festive walks brecon beacons
Ain the star west In the first of our Christmas-themed walks, one not particularly wise man heads to the Brecon Beacons‌ and a little town called Bethlehem. Words: Andy Cremin Photos: Tom Bailey
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Carreg Cennen Castle is well worth a visit, but Andy has a more important date with a little town called Bethlehem.
29
festive walks brecon beacons
Ain the star west In the first of our Christmas-themed walks, one not particularly wise man heads to the Brecon Beacons‌ and a little town called Bethlehem. Words: Andy Cremin Photos: Tom Bailey
28
Carreg Cennen Castle is well worth a visit, but Andy has a more important date with a little town called Bethlehem.
29
festive walks cairngorms
42
43
Photo: David Gowans/Alamy
FIND SNOW HERE…
Where: Glenmore, Highland There can be few things more festive phenomena than crunching your way through twinkling snow, but where’s the best place to find a proper layer of the white stuff? Our vote goes to the Cairngorms National Park, and Glenmore Forest in particular. According to the Met Office, this spot holds the record for the biggest ever White wonder: the snowy shores of Loch Morlich.
snowfall in a single day, a staggering 65cm – or over two feet – in January 1978. And while Glenmore sits at the foot of some of Scotland's wildest mountains, one of the best walks in the national park is the gentle circuit of nearby Loch Morlich, when the shores are heaped with snow, the water laced with ice, and the high peaks sparkle against a blue winter sky. You might even
spot reindeer as Britain’s only free-range herd lives a snowball’s throw from the loch. And if you'd like to get to those high horizons, Glenmore Lodge is an outdoors training centre with courses in winter walking skills, so you can learn to explore those shining summits in confidence. More details: www.cairngorm reindeer.co.uk and www.glenmorelodge.org.uk
festive walks cairngorms
42
43
Photo: David Gowans/Alamy
FIND SNOW HERE…
Where: Glenmore, Highland There can be few things more festive phenomena than crunching your way through twinkling snow, but where’s the best place to find a proper layer of the white stuff? Our vote goes to the Cairngorms National Park, and Glenmore Forest in particular. According to the Met Office, this spot holds the record for the biggest ever White wonder: the snowy shores of Loch Morlich.
snowfall in a single day, a staggering 65cm – or over two feet – in January 1978. And while Glenmore sits at the foot of some of Scotland's wildest mountains, one of the best walks in the national park is the gentle circuit of nearby Loch Morlich, when the shores are heaped with snow, the water laced with ice, and the high peaks sparkle against a blue winter sky. You might even
spot reindeer as Britain’s only free-range herd lives a snowball’s throw from the loch. And if you'd like to get to those high horizons, Glenmore Lodge is an outdoors training centre with courses in winter walking skills, so you can learn to explore those shining summits in confidence. More details: www.cairngorm reindeer.co.uk and www.glenmorelodge.org.uk
Gear Women’s base-layers Rohan Basis T £35
Tested by Steph Duits
Sprayway Solstice £35
Montane Bionic Long Sleeve Crew Neck £60
Highlyded en comm
Man versus Nature
Which is best: man-made base-layers or merino wool?
Wicking One of the major strengths of polypropylene is the ability to wick. Score: 1
Great at wicking up into the fabric. Score: 1
Drying Comfort & Fit 0
2
4
Performance 6
8
10
0
2
4
Total 14/20 6
8
10
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20
Comfort & Fit 0
2
4
Performance 6
8
10
0
2
4
Total 15/20 6
8
10
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20
Comfort & Fit 0
2
4
Performance 6
8
10
0
2
4
Usually excellent. Score: 1
Total 19/20 6
8
10
Not quite so efficient as the artificial fibres. Can saturate quite quickly when overwhelmed with moisture. Score: 0
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20
A super-soft base-layer with a loose fit and a scoop neck. The fabric is so soft to the touch that you’d swear it has merino in it, although actually it's made from a blend of polyester and elastane. It’s been treated with Rohan’s Dynamic Moisture Control finish, so it wicks sweat away quickly and keeps you dry in warm, humid conditions. You’ll be able to wear it for a few consecutive days before it gets too pongy, when you can chuck it in the wash with everything else, and it will dry overnight. The only downside is that the scoop neck and loose fit doesn’t trap warm air very effectively, and the low neck leaves you at the mercy of the sun’s rays in warm weather. Verdict: A soft and stretchy base-layer for walkers who don’t like the ‘clingy’ look.
