. I like having a tent, a sleeping bag and some basic food. Sometimes I think that sitting outside in the evening is nicer, than staying in a hotel that is perfectly organised. Camping is what makes this happen it is really nice to have a camping trip.Camping is not about being uncomfortable. It is about being comfortable so that you can relax. You want to be close to nature and feel like you are really there. Even if you are just going on a trip you still need to plan a few things. You need to think about food and warm clothes and things to keep you dry if it rains.. Planning these things does not have to be a hassle. It can just be something you do as part of getting ready for your camping trip. Camping is about food and warm clothes and gear, for changing weather.Why Having a Car Changes EverythingA car really does change everything. It is like a whole new world opens up when you have a car. You can go places you want to go whenever you want to go.You do not have to depend on people for a ride or wait for the bus. A car gives you the freedom to do what you want. For example you can go to the store. Buy things you need or you can visit your friends who live far away.A car changes everything because it makes your life easier. You can do things on your time and you do not have to worry about how you will get somewhere. Having a car is really great. It can make a big difference, in your life. A car really does change everything.When people think about going on trips they often imagine how great it is.. The truth is, most of the really great places are not easy to get to without a car. The bus might only come once a day. It might not even come at all. For people who like to spend time a car is not about showing off it is just something that makes sense. A car is practical, for people who spend time outdoors.Having a car is really great because you can leave when you want come back when you feel like it and you can even change your plans if the weather is bad. You do not have to deal with a lot of people. You can bring all the things that make your trip nice. For some people the car ride is when they start to relax. This is when they stop thinking about work and the trip actually begins. Having a car makes the trip comfortable. That is what having a car is all, about. When Real Life Gets ComplicatedWhen real life gets complicated it can be really tough to deal with. Real life is full of ups and downs. Sometimes real life gets so complicated that we do not know what to do. We feel like we are stuck and cannot move forward. Real life can be overwhelming at times. We have to face a lot of problems, in life. Real life is not always easy. We have to keep going. We have to find a way to make real life simpler. Real life gets complicated. We can make it better.People usually want to spend time outside but life gets in the way. Cars cost a lot of money. The fuel for cars adds up over time. Maintenance for cars never happens at a time.. Not everyone has a perfect financial history with money, which makes it hard to buy a car or even own a car. People want to spend time but cars and the money, for cars can be a big problem.That is normal. Some people just want to know what they can do and talk about it. For example, by speaking with a bad credit car finance specialist just to see what they can really do without putting extra pressure on themselves. It is not about making decisions, but about knowing where you stand and planning from there.Why Small Trips MatterTaking trips is really important. These small trips can make a difference in our lives. We often think that only big trips are exciting and fun.. The truth is, small trips matter more than we think. Small trips can be just as enjoyable as ones. They can help us relax and have experiences. We can take trips to places that are close to our homes. This way we can have a break, from our routine without spending a lot of time or money. Small trips can be a way to explore new places and try new things. So the time you are thinking about taking a trip remember that small trips matter.You do not need a holiday to feel better. One night away can be enough to make you feel good. You get to your place in the evening go for a walk. Then you sleep very deeply. When you wake up you do not even need an alarm. You can make some coffee outside. Then sit quietly for a little while.When it is easy to get outdoor trips do not feel like special occasions anymore. They start to feel like a thing that you do. You know when you need some space you just go on a trip. It is like when you go for a walk, in the evening. Outdoor trips become something you do when you need space just like you go for an evening walk.Not Escaping, Just ResettingSpending time outdoors is not about running from our real life. It actually helps us come back to our life with a clearer mind. When we go for a walk or go camping or travel to places these things remind us that moving around is a natural thing for us to do. Spending time outdoors like walking or camping or travelling reminds us that movement is natural and that we do not need a goal, for every journey we take.When logistics dont turn into obstacles and decisions are made calmly, rest becomes simple again. Sometimes all it takes is a short drive, a quiet place, and the space to slow down for a bit.DISCLOSURE | This post is a collaboration and has been placed on Camping with Style by an advertiser and was not written by our team.Where to next?WELLBEING | Brilliant Nature, Travel & Folklore Books To Inspire Your Outdoor AdventuresWELLBEING | 10-Minute Nature Awareness Mini Meditation for BeginnersWELLBEING | Celebrating The Joy Of Little Wins With a Bit of Help From My Garmin Venu 3SThe post TRAVEL | Active Outdoor Time When the Drive Is Already Part of the Break appeared first on Camping Blog Camping with Style | Travel, Outdoors & Glamping Blog.

