'Be fitter' is one of the top New Year's Resolutions, but sticking with it beyond February? That's the real challenge

So that's it over for another year. The presents opened, the turkey eaten (with leftovers to keep you going for at least another week), the crackers pulled and just some crumbs remain from the mince pies ...

With just a few sleeps to go until Father Christmas hopefully pays us a visit (only if you've been good though!) - here at The Outdoor Guide we wanted to take a moment to wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas!

Overview - Lough Meelagh Loop: Distance: 11kmFormat: LoopedRoute: This route is taking the existing long distance trail of the area (The Miners Way & Historical Trail), and creating a shorter day hike by linking to sections with a short road walk. You can view or download my route for this loop on Hiiker here.Time: 120mins - 180mins (depending on route, fitness, and how long you want to take in the views)Parking:I start this loop at Knockranny Woods. There is a medium-sized free car park (here on google maps) Trail difficulty: EasyAs Ive alluded to above - this is not a trail that is waymarked in its own right. However, it takes advantage of pre-existing trails, using a short 2km road walk to link to sections together. Despite this small part of personal navigation, I am still grading this as an easy trail. Read about trail grading in Ireland here.Trail quality: 3/5Section directly after Knockranny woods brings you along the lakeshore, which in bad weather can be wet / slightly flooded. Views: 4/5Forest walking with small view points out at the lake. A very pretty area to walk through. Buggy/Wheelchair friendly: No Dogs allowed: NoRoute passes through active farmland. View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize The Lough Meelagh Loop is a trail of my own devising, which uses much of the pre-existing trails developed in this area for the local long distance trail, The Miners Way & Historical Trail. Of the 11km of this route, 2km is self-navigation. Starting from Knockranny, were walking this trail clockwise, through the woodlands. Explaining the route:Following the yellow arrows, you will pass along the lakeshore, through a second section of the woodland, and then onto the small boreen. Keep following the trail right along the lane, over River Feorish, and through the Y-junction. Shortly afterwards, you will come to a cross roads (grid reference G873109). Here, the waymarking turns left (somewhat south) - we are turning right (almost north). Walking 2km along this road, youll cross the River Feorish once more, and then arrive to the turn into the grounds of Kilronan Castle (grid reference G870127). Here, youre back on the official Miners Way, and we will follow the yellow waymarker back to the car park. View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize One of my favourite elements of this route is the fact that it takes you through so much old, deciduous forest. This area of the country is littered with lakes and pockets of plant life that other areas have lost. This is, in part, due to the fact that the land here just wasnt as good for farming as other areas, and so was developed less. Now I consider this one of its biggest selling points. Walking through the Knockranny Woods section youll come across handmade way-markers and small wooden styles to guide you along. These light human touches merge with the old growth, mingling with the moss and animal tracks. Youre never far from a road, and yet you feel like youre in another world. View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize Leaving the woods and navigating the 2km road section, the way enters the grounds of Kilronan Castle. This large house was extended to its current dimensions at the end of the 19th Century, and is a luxury hotel with well maintained grounds - of which we explore 3km of trails along. This includes the walk out to the end of Doon Point (and the dramatically name Window on the World viewpoint of the lake). The trails stay as close as possible to the shoreline without risking trail flooding, and brings you past old boat houses and water pumps from times long gone. As you exit the grounds of the castle, you will pass one of the most dramatic gate lodges. This building is a folly, intentionally designed to look like it was from centuries past. It is exceedingly similar to the Fairy Bridge you can find in Lough Key Forest Park not too far away. Once youve wandered the crumbling walls and continued out to the road - never fear, for the wonderful trail designers have managed to submerge the trail in the ditch (which is a more more pleasing walking experience than that phrasing conjures to mind). View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize