In my top 5 of cold weather clothing is,  a pair of waterproof trousers.

Cheap Waterproof trousers

I love my waterproof trousers for 1 simple reason.  They keep the wind out.  I regularly wear the trousers during the winter.  It means that I don’t suffer from the wind chill effect.  And the beauty is they don’t need to be expensive.

Regatta Waterproof trousers cost £14.99

Regatta Waterproof Trousers

Regatta Waterproof trousers

These waterproof trousers from Regatta come in a variety of sizes and have an elasticated waist.  They have pockets for easy access to ordinary trouser pockets underneath.  Also;

• Breathable and waterproof overtrousers with taped seams
• Elasticated waist
• Easy access slots for pockets and ankle stud adjusters
• Come complete with its own handy packaway bag

We have some more winter walking tips.  Be safe this winter

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Gratefully reproduced courtesy of Wikimedia

Now this all depends on your point of view. If you enjoy working in the great outdoors then read on. If warm weather or working indoors is more your thing, stop now and never return.

We know of two gentlemen, a Mr Jon Bennett and Jason Taylor who share the responsibility of collecting weather reports for Weatherline. Okay, so far, there is nothing special to talk about.

Now, for those of you who don’t know, Weatherline is a weather service for the Lake District. Celebrating it’s 35th birthday this year (2010) it helps 12 million or so tourists and locals plan their day by warning them about the unpredictable weather this wondrous National Park receives.

This invaluable service has no-doubt saved countless lives by warning people to stay of the fells. As beautiful as they are, they can be incredibly dangerous when the bad weather comes down.

Again, you might be thinking “that’s nice, but what’s so interesting about that?”

It is the shared task of these walkers to climb Helvellyn DAILY.

For those of you who are not familiar with the Mountain. Hellvellyn is the third highest peak in England. At 3117 feet or 950 metres it has several steep paths to its summit all of which are hard graft. Last year they fought snow drifts, avalanche risks, and wind chill temperatures dropping to -16.

Now I fully appreciate that this may not sound like a terrific job to most folk.  However, the Outdoor store loves walking and just get outside.

Gentlemen we at the Outdoor Store salute you.

If you are you are planning to do some winter walking or are out and about this winter, check out our Winter Walking guide.

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Worn with a weather proof jacket for a wet and windy day.  Or as an outer layer,  with a thin underlayer cool, dry weather conditions.  A Fleece is a versatile piece of clothing that can be worn in town or in the countryside.

The Regatta Fleece in black cost £13.00

At £13.00 this is a cheap fleece.  But this is a Regatta Fleece so there is no compromise on quality.  So you won’t be wearing the latest range, but you will be warm.

Regatta Mercury Fleece in Black

Regatta Fleece features

• Regatta fleece with full zip
• Colour: Black
• Sizes: S-XXXL

also,

• The 280 series has symmetry anti-pill both sides.  This means that there will be no annoying balls of fabric.  So will withstand the rigours of your active lifestyle.
• The High Collar helps to protect your neck against cold winds.
• Adjustable shockcord hem.
• 2 zipped lower pockets.
• Excellent as an outer layer or mid-layer for extra warmth.  This means a good fleece can have a cross-purpose for any active lifestyle.

This is a cheap fleece.  Yes you can buy other colours.  Olive, Green, Red, plum.  Have a look at our full range of Regatta Fleeces.

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Charities events in Dorset

As usual, the generous spirit of fellow Dorset folk is in full evidence this December.  There is a rich selection of Charity Walks on offer.

Event: Chase that Pudding 5k Santa Fun Run
Date: 19 December.
Find out more: Julia’s House

Event: Weymouth Relief Road Charity Walk
Date: 5 December.
Find out more: Weld Hospice

Event: Christmas Day Harbour Swim
Date: The clue is in the title (Starts 11.00)
Find out more: Weymouth and Portland Lions

Event: Barnardo’s Fun day
Date: 3 December
Find out more: Barnardo’s website

Christmas Markets in Dorset

Event: Bournemouth Christmas Market
Date: 8th November to 11th December

Held in the heart of Bournemouth in the Town Square and surrounding streets this festive extravaganza will be bursting at the seams with Christmas ambience.

