FiresideX | For Wanderers & Explorers | Vol. 3 July 21 by Richard Potts

THE MAGAZINE FOR CREATORS & BRANDS

VOL.3 | JULY 2021 | FIRESIDEX.COM

FiresideX

CURATED AND EDITED BY Richard Potts

CONTRIBUTORS Vicky Tapsell // @vickytapsell Josh Osmond // @notthesaferoute Helen Hordon & Mark Hordon // @beaverbushcraft Richard Potts // @firesidebrewco

COVER PHOTO Richard Potts // @firesidebrewco BACK COVER PHOTO Georgie Ball // @georgieballphotography CONTENTS PHOTO Andrew Leinster // @andrewleinsterphoto

ONLINE Website www.firesidex.com Website www.firesidebrew.co Email hello@firesidebrew.co Instagram @firesidebrewco Facebook @firesidebrewco

Published in the UK by Whisper Media Ltd. FiresideX is produced under Creative Commons license CC BY-SA.

FOREWORD. By Richard Potts

elcome to the latest edition of FiresideX

amazing, inspirational people we’ve been featuring in

magazine – the community magazine

the magazine.

for wanderers and explorers. We’ve got

some great stories in this volume, including inspiration from a true outdoorswoman, Vicky Tapsell, who spends more time on expeditions than just about anyone we

The video series will be posted on FiresideX.com but to stay up-to-date with the latest content, please join us on YouTube, which we’ll be filling with video stories soon!

know! We’ve also got some brilliant insights into

Congratulations to our photo competition winners,

creative outdoorsy brands, Not The Safe Route and

Andrew Leinster (@andrewleinsterphoto) and Georgie

Beaver Bushcraft, who share their brand building

Ball (@georgieballphotography) with their beautiful

stories. And we’re also recounting our own adventures

shots for the contents page and outside back cover re-

outdoors with insight into Fireside Meetups in Wales,

spectively.

Cheddar and North Devon. Onward. As we move out of the maddest year in any of our living memories, we’re going to be making a few changes to FiresideX magazine. It was always the intention that FiresideX would be a platform for outdoor-centric creators and brands, but the magazine format was always just a stopgap until the real world got back to normality. As we release from the last lockdown (hopefully the last ever!), we’ll be taking FiresideX on the road and making videos showcasing the kinds of

Richard Potts, Editor

03 FOREWORD

06 LEADERSHIP IN THE MOUNTAINS VickyTapsell

32 NOT THE SAFE ROUTE Josh Osmond & Katie Goff

38 CREAFTS OF THE PIONEERS Helen Hordon & Mark Hordon

54 WATERFALLS, GORGES & THE SEA Richard Potts

Leadership in the Mountains. MAKING A CAREER IN OUTDOOR PURSUITS; THE DEMANDS, CHALLENGES AND JOYS.

Words & photos by Vicky Tapsell

started getting into outdoor leadership after I had

aries and reading true adventure books.

worked a ski season. It was my first outdoor

“I wanted to expand my knowledge and push myself to gain knew skills. I gained my SPA (Single Pitch Award (now known as Rock Climbing Instructor)) and Level 1 BCU (British Canoe Union).”

instructor job at a family run outdoor centre

where they emphasised on team-building. They had taught me different skills on how to develop a team and individuals through plan, do, review. I also learnt about the different styles of learners and how to adjust my teaching to students with certain difficulties like deafness, Asperger, and ADHD.

At my first outdoor instructing job, everyone was so

My parents played a big role in establishing my interest

friendly and eager to teach new outdoor enthusiasts.

in the great outdoors. I grew up with camping holidays

After work we would all head off to the local crag or

in the UK and abroad and family walks at the weekends.

river to go climbing/canoeing. There was so much

When I was a little’n, they made us walk the whole of

passion within the group, and it was great to be

the Cotswold's Way; no matter the weather we were out

surrounded in that environment. Despite the centre

walking. They even made my younger brothers go back

having in-house qualifications, I loved it so much so that

and walk the parts they missed when they were too

I wanted to expand my knowledge and push myself to

young to walk it themselves. I have always had a thirst

gain knew skills. I gained my SPA (Single Pitch Award

for travelling and to do a ski season and from there it

(now known as Rock Climbing Instructor)) and Level 1

bloomed into wanting to see more of the wilderness.

BCU (British Canoe Union).

I don’t have a specific person that inspires me but when

When I left to work at an off-site centre I was again

I see mountaineers, explorers, climbers, surfers, van

welcomed into a outdoor community of climbers and

lifers – I always find them inspiring, famous or not. It

hikers. They could see my passion towards navigating

helps me think how I can push my own boundaries and

and hiking that they set me up with starting my

what I might be capable of. If I focused in on one person

Mountain Leader Award.

I’d be scared that I would just want to copy what they

It took me a year to gain my Mountain Leader Award,

do and not think for myself. I love watching document-

which normally takes people a lot longer. I was so

therefore I was less likely to make the same mistake

determined that I absorbed as much information as possible, I learnt from leading groups at the outdoor

“Currently the hardest part of being an outdoor leader is the build up to an expedition.”

centres and days off were spent hiking on my own in the mountains.

twice.

“Quality mountain days consist of a minimum of 40 days of which each walk should be eight-plus hours, show navigational skill, be higher than 600m, in three different regions, consist of four wild camps, solo/lead walks and night navigation.”