And sooner than youd think, youre back to the lakeside and the car park you originally left. This trail is a prime example of making the most of what the landscape has to offer, and really immerses walkers into the surroundings. Further exploringOther day trails in the area: Lough Key Forest ParkKnocknarea & Queen Maeves TrailKillaspugbrone Loop WalkBenbulben Forest WalkLong distance trails: The Miners Way & Historical TrailThe Leitrim WayThe Sligo WayMountain Hikes:Seltannasaggart - Roscommons County High PointBenbulben Summit HikeFavourite Local Coffee / Food Options:The closest shop to the trail is Killorans Corner Shop in BallyfarnonThe Shed Distillery, Drumshanbo (large cafe area)Lovage, at the Gate Lodge Cafe, Boyle (Cafe with food)The Bazaar, Boyle (Cafe with food)

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If theres one thing Ive learned over the years, its that the outdoors is my happy place. Life can feel overwhelming at times - juggling work, raising a toddler, the mental load of family life, (trying to find time to keep my blog up and running!) and all those daily pressures. But the moment I step outside and see the mountains, its like a weight lifts off my shoulders. Hiking is so much more than just walking through nature; its my therapy, my escape, and my way of reconnecting with myself.Throughout the winter, whilst struggling with morning sickness, I havnt been able to go on as many hikes as I would like - and Im really starting to feel the difference. So writing this blog is also a reminder to myself to get outside more - it doesnt have to be an epic hike up a mighty mountain. A local walk will be just as beneficial!If youve ever felt stressed, anxious, or like you just need a breather, I encourage you to grab your boots and head outside. Let me share ten ways hiking can work wonders for your mental health, just as it has for mine. 10 Reasons to Get Outside: The Mental Benefits of Hiking1. Stress? What Stress?Stress seems to creep in everywhere, doesnt it? But when Im walking through a forest or climbing a hill, surrounded by nothing but birdsong and rustling leaves, it melts away. Hiking naturally lowers cortisol (that pesky stress hormone) and boosts endorphins - the feel-good hormones that remind you life isnt so bad after all. Trust me, a few hours on the hills beats any stress-relief app.Sources:The Role of Anthropogenic Elements in the Environment for Affective States and Cortisol Concentration in Mountain Hiking - A Crossover TrialA Randomized Crossover Trial on Acute Stress-Related Physiological Responses to Mountain Hiking 2. A Natural Mood BoosterSome days, I wake up feeling a bit low, but a hike always turns things around. Theres something about the steady rhythm of walking, breathing in fresh air, and soaking in the scenery that instantly lifts my spirits. Its like nature gives you a big, warm hug, reminding you that joy can be found in the simplest of things. The endorphins released during hiking act as natural mood elevators, leaving you feeling happier and more content.Sources:Hiking as Natures TherapyA Randomized Crossover Trial on Acute Stress-Related Physiological Responses to Mountain Hiking 3. Finding Calm Amidst AnxietyFor those grappling with anxiety or depression, hiking can be a game-changer. The physical exertion involved in hiking boosts neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, which play crucial roles in mood regulation. Moreover, the tranquil settings of nature provide a welcome distraction from negative thought patterns, offering a mental respite.Sources:An Investigation of the Psychosocial Impact of an Intense Outdoor Hiking Challenge on Young Adults: Qualitative and Quantitative OutcomesAffective responses in mountain hikingA randomized crossover trial focusing on differences between indoor and outdoor activityStanford researchers find mental health prescription: Nature 4. Cognitive Function ImprovementIf youve ever found yourself mentally foggy, nature is the perfect remedy. Being away from the constant buzz of notifications and the hum of urban life allows my mind to declutter. By the time I finish a walk, I feel sharper, more focused, and ready to tackle whatever comes next.Sources:Unraveling the Unparalled Benefits of Orienteering vs. Hiking on Gait Performance and Cognition: Randomized Clinical TrailTake a hike! : the cognitive effects of exposure to natural and urban environments 5. Sparking CreativityThe mountains are where I get my best ideas - whether its for work, My Mountains and Me, or simply solving lifes little puzzles. Theres something about the way nature engages your senses that opens up creative pathways. And if Im ever stuck in a rut, a walk is often the key to fresh inspiration.Sources:Creativity in the Wild: Improving