The Walk Fife Podcast - Exploring the Kingdom on Foot

The Kingdom of Fife is truly great for walking and the weather has never been better for exploring the region.

This episode of the Walk Fife Podcast is packed full of more walking advice and news.

Sean kicks off the show by letting us know about International Geocaching Day which takes places on 18 August. The Walk Fife team love geocaching and Sean shares with us what we can expect from this great annual outdoor event.

Fife Pilgrim Way Opens

The Fife Pilgrim Way is a new long distance walking route that brings the northern and southern edges of Fife together. Sean shares new on how Walk Fife are going to support walkers planning to walk this greta new trail.

Fife Coastal Path Map Update

Footprint maps recently released an update to the map of the Fife Coastal Path. Sean runs us through some of the changes you can expect from this new edition.

A Walkers Guide To Gaiters

Staying dry, clean and comfortable is key to having a good day’s walking so having the right kit to protect yourself against the elements is essential and gaiters are one piece of equipment that are often overlooked by new walkers.

Out There Award

Ramblers Scotland has launched a new award scheme. The award offers young adults a free and inspiring introduction to Scotland’s outdoors. Anyone aged 18 to 26 can apply at ramblers.org.uk/OutThereAward for the free Out There Award events.

Win a Garmin eTrex® Touch 35 with Walk Fife

We have one of these fantastic hand held GPS devices to give to one lucky winner. Sean explains what you have to do to be in with a chance of winning this great prize.

Listener Questions

Get in touch

If you have any suggestions for future episodes of the Walk Fife podcast then please get in touch with us through our website or you can even drop us a line through Twitter or Facebook. Please email us at [email protected]

Show Links

Geocaching - http://www.walkfife.com/geocaching-in-fife/

The Walk Fife podcast has returned for it’s 43rd episode. Join Sean as he chats over the recent news and development in the Fife Walking Community.

There has been a lot happening at Walk Fife HQ this past months and we want to let you know what has been happening behind the scenes and across the community.

Safety in the Woodlands

Forestry Commission Scotland asked us to remind listeners about safety in the woodlands when tree felling is underway. Sean talks us through some safety advice and what to be aware of when walking through woodlands that are being harvested for their timber.

The 2019 Bridge to Bridge Walking Challenge

The Bridge to Bridge Hike, now in its fifth year, is an annual 50-mile charity trek across Fife. Setting off at sunrise from the Forth Rail Bridge, the route meanders through the former mining towns of west Fife, around the majestic twin beacons of the Lomond hills and over the rolling agricultural landscape of North East Fife, before arriving at the Tay Rail Bridge around midnight. It’s Fife, but as rarely experienced before.

Walk Fife Workshops

Sean explains what happened to the workshops we had planned for May and when you can expect the missing workshops to take place.

Win a Garmin eTrex® Touch 35 with Walk Fife

We have one of these fantastic hand held GPS devices to give to one lucky winner. Sean explains what you have to do to be in with a chance of winning this great prize.

Get in touch

If you have any suggestions for future episodes of the Walk Fife podcast then please get in touch with us through our website or you can even drop us a line through Twitter or Facebook. Please email us at [email protected]

Show Links

Bridge to Bridge website - https://bridgetobridge564313862.wordpress.com/

After an unexpected break the Walk Fife Podcast returns with episode 42.

The Walk Fife team have been hard at work on making things even better for our community.

Sean kicks things off by announcing the winner of our competition to win fantastic Alpkit Qark rechargeable head torch. The Qark is a compact head torch that is perfect for walking safely in the darker months of winter. We had over 500 correct entries and the lucky winner has already been out enjoying his new head torch in the Cairngorms.

Walking advice

There have been a number of excellent articles uploaded to the Walk Fife website which share some really valuable advice on a number of differing topics connected with the outdoors. Sean shares some advice about gas camping stoves and how to treat a tick bite should you unluckily get bitten.

The Craigencalt Spring Walking Festival

The Craigencalt Trust are again hosting their very popular Spring Walking Festival which began on the 3rd April and went continue until the 17th April. There are a wide selection of walks still to enjoy to suit walkers of all abilities stretching along the beautiful coastline between Aberdour and Dysart and further afield.

Listener Questions

The topics of questions for this episode include problems with boots, walking sticks and walking clubs for young families.

Get in touch

If you have any suggestions for future episodes of the Walk Fife podcast then please get in touch with us through our website or you can even drop us a line through Twitter or Facebook. Please email us at [email protected]

Show links

Join Sean for another episode of the Walk Fife Podcast.

The Kingdom of Fife is really going to life this month as more people head out to explore the region.

