- All
- Adventure Journals
- Books & Films
- Gear
- Random Thoughts
- Training
DAY 1 – CAMINO PYRENEES – CLASS OF 2021.
Each October, I have the pleasure of taking a group of new hikers over the Pyrenees to experience a taste of the Camino de Santiago. ...
By Adventure Geek |
TRAVEL DAY – CAMINO PYRENEES – CLASS OF 2021.
Each October, I have the pleasure of taking a group of new hikers over the Pyrenees to experience a taste of the Camino de Santiago. ...
By Adventure Geek |
Salomon Cross Hikes Shoes and Boots – The Good The Bad and the Ugly
Are these the best hiking shoes / boots for UK walking? I purchased my first pair of Salomon Cross Hike Mid GTX boots over 12 ...
By Adventure Geek |
West Highland Way – Tips and Advice
17 golden nuggets for this epic trail! Having walked the full 96 miles of the West Highland Way, twice since May 2021, I thought I ...
By Adventure Geek |
West Highland Way – Day 7
Kinlochleven to Fort William (I did it!) Distance: 16.72 miles We did it! We completed all 96 miles of The West Highland Way! Weather: Perfect! ...
By Adventure Geek |
West Highland Way – Day 6
Kingshouse to Kinlochleven Distance: 12 miles The one with the Devils Staircase and the gnomes! Weather: Absolutely scorching 🥵- couldn’t ask for a better day. ...
By Adventure Geek |
West Highland Way – Day 5
Inveronan to Kingshouse Distance: 14 miles Weather: Best day yet! Not one drop of rain and sunshine all the way! Health: Tonight my muscles are ...
By Adventure Geek |
West Highland Way – Day 4
Crianlarich to Inveronan Distance: 16 miles Weather: Absolutely gorgeous, all the way to the Bridge of Orchy then it rained for the last few miles. ...
By Adventure Geek |
West Highland Way – Day 3
Inversnaid to Crainlarich The one with the boulder fields, the dangerous river crossing and the rain! Distance: 18.3 miles Weather: It was beautiful weather until ...
By Adventure Geek |
West Highland Way – Day 2
Balmaha to Inversnaid The one with the bluebells, sights of Loch Lomond and a camping adventure in my new tent! Location: Balmaha to Inversnaid Distance:- ...
By Adventure Geek |
West Highland Way – Day 1
Milngavie to Balmaha The one with the rope swing, the French guys and two new hiking buddies Distance: 19.2 miles Location: Milngavie to Balmaha Weather: ...
By Adventure Geek |
FACTS ABOUT THE HUMBLE BLUEBELL
As May approaches we are starting to see the first sprinkling of bluebells appearing in the woods. I am leading a number of walks throughout ...
By Adventure Geek |
WHAT I DIDN'T KNOW ABOUT WILD GARLIC…
As we sauntered through the woods near Lower Harlestone, Northamptonshire on Thursday evening the distinct smell of wild garlic was in the air. As I ...
By Adventure Geek |
GSI INFINITY MUG & CASCADE WILD TABLE WHAT'S IN THE BOX?
This week I have two products to show you, I have the GSI infinity mug and the Cascade Wild Table. GSI MUG I purchased this ...
By Adventure Geek |
Is it an Otter? An Eel? Or a flying fish? No! It’s a Cormorant!
As spring finally kicks in and the days get warmer and brighter, we are out walking more. During this pleasant time of year a walk ...
By Adventure Geek |
NINE FACTS ABOUT CHERRY TREES
Cherry Trees are my 2nd most favourite tree, after the Oak Tree. So, on my quest to learn something new each week about nature, I ...
By Adventure Geek |
INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT HEDGEHOGS
Hedgehogs are seriously cute, although I never wanted to touch them as I always thought they were flea-ridden (which is not true!). This week's nature ...
By Adventure Geek |
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN AN ALPACA AND A LLAMA?
On my morning walk through a tiny village called Hulcote, I always say good morning to three alpacas. Well, I assumed they were alpacas, but ...
By Adventure Geek |
THE UK EQUIVALENT TO THE GOSSAMER GEAR THINLIGHT 1/8” PAD – WHAT'S IN THE BOX?
I am planning for my Thruhike of the PCT (Pacific Crest Trail) and am now becoming very "weight" conscious. If I can find gear that ...
By Adventure Geek |
SEVEN SURPRISING FACTS ABOUT MOSS
As I continue on my weekly "nature" education goal I was struggling to think of a topic week. I went for a walk and then ...
By Adventure Geek |
DO NOT BUY THESE NATUREHIKE CAMP SHOES OR THE NEW ULTRAPOD PRO – WHAT'S IN THE BOX?
Each week I put together a video of new items that have arrived in the post that feeds my backpacking and hiking habits! My Amazon ...
By Adventure Geek |
FIVE THINGS I DIDN'T KNOW ABOUT THE SUNRISE AND SUNSET
One of the things I love to do is watch a good sunset and sunrise. We have seen some amazing sunrises over the last month, ...
By Adventure Geek |
THE SKYLARK IS AN AMAZING BIRD…
Once again I was walking with my friend Annette this weekend and it appears that she knows an awful lot about birds. As we walked ...
By Adventure Geek |
FIVE WILD CAMPING TIPS
This was a tagged video on YouTube where people in the backpacking industry are sharing their top tips for wild camping. All of the sensible ...
By Adventure Geek |
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A ROOK AND A CROW?
I met up with a friend last weekend to map a new walk near Daventry. As we crossed a field we could hear a whole ...
By Adventure Geek |
How to Sleep Warm When Wild Camping in the UK
With all the recent snow, it was a perfect opportunity to test my new winter gear set up. I sleep cold.... VERY cold. I suffer ...
By Adventure Geek |
WHAT PLANTS AND FLOWERS ARE PROTECTED BY LAW?
As I continue along my journey of learning something new about nature each week, I thought I would share with you my latest blog about ...
By Adventure Geek |
WHAT ARE THE FIRST SIGNS OF SPRING?
As I ventured out on my sunrise walk this morning, I felt a flutter of excitement as I spotted my very first snowdrops in the ...
By Adventure Geek |
WHAT IS AN ANCIENT WOOD?
Have you ever walked through an ancient wood? As part of my 2021 goals I wanted to learn more about the natural world. Join me ...
By Adventure Geek |
AWESOME BACKPACKERS FILTER COFFEE – SOMETHING DIFFERENT
When on a backpacking trip there is nothing better than brewing fresh coffee and watching the sun rise from the comfort of your tent. For ...
By Adventure Geek |
10 Fascinating Facts About Trees
One of my goals for 2021 was to learn something new about our natural world each week. I started posting my learnings on Facebook, but ...
By Adventure Geek |
THE BEST VLOGGING MINI TRIPOD FOR HIKERS
I am a geek at heart and love gadgets for hiking but also for technology. I've experimented with all sorts of ways to produce good ...
By Adventure Geek |
How To Dry Wet Socks on A Backpacking Trip
There is nothing worse than walking in cold, wet socks! I absolutely love my Waterproof socks (just purchased a new pair of Waterfly socks here) ...
By Adventure Geek |
TIME FOR REFLECTION, CLARITY AND GOALS FOR ADVENTURE GEEK – 2021
Each year between Christmas and New Year I usually take myself off to a posh hotel and snuggle up to a roaring open fire in ...
By Adventure Geek |
Pimp Your Poles Like A Pro!
If you have walked the Camino then you will recognise the familiar sight of lots of rather similar looking walking poles all clumped together in ...
By Adventure Geek |
A Geocaching Hike in Northamptonshire
On a very foggy and misty Sunday morning in December I drove a short distance to a small village in Northamptonshire, not far from my ...
By Adventure Geek |
First Impressions of the Naturehike 60l Rock Series Backpack
I absolutely LOVE my Salomon 38L Outweek backpack. The Outweek was so much lighter than my Osprey Aura and I fell in love with the ...
By Adventure Geek |
Why Is Meditation So Hard?
I have read that learning to meditate is one of those skills that can enhance your life, bring you peace within your body and mind, ...
By Adventure Geek |
Hikers Essential Gadget – Turn Your Smartphone Into A Walkie Talkie!