The Bangor Trail was nothing more than a murmur that I gently caught - and followed all the way to the north-west of Mayo, where the wild mountains and bogland can swallow a soul whole. This trail is the last remains of an ancient cattle-driving path, although do not let the words path or trail fool you, there is nothing easy in this harsh landscape. Overview: Distance: 28kmElevation gain: 900mFormat: Linear TrailTime: 1 - 2 daysLocation: Co. Mayo, Wild Nephin National ParkStart / End / Parking:For my walk of this trail, I started at the Letterkeen Trailhead within the National Park. You can start further south in the town of Newport, and follow the Western Way way-marking up to this point. Southern Trailhead: Letterkeen Trailhead - google mapsOne of my favourite trail heads in Ireland, theres a variety of trails you can walk from here. It is very remote and has very limited phone coverage. There is ample parking, and when I walked it (March 2025) there were even well maintained port-a-loos!Northern Trailhead: Bangor Erris village - google mapsThe terminus of this trail in the village of Bangor Erris is a little vague. There is somewhere marked on google maps, but this is more of a useful guide if youre starting from the village, as you can see the path up the mountain from there. I finished the walk at the Community Playground, where there were some picnic benches and parking. Public Transport: During the summer months, the National Park runs a shuttle bus between Westport and Bangor-Erris with multiple stops along the way (see park timetable imagery below). Bangor Erris is serviced by Bus Eireann Route 446, which runs from Ballina to Black Sod on Belmullet. There is a second bus route (542) run by McGrath Coaches through Bangor Erris.All Local Links for the area can be found in this timetable PDF.Trail difficulty: Moderate - DifficultThis is a trail, but in the wildest sense. There is way-marking, but there is no built path underfoot. This is part of the lure of this route, and something I loved about it. But do not underestimate how poor the terrain is.Read about trail grading in Ireland here.Trail quality: 5/5While the underfoot conditions are extremely difficult for a trail, the overall infrastructure in the forms of huts and bothies is unprecedented for Ireland.Views: 5/5This is part of the dark sky reserve of Mayo, and so if you get a clear night of camping / bothy-ing, the sky is incredible. Buggy/Wheelchair friendly: NoDogs allowed: Yes - like all National Parks in Ireland, dogs are welcome as long as they are on a lead.When did I walk this route: March 2025External resources: Bangor Trail Guide From NPWSFind this route on HiiKERGeneral info on Wild Nephin National Park Source - nationalparks.ie/wild-nephin/ Letterkeen Bothy / Trailhead My car rolled over the bumpy lane, and Pauline and I looked out at the world rolling slowly past. Carl and I virtually met Pauline over seven years ago, when all three of us were living out of backpacks - she walking the coastline of Ireland while we walked all the National Waymarked Trails. Pauline and I had similarly less-than-amazing experiences of this corner of Mayo (midgies featuring heavily in both stories), and decided that our first trail together might as well be our redemption walk of Mayo. Tucking the car into a corner of the car park, we get out and look around the Letterkeen Trailhead. Is that a toilet? Pauline exclaims, and sure enough, walking behind some wooden screening was a very clean, somewhat fancy port-a-loo. Things have improved greatly in Mayo since our time here. Its late march, and a drizzle starts pretty immediately as we leave the car park and head out over the river and around the forest. Most people might balk at the idea of walking a trail that is famous for being wet and boggy in Irish March weather, but there was some strategy to this choice. March can be quite an enjoyable time in the hills, as long as you have an abundance of layers with you. And top of the list - no midgies. The rain comes and goes as we walk, our rain gear going through the usual on-and-off rain dance steps. The first approx. 4km follow the same path a the Letterkeen Loop, and the trail underfoot is very good. Reaching the Lough Avoher Shelter, we stop for a munch out of the drizzle and sign our names in the logbook. The fact that this is the second camping shelter that weve encountered of the day already makes me giddy inside - if youre not Irish, you wont know how rare this kind of infrastructure is, and therefore how happy it makes me. View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize Finishing our lunch, we leave the shelter and start the first gradual hill of the day. The trail is still fairly good underfoot for this climb with lots of stone. As we crest the top we take a moment for me to take some photos. Little did we know, this was going to be the last of the easy walking for many, many