The build up to my final assessment of the Mountain Leader Award was tough. I had the contraceptive jab where there was a 0.01% chance of joint pain. I was that 0.01%! My hips and knees were in agony! I had to strap my knees with sports tape, invest in poles and top up

Whilst working at both centres I was in charge of

on paracetamol every 4 hours whilst on hikes. My pain

groups of up to 12 students and one teacher. Once you

threshold is high and I hate taking any pain relief tablets

learned how to deliver the activity safely, you can alter

but the pain was just unreal. I remember climbing into

it to suit any group and make it your own. Observing,

my tent and waking up in the middle of the night in

personal experience and actually doing it helped me

absolute agony and not being able to do anything about

learn the skills to lead groups.

it. My Final Assessment was tough mainly due to this (and the snow blizzard). Despite only having the 1 jab –

When I was logging my quality mountain days

I had to live with the joint pain for 3−4 years (I still hike

(minimum of 40 days of which each walk should be

in the mountains with poles now if I have a full

eight-plus hours, show navigational skill, higher than

backpack with camping kit).

600m, in three different regions, consisting of four wild camps, solo/lead walks and night navigation) - I didn’t

Currently the hardest part of being an outdoor leader

know anyone that had the time to join me (at the time

is the build up to an expedition, I find it very stressful.

hiking was also not very popular), therefore 90% of my

Some days reality can strike and I realise I have up to

walks were solo. This led me to learn quick – if I made

80 students out walking with 12 instructors all under

a mistake, it was down to me to get myself back on track

my instruction. It can be a little daunting but I remind

- I doubted myself all the time (despite being right) but

myself that I am more than capable.

Photos © Vicky Tapsell

hilst in my ski season in 2010 I realised how much I loved having an outdoor job. One of my colleagues told me she was going to work at an outdoor centre and thought I would love it. In that

second I applied and it grew from there – I worked during their summer season as a summer instructor, they then asked me to stay on as a long term instructor.

“I am also required to recce the routes that we put students on to ensure there are no hazards or potential difficulties that may arise.” They saw the potential and enthusiasm I had for instructing and leading groups that I was offered a senior instructor role where I also had the chance to train new instructors, oversee residential groups and run the summer residential program. My work requires me to train students to confidently navigate and be completely self-sufficient for up to a four days (Duke of Edinburgh Award). I have to stay relevant with my qualifications and ensure what I am teaching is up-to-date. I am also required to recce the routes that we put students on to ensure there are no hazards or potential difficulties that may arise. I have recently been helping a colleague with gaining her Hill and Moorland Leader by taking her out onto the moors for micro navigation and the understanding of what a leaders role is to a group and to the environment. It have really enjoyed helping train adults for the Outdoor qualifications. During the school holidays I go out on my own personal adventures where I make sure I can do the skills I teach the students. There is no point in teaching it and not doing it yourself.

hen I first started the job, I couldn’t believe how much admin work goes into organising an expedition. On average I organise 21 expeditions over an academic year. Each expedition varies in number from 11 – 80 students participating. Daily tasks could range from writing risk assessments

to reccying routes and sorting out kit.

There is a lot of responsibility that comes with my job – my main job is to ensure the students are safe which we incorporate through thorough training prior to the expedition. This then helps whilst out in the wilderness. I mainly work with students, ranging from year 7 to 12. I also have to liaise with boarding houses, parents and freelance instructors and sometimes companies.

y advice to anyone seeking a career in outdoor leadership is to dream big and bold. It doesn’t have to be conquering a mountain. Have confidence and curiosity. Don’t be afraid to

make mistakes and take calculated risks.

“As I do everything on my own, I don’t have anyone taking photos of me and I don’t set up tripods as I feel this detracts from the experience. I think it’s more the story you are trying to tell and if you have a keen/natural eye for photography more than the expensive kit you own.”

The most useful qualification I have gained is my Mountain Leader. I use the qualification in the classroom (grid references, reading a map, creating route cards and so on) and on expeditions I organise. For camera gear to record my adventures I just use my mobile! It isn’t anything fancy (Samsung A51) but I find it easier then carrying my DSLR camera out on hikes where I would be worried in damaging it, it adds weight to the backpack and never have room for it. (I also have no idea how to transfer the photos from my laptop onto Instagram). As I do everything on my own, I don’t have anyone taking photos of me and I don’t set up tripods as I feel this detracts from the experience. I think it’s more the story you are trying to tell and if you have a keen/natural eye for photography more than the expensive kit you own.

would love to hike abroad. The thought petrifies

will have to train for and I will find a challenge

me – foreign maps are typically less detailed and

mentally and physically.

hiking in the middle of a mountainous area on

my own in a different country where I wouldn’t know what to do if I got injured. But technically it’s no different from hiking in the UK. It’s all to do with confidence and research. I have the skill set, I just need

“The company I was due to work for before the lockdown was to Everest Base Camp, where I felt my expertise in mountaineering and group safety would have been utilised to its full potential.”

to push my boundaries. Before lockdown I was due to work with a company

“One challenge I want to complete is the Yorkshire Thee Peaks, The National Three Peaks followed by the Welsh 3000s, one after the other. ”

that organises expeditions abroad for schools. I had previously worked for a different company where I took a school group to Cambodia in 2018 – community projects, teaching children, site seeing and a hike in the Kulen Mountains, where you had a local

I try to set myself challenges. One I had planned to do

guide and you’re there to risk assess if it’s safe for the

this year but with the lack of access to Wales (closest

group.

mountainous area to me), I haven’t been able to condition myself, was to complete the Yorkshire Thee Peaks, The National Three Peaks followed by the Welsh 3000s, one after the other. At the time of the idea, I was trying to think of a challenge that I could do to raise money for a charity. I felt people see me always hiking up mountains, so where’s the challenge in that. Hence why I came up with one that I know I

But the company I was due to work for before the lockdown was to Everest Base Camp, where I felt my expertise in mountaineering and group safety would have been utilised to its full potential. I would love to be able to work one more year for an adventurous company. This may also give me the confidence to go out to different countries and go hiking.

“I think a lot of people realise theywant a career in the outdoor industry later in life than normal careers. People work the 9-5 and find it stressful and realise they can create a job out of their hobbies.”

would love to hike in the mountains of Peru,

martins running around you, so I’m really looking

France, Switzerland and Italy. I’ve always wanted

forward to exploring more in Scotland.

to hike a trail and see how I would find it.

