Carl and I moved to the north-west of Ireland in 2021 to escape the expense of city life. What Ive found in this time is the true meaning of hidden gems - a landscape littered with lakes; hills that are shaped like cresting waves or crowned with cliffs; and wandering woodlands that offer pockets of reprieve from the world at large. Here are two such places I explored in the autumn 2023: Glencar Waterfall and the Devils Chimney. If youre a waterfalls fan then right now (26th of August 2024) would be an amazing time to visit these places (a not so subtle nod to the face that weve been living through a lot of rain the last while). Overview - Glencar Waterfall: Distance: 1kmTime: 10 - 30 minutes Parking:Ample parking at Glencar Lough Car ParkTrail difficulty: Multi-Access / EasyThe trail to the base of the waterfall is multi-access. To create a short loop in the woods, there are stairs. Read about trail grading in Ireland here.Trail quality: 5/5If you are looking for a very accessible trail, this is perfect. It is very managed and manicured, so not a wild retreat if that is what youre looking for.Views: 4/5Brings you to a lovely view point of the waterfall, and the loop through the woodlands is nice.Buggy/Wheelchair friendly: YesAccessible to the waterfall base (some small bridges en route)Dogs allowed: Yes (according to Discover Ireland, however some other reviews online say otherwise) View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize Arriving to the car park at Glencar I was taken aback by the infrastructure surrounding me. While I know that I studied the poetry of Yeats at some point in my schooling career, I hadnt truly understood how well known he was internationally - and from that, how well known some of the places he wrote about have now become. Glencar Waterfall is a gorgeous, dramatic plunge that is as beautiful as the pictures make it look. It is also a maximum 1km loop from the car to the falls and back along the forest boardwalk. The path through to the waterfall is paved, with small bridges crossing the steam that leads from the falls down to the lake. As I walked, families flowed in and out, children running and grandparents tottering. There would be moments where the viewing platform was full - but wait five minutes, and youre alone once more. Continuing up from the waterfall along the wooden walkway, the trail is pretty with the lush greens of moss and ferns. Its a relaxing walk, and once I was past the waterfall I didnt meet a single other person. If youre visiting the area and want to tick off a beautiful waterfall, or have friends or family who youre introducing to the outdoors, this might be a nice stop-off for you. If youre looking for a walk thatll take an hour or two, the next waterfall might be more up your street (or cliff, as it were). Overview - Devils Chimney Waterfall: Distance: 2.5 kmTime: 30mins - 90mins (depending on route, fitness, and how long you want to take in the views for)Parking:Space available for about 5 cars at the road-side car park.Trail difficulty: EasyThe trail is well kept and waymarked. The climbs and descents can be steep in sections.Read about trail grading in Ireland here.Trail quality: 5/5Lovely loop for such a small areaViews: 5/5Great views of the waterfall and cliffs throughout, as well as over Glencar Lough itself. Buggy/Wheelchair friendly: NoThis trail contains steps and steep sections that would not be buggy or wheelchair accessible.Dogs allowed: Yes. Make sure to follow signage as some areas require dogs to be on lead. View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize After the business of Glencar, pulling into the parking lay-by of The Devils Chimney felt much more like the quiet trails I was used to. Pulling my bag on, I headed up the track towards the trees and cliffs. The hills in this area are known as the Dartrys. The most famous of their peaks is Benbulben, a table-top mountain of cliffs and a plateau summit. However, Benbulben isnt the only visually striking hill in the range. So many of these hills undulate in ways you would never expect, making them look far more lofty than they are. In true Dartry style, this trail is short but steep, twisting and turning with the erratic flow of the land. View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize The Devils Chimney name in Irish is Sruth in Aghaidh An Aird, which roughly translates as stream against the height. The Irish name reflects the fact that when a strong southerly wind blows, the water can sometimes be blown back up over the cliff-face, looking like its defying gravity. And like all things rural and out of the way, there is a sign designating that this is officially Irelands tallest waterfall at 150m (492ft). Ive seen this designation quietly disputed, as the Devils Chimney doesnt flow during dry weather - and even when I visited after a few days of rain, it was a gentle flow. However, none of these debates take away from what is a gorgeous way to spend an hour or two exploring.The land that these trails go through, as well as the Devils chimney itself, is all privately owned, and Id like to extend a huge thank you to the landowners whove developed such a lovely trail and have it open to the public