If you have a busy walking club, then you will appreciate the need for good communication. Our club walks at least three times a week, ...
By Adventure Geek |
The Eight Things I Dislike About Long Distance Hiking
If you have spent any time on YouTube or read blogs about long-distance hiking then you will find that the focus is always on the ...
By Adventure Geek |
A Lighter Pack Hack!
If you walking a trail without camping gear then ideally you should be carrying no more than 10% of your body weight. If you are ...
By Adventure Geek |
How to Sleep Warm When Winter Camping
If, like me, you are a cold sleeper, then trying to keep warm while backpacking and camping in the winter months is a challenge. It ...
By Adventure Geek |
The Soto Amicus Stove and New River Pot | Why I ditched my Jetboil
Winter is coming! With all my winter gear such as a new sleeping quilt, extra hand warmers, additional clothing, waterproof socks and a whole list ...
By Adventure Geek |
How To Select A Good Waterproof Jacket for Walking
This was a question recently asked on the Adventure Geek Facebook Page. The answer went into a longish list of things to consider, so I ...
By Adventure Geek |
Why I Never Use A Hydration Bladder
I've not used a hydration bladder for about three years, and there are many reasons why. #1 - Electrolytes Any experienced hiker will be using ...
By Adventure Geek |
DAY 6 – SOUTH WEST COASTAL PATH
FROM: Hele, nr Ilfracombe to Woolacombe The one with the personal local guide, DISTANCE:- Our last day and a fairly moderate 11.7 miles over lovely ...
By Adventure Geek |
DAY 5 – SOUTH WEST COASTAL PATH
FROM: Hunters Inn to Ilfracombe The one with the snake, two forks and the bull! DISTANCE:- 12 hard and challenging Devonshire miles! HEALTH:- We are ...
By Adventure Geek |
DAY 4 – SOUTH WEST COASTAL PATH
FROM: Lynmouth to Trentishoe The one with the grumps, the rain and the fuzzy crotch! DISTANCE:- I’ve walked 12.5 miles today but only 8 ...
By Adventure Geek |
DAY 3 – SOUTH WEST COASTAL PATH
FROM: Porlock Weir to Lynmouth The one with the 10 million river crossings, a damaged ankle and some tree-hugging! DISTANCE:- 13.5 miles, although Devon miles ...
By Adventure Geek |
DAY 2 – SOUTH WEST COASTAL PATH
FROM: A field on the cliff edge Nr Minehead to Porlock Weir. The one with amazing views, weird trees, wobbly legs and an injured tent! ...
By Adventure Geek |
DAY 1 – SOUTH WEST COASTAL PATH
THE ONE WITH THE STRANGER DANGER! DISTANCE:- 4 miles (ish) HEALTH:- All fit and healthy, although we will ache tomorrow after those steep climbs! WEATHER:- ...
By Adventure Geek |
DAY 6 – HADRIAN'S WALL
We did it! Carlisle to Bowness on Solway We did it! Yep, we walked across a whole country and actually jogged the last two miles! ...
By Adventure Geek |
DAY 5 – HADRIAN'S WALL
Banks to Carlisle Total walked: 69.7 miles Distance today: 18.3 miles (I did a bit extra to get some photos for Willen Hospice). Hurt my ...
By Adventure Geek |
DAY 4 – HADRIAN'S WALL
Twice Brewed to Banks DISTANCE: 15.87 (as I also enjoyed a section along the Penine Way today by mistake!) TOTAL MILES: 55.5 WEATHER: Hot! Dam ...
By Adventure Geek |
DAY 3 – HADRIAN'S WALL
The one with Sycamore Gap. LOCATION: Chollerford to Twice Brewed DISTANCE: (double checked!) 12.9 miles. Poles were needed today! WEATHER: Absolutely brilliant. We’ve been so ...
By Adventure Geek |
DAY 2 – HADRIAN'S WALL
The one with the extreme wind! LOCATION: Heddon on the Wall to Chollerford DISTANCE: 18.8 miles! (including the 1 mile to the pub and back!) ...
By Adventure Geek |
DAY 1 – HADRIAN'S WALL
The one with the long river walk LOCATION: Newcastle to Heddon on the Wall DISTANCE: 18.8 miles! WEATHER: A bit windy, but otherwise it’s perfect ...
By Adventure Geek |
TRAVELLING DAY – HADRIAN'S WALL
I was wide awake at 4am and said to myself, “you can’t get up yet Julia”! 10 mins later I was downstairs making a coffee. ...
By Adventure Geek |
The Best Personal Location Beacon for Hiking Emergencies
What is a PLB? A PLB is a personal location beacon. They tend to work from satellite communication rather than using mobile phone signals. When ...
By Adventure Geek |
Day 7 – The Jurassic Way
EDGCOTE To BANBURY!! We did it!!! The one with the pig fight, the not nice plums and the parking fine! DISTANCE: 12.3 miles WEATHER: Perfect ...
By Adventure Geek |
Day 6 – The Jurassic Way
BRAUNSTON to EDGCOTE The one with the haunted bunker, missing pole and a very special signpost! DISTANCE: 18.5 miles WEATHER: It started off dry but ...
By Adventure Geek |
Day 5 – The Jurassic Way
ELKINGTON TO BRAUNSTON The one with the scary bull, the blister and the forever friends. DISTANCE: 16 miles! WEATHER: Within 15 mins of walking the ...
By Adventure Geek |
Day 4 – The Jurassic Way
GREAT OXENDON TO ELKINGTON The one where we rescued highland cows, met the most trustworthy landlady ever, saw a snake and enjoyed a hot bath! ...
By Adventure Geek |
Day 3 – The Jurassic Way
ROCKINGHAM to GREAT OXENDON The one with the spooky overgrown passages ways, sausage baps and the best pub garden ever! Distance: 15.78 miles! Weather: A ...
By Adventure Geek |
Day 2 – The Jurassic Way
Fineshade Abbey to Rockingham The one with the limbo dancing 🕺, a few squiggles and a full English treat! DISTANCE: 15.8 miles! WEATHER: very windy ...
By Adventure Geek |
Day 1 – The Jurassic Way
DAY 1 - THE JURASSIC WAY Stamford to Fineshade Abbey The one with the wrong train, the frigging cat and the perfect campsite. Distance: 14.97 ...
By Adventure Geek |
GEAR REVIEW – SHAKEDOWN HIKE AND SALOMON OUT WEEK PACK TEST
I'm off to walk the Jurrasic Way The Jurassic Way is an 88 mile hike from Stamford in Lincolnshire to Banbury in Oxon. However, due ...
By Adventure Geek |
GEAR REVIEW – NAVISKIN SUN HOODIE
I looked like a vet in my Columbia shirt I have worn the Columbia Hiking Sun Shirt for a few years now (I have a ...
By Adventure Geek |
GEAR REVIEW – SEA TO SUMMIT POCKET TROWEL
Do not purchase this awful poop trowel When I review a product, I usually talk about the pros and cons, but this review is a ...
By Adventure Geek |
GEAR REVIEW – SALOMON OUT WEEK 38 + 6 BACKPACK
Why I considered changing my rucksack / backpack Since my first Camino trip in 2016 I have always worn the Osprey Aura 50 L backpack. ...
By Adventure Geek |
BOOK REVIEW – Believe
Believe: Boxing, Olympics and My Life Outside the Ring by Nicola Adams At London 2012, Nicola Adams made history. The flyweight boxer became the first ...
By Adventure Geek |
Reading AudioBooks is Now Free!
Why didn't I know this before? My mother-in-law is a bookaholic! She introduced me to Goodreads.com many years ago and from here you can set ...
By Adventure Geek |
BOOK REVIEW – HELP ME
Julia's Reading Challenge for 2020 0% Introduction Help Me: One Woman’s Quest to Find Out if Self-Help Really Can Change Your Life by Marianne Power ...
By Adventure Geek |
GEAR REVIEW – UMBRELLA CLIP
TREAT OF THE WEEK - UMBRELLA CLIP I have walked with an umbrella now for many years. A trekking umbrella is brilliant in the rain ...