Event: Brewers Quay Christmas Festival
Date: 22nd November - 24th December

Brewers Quay extends a seasonal warm welcome and invites you to celebrate the magical sights, sounds and tastes of Christmas.

Event: Christmas at Corfe - Craft and Art Fayre
Date: 4 December, 1pm to 5pm
Find out more: Corfe Castle website

Other things to do in Dorset

Event: Sherborne Christmas Tree Festival
Date: 4 December - 12 December
Find out more: Event website

This snow has arrived early this year, so as usual, if you are out and about wrap up warm and use plenty of layers.

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Christmas really can be a time of over-indulgence. Too many mince pies, too much Christmas cake and too much Turkey.  So to ward off those extra pounds and keep you feeling, a little fitter, we are campaigning to keep the tradition of the Christmas Walk alive this year.

Here at the Outdoor Store we love Christmas walks.  We all have our top 5 Christmas walks in Dorset.   But since we cannot agree on our all time favourite and I am the boss.  I am going to share with you’re my top 5 Christmas Walks.

5) Chesil Beach.  This is not an easy walk.  The large shingle makes it difficult to keep your footing and makes the walk 10 times more difficult.   Now at 18 miles, you really need to gives yourself plenty of time – roughly 6 hrs.

4) Corfe Castle. If you are a keen photographer, you have to visit Corfe Castle.  With the right weather you can really capture something magical.  I don’t really have a distance for you.  For me, this place is just worth ambling round.

3)  Cerne Abbas.  For a more inland experience and an easy for for the kids. At 2 miles, the Cerne Abbas walk commence in the picnic area car park.  You basically do one big loop.  For more details have a look on the Walks for softies website.

2) Fontmell & Melbury Downs. Again this is a fairly straightforward walk. However, if you are feeling energetic you can expand it to suit your needs.  It ranges from 1 to 2.3 miles and starts at Fontmell Down car park.  The reason why this is in my top 5 is because of the views across the Blackmore vale – simply stunning.  Download the National Trust walk.

1) West Bay to Burton Bradstock.  It has to be a coastal walk/  This is about 1.5 to 2 miles.  There.  But on a windy day the waves really to crash in to the beach.  What I love about this walk is the almost surreal cliffs that seem to belong in a Sci-Fi movie.  It nearly always end with a coffee on the Hive Café. Or I am planning to sample a bottle of Cloudy Bay next year, when the kids are older.

Make sure you read our top tips in winter walking.

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Winter by the coast

I suppose the first question is:

Why would you want to come to arguably the warmest part of the country to do a spot of Winter Walking?

Easy.  Not all of us want to be knee deep in the white stuff with all the risks attached to it.

Where to walk in Winter

In two words the Jurassic Coast.  I know that I have talked about this stretch of coast line before, but I do love it, especially during winter.  Blustery and cold and probably wet.  My favourite day is a frosty morning, with lots of low lying mist and you can see the sun gradually burn off the mist.

How about Chesil Beach.  An 18 mile pebble beach which has a natural occurring lagoon behind it.

Winter Walking tips

Billy Connolly once said;

“There is no such thing as bad weather – just the wrong clothes”

These boots are made for walking. Your walking boots should be matched to the activity.  Do you need Waterproof boots?

Layers.  Make sure your wear plenty if suitable layers.  An outer layer, a warm fleece and thermals.   Extra layers means that you can fine alter your warmth by removing layers.

If you want to get a head – get a walking hat.  70% of your body heat leaves through your head.

Gloves.  In cold weather I always wear two layers of gloves.  A thin base layer and a thicker windstopper glove.

Planning.  Take the time to plan your route.  And let someone know where you are going and how long your are likely to be.

Torch or head-torch.  It happens more often that you think, especially this time of year.  People often get caught out on mountains after dark.

Ice Axe.  Probably not required in Dorset. But it will make you look macho or stupid.

