Northern Rambler

I don't normally write a post about my plans for the year. But my highly unscientific theory is, if I write it, it must happen! Wishful thinking perhaps, but efficient hill-bagging requires planning. For the most part I will be discussing my plans for hikes, bike rides, camps and other outdoor exploits, because that is the bread and butter of this blog. But at the end, I will write down some of my other aims for the year.  Wainwright Bagging Last year, I bagged 24 Wainwrights, a paltry figure compared to the previous year, but an acceptable one, given that I was less narrowly focused on the Wainwrights last year. The previous year, I bagged 45. My current tally is 124, leaving 90 remaining. If I can put my head down and clock 45 a year, that will be the Wainwrights completed by the end of 2026. To be more efficient, I am currently plotting routes for the remaining Wainwrights. This isn't a straightforward business. In some cases, I have been able to devise routes covering a lar...

Welcome to the annual review! It has been a mixed bag this year. My Wainwright tally has been lower than the previous two years. This is in large part because I did not dedicate as much of my time to the Lakes this year; instead increasing my tally in the Peak District, the Yorkshire Dales and Wales. The theme of 2024 was the three peaks. In May, I completed the Yorkshire Three Peaks challenge. Then in August, I climbed Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon), the highest mountain in Wales which, having already ascended Scafell Pike and Ben Nevis, completed my aim of climbing the three national peaks. I have also probably climbed more hills than ever before this year, the total being 52. Though in part I think this is because I have been more meticulous in recording hills from lesser known classifications, such as Hewitts and Birketts. There were disappointments along the way. Most notably my 'grand' cycle tour which did not end up happening. But overall, it has been a great year for being outdoor...

Back in August, I went on holiday to Anglesey in Wales. Well, more specifically, a small island called Holy Island just off the coast of Anglesey. This was a family holiday, but I was able to do some exploring and walking. Most notably, I was finally able to tick off Yr Wydffa (Snowdon) and complete the national three peaks. Wales is an area I have barely explored. Until this holiday I had not walked a single hill in Wales, most regrettably, as it hosts some of Britain's most dramatic mountains and knife like ridges. The journey to Wales seemed to take ages. With my bike on top of the car, I moved at a steady, at times snail's, pace down the M6. Seeking to avoid the toll road, I came off the M6 near Warrington then travelled west over the border into Wales. In parts, the route was beautiful, particularly driving through the tunnels near Conwy cutting through the hills that overlook the coast of northern Wales. Crossing the Menai straits I entered Anglesey for the first time. My...