By Adventure Geek |
GEAR REVIEW – Muck Boot / Walking Wellies
GEAR REVIEW - Muck Boot - Women’s Arctic Sport 11 Tall Boots BY MICHELLE BANISTER (aka Fat Flump) Here goes – a review of my ...
By Adventure Geek |
BOOK REVIEW – ATOMIC HABITS
Julia's Reading Challenge for 2019 0% Introduction Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones by James Clear ...
By Adventure Geek |
2020 HIKING GOALS FOR A FEMALE SOLO TREKKER! (Video)
HIKING GOALS FOR 2020 In this week's video, I talk about my hiking goals for 2020 which includes three big walks that I have planned. ...
By Adventure Geek |
BOOK REVIEW – THE MIRACLE EQUATION
Julia's Reading Challenge for 2019 0% Introduction The Miracle Equation: The Two Decisions That Turn Your Biggest Goals from Possible, to Probable, to Inevitable by ...
By Adventure Geek |
BOOK REVIEW – A BETTER ME
Julia's Reading Challenge for 2019 0% Introduction A Better Me: The Official Autobiography by Gary Barlow. 'This is the book I wished I'd had to ...
By Adventure Geek |
The Importance of A Map and Compass
As some of you may know, I recently passed the Lowland Leaders Course, which is a nationally recognised qualification for the outdoor industry. In all ...
By Adventure Geek |
GEAR REVIEW – WATERPROOF GLOVES
TREAT OF THE WEEK - WINTER GLOVES On Monday I dropped my waterproof gloves in the car park after one of our AG Club walks, ...
By Adventure Geek |
BOOK REVIEW – BLANKET OF STARS
Julia's Reading Challenge for 2019 0% Introduction Blanket of Stars: Thru-Hiking the Camino de Santiago by C.W. Lockhart An unlikely pilgrim battles agoraphobia to ...
By Adventure Geek |
BOOK REVIEW – WALK WITH YOUR WOLF
Julia's Reading Challenge for 2019 0% Introduction Walk With Your Wolf: Unlock your intuition, confidence & power by Jonathan Hoban 'An important message about the ...
By Adventure Geek |
GEAR REVIEW -BOOT DRYERS
TREAT OF THE WEEK - BOOT DRYERS A few years ago I climbed Snowdon in the pouring rain. It was great fun but my boots ...
By Adventure Geek |
GEAR REVIEW – OSPREY AURA 50L BACKPACK WITH ACCESSORIES
Osprey Pack Review after 3 years+ of use! I first purchased my Osprey Aura 50l pack in 2016 in preparation for my first Camino experience. ...
By Adventure Geek |
SOUTH DOWNS WAY – DAY 8 – EXCEAT TO EASTBOURNE
The one where I became a thru-hiker and greeted by a surprise guest! WEATHER: Just right! The sun was shining, and a gentle breeze came ...
By Adventure Geek |
GEAR REVIEW – COLUMBIA WOMEN'S HIKING SHIRT
Hiking Shirt Review after over 18 months of use! In January 2018 I purchased my first hiking shirt. I was not sure if a hiking ...
By Adventure Geek |
BOOK REVIEW – STEPS OUT OF TIME
Julia's Reading Challenge for 2019 0% Introduction Steps Out of Time, One Woman's Journey on the Camino by Katharine Soper Steps Out of Time won ...
By Adventure Geek |
SOUTH DOWNS WAY – DAY 7 – LEWES to EXCEAT
DAY 7 – ONCE UPON THE SOUTH DOWNS WAY The one with the bull, the rain, and the discovery that waterproof socks are not always ...
By Adventure Geek |
GEAR REVIEW – MONTANE INEO WOMENS PRO PANTS
Hiking Leggings Review after over 1000 miles! In September 2018 I purchased my very first pair of hiking leggings. I spent ages online looking for ...
By Adventure Geek |
SOUTH DOWNS WAY – DAY 6 – TRULEIGH HILL to LEWES
The one where we acted like teenagers!! WEATHER: A mix of hot, windy and cool. DISTANCE: 18 miles (according to Jason or 20.4 miles ...
By Adventure Geek |
GEAR REVIEW – ALTRA LONE PEAK 4.0 WOMENS
Gear Review after 600 miles! After watching endless YouTube videos I was hooked with the Altra Lone Peak 4.0's so I purchased a pair in ...
By Adventure Geek |
SOUTH DOWNS WAY – DAY 5 | AMBERLEY TO TRULEIGH HILL
The one where I’m joined by an excitable Jason! WEATHER: Hot until midday, then overcast for later afternoon. DISTANCE: 16.54 miles LOCATION: Amberly to ...
By Adventure Geek |
BOOK REVIEW – My MIDSUMMER MORNING
Julia's Reading Challenge for 2019 0% Introduction My Midsummer Morning: Rediscovering a Life of Adventure by Alastair Humphreys Seasoned adventurer Alastair Humphreys pushes himself to ...
By Adventure Geek |
TREAT OF THE WEEK | SOLAR POWER PACK
Treat of the week When Jason joined me on the South Downs Way I had "gear envy" as he showed me his new solar charging ...
By Adventure Geek |
SOUTH DOWNS WAY – DAY 4 | COCKING TO AMBERLEY
The one with the sexy male runner at 6 am! WEATHER: Another scorcher! DISTANCE: 14.62 miles LOCATION: Cocking to Amberly SUMMARY 📚 Today I ...
By Adventure Geek |
TREAT OF THE WEEK | MIDORI TRAVEL JOURNAL
Treat of the week I have been a fan of writing a diary or journal since I was a teenager. I have a whole range ...
By Adventure Geek |
TEN BACK PACKING LESSONS LEARNED FROM WALKING THE SOUTH DOWNS WAY
Many people may think that I am a seasoned hiker/camper, but in reality, that is not the case. Yes, I have enjoyed many adventures and ...
By Adventure Geek |
SOUTH DOWNS WAY – DAY 3 | BURITON TO COCKING
The one with the penis display! WEATHER: A sprinkling of sunshine throughout the day with a nice cool breeze. Perfect walking weather. DISTANCE: 16.49 miles ...
By Adventure Geek |
BOOK REVIEW – WHAT THE PSYCHIC TOLD THE PILGRIM
Julia's Reading Challenge for 2019 0% Introduction What the Psychic Told the Pilgrim: A Midlife Misadventure on Spain's Camino de Santiago In this wickedly funny ...
By Adventure Geek |
WHAT LEVEL OF SPANISH DO I NEED FOR A SUCCESSFUL CAMINO?
Do I need to speak Spanish to walk the Camino? It would be very arrogant for any future pilgrim to expect the people of Spain ...
By Adventure Geek |
TREAT OF THE WEEK | BEAR NOTE TAKING APP
Treat of the week As many of you may know, I enjoy documenting my travels and recording the stories and ideas as they happen. When ...
By Adventure Geek |
SOUTH DOWNS WAY – DAY 2 | EXTON TO BURITON
The One Where I Slept In The Pub Garden! I am writing a travelogue book for this particular trail, which will be too long for ...
By Adventure Geek |
ARE YOU SUPER FIT? ER NO! FAR FROM IT!
Just 15 minutes of walking each day sounds easy doesn't it? This is last week's activity on my phone. As some of you may know, ...
By Adventure Geek |
TREAT OF THE WEEK | EKSTER SMART WALLET WITH CHIPILO TRACKER
Treat of the week - I'm Now Super Smart! After my wallet was stolen at a Madness concert a few weeks ago I was on ...
By Adventure Geek |
WHAT IS THE BEST TIME OF YEAR TO WALK THE CAMINO DE SANTIAGO?
Is there a better time of year to walk the Camino? Having walked the Camino in the Spring, Summer and Autumn I can confirm that ...
By Adventure Geek |
FIVE REASONS WHY IT'S OK TO BE AFRAID OF COWS
I admit it, I am afraid of cows! A walking club owner afraid of cows is a bit like Doc Martin being afraid of blood! ...
By Adventure Geek |
BOOK REVIEW – TWO STEPS FORWARD
Julia's Reading Challenge for 2019 0% Introduction From the New York Times bestselling author of The Rosie Projectcomes a story of taking chances and learning to love again ...