This base-layer is made from eco-friendly Cocona fabric, made from the activated carbon of recycled coconut shells. It’s really soft to the touch, and the activated carbon wicks away sweat very quickly indeed. It makes the fabric very breathable too. The carbon doesn’t do a lot to prevent bad odours, though – so unless you’re one of those women that doesn’t sweat at all, the underarms will start ponging almost as soon as you put it on. That said, the fabric feels lovely next to the skin, especially in warm weather, and the zip neck allows extra ventilation when you need it. The sleeves pull up easily too. Quite a technical looking base-layer, so not great for casual use. Verdict: An eco-friendly base-layer that easily wicks away sweat, but watch out for the pong factor.
A really lightweight base-layer made from Sportwool – a unique fabric that blends the best properties of merino wool on the inside, and polyester on the outside. Merino wool excels at trapping water vapour perspiring from the skin, whilst polyester transports moisture to the outside, spreading it out so the fabric dries extremely fast. So this base-layer works just as well on its own in hot weather as it does underneath outer layers in cooler weather. Even on strenuous climbs on hot days, the fabric stays dry and comfortable, so you won’t get any post exercise chill, either. And most importantly, it will take a few days’ wear before it starts to pong. There’s a reflective panel on each cuff, too. Verdict: Unbeatable for wicking away sweat, although you’ll probably want to wear something a bit thicker in winter.
Sizes: 8-18 Fabric: 96% polyester; 4% elastane with Dynamic Moisture Control™ finish Weight: 175g Contact: 0800 840 1411; www.rohan.co.uk
Sizes: 8-18 Fabric: Cocona Weight: 150g Contact: 0161 366 5020; www.sprayway.com
Sizes: 6-18 Fabric: SPORTWOOL™ Thermoknit – 62% polyester/38% merino wool Weight: 120g Contact: 01670 522 300; www.montane.co.uk
EDZ Merino Wool £40
Peter Storm Merino Base Layer Crew £30
Icebreaker Chakra Zip £63
Smell Not great. They will smell after a day’s use. Score: 0
When’s the last time you met a sheep wearing deodorant? Score: 1
Warmth Not really what they are for. Score: 0
Although not exclusively for cold climates, merino is warmer than synthetic. Score: 1
Longevity Best in test
Essentially a plastic and thus very hard-wearing. Score: 1
Pure merino can be quite delicate. Washing too many times in a machine will lead to the fabric breaking down over time. As the fibres don’t smell, however, you will need to wash them less. Score: ½
Environmental Credentials
58
Comfort & Fit 0
2
4
Performance 6
8
10
0
2
4
Total 16/20 6
8
10
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20
Comfort & Fit 0
2
4
Performance 6
8
10
0
2
4
Total 17/20 6
8
10
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20
Comfort & Fit 0
2
4
Performance 6
8
10
0
2
4
Total 20/20 6
8
10
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20
A warm, thick, 100% merino wool base-layer. It’s not as soft next to the skin as the Icebreaker or Peter Storm, though, and for the first few wears will probably feel a little itchy. It won’t win any prizes for style, but definitely scores high for practicality. The fit is super-tight to trap warm air, and allows the fabric to wick away sweat easily too. Also, the body and arm lengths are long enough so that you won’t suffer draughts when reaching. Unfortunately, it did suffer a bit of shrinkage after the first wash, but the fabric is strong and thick and will endure a lot of sweating before the first hint of a pong. Overall, not a bad price for a 100% merino base-layer. Verdict: A really well-priced 100% merino base-layer that works best underneath outer layers in cold weather.
