My wife and I took 6 months off work in order to travel around the UK, to really get to see the country we both think is fantastic. We're pretty much at the end of our time off, so now is a good time to think back and think over what we did. And while I'm at it, I may as well bore everyone else as well!
First, a disclaimer: this is not "proper" bushcraft. We travelled by car, we stayed at official campsites, we bought food from shops and we only ever lit 2 fires. Not once did I make a feather stick. However, in my defence, we were camping, so 99% of our time was outdoors. Since I see bushcraft as being mostly about being comfortable and excited about being outdoors then hopefully others on here will see it as relevant.
Our plan was to visit the "highlights" of British countryside: mountains and plains, inland and coast, forest and open land. However, as things turned out we soon realised that mountains were our thing so we never did go to Norfolk...
In the end we went to: (in order) the Cairngorms; Lake District; Dorset (although only for one week as this was pretty dull after the mountains!); Snowdonia; Nevis Range then back to Cairngorms. Generally we spent 3-4 weeks in one location then went back home in Surrey for a week or so to recover, wash kit etc.
Our most important piece of equipment (and most expensive) was our tent: a Tentipi Varrie 7 cp which we bought specifically for the trip. With the "pro floor" attached it proved invaluable in providing shelter whatever the weather, being able to cook inside and giving us space to eat, sleep and relax. Once that was sorted the rest is all the "minor details" such as sleeping bags, decent clothes and the right equipment.
Our main activity was hill-walking. This become easier after a while once fitness levels improve and you refine your clothing and equipment. We also had lots of fun with other activities such as cycling, skiing, clay shooting, quad-biking, 4x4 driving and so on. We also spent a lot of time just slowly walking or sitting, admiring the wildlife and beauty of the landscape.
As time went on we figured out tips and tricks to make life easier. For example, we got to know what layers to wear for the various temperatures. We spent ages (and a lot of money) using gas canisters for our tent light, until we bought a few big church candles nicer light, just as bright, just as warm and much cheaper! In the tent the cold floor is the biggest problem for your body warmth so warm slippers and sheepskin rug were great. We got really good at cooking a whole host of different meals on just a Trangia and Heat Pal.
I could go on and on about what we did but the most important thing was, for us, that we were outdoors for most of the time. Waking up each morning in the fresh air with the sound of the wind in the trees, the flowing river and the birds singing is a great way of going about life. You get into rhythm with the days wake up with the light and sleep when its dark. We tended to go to bed around 8:30! Plus, of course, having the freedom to be able to walk up a mountain to enjoy the spectacular views is something we really appreciate being able to do.
The big question is how we coped over winter. The answer is: great! With the right clothing the temperature isnt a problem. We had lots of rain in Wales and a couple of gales in Dorset, but for the most part we had great weather. The cold also means that its actually possible to climb a mountain without being bathed in sweat. Also very importantly there were few people around being able to do Striding Edge in the Lakes without queuing is a real benefit!
So thats my attempt at summarising 6 months in a few paragraphs. Im always happy to help with more information, tips, kit-lists etc if people have any questions - it means I can think about what we did without having to worry about going back to work!
Mark
First, a disclaimer: this is not "proper" bushcraft. We travelled by car, we stayed at official campsites, we bought food from shops and we only ever lit 2 fires. Not once did I make a feather stick. However, in my defence, we were camping, so 99% of our time was outdoors. Since I see bushcraft as being mostly about being comfortable and excited about being outdoors then hopefully others on here will see it as relevant.
Our plan was to visit the "highlights" of British countryside: mountains and plains, inland and coast, forest and open land. However, as things turned out we soon realised that mountains were our thing so we never did go to Norfolk...
In the end we went to: (in order) the Cairngorms; Lake District; Dorset (although only for one week as this was pretty dull after the mountains!); Snowdonia; Nevis Range then back to Cairngorms. Generally we spent 3-4 weeks in one location then went back home in Surrey for a week or so to recover, wash kit etc.
Our most important piece of equipment (and most expensive) was our tent: a Tentipi Varrie 7 cp which we bought specifically for the trip. With the "pro floor" attached it proved invaluable in providing shelter whatever the weather, being able to cook inside and giving us space to eat, sleep and relax. Once that was sorted the rest is all the "minor details" such as sleeping bags, decent clothes and the right equipment.
Our main activity was hill-walking. This become easier after a while once fitness levels improve and you refine your clothing and equipment. We also had lots of fun with other activities such as cycling, skiing, clay shooting, quad-biking, 4x4 driving and so on. We also spent a lot of time just slowly walking or sitting, admiring the wildlife and beauty of the landscape.
As time went on we figured out tips and tricks to make life easier. For example, we got to know what layers to wear for the various temperatures. We spent ages (and a lot of money) using gas canisters for our tent light, until we bought a few big church candles nicer light, just as bright, just as warm and much cheaper! In the tent the cold floor is the biggest problem for your body warmth so warm slippers and sheepskin rug were great. We got really good at cooking a whole host of different meals on just a Trangia and Heat Pal.
I could go on and on about what we did but the most important thing was, for us, that we were outdoors for most of the time. Waking up each morning in the fresh air with the sound of the wind in the trees, the flowing river and the birds singing is a great way of going about life. You get into rhythm with the days wake up with the light and sleep when its dark. We tended to go to bed around 8:30! Plus, of course, having the freedom to be able to walk up a mountain to enjoy the spectacular views is something we really appreciate being able to do.
The big question is how we coped over winter. The answer is: great! With the right clothing the temperature isnt a problem. We had lots of rain in Wales and a couple of gales in Dorset, but for the most part we had great weather. The cold also means that its actually possible to climb a mountain without being bathed in sweat. Also very importantly there were few people around being able to do Striding Edge in the Lakes without queuing is a real benefit!
So thats my attempt at summarising 6 months in a few paragraphs. Im always happy to help with more information, tips, kit-lists etc if people have any questions - it means I can think about what we did without having to worry about going back to work!
Mark
and looking forward to the next outing.
