Video - HF Hiking Holiday In St Ives, Cornwall, Southern England 2009

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My hiking holiday in St Ives Cornwall with Holiday Fellowship (HF) Holidays was a great experience. St Ives is a delightful resort town with a maze-like old fishing area. It's a perfect centre from which to discover the surrounding region.

The HF Holidays' Hiking Leaders were great. During the day hiking they guided us in a caring and considerate way, and also pointed out places of interest. This holiday was very sociable. We enjoyed the company of other hikers and the holiday leaders in a warm and friendly atmosphere, making good use of the welcoming bar and comfortable lounges.

At St. Ives, HF offer two hiking itineraries which can be done as a 2 week holiday or as 2 separate 1 week hiking holidays. On this holiday we did itinerary 2 and as we had such a good time we booked itinerary 1 for the following year. There were 5 days of hikes and the hiking time was around 5 to 7 hours each day. We spent our free day taking a look around St Ives.

Read more about this Hiking Holiday in Cornwall and other hiking holidays I have undertaken by visiting my hiking holiday category on my blog at www.HikingEquipmentSite.com.

Quote - It isn’t the mountain ahead that wears you out; it’s the grain of sand in your shoe - Robert W. Service

Hiking Planning Tip - Hiking Ability - Know how far you can hike, number of hours you want to hike & the load you can bear in your backpack

Video - Great Hiking Holiday In Albiano, Garfagna, Tuscany, Northern Italy

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The time spent on this Hiking Holiday in the Tuscany region of Northern Italy was superb. Tuscany was a delightful experience with stunning landscapes and ancient cities. Virtually every village had art treasures to stir the imagination of times gone by. We stayed in Albiano, close to Barga in the area of Garfagna, meaning enchanted wood, in Northern Tuscany, located between the Appennine mountains and the Alpi Apuane mountains.

The hikes we did were on good tracks, which were usually mule tracks or forest trails. There were 5 days of hikes and the hiking time was around 5 to 7 hours each day. On one of the days we were hiking in the Orecchiella Natural Park. All of the hiking involved some up-hill climbs with the greatest ascent for the week being 2,800 ft, which was the equivalent of climbing Snowdon in the UK.

Read more about this Hiking Holiday in Tuscany and other hiking holidays I have undertaken by visiting my hiking holiday category on my blog at www.HikingEquipmentSite.com.

Quote - Discoveries are often made by not following instructions, by going off the main road, by trying the untried - Frank Tyger

Hiking Planning Tip - Be Informed - High altitudes mean lower temperatures - hypothermia is a real risk at temperatures below 60 Fahrenheit

Article - Top 5 Hiking GPS Handhelds, Best Handheld GPS Reviews, Compare GPS Bestsellers On Amazon UK

Hiking and finding your way around in the great outdoors can be made more straightforward when using hiking GPS handhelds. As well as altering the way in which we do our hike planning and navigation, the development of GPS has transformed the globe. There are a variety of uses for GPS including aiding farmers during harvest time to bring in the crops as well as guiding war zone air attacks. GPS was initially created for military purposes by the United States, that of nuclear missile tracking. Thankfully, these days the GPS satellite network is being used for more peaceful purposes. Circling the globe is a 24 satellite network at a height of 11,000 which makes it possible for us to accurately establish our position on the earth to within a few metres. With respect to hiking, in theory at least, GPS enables easier navigation with greater accuracy in contrast to the manual use of map and compass. Other benefits include: planning your hiking routes before you hike; tracking your routes as you hike; storing your routes so you can use them again in the future; and the ability to share your hiking routes with others, as well as use routes planned by others.

Read more about the Top 5 Walking GPS Bestsellers On Amazon UK on my blog at: Top 5 Walking GPS Bestsellers On Amazon UK

Read my other hiking equipment guides on my blog at: www.HikingEquipmentSite.com.

Quote - Over every mountain there is a path, although it may not be seen from the valley - Theodore Roethke

Hiking Planning Tip - Be Informed - Time of year affects terrain - hiking on frozen marshes may be an option but do not try it once thawed

Video - Yorkshire Weekend Hiking New Year Break, England, UK

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This Yorkshire New Year weekend hiking break was taken at the end of December 2010 with my partner Anne. It was a SPICE West Midlands hiking and social break and there were SPICE members from various parts of the UK. Steve Dell of Fizz Leisure organized the weekend on behalf of SPICE.