for free. Like anywhere we go outside - please make sure to respect any signage you see while on the trails. The route I took around the trails here felt the most intuitive to me, however I think there are some paths I didnt explore. In comparison to Glencar, I met one other family group as I arrived and they finished up their walk, and I had my time at the waterfall base to myself. While still not a challenging hike, this was a lovely walk and offered great views out across the valley. Further exploringOther trails in the area: Knocknarea & Queen Maeves TrailUnion WoodKillaspugbrone Loop WalkBenbulben Forest WalkAughris Head Coastal WalkMountain Hikes:Benbulben Summit Hike Truskmore: Sligo & Leitrims County High PointFavourite Local Coffee / Food Options:TeaSHED at Glencar WaterfallShells, Strandhill (Brunch)Rover Coffee Lab, Sligo (Coffee)Hooked, Sligo (Restaurant)Miss Suzy Sligo (Sushi)

We head to the Lake District to participate in Arcteryxs annual get-together in the Great Langdale valley, and to join a number of clinics they had on offerHaving attended several memorable Arcteryx Alpine Academy events in Chamonix over the years, we jumped at the chance to join this years Arcteryx Climb Academy event in the Lake District when we received an invite back in April. Set in the idyllic location of the Great Langdale valley, and surrounded by easily-accessed climbing crags, scrambling routes and hillwalks, the hub of the event was the Old Dungeon Gyll Hotel and the small but buzzy basecamp area that had been set up outside. It was here that everyone would meet each morning before going on one of the clinics that were on offer, and where wed all return to later to enjoy a pint and share stories from the day. As well as the clinics, Arcteryx had also organised entertainment in the evenings, including live music and hang competitions in the basecamp area, and a film night on Sunday evening. Arriving on Thursday evening full of enthusiasm, we signed up for a selection of the clinics and couldnt wait to get out and at it the following morningTopping out at Ravens Crag Yewdale during the roped scrambling clinicRoped Scrambling and abseilingDay 1 saw Chris joining instructors Adrian, Dave and Greg and a keen group of attendees including several from the Muslim Hikers group on the roped scrambling clinic. After a short drive we arrived at Ravens Crag Yewdale, and made our way up the lower slopes through trees before coming out on a more rocky area where we donned helmets and harnesses. Here it was time to pay attention to Adrian Nelhams, of the International School of Alpinism, who explained that wed be teaming up with a partner and taking turns in keeping our partner safe when ascending tricky or exposed steps up the route. We roped up and took coils as you would do when climbing in the Alps, and then took turns at leading and seconding. The idea is to move together when the terrain is easy, but when a slightly more difficult, or exposed, section is encountered the leader would go first, take a stance and then keep the rope tight as the second moved up. Any slip could be prevented becoming a fall by the leader locking the rope off. The route proved ideal for practising these techniques, with the odd tree or spike providing the opportunity to also use a direct belay or Italian hitch. After topping out, we walked back to the carpark to get ready for our next activity abseiling. After another short drive and walk-in we arrived at the top of a cliff in Cathedral Quarry. Local climber and instructor Greg had already set up a top rope anchor, and we took it in turns to abseil off the cliff which was ideal because halfway down we swapped from feet against the wall to hanging in free space. A cloud of midges at the top meant that everyone wanted to get down the cliff as quickly as possible; perhaps thats one way of getting round first-time nerves!Practising nav skills in the Langdale valleyNavigationWhile Chris was scrambling and abseiling, Amanda headed out with a group practising their nav skills with instructor Rose. It seemed fitting that the rain should start just as we were about to start our navigation course, though this wasnt a problem as Arcteryx had a gear library with waterproof jackets and trousers available to borrow for the day. Six of us gathered around Rose, who asked us what navigation experience we had. This ranged from nothing at all to having done a few courses, and even having done Mountain Leader training. Arcteryx had custom OS maps of the area made for the event, which was a really nice touch and we were each gifted one to take home with us. We started with an exercise, going over the various symbols that youll find on OS maps, and then Rose explained access and gave a brief description of contours. This wasnt your typical classroom navigation course though, so it wasnt long before we started our hike that would take us along the stunning Langdale valley, with the hills surrounding us looking particularly moody this day with low cloud hugging the summits. Just getting out there and doing it made the course not only enjoyable, but suitable for the various levels of knowledge within our group for some it was more of a refresher and a bit of