“There’s lots of ways to get into the outdoor “I have entered The Great Glencoe Challenge this industry and it’s very accessible.” year and thought I would stay up there and explore Scotland for a month this Summer..” I think a lot of people realise they want a career in the outdoor industry later in life than normal careers. I always push myself and never give up but I’ve never

People work the 9−5 and find it stressful and realise

had to carry a heavy loaded pack for more than five

they can create a job out of their hobbies. I have worked

days. I love the sense of freedom that I have with my

with many freelancers and they work extremely hard to

van and therefore I think I would love a hiking trail. I

ensure they have income throughout the year/enough

enjoy finding ways to lighten my pack by dehydrating

to survive the winter, as most outdoor industries are

my own meals, streamlining the kit and so on.

seasonal. I don’t feel outdoor instructors get paid enough for what their job entitles them to do – to

I have entered The Great Glencoe Challenge this year

ensure they keep everyone safe in what can be some

and thought I would stay up there and explore Scotland

pretty dangerous environments.

for a month this Summer. I don’t really make plans and mostly go with the flow but I’m really looking forward

There’s lots of ways to get into the outdoor industry and

to exploring the mountains of Isle of Skye, hiking the

it’s very accessible. Lockdown has presented a lot of job

West Highland Way with a friend and finding lots the

changes or centres to close so there hasn’t been a huge

little hidden gems. I love that Scotland are pro wild

rise within the last year. I know a few instructors that

camping and I can’t wait – I’ve had some great

got delivery jobs for income and haven’t gone back to

experiences from paddling The Great Glen and wild

instructing as they are uncertain their instructor job is

camping in hammocks alongside the lochs with pine

secure. It’s a great shame.

“I think it is hugely important to connect with nature. It helps ground you. The connection and understanding of how powerful nature can be (sea, mountains, rivers, weather etc) is crucial.”

t’s really hard to think about how to develop my

Children respond differently to education when it is

career beyond where it is today – I love my job!

lead outside.

You would very rarely see a full time outdoor

“I also think it is super important to educate children how to look after our world, leave no trace and understand our impact. ”

education position come up in schools. They are like gold dust. A part of me thinks I would be stupid to leave my current role and pursue something else and although it can be stressful during term time and no

The hardest part of managing time and work pressures

year is the same, I’m blessed to have long school

is stress. I don’t deal with stress very well. With the

holidays which enables me to have my own expeditions/

lockdowns, I have been playing catch up and I feel like

adventures/stories and keep my qualifications in date.

I am just scraping by with getting expeditions organised

I’m looking at taking some more courses that will enable

on time and not working to my full potential. I’m not

me to gain more knowledge/skills and look at some new

great with failure. When I’m not in work, I don’t stop –

leadership techniques to keep it interesting. Besides

I always have to find something to do with my days off

qualifications, I think it is hugely important to connect

– I feel guilty at not taking the opportunity to go do

with nature. It helps ground you. The connection and

something, connect with nature and do what I love best.

understanding of how powerful nature can be (sea,

My own confidence is usually the greatest enemy in

mountains, rivers, weather etc) is crucial.

achieving my ambitions. I truly believe that you are your

I also think it is super important to educate children

biggest hurdle – if someone else blocks your way, you

how to look after our world, leave no trace and

think of ways to get around it; whereas when its

understand our impact. I have ‘blue mind’, where you

yourself, you tend to stop right there and then. I know

instantly feel happy when you see water. The

I am blocking myself when it comes to confidence – in

connection of grass, the breeze, smells etc really makes

meeting new people, going abroad on my own,

a difference in our hormones and releases endorphin’s.

expanding my qualifications.

really want to get back into my trad climbing as I

sister lives in Australia and it’s our way to keep in touch.

don’t have anyone to climb with anymore - friends have got partners/married, had children or moved

“I think it is really important to be true and be yourself. I’ve had a couple of people say to me that climbing a large step back. I’m inspiring, which I really don’t understand as I’m just being myself. I’m not doing anything to show “I live in Dorset, so getting to a mountainous area off, get more followers etc I’m just being me … I like that I haven’t explored much can take from 5 – 9 to get people thinking, tell the truth and open conhours!” versations.” far away so my hiking took a step forward and my

Again it’s confidence to join a climbing club – I think

I love photography and sharing them so Instagram was

having had a bad experience with a local one where

amazing when it first came out. Over the last couple of

everyone was in their own social groups, I felt I wasn’t

years I have noticed it has shifted to people creating jobs

able to connect with the same like-minded people I had

through it, advertising etc and there is a lot of editing,

when I first started.

showing only the best bits which creates ‘fear of missing out’ and people comparing their own lives to others. It

I live in Dorset, so getting to a mountainous area that I

can be quite dangerous.

haven’t explored much can take from 5 – 9 hours! It’s just in my head and I know I will absolutely love it when

I think it is really important to be true and be yourself.