hours. Coming around the west side of Nephin Beg, the trail exists as a paradox. As you look out at the vast landscape ahead of you, you can see the trail stretching for miles ahead as a distinct line through the bog. However, as you move forward, the ground underneath your feet refuses to be actually made of anything substantial. There are several small stream crossings throughout this trail, which along with testing the solidity of the blanket bog around you, make walking poles quite a useful piece of kit for this specific trail. View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize The route that the Bangor Trail follows used to be the main route from Bangor to Newport, dating back to the 16th Century. This is possibly one of the only roads you will find that is in worse repair than it was 200 years ago. One of the more haunting old stories I heard of this trail was of a young woman walking this droving trail on her way back north, having just sold her cattle in Westport. The area was remote even then, and when she was attacked by bandits, there was no one to save her. Days later, her family worried that shes been gone so long, walked out along the path and found her body. They took her home, and as they prepared her for burial, they untied her mass of red curls and out of her hair fell the money from the cattle sale. This was her families lifeline, and they were now saved for another year. The stories say she still walks the trail, looking for the men - or maybe her cows, no one is sure. But it is only at dawn or dusk her presence is felt, and while some people don't believe in ghost stories but let me tell you this - if they saw all I "seen" and heard all I heard they'd mighty soon change their minds. - Duchas folklore collection. View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize Our goal for the evening was Tarsaghaun Cottage, an old herders cottage that is now a lovely little Bothy right on the trail. Theres also space to camp outside the small stone building, along with picnic benches and a large suspension bridge to cross the river. Our slow going, and short spring days meant that we arrived to the building in twilight. We each erected our tents inside one of the two rooms (mostly to add an extra bubble of insulation around ourselves, and protect or belongings from being too scratched by the stone floors). As I mentioned above, this route takes in much of the Wild Nephin National Park. When the sun sets on the National Park, it becomes the Mayo Dark Sky Park, one of only a handful of places in ireland accredited with Dark Sky status. That night we were incredibly lucky and had clear skies (and a small moon) to take in the millions of glistening specks above us. View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize The suspension bridge is a stunning piece of trail infrastructure - its visible from a distance given how flat the surrounding blanket bog is. From the bothy, there are two escape or shorter route options; if you follow the north bank of the Tharsaghaunmore River SW for approx. 1km, you will come to a track and then a tarmac road (most likely farm access so only use as a necessary escape route); from the bothy there is a second trail heading through Crooghaun forest, which turns into forestry roads, and connects out to the N59. View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize We continued along the Bangor Trail itself, which winds along the slopes of a couple of spot heights before coming around the west side of Crooklettercuss. From here you can see the village of Bangor Erris ahead, and the end of the trail. The trail comes out at the back of Kiltane GAA Club. We walked further into the village, and found one or two signs for the trail, but no info board to mark its end. We wandered into Sizzlers Restaurant, a small cafe with hot food that was well seasoned by our post- trail hunger. This is one of my favourite trails. Its a hard one to recommend, as it is difficult walking and requires plenty of experience. And even if you have the experience - not everyone is looking for such an intimate experience with Irish bogland. Thanks to Wild Nephin National Park for having such great trail infrastructure, and to the Mountain Meithal teams who have built such wonderful shelters in this area. Thanks to Pauline for the great company. Further exploringThis area is truly quite remote, so some of my recommendations below are for Mayo in general:Other trails in the area: The Western Way: MayoThe Western Way: GalwayCroagh Patrick Heritage TrailKeenagh Loop (Mayo National Looped Walk)Favourite Local Coffee / Food Options:This Must be the Place, Cafe in Westport Other media on the Bangor Trail: Stephen Reids video of the trail includes some great research on the history of the area and this trail.

Happy New Year Toggers! We're already over a week into 2026 - and I'm already excited for what this year has in store!