practice, and for others it helped build the confidence needed to start heading out on the trails with a map. Somebody in the group timed as we ticked off features along the route and practiced thumbing the map i.e. using your thumb to continuously keep track of your location on the map. One lady told us that her biggest take-away of the day was to break it down into sections, as she tended to get overwhelmed when looking at the route as a whole. We did a 6km circular route which brought us back to the Arcteryx Academy basecamp where we had some food and a well-deserved pint.Looking for bomber gear placements on the top rope anchor clinicBuilding top rope anchorsDay 2 saw Chris join instructor Greg and a keen group of climbers to head to Stickle Barn Crag, a short but steep walk up from the Old Dungeon Ghyll Hotel, to practise making top rope anchors at the top of the crag. This is a super-useful skill for all levels of climbers; although more associated with novice or inexperienced climbers, it is also used by experienced climbers to practise hard moves on a route before leading it. Stickle Barn Crag is often used by instructors because of its easy access and quick-drying rock, and we passed another group getting ready to climb from the bottom as we headed around and up to the top. Before we got stuck into building anchors, we spent a good chunk of time practising gear placements with nuts, cams, slings and hexes with Greg challenging us to find as many as possible in 20 minutes. He explained his rating system of the quality of placements from 0 to 5, with 6 being absolutely beyond reproach (e.g. a sling around a one-ton boulder!). Inevitably some of our placements were better than others, and Greg pointed out how they could be better, or if they shouldnt be used at all. The meat of the clinic, though, was Greg showing us how to build the top rope anchor, by putting in multiple pieces of gear to create anchors, equalising the anchors and then bringing the rope down to a clip-in point that would dangle over the edge of the cliff face, protected by a canvas rope protector to stop the rope getting damaged. The clinic was excellent in terms of understanding the principles of building this kind of anchor, however it was clear that most of us would have to go away and work on it to become proficient in its use!Getting creative on the Tessa Lyons-led art sessionCreative Drawing ClassBack at the basecamp, Amanda joined the Creative Drawing Class with Tessa Lyons, a perfect way to spend a free afternoon while others were out exploring the crags, boulders, and hills. With no clouds in the sky, Tessa decided to set up some picnic tables in the field so that we could use the surroundings of the valley for inspiration in our drawings. Even if you dont know who Tessa Lyons is, chances are youve seen some of her lovely artwork, having a huge portfolio and having worked with numerous brands and organisations (her work can be found at: www.tessalyons.co.uk). The tables were set up with paper, charcoal, ink and some fun tools such as feathers and bubble wrap. She had us listen to a couple different types of music and we let the music inspire our markings on the page we werent aiming to draw anything in particular, just allowing the music to translate into art. After, we moved onto the landscape portion of the class. Tessa did a demonstration and explained how she works out proportions as well as giving us insight into her creative process. We had plenty of inspiration all around us trees, hills, waterfalls, and lots of light and shadow hitting the rocky outcrops. Although we were all looking at the same landscape (aside from Arcteryx athlete Holly who was facing the opposite direction!), every drawing was very different and uniquely beautiful. I hope shell return again next year, and highly recommend giving it a go, even if youve not yet discovered your inner artist you may just surprise yourself!Fine-tuning your lead clinic at Stickle Barn CragFine-tune your lead climbingOn the last day (Sunday) of the Climb Academy, Chris joined the DMM Fine Tune Your Lead Climbing clinic with instructor Des and fellow participants Fraser and Henry. Returning once more to Stickle Barn Crag, we spent the first 20 minutes discussing gear racking options while waiting for the rain to ease. We then stood beneath a route and visualised where we might place anchors and calculated how many bits of gear and quickdraws we might need. The thrust of the clinic was to become more efficient in terms of not carrying too much (or the wrong) gear, optimising our rope management and generally being as smooth and safe as we could be on any particular route. Finally, we each had a go at the route with Des watching closely and giving us tips for what we might do better or differently. Despite the rain, it was another enjoyable and enlightening session!Arcteryx athlete Holly Toothill hanging tough while being interviewedFilm nightOn Sunday evening we all settled down for a selection of Arcteryx-sponsored films covering three different climbing styles bouldering, rock climbing and alpinism. Keep it Real 2 was a short film following several British climbers as they joined locals at the world-famous Fontainebleu bouldering venue; La Belle Trace featured two French alpinists as they attempt to traverse the Mer de Glace skyline in Chamonix, and Yamnuska: The Ragged Edge follows Quentin Roberts and Vikki Weldon as they explore the rich history and folklore of one of Canadas most iconic cliffs.Overall we had a brilliant time at the Arcteryx Climb Academy 2024, and would return in a heartbeat given the opportunity.For more info, head over to: https://arcteryxacademy.com/