I get there but I think just the thought of driving can be

I’ve had a couple of people say to me that I’m inspiring,

boring and tiring.

which I really don’t understand as I’m just being myself. I’m not doing anything to show off, get more followers

I wouldn’t call myself a content-creator as I don’t have

etc I’m just being me – (I have so many photos that I

a high number of followers on Instagram, so I don’t feel

would love to put on but the thought of being on my

the pressure normally felt by some of the outdoorsy

phone every day to edit a photo and think of something

people who are active on social media. I try not to use

to say is just too much.) I like to get people thinking, tell

my mobile a lot apart from photography. The reason for

the truth and open conversations.

why I use Instagram is to connect with my family - my

f I could go back in time to when I started out I’d

me at the correct location and they know they haven’t

tell myself: don’t be a sheep! Be more confident, push yourself out of your comfort zone, learn

“If it wasn’t for the like-minded people that surrounded me when I first started being an outdoor instructor and my own enthusiasm, I don’t think I would have got to where I am today.”

from you mistakes, pick yourself up, dust yourself off and try again. Do what you want to do and not what everyone else is doing. And my advice to anyone thinking of starting out on a career in outdoor pursuits is: you will love it! Any job in

got themselves lost, enjoying cooking at camp or

the outdoor industry has its rewards. If you’re creating

laughing at the memories they have made really

a business in this space then do your research first and

highlights just how important it is.

try to find a unique angle. Has someone already come up with the idea? How could you make it a unique

If it wasn’t for the like-minded people that surrounded

experience? Is there competition in your local area?

me when I first started being an outdoor instructor and my own enthusiasm, I don’t think I would have got to

I’m proud of myself in many ways. I’m proud of myself

where I am today.

for going out on my own and achieving my Mountain Leader! For doing up my own van. For not allowing

One particular memory that stands out for me was in

anything to stop me from doing what I love (I get a lot

2015 when I worked a season at a off-site activity centre

of comments about how brave I am that I go out on my

on Dartmoor. They showed me what the real outdoor

own and do I get lonely or scared, and to be honest yes

industry/life was all about. My favourite was helping

it can be lonely and sometimes scary but if I didn’t do

instruct a group of university students navigate to

it, I wouldn’t be doing what I love and I’m not going to

certain locations on the moor where they had to

let that hold me back).

complete a team-building task. Later in the day we taught them night navigation to Crazy Well Pool where

Outdoor leadership has had a massive impact on me –

we had to strip off to our underwear, put on a buoyancy

it’s helped me grow. It’s also been a huge impact on the

aid and swim across (in the middle of March!) and it

students I teach. When I see them out on expeditions –

was absolutely freezing!! (The type where you can’t

I see a completely different student! They have no

breathe). We had what seemed to be the most amazing

technology to distract them, no pressures of doing well

hot chocolate on the other side to warm us back up and

in exams/grades. The shear excitement when they see

then hiked out. That experience has always stuck with

when it comes to my skill set.

me – the excitement and thrill of it all. I also think it is

The one thing I feel that has enabled me on my journey

really important for students to see me do exactly what

recently is my van, it has given me so much freedom to

they are doing.

go and stay out to explore more. I’m not as scared as

Although I say I am not very confident, I have come a

what I used to be when I first started out and every time

long way. I wouldn’t be going out and exploring on my

I go out I feel like me again. Rejuvenated, connected to

own if I wasn’t. From when I was at school to really

nature and passionate.

wanting to sign up to the Bronze DofE award but not doing it because none of my friends wanted to, to going out and adventuring on my own. I’m very confident

Vicky Tapsell, 33, is a highly qualified outdoor enthusiast, explorer and adventure & leadership instructor. Vicky has worked in the outdoor industry for 10 years and is currently based in Dorset with her excellent dog called Rusty; living the dream of working hard, adventuring harder! Instagram @vickytapsell

Not The Safe Route.

GOING SOLO: BUILDING AN ADVENTURE BRAND.

Words & photos by Josh Osmond & Katie Goff

aunching Not the Safe Route in 2016 was my

raise awareness of diversity and representation

first adventure into the retail world, having

through enjoyment of the outdoors is inspiring and

worked

will always be a cause that I fully support.

hospitality and

freelance

creativity industries before starting the brand.

The internet was my text book for learning how to

I have always loved buying from small brands with a

build my brand. When it came to designing and

sound ethical ethos and decided to combine this with

printing t-shirts I reached out to some musician

my love of the outdoors to create Not the Safe Route.

friends who had printed small runs of t-shirts for their

I have loved the outdoors from a really young age, I

tours but aside from that there was just a lot of trial

think this was mostly my dad’s influence, but my

and error and hours spent mood boarding my ideas.

interest in outdoor apparel came when I was working as a freelance photographer.

I officially launched Not the Safe Route from my bedroom in 2016. I took my products to my first

I enjoyed watching these small brands go from

market in Bournemouth in February of that year and

conception to production to retail and this combined

it grew from there. For the first few years the business

with my enthusiasm for buying from small and local

was definitely more of a hobby, but from 2019 onward

businesses really got me interested in carving out my

I became a lot more focused on expanding my product

own section of the outdoor apparel market.

range and really pushing for this brand to be a full time

The outdoor retail world is full of inspiring people and a few of those I’ve looked to include: Grace from Yugen Explore has been such a great sounding board for all of my new retail ideas, I love the simplicity of her brand and the way her products speak to her customer base.

job. I try my best to keep up with developing trends through social media and connecting with my customers regularly. I have always had a drive to learn new skills and I love researching different creative methods even if I don’t go on to use them in my business. I always try to have fun with my brand and

Hikerdelic. These guys have some really wild designs

this includes when it comes to developing my existing

that are completely set apart from anything I have

skill set and trying new things to stay relatable. I am

ever seen in the outdoor retail world. Their products

always eager to try products that are slightly outside

are effortlessly cool and inspire me to be more creative

of my usual repertoire and a great way to do this is

everyday. Frit Tam is a close friend who I have worked

through collaborations which I love doing.

with for a number of years. His activism and drive to

For a time I was running the business full time however I have recently returned to working part-time helping diversify a small local business. I find working with other people and being in contact with the public helps me to keep my ideas diverse and always gives me inspiration. I have found that my products are really seasonal. Currently my bestsellers are my signature cap and t-shirts as well as my new range of soy and coconut wax candles and enamel camping mugs. However when the colder months set in some of my main products are beanies, sweatshirts and hoodies. My customer base is really diverse. I get a lot of outdoor lovers, walkers, hikers and climbers however I also get a large number of orders where customers are not outdoors enthusiasts but just love the designs or are buying products as gifts. Make sure you put the research time in and are completely in love with your vision for your brand before you start. I re-branded NTSR after about 18 months as I was not happy with where the brand was heading and the aesthetic and it was a lot of work but I am so much happier with my branding now. Finding resources for products that really speak to your customer base and are ethical and good quality products is so important, if a price is too good to be true then it’s probably compromised on its quality. Overall I would advise someone to go for it, research your customer base, have a solid plan and just dive in, there will never be a better time than now! Not the Safe Route used to be all about the clothing, it was a singularly apparel retail brand. However this has changed over the last year and I am spending a lot more time expanding the accessories side of the business. I find that with accessories and homeware I can be a bit more free and

creative with my designs allowing me to explore

marketing on the platform!

different avenues for the brand.