Our first day hiking was around Ilkley Moor over 5 miles. Starting at the Cow & Calf Rocks and passing the historic 12 Apostles Stone Circle. On New Year's Eve our day hiking route was 7 miles over Haworth Moor to Top Withens, where Emily Bronte got her inspiration for Wuthering Heights. On New Year's Day we did a 7 miles day hiking trip around Shipley Glen to Saltaire.

We stayed at the Ramada Jarvis Hotel on the Bingley Road between Bingley to the west and Shipley to the east. The rooms were of a high standard and all meals were included in the package. There were a range of activities throughout the weekend including our own private Gala Dinner and disco on New Year's Eve.

Read more about this Yorkshire Weekend Hiking New Year Break, England, UK on my blog at: Yorkshire Weekend Hiking New Year Break England UK

Read about other weekend hiking I have undertaken by visiting my weekend hiking category on my blog at www.HikingEquipmentSite.com.

Quote - Mountain hikes instilled in me a life-long urge to get to the top of any inviting summit or peak - Paul D. Boyer

Hiking Planning Tip - Be Informed - Time of year affects terrain - a dry and dusty trail in summer may be a mud trap at other times

Video - Much Wenlock Ironbridge Circular Day Hiking, Shropshire, England, UK

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This 11.5 miles hike had an anti-clockwise route which started in the town centre of Much Wenlock. First we went in a north easterly direction, mainly along the Shropshire Way route. We passed Wenlock Priory ruins before entering the countryside and passing through the hamlet of Wyke. We hiked through Benthall Edge Woods and Benthall Edge, before going down hundreds of wooden steps through the wooded Ironbridge Gorge hillside with impressive views of the power station. The last section was a hike along the disused railway track before crossing the iron bridge into Ironbridge town. The second leg after lunch was in an "L" shaped route. Firstly we went west through the gorge beside the River Severn, over Buildwas Bridge, past Buildwas Abbey ruins and through the woods of Buildwas Park. The final section took us south, predominantly along a quiet country lane to Much Wenlock.

The route was well waymarked, with hiking over fields and within woodlands, offering a contrast between scenery and history. It was a relatively easy hike and not too strenuous but I would grade the route as moderate because of the distance.

Read more about this Much Wenlock and Ironbridge Circular Day Hiking in Shropshire, England, UK on my blog at: Much Wenlock Circular Day Hiking Ironbridge Shropshire

Read about other day hiking I have undertaken by visiting my day hiking category on my blog at www.HikingEquipmentSite.com.

Quote - The experienced mountain climber is not intimidated by a mountain - he is inspired by it - William Arthur Ward

Hiking Planning Tip - Be Informed - Ask local authorities for last minute updates and firsthand information

Article - Top 5 Hiking GPS Reviews, Best Handheld GPS Receiver, Bestselling On Amazon US

GPS receivers help to make life hiking in the outdoors less complicated. Apart from changing the way we navigate when hiking, GPS has transformed the planet. Uses of GPS are varied and include activities such as assisting farmers to get the harvest in and also calling for an air strike in war zones. GPS was originally developed by the US military for tracking nuclear missiles. Today the GPS network has more peaceful uses. Circling the globe is a network of 24 satellites at a height of 11,000 miles above the planet. This network enables us to accurately determine our location to within a few metres. With regards to hiking, it means more accurate and easy navigation compared to using a map with a compass. At least that is the theory. In addition, you are able to plan your hiking routes, track them as you hike, store them for future use and share them with others.

Read more about the Top 5 Hiking GPS Bestsellers On Amazon US on my blog at: Top 5 Hiking GPS Bestsellers On Amazon US

Read my other hiking equipment guides on my blog at: www.HikingEquipmentSite.com.

Quote - Not all that wander are lost - Unknown

Hiking Planning Tip - Be Informed - Find out about guidelines, regulations or restrictions relevant to you hiking plans

Quote - Hiking alone lets me have some time to myself - Jamie Luner

Hiking Planning Tip - Be Informed - Is it a public park or private land? Are permits or reservations needed?