Stay local and uncover the wonders of your area with doorstep adventure itineraries from Quirky Campers.What better place to find adventure than right on your doorstep? This summer, stay local and explore all the delights within a short drive from London by hiring a campervan for a short break from the city. Whether youre planning a long weekend at the coast or a midweek escape to avoid the heat of the underground, the Quirky Campers Doorstep Adventure London is perfect for a few days off. All suggestions are within an easy two-hour drive from Greater London, all stops are recommended and tested by Quirky Campers expert local staff, and all you have to do is choose from our incredible range of London-based campervans, and drive off into the sunset. Expect recommendations for cafs with deliciously brewed coffee, scenic walks in the country, great campsites, and of course, the best campervans.Benefits of Local TravelSave Yourself Money!As the cost of fuel rises it has become the main expense of campervan travel, staying local to London will reduce costs and allow you to have more spending money once you arrive at your destination! Campervans should be driven slowly at a more economical speed of 60 mph or less travelling shorter distances slower will leave you plenty of spare change for that cocktail in the sunshine. Avoid Travel StressTraffic jams, train delays, long queues at passport control you can bypass them all by a local trip in a Quirky Campervan. Stick to the smaller roads and enjoy the path less travelled, find local gems by taking the off-motorway route, and enjoy slow travel at its finest. Eco-FriendlyTravel Embrace green travel by staying local, travelling in your local area will also help lower your carbon footprint. Short-haul flights and long-distance drives use more fuel and create carbon emissions. By exploring whats already on your doorstep youll use less fuel, produce fewer emissions, and help prevent overcrowding at popular tourist spots. Enjoy Slower TravelCreate a more relaxed experience for you and your travelling companions. You get enough of chaos in London so why not escape it for your holidays? Whether youre travelling solo, with a partner, friends, or family, taking a slower pace allows you to escape the mayhem of modern life, reconnect with nature and learn to relax.Who are the itineraries for?Anyone and everyone! Hiring a campervan doesnt have to be a big drama it can be a quick and easy way to get away thats accessible to everyone. We have campervans to hire with 6ft+ beds for those who need to stretch out, pet-friendly campervans, even some with WIFI if youre planning a mini remote working trip- no matter what your needs are theres a Quirky Campervan to suit you. Check out our guide on hiring a campervan for more info on how the process works.Easy Family Weekend AwayCampervan travel is perfect for last-minute family escapes. With plenty of space for all your essentials, you can pile in all the gear, all the kids, and even the dogs (kitchen sink already provided!). Keep costs low by cooking up big family feasts in the evening, and never stress about sleeping arrangements or getting around. Staying local minimises is a guaranteed way of avoiding the stress of long journeysno more bored kids kicking the backseat, just fun, adventure, and fantastic memories.Romantic GetawaysFor a date with a difference why not try a spontaneous weekend away from London in a campervan to recreate your honeymoon period? Enjoy the freedom to stop at the most romantic locations for a glass of wine and a picnic as the sun sets. Gaze at the stars from the comfort of your home on wheels.Solo AdventureIf youre thinking about taking an adventure alone and giving solo travel a go travelling in a campervan is an excellent way to dip your toes in the shallows. Youll be safe and secure in a locked van at night but have the freeing experience of travelling wherever and whenever you like during the day. Short trips rejuvenate the soul, give you an escape from work, and stress and could open a world of new experiences.Adventures with Friends Round up your housemates, old friends, gym buddies, or coworkersany of your favourite peopleand rent a campervan for a short escape from London. Discover new places, explore local sights, and enjoy a break that feels much longer than just a few days. Theres something special about sitting around a campfire at sunset, savouring great food, drinks, and company that brings everyone closer together.Doorstep Adventure Series Part 3 London to KentThere are so many areas of outstanding natural beauty within a few hours of London. This is the first in a series of mini-itineraries for short-term campervan travel. You dont need to travel for weeks or miles to discover