By Adventure Geek |
SOUTH DOWNS WAY – DAY 1 | WINCHESTER TO EXTON
The One With Hundreds of Cows! I am writing a travelogue book for this particular trail, which will be too long for a blog entry. ...
By Adventure Geek |
CAMINO TASTER – MAY 2019 | DAY 5 | ZUBIRI to Pamplona
The Adventure Begins Day 5 - Zubiri to Pamplona WEATHER: Perfect warm day (but not too hot) HEALTH: A few have blisters, one sore knee ...
By Adventure Geek |
LESSON #20 – SET YOUR GOALS AND GO FOR IT!
Life and Business Lessons Learned From A Hike Across Spain, Step by Step We set off from Monte Do Gonzo (also known as the Camino ...
By Adventure Geek |
CAMINO TASTER – MAY 2019 | DAY 4 | RONCESVALLES to ZUBIRI
The Adventure Begins Day 4 - RONCESVALLES to ZUBIRI WEATHER: very wet! MILES:- 19.17 (including all the little detours and walking to restaurants etc) 5.30am ...
By Adventure Geek |
LESSON #19 – TAKE TIME TO CELEBRATE THE WINS
Life and Business Lessons Learned From A Hike Across Spain, Step by Step We left Pamplona in the Spanish heat and started our way up ...
By Adventure Geek |
CAMINO TASTER – MAY 2019 | DAY 3 | ORISSON to RONCESVALLES
The Adventure Begins DAY 3 - Orisson to Roncesvalles WEATHER: Walking in clouds through the Pyrenees MILES:- Total is 14.61 miles So last night was ...
By Adventure Geek |
BOOK REVIEW – Peas and Queues (Unabridged Audiobook)
Julia's Reading Challenge for 2019 0% Introduction How do you get rid of unwanted guests? What do you do if there's a racket in the ...
By Adventure Geek |
LESSON #18 – THERE IS NOTHING SELFISH ABOUT DOING SOMETHING FOR YOU
Life and Business Lessons Learned From A Hike Across Spain, Step by Step As my husband dropped me off outside Milton Keynes Central and kissed ...
By Adventure Geek |
TREAT OF THE WEEK | BACKPACK RAIN COVER & AIRPORT BAG COMBO
Treat of the week - Not just a rain cover... This little product is wicked! No longer do I need to carry cling film with ...
By Adventure Geek |
CAMINO TASTER – MAY 2019 | DAY 2 | BAYONNE to ORISSON
The Adventure Begins Listening to a French rock band playing English songs until the early hours sounds lovely, but believe me, it wasn’t! I’m not ...
By Adventure Geek |
LESSON #17 – WE DON'T NEED LOTS OF STUFF TO MAKE US HAPPY
Life and Business Lessons Learned From A Hike Across Spain, Step by Step I feel like a bit of a hypocrite as I am typing ...
By Adventure Geek |
BOOK REVIEW – I'M OFF THEN, LOSING AND FINDING MYSELF ON THE CAMINO DE SANTIAGO
Julia's Reading Challenge for 2019 0% Introduction I'm Off Then has sold more than three million copies in Germany and has been translated into eleven languages. ...
By Adventure Geek |
CAMINO TASTER – MAY 2019 | DAY 1 | TRAVELLING TO BAYONNE
The Adventure Begins In July 2018, during my section hike into Santiago, I had a chat with Sue from California. She was telling me about ...
By Adventure Geek |
LESSON #16 – WE ALL NEED A SUPPORT NETWORK IN LIFE
Life and Business Lessons Learned From A Hike Across Spain, Step by Step I always walk with Nordic Poles, mainly due to being a Nordic ...
By Adventure Geek |
TREAT OF THE WEEK |THE WORLDS THINEST TRAVEL ADAPTER
Treat of the week - A New Travel Adapter I think I am the only person who will get excited when a bit of gear ...
By Adventure Geek |
LESSON #15 – SOMETIMES YOU HAVE JUST GOT TO GRIN AND BEAR IT
Life and Business Lessons Learned From A Hike Across Spain, Step by Step Life is not always a bed of roses, and the Camino is ...
By Adventure Geek |
Book Review – The Salt Path, Raynor Winn
Julia's Reading Challenge for 2019 0% Introduction Just days after Raynor learns that Moth, her husband of 32 years, is terminally ill, their home and ...
By Adventure Geek |
TREAT OF THE WEEK | A MINI-ME, SHOE TAGS AND A COW THINGY
Treat of the week - A range of gifts Wow! Each week something usually lands through the letterbox via Amazon, Ebay or some type of ...
By Adventure Geek |
LESSON #14 – BE OPEN TO THE SPIRITUALITY OF THE CAMINO
Life and Business Lessons Learned From A Hike Across Spain, Step by Step I appreciate that some people may find this particular blog a little ...
By Adventure Geek |
Book Review – Walking Home, Clare Balding
Julia's Reading Challenge for 2019 0% Introduction In Clare Balding's family, walking just took too long - she galloped through the countryside and she galloped ...
By Adventure Geek |
LESSON #13 – OPEN YOUR EYES OTHERWISE YOU MISS THE MAGIC
Life and Business Lessons Learned From A Hike Across Spain, Step by Step Do you ever wonder what you may have missed simply because you ...
By Adventure Geek |
TREAT OF THE WEEK | A BUFF AND HOW TO WEAR ONE!
Treat of the week - Buff A Buff is a staple within anyone's gear list if you are a hiker and I was distraught when ...
By Adventure Geek |
LESSON #12 – IT'S OK TO SAY NO
Life and Business Lessons Learned From A Hike Across Spain, Step by Step I am a recovering "people pleaser". Perhaps it's a British thing, or ...
By Adventure Geek |
TREAT OF THE WEEK | ALTRA LONE PEAK 4.0 TRAIL RUNNERS FOR WOMEN
Treat of the week - Altra Lone Peak Trail Runners I was looking for a trail runner that had a larger / wider toe box ...
By Adventure Geek |
LESSON #11 – LEARN TO LISTEN MORE
Life and Business Lessons Learned From A Hike Across Spain, Step by Step If there is one thing that I am good at in this ...
By Adventure Geek |
TREAT OF THE WEEK | DEAD CATS AND HEAD PROTECTORS FOR THE OSMO POCKET
Treat of the week - Windshield for Osmo Pocket The DJI Osmo Pocket has two pinhole microphones. One on the bottom and one on the ...
By Adventure Geek |
Book Review – In Praise Of Slow – Challenging the Cult of Speed
Julia's Reading Challenge for 2019 0% Introduction We live in the age of speed. We strain to be more efficient, to cram more into each ...
By Adventure Geek |
LESSON #10 – LEARN TO BELIEVE!
Life and Business Lessons Learned From A Hike Across Spain, Step by Step We stayed the night in a rather large hostel in Astorga. I ...
By Adventure Geek |
TREAT OF THE WEEK | NO-TIE-SHOELACES
Treat of the week - No-Tie-Shoelaces I was introduced to these shoelaces via my brother who is a runner. He swore by them and I ...
By Adventure Geek |
LESSON #9 – WHAT EXCESS BAGGAGE DO YOU CARRY IN LIFE?
Life and Business Lessons Learned From A Hike Across Spain, Step by Step Less is more. Simples! When I look back at the many Camino ...
By Adventure Geek |
Film Review – Edie
Introduction This beautiful heartwarming tale throws off the shackles of age, challenging the relationships that we have with ourselves and those around us. An inspiring ...
By Adventure Geek |
LESSON #8 – LEARN TO LOOK OUT FOR THE SIGNS IN LIFE
Life and Business Lessons Learned From A Hike Across Spain, Step by Step I smile to myself as I think back to all the signs ...
By Adventure Geek |
Five Small Items That Are Super Useful For The Camino
The small things in life make all the difference, and the Camino is no exception. This week, I would like to share with you five ...
By Adventure Geek |
LESSON #7 – LEARN TO DEAL WITH THE PAIN AND MOVE ON
Life and Business Lessons Learned From A Hike Across Spain, Step by Step Learning to deal with the pain is probably one of the hardest ...