My biggest ambition would be to make a comfortable living from the business and keep creating relevant

“With bigger high street brands concentrating on their online presence more, they have the funds for big marketing campaigns that smaller businesses just don’t have access to”

products that are diverse and loved by my customers. There’s definitely a resurgence in owner-run retail brands competing against big high street names, and because of the events of COVID−19 pandemic there is so much room and potential for smaller businesses to step into the spaces that bigger high street brands have

A lot of time and effort has gone into building the online

been leaving behind, and I believe this is already well

presence for the brand. I have always made sure that my

underway.

posts were genuine and not a gimmick. I wanted people

I think marketing funds for smaller businesses could be

to know that this business was a one-man band run by

really challenged especially when large social media

a guy who loved the outdoors and really enjoyed what

outlets like Facebook and Instagram hold such a large

he was doing. I had the help of some great handpicked

portion of the online market space. With bigger high

brand ambassadors who used their platforms to help

street brands concentrating on their online presence

share my products being used in the real world as well.

more, they have the funds for big marketing campaigns

I make sure I spend time every day interacting with my

that smaller businesses just don’t have access to. My

followers whether they are customers of mine or not. I

biggest challenge is always finding the funds to properly

think it’s important for followers to know that there is

market my products when such a large portion of my

someone behind the online presence creating and

finances are taken up by product development.

sharing the content. Instagram has been the most

I would like to do more collaborations in the future

important channel in the growth of my business

because they are so much fun and always force me to

without a doubt. It allows me to communicate directly

be really creative. My dream would be to continue to

with customers and has absolutely been the key to

expand my brand and eventually get some more people

building a following and getting my brand out there. I

on board to help, especially with the marketing side of

have recently toyed with TikTok as well but just seem

things.

to get too distracted with dog videos to do any real

I think today’s world is all about instant gratification

just go at your own pace and let things happen

which creates so much stress and anxiety. Nature can

organically.

slow you down and force you to look at everything from a different perspective. In this way, connecting people with nature is fundamental in ensuring people can keep up with the pace of modern life by forcing them to stop for a moment, to take a breath, step back and slow down.

“Owning a business has … made me appreciate the hard work that goes into everything that I wear and use every day. I hope the impact on my customers is positive and that my brand has encouraged people to go and explore the outdoors.”

What makes small businesses a success is also a challenge at the moment because niche marketing is so

I have had new releases that really haven’t hit the mark

difficult when you don’t have the funds that big

because I rushed the concept and did not market the

businesses have. I always use my marketing budget

products properly which can massively impact your

wisely but ensuring that I am reaching new customers

confidence as a small brand.

is always a challenge that my small business faces.

Still being in business is one of my greatest successes!

The internet has been such a great tool when it comes

I’m proud every time someone makes an order or leaves

to finding producers of good quality materials as many

a great review or posts a picture of my products on their

companies are so transparent with information on

social media. It’s all about small wins and I’m proud of

sourcing. I struggle to find good production teams as I

myself every day for how far I have come and doing it

want to keep production within the UK which limits my

all on my own.

options.

Owning a business has definitely made me a more

I think my biggest hurdle is that I will not compromise

calculated person, it’s made me appreciate the hard

my ethos or ethics to obtain better profit margins. This

work that goes into everything that I wear and use

is why new product releases always take a bit longer

every day. I hope the impact on my customers is positive

than larger companies, but my ethos is at the heart of

and that my brand has encouraged people to go and

my brand and it’s just not something I will ever be

explore the outdoors.

willing to compromise. My top tips and advice for anyone starting out on their brand journey are: don’t rush anything! Don’t rush a design, don’t rush a release,

My family and my partner have always supported me in

will always be something that stands out for me as well.

every way. They listen to my new ideas and give creative

I think the brand has had a really positive impact on my

input every day.

mental health. I have always been very open about my

Owning and running a business solo is tough, but

own experiences on my social media platforms and have

having a good support network makes everything that

encouraged tough conversations. This has definitely

little bit easier and makes the whole experience more

helped see me through some strange times and I hope

enjoyable. I remember seeing a stranger wearing one of

it’s done the same for others.

my t-shirts on the street one day which was mindblowing and something I’ll never forget. Having the opportunity to meet new people and make new friends

Josh Osmond is in his early 30’s, having been a freelance photographer, a restaurant manager and a barista his love for the outdoors never wavered. Now running Not The Safe Route from his home in the south and a coffee shop at the same time he’s able to marry his sense of adventure with things he loves in his every day. Still having a passion for photography this has now taken a step back and turned into a hobby, Not The Safe Route is ran entirely by Josh although he does receive a sizeable amount of help from his partner. Instagram @notthesaferouteuk Facebook.com/Notthesaferouteuk www.notthesaferoute.co.uk

COFFEE & KIT FOR WANDERERS & EXPLORERS. WWW.FIRESIDEBREW.CO @FIRESIDEBREWCO

Crafts of the Pioneers. CAPTURING THE PIONEERING SPIRIT OF A BYGONE ERA.