A really lightweight merino base-layer, with a bit of added polyester. It feels great next to the skin – soft, itch-free and not too tight – and even though the fabric is quite thin, it does a great job of trapping warmth. As you’d expect from a combination of polyester and merino, it’s very breathable and wicks away sweat really well, keeping you dry and comfortable all day long. Even though there’s a bit of polyester in the mix, it will take a fair amount of wear before it starts to pong. Wash cold to prevent shrinkage, but you can chuck it in the machine with everything else. To help make it last longer, wear it next to the skin underneath outer layers, rather than directly underneath a pack. Verdict: Might not last as long as other thicker base-layers, but if you’re shopping for merino on a budget, look no further.
Simply the warmest, softest, best-looking, most versatile baselayer on test. It’s got a high zip-neck collar which locks in warmth when you need it, and allows a welcome flow of air if you get too warm. The fit is form-fitting but not tight, so it feels just as comfortable underneath outer layers as it does on its own. Made from 100% merino wool, it breathes incredibly well, and quickly wicks away sweat so that your skin stays dry. It washes easily (best on a cold wash), and won’t suffer any shrinkage. The fabric is strong too, and although it’s pricey, it should keep you warm year after year. But the most amazing thing about this baselayer is that it just won’t smell – even when you think it ought to! Verdict: An unbeatable base-layer – soft, warm, strong and breathable. And it just won’t smell.
Sizes: 8-18 Fabric: 100% 200g weight merino wool Weight: 150g Contact: 01900 810260; www.edzlayering.com
Sizes: XS-XL Fabric: 63% merino wool; 37% polyester Weight: 125g Contact: 0800 389 5861; www.millets.co.uk
Sizes: XS-XL Fabric: 100% merino wool Weight: 200g Contact: 01572 772 437; www.icebreaker.com
read steph’s overview on P.63
Fibres are derived from oil and so aren’t great for the environment. Many companies use recycled polypropylene and polyester in base-layers, which are obviously better. Score: ½
A renewable, natural material, making them very 'green'. But there are carbon costs to a merino top as all merino originates from New Zealand and Australia and has to be transported here. Score: 1
cost Comparable to merino in expensive techy models, but generally cheaper than natural alternatives. Score: 1
More expensive than the synthetics and rightly so, with more overhead costs to look after. Score: 0
total Man-made 4 ½
Merino 4 ½
They both have plus points and negatives. If you really want the best of both worlds it might be worth looking at some of the multi-fabric base-layers mentioned in the test.
59
Gear Women’s base-layers Rohan Basis T £35
Tested by Steph Duits
Sprayway Solstice £35
Montane Bionic Long Sleeve Crew Neck £60
Highlyded en comm
Man versus Nature
Which is best: man-made base-layers or merino wool?
Wicking One of the major strengths of polypropylene is the ability to wick. Score: 1
Great at wicking up into the fabric. Score: 1
Drying Comfort & Fit 0
2
4
Performance 6
8
10
0
2
4
Total 14/20 6
8
10
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20
Comfort & Fit 0
2
4
Performance 6
8
10
0
2
4
Total 15/20 6
8
10
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20
Comfort & Fit 0
2
4
Performance 6
8
10
0
2
4
Usually excellent. Score: 1
Total 19/20 6
8
10
Not quite so efficient as the artificial fibres. Can saturate quite quickly when overwhelmed with moisture. Score: 0
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20
A super-soft base-layer with a loose fit and a scoop neck. The fabric is so soft to the touch that you’d swear it has merino in it, although actually it's made from a blend of polyester and elastane. It’s been treated with Rohan’s Dynamic Moisture Control finish, so it wicks sweat away quickly and keeps you dry in warm, humid conditions. You’ll be able to wear it for a few consecutive days before it gets too pongy, when you can chuck it in the wash with everything else, and it will dry overnight. The only downside is that the scoop neck and loose fit doesn’t trap warm air very effectively, and the low neck leaves you at the mercy of the sun’s rays in warm weather. Verdict: A soft and stretchy base-layer for walkers who don’t like the ‘clingy’ look.