The Miners Way Trail takes in the three historic mining valleys of Wicklow; Glenmalure, Glendalough, and Glendasan. Climbing between these three iconic valleys, this route takes in some of the best trails that central Wicklow has to offer. Overview: County: WicklowDistance: 20kmElevation Gain: 750mFormat: Linear TrailTime: 5 - 8 HoursStart / End / Parking:Glenmalure trailhead: The trail begins close to the bottom of the valley in the Baravore Car Park. This is a large car park (space for more than 20 cars as long as everyone parks sensibly). Theres an info board for the Miners Way (and other smaller loops) beside the river. Glendasan trailhead: The trail finishes at one of the smaller car parks half way up the Wicklow Gap, beside the Hero Lead & Zinc Mine ruins. Theres space for maybe 8 cars (further up the gap there is a larger car park, if you have several cars). Public Transport: Theres a pre-bookable bus organised by WicklowWay.comThe Local Link connects Laragh / Trooperstown and Rathdrum (ad-hoc scheduling, planning required)The Glendalough Bus / St. Kevins Bus links Dublin city centre and Laragh village.Trail difficulty: Easy - ModerateThe trails are all well defined. The elevation gain across the route is what pushes this trail into the moderate category. Read about trail grading in Ireland here.Trail quality: 5/5Theres maybe 2km of road walking from the Baravore Car Park to Ballinafunshogue Waterfall where the trail begins to climb up out of the valley - and thats it for road. The trails across the three valleys are all well defined and vary underfoot. Views: 5/5This route takes in some of the nicest trails between these three valleys.Buggy/Wheelchair friendly: NoWhen did I walk this route: October 2025Dogs allowed: YesExternal Links: Wicklow County Tourism Info PageHeritage Wicklow Info PageMiners Way on HiiKER The Baravore Car Park is large and easy start point for this trail. If you want to explore some of the immediate mining history, theres a 2km looped trail that takes in the old mining infrastructure beside the river, before beginning the Miners Way proper.The first 2km of this trail are the only road walking you will experience on the whole route - and this road is small enough that its not a hardship. You will probably meet a car or two as others make their way into the area for their own adventures. Reaching Ballinafunshoge Waterfall, the trail turns off the road and you begin the first of three major climbs. This forest contains the oldest documented lead mine in Wicklow, and was the most productive in Glenmalure. The path you follow up this steep slope is the old donkey trail that connected the mines in the two valleys, and in the lower sections of the forest you can still see the old dry stone walls built into the switch-backs. View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize Part of this climb takes in a section labelled Tunnel of Love on the EastWest maps, which having completed it, I assumed was named as such because at this point the constant climbing would spike anyones heart rate. This is the longest of the climbs, and as you climb higher and higher up the side of Mullacor, you join paths with the Wicklow Way. Reaching the col to the west of Mullacor (Lugduff Gap), the Miners Way keeps left while the Wicklow Way descends down to the right through the forest. If youre walking the Wicklow Way, I always recommend taking the left here and coming down through the Glendalough Valley either by the Spinc or the Miners Way - the views are far better from these trails of the stunning glaciated valley. Its also here that you enter the Wicklow National Park, marked by a small purple marker on a post. If you do any amount of hillwalking in Wicklow these signs will become a familiar site. The actual shape of the National Park is unconventional (although most of our parks are odd shapes), and has no built boundaries in the hills. View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize Walking this trail in October I was treated to many deer sightings as it was official rut season. Large groups of does roamed together with their chosen stag, while the young bucks bayed and hollered in the echoing valleys. Because Glendalough is such a high-volume area, the deer see it as an easy place to possibly nibble some extra snacks and have almost no fear of walkers or tourists. It makes it an easy spotting area, but I was a little weary of the larger antlered fellows wandering the walking trails. Coming around the far side of Lugduff, the first mining remains you come are Van Diemens Land Mine, named by the miners after a colony in Tasmania - because the top of this valley felt so far away from populated life. Overall, the mining in Glendalough never really took off, but its impact is widely visible from the ruined buildings to the slag heaps up on the valley walls.As you round Lugduff you descend towards the top of the valley to cross the Gleneola River by the footbridge, before following the waterfalls down through the zigzags to the miners village. From here its a wide light gravel path along the banks of the upper lake surrounded by scots pine trees, the reddish-brown of their bark often glowing