The Outdoors Station

In May 2016 David Broom, a hill walker with a passion for wild places, multi-day trips and wild camping in some of the most remote places in the UK, set off the run the length of Outer Hebrides, a distance of some 150 miles. His purpose was to mainly to raise money for the John Muir Trust but also to reclaim part of his childhood, when as a child this magical place inspired him to become an Ecologist following his first visit as a teenager many years ago. One might think the series of islands to be rugged and undulating. However they are certainly very mountainous and challenging, both in the topography as well as the isolation, which puts the trip as ideal for those with a wild heart. The distance is estimated to be 150 miles and the height gain over the 11 days duration was in the order of 10,000m.

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Well not strictly true. We didn't meet THE Lone Ranger, we met A Ranger, who was on his own, so technically he was 'alone' Ranger :) Anyway, pun aside, Richard Eales is a Ranger for Exmoor National Park and we decided to spend some time with him and a few others for a morning on Exmoor tracking and learning more about the wild Deer on the Park during August 2016. Although a simple thing to do, it was fascinating way to spend a few hours with someone who has a great understanding and passion for the animals. The conversation and questions from those attending ebbed and flowed regarding the habits, the relationship with local farmers, the ticks and to some extent, the financial benefits they bring to the area in the form of tourists. See website for the full story.

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This podcast is an update with some exciting news about developments on Internet Radio, Podcast distribution and the breakdown of the survey which took place last year. All of which leads to a new website, further news and exciting plans. The start of a new chapter and great things to come!

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In June 2016 Rose set off on the Pennine Way. A 270 mile route up the spine in the northern part of the UK through two National Parks which finishes the other side of Hadrians Wall. On this trip she decided to take Pip her 3 year old Springer Spaniel who is up for a walk anytime of day and anywhere. The more muddy the better. However this time the dog was carrying a pack along with Rose and they set off from Edale on an overcast and dreary day. This podcast is all about all the long term preparation, planning which goes into a walk like this and unforeseen circumstances which can suddenly happen and change everything in the blink of an eye.

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I didn’t intend to do a podcast on the TGOC 2016, however so many people asked for more information on this years event, that the recorder made it out form the bottom of my rucksack and I started this piece, while sitting at the end of Loch Callater below Jocks Road, recognising this was the last wild camp of the trip. A good weather crossing this year, very few issues with cold, snow and rain. However for me, my mind was elsewhere the first few days as you’ll hear. It has also been a good time to sit and think about the future for The Outdoors Station and our current involvement in the outdoor scene. Changes are afoot! Thanks to all participants who took part in this episode.

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So he finally achieved his goal. Over 1000 miles barefoot from Lands End to John O’Groats. The first recorded attempt of its kind in the UK. 38 Days, the whole menu of weather the UK could throw at him and a mixture of experiences and people he will never forget. The third and final podcast in the Barefoot LEJOG 2015 series with Aleks Kashefi.

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On Sunday the 16th August 2015 I finally met up with Aleks Kashefi just north of Manchester on the border to the North Yorkshire moors in the small village of Cowling. As you'll hear on the Podcast I was unsure of what state of mind I would find Aleks in, as he is now just over half way of his 1000 mile target. When I've completed the TGO Challenge at 200 miles, depending on the type of crossing I have had, I am either euphoric and ready for more, or weary and ready for a long rest. Aleks has covered 500 miles in 3 weeks compared to my 200 miles in 2 weeks. He was also travelling very light and of course, barefoot. I think the whole exercise is very interesting one, not only of human endurance and perseverance, but also about stripping away another layer of 'protection' we have been encouraged to have for hundreds of years. Is it possible to manage without that heavy boot, shoe or trainer? Do we need 'protection', 'grip' and the worst one of all, 'ankle support'?

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This is an interview with Alex Kashefi, who is about to attempt the very unique challenge of running from Lands End to John O’Groats during his summer break from teaching at secondary school. Alex is a biology teacher and although running the LEJOG isn’t new, doing it ‘barefoot’ is! Yes, 1206 miles without the use of shoes, support or protection, carrying his own equipment all the way and relying on the generosity of strangers and a budget of £10 a day to succeed. Do listen and take in the enormity of the task ahead. Please support him in some way if you can. Join him on route, share some food, some water or even offer him a bed. This is going to be a unique experience and everyone is waiting to see what his feet will look like when he reaches his goal.

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I’m back in the Wild Camp saddle and this trip sees me at Lands End for something completely different to the wild weather of Scotland. This time I’m just taking a bivvy bag, a small rucksack and a handful of sandwiches. I was 8 the last time I visited the end of the UK and on this return visit I sadly see the rampant commercialism which has taken over what could have been a reflective beautiful place. However I share my journey with you and chat with a couple of Belgians who pitch in a very dangerous place, oblivious to the UK wild camp laws and their own situation. Enjoy!

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This is the concluding part in the TGOC series for 2015. As we finally hit the East Coast and accept that it is all over, we manage to chat with several overseas Challengers about their thoughts and impressions of the largest backpacking event in the world. Greg Lindstrom from the States, Justin Lafrance from Canada, the oldest participants Lou and Phylis Laborwit also from the States and the youngest, Melvin Den Oss from the Netherlands. That’s it folks…… Until next time :)

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