The Outdoors Station

Shirley awakes thrilled to still be the new owner of an Osprey Exos so expect a full review later in the series, while we bask in the early morning sunshine at Glen Feshie. Andy and Kate enjoy a good night at Coylumbridge Campsite before heading over the Lairig Ghru to Derry Lodge. High winds force us all to make changes that day and fall back on our FWA. Andy gives listeners a good overview of what to expect in the Lairig Ghru and Shirley finally starts her paranormal camping, getting up in the middle of the night searching the landscape for ghosts.

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We finally make it to the Dalwhinnie Inn for a warm welcome, great food and excellent beer. After the girls enjoy all the wicked pleasures that only a piping hot shower can bring, I interview Calum Dobie the owner, and ask him about running a business in this area and how the Inn is moving away from the established Coach Party market to cater more for the outdoors person. Andy takes a rest to get over his flu. However the wild attractions of Aviemore temp Shirley and Colin who, full steam ahead, make a bee line for a plateful of Fish and Chips closely followed by eyeful of gear in the kit shops.

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All of a sudden the sky clears on day five and after a cold night, we all enjoy a good days walking, fantastic views and in some cases sunburn! Such are the diverse expectations of walking in Scotland. We walk for a day with Dave Albon to Dalwhinnie and discuss the new Paramo jacket which appears to be coming the perfect Challenge outer layer this year. Shirley has a moment of madness but enjoys the day all the same. However Andy appears to have picked up a flu bug, so he and Kate camp early to rest and enjoy the solitude and wildlife.

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Days three and four are mixed together in this podcast, as the damp weather works its way into our spirits and limits what we have to talk about! Thus we continue on in various stages of enthusiasm and between us do more road walking that we would like. However day four looms and the weather starts to pick up with some excitement, as Beth has a potentially nasty accident and I have my walking poles knocked out of my hands by a passing campervan when walking along the road verge. So we were glad to get back into the wilds on the WHW track and head for Kinlochleven. Shirley crosses Loch Ness and meets up with Andy and Kate at the luxury of Cannock Campsite. Interviews with Stuart Wright, Steve Hall, Liam Day and Phil Turner.

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While those softies Andy and Shirley and Co spend a nice warm dry night at Gerry's Hostel, Rose, Beth and I enjoy natures torrent from the sky at Barcaldine. So we continue north rather than east to bypass the sodden forestry work, before we can finally head inland. Shirley gets very excited about crossing the swollen river on a twin wire bridge with Caburn before climbing to do her first Munro bashing of the trip. Andy, Kate and Doug however take the more conservative route. At the end of the day all of us finally collapse exhausted at our first wild camp of the trip. Interviews with Caburn Chamberlin and Doug Cockburn.

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The 30th Anniversary 200 mile walk of the Rab TGO Challenge started in May 2009 in slightly soggy conditions. However spirits were high and all those arriving at their various starting points were raring to go. In this first episode Shirley, Andy and I talk to several people about their preparations and what draws them back time and time again. We also meet first timers from overseas and hear what they expect to experience in this very unique adventure. Plus we record our individual diaries as each day unfolds. Interviews include Nigel Ellis, Lynn Paquette, Peter Molenaar, Doug Cockburn, Laura Liddell, Colin Ibbotson and Shawn Grund.

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In April 2009 John Cromarty set off from Lands End for John O'Groats over a high level route, using typical lightweight gear and knowledge. Here I chat to him about his trip, his gear and more importantly the reaction of many traditionalist walkers to what he was doing and if he was, in their eyes 'safe'. We also talk tarps, wood burners and Inov8s. Hopefully inspiration for you to try a Long Distance Path in this UK this year.

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Once again Andy and I get out to the Destinations and Focus 09 Show to look for somewhere a bit different and of interest for our listeners. So this podcast includes information on Vietnam, returning to live the Hippy Lifestyle in a big huge orange truck and taking a long months holiday which includes volunteering your skills for a week somewhere on route. Plus a bit of gear chat about the new Sigma fixed lens landscape camera. Enjoy!

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Back from the TGO Challenge and feeling all chilled out after a BBQ here's a quick podcast to keep you going this sunny June day. I meet the man who sells £50K Airstream caravans, the lady from Fuji who talks pixels and the owner of the Dalwhinnie Inn, who tells us about the changes to this venue and how the outdoor scene is changing in that area.

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Some very diverse content this time for you. Interviews about Mongolia and Malaysia as exciting low cost destinations and also with the editor of Photography Monthly magazine regarding turning your hobby into an income in these troubled times. Plus links to a series of other outdoor podcasts which will add to your aural pleasure. I also look at the current state of our TGOC plans, which are somewhat late! Hope you enjoy it!

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