in the midday sun that fills the valley. As you make it to the end of the upper lake, youll pass a small building to your left (once an education centre). The trail heads up the track that climbs to your left. If you are short on snacks, or would like a proper bathroom, you can head straight on here for just a couple hundred meters to the upper car park. There youll find food vans and a large toilet block. Retrace your steps to the turn off, and youre on the way to the final of the three valleys. It always surprises me how quickly the business of Glendalough drops off as soon as you turn onto an alternative path. Climbing up this wide path the noise of the tourists will fall away behind you, and its once again back to the birds and skittish deer. This climb isnt as intense, and as you progress youll pass a couple of paths peeling off to the left - all generally leading towards the summit of Camaderry. The descent down into Glendasan is steep as it cuts through the forest, coming out onto the gravel access road along the Glendassan River. Here youre walking the same trail as St. Kevins Way, all the way up the valley to the Hero Mines.Between the three valleys, the mines in Glendasan ran for the longest, not closing until 1957. This was after the fatality of local miner Jim Mernagh earlier that year, and injury of hid co-worker Robert Carter, who become a devoted preserver of the areas mining heritage. According to Wicklow Heritage, he was also one of the integral people behind this trails development. There are many stories about the work and lives that went on in these valleys, like the 100 lights that crossed the ford of Avonbeg River. If youre interested in history, this trail is oozing with it. And Im delighted to say that the trail doesnt suffer for it - Ive walked many routes that are built around the history of an area, without really considering if the walking itself is pleasant. The roughly 20km of this trail are all great, taking you from quiet forests and punchy climbs, to busy lakesides and back to peaceful paths. So even if youre someone not fully enamoured with mining or history, youll enjoy the trail regardless. Connect with nature, mingle with the many streams, and enjoy some chips in the upper car park. Info board at the Glendasan trail head (my endpoint for the trail) That morning Id left my van in the car park at the very top of the Wicklow Gap before getting a lift to Glenmalure with a friend (thanks Helen!). I knew the trail ended at one of the smaller car parks on the road up to the gap, but was exactly 100% sure which one.On reaching the end of the trail, I realised that I was much further down the valley than I expected. Having dinner plans with friends, I decided the faster way was to ditch St. Kevins Way (which can sometimes be a bit wet further up the trail), and simply to jog (read: shuffle faster with my backpack and winter layers) up the road. About half way, a local farmer pulled over and drove me the rest of the way. He was driving around the hills looking for some lost sheep. Ive forgotten his name, but we had a great chat and he dropped me right to the van door. So this thanks goes out to all lovely land owners in general! I hope the sheep were found. Further exploringOther day hikes in the area: Glendalough White Loop (The Spinc)The Dublin Mountains LoopSt. Kevins Way, WicklowThe Avonmore WayNearby National Waymarked Trails: The Wicklow WayThe Dublin Mountains WayMountain Hikes: Kippure: Dublin County High PointCoffee/food options: The Glenmalure Lodge: one of the cornerstones of hillwalking in the area, the Glenmalure Lodge is a pub with food served all day (breakfast too!), as well as having accommodation options. The family who run it are lovely, I cannot recommend stopping by enough. Glendalough Green Cafe, Laragh: a Wicklow institution, Ive been going here since before I could walk! This is the perfect cafe for a cosy mocha on a winters day, or a coffee and sweet treat to take out into the sunshine of a summers day.Glendalough Upper Car Park Food Trucks: are they a little expensive - maybe. But when youre just off the trail, some toasty chips or a hot drink always taste incredible.

We test out a mountaineering down jacket that offers superb warmth-to-weight performance... and at a great priceReviewSpecsGalleryRetailersLa Sportiva are one of the dominant mountain footwear brands in the UK, beloved of mountain professionals and weekend warriors alike, but you dont see as much of their clothing out on the hill as home-grown brands such as Rab, Berghaus and Mountain Equipment. That may well change though if they bring out more products such as this Lumina 200 down jacket an extremely high-spec piece that comes with a surprisingly low pricetag for what it is offering. Too good to be true? Lets find outThe SpecsThe specs of the Lumina 200 are really impressive the jacket contains 125g of 1000-fillpower down, with an overall weight of just 250g. The outer is made from Pertex QUANTUM 100% Recycled Polyamide, which is a very light and downproof material, but also pretty durable. The Diamond Fuse technology means that the yarns it uses have diamond-shaped filaments that lock together to