By Adventure Geek |
Five Big Mistakes That People Make on The Camino
If you are about to head out on the Camino then I am hopefully just about to save you quite a lot of pain and ...
By Adventure Geek |
Book Review – How To Be Human: The Manual
Julia's Reading Challenge for 2019 0% Introduction It took us 4 billion years to evolve to where we are now. No question, anyone reading this ...
By Adventure Geek |
TREAT OF THE WEEK | GREAT BRITISH RUDE AND QUIRKY PLACE NAMES MAP
Treat of the week - Rude & Quirky Place Names of Britain When I spotted this map on Amazon it didn't take long before I ...
By Adventure Geek |
LESSON #6 – EMBRACE OPPORTUNITIES THAT COME YOUR WAY
Life and Business Lessons Learned From A Hike Across Spain, Step by Step If I had any regrets in life it is probably that I ...
By Adventure Geek |
12 Things You Need To Know About the Camino, Before You Go!
If you are thinking about walking the Camino De Santiago then this may be the blog for you. As a soon to be Pilgrim, there ...
By Adventure Geek |
LESSON #5 – MARCH TO THE BEAT OF YOUR OWN DRUM
Life and Business Lessons Learned From A Hike Across Spain, Step by Step In my business life, I am very driven. I never really understood ...
By Adventure Geek |
TREAT OF THE WEEK | OSMO POCKET ACCESSORIES & SD CARD HOLDER
Treat of the week - Osmo Pocket Accessories I must admit, I have a bit of an Amazon addiction. I have been fighting it for ...
By Adventure Geek |
Book Review – First Man In, Leading From The Front
Julia's Reading Challenge for 2019 0% Introduction No one is born a leader. But through sheer determination and by confronting life’s challenges, Ant Middleton has ...
By Adventure Geek |
Nine Adventure Geekers Walk The Peak Pilgrimage Trail
What is the Peak Pilgrimage? The Peak Pilgrimage is a 39-mile long distance walk, between Ilam and Eyam in Derbyshire / Peak District in the ...
By Adventure Geek |
TREAT OF THE WEEK | LIGHTWEIGHT CAMP SHOES AND A FLYING COW
Lighthouse Shoes from Mountain Warehouse - click to visit the site. Treat of the week - Camp Shoes I must admit, I have a ...
By Adventure Geek |
LESSON #4 – LIVE LIFE ADVENTOURSLY
Life and Business Lessons Learned From A Hike Across Spain, Step by Step When we are children, every day is an adventure. We trust our ...
By Adventure Geek |
TREAT OF THE WEEK | Check Out These Cool Compression / Dehydrated Towels!
Treat of the week I must admit, I have a bit of an Amazon addiction. I have been fighting it for some time now, but ...
By Adventure Geek |
LESSON #3 – TRY NOT TO JUDGE PEOPLE
Life and Business Lessons Learned From A Hike Across Spain, Step by Step We all like to think that we do not judge people, but ...
By Adventure Geek |
Ep17 – Camino Talk Show | Kim from California | The story of pure determination
INTERVIEW NOTES You can find Kimberly's story on https://kimscaminoadventures.wordpress.com/ If you are looking for an inspirational story of pure determination, bravery, heartache, pain and magical ...
By Adventure Geek |
LESSON #2 – BE MORE PATIENT
Life and Business Lessons Learned From A Hike Across Spain, Step by Step Patience has never been on my radar. I see something and I ...
By Adventure Geek |
LESSON #1 – YOU CAN SURVIVE WITHOUT INTERNET!
Life and Business Lessons Learned From A Hike Across Spain, Step by Step For those of you who don't know, I have owned a social ...
By Adventure Geek |
Ep 16- The Camino Talk Show | Tamsin Grainger (Scotland)
Interview Notes TAMSIN GRAINGER QUOTE: Walking itself is the intentional act closest to the unwilled rhythms of the body to breathing and the beating of ...
By Adventure Geek |
Ep 15- The Camino Talk Show | Jane Walker (UK)
Interview Notes Jane was walking the Camino in memory of her late husband. This episode is full of tips and advice for new fresh pilgrims ...
By Adventure Geek |
Book Review – The Year We Seized The Day : A True Story of Friendship and Renewal on the Camino
Julia's Reading Challenge for 2019 0% Introduction The utterly compelling and inspirational account of how two very different writers tackle their demons walking the Camino ...
By Adventure Geek |
My Doubts About The Camino De Santiago | Can I Do This?
Life and Business Lessons Learned From A Hike Across Spain, Step by Step My adventurous soul was about to be ignited again! For those of ...
By Adventure Geek |
LOWLAND LEADERS AWARD | WHEN YOU REALISE HOW MUCH YOU DON'T KNOW!
I realised how much I didn't know! I left my house around 7.30am on Saturday and headed south for Chesham. I have never walked within ...
By Adventure Geek |
Sharing The Camino Love | A Podcast with Bev Thorogood
A few weeks ago I attended the She Enjoy's Success Summit which is hosted by the lovely Vivien Joy. It was a fabulous event and ...
By Adventure Geek |
Book Review – Dare to Do by Sarah Outen
Julia's Reading Challenge for 2019 0% Introduction On 1 April 2011, rower and adventurer Sarah Outen set off in her kayak from Tower Bridge for ...
By Adventure Geek |
Day 6 – CAMINO INGLÉS – SANTIAGO! I MADE IT BABY!!!
DISTANCE: 13.96 miles, 32k steps, 22.5 km., As I type its 6.40am. I slept brilliantly and didn’t wake up at all in the night. ...
By Adventure Geek |
Seven Tips For Waking Up Early
A long long time ago, I read a book called "Early to Rise" by Andy Traub. I am going to be completely honest here and ...
By Adventure Geek |
Day 5 – Camino Inglès | Hospital de Bruma – Sigeurio
THE ONE WITH THE DINOSAUR DISTANCE: 14 miles, 22.5km, 32k steps TERRAIN: Once again it was mainly road walking or forest trails. We didn’t pass ...
By Adventure Geek |
DAY 4 – CAMIÑO INGLÉS | THE ONE WITH MY SPECIAL FLOWER
Day 4 - Betanzos to Hospital de Bruma DISTANCE: A gruelling 16.89 miles, 27km, 38k steps. TERRAIN: Some very steep hills today. There were beautiful ...
By Adventure Geek |
A Must Read For Newbie Walkers!
Click here to visit the site. Going for a walk sounds so easy, doesn't it? We have been walking since we were toddlers and we ...
By Adventure Geek |
Book Review – The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
Julia's Reading Challenge for 2019 0% Introduction Paulo Coelho's masterpiece tells the mystical story of Santiago, an Andalusian shepherd boy who yearns to travel in ...
By Adventure Geek |
Setting The Adventure Geek Goals for 2019
As we launch into the new year, I thought it was an apt time to start setting some goals and to focus on what is ...
By Adventure Geek |
Book Review – Up: My Life’s Journey to the Top of Everest by Ben Fogle, Marina Fogle
Julia's Reading Challenge for 2019 0% Introduction My eyes lifted to the horizon and the unmistakable snowy outline of Everest. Everest, the mountain of my ...
By Adventure Geek |
Book Review – Can't Hurt Me, by David Goggins
Introduction For David Goggins, childhood was a nightmare — poverty, prejudice, and physical abuse coloured his days and haunted his nights. But through self-discipline, mental ...
By Adventure Geek |
DAY 3 | CAMINO INGLÉS | THE ONE WITH THE WILD PIGS
Day 3 - Pontedueme to Betanzos DISTANCE: 15 miles, 43k steps, 24km WEATHER: cold this morning but a lovely afternoon in the afternoon sun. TERRAIN: ...
By Adventure Geek |
What Is On Your Book-It List?
Do you ever have that feeling that something in your life has shifted? It's like another door opened and your soul decided that this would ...
By Adventure Geek |
What Every New Backpacker Ought To Know
I have been backpacking now for some time and it dawned on me how much I have learned over this time. If you are new ...
By Adventure Geek |
Skinny Dipping and Spin the Bottle are on My MicroAdventure List for 2019!
In 2020, all being well, I will be walking the Japanese Camino called the Kumano Kodo to experience the 88 temples that represent different aspects ...