Words & photos by Helen & Mark Hordon

Photo by Beaver Bushcraft

BRAND SPOTLIGHT

Beaver Bushcraft. “We have a passion for natural materials like leather. We love how leather has a character and we believe in making our products look real rather than the mass-produced plastic lookyou get.“

elen and Mark founded Beaver Bushcraft in

taken on as an apprentice (as a slightly older than your

2014 and have built a niche business

average aged apprentice) for a small leather factory in

offering

Southeast London.

traditional

leatherwork

and

bushcraft equipment which sells globally. We caught up

Helen’s skill sets are slightly different as she worked in

with them to find out what’s made the brand so

the Theatre and learnt how to handle dyes, cutting

successful and gather some tips for anyone starting, or

patterns, learning how to do research, that sort of stuff!

thinking of starting, their own venture.

Mark started Shark Designs about 15 years ago. Beaver

Mark has always been into creating little survival kits

Bushcraft is actually the name of our website and the

and first aid kits from when he was a young teenager.

brand has grown up around that name.

Then as he got older, he used to buy secondhand

Mark has had an interest in bushcraft ever since he can

equipment from ex-military shops and Army & Navy

remember and Helen sort of fell into it, in fact she didn't

stores and it sort of grew from there.

really know anything about bushcraft until about 12

While there are too many inspiring people to mention

years ago. But we have a passion for natural materials

here, seeing TV programs like The Bush Tucker Man

like leather. We love how leather has a character and we

has had a big impact on our interest in bushcraft. Prior

believe in making our products look real rather than the

to starting out as a business owner of Beaver Bushcraft,

mass-produced plastic look you get. Helen is obsessed

Mark was a model maker, hence he’s always had a

with Amadou and loves the texture it has and to think

creative eye and is good with his hands. About 16 years

it's all down to mother nature!

ago Mark learnt the art of leather craft when he was

Photos © Beaver Bushcraft

Photos ©Beaver Bushcraft

oth of us work full time plus a small team of

bygone era. Good honest goods, made to last.

Beaver Bushcraft Elves and our main

“We love teaching and demonstrating at shows and we try to tell the history of flint and how Amadou is produced and it's all from Nature! ”

products and services include handcrafted

leather work, old school fire lighting, a little bit of sharpening gear for people to maintain their knives etc.

“Our passion is capturing that pioneering spirit of a bygone era. Good honest goods, made to last.”

We like making items the traditional way. Helen’s background in the theatre comes in handy when researching such as the history of Amadou! It's good to see the old crafts & skills coming back like flint

Our customers now come from all around the world

knapping and forging. When we started selling

and from all sorts of backgrounds. We are not just

traditional fire steels 12 years ago so many people didn't

about bushcraft, we also make film props and do TV

know what they were and now there’s a huge

work.

resurgence.

The advice we’d give to someone interested in starting

The connection to nature is so important, especially

their own business is that you need money to help set

with what is happening to the world with global

yourself up, be passionate, be prepared to put a lot of

warming. It's the future we both worry about and what

hours in. We haven't had a proper holiday now for about

mess we are leaving for our children and our children's

seven years! Owning your own business can be

children if we don’t do something about it.

exhausting but also rewarding. The Beaver Bushcraft

We love teaching and demonstrating at shows and we

brand is more about traditional crafts than anything

try to tell the history of flint and how Amadou is

else. Our passion is capturing that pioneering spirit of a

produced and it's all from Nature! We also explain that whatever we do is sustainable.

been fitter!

“One moment that stands out for us was when Pippa Middleton phoned!”

Our greatest achievement has been building our customer base. It's such a buzz when we see our work in a Film or on a TV set. One moment that stands out for us was when Pippa Middleton phoned! (She’s lovely

Having come through the Covid situation, the challenge

by the way). Oh and when Helen was standing in the

now will be how this affects the shows and events like

queue at her local Post Office and someone recognised

The Bushcraft Show. Without these events we can’t get

her from Instagram.

out and meet the public; events are so important for the bushcraft community. Sourcing quality materials and

We have morphed as a Brand, we started off making

finding good suppliers is so hard now. We try as hard

leather belts, selling things like Kelly Kettles, Mora

as we can to only use UK based manufactures for our

Knives, BCB kits to now producing our own brand of

materials such as steel and leather. Our top tip for

tinderboxes, fire steels etc. We like to think our work is

starting your own business is to look after your health

a bit quirky, a bit old school, a bit retro and a bit

more! It’s hard work, especially at shows, I wish we had

different from the usual bushcraft gear.

Although Mark's passion for Bushcraft goes way back to his teenage years, he didn’t start Shark Designs until 2003. Mark's back ground was in Model Making and the Martial Arts. He decided to take a different direction one day and approached a prestigious 'Leather' company in London as an Apprentice, even though he was a bit old to be considered as an Apprentice, nonetheless his passion for Leather was born! Mark has often been asked why he called his company 'Shark Designs'. Sharks have been for millions of years & have survived as a species. He loves the elegant & fluid lines of the Shark. His passion is still very much for producing high quality, hand made bespoke leather items and he states that his hand stitched items will test the length of time, rather like the Shark!