jaw-dropping scenery, wonders of nature, hikes galore, epic architecture, delicious eateries, or artisan coffees. All you need is a few days and a campervan.Step one Hire a London-based Quirky CampervanWith so many Quirky Campervans available to hire from London, youre sure to find the perfect match for you. They come in every style and size so no matter what adventure youre choosing, your campervan companion will have your back. Just pick the dates, choose a campervan, and get driving!You can see ourfull campervan listings hereor check out some of our best Bristol based campervans at the end of this blog.Step Two Drive to KentKent is known as the garden of England, the stunning lanes are filled with abundant flowers and greenery, youll pass by ancient castles, and stately homes and drive through the North Weald and the North Downs both home to stunning scenery, rolling green hills, lush woodlands and quaint villages ripe for exploring.Step 3 Choose Your Activity Hike the white cliffs of DoverPark up in the historic town of Deal, Kent. This picturesque town is right on the seafront, theres plenty of cute colourful houses, a long shingle beach to relax on, cafes, and the beautiful Walmer Castle and Gardens to explore. Pull up and fuel up with a delicious breakfast and coffee to start your day right. Then grab a short train to Dover and hike back along the famous white cliffs.Distance (estimated) 10 MilesTime 3-4 Hours walking (Pace dependant)HighlightsExperience the stunning views over the channel, grab a mid-walk pint or some chips for fuel at the Zetland Arms, and then finish up with a refreshing ice cream or iced coffee at Deal Pier.Wander The Deal MarketDeals Saturday market is one of the most vibrant local markets in Kent. Packed full of fresh local goods and produce, including fruit and veg, seafood, bread, cakes, vintage and restored homewares, and even a little wine bar for a cheeky Saturday tipple. If youre in search of a caffeine kick to fuel your browsing, check out the local cafe, Real Deal Roasters for freshly roasted coffee.Eat and DrinkQuirky Campers recommendations for local eateries and excellent coffee stops along the way. Nothing like a steaming hot, fresh coffee and cake just baked that morning to fuel your adventures!Hut 55 DealAddress: Marine Rd, Walmer, Deal CT14 7RDLocated in Deal, this charming beachside cafe offers fresh coffee, delicious doorstop sandwiches, and giant slices of cake. They also offer pre-made picnics to order for a day at the beach or bike hire for some exploring on two wheels!If youre thinking about a walk, run, or bike ride from Kingsdown or Walmer to Deal, Hut 55 is the perfect spot to recharge with some caffeine. I usually end my long, sweaty runs there; the striped deckchairs and amazing baked goods are a fantastic way to refuel. Plus, if you need to take the load off, they offer bike rental!Alex Quirky CampersPop-Up Cafe DealAddress Popup Cafe, 16 High Street, Deal, Kent, CT14 7AELocated in Deal the Popup Cafe offers specialty coffees, freshly cooked brunches, lunches, and everything in between. Choose from a selection of freshly baked goods, salads, sandwiches, and toasties in a stylish and relaxed dining atmosphere.When you find yourself in the bustling seaside town of Deal, youll probably stumble upon this gem while searching for coffee or breakfast. Recommended by a lifelong Deal residient, Pop Up Cafe is my go-to spot for a weekend on the Kent coast. If youre craving something sweeter, they also have fantastic pastries and cookies.Alex Quirky CampersStep 4 Choose Your Campervan Camping Spot Campsite: Kingsdown CampsiteEnjoy beautiful views over the channel at this well-equipped clifftop site. Take advantage of the weekend food vans including stonebaked pizza and Peck Chicken.Facilities Toilets | Showers | Electric Hook-Up | Onsite Bar | Food Van |Address The Avenue, Kingsdown, Deal CT14 8DULooking for a different place to park overnight? Check out our guide onthe 5 easiest ways to find overnight campervan camping spotsCampervans Available to Hire from London There are so many beautiful hand-crafted campervans to hire from London you are spoiled for choice. No matter what route you plan on taking or how many people you are travelling with there will be a campervan ready to hire for you from Quirky Campers.Karma Available to hire from LondonGood Karma and good vibes will be all you experience in this beautiful, wood-clad home away from home. Karma is waiting to sweep you away from hectic city life and out into nature. Get ready to explore all the magical wildernesses the UK and Europe have to offer with a road trip in Karma.Claude Available to Hire from London One look at Claude and youll be eager to switch off all your devices and hit the road for a wild escape. Located in London, Claude is perfectly situated for all types of adventures. Dip your toes in the ocean along the Kentish coast, kick up the dirt while hiking trails through the South Downs National Park or stay local to London and immerse yourself in city life.Are you ready for your doorstep adventure? Hire a campervan today and get to know your local landscape!The post Doorstep Campervan Adventures London appeared first on Quirky Campers.