This base-layer is made from eco-friendly Cocona fabric, made from the activated carbon of recycled coconut shells. It’s really soft to the touch, and the activated carbon wicks away sweat very quickly indeed. It makes the fabric very breathable too. The carbon doesn’t do a lot to prevent bad odours, though – so unless you’re one of those women that doesn’t sweat at all, the underarms will start ponging almost as soon as you put it on. That said, the fabric feels lovely next to the skin, especially in warm weather, and the zip neck allows extra ventilation when you need it. The sleeves pull up easily too. Quite a technical looking base-layer, so not great for casual use. Verdict: An eco-friendly base-layer that easily wicks away sweat, but watch out for the pong factor.
A really lightweight base-layer made from Sportwool – a unique fabric that blends the best properties of merino wool on the inside, and polyester on the outside. Merino wool excels at trapping water vapour perspiring from the skin, whilst polyester transports moisture to the outside, spreading it out so the fabric dries extremely fast. So this base-layer works just as well on its own in hot weather as it does underneath outer layers in cooler weather. Even on strenuous climbs on hot days, the fabric stays dry and comfortable, so you won’t get any post exercise chill, either. And most importantly, it will take a few days’ wear before it starts to pong. There’s a reflective panel on each cuff, too. Verdict: Unbeatable for wicking away sweat, although you’ll probably want to wear something a bit thicker in winter.
Sizes: 8-18 Fabric: 96% polyester; 4% elastane with Dynamic Moisture Control™ finish Weight: 175g Contact: 0800 840 1411; www.rohan.co.uk
Sizes: 8-18 Fabric: Cocona Weight: 150g Contact: 0161 366 5020; www.sprayway.com
Sizes: 6-18 Fabric: SPORTWOOL™ Thermoknit – 62% polyester/38% merino wool Weight: 120g Contact: 01670 522 300; www.montane.co.uk
EDZ Merino Wool £40
Peter Storm Merino Base Layer Crew £30
Icebreaker Chakra Zip £63
Smell Not great. They will smell after a day’s use. Score: 0
When’s the last time you met a sheep wearing deodorant? Score: 1
Warmth Not really what they are for. Score: 0
Although not exclusively for cold climates, merino is warmer than synthetic. Score: 1
Longevity Best in test
Essentially a plastic and thus very hard-wearing. Score: 1
Pure merino can be quite delicate. Washing too many times in a machine will lead to the fabric breaking down over time. As the fibres don’t smell, however, you will need to wash them less. Score: ½
Environmental Credentials
58
Comfort & Fit 0
2
4
Performance 6
8
10
0
2
4
Total 16/20 6
8
10
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20
Comfort & Fit 0
2
4
Performance 6
8
10
0
2
4
Total 17/20 6
8
10
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20
Comfort & Fit 0
2
4
Performance 6
8
10
0
2
4
Total 20/20 6
8
10
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20
A warm, thick, 100% merino wool base-layer. It’s not as soft next to the skin as the Icebreaker or Peter Storm, though, and for the first few wears will probably feel a little itchy. It won’t win any prizes for style, but definitely scores high for practicality. The fit is super-tight to trap warm air, and allows the fabric to wick away sweat easily too. Also, the body and arm lengths are long enough so that you won’t suffer draughts when reaching. Unfortunately, it did suffer a bit of shrinkage after the first wash, but the fabric is strong and thick and will endure a lot of sweating before the first hint of a pong. Overall, not a bad price for a 100% merino base-layer. Verdict: A really well-priced 100% merino base-layer that works best underneath outer layers in cold weather.
