Llangollen group

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Red Kite

Nomad
Oct 2, 2006
263
0
64
London UK
Just a quick thanks to Dave for organising an excellent weekend.

It was nice to revisit this site, and good to meet some new faces.

The views from Panorama are well worth the effort of the walk, with the whole vista of the Vale of Llangollen open before you.

Thanks again Dave, see you at the site soon.

Stewart
 

elevenses

Forager
Jan 7, 2008
163
0
cheshire
Same here, fantastic weekend and great walk.

David thanks for everything well done :)

I will post some photos later

Thanks agian
 

lightfoot

Forager
Jul 5, 2006
186
0
58
Chester
Hi, just got back.

Glad you all came and sorry that IntrepidStu didn't have a great time especially as it was his first night out.

If anyone has any advice for a beginner's kit, low to medium budget, then please post it up here - tarp, hammock, sleeping bag, bivvy, hat, pack, knife, axe (if relevant), saw, footwear, clothing etc. And don't give me any of this 'you can search for this on the forums'. If that's what you think then don't bother posting. However, if you happen to understand that some folk are new to both bushcraft and the forum then give 'em a break and post your thoughts. We couldn't share ours with Stu as he was poorly and couldn't join us so any advice would be gratefully appreciated.

As for everyone else - thanks for the thanks but remember, this isn't about me - its about you, other bushcrafters, Dave the Wood and the wood. So, what did you think of the wood? Would others appreciate it? Is it any good for bushcrafting? Marks out of 10? Could you see yourself having the freedom to do what it is you want to do there? Any photos?

Just for the record, I reckon there'll be nine who are ultimately interested in spending regular time at the wood including two couples.
 

Matt Weir

Bushcrafter (boy, I've got a lot to say!)
Jun 22, 2006
2,880
2
52
Tyldesley, Lancashire.
Got back not long ago. For me, not a great weekend because I was pretty ill and didnt much feel like socialising. Lightfoot has played a blinder in organising everything though. As I was leaving he was organising a walk up into the hills to get some panoramic views.

So me and the missus would just like to say thanks to Lightfoot (David) for working so hard to make sure everyone enjoyed the experience, and everyone else for doing what they could to help me get through the weekend without collapsing of exhaustion.

I will definately be going again as soon as possible so I can sit around the fire under that massive parachute, and get tips from the other mad bushcrafters.

Stu.

Sorry to hear that Stu :(

Hopefully I'll get to meet you at the July meet and you have a better time of it.
 

elevenses

Forager
Jan 7, 2008
163
0
cheshire
As for everyone else - thanks for the thanks but remember, this isn't about me - its about you, other bushcrafters, Dave the Wood and the wood. So, what did you think of the wood? Would others appreciate it? Is it any good for bushcrafting? Marks out of 10? Could you see yourself having the freedom to do what it is you want to do there? Any photos?

Sorry because my phone had a tangle with my washing machine I have lost most the photos I took. I salvaged some but can not figure out how to post them ?

will post the photo's as soon as I figure it out !


I think the wood is a great little wood, though a little cluttered with ground debris this will change with use.

On a scale of 1-10 , ten being the perfect woodland with everything you could want growing in it I would put it at around 5 or 6

for other people wanting to use it then it depends on the kit they want to bring as there is a 10 min walk from the car it is better suited to the lighter traveller unless you have access to a 4x4 to get closer. (thanks for Dave for letting him use his) In the future I should have mine on the road so I may be able to ferry kit back and to to the cars.

I got away with probably 3-4 times more gear than I am used to, as I brought a small hotel and its wine cellar due to SWMBO coming along with the dogs.

I don't want to put anyone off who does not travel light it is possible.

The north camp is especially more suited to the tarp and hammock than the tent or tipi due to the available space. The south camp seems to have more open flat space.

Again I managed to get a large tent on the north camp it just took a little planning and work. so don't want to put anyone off

But I doubt you would get more than 2 area's in the north end suited to tent or tipi?

There is loads of dead wood to carve and burn :) which is great. It seems there is a lot of wildlife in the area (pesky squirrels trying to steal the bread)

While my adventuring was limited on my first trip the surrounding area seems to have great walking potential.

As I am not a parent im not sure if the area is good, bad or indifferent for kids.

Now I have said what I think looks like a little review I will say why I would keep going back.

Great People
Nice "living" wood (I mean it is not devoid of wildlife as some woodland is)
Nice surrounding area
Great potential with what I think is permission to develop it within reason (I.E. dig a new loo etc)
Close to me :)
Reasonable price.
SWMBO likes it
 

lightfoot

Forager
Jul 5, 2006
186
0
58
Chester
Thanks Elevenses, much appreciated.

The reason I asked is that I rate the wood as a 9 or 10 out of 10 so other opinions are important to give anyone who's potentially interested a balanced view.