create a durable and highly abrasion-resistant fabric. In our experience the fabric is quite resistant to scraping against rocks and ice, or pack straps rubbing against it; however, it (unsurprisingly) doesnt like sharp-edges such as crampon points or ice axe picks.The down filling of the Lumina 200 is extremely high qualityThe quality of the down inside the Lumina 200 is about as good as you can get, and La Sportiva go as far as to say the Lumina 200 has likely the best warmth-to-weight ratio in the world. Certainly what you immediately notice about the Lumina 200 is that its incredibly lofty; its baffles appear almost to be bursting, such is the puffiness of their contents. The baffles themselves are arranged in a vertical chevron pattern on the torso, at front and rear, with smaller panels at the sides, to allow movement, and shoulders. The baffle construction throughout is stitch-through rather than boxwall, which saves weight but is of course less draftproof, as cool air can enter at the seams.Luminas hood has a rear volume adjustor and is elasticated around the faceGiven its very low weight, its not surprising that the Lumina 200s features are fairly minimal. The cuffs are elasticated rather than having Velcro tabs, and the hood has a combination of an elasticated hem around the face and a volume adjustor at the back. A single pull-tab is located at the hem for keeping drafts out. You get two zipped handwarmer pockets, and these are roomy enough to accommodate a winter glove in each, and the main zipper is two-way, which is always handy whether for belaying or taking a comfort break. La Sportiva have made sensible compromises to save weight, but if you want more bells and whistles then clearly you need to look elsewhere.You wont be missed on the mountain with the Luminas vibrant colourwaysIn UseAs well as being light, the Lumina 200 is superbly packable; when packed inside its supplied stuffsack its only about 22cm (l) by 15cm (d), which means you dont have to think twice before lobbing it in your pack. The fit is fairly snug but can accommodate at least one midlayer underneath. With the hem coming down over the hips, and the hood covering the lower part of your face, inside the Lumina in the cold is a pleasant place to be. The outer fabric is treated with a PFC-free DWR coating, so does offer some shower protection, however its important to note that the down itself is not treated with a water repellent coating so it wont stand up to heavy/persistent rain. In strong winds the stitch-through baffles are likely to let some cold air in, however the Pertex Quantum the outer shell uses is windproof itself. Speaking of the outer, as durable as it is, if you do get a cut or hole in it you can repair it using the included repair kit a nice touch.Packed-down Lumina 200 besides a 1L Nalgene bottleSo who is the Lumina 200 aimed at? Well clearly it will excel in cold and dry alpine conditions, so whether youre an elite alpinist keeping grams to the minimum, or a trekker, mountaineer or skier looking for a warm, light layer to keep in your pack, the Lumina is just the job. While its not ideally suited to typically damp British weather, its perfectly usable on cold/dry days and should also appeal to lightweight backpackers who want a warm layer for evenings around the camp, or to sling on during rest stops. If you want to step up or down from the 200 in terms of warmth, La Sportiva also offer the Lumina 100 and Lumina 300 the clue to the jackets performance is in their names, if you hadnt already guessed, with their overall weights coming in at 170g (Lumina 100), 250g (Lumina 200) and 350g (Lumina 300).Overall VerdictThe Lumina 200 seems like a bit of a steal for us at its 270 asking price. The warmth/weight performance is really outstanding, and such a packable and lightweight layer could prove to be one of the most useful pieces in your wardrobe. The Lumina 200 is suitable for a wide-range of uses/situations, however if you want even more warmth then check out the Lumina 300 which is only 100g more.More info: www.lasportiva.comSpecsMain fabric: (MFWS057) PERTEX QUANTUM 100% Recycled PolyamideOther fabrics: Lining: (MFWS058) 100% Recycled Polyamide Padding: (MEPN004) 100% Pure White Down (124g)Fit: RegularFill Power: 1000Insulation: Pure White European DownFeaturesCompression bag for packability2 hidden zippered front pockets, compatible with a harnessElasticated inner cuffs for extra warmthIntegrated hood with elasticated hem for greater cold-weather protectionDWR PFC free fabric finishing for light water repellencySuperlight Pertex Quantum fabric for robust, downproof protectionRepair kit to patch tears and rips1,000 cuin Italian down for incomparible warmth and loftSustainabilityResponsible Down StandardRecycled fabricPFC freeJoe Brown/The Climbers ShopOutside