Sean updates us on what is happening with the Fife Walking Community and what you can look forward to enjoying soon.

Loch Leven Walkathon

With three walking distances to choose from, there is something for everyone. Choose your challenge: a 7K walk including an optional Treasure Hunt for families, a 12K route past the impressive Kinross House, or the full 13 mile circuit – the equivalent of walking a half marathon around the scenic loch!

How to choose a head torch

Sean shares some advice on picking the right head torch for your purposes. A recent article on the Walk Fife website cover the various features, power sources, types of bulbs and how bright you need your head torch to be.

Win with Walk Fife!

We have one Alpkit Qark rechargeable head torch to give away to one lucky winner. The Qark is a compact head torch that is perfect for walking safely in the darker months of winter. Sean shares the question the answer to which can win you one of these great head torches.

Listener Questions

The topics of questions for this episode include how to repair a trusty rucksack, walking route safety and video workshops.

Get in touch

If you have any suggestions for future episodes of the Walk Fife podcast then please get in touch with us through our website or you can even drop us a line through Twitter or Facebook. Please email us at [email protected]

Show Links

Competition - http://www.walkfife.com/win

It has been busy 2019 so far for the Walk Fife team.

Walk Fife’s Sean takes a break to update us in episode 40 of our podcast.

To kick things off Sean lets us know about the 2019 workshop programme and what months the workshops are running and what you can expect from each. Also revealed are our plans for some discounted workshops in partnership with a well established outdoors school.

Winter Safety Skills

After the tragic news last week of the deaths of two highly experience climbers on Ben Hope, the community have asked what can be done to improve safety skills among the walkers of Walk Fife. Sean suggests some sources where we can learn more about how we can keep ourselves safe while still enjoying the outdoors.

Win with Walk Fife!

We have one Alpkit Qark rechargeable head torch to give away to one lucky winner. The Qark is a compact head torch that is perfect for walking safely in the darker months of winter. Sean shares the question the answer to which can win you one of these great head torches.

Listener Questions

The topics of questions for this episode include waterproofing OS Maps and walking routes in the Lomond Hills.

Get in touch

If you have any suggestions for future episodes of the Walk Fife podcast then please get in touch with us through our website or you can even drop us a line through Twitter or Facebook. Please email us at [email protected]

Show Links

Walk Fife Workshops - http://www.walkfife.com/workshops/

The Walk Fife podcast is back with the first episode of 2019.

Sean updates us with the latest news from the Fife Walking Community.

The new year brings with it some fantastic new opportunities and exciting projects for Walk Fife. The team have all been very busy over the holidays planning and organising some great events and workshops.

2019 Workshops

The programme for the 2019 walking skills workshops is going to be revealed online soon and Sean reminds us all about what we have to look forward to and how you can get involved.

Community Support

The latest batch of Walk Fife stickers sets have been posted out this week and response we have had from the Fife Walking Community have been brilliant. The team have been spotting Walk Fife car stickers up and down the Kingdom and even further afield with one being spotted in Fort William recently.

Thank you to everyone who have proudly displayed their stickers, it really has helped to spread the word about our website and community to a wider audience. If you would like to receive your own free Walk Fife sticker pack of your own just head to http://www.walkfife.com/freebies

4000 Mile Challenge

Did Sean complete his challenge to walk 4000 during 2018? Sean lets know what the result of the challenge was and what he plans to do in 2019.

Reporting A Problem

After a recent path closure, Sean reminds us how the community can report a problem with a walking route that has been shared through the Walk Fife website.

Listener Questions

The topics of questions for this episode include learning how to use a GPS device, walking routes in the East Neuk of Fife and sharing your opinion of you favourite walks.

Get in touch

If you have any suggestions for future episodes of the Walk Fife podcast then please get in touch with us through our website or you can even drop us a line through Twitter or Facebook. Please email us at [email protected]

Show Links

Walk Fife Workshops - http://www.walkfife.com/workshops/

It is a busy time here at the Walk Fife headquarters.

We have been working hard on our plans for 2019 and beyond.

Sean takes some time out to update us about the latest goings on behind the scenes at Walk Fife and what our community of walkers can look forward to soon.

Forgotten History of the Firth of Forth

This past week saw the anniversary of the surrender of the German Navy in WW1. This may not seem to be something particularly connected to Walk Fife until you hear that this mighty fleet actually surrendered to the allies in the Firth of Forth ten days after the Armistice ended the fighting. Seventy German vessels made up from nine German battleships, five battlecruisers, seven light cruisers and 49 destroyers were handed over to the Allies and were sailed into the Forth of Forth where they were anchored until they sailed some 5 days later North to Scarpa Flow in Orkney the wartime home of the British Royal Navy Fleet. The BBC have a fascinating article documenting the events behind this historic event in the life of the Firth of Forth. Sean also shares news of a upcoming exhibition that will cover the wartime history of the Firth of Forth and lets us know how the Fife community can assist in it’s creation.