Thanks for reminding me about North Camp too. North camp 'belongs' to Polecat Paul and we were effectively squatting there so I need to get in touch with him to let him know, and ask if we can hold the next two meets there as it is a good place for that.

However, the short to middle term plan is that any group that gets together (as 'users' - not necessarily as a 'club') can get a parachute and have a semi-permanent set up either at Middle or South camp - or any other area that looks good for it.

Middle Camp is best for tents and tipis and I reckon you could probably get 6 or more sizeable tents in that area. It has become muddy around the kitchen but, if a group gets together, then that could be part drained and good paths constructed to save the place getting churned up. All good practice.

On the issue of access - I've spoken with Dave the Wood and we will be having a meeting with that issue high on the agenda so I think if people really needed to get in with transport then this can be arranged. Myself and Red Kite even considered the fact that if we had a regular users group of 15 or 20 then £100 each would buy us a 4 wheel drive to leave at the farm for anyone to use.

Now I have to do some work as I've missed two days. Will post some more later.

By the way, the kettle handle is ACE - better than the original I think.
 

lightfoot

Forager
Jul 5, 2006
186
0
58
Chester
Go to http://photobucket.com/ and create an account (it's free).

Once you've uploaded you'll have a page with slides of your photos and underneath each one is a short list starting 'Email & IM' and ending with 'IMG code'. All you have to do then is click on the word IMG Code and it automatically copies the link. Paste this into your BCUK post and Bob's your uncle.
 

elevenses

Forager
Jan 7, 2008
163
0
cheshire
By the way, the kettle handle is ACE - better than the original I think.

:D

Go to http://photobucket.com/ and create an account (it's free).

Once you've uploaded you'll have a page with slides of your photos and underneath each one is a short list starting 'Email & IM' and ending with 'IMG code'. All you have to do then is click on the word IMG Code and it automatically copies the link. Paste this into your BCUK post and Bob's your uncle.

Cheers will do but will have to wait till I get home as I cant upload anything here :(

If anyone has any advice for a beginner's kit, low to medium budget, then please post it up here - tarp, hammock, sleeping bag, bivvy, hat, pack, knife, axe (if relevant), saw, footwear, clothing etc.








I think this is a little harder than it sounds as you can use cheap kit for a while but in the long term it is better to buy quality kit (expensive does not indicate quality though).

also some people new to camping out may prefer either bivi sleeping or tent sleeping rather than hammock sleeping. ?

I am new to "bushcraft" but have been sleeping out for a long time so I don't mind giving my opinion but that's all it is so please anyone feel free to correct me.

I am going to assume the reader has no camping experience im not trying to re write anything or teach anyone to suck eggs.



First is to decide if you want to sleep on the floor or on a hammock.

I have never used a hammock but I am planning of moving over after speaking to lots of people who have.

Don't buy a hammock until you have seen them as they are not all the same and it appears you do get what you pay for. DD and Henesie are very different.

In cooler weather you will get cold in a hammock without either a sleeping mat of some sort or a under blanket. The reason for this is EVERY sleeping bag gives almost zero insulation when compressed and this is what happens when you lie on it. then the hammock allows air flow to remove whatever heat you are producing from your under side.

Sleeping bag
I will not recommend a type or make of sleeping bag it up to you and your budget don't get sucked into the synthetic verses down argument if your on a budget you cant afford the argument.
I recently bought a relatively decent bag on sale from a camping shop for £16 :) for the better half.

always buy a bag that says the comfort rating is slightly cooler than you will camp in as the system is very ambiguous better to be warm than cold. personally I don't use anything with a comfort rating higher than 0- 2 DegC but the one I have now is lower and rated at -2 to 0 DegC you can always use it as a blanket if its to warm.

Tarps,
unless you buy a hammock with one built in you will need one and even then you will probably want another one. I have always used ground sheets with eyelets as they a mucho cheapo £4 for a 3m x 3m.

Axe
in my opinion if your buying new you do need to spend a min of £20 here you can buy cheaper but you will have trouble sharpening it and using it. or buy a decent 2nd hand one.
I like the Friskar brand now under Wilkinson but you don't need an axe strait away a hand saw will do most of what you need I use a saw more than my axe.

Hand saw
again you get what you pay for about £20 will get you a Bhaco Laplander or get a Friskar again will show as Wilkinson now ?

Sleeping mats,
closed cell they are cheap, work well and light weight. if your on a budget no need to get into the discussions of therma rests I have used a military closed cell for a long time and I have no complaints.

Bivi bag,
if your on the deck its a bit of a must to keep the damp of your sleeping bag an ex military one will be cheep only buy breathable ones non breathable will get you wet with condensation

Cooking ware
on a budget you cant go wrong with a cheap billy can or some mess tins. its better with something with a lid if you can get it as more efficient.

Tin Mug
The old style ceramic coated ones are cheap and useful and you can put on or near the fire to heat stuff.