Getting outside with a pram isnt always as straightforward as it should be especially in North Wales, where paths can quickly turn rocky, muddy or steep.But after plenty of trial and error (and more than a few turned-around walks), Ive found some great pram-friendly walks in North Wales that actually work for parents with babies and toddlers.These are walks Ive done myself with a pram routes with wide paths, manageable surfaces and enough flexibility to suit nap times, feeds and the inevitable need to stop and stare at ducks.If youre looking for scenic, low-stress walks where you dont need a carrier or an all-terrain pushchair, these are some of my favourite pram friendly walks in North Wales P.S This post may contain affiliate links. If you click and purchase, I'll earn some cuppa money, which I promise to drink while continuing to create content for you. I only ever recommend products that I personally love and use myself. Snowdonia National Park / EryriSnowdonia isnt the first place people think of for pram walks, but there are some brilliant lower-level routes that work really well. Llyn Padarn, LlanberisLlyn Padarn is one of the best pram friendly walks in North Wales. The path around the lake is mostly flat and follows an old railway trackbed and quiet lanes, making it ideal for pushchairs.Its an easy, scenic walk with mountain views, lakeside sections and a lovely woodland nature trail thats great for slightly older children too.You dont need to do the full loop - walking out and back works perfectly and keeps things flexible.Why its great with a pram:Mostly flat, well-maintained pathsOld railway trackbed and quiet lanesNature trail through woodlandCafs and facilities in Llanberis Parking: Several pay & display car parks around Padarn Country Park and Llanberis village including Gilfach Ddu (near the Slate Museum), Y Glyn (lagoon) and Dolbadarn car parks fees apply and spaces fill up in peak season. Gelerts Grave Walk, BeddgelertThe Gelerts Grave walk is a lovely riverside route that works well with a pram, especially if you stick to the main path alongside the river.Its flat, wide and well-surfaced, with plenty to keep little ones entertained - bridges, water, ducks and woodland scenery.Beddgelert itself is also ideal for a post-walk caf stop.Why its great with a pram:Flat riverside pathsShort and flexible routeGreat facilities nearby Parking: Gwynedd Council pay & display car parks in Beddgelert village (near town centre) - ideal for walking to the start of the Gelerts Grave route. The Mawddach Trail, DolgellauThe Mawddach Trail is a stunning flat route following an old railway line. The surface is compact and wide, making it suitable for prams and perfect for relaxed walking.The views over the estuary are beautiful, even if you only walk a short section.Why its great with a pram:Old railway trackbedFlat, traffic-free routeIncredible scenery Parking: Penmaenpool & the Mawddach Trail start/visitor car park for the Mawddach Trail in Dolgellau and surrounds. Tegid Trail, BalaThe Tegid Trail around Llyn Tegid is another excellent flat route that works well with a pram. The wide paths and lakeside views make it a calm, scenic walk.You can walk as much or as little as suits your day.Why its great with a pram:Flat lakeside pathsWide and accessiblePeaceful setting Parking: Bala - Plassey Street Car Park a Bala foreshore pay & display car park close to the Llyn Tegid lakeside walk start point (LL23 7SW). Accommodation in SnowdoniaPale Hall (Luxury Hotel)Dinas Noddfa (Holiday House - Sleeps 6)Bryn Derwen Lodge (Lodge - Sleeps 6) AngleseyAnglesey is fantastic for pram friendly walks, thanks to its flatter terrain and well-maintained paths. Newborough ForestNewborough Nature Reserve is a lovely, accessible outdoor day out and a perfect place for a gentle walk with a pram.Its an ideal spot to get some fresh air, enjoy being active and explore nature without worrying about rough terrain or steep climbs.Newborough Nature Reserve has two trails suitable for adaptive bikes, wheelchairs and prams, making it one of the most accessible walking spots in North Wales for families.The Llyn Parc Mawr car park has an accessible trail leading directly from it, which makes getting started easy and stress-free.Why its great with a pram:Fully accessible trailsSuitable for prams, wheelchairs and adaptive bikesEasy access from the car parkFlat, well-maintained paths Parking: Main forest & beach car parks charge on exit; approx 5 for up to 2 hrs and 15 max daily (free Blue Badge parking & resident passes apply). Trails, including the accessible route from Llyn Parc Mawr, start from various forest car parks. Plas Newydd House and GardenPlas Newydd is a brilliant option for walking with a pram. The grounds are wide, open and well-surfaced, with stunning views across the Menai Strait towards Snowdonia.You can wander at your own pace, making it ideal for nap-friendly walks, and theres plenty of space for toddlers to explore once theyre out of the pram.Why its great with a pram:Wide, smooth pathsGentle gradientsCaf and toilets on siteBeautiful scenery without effort Parking: On-site National Trust parking included with entry space available for visitors to the house and gardens. (Exact postcodes vary, but general site parking is included.) The Dingle, LlangefniThe Dingle is a peaceful woodland walk that works well with a pram, especially in dry conditions. The paths are mostly flat and sheltered, making it a great option on warmer days.Its a calm, shaded walk that feels tucked away but is still very