By Adventure Geek |
Even Keen Walkers Can't Be Bothered To Venture Outdoors Sometimes!
I was sitting in the comfort of my nice warm house on Thursday evening thinking "it's cold, it has been raining all day, and ...
By Adventure Geek |
DAY 2 CAMINO INGLES | FERROL TO PONTEDUEME
DISTANCE: 21.27 miles, 48k steps, 34km FERROL IS RIDDLED WITH DRUNKS I Left at 6.18am after a hot coffee in my room (love my jet ...
By Adventure Geek |
DAY 1 | CAMINO INGLES | GATWICK TO FERROL
Day 1 - Gatwick to Ferrol (Northern Spain) The day of Spanish people singing the Proclaimers, no campsites and a lollipop! GATWICK FUN... I open ...
By Adventure Geek |
The Perfect Christmas Gifts for The Walker In Your Life
If you know a keen walker or you are friends with someone who would like to do more walking in 2019, why not buy then ...
By Adventure Geek |
How to Live Adventurously Every Day
One of my past-times is to indulge in YouTube videos. I watch all sorts of videos from people who have accomplished amazing things in their ...
By Adventure Geek |
CAMINO FRANCES | MONTE DO GOZO TO SANTIAGO DE COMPSTESTELA
CAMINO FRANCES | The day we celebrated! I was wide awake at 4.30am at “The Prison”. By 5 am I decided to dismount from the top ...
By Adventure Geek |
CAMINO FRANCES | SALCEDA TO MONDTE DEL GONZO
The day we saw our first glimpse of Santiago DISTANCE:18 miles (lots of exploring today, 41k steps, 29km We started we the day with the ...
By Adventure Geek |
CAMINO FRANCES | BOENTE TO SALCEDA
The day we enjoyed a jacuzzi in the middle of nowhere DISTANCE: 12 miles Today was a nice short day. When did 12 miles become ...
By Adventure Geek |
CAMINO FRANCES | AIREXE TO BOENTE
The day I got shin splints and ate Spanish French toast. DISTANCE: 16.5 miles, 38k steps, 26km SUMMARY I spent most of the day walking ...
By Adventure Geek |
CAMINO FRANCES | FERRERIOS TO AIREXE
The day of walking with cows, smiley dog faces, playing leapfrog and saxophone playing. DISTANCE: 18 miles, 41k steps, We no longer see storks nests, ...
By Adventure Geek |
CAMINO FRANCES | SAMOS TO FERRERIOS
The day of very few cafes, weird tombs and a lovely surprise. DISTANCE: 19.30 miles, 44k steps, 30.5 km Rachel and I left Samos after ...
By Adventure Geek |
CAMINO FRANCES | FONFRIA TO SAMOS
The day we use the luggage carriage service DISTANCE: 16 miles, 36k steps, 25km SUMMARY I giggled to myself as the host of the hostel ...
By Adventure Geek |
CAMINO FRANCES – LAS HERRIAS to FONFRIA
The day Rachel saw a snake! A Thunderstorm is Brewing! We reluctantly left the Paradise Hotel in the dark at around 6.15am knowing that ...
By Adventure Geek |
CAMINO FRANCES – VILLAFRANCA – LAS HERRIAS
The day we escaped a smeggy hostel!!! DAY: Villafranca to Las Herrerias We left the beautiful town of Villafranca whilst it was still dark. ...
By Adventure Geek |
CAMINO FRANCES – ACEBO TO VILLAFRANCA
The day we swam in the river DAY: Acebo to Villafranca It's 6.30am as I write in my journal and I have been awake for a ...
By Adventure Geek |
Camino Frances – Rabanal to Acebo
The One Where We Let Stuff Go... Followed By Pure Pleasure! Just 10 miles today, but talk about being emotionally draining! The green butterfly stone ...
By Adventure Geek |
Camino Frances – Astorga to Rabanal
The day I held a hawk, had afternoon tea and prayed with Spanish monks Warning: Sorry about the video section of Rachel's blisters We left ...
By Adventure Geek |
The Camino Talk Show
When I was in the preparation stage of my first Camino, I became a little bit obsessed. My fascination for the Camino drove me to ...
By Adventure Geek |
Camino Frances – Mazarife to Astorga
The Day We Taught Sue How To Play Pooh Sticks Weird witches hanging from the ceiling We all slept well last night in the small ...
By Adventure Geek |
Camino Frances – Leon to Mazarife
The day I ate tripe! We left the monastery in Leon around 7 am with a new Camino friend (Sue from California). The walk across ...
By Adventure Geek |
Five Amazing Reasons Why I Love Geocaching
During our Adventure Geek walk on Monday evening, I got chatting to a fellow walker from Spain. I am not sure how the conversation arose ...
By Adventure Geek |
Camino Frances – Reliegos to Leon
The one with the playful cat and the river crossing I went to bed rather late as I was watching the nail-gripping England vs Columbia world ...
By Adventure Geek |
A Camino Experience Through The Eyes of A Teenager
Hi everyone, It's Rachel here. I thought I would take the time to tell you 7 reasons why I love the Camino de Santiago and why I think ...
By Adventure Geek |
Book Review: Operation Ironman by George Mahood
If you have been reading the Adventure Geek blog and book reviews then you will know that I am a fan of George Mahood. His ...
By Adventure Geek |
New Camping Gear for the Camino Ingles Route
Thank you to Douglas A Johnson for this image. As some of you may know, I am heading back to Spain in October 2018 to ...
By Adventure Geek |
Camino Frances – Bercianos to Reliegos
The very long and winding road This morning was super weird! I woke early (about 5 am) and decided to creep out of our room ...
By Adventure Geek |
Camino Frances – Terradillos to Bercianos
The day we unburdened Julie of 6 lbs! It took me a while to get off to sleep last night as there was a donkey ...
By Adventure Geek |
10 Essentials That You Should Always Take On Any Walk
Whether you are out for the day on a long hike, or you are joining your local walking club for a short 3-mile saunter across ...
By Adventure Geek |
Camino Frances – Carrión de Los Condes to Terradillos
The day we met a lady carrying 16 pairs of knickers! Distance walked: 18miles / 28 km / 41k steps Jack and Andrew from Florida ...
By Adventure Geek |
What Was That App That You Use For Local Walks?
After yet another message on Facebook asking me "What was that app you used for the walks, Julia?" I thought it was about time that ...
By Adventure Geek |
Ten Multipurpose Backpacking Items That Help Reduce Your Pack Weight
The old saying "work smarter, not harder" is not just a good motto to live by when working in a regular job, but it also ...
By Adventure Geek |
Is It Safe To Walk The Camino Frances Route as A Solo Female?
I am not going to lie, but I was absolutely terrified when I took my first solo hike along the Camino Frances route in October ...
By Adventure Geek |
12 Week Training Plan for The Cotswold Way
Do you need to train for The Cotswold Way? The simple answer is yes. If you are walking the trail in eight days (most common) ...
By Adventure Geek |
Accommodation Along The Cotswold Way
There are many different choices of accommodation along The Cotswold Way to suit a range of budgets and needs. If you are intending to stay and ...
By Adventure Geek |
Should We Stop Trying To Hit 10k Steps A Day?
Did you know that the 10k steps theory was actually a Japanese marketing campaign for the run up 1964 Toyko Olympics? It was simply a way ...
By Adventure Geek |
Travels with Rachel – In Search of South America (book review)
If you have been following my blog for a while then you will already know that I am a fan of George Mahood. His style ...
By Adventure Geek |
Nine Things You Should Know About Technology On The Camino
I know, I know, I can hear it now, the Camino is meant to be a place where we can switch off and bask in ...
By Adventure Geek |
The Inspiring Story of the Woman Who Saved the Appalachian Trail at 67 years old!
I had never heard of Grandma Gatewood until I was listening to an interview with the author of this amazing book on The Mighty Blue ...
By Adventure Geek |
Walking Your Way to A Better You
Found this on my husbands Facebook account from 2009. His caption was "Like mother, like daughter". A few years ago I decided to change my ...