A really lightweight merino base-layer, with a bit of added polyester. It feels great next to the skin – soft, itch-free and not too tight – and even though the fabric is quite thin, it does a great job of trapping warmth. As you’d expect from a combination of polyester and merino, it’s very breathable and wicks away sweat really well, keeping you dry and comfortable all day long. Even though there’s a bit of polyester in the mix, it will take a fair amount of wear before it starts to pong. Wash cold to prevent shrinkage, but you can chuck it in the machine with everything else. To help make it last longer, wear it next to the skin underneath outer layers, rather than directly underneath a pack. Verdict: Might not last as long as other thicker base-layers, but if you’re shopping for merino on a budget, look no further.
Simply the warmest, softest, best-looking, most versatile baselayer on test. It’s got a high zip-neck collar which locks in warmth when you need it, and allows a welcome flow of air if you get too warm. The fit is form-fitting but not tight, so it feels just as comfortable underneath outer layers as it does on its own. Made from 100% merino wool, it breathes incredibly well, and quickly wicks away sweat so that your skin stays dry. It washes easily (best on a cold wash), and won’t suffer any shrinkage. The fabric is strong too, and although it’s pricey, it should keep you warm year after year. But the most amazing thing about this baselayer is that it just won’t smell – even when you think it ought to! Verdict: An unbeatable base-layer – soft, warm, strong and breathable. And it just won’t smell.
Sizes: 8-18 Fabric: 100% 200g weight merino wool Weight: 150g Contact: 01900 810260; www.edzlayering.com
Sizes: XS-XL Fabric: 63% merino wool; 37% polyester Weight: 125g Contact: 0800 389 5861; www.millets.co.uk
Sizes: XS-XL Fabric: 100% merino wool Weight: 200g Contact: 01572 772 437; www.icebreaker.com
read steph’s overview on P.63
Fibres are derived from oil and so aren’t great for the environment. Many companies use recycled polypropylene and polyester in base-layers, which are obviously better. Score: ½
A renewable, natural material, making them very 'green'. But there are carbon costs to a merino top as all merino originates from New Zealand and Australia and has to be transported here. Score: 1
cost Comparable to merino in expensive techy models, but generally cheaper than natural alternatives. Score: 1
More expensive than the synthetics and rightly so, with more overhead costs to look after. Score: 0
total Man-made 4 ½
Merino 4 ½
They both have plus points and negatives. If you really want the best of both worlds it might be worth looking at some of the multi-fabric base-layers mentioned in the test.
59
geocaching: YOUR COMPLETE GUIDE
Walk in search of treasure Hailed as the fastest-growing pastime on earth, geocaching (say ‘geo-cashing’ ) is a great way to add interest to any walk. And for parents in need of a way to keep their kids keen on a day out in the countyside, this high-tech GPS treasure hunt could be just what you’ve been searching for...
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Words: Rob Holmes Photos: Richard Faulks
C
“
ool!” “Fantastic!” “Nine-and-a-half out of ten!” We’re driving home, and I’ve just asked my two daughters what they thought of today’s walk. These are the answers being fired at me from the back, and yes, they really are being this enthusiastic about a day’s walking. “What was the best bit?” my wife Karen enquires. “Finding the big one in the dark corner,” says Ruby. “Yeah, the one with the crocodile in it,” adds sister Elsie. Confused? I’d better explain. The secret of our success in planning a family walk these days is to include added interest in the form of geocaching. Claimed as the fastest-growing activity on the planet, geocaching is a kind of high-tech treasure hunt in the great outdoors. Those in the know hide the treasure box (or ‘cache’) and leave clues in the form of coordinates so that anyone with a GPS device or smartphone loaded with the right app can go and seek it out. And if hide and seek isn’t The Holmes family, prepared and ready to go. enough to get kids pulling their boots on in anticipation, most caches also come stuffed with assorted swappable trinkets and goodies. Tell that to my 10 and eight-year-old, and walking suddenly sounds so much more, well, exciting. Want to find out more? Join us on our treasure hunt and see what a difference geocaching could make to your family walks.
