In this section you will find all sorts of useful information and advice from boots to poles, from routes to cameras.

Use the links on the left to navigate to the different categories. Much of the advice and useful information has been provided by the membership. If you would like to contribute your own pearl of wisdom that you wouldn't mind sharing with the rest of the world then please get in touch.

Here are some of the latest items:



BOOK REVIEW - Great Mountain Days in the Lake District by Mark Richards Denotes recently added content
Books/Magazines
Written by Peter Burgess   
Tuesday, 13 May 2008
Read more...Cicerone books have just published a new and inspirational book which, as Chris Bonnington states, 'is reflecting an exuberant affection for, and pleasure in, the exploration of the Cumbrian Fells.' The new book is Great Mountain Days in the Lake District and has been written by the Alfred Wainwright devotee Mark Richards.  If you would like to receive 15% off the price of this book and free P&P then read on...
 
Bark Packing
Other
Written by Lucy Burgess   
Monday, 28 April 2008
Read more...In the April 2008 issue of Trail I saw an article which had me amused about the latest clothing and equipment of the canine kind.  The article in Trail, entitled 'Muttpacking' investigated all the latest kit that your dog could own from harnesses, packs, soft shell jackets, portable dog bowls and sleeping mats.  The notion of kit for our canine companions seemed rather extreme until I discovered my brother had recently invested on behalf of his Munro bagging West Highland Terrier, Lucy.  If you would like to discover more of what Lucy thinks then please do read on, it's not as crazy or barking mad as you might think!.....
 
Dirty Hydration Systems - staying thirst free!
Walking equipment
Written by OFC Members   
Tuesday, 15 January 2008

Read more...The discussion recently turned to the frequently mentioned problem of keeping your hyrdation system clean and grime free.  Many of us now carry these onto the fells and enjoy the hassle free ability of sipping water without having to stop and unpack a bottle.  This article was laced together using some OFC member responses and hopefully may prove helpful.  If you have any other ideas then please get in touch.  It starts with Jayne Hill's recent problem on Dodd which highlights the problem.

 
Winter Gear
Walking equipment
Written by Peter Burgess   
Monday, 14 January 2008
Read more...With some of the best winter walking in years the mountains of the north are seeing many people in seek of some Alpine adventure.  Sadly, along with adventure goes at least some danger.  Often without thinking, people may set off even without a compass.  In more extreme conditions, which have seen avalanche warnings for The Lake District this season, people may venture onto seemingly innocent hills without the correct winter gear or even experience of its use.  Frances Lawrie, with a lifetime's experience of walking on Scotland's winter mountains, has responded to a request in order to put together an article on what she carries onto winter hills - we hope it proves useful! At this stage it contains less on technical gear but more on the basics.
 
Tutorial: Correcting uneven horizons
Photography
Written by J Hoye   
Thursday, 29 November 2007
Read more...Most of us have taken a photograph at some point that you look at later and realise the horizon is not level.  Here Terry Bottomley shows you two methods you can use in Photoshop to straighten things out.
 
Chesters Cafe by the River, Skelwith Bridge
Accommodation Food Beer
Written by J Hoye   
Sunday, 04 November 2007
Read more...Situated right next to the River Brathay, Chesters is a very popular destination for walkers and non-walkers alike.  Enjoy a bowl of hearty soup or a slice of cake whilst you relax and watch the world go by.  Your dogs are welcome too!
 
The Kelly Kettle
Walking equipment
Written by Peter Burgess   
Sunday, 07 October 2007
Read more...I have always been a stickler for pieces of kit, but my latest purchase really is excellent.  I've already used it on various jaunts and it will probably replace by mini Trangia when I'm down in the car park after a long day on the hills in order to make myself a refreshing brew.
 
Mark Denton, The Lake District: The Panoramas
Books/Magazines
Written by J Hoye   
Friday, 28 September 2007
Read more...Bringing together some well known views with some not so familiar, Mark Denton's newest book certainly shows us The Lake District looking its very best.  With its grand vistas demanding to be photographed in the panoramic format Mark brings it all together.
 
How to Tie Your Boots!
Walking equipment
Written by Peter Burgess   
Tuesday, 04 September 2007
Read more...This is no short article describing how to teach your grandmother to suck eggs but a serious piece of advice to make sure your boots or other shoes stay firmly in place especially on those long days on the hills.  Heed some of this advice and you might well finish that round of Kentmere with a little less flesh and skin stuck to your socks!
 
I'm Lost on the TMB - Where shall I turn?
Books/Magazines
Written by Peter Burgess   
Tuesday, 04 September 2007

Read more...Walking on mountains gives people in this club an immense amount of pleasure.  The familiar haunts of The Lake District and other 'home' mountains give a feeling of security and of a re-acquaintance with old friends.  Walking a familiar fell in changing seasons makes it like ascending the peak anew.  However, it is new adventures which spark new vigour.  As such the Hiley's recent jaunt with dog sleds in Alaska or James Batchelor's ascent of Kala Pattar in the Himalaya are two such adventures other less mortals might never consider.  If you do get itchy feet to try out something new, you need a decent guidebook and I have found one particular publisher really useful. This is in no way a sponsored advertisement feature but a quick discussion on a great little publishing house.  Do you have your favourite books or publisher?  Let us know.

 
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"I'd just like to say what a great weekend it has been and thanks to everyone who made it such a great time." Liz Lemal on the Honister 2007 weekend