Kit Reviews

Sean thanks everyone for their recent reviews of equipment for the walker and reminds people submitting their reviews of a few key points that must be considered before sending them into us.

Keeping in Touch

Walk Fife now have a telephone number for members of the Fife walking community to use to ask us questions, report problems and make suggestions for improving Walk Fife and our website. The number only receives standard text messages and can not receive images (we prefer these to be sent via email) and callers can leave voicemails if calling outside of normal hours. The number to call is 0793 826 0632 - text messages & calls to this number will be billed at your standard network fee by your service provider.

Walk Fife Stickers

Thanks to some fantastic support from various Fife based companies Walk Fife will soon have a new free sticker pack which will be available through out website. Sean shared some images of our new car stickers through our social networks and we were flooded with enquiries on how people could get one for themselves.

Win a Garmin eTrex Touch 25 GPS with Walk Fife!

We have one of these brilliant navigation gadgets to give away to one lucky winner. The eTrex Touch 25 is an perfect GPS unit for those who love exploring the outdoors but want something quick and easy to use. Sean reveals the question that the correct to which could win one person a valuable tool for navigating through the countryside.

Listener Questions

The topics for the questions in this episode cover naughty mountain bikers, kit basics for walkers, lunch time strolls and waterproofing tips and tricks.

Get in touch

If you have any suggestions for future episodes of the Walk Fife podcast then please get in touch with us through our website or you can even drop us a line through Twitter or Facebook. Please email us at [email protected]

Show links

WW1 German Navy Surrender - https://goo.gl/2euJas

It has been a chilly and wet few days across the Kingdom of Fife.

The Walk Fife team have been busy behind the scenes getting ready for 2019.

Sean takes some time out from planning to let us know the latest news and development from Walk Fife and the Fife walking community.

2019 workshop announcement

The team have been busy working on the 2019 workshop programme and Sean announces the two latest additions chosen by the Fife walking community.

The first workshop will cover basic weather forecasting techniques for the walker and will teach people how to watch for potential changes in the weather while walking through the hills. This workshop will be based both in the classroom and outside and will be taught by two very experienced mountain leaders.

The second workshop is outdoors based and will take place near the town of Killin. The crossing water hazards workshop aims to demonstrate the many different techniques that individuals and small groups of walker can negotiate water obstacles when walking through the hills and glens of Scotland.

New Walk Fife sticker pack

Thanks to some fantastic support from various Fife based companies Walk Fife will soon have a new free sticker pack which will be available through out website. Sean lets us know what we can expect in a few weeks time.

Route updates

After walking the Sleeping Giant Pathway over Benarty Hill last week Sean shares some news of forestry work that is being undertaken in the are surrounding the route and why you should be careful when walking the trail over the next few weeks.

Red squirrels win!

Scotland’s only entry in the Forests category of a leading global conservation competition has won funding of more than £25,000 to help ensure the long-term survival of Scotland’s red squirrels. The success will allow the volunteering conservation charity to step up its pioneering red squirrel reintroduction project. Reds from thriving populations in Inverness-shire and Moray will be reintroduced to four northwest Highland woodlands where they can spread, safe from threats from grey squirrels.

Listener questions

The topics for the questions in this episode cover Harvey Maps, the Fife Coastal Path and how to pick the right training course for you.

Win a Garmin eTrex Touch 25 GPS with Walk Fife!

We have one of these brilliant navigation gadgets to give away to one lucky winner. The eTrex Touch 25 is an perfect GPS unit for those who love exploring the outdoors but want something quick and easy to use. Sean reminds us of the question that could win one person this valuable gadget for navigating through the countryside and enjoying the walking routes shared through Walk Fife.

Get in touch

If you have any suggestions for future episodes of the Walk Fife podcast then please get in touch with us through our website or you can even drop us a line through Twitter or Facebook. Please email us at [email protected]

Show Links

Walk Fife Workshops - http://www.walkfife.com/workshops/

Join us in the latest episode of the Walk Fife Podcast.

The wind is battering the Kingdom of Fife this week but not in Walk Fife’s cosy office.

Sean updates us with the latest news and events from across the Kingdom and from the Fife walking community.