Places to stay in Dorset

There are any number of Good quality B&B’s or Hotels in Dorset. If you are planning a walking holiday, then you might consider basing yourself centrally.

Dorchester is a fine Historic town with lots of amenities, restaurants and some local culture.  Here is a list of accommodation in Dorchester.

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Ghost at Nothe Fort

Do you want to see something really scary?

Nothe Fort is becoming Dorset’s location of choice for experiencing paranormal activity.

Established paranormal organisations are setting up ghost hunts to give visitors a hands on interactive approach to experience the different techniques used to conduct investigations. Some using sophisticated scientific equipment, while others using more traditional methods.

Ghost Hunt at Nothe Fort – 13 November

On 13 November  join the Dark Encounters team on their first Ghost Hunt at Nothe Fort.

Brief itinerary of the evening:

• Introduction to Dark Encounters
• Briefing on ghost hunting techniques
• Demonstration of latest ghost hunting equipment
• Teams headed by experienced investigators
• Paranormal experiments and team vigils
• Regular refreshment breaks (tea and coffee supplied)
• Debriefing of teams - review of evidence and discussions of findings from investigation

Only 20 places are available, so call Nothe Fort and book soon. Price: £35.

Some of the staff from The Outdoor Store are thinking of going on the night, so come along if you dare.

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Dorset bonfires nights

Bonfire night is only a few days away.  And all across the county you can expect lots of Fireworks displays.

Here is Dorset we have a top list of displays from all round the county

Fireworks displays across Dorset

Fireworks, Bonfire and Tank Display

Thursday 4th November 2010

Bovington Garrison
Viewing Area
Bovington
Dorset
BH20 6JG

Gates open at 6pm (finish 9pm)

Adult £3 children £2
Gates open at 6pm (finish 9pm)

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Dorchester Rugby Club Fireworks Display

Remember, remember, the 5th of November! Gates open at 6pm, fireworks start at 7.30pm. Hog roast, BBQ, bar and refreshments.

Friday 5 November 2010
Located coburg Road

Tickets:

Family from £10.00
Adult from £4.00
Child from £2.00

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Guy Fawkes Night at the Esplanade

One of the Borough’s biggest annual community events.

Friday 5 November
Weymouth Beach (Pavilion End)
The Esplanade
Weymouth
Dorset
DT4 8ED

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Christchurch Community Bonfire & Fireworks Spectacular

Friday 5 November
Stanpit Recreation Ground
Stanpit
Christchurch
Dorset
BH23 3LU

Gates open 5.00pm
Bonfire lighting 6.15pm
Fireworks 7.45pm

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Firework Night at Bridport Leisure Centre

Friday 5 November
Skilling Hill Road
Bridport
Dorset
DT6 5LN

Tickets:

Advanced tickets are available from Toymaster and Frosts and on entry get a free pack of sparklers.

Group ticket (2 adults 3 children) £8.00
Adults £3.00
Children £2.00

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Firework Display at St. Mary’s School Beaminster

Friday 5 November
St. Mary’s School
Clay Lane
Beaminster
Dorset
DT8 3BY

The display starts at 7.30pm.

Entrance £2 adults, £1 children.

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Firework Night in Lyme Regis (6 November)

Saturday 6 November
The Cobb
Lyme Regis
Dorset

Firework display from the Cobb followed by a bonfire on the beach.

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Firework Extravaganza at Sherborne Castle

Friday 5 November
Sherborne Castle
New Road
Sherborne
Dorset
DT9 5NR

Live music, refreshments and food from 5pm.
Fireworks commence at 7.30pm

Tickets available from Sherborne Tourist Information Centre.

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Organising your own Firework display

If you are looking to hold you own display remember to take a few precautions.  Here is some Bonfire Safety Advice from the Fire Service.

Staying warm outdoors

In a word - Layering.  It is important not just to warm one super thick jacket or top.   You need to wear different pieces of clothing, one on top of the other, in order to trap warm air and insulate the body from the cold.

The real advantage of layering is that traps air in-between each layer.  Another benefit is that if it is too hot you can take one layer off.