7 Day Road Trip Calgary to Vancouver

Its a great feeling to finally share my new book Treewilding with the world. I explore how to restore global forests and our relationship with them ...

September is always a popular time to rent a campervan in Ireland because of the quieter campsites and reduced autumn rates. Its also one of the busiest months in the Irish festival calendar! If you want to squeeze in a last-minute campervan escape before many of the campsites close for the season, keep reading to discover 6 Unique Festivals Taking Place This September.Galway International Oyster & Seafood FestivalSeptember 27th and 28th 2024This year marks the 70th year of the award-winning Galway International Oyster and Seafood Festival. Although the Oysters remain the star of the show, the festival has transformed over time into an experience famous for much more than seafood. You can also expect live entertainment and family fun, theres something for everyone, so much so that it was featured on The Rough Guides list of 50 Things to do before you die.Where to stay: Salthill Caravan Park, Clifden Eco Beach Camping & Caravanning ParkImage source: www.galwayoysterfestival.comWaterford Harvest Festival, Co. WaterfordSeptember 6th 8th 2024From cooking demos and food trails to petting zoos and live music performances, The Waterford Harvest Festival is a feast for all the senses with a series of events scattered throughout Irelands oldest city and beyond. Highlights include an acoustic performance by the Hothouse Flowers band, The Wobbly Circus Workshop, Food Demos by The Happy Pear and many more free events like these.Where to stay: The Getaway, DungarvanImage source: www.discoverireland.ieVitamin Sea Festival, Tramore, Co. WaterfordSeptember 20th 22nd 2024Staying in the Southeast, later in September the seaside town of Tramore will host its 4th annual Vitamin Sea Festival. The line-up includes a weekend full of free and ticketed sea inspired events including Sunrise SUP, Family Fun Yoga & Picnic, Family Friendly Sushi workshop, Cel at the Crossroads, Wine Tasting, Whiskey food pairing workshops, Street Parties and so much more!Where to stay: Newtown Cove Caravan ParkImage source: www.discoverireland.ieLisdoonvarna Matchmaking Festival, Co. ClareSeptember 1st 30th 2024A month-long matchmaking festival that sees hopeful romantics from all over the world flock to the small Clare village. Its not just for singletons though, its just a great excuse to get the gang together. We have 6 berth campervans available so you can all head down for the music, the mighty craic and maybe even love if thats what youre looking for!Where to stay: Campervan parking is usually permitted at the Pavilion in Lisdoonvarna during the festival and can be booked in advance.Image source: www.facebook.com/LisdoonvarnaFestivalPure Magic Battle for the Lake, Achill, Co. MayoSeptember 27th 29th 2024Billed as a music and watersports festival, Battle for the Lake is a unique celebration combining world-class bands and DJs with exciting watersport competitions, all set in the picturesque surroundings of Achill on Irelands Wild Atlantic Way.We have written a full blog post with more recommendations for things to do in Achill and the surrounding area at any time of the year, take a look here!Where to stay: Keel CampingImage source: www.discoverireland.ieWild & Well Festival, Collooney,Co. Sligo September 7th, 2024Switch off and experience a wholesome day in Sligo, on Irelands Wild Atlantic Way. Some of the holistic activities on offer on the day include yoga, live music, creative workshops, sound baths, and market stalls full of nourishing produce from local suppliers.Once the day is done, stay and explore more of Sligo like the Gleniff Horseshoe Loop or the famous Benbulben. For more recommendations on what to do and where eat in Sligo and the surrounding area during your campervan trip, read our Wild Atlantic Way Blog Series.Where to stay: Strandhill Caravan & Camping ParkImage source: www.discoverireland.ieDingle Food Festival, Dingle, Co. KerryOctober 4th 6th October 2024Ok so technically its not in September, but we couldnt do a list of autumn festivals in Ireland without giving a nod to the one that has been voted as Irelands Best Food Festival time and time again.Your cosy campervan could be your home away from home as you head to Dingle during the first weekend in October to enjoy over 60 indulgent experiences including taste trails, street food markets, master classes, family entertainment and more!Where to stay: Dingle CampingImage source: www.discoverireland.ieIf festivals arent your thing and you just want a quiet escape, our fleet of campervans for hire are all fully equipped with everything you need for a relaxing road trip. You can park up somewhere peaceful and watch the seasons change through the window of your cosy campervan.Check out our autumn rates and availability here or get in touch with us to find out more.The post 6 Unique September Festivals For All Tastes! appeared first on Craic N Campers.