accessible.Why its great with a pram:Sheltered woodland pathsMostly flat terrainQuiet and relaxing Accommodation in AngleseySandy Mount House (5-star inn)Swn Y Wylan (Holiday Cottage - Sleeps 4)Shepherds Stone (Shepherds Hut - Sleeps 2) North East WalesThis area has some of the best pram friendly country parks in North Wales, with excellent facilities for families.Alyn Waters Country ParkAlyn Waters is one of my go-to recommendations for easy walking with a pram. The riverside paths are flat, wide and ideal for pushchairs.Its also a great spot for toddlers once theyre walking, with space to explore safely.Why its great with a pram:Flat riverside routesWide, compact pathsCaf, toilets and parking Parking: Large park car parks on both Gwersyllt and Llay sides charges apply (around 1 a day; Blue Badge holders free). Wepre Park, FlintshireWepre Park offers a mix of woodland and open parkland, with several pram friendly paths that work well for gentle walks.You can keep the route short and accessible while still enjoying waterfalls, woodland and open space.Why its great with a pram:Wide park pathsShort, manageable routesGreat for relaxed outings Parking: Wepre Park Car Park on-site parking at the park entrance. Erddig, WrexhamErddig is a fantastic place for pram walks. The estate paths are wide, smooth and well maintained, with open parkland and woodland sections.Its ideal if you want a longer wander without worrying about difficult terrain.Why its great with a pram:Wide, accessible estate pathsGentle terrainCaf, toilets and parking Parking: Erddig Hall Car Park on-site National Trust car park close to the house and grounds. Chirk Castle, WrexhamChirk Castles grounds are surprisingly pram friendly, with long, wide paths that take you through woodland and open parkland.You can easily adapt the walk depending on how far you want to go, and the views across the surrounding countryside are lovely.Why its great with a pram:Wide, well-surfaced pathsFlexible route optionsFamily-friendly facilities Parking: On-site parking available for visitors to Chirk Castle (often included with admission). Moel Famau WalkMoel Famau might not sound pram friendly, but theres a 0.4-mile accessible circular route from the lower car park thats perfect for pushchairs and little legs.Its a great option if you want fresh air and countryside views without tackling the summit.Theres also a wooden play area and toilets, which always helps when walking with kids. Parking: Lower car park, 2 CH7 5SHWhy its great with a pram:Short, accessible circular routeWide, compact pathPlay area and toilets Llangollen CanalThe Llangollen Canal is a lovely flat walk that works brilliantly with a pram. Start just over the road from the heritage railway station and enjoy the wide, level towpath.If you want to continue on to Horseshoe Falls, youll need a baby carrier, but the initial section is perfect for pushchairs. You might even spot the horse-drawn boats. Parking: East Street car park, 3.50 all day - LL20 8RBWhy its great with a pram:Flat, wide canal towpathEasy out-and-back routePlenty to see for little ones Ty Mawr Country ParkTy Mawr is one of the best all-round family parks in North Wales. The Ty Mawr Trail is a 1-mile circular pram friendly route with beautiful views of the Cefn Viaduct and River Dee.Theres also a playground, refreshment hatch, toilets and a petting zoo - making it ideal for a full family day out. Parking: 1 per day - LL14 3PEWhy its great with a pram:Dedicated pram friendly trailExcellent facilitiesPlayground and animals Accommodation in North East WalesNorthop Hall Country House Hotel (4-star Hotel)The Old Workshop (Holiday Home - Sleeps 2)Moel Famau (Log Cabin - Sleeps 2) ConwyRhos-on-Sea to Old Colwyn Coastal PathThe Rhos-on-Sea to Old Colwyn coastal path is a brilliant pram friendly walk in the Conwy area. The promenade-style path is flat, wide and easy to navigate, making it ideal for pushchairs of all kinds.Youre treated to uninterrupted sea views the whole way, with plenty of benches along the route for stops, feeds or just watching the waves. Its an easy out-and-back walk, so you can turn around whenever it suits you - perfect for relaxed seaside strolls without sand, steps or awkward terrain.Why its great with a pram:Flat promenade-style pathSea views throughoutEasy to turn back Parking: Pay & display along nearby town car parks such as Bodlondeb Pay & Display Car Park or Morfa Bach Pay & Display Car Park both provide easy access to the promenade path. Accommodation in ConwyThe Manor Boutique Hotel (Hotel)Sandy Shell Cottage (Holiday Home - Sleeps 2) Map of Pram Friendly Walks in North Wales Walking with a pram in North Wales doesnt mean settling for boring routes. With the right paths, you can still enjoy lakes, coastlines, woodlands and countryside - just at a gentler pace.These pram friendly walks in North Wales are all places Id happily recommend to other parents looking for easy, scenic time outdoors with their little ones. Other Posts You Might Like .The Best 8 Family-Friendly Walks in North WalesBest Walks in North WalesTop Winter Walks in North WalesBest Waterfall Walks in North Wales26 Things to do in North Wales follow our adventures.