I know this is very general but this subject can go on forever with hundreds of links the best thing is have a look around and ask people about specific products.

hope this is slightly useful

M
 

IntrepidStu

Settler
Apr 14, 2008
807
0
Manchester
:D



Hand saw
again you get what you pay for about £20 will get you a Bhaco Laplander or get a Friskar again will show as Wilkinson now ?


M

The Friskar (Wilkinson Sword) model is available at B&Q for 9.99. I cant comment on it as compared to the Laplander as I have never used one. I can say that I have used my daily for 6 months and it still does the job well.

Cheers for the list Elevenses, it has certainly helped me.
For anyone who is considering buying a hammock, just let me tell you that my Trek Mates "Expedition" hammock failed after a few uses.
 
The Friskar (Wilkinson Sword) model is available at B&Q for 9.99. I cant comment on it as compared to the Laplander as I have never used one. I can say that I have used my daily for 6 months and it still does the job well.

Cheers for the list Elevenses, it has certainly helped me.
For anyone who is considering buying a hammock, just let me tell you that my Trek Mates "Expedition" hammock failed after a few uses.
How did your hammock fail Stu?
I have one which my lad uses.

Bodge:)
 

IntrepidStu

Settler
Apr 14, 2008
807
0
Manchester
How did your hammock fail Stu?
I have one which my lad uses.

Bodge:)

The end cord (one of the single ones that are at the ends of the rows of cords) snapped and the whole thing just started to go off balance. Then I just started to hear "pinging" noises from all over it. I had only used it a couple of times in the woods just to relax in (not sleep). It always felt weak. Maybe it was my wieght (13.5) stone.
 

lightfoot

Forager
Jul 5, 2006
186
0
58
Chester
I've just typed up my thoughts on the basic kit list thinking it would only be a page of A4 but it's nearly 5! Dare not post it up. If anyone's interested in reading it then let me know and I'll PM it. Then again maybe I'll start a thread in kit chatter though I imagine that's probably been done time and again.
 

Matt Weir

Bushcrafter (boy, I've got a lot to say!)
Jun 22, 2006
2,880
2
52
Tyldesley, Lancashire.
I've just typed up my thoughts on the basic kit list thinking it would only be a page of A4 but it's nearly 5! Dare not post it up. If anyone's interested in reading it then let me know and I'll PM it. Then again maybe I'll start a thread in kit chatter though I imagine that's probably been done time and again.

Get some work done you! This is what 's known as avoidance tactics :D
 

lightfoot

Forager
Jul 5, 2006
186
0
58
Chester
Something's happened that means I won't be organising any more meets or involving myself with any group.

I will speak to the woodland owner to see if he is willing to deal direct with someone. I imagine he will be. It will then be a case of one or more taking over the organising. You could also PM Dwardo (Leon) to see if he is willing to get involved.

Best
David
 

IntrepidStu

Settler
Apr 14, 2008
807
0
Manchester
Something's happened that means I won't be organising any more meets or involving myself with any group.

I will speak to the woodland owner to see if he is willing to deal direct with someone. I imagine he will be. It will then be a case of one or more taking over the organising. You could also PM Dwardo (Leon) to see if he is willing to get involved.

Best
David

I think that people should know that this all stems from a missunderstanding between myself and lightfoot. To cut a long story short some namecalling was involved about being sociable that I took to heart and was rather upset by. I sent a PM to David (lightfoot) telling him this. I feel we have both over reacted (possibly similar personalities) and will say that it would be a crime for David to pull out of organising the meets (which he is obviously very good at).
 

Matt Weir

Bushcrafter (boy, I've got a lot to say!)
Jun 22, 2006
2,880
2
52
Tyldesley, Lancashire.
I think that people should know that this all stems from a missunderstanding between myself and lightfoot. To cut a long story short some namecalling was involved about being sociable that I took to heart and was rather upset by. I sent a PM to David (lightfoot) telling him this. I feel we have both over reacted (possibly similar personalities) and will say that it would be a crime for David to pull out of organising the meets (which he is obviously very good at).

Chaps,

I hope you sort things out. David it would be a shame to lose you mate.
 

elevenses

Forager
Jan 7, 2008
163
0
cheshire
David as stated on the thread I agree you did a sterling job of organising the meet. If your reasons are because of what Stu has said it is about I feel it is a shame you have allowed one incident with 1 person to make you throw the towel in. But if that’s how you feel I hope to see you soon, maybe at the site?
 

elevenses

Forager
Jan 7, 2008
163
0
cheshire
Some pics for everyone

DSC00088.jpg

the walk we went on had some great wildlife :)

DSC00102.jpg

tent with cellar (well felt like it)

DSC00098.jpg

Not sure what sort of fungi this is ??

DSC00102-1.jpg


DSC00107.jpg


DSC00110.jpg


DSC00115.jpg


DSC00118-1.jpg
 

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