Equipment and Book Reviews

The Walk Fife team and members from our community have been sharing reviews of book that we have read and equipment we have been using through our website since we began. The website is open for anyone wishing to share their experience or enjoyment of anything walking related. If you have a something you would like to share a review of then drop us a line through the Walk Fife website or email us at [email protected]

Fife’s Top Stops

Walk Fife wants to share your Top Stops from across the whole of the Fife region. The Walk Fife Top Stop list aims to provide visitors to Fife with a comprehensive list of walker friendly cafes, restaurants, pubs and visitors centres that are ideally placed for walkers to stop off and rest while on their travels. Each Top Stop will be supplied a window sticker to allow other Walk Fife walkers to easily recognise that this stop has been listed on our website and is well worth visiting.

Fife Core Path Networks

Sean raises the topic of Fife’s Core Path Network after some members of the community contacted Walk Fife after discovering some issues in accessing some of these legally protected rights of way within the Kingdom. The Fife Core Path Network covers the whole of Fife and is based on the approved Core Path Plan which was defined by public consultation and public inquiry, as mandated by the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003. Sean talks about some issues surrounding access to these paths that the community has to highlight in order to maintain that access.

Events for walkers in Fife

The Dundee Mountain Film Festival is the UK’s longest continuous running mountain film festival. It showcases an international programme of speakers, as well as award winning films and exhibitions, mainly held in the Bonar Hall, Dundee. This year’s festival will be held on 22 – 24 November 2018.

Mountain Aid are hosting another round of FREE winter safety talks and on Monday 12th November at Dunfermline’s Monarch Bar, Dave “Heavy" Whalley, a 36 year veteran of the RAF Mountain Rescue Team with over 1000 Mountain and 80 Aircraft incidents in mountainous areas under his belt, extols the joys of winter walking, whilst at the same time providing essential advice based on his long experience of the Scottish hills, and offering an insider view of how mountain rescue teams operate.

Win a Garmin eTrex Touch 25 GPS with Walk Fife!

We have one of these brilliant navigation gadgets to give away to one lucky winner. The eTrex Touch 25 is an perfect GPS unit for those who love exploring the outdoors but want something quick and easy to use. Sean reveals the question that the correct to which could win one person a valuable tool for navigating through the countryside.

Listener questions

The topics for the questions in this episode cover choosing the selecting the correct rucksack, coloured lights in head torches and why Walk Fife recently turned down a sponsorship opportunity that could have benefited some in our community.

Get in touch

If you have any suggestions for future episodes of the Walk Fife podcast then please get in touch with us through our website or you can even drop us a line through Twitter or Facebook. Please email us at [email protected]

Show Links

Walk Fife Top Stop’s - https://goo.gl/8kwtww

It have been a busy week for all of the members of the Walk Fife Team.

Sean takes some time out in between workshops and meetings to let us know the latest news from our community.

The past two weeks has seen some changes with Walk Fife and we thought the podcast was a good way to let you all what has been happening and why. Sean also shares news of events happening over the next few weeks across Fife as part of the FCCT’s Access All Areas festival.

Closing our online shop

Sean firstly talks about the recent news about the closure of our online shop.

Walk Fife have run an online shop on our website for a short while. The shop sold Walk Fife branded merchandise such as t-shirts, mugs and other products through a external company. Sales of these products gave us a small amount of income to help maintain and grow the Walk Fife website and support some of the activities we provide to the Fife walking community.

Walk Fife do not want to be responsible for adding to the ever increasing and alarming problems our environment is currently faced with just for the sake of allowing people to purchase a t-shirt with our community’s logo on it.

Help save Scotland’s Red Squirrels

An innovative project offering hope for the long-term survival of Scotland’s red squirrels will be stepped up if conservation charity Trees for Life wins an online vote for a major European funding award. With the UK’s red squirrels at risk of extinction, the charity’s pioneering Reds Return project has been shortlisted to receive more than £25,000 in the European Outdoor Conservation Association’s funding scheme.

Walk Fife Workshops

Sean talks about some potential additions to our 2019 workshops programme and addresses some issues that people have voiced recently regarding requesting multiple places on a workshop.

Many people prefer to attend workshops in the company of friends or family and Sean talks about the possibility of separate paid workshops for people wishing to secure multiple places rather than rely on the lottery based system we use for our free workshops. Sean also reminds future attendees to our free workshops not to bring along friends in the hope they can take part in the workshop.

Listener questions

The topics for the questions in this episode cover choosing the correct head torch, repairing leaky boots and audio walks of Fife.

Get in touch

If you have any suggestions for future episodes of the Walk Fife podcast then please get in touch with us through our website or you can even drop us a line through Twitter or Facebook. Please email us at [email protected]

Show links

Shop announcement - http://www.walkfife.com/our-environment-and-why-we-are-closing-our-online-shop/