The Outdoors Station - Audio

The Channel Island Way is a walking guide published in 2011 by Coast Media which links all the perimeter walks around the Channel Islands into one, 100 mile route. We were sponsored by visitguernsey.com to walk sections of the route and produce a series of podcasts about the walks, the islands and some of the people we met on route. In this first part we visit the small island of Herm and become totally captivated by it's unique timeless charm and simple lifestyle. Useful links; www.visitguernsey.com - www.herm.com - www.condorferries.co.uk - www.traveltrident.com

A gathering of interviews from the TGOC 2011 plus more gossip and feedback from the outdoors world. Interviews with Fiona King regarding the joys of running a B&B in Mallaig, the irrepressible Ronald Turnbull for some serious banter and dry humour and Rose leaves us with her thoughts from this years event. Plus new plans and where we are off to next!

This is the final part of the three part series where David Lintern walks with Chris Townsend to find out more about the man, his relationship with the places he walks through and the people who have inspired him along the way. In this episode they discuss his writing, those who have inspired him and in particular, the author Edward Abbey.

As David Lintern continues to walk with Chris Townsend through the deep snow in the Cairngorm Mountains this January, their outdoor discussion finally hits up the subject of conservation. Chris has a unique perspective on this and sheds some light on how different the various bodies associated with the upkeep of wild places, can be. Fascinating listening.

How many of us would love to spend a day walking with Chris Townsend? Someone well known around the world as an outdoor writer, photographer, blogger, conservationist, head of the Mountaineering Council of Scotland and long distance walker extraordinare. Well David Lintern was one such lucky guy and joined Chris for a long walk in January 2011 in the deep snow on the Cairngorms. This is the first of a fascinating three part series where they walk together and discuss the art of long distance walking.

An extended podcast where David Lintern interviews Alan Slowman and Andy Howell to discuss all the various aspects and viewpoints regarding the delicate balance of land management and the proposed wind farms in the Highlands. It'll makes thought provoking listening especially if you are about to undertake the TGO Challenge!

Has new media now taken hold as the stronger information resource, with the 'convergence' of formats presented by the iPad we ask? Is 2011 when printed matter gets bypassed by digital? As well as looking at this interesting question within the outdoor industry, we also have an update from Sigma regarding a new lens about to hit the street, which is ideal for the landscape photographer. Simon Ellar from Bushcraft Magazine explains why the interest in his niche is always growing so much so, they are having their own outdoor show this year. Finally Andy and I give our honest thoughts at the end of the first day at the 2011 Outdoors Leisure Show at the NEC.

Another feature packed show for you with interviews from The Outdoor Leisure Show, including Mountain Rescue (always close to our hearts), an alternative accommodation you may not have seen before but worth considering, farmstay.co.uk and an update from the every lively Sarah at Cicerone Press as to some of the fantastic inspirational new books coming out. Plus a bit of a chat about a recent overnight bivvy trip and the art of becoming 'misplaced' when you don't pay attention!

A really informative podcast full of interesting information from two shows. From the Outdoor Leisure Show at the NEC Andy catches up with Jim Evans from Alpkit and from the Focus Show two weeks later, I find out all about the latest all singing, all dancing compact camera from Panasonic. Much more than just a image capture device! Plus the usual news roundup and email feedback.

Another mixed bag in this production taking you from the deepest heart of rural England in the depths of winter to the heat and aromas of exotic Asia. January is the traditional time the ancient ceremony of Wassailing takes place, to celebrate the humble Apple Tree, giving thanks for its produce and to scare away evil spirits. Supporting our local Apple Orchard and celebrating the rural way of life is important and ensures the correct balance. Beth on the other hand learns the art of haggling in the correct form at the biggest outdoor market in Thailand with the help of a Thai friend. Plus a load of other bits and bobs. The video I mention as a must see is "Morris: A Life With Bells On"

Here's something to warm you up this winter time. Download this podcast and close your eyes, as you are transported to the wonderful open space, where the sun always shines and the beer is always cold. We chat to lightweight evangelists Lynn Lobo and Jayne Jennifer in Adelaide, Australia and hear how the average Australian backpacker is still carrying far too much. We discuss just a few of the hundreds of trails on offer which they have experienced, wild camping, bush fires, food and of course gear. This is 50 minutes of pure escape and is guaranteed to put some sunshine into your MP3 player.

Derry Lodge provides us with a very still, calm and tranquil night. A truly wonderful wild camping spot, which if you catch it at the right time offers a wonderful restful night with excellent wildlife. Overcast and with the weather not looking good we wander up to the Hutchinson Memorial Hut and wait for it to clear before heading out to the ridge, however plans change and we scarper down to Loch Avon in the mist and search for the Shelter Stone. So many to choose from! The coldest and clearest water in the world pours from these high cliffs and we set up camp on the shores of the Loch for a chilly evening, however dawn brings with it a magnificent array of colours and glorious sunshine. Heading upwards to Cairn Gorm for a fantastic days walking who should we meet on top but Darren Pinne (Division Director for Gear protection and Travel Acc for Cascade Designs) who happens to be in Aviemore for a conference! But all too quickly, the trip is over and we bring this short three part series to an end.

Part 2. After a very wet and windy night Lee and I make our way from our exposed camp spot to Bruar Lodge Bothy celebrating the merits of modern design and materials used in tent manufacture. The Bothy itself is very cosy, but from all the comments written in the book, it is obviously a very welcome haven during the harder weather and snows which the Glen must receive each year. We finally make our way down to Blair Atholl in plenty of time to enjoy the benefits of the superb campsite facilities. We also enjoy the liquid facilities of the local Hotel, but sadly the much anticipated meal was a disappointment. However the following day Tony finally arrives telling stories of adventure with Scottish Rail but the breakfast soon makes it a distant memory. We set off for the beautiful and enjoyable Glen Tilt which is a magnificent walk. Following another good night stream side, we head for the much anticipated Derry Lodge. On the way Tony tells us all about his new rucksack and tent and the reasons behind his imports.

This is the first part of a 3 part series recorded in October 2010 where Lee Wells, and I walked a circular route from Aviemore to Blair Atholl and back during some quite mixed weather. Part one covers leaving Aviemore and heading onto the Cairngorm Plateau before dropping down and camping in Glen Feshie. The following day we cross the Minigaig in some very high winds before finally camping in Glen Bruar. Out usual kind of podcast full of general chat, descriptions, laughter and gear comments galore. Enjoy!

A bit of a smorgasbord this one. We touch base on some recent news, discuss a handful of interesting other podcasts and our plans for interviews in the near future. There's a pile of emails to catch up with from listeners around the world also. Rose and Beth head off into mid-Wales for some wild camping and Beth interviews Rose about her recent trip to Sweden. We discuss technology and the way it now rules our life and the girls share their thoughts on wild camping from the safety of a warm coffee shop in Hay On Wye. As I said, a bit of a mixed bag!