By Adventure Geek |
12 Week Training Plan for the Camino
I am often asked "how much training do I need for the Camino?" and the answer is it varies from person to person. Some people ...
By Adventure Geek |
The Must Have Gadget for Walking in the Camino Sun
As I type this blog we are in the final preparations of walking the Camino. I already mentioned this particular gadget in last week's blog ...
By Adventure Geek |
Day 8 – The Cotswold Way – Final Day! I did it!!!
Pennsylvania to Bath Distance: A gruelling 14 miles! Weather: Horrible. Wet. Cold. Mud. Mud. Oh, did I mention mud? Terrain: Whoever said that the last ...
By Adventure Geek |
Not Tonight Josephine (Book Review)
By George Mahood Official Blurb: Click here to download from Amazon Two Brits, George and Mark, set off from New York City to explore the ...
By Adventure Geek |
Four Helpful Tips for Walking in The Spanish Heat
As I prepare for my fourth Camino trip there is one thing on my mind, the heat. All of my previous Camino's have taken place ...
By Adventure Geek |
Day 7 – The Cotswold Way, Hawkesbury to Pennyslvania
Distance: 13 miles (31, 954 steps or 21 km) Weather: Pants! Boy did it rain hard today! Even my trekking umbrella did not stop me ...
By Adventure Geek |
Free Country: A Penniless Adventure the Length of Britain (Book review)
The plan is simple. George and Ben have three weeks to cycle 1000 miles from the bottom of England to the top of Scotland. There ...
By Adventure Geek |
How Much Training Do I Need To Walk The Camino?
What are the hostels like? Do I need to take a tent? Do I need a sleeping bag? What about going to the toilet? What ...
By Adventure Geek |
Day 6 – The Cotswold Way, Dursley to Hawkesbury
Distance: 14.47 miles (34,973 steps / 23km) Weather: Started off overcast and quite warm. By 12 noon the heavens opened and it rained all the ...
By Adventure Geek |
High and Low: How I Hiked Away From Depression Across Scotland
By Keith Foskett Click here to view on Amazon I am a Keith Foskett fan after devouring his first book about his Camino trip, The ...
By Adventure Geek |
127 Hours – Between a Rock and a Hard Place (Book review)
A totally inspiring and moving true story, which was cringe-worthy in parts. This book has some strong messages to take with you on your own ...
By Adventure Geek |
Day 5 – The Cotswold Way, Painswick to Dursley (and Scary Cows!)
Distance: 21 miles (33km, 51,303 steps!) Weather: Weird! Rain, hail, sun, more rain! Terrain: A mix of woodland, road walking, country park and beautiful escarpments. ...
By Adventure Geek |
What Is So Special About the Camino?
I am a big believer in fate, but I also believe that you create your own opportunities in life. I was listening to My Camino ...
By Adventure Geek |
Day 4 – The Cotswold Way, Birdlip to Painswick
Distance: 8.54 miles, 20.988 steps (short walk today) Weather: I looked out of the window this morning and sighed as it was very wet and ...
By Adventure Geek |
How Many Miles or Kilometres Should I Walk on The Camino Every Day?
When I first started planning my first Camino trip the daily mileage was a big concern for me. I suffer from pains in my hips ...
By Adventure Geek |
Day 3 – The Cotswold Way, Charlton Kings to Birdlip
Distance: 11.86 miles (28,574 steps) A slightly shorter day today, which I really needed! Weather: Absolutely lovely. Sunny, clear skies so we could see for ...
By Adventure Geek |
How to Cope With The Pilgrim Song (Snorers) On The Camino
I received a Facebook message from a local business person who was keen on learning more about the Camino, but he had one big worry ...
By Adventure Geek |
Day 2 – The Cotswold Way, Hailes to Charlton Kings
Distance: 17.71 miles, 42,901 steps Weather: We were truly blessed with a fabulous spring day. The sun was shining all day and we had clear ...
By Adventure Geek |
My Magic Eight Tips Formula for Blister and Pain Free Hiking Feet
If you have ever had a blister then you know how painful they are. During all of my walking trips, I have encountered many people ...
By Adventure Geek |
JetBoil Flash Backpacking Cooking System is Wicked!
If you are buying a cooking system for your backpacking adventures then the JetBoil Flash is certainly worth consideration. Check out the video below, but ...
By Adventure Geek |
Day 1 – The Cotswold Way. Chipping Camden to Hailes
https://youtu.be/CZihiko909M Day 1/8 of The Cotswold Way - Chipping Warden to Hailes Distance: 18.98 miles (45,525 steps) (we got lost a few times!) Weather: perfect! ...
By Adventure Geek |
Into The Wild – Film Review
Wow! This film is based on a true story and it certainly made me feel incredibly emotional as I watched this young man go through ...
By Adventure Geek |
Bedpans, Pink Baths, Beautiful Scenery and a Spooky Shrine…
Left to right, Helen, Diana, Julia In preparation for the 102-mile walk along The Cotswold Way, I knew I needed to get some hill training ...
By Adventure Geek |
The Best Lightweight Day Pack for Hikers
I absolutely love my Sea to Summit Lightweight Daypack and here are the reasons why:- * It packs up very small. Dinky is probably the ...
By Adventure Geek |
Should I Wear Boots or Trail Runners?
A few weeks ago, I purchased some new Solomon Hiking Boots. You know the old phrase:- "If it ain't broke, don't try and fix it!" ...
By Adventure Geek |
Wicked Shoulder Pouch for Your Mobile Phone
In this week's video, I explain the benefits of the Maxpedition Mobile Phone Pouch that fits snuggly onto the shoulder strap of any backpack. I ...
By Adventure Geek |
Lost My Mojo
It's Friday morning and my "Adventure Geek Day". I love these days as I have my new office and I can look out of the ...
By Adventure Geek |
Wild: A Journey from Lost to Found
Julie and I visited the Adventure Show in London last weekend. The show was not that exciting. It was rather like a show for adventure ...
By Adventure Geek |
Gear for Ensuring A Good Nights Sleep When Hostelling and Hiking
In this week's video, I will showcase the items and routine that I have when arriving at a hostel. In my opinion, the sleep routine ...
By Adventure Geek |
The Last Englishman by Keith Foskett
Click to view on Amazon A Thru-Hiking Adventure on the Pacific Crest Trail After reading Keith's previous book which talked about his journey along the ...
By Adventure Geek |
Five Gadgets That I Adore for All My Hiking Trips
Last week I put together a video of the five items that I had purchased that were a complete waste of money. (see here). ...
By Adventure Geek |
The Camino Way, Lessons in Leadership from a Walk Across Spain
By Victor Prince Over the next coming weeks and months, you will start to see a variety of book, gear, film and podcast reviews on ...
By Adventure Geek |
Overweight, Undertrained and Terrified: A Camino Diary
by Connor O Donoghue Over the next coming weeks and months, you will start to see a variety of book, gear, film and podcast reviews ...
By Adventure Geek |
Five Hiking Items That I wish I Hadn't Purchased
In this week's video, I am going to share with you my five gadgets that I purchased, but never actually used. I am sure ...
By Adventure Geek |
The Cotswold Way Plans for March 2018, With A Twist….
I have numerous hikes planned for 2018, but the first trek is already in the diary and the planning has begun. I will be walking ...
By Adventure Geek |
The Journey in Between – Book Review
The Story of a Thru-Hiking Adventure on El Camino de Santiago by Keith Foskett If you have read any of Kieth Foskett's aka "Fozzie" ...
By Adventure Geek |
The Final Journey Home
Well, that was an interesting journey! Beautiful scenery over the Pyrenees My clingfilm is tucked neatly into my trekking pole holder on Nellie my rucksack ...
By Adventure Geek |
Day 10 – Logrono part 2 (my last day)
Down by the river in Logrono I’m wide awake at 3 am as Logrono is a city that never sleeps. The windows are open and ...
By Adventure Geek |
Day 9 – Logrono. Getting Lost, Shoe Glue and A Funny Looking Stone!
Classy graffiti I woke at crap o’clock (4.30am) in the municipal in Los Arcos. I spent the next 30 mins reading all the notes and ...