Helen's back ground was based in the Theatre. She studied at Chelsea School of Art and then went on to study at the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School. After leaving college she had a spell of working in the Theatre and then went on to run her own stall in London's famous Petticoat Lane. She then met Mark, gave up her love of the Theatre & her little stall and concentrated on a career in Retail. Helen joined Mark full time in 2010 and in 2014 saw the birth of Beaver Bushcraft, the sister company of Shark Designs. Beaver Bushcraft is still growing and it brings about both Mark's and Helen's love of the Hudson Bay Trading Company and their passion for recapturing the pioneering spirit of a bygone era! Instagram: @BeaverBushcraft | Website : www.beaverbushcraft.co.uk Facebook: @Beaver Bushcraft & Leather @Helen Hordon 53

Waterfalls, Gorges & The Sea. EXPLORING THE WILDS WITH FIRESIDE MEETUPS

Words & photos by Richard Potts

PART ONE

Four Falls Trail. “This walk had a special significance for me as it was my last walk outside of my immediate area in the West Country, that I went on before the Coronavirus pandemic hit in March 2020.”

e launched our Fireside Meetups group

service station on the M4!

on the Meetup.com site and app after

“It felt pertinent to mark the gradual return to normality a year almost to the day laterwith a re-visit to the Ystradfellte falls.”

what felt like an endless third lockdown

over the winter months. As the restrictions on travel and groups started to ease slightly in March, we were able to launch our first Meetup walk at the Four

It felt pertinent to mark the gradual return to normality

Waterfalls Trail in Ystradfellte in the Brecon Beacons of

a year almost to the day later with a re-visit to the Ys-

Wales.

tradfellte falls. The last time I was there it had been

This walk had a special significance for me as it was my

raining for weeks and the falls were in full roar, but this

last walk outside of my immediate area in the West

time it hadn’t rained for weeks, and I was fully expecting

Country, that I went on before the Coronavirus

dried up riverbeds and a group of grumpy, disappointed

pandemic hit in March 2020. I’ll never forget the weird

faces as we traipsed the trail. Thankfully, the river was

sense of doom as news broke while we were on the hike

still flowing, albeit not with the intensity of a year

that the UK would be entering its first ever social

before, and the waterfalls didn’t disappoint.

lockdown in a matter of days. The return home had a

As always with Fireside, we’re about finding your own

slightly frenetic energy, compounded by the evident

path and making your unique story. So, despite the very

stockpiling as people grabbed the last bog rolls at the

well-defined routes around the waterfalls and veritable flood of people staring at phones as they shuffled along them, there are unofficial routes off the main drag and those were what we followed. Having met everyone at the main Gwaun Hepste car park and enjoyed a round of freshly made Fireside Brew coffee at the picnic tables outside, we then set off around 9am. Despite the

“There’s even a rope swing so you can throw yourself out over the river if you get bored waiting for people to finish their selfies..” earlyish hour, the sun was shining and being a weekend at the end of lockdown #3 guaranteed a lot of arrivals to the trail, so we followed the main track until we reached the first fall, Sgwd Clun Gwyn. This is a classic waterfall, which you can look down on from a high vantage point and watch the river drop off a sheer edge to the level below. It’s also a fun place to explore as the rather boring track for the first mile or so becomes a gnarly path through tree roots and rocks, dropping steeply down to the lower river level. There’s even a rope swing so you can throw yourself out over the river if you get bored waiting for people to finish their selfies. Sgwd Clun Gwyn is the first waypoint for the alternative route, so instead of heading back up the path to re-join the main drag (the ‘red route’ on all the maps dotted around the area) we picked up a noticeably less well-defined trail along the riverbank. This route is the one to watch out for, offering a far more interesting adventure all the way until the final waterfall.

icking our way along the unofficial trail, we

5th secret waterfall en route.

took time out to forage for edible and

Sgwd Y Pannwr isn’t as dramatic as the other falls but

medicinal plants (some of which went into my

rather a series of smaller cascades down and along a

flask with infuser to be enjoyed as a ‘green tea’ later on).

fascinating rock formation that you can stand on. This

The sense of adventure was heightened by the quieter

was a great spot for a team photo and coffee break

route that undulated over mini cliffs right alongside the

before the final stretch to the fourth fall. Sgwd Yr Eira

river until we emerged at the second fall, Sgwd Isaf

is the fourth and most dramatic of all the falls, creating

Clun-Gwyn.

a curtain of water that you can walk behind. It’s always the busiest spot when the sun shines, and there were

“The next 30 minutes was a beautifully secluded walk through woodland high above the river.”

groups picnicking and relaxing in the warm spring sunlight and a small queue to reach the waterfall and go behind for the ultimate waterfall selfie moment.

Sgwd Isaf Clun-Gwyn is a stunning fall, creating a

Last year, after much rainfall and in less calm weather,

dramatic curtain of water which you can get right down

the water sprayed and back-blasted everyone who went

to the bottom of and stand looking up to the water as

behind it so you can usually expect a thorough soaking,

it crashes down in front of you – probably not a great

but this time it was reasonably sedate but great fun

idea after heavy rains though! After this, the alternative

nonetheless. All that was left was a final coffee break

route becomes a little treacherous, but after a bit of a

before the long climb of steps back to the main path and

search we found a steep path leading up and around the

a 40 minute hike back to the car park.

headland towards the third fall, Sgwd Y Pannwr. The next 30 minutes was a beautifully secluded walk

Overall, the Four Waterfalls Trail took under three

through woodland high above the river, even spotting a

hours and was the perfect way to unwind in nature after the most arduous of winters.

PART TWO

Cheddar Gorge. “There’s a real sense when climbing up Cheddar Gorge that you’re treading in the steps of our oldest ancestors.”

ur second Meetup took place at the

sunshine.

stunning Cheddar Gorge and involves an overnight wild camp as well as many hikes

“I always find that a fire and brew perks up a group better than anything else”

around the Gorge. One of the West Country’s most spectacular elevations, Cheddar Gorge also has a fascinating history dating

Limited by the Rule of 6, the small group made the hard

back over ten thousand years to our very earliest

climb up to a secret piece of woodland on the eastern

forebears. The caves at Wookey Hole nearby are a

side of the Gorge, not far from the main tracks but far

treasure trove of Neolithic and Mesolithic archaeology,

enough to feel cut off and remote. We had landowner

and there’s a real sense when climbing up Cheddar

permission to camp in the woods, and had paid the

Gorge that you’re treading in the steps of our oldest

owner for our ‘pitches’, and apart from a rustic toilet

ancestors.

