Autumn family walk around Wimpole wood.

Taking advantage of a sunny autumn day, me and the family went out for an autumn stroll in the mixed woodland around Wimpole Hall.  It was a cracking day for the time of year, with just a bit of wind when out in the open.

My son is now 17 months old and he already seems to have an appreciation for the outdoors that I hope will get stronger as the years pass.  Needless to say, I will give him as many opportunities as I can.

My boy with his first stick.

Autumn woodland wildcamp.

Due to work and family commitments it has been difficult to get out for a wild camp this summer, so with Autumn in full flow I took my last opportunity to get out come rain or shine...as luck would have it- it rained.  The plan was to spend the night in the hills of the peak district or perhaps Wales, but with zero visibility and lots of rain, the hills lost their appeal.  So going from a recommendation of a friend, myself and Sam headed off half an hour down the road to enjoy a night of walking, exploring, bushcraft and camping.

Approach to the wood.

Can anyone identify these?

Can anyone identify these?

Tents pitched

Berghaus Vulcan rucksack, Jack Wolfskin Gossamer tent.

A little bit of tinder (also used king alfred cakes and birch bark)

Wood collected, fire reflector built.

Light my fire firesteel (spark maker)

Slow to take because of the damp

I have made fire!!!

Lazy boil in the bag stew.

Sam makes the pasta ready for adding to the boil in the bag.

Toasting marshamallows on Grandpas Old Fire Fork, by light my fire.

Getting warm by the fire with my 3 year vintage sloe gin.

Ashes scattered, and camp tidied. Just as we found it.

Morning haze.

Walking Win Hill and Alport Castles

Me and my good friend Matt from Peakseekers.co.uk went for a walk in the peak district yesterday.  As always when I walk with Matt I am completly reliant on his navigation which is always on the money!  This is just as well as today we were doing a 13mile round walk.  We started the walk at 10am and finished at 6pm.  For the full write up, map, directions etc. please check out Matts site http://www.peakseekers.co.uk/  and be sure to say hello from me.  I cannot take any credit for the pics as they are from Matts ubercamera, I hope you enjoy them as much as me.

CAUTION: We have since found out that we should not have climbed the Tower at Alport Castles due to lose rocks coming away.  You've been warned! 

(Left) Matt from Peakseekers (Right) Myself

Watching my steps very carefully!

The upcoming photos show me and Matt sat on the top of this.

A bit of danger lets you know you're alive!

A little out of comfort zone, but what a buzz.

All photos supplied by Matt, please visit his site http://www.peakseekers.co.uk/ if you want to see the best of what the UK has to offer.