By Adventure Geek |
Day 8 – Los Arcos. Free Wine Fountain, Pain in the Bum and A Spiritual Moment
Another fabulous sunrise I was lying on the bottom bunk in the hostel in Estella when an older Spanish lady hobbled in. She looked exhausted ...
By Adventure Geek |
Day 7 – Estella – Walking alone, Thoughtful Mood and Weird Food
Jaume & Lou DISTANCE - 15.35 miles, 35k steps I slept well last night at Hotel Jacque. Lou and I enjoyed a homemade breakfast of ...
By Adventure Geek |
Day 6 – Puente La Reina, Iron Men, Stage 4 Cancer and Dog Poo Soup
I woke up around 5.30am by the man in the next cubicle who was laughing and talking in his sleep. What a nice way to ...
By Adventure Geek |
Day 5 – Pamplona – Watching the sun come up, Sangria and Geocaching.
Watching the sun come up over the mountain tops I think the breakfast routine is rather strange, but apparently, it is normal in Spain. The ...
By Adventure Geek |
Day 4 – Zubiri – Zombies, More Rain and Squirrelling!
Beautiful scenery into Zubiri I wake up about 5.30am and head to the bathroom. The lady in the next toilet cubicle let’s rip and it ...
By Adventure Geek |
Day 3 – Roncesvalles – it rained and rained.
So last night was not too bad. I’m a light sleeper so anytime someone went to the loo or farted then I was awake in ...
By Adventure Geek |
Day 2 – Orisson (Camino Oct 2017)
Views from the Orisson Albergue After a restless night in the hotel room, I have a quick shower, dress and head down for breakfast. I ...
By Adventure Geek |
A Camino Calling…. Day One – Bayonne, Oct 2017
Early in 2017, I felt the need to walk part of the Camino again. I don't know why I feel drawn to this particular trail, ...
By Adventure Geek |
The Camino will Provide!
The Polish Priest who knew very limited English. Ola Manola Blues Coca Cola! These were the only words he ever said! The night at the ...
By Adventure Geek |
Day 2 – Estella to Los Arcos, The Wine Fountain on the Camino Frances
We are now back from chapter two of our Camino Frances journey and it is time to write up the blog. I love this part ...
By Adventure Geek |
The count down to the next chapter begins.
I have not written a blog for a few weeks, so I thought I would let you know that we have booked part 2 of ...
By Adventure Geek |
Four Novels To Get You In The Mood for Your Camino Adventure
I returned from the first leg of the Camino Frances in June 2016. After a month of reflection, we decided that we could not wait ...
By Adventure Geek |
I've Just Got To Tell You About My New Camino Gadget!
This couple gave us £5 for a coffee I love my gadgets and my latest backpacking toy is one that got me more excited that the ...
By Adventure Geek |
I never had a single blister on the Camino
Clare's blisters taken at Roncesvalles. Unlike so many other pilgrims, I am pleased to say that neither, me, Julie or Rachel got a single blister ...
By Adventure Geek |
What is the Food Like On the Camino?
I was expecting lots of tapas, sangria and paella, but the food on the Camino was so much more than that! We arrived in St ...
By Adventure Geek |
What would I do differently on my next Camino trip?
This is my first blog since I have returned from my first Camino. We only walked for 6 days and walked over 90 miles, but ...
By Adventure Geek |
Day 7 – Puente la Reina – Estella (our last day)
Walked: 20.98 km (13.04 miles) 32,282 steps. Fitness: I feel great and I'm sure I've lost some weight!!Julie is walking on pure adrenaline as her ...
By Adventure Geek |
Day 6 – Pamplona to Puente la Reina
Weather: way to hot!!! We all got sunburnt. Fitness: All of us are feeling ok. Julie has a bad knee, Rachel has sore shoulders ...
By Adventure Geek |
Day 5 – Zuribi to Pamplona
Walked: 18.17 miles (29.24 KM), 44,956 steps) Weather: A real mix of rain and hot weather. It really could not make up its mind today! ...
By Adventure Geek |
Day 4 – Brad broke the ATM machine!
Day 4 - Roncesvalles to Zubiri 16.37 miles (26.34 km) Weather: a mix of hot and light showers. Started out at Roncesvalles Hostel at 6.45am ...
By Adventure Geek |
Day 3 – Pilgrim Mass, Oasis and Sore Hips!
Sunday - Day 3 Camino Frances Orrison to Roncesvalles Walked 12.66 miles (18.5 km) Last night did not really bring much sleep. The German guy ...
By Adventure Geek |
Day 2 – Up, Up and Away!
Saturday Day 2 - 28th May 2016 6.58 miles, but up! Up! Up! OMG! What an amazing day! We couldn't charge our phones in the ...
By Adventure Geek |
Day 1 – Lost FitBit, An Accident and a Scary Pigeon!
https://youtu.be/IZZEYIVO-9w Well, today has been a real adventure. We picked Julie up about 8.30am and Matt dropped us off at MK station about 9.15am. We ...
By Adventure Geek |
Finding my "Why" for the Camino
For me, The Camino is not a holiday, it feels more like a "calling". I can't really explain it but it just feels like something ...
By Adventure Geek |
Camino Etiquette – The Unwritten Rules!
Panic set in as I received the weekly forum roundup email from Ivar on the Camino forum. One of the topics was about an angry ...
By Adventure Geek |
You Know You Are Going On You First Camino When…
As you may be aware, we are off to walk the first part of the Camino Frances in less than 30 days and I am ...
By Adventure Geek |
What Have I Bought for the Camino This Month?
I have not written a blog on my latest purchases for a while, so I thought I would give you an update. It has become ...
By Adventure Geek |
Training For Camino Frances – 6 Weeks to Go!
I was determined to stick to my target this week and the work week hustle on Fitbit certainly kept me motivated. The highlight of the ...
By Adventure Geek |
Training For Camino Frances – 7 Weeks to Go!
I failed dismally this week with my training schedule. I am so proud of Julie who has kept at it and has easily achieved her ...
By Adventure Geek |
Safety First on the Camino Frances
I must admit, I have never been the sort of person who has ever been ultra safety conscious. Although my father was a policeman for ...
By Adventure Geek |
Training For Camino Frances – 8 Weeks to Go!
It's still Easter week and I am juggling work, child care and walking, but it's great. Rachel is at the age (13) where she is ...
By Adventure Geek |
Yippee! I Have My Scallop Shell for the Camino, Thanks to My Mum!
Walking sticks in Santiago, La Coruna, Galicia, Spain I was absolutely over the moon as last weekend my mum came over for Sunday dinner and ...
By Adventure Geek |
Training For Camino Frances – 9 weeks to go!
I think we are at the point where other people are probably getting a bit fed up with us talking about the Camino now! We ...
By Adventure Geek |
Top Six Backpacking Tips For Walking The Camino
I take my hat off to the people at Cotswold Outdoors as the lady spent about 45 minutes with us a few weekends ago giving ...
By Adventure Geek |
Training For Camino Frances – 10 weeks to go!
At the age of 45, I am feeling much fitter than I have in a very long time. This is partly due to my lovely ...
By Adventure Geek |
What Gadgets Have I Bought This Week?
As a modern day pilgrim, I do not feel that you have to suffer to walk the Camino. If there are gadgets and items that ...
By Adventure Geek |
Training For Camino Frances – 11 weeks to go
We are now on week 11 and our progress is going well with the training. All three of us are ahead of the game and to ...
By Adventure Geek |
Training For Camino Frances – Week 12
With only 12 weeks to go before we head off to the Camino France we decided to increase our walks and training. With busy work ...
By Adventure Geek |
Can you Carry Trekking Poles on an Airplane?
With all the latest developments in security at airports nowadays, it suddenly dawned on me that I may not be allowed to carry my Nordic ...
By Adventure Geek |
Weekend of Camino Training and Geocaching
We only have 12 weeks left until the big day and it will come around really quickly. So here is an update of how ...
By Adventure Geek |
Three Places to Start When Thinking About Walking the Camino
By day, I run a marketing company and part of my role is to teach people about the joys of social media. So it was ...
By Adventure Geek |
Welcome to my Camino blog
A few years ago, a friend of mine decided that she was going to walk the Camino. She was older than me and I thought ...