Walking Worcestershire Self Catering Cottages Holiday UK, Bewdley And Wyre Forest Walks, Cottages Holiday England

Walking Worcestershire Self Catering Cottages Holiday UK, Bewdley And Wyre Forest Walks, Cottages Holiday England

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Article - Day Hiking around Middleton in Staffordshire England

This day hiking was just after Christmas! We met at The Green Man pub car park in Middleton village. The pub still had its Christmas decorations up. The hiking was on the level and was about 4.5 miles. This day hike was suitable for beginners or anyone that was looking for some easy hiking and a chat.
Read more about Day Hiking in Middleton on my blog: Day Hiking In Middleton

Bewdley Worcestershire Self Catering Cottages Holiday UK, Walking Great Witley And Abberley, England Walks

Bewdley Worcestershire Self Catering Cottages Holiday UK, Walking Great Witley And Abberley, England Walks

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Video - Amazon Kindle eBook Reader For Reading Books! eReader Kindle Inside & Kindle Outside The Home

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Do you love reading outdoors? Some people say they do not like to read outdoors but prefer to concentrate of the reason for being outdoors, like sunbathing or people watching or whatever reason. However for some people, part of their reason for being outdoors is that they enjoy reading in the open air. Some people do not like reading outdoors because there is too much glare reflecting from the pages of books and they do not like to wear sunglasses. Others prefer to leave books at home and keep their books in prime condition. I'm sure there must be a lot of other reasons.

e-Readers like the Kindle make it easier to read outdoors or when away from home. You can use the Kindle eReader to read at home, in the garden or whilst on holiday. You can read wherever you want and have a whole library of books available.

Read more about the Amazon Kindle eBook Reader on my blog: About Kindle eReader For Reading Outdoors & Indoors

Read my hiking equipment guides on my blog at: www.HikingEquipmentSite.com

Quote - Many climbers become writers because of the misconceptions about climbing - Jonathan Waterman

Article - Planning A Hike? Hiking Tips For Hike Planning

Article - Planning A Hike? Hiking Tips For Hike Planning 

Are you Planning A Hike? Before you go hiking, make sure you are prepared for what lies ahead of you. Have you got these main hike planning factors covered? 

• Avoid Lone Hiking
• Hiking Buddies
• Be Informed
• Hiking Ability
• Hike Distance Time
• Get Permits
• Medical Needs
• Hiking With Kids
• Navigation Skills
• Survival Skills
• Emergency Plan
• Weather Check
• Go Back Time
• Equipment Check
• Deposit Itinerary

Whatever your level of planning and preparation, be flexible on your trip and ready to change your plans as needed.

Read the full article on my blog: Planning A Hike? Hike Planner - Hiking Tips For Hike Planning

Hiking Planning Tip - Be Informed - Have a detailed and up to date topographic map with you

Quote - In the mountains there are only two grades: You can either do it, or you can't - Rusty Baille

Hiking Planning Tip - Be Informed - Ensure you are well-informed about the intended hiking trails, the hiking terrain & weather conditions

Article - Day Hiking around Kingsbury Water Park in Warwickshire England

Steve Dell of Fizz Leisure organised this group Circular Day Hiking for SPICE, and it was led by Cecilia, in Kingsbury Water Park, England. This day hiking was about 4.5 miles around Kingsbury Water Park and Middleton Hall. We parked and met up at The Dog & Doublet pub. 

Read more about Day Hiking in Kingsbury Water Park on my blog: Day Hiking In Kingsbury Water Park

Article - Day Hiking around Kingsbury Water Park in Warwickshire England

Steve Dell of Fizz Leisure organised this group Circular Day Hiking for SPICE, and it was led by Cecilia, in Kingsbury Water Park, England. This day hiking was about 4.5 miles around Kingsbury Water Park and Middleton Hall. We parked and met up at The Dog & Doublet pub. 

Read more about Day Hiking in Kingsbury Water Park on my blog: Day Hiking In Kingsbury Water Park

Quote - Mountains have a way of dealing with overconfidence - Nemann Buhl

Hiking Planning Tip - Hiking Buddies - Harmonize the expectations of everyone to ensure a fun adventure with minimal surprises