Creative Reasoning through Immersion in Natural Settings 6. Breaking the Cycle of Negative ThoughtsWe all have days when it feels like were stuck in a loop of negative thinking. One of the great mental benefits of hiking is its ability to interrupt that cycle. Focusing on the trail ahead, the crunch of leaves underfoot, or the view from a summit shifts my mind away from worries and into the present moment. Its grounding, in every sense of the word.Sources:Nature experience reduces rumination and subgenual prefrontal cortex activation 7. Sleep Like a BabyTheres no better remedy for a restless night than a good hike. After hours of fresh air and exercise, my body feels ready to rest, and my mind is calmer. Even Lily, my toddler, sleeps much better (shes always been a terrible sleeper!) after weve been exploring the outdoors - its a win for both of us!The physical exertion of hiking can improve sleep patterns, helping you fall asleep faster and enjoy deeper, more restorative sleep. Additionally, exposure to natural light helps regulate your circadian rhythm, further enhancing sleep quality.Sources:Hiking: A Low-Cost, Accessible Intervention to Promote Health BenefitsEffects of a randomized controlled hiking intervention on daily activities, sleep, and stress among adults during the COVID-19 pandemic 8. Building Confidence, One Step at a TimeReaching the summit of a mountain peak or finishing a challenging trail gives me such a sense of accomplishment. Especially when Im doing it with a toddler-in-tow! Those little wins remind me that Im stronger than I think, and they carry over into other parts of my life. Each hike builds confidence, one step at a time.Sources:An Investigation of the Psychosocial Impact of an Intense Outdoor Hiking Challenge on Young Adults: Qualitative and Quantitative OutcomesWalking, hiking and running in parks: A multidisciplinary assessment of health and well-being benefits 9. Connecting with OthersWhile solo hikes can be magical, theres something special about sharing the experience with friends or family. Whether its chatting along the way or pausing together to admire a view, those shared moments create bonds that last long after the walk is over.A fascinating study from the University of Virginia explored how our perception of challenges can change depending on our support. College students were taken to a hill, given a weighted backpack, and asked to estimate its steepness. Those who stood alone perceived the hill as steeper and more daunting, while those who prepared to face it with a companion or a sense of determination found it less intimidating - a reminder that lifes obstacles often feel more manageable with the right attitude or someone by your side.Sources:Social support and the perception of geographical slant 10. Strengthening ResilienceLife throws its fair share of curveballs, but hiking has taught me how to adapt and persevere. Whether its tackling a rocky path or dealing with unexpected weather, those challenges help build resilience. And honestly, if I can face a surprise downpour in the middle of nowhere, I can handle just about anything!This resilience often translates to everyday life, helping you navigate life's ups and downs with greater ease.Sources:An Investigation of the Psychosocial Impact of an Intense Outdoor Hiking Challenge on Young Adults: Qualitative and Quantitative Outcomes Why Hiking Matters to MeFor me, hiking isnt just a hobby; its a lifeline. Its where I go to recharge, to breathe, and to remind myself of what truly matters. The fresh air, the sounds of nature, and the sense of achievement all combine to create an experience that feeds my soul.Plus, its my absolute favourite way to carve out some much-needed me time - and I know fellow mums of toddlers will totally get this! Theres something so refreshing about being in my own space, surrounded by the peace of nature, without a little one clinging to my leg or following me to the toilet. Its a rare chance to reset, breathe deeply, and just be. Hiking gives me the opportunity to clear my head, reflect, and return home feeling more patient and energised - not just for myself but for my family too. Its not just a walk; its a gift of sanity and self-care.So, if youre feeling overwhelmed, stuck in your thoughts, or just need a break from the everyday grind, give hiking a try. The mental benefits of hiking are truly transformative. It doesnt matter if its a short walk in the woods or a full-day adventure - every step is a step towards better mental health.Your mind (and your heart) will thank you for it. Want to know about the physical benefits of hiking? Take a read of my blog here >> 10 Benefits of Hiking Mental Health and Hiking FAQsQ: How often should I hike to experience mental health benefits?A: While any amount of hiking can be beneficial, aim for at least one hike per week to experience consistent mental health benefits. Even short nature walks can provide some of these benefits if longer hikes aren't feasible.Q: Can short walks in nature provide similar benefits to longer hikes?A: Yes, even brief exposures to nature can have positive effects on mental health. A study found that just a 90-minute walk in a natural area showed decreased activity in a brain region associated with depression.Q: Are there any mental health risks associated with hiking?A: While hiking is generally beneficial for mental health, it's important to hike within your abilities to avoid stress or anxiety. Always prepare properly, inform others of your plans, and consider hiking with a companion if you're new to the activity.Q: How can I start hiking if I'm a complete beginner?A: Start with short, easy trails in your local area. Gradually increase the length and difficulty of your hikes as your fitness and confidence improve. Join a local hiking group or use hiking apps to find suitable trails for beginners.Read More:Hiking for Beginners: Tips, Essentials, and UK Walks9 of the Best UK Hikes for BeginnersQ: Can hiking help with specific mental health conditions like ADHD or PTSD?A: Yes, hiking and exposure to nature have shown benefits for various mental health conditions. For instance, activities in green spaces have been found to enhance cognitive functioning and increase focus in individuals with ADHD. However, it's important to consult with a healthcare professional for personalised advice. Hiking isnt just a way to explore nature; its a way to reconnect with yourself, find clarity, and boost your mental wellbeing. Whether youre tackling a challenging summit or strolling through a quiet woodland trail, each step brings a sense of calm and accomplishment thats hard to replicate elsewhere. For me, hiking is a way to manage stress, clear my mind, and remind myself of the simple joys in life.So, the next time youre feeling overwhelmed or stuck in a cycle of stress, why not trade the four walls of your home or office for the open sky? Lace up your boots, breathe in the fresh air, and let nature work its magic. You dont have to hike far to feel the benefits; even a short walk can do wonders for your mind and spirit.The trails are always there, ready to welcome you whenever you need them. Why not give it a try and see how it transforms you? Your body, mind, and soul will thank you. Other Posts You Might Like:50 Positive Affirmations to Improve Your Mindset60+ Positive Life Quotes to Inspire and Uplift Your DayWhat Are Affirmations? And How to Use Them

We try out out a striking-looking new jacket that sets new standards for the weight/warmth performance of synthetic insulated clothingReviewSpecsGalleryRetailersAs outdoor enthusiasts, we are lucky to live in a golden era for insulated clothing, with the different clothing brands and their suppliers continually pushing whats possible with both down and especially synthetic insulation. The advances in fabric technology combined with innovations in the actual construction of garments means that we are seeing some astonishingly high performing clothing coming out, and the latest in this line is the new Oreus Jacket (and vest) from Mountain Equipment. ME claim that the Oreus is the best mid-weight synthetic product currently available and they back this up with anecdotal evidence from their athlete team who have been testing the Oreus over many months on expeditions in the Alps and Himalayas. So what makes the Oreus different to other insulated jackets?What is Aetherm?At the heart of the Oreus is the special construction that ME call Aetherm. This is how they describe it: The patent-pending construction uses multiple strands of recycled polyester fibres weaved within a heat-reflective layer. This 3D structure maximises loft and air trapping but minimises the weight and packsize. It also means you need no stitch lines, reducing cold spots and moisture ingress.In use, ME say, the Aetherm technology results in a jacket that offers the warmth and comfort of down with the ruggedness and weather resistance of synthetic insulation. What does the Oreus Jacket actually feel like in the flesh, though? Well, the best way I can describe it is it feels a bit like a lightweight sleeping bag! Perhaps thats due to the very thin outer and inner materials, but also to do with the jackets extremely high loft. The insulating layer seems to float in the middle of the outer and inner layers, aside from a few stitching points, and you can actually feel the fibres that are attached to the reflective layer inside, and are what gives the Oreus its insulation properties.FeaturesSo weve talked about the special