Try and avoid cotton as they get wet easily and this will make you cold.  Fleeces, Nylon and Wool are best.

Stay warm and safe this bonfire night.

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Halloween in weymouth

All Hallow’s day or (Also, known as “All Saints day”) was traditionally the day when Catholics would come together to celebrate and pay their respect to the saints.

The 31st October, or the eve of all Hallow’s day, was commonly understood to be the day when the spirits of the recently deceased would come back and possess a body of the living to allow themselves into the afterlife - Nice

Thankfully these days, this pagan festival is not treated quite so seriously and now has more fun connotations.

Halloween in Weymouth

If you are looking for things to do in Dorset, there are lots of child friendly Halloween events in the Weymouth area.  Enjoy;

Ghost Walks at Nothe Fort

Friday 29th October & Sunday 31st October - Adults & Children 14+ £7

Two tours per night from 7pm - 8.30pm & 9pm - 10.30pm Please note the walks are not for the faint hearted. Advance tickets only, available from Nothe Fort & Weymouth TIC.
Contact: 01305 766626

Halloween on Portland

Meet at Portland Castle at 5pm for a pumpkin lit procession to the marina- BBQ by the Boat that Rocked plus fun & games for all the family with fireworks in Portland harbour at 7pm. Contact: 01305 823858

Pumpkins in the Park at Greenhill Gardens

Dust off your broomsticks and fly over to Greenhill Gardens for a free Pumpkin in the Park party- 2pm to 4pm Contact: 01305 838297

Spooky Fun at Lulworth Castle

Ghostly tales, scary trails, hunt the bat, make a witches hat plus lots of activities in the castle. This event does not take place on a Saturday.
Contact: 0845 450 1054

Visit website to download free kids voucher

Haunted Halloween at Portland Castle

Monday 25th October – Sunday 31st October - 11.00am to 4pm
Enjoy Halloween tales and fun activities with devilish prizes to be won!
Contact: 01305 820539

Visit Portland Castle website

Brewers Quay Halloween Festival- 9.30am to 5.30pm

The special Halloween Ghost Walks will take place on Wednesday 27th and Saturday 30th October at 7pm from outside the front of the Brewers Quay complex. £5 Adults (16+), £3 Children (8 and over).

Halloween Fun at Weymouth Sealife Park

Come down and check out our spooky terrapin tunnel or for the really brave try the witches cave and our Halloween hunt!
Contact: 01305 761070

Happy Halloween in Weymouth.

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What was once clearly sat in the Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) marketplace, high-vis workwear is now common place on our streets. Their highly reflective materials and colours make them ideal for kids, runners and especially cyclists who need to be clearly seen as dusk approaches.

The reflective properties of the materials that are used in high-viz clothing makes them extremely visible when seen in front of a light source such as the driver of a car with its headlights on.

There are a number of standards covering PPE and in particular High Visibility clothing - so it is worth taking an extra couple of minutes when making a purchase to ensure the garments are compliant.

EN 471:2003 Standard

EN471 is the European standard that covers high visibility clothing and details the specification for High-Visibility clothing.

There are three levels of protection:
EN 471 Class 1 - Class 1 defines the lowest visibility level e.g. High-visibility trousers with two 5 cm reflective bands around each leg. These become Class 3 when worn with a Class 3 jacket.

EN 471 Class 2 - The class 2 defines an intermediary visibility level. Example: vests. Two 5 cm bands of reflective around body or on one 5 cm band around body and braces to both shoulders.

EN 471 Class 3 - The class 3 defines the highest level of visibility. Example jacket with long sleeves, jacket and trouser suit. Two 5 cm bands of reflective tape around the body, arms and braces over both shoulders.

High Vis = Being Seen at Night

As the nights begin to draw in and it starts to get dark before many workers make their way home - staying safe has never been more important. Whether you are walking home from work, out for a jog or simply taking the dog for a walk - wearing a high-vis jacket or high visibility vest is one of the easiest ways in ensuring you are seen.

Be seen - stay safe !

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