everything else reflected a truly wild camping experience with no facilities or water tap on site so

For this Meetup, we wanted to add in a greater level of

everything had to be carried up.

difficulty and challenge, and the hike up from our muster point in Cheddar was particularly steep and

I’d set up a couple of large tarpaulins the day before and

gnarly, especially when carrying all the kit needed for a

was relieved to see them still in place despite the

self-sustained overnight stay. Having spent the day

atrocious rains and winds that had swept through the

before trudging up and down the hill to set up the base-

campsite overnight, so we were able to focus on

camp in pouring rain and gale-force winds, it was a

chopping firewood and preparing the main camp area

relief that the day of the Meetup brought beautiful

after everyone had pitched their tents. I always find that

a fire and brew perks up a group better than anything

“A dry and clear Meetup sandwiched between two of the stormiest, wettest days in 2021 was a moment of serendipity.”

else, especially after a hard slog uphill! Everything takes longer than you think when wild camping, but with a team of people all helping to process firewood, make coffee and prepare supper to

the second weather front started to build.

start cooking over the fire, by early afternoon we were ready to head up to the Gorge clifftop. Cutting cross-

Fortunately, we were able to break camp the next

country to adjoin the main track, we were met by a herd

morning and put everything away dry, before the

of the Gorge’s wild goats and spectacular views across

second storm in three days made landfall. Having a dry

the Somerset levels, Glastonbury Tor and as far as the

and clear Meetup sandwiched between two of the

Bristol Channel.

stormiest, wettest days in 2021 was a moment of serendipity, and for those of us that enjoy outdoor

Being late spring, there were plenty of plants to forage

adventures we have to appreciate these moments

and identify en-route to the clifftop and then we made

knowing they can be so rare.

our way to the highest point to enjoy the Gorge at it’s finest. The wind was still intense, which made for a somewhat exhilarating photo opportunity looking down the sheer cliffs to the winding road below. We returned to the camp for a fire-cooked supper of aubergine and sweet potato curry and then, after several more essential doses of coffee, we returned to the clifftop path for a perfect sunset. Woodland campfires at night, in good weather, are an enchanting moment anywhere in the world, and our night time around the fire at Cheddar Gorge was no exception. Some of us even made one last slog up to the clifftop for a final night-time adventure under a fleeting full moon, mostly shrouded by fast-moving clouds as

PART THREE

North Devon. “It’s probably one of the best routes for coastal hiking anywhere in Britain, and this stretch in North Devon is particularly dramatic with the highest cliffs in the UK and highest point on the South West Coast Path.”

ur third Meetup took place in one of the

“The campsite itself was one of the increasingly popular temporary ‘semi-wild’ sites where farmers open up their fields for camping but limited to two months a year.”

most stunning coastal spots in the South West – North Devon, a few miles west of

Lynton and where the Exmoor National Park meets the sea.

stretching down to the sea which perfectly framed the

This adventure was in two parts, a few weeks apart,

setting sun and because they allowed firepits on site, it

with the first trip being a scouting mission to

was the ideal space to unwind with coffee after long

reconnoitre the area and check out the new pop-up

days on the trail.

campsite we wanted to use as a base camp. The first trip I did solo with just my dog, Pudding, for company.

The South West Coast Path runs right through the area, connecting most of the South West from Minehead to

The campsite itself was one of the increasingly popular

Cornwall and then continuing to completely circum-

temporary ‘semi-wild’ sites where farmers open up

navigate Cornwall in what’s often called The Salt Path.

their fields for camping but limited to two months a

It’s probably one of the best routes for coastal hiking

year. These have grown exponentially in popularity in

anywhere in Britain, and this stretch in North Devon is

the last year as Covid travel restrictions have caused a

particularly dramatic with the highest cliffs in the UK

surge in demand for camping, while farmers have

and highest point on the South West Coast Path at

looked to diversify their income streams. This campsite

Greater Hangman, near Combe Martin. Having walked

was wonderfully thought out, with huge pitch spaces

the 30km loop to Combe Martin and back to the

spread out over several large wildflower fields on an

campsite at Martinhoe, my recce trip also took in

organic, family-owned farm. The views were amazing,

the coves and beaches nearby, the spectacular Valley of

visit gave us a dose of both! The rain and gloom had set

the Rocks and the quaint small towns of Lynton and

in on the drive there, with a particularly sharp wind

Lynmouth.

slicing up from the sea but did nothing to dampen our enthusiasm as we made camp and got a fire going and planned the schedule with brews in hand.

“It’s an area that lends itself equally to beautiful summer sunshine or sea storms crashing in from the Atlantic.”

We decided to forego a long hike further West, and instead headed east and explored the nearby Valley of the Rocks, and the coves of Woody Bay and Lee Bay,

The Meetup weekend saw us return to the same

getting in an invigorating sea swim before we were

campsite, albeit a different field with even better sea

forced ashore by a huge influx of jellyfish! Cooking on

views! We then set about visiting the hot-spot areas I’d

the rocky beach as the sun set was one of the best ways

identified previously, filming and capturing the essence

to end the trip and we’re definitely earmarking the area

of the place as best as possible. It’s an area that lends

for a return visit in future.

itself equally to beautiful summer sunshine or sea storms crashing in from the Atlantic – and our return

Rich Potts is a lifelong country-boy, bushcrafter and outdoor pursuits enthusiast with an unquenchable curiosity for the natural world. Having made a career in digital publishing and launched a media company of his own, Rich has committed himself to the entrepreneurial journey and is determined to prove that business can be environmentally sustainable and socially progressive. For the last two years Rich has been building the Fireside brand, comprising events, this magazine and a coffee company for outdoorsy creators and adventurers. Instagram @firesidebrewco

THE MAGAZINE FOR CREATORS & BRANDS

VOL.3 | JULY 2021 | FIRESIDEX.COM