insulation thats used inside the Oreus Jacket, but how does it shape up as a jacket and what features does it have? Well, reading feedback from early adopters, its clear that sizing is a critical factor when choosing the Oreus. Although not intended as an out an out belay-style jacket (there are other, dedicated models in the ME range for this purpose), the Oreus can certainly perform this function in all but the most heinous conditions, but if youre intended to use it for this purpose you may want to go up a size from normal. If, on the other hand, youd be intending to use it more on its own, or as an outer (not over a rainshell) then youd probably opt for your normal size.Pocket-wise, the Oreus has two handwarmer pockets which are located quite high to avoid pack straps and harnesses, and theres a single small chest pocket. Inside, theres a large drop pocket that could accommodate a pair of winter gloves, and this doubles as a stuff sack (complete with karabiner carry loops) which in our view is generally a better option than having a separate stuff sack as they often get lost. The jacket has twin pull-cords at the hem to keep out drafts, and theres elasticated cuffs to keep your wrists warm. The hood is generous and easily accommodated the several different helmets we tried with it. Adustability is provided by internal pull cords that adjust the fit around your face, and by a Velcro strip on the rear of the hood to adjust the volume. The jacket uses YKK zips throughout, and the main zip is two-way to aid when belaying and taking comfort breaks, and has an internal storm flap to keep out drafts.In useWe spoke to Mountain Equipment athlete and occasional Trek & Mountain contributor Tom Livingstone about his experience using the Oreus on expeditions: The Oreus is far warmer than any other product with a comparable weight and pack size. Since it contains a patent-pending new method of synthetic insulation, it allows me to have a warmer clothing system for fewer grams. Its a significantly different and impressive jacket.While we havent been using the Oreus on cutting-edge expeditions in the Karakoram like Tom, we have been using it in some pretty nasty British weather over the last few months, and it has proved to be an excellent layer to have in our pack. It really does pack down small (see above pic comparing the Oreus to a 1L flask), and at less than 400g is astonishingly warm for its weight. We found it ideal for pulling on when reaching windy ridgelines and summits, and in the wet it continues to keep you warm as youd expect. We were using a larger size to normal but this really suited us, coming down below the waist and giving protection to the derrire. The arms are long enough to allow you to reach up without exposing wrists, and in fact the insulation overlaps the elasticated cuff so it helps keep your hands warm too. Overall the Oreus just feels very cosy, and seems to be instantly warm when you put it on.Were interested to see how ME use Aetherm in other products moving forward, but for now the Oreus Jacket gets a big thumbs-up from us!More info at: www.mountain-equipment.co.ukWeight390gInsulationGroundbreaking Aetherm Precision Insulation offers the warmth and comfort of down with the ruggedness and weather resistance of synthetic insulationUses 100% recycled Polyester and a reflective layer to increase warmthMaterials100% recycled PLASMA 10D inner and outer fabric with Fluorocarbon-free DWR; incredibly lightweight and breathablePatterning & DesignRegular Fit designed to maximise thermal efficiency and allow full freedom of movementHood ConfigurationMountain HC Insulated Hood is fully adjustable and will easily fit over a helmetPocket Configuration2 YKK zipped handwarmer pockets give access to essentials1 YKK zipped chest pocketLarge inner drop pocket for gloves and other items that need to be kept warmInner drop pocket doubles as an integrated pack pocket and features twin karabiner carry loopsCentre Front Zip2-way YKK moulded centre front zip with insulated rear baffle to minimise heat loss and wind ingressEasy to use with gloves onCuffs & Sleeves ConfigurationElasticated cuff construction for ease of use with gloves and perfect seal to maximise warmthArticulated and pre-shaped sleeves offer unhindered mobility when climbing in all your layersWaist & Hem ConstructionDual tether hem drawcords provide adjustment and increase thermal efficiencyFurther FeaturesDesigned and developed in the UK.Built to last. Backed up by our Product Lifetime GuaranteeMountain Equipment is a member of the Fair Wear FoundationSupplied in a recyclable protective plastic bagMountain Equipment information swing ticket printed on FSC-approved paper from sustainable sourcesThe Oreus Jacket is available at:Ultralight Outdoor Gear