Archive for the ‘News’ Category

The best camping sites in the country

Thursday, September 23rd, 2010

Camping in Britain can be a complete joy.  For such as small Island we are really privileged to have such as varied landscape and weather system.

From the mountains of Scotland and the Lake District to the rolling meadows of the West Country and the Jurassic Coast of Dorset and Cornwall.  All have there very own unique features and all can have very different weather.

I once heard a quote from Billy Connolly, who said;

…there is no such thing as the wrong whether, just the wrong clothes”.

I just love that, and for me it really rings true.  As long as I have my Regatta waterproof jacket and a warm fleece then I am a happy man.

Regatta Echo Waterproof Jacket

Regatta Echo Waterproof Jacket

So I thought it might be worthwhile compiling a list of the best campsites in the UK.  Now I have cheated here.  I have sought the resources of other websites to help.  But it should give you some useful ideas.

Happy trails.

Beach Campsites UK

If you like the beach then this site is ideal.  It is broken down by county and whilst there are not many listed, there are some hidden gems – Highlands End in Eype is my personal favourite.

Website: www.beachcampsitesuk.co.uk

Family friendly campsites

Nice piece of work by the Daily Telegraph here.  They list ten sites from across the country.

Website: The Daily Telegraph

Britains 40 best campsites

A slightly subjective and eye-grabbing headline.  But the site offer s a good variety of traditional campsites, family camping, yurts, teepees.

Website: The Times

Daily Mail posh

I’m not really sure what classifies as posh in the eyes of the Daily Mail or their readers.  But  there are 10 campsites from award winning to coastal.

Website: The Daily Mail

Camping in the National Trust

From farmers fields with just a cold water tap and toilet, to larger campsites with swimming pools and electricity, there are an extensive range of campsites on offer.

Website: The National Trust

Let us know what you thin of the list or any others that you would like us to add.

The Outdoor Store wants to get everyone out and about no matter the weather so #grabthekids and start exploring.

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Weymouth Classic Triathlon 2010

Friday, September 3rd, 2010

Weymouth Classic Triathalon

Weymouth Classic Triathalon

Weymouth & Portland is an excellent base for thrill seekers to enjoy outdoor activities such as sailing, diving, and rock climbing. A more recent addition to this list of high energy sports is one of  the most challenging of all - the Triathlon.

As part of the Weymouth & Portland events calendar for 2010 the annual Weymouth Classic Triathlon takes place on Sunday 12 September at Bowleaze Cove, Preston, Weymouth, Dorset. Located approximately 2 miles to the east of Weymouth town centre, this venue provides a stunning backdrop with its beautiful pebbly beach and proximity to the Jurassic coast. If you meet any of the participants on route during the event please give them a big cheer as the Triathlon is such a difficult discipline where the body really is pushed to the limit . All the participants are sure to appreciate your support.

Triathlon Schedule & route

Registration opens at 5.30 am and the Triathlon starts off with a splash at 7.00am with a 1.5km sea swim - wetsuits are compulsory as the sea won’t be so inviting at that time of the morning.  On completion of the swim there is an approx 100m run back up the beach to transition before the start of the 40km bike ride. The bike ride element will direct competitors into the countryside visiting the Dorset villages of Bincombe, Whitcombe, Broadmayne, Owermoigne, Crossways and Warmwell before heading back to Preston via Osmington.

The 10km road race follows two circular routes one along Bowleaze Coveway, down Preston Road on the A353 then a second around Southdown Avenue before returning to the starting point.

The race will be timed using full on sports timing system and each competitor will be wearing a timing chip.

The comprehensive 2010 race details can be found on the Bustinskin Triathlon & Events Club website.

Race Entry Price

If you are a Bustinskin BTF Club member the fee is £35.00 (Limited places), BTF members pay £40.00 otherwise the entry fee is £45.00. A list of the current Weymouth Classic Triathlon participants can be found on the Bustinskin website.

Lots to see and do

If you are not participating in the triathlon and have come to support a family member or friend, you can enjoy the comforts of the Bowleaze Cove café restaurant whilst enjoying the stunning views over the bay and Dorset coast. The café restaurant will open from 6.00 am serving hot food and drinks.

Bowleaze Cove

Bowleaze Cove

Later you could visit the amusement complex next door at the Beachside Leisure Centre. It has a Speed World Karting ring and you can also enjoy the rides at the Fantasy Island Fun Park funfair. You’re also just a short drive from Weymouth town with its many shops and sandy beach.

Why not pop in and visit us at The Outdoor Store next to the railway station where we supply a full range of clothing, footwear and maps to cater for a variety of outdoor pursuits.

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Walks in Dorset – The Jurassic Coast

Thursday, August 26th, 2010

Walks in Dorset - The Jurassic coast

Walks in Dorset - The Jurassic coast

It may not quite feel like a 250million year old walk.  But the story of this famous Dorset and Devon Coastal Jurassic Coast walk really does go back to the ‘Middle Ages of life”

The walk won a World Heritage listing back in 2001, bringing an international status to the site.

The coast comprises of three geological periods.  The Triassic, Jurassic and the Cretaceous.  All of these span the Mesozoic Era (180 Million year, give or take).

The entire stretch equates to 95 miles and takes in the Purbeck area, Lyme Regis and Charmouth and the isle of Portland and Chesil Beach.  The Jurassic Coast website has an excellent interactive map worth looking at.

Rock falls along the many cliffs that make up the walk are not uncommon.  These mainly occur due to large cracks and fissures within the cliffs and can make the cliff drop away without any notice.  So take care.

At the end of the walk if you are feeling particularly energetic You could continue round to finish the South West Coastal path.  A mere 630 miles and approximately 1 month of you time.

Walking fleeces

It’s important to wear the right clothing for these trips.  In previous blog posts we have already talked about good quality Regatta Waterproofs jacket and Regatta shoes.  You also should take along a good fleece.

The Regatta Mercury Fleece for Men

Available in Olive green and Seal Grey, this soft an cosy fleece is excellent for day walking.  This is an “Anti-Pill” fleece, which means it will not develop those annoying balls of fabric after use.

Regatta Mercury fleece

Regatta Mercury fleece

The Regatta Mercury  Fleece costs £13.00

Buy now

The Regatta Nova Fleece for Women

Again, the Regatta Nova fleece is an “Anti-pill” and quick drying.  It is lightweight, which is useful when packing into a rucksack

Colour: Red,Plum,Navy,Black,Brown,Light olive green,Pink.

Size: Ladies 10-20

Special Features

  • 280 series Symmetry anti-pill both sides
  • Adjustable shockcord hem
  • 2 zipped lower pockets

Regatta Nova fleece

Regatta Nova fleece

The Regatta Nova fleece costs £13.00

Buy now

So #Grabthekids this summer holiday and hit the coast for some fascinating scenery and good healthy waking.

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