This year's Keswick Mountain Festival takes place on 13th - 17th May.  Now in it's third year running with sponsorship from Jennings Brewery who are teaming up with Ordnance Survey to suport the event.

There will be a wide range of activities to take part in ranging from walking, climbing and biking. 
Theatre by the Lake is the venue to hear tales from the likes of Leo Holding, Mark Beaumont, Rosie Swale and Sir Chris Bonnington to name but a few.

Check out their website for competitions, further info and places to stay whilst you're visiting the event.

keswickmountainfestival.co.uk

"A date for your diary..."

The NEC in Birmingham will be the venue for this years
Ordnance Survey Outdoors Show which takes place from March 27th -29th.

The show is split into 4 zones - Outdoors, Water Sports, Adventure Travel and Adventure Sports.
With numerous activities for visitors to take part in and talks from some of the most well known adventurers and athletes, along with a whole range of exciting outdoor products this year's show is sure to be a popular event.

Tickets and further details are available through their website www.outdoorsshowextra.co.uk with discounted prices for advance purchases.

First of all your clothing...

"Make sure you wear sufficient layers.'

- Base layers or thermal underwear (depending on the weather)
- Breathable short sleeve/long sleeve tees
- Micro Fleece
- Full zip fleece
- Waterproof jacket and trousers
- Hat & gloves

Not forgetting the all important footwear...
"Comfort is a must - remember you could be walking for several hours."

- A pair of walking boots or shoes depending on the terrain
- Walking socks (it's a good idea to take a spare pair)

Then of course you'll need a rucsack to carry your essentials
"These vary in size from 10 litres up to approx 30-40 litres."

- Rucsack liner
- Food and water
- First aid kit (just in case!)
- Map & compass
- Pair of walking poles

There's probably a few other items that you may want to add to your list - head torch, spare clothing or even a sneaky bar of chocolate for that extra boost of energy - so tailor your kit to your own needs.

Happy walking!

Alison O'Neil is a farmer turned walking guide offering farming holidays with a difference. Keen walkers have the chance to get away and enjoy a real hands on farming experience at Shacklabank, a small working farm located outside Sedbergh.

With the chance to try your skills at lambing, collecting the eggs for breakfast or sheep gathering you'll be right at the heart of country life.

Alison often takes to the hills in summer barefoot with her other choice of footwear being a pair of brasher Supalite GTX as seen in the photo below.

More details can be found at www.shacklabank.co.uk

Wool Ultra is a new addition to our sock range.
Made from Merino Wool which offers superb warmth and comfort and with additional padding on the toe, ball, heel and ankle - all the areas where you need it the most they form an essential part of your kit.

Available in 2/3 and 3/4 season in a range of colours they are available at selected retailers.
More details can be found on the website.