4 minute read
RACHEL'S RAMBLES
THE A-WORD
By Rachel Woods
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September’s a funny month, gateway to autumn but often offering continued sunny days, albeit with a few more chilly nights. Perfect weather for a good walk or exploratory ramble. You can stay that bit cooler and have a reasonable level of daylight, and the temperature leans toward temperate, or even warm.
But… it’s also a season where you daren’t go out without considering the possibilities. A shift in the weather catching out even the most seasoned walkers.
So, what to take with you? Time to dig out a few options and start layering up? Things lightweight enough to carry in your backpack but warm and waterproof enough to deal with what might come. It’s when I get out my larger daypack (20 litre), which is more capable of carrying bulkier stuff but good and light still.
And what about footwear? I’ve spent the summer in lightweight walking shoes or sport sandals. The thought of my heavy-duty walking boots isn’t appealing just yet. One hint of sticky, boggy mud will quickly change my mind.
The staple backpack contents don’t change. First-aid kit, phone, hat, water and snacks. For September, I add a flask of something warming and waterproofs, and start to carry a few more towels in the car.
Where to go? The dryness of summer will be pushed away and, temporarily, green lushness will return to your favourite stomping grounds before the yellow, gold, russet and burnt umbers makes their return for another year. An opportunity arises to explore new routes before they become sodden and tricky to pass later in the season.
I’ve a wish list of walks for this autumn, taking in areas like the Quantocks, the Blackdowns and new routes in North Dorset and West Wiltshire. Forestry Commission woodlands, that I’ve seen signs for while out and about, need to be explored further, such as Ashmore between Shaftsbury and Blandford. It’s simply a question of when.
My subscription to Ordnance Survey online has just renewed and I love the tool that they have to do a ‘fly through’ of a created route. You’re magically transported so that when you reach certain points on your actual walk, you kind of feel like you’ve been there before – predetermined déjà vu.
What’s your walking plan for September? We’re truly spoilt in this area for fabulous footpaths, wonderful woodlands, beautiful byways and stunning scenery. Alliteration aside, do you have a wish list of new spots to explore? Maybe you have a hankering for new boots or kit to make your adventures that bit more comfortable.
Whatever you decide, travel safely and pack light but well. Do make the most of what September has on offer.
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Goodbye
The beautiful sunset on the adjacent page is very apt as I write my final ‘From the Editor’ column and bring to a close the five years I have spent as editor of The Conduit magazine. When I took over, the magazine was very different from how it is now and my thanks go to Alan Bunter from Remous who allowed me a free rein to create a magazine that I wanted to read. We all wanted to keep publishing The Conduit, but horrendous price rises in print and paper, lack of advertising support, plus all the additional costs have meant it just wasn’t possible. A huge thank you goes to my assistant editor, Julie Locke, who has done an amazing job in looking after the What’s On and Arts columns, proofreading and generally always being there to talk through ideas. Also thank you to the whole team at Remous and all the advertisers and columnists. As the sun sets on the magazine I wonder what new dawns will bring. Anyone need an editor?
Jane Adkins
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