69
geocaching: YOUR COMPLETE GUIDE
Walk in search of treasure Hailed as the fastest-growing pastime on earth, geocaching (say ‘geo-cashing’ ) is a great way to add interest to any walk. And for parents in need of a way to keep their kids keen on a day out in the countyside, this high-tech GPS treasure hunt could be just what you’ve been searching for...
68
Words: Rob Holmes Photos: Richard Faulks
C
“
ool!” “Fantastic!” “Nine-and-a-half out of ten!” We’re driving home, and I’ve just asked my two daughters what they thought of today’s walk. These are the answers being fired at me from the back, and yes, they really are being this enthusiastic about a day’s walking. “What was the best bit?” my wife Karen enquires. “Finding the big one in the dark corner,” says Ruby. “Yeah, the one with the crocodile in it,” adds sister Elsie. Confused? I’d better explain. The secret of our success in planning a family walk these days is to include added interest in the form of geocaching. Claimed as the fastest-growing activity on the planet, geocaching is a kind of high-tech treasure hunt in the great outdoors. Those in the know hide the treasure box (or ‘cache’) and leave clues in the form of coordinates so that anyone with a GPS device or smartphone loaded with the right app can go and seek it out. And if hide and seek isn’t The Holmes family, prepared and ready to go. enough to get kids pulling their boots on in anticipation, most caches also come stuffed with assorted swappable trinkets and goodies. Tell that to my 10 and eight-year-old, and walking suddenly sounds so much more, well, exciting. Want to find out more? Join us on our treasure hunt and see what a difference geocaching could make to your family walks.
69
festive walks ABERDEENSHIRE
Walk into a Christmas card Take a walk around the Scottish landscape that inspired one of our most-purchased Christmas cards…
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T
Photo: Jacqueline Chapman
he painting is over 100 years old but the landscape hasn’t altered much since then. The low-hanging oaks and ponderous sheep remain as much a part of the Finzean Estate now as they were when former Victorian Laird Joseph Farquharson painted this atmospheric canvas back in 1901. Entitled ‘Sheep beneath snow-encumbered branches’, the painting is now one of Hallmark’s biggest-selling Christmas cards; its stillness, drama and ethereal light transcending the ages and fashions of card style. You’ve probably received or sent it at some point in your life, but have you ever thought about walking into it? To do so, you need to travel to Aberdeenshire, where the 20,000-acre Finzean Estate remains in the hands of the Farquharson family. The estate’s rich woodlands and heather hills make fabulous walking, with the Feugh Valley, the wide and sparkling River Dee and the remote uplands of the Forest of Birse all ripe for discovery. To stand where Farquharson stood when he painted this picture, head for grid reference NO600935 in the woods to the west of Finzean House. When you arrive, picture Farquharson, sometimes affectionately dubbed ‘frozen mutton Farquharson’, ensconced in the horse-drawn
caravan (complete with wood-burning stove) that he habitually employed in order to paint in relative warmth. If you see any sheep on your walk, check them closely: Farquharson didn’t want his models wandering about, so he borrowed some stuffed sheep from a local taxidermist and arranged them in the most aesthetically pleasing position to suit his painting. A bizarre idea, but it worked. If the winter chill risks rendering you as immobile as one of Farquharson’s sheep, then take heart, as a modern development offers you a luxury that he couldn’t enjoy: Finzean House now boasts a tearoom in which you can defrost over a post-amble hot chocolate. www.finzean.com
Top: ‘Sheep beneath snow-encumbered branches’ by Joseph Farquharson. Amazing how the sheep look so still… Above: A modern photographic view of the Finzean Estate. No sheep this time, though.