In case you missed it, last summer I climbed every mountain on the island of Ireland on the Vandeleur-Lynams list. I spent 7 weeks climbing 275 peaks, seeing corners of Ireland Id never been to before, and challenging myself physically and mentally to new heights. But the Vandeleur-Lynams is not the only list of Irish peaks. There are also the Arderins.The Arderins are mountains on the island of Ireland that are 500 meters or more, with a prominence of 30 meters. At the time of writing, there are 408 peaks on this list.* The name, Arderin, means Irelands height in Irish, and is also the name of the highest peak in the Slieve Blooms, Irelands most geographically central mountains. What makes this list special is that MountainViews and Mountaineering Ireland have developed this list as the Irish version of the Scottish Munro list. There are 282 Munros across Scotland, a list managed by the Scottish Mountaineering Club. These peaks are defined as over 3,000 feet (914.4 m), and while the SMC doesnt officially use prominence as a metric for the Munros, all but one have a prominence above 30 metres.** The Vandeleur-Lynams list are closer in number to the Scottish Munros, however number of peaks isnt the only metric or motivation that MountainViews and Mountaineering Ireland were looking at. One of the major goals of the Arderins is to encourage a wider enjoyment of the Irish hills, taking traffic away from areas heavily used (like Wicklow, the Mournes or the Reeks) and instead have a lighter touch over a wider area. I noticed this so clearly last summer when I was in Kerry in particular. When traversing the Reeks or the many Brandons that surround Mount Brandon, I met plenty of other hikers. And the following day I would move onto another ridge-line, and I would see no one. Standing on those stunning peaks the thought crossed my mind that if those particular mountains were in any other county, they would be the gem in the crown of the outdoor scene of that place. But being Kerry, everyone wanted to experience the famous ones, or the tallest ones - and I cannot look harshly on them. I was also there, adding my footsteps to the same wear lines. And they are beautiful mountains. MissionAn accepted list of Irish hills, defined according to certain criteria, which encourages hillwalkers to explore upland areas throughout the island, without compromising the wildness, uniqueness and environment which give Ireland its character. We are mindful of the success of projects such as the Munros in Scotland and the Highpointers lists in the US. We see the Arderins as a premier list, the extent and nature of which, and the effort it takes to complete it, providing hillwalkers and clubs with a serious challenge usually undertaken over a lifetime of walking. It was, therefore, agreed that the Arderins list is the most appropriate for Irelands official mountain list.As I read through this mission statement from Mountaineering Ireland and MountainViews last winter, wondering what was next for me, it felt right. I deeply loved doing the Vandeleur-Lynams the way I did them during the summer of 2023, and I would not take back a single moment. But it is a very particular way to experience the hills. Im looking forward to ticking off the Arderins, but ticking them off slowly, seeing the further extremities of areas Ive been before, and visiting some completely new crooks and crannies of this island. And Im looking forward to sharing that experience with you all as I go. * However, at the time of deciding to do the list, there were 409 mountains. As I sat at my desk, preparing to record this as a video, I stared at this new illuminated number, at the list I had in no way memorised yet. Which peak was down-graded? What tiny, extra corner of Ireland might I not explore now? I know who to email to ask, but I havent taken the step yet. Well see if I seek it out regardless. ** The exception being Maoile Lunndaidh at 11 metres.