Among the important items every hiker or trekker needs is a functioning compass for safety and security. The best type compass for most people is an analog compass, which is correctly calibrated and perfectly balanced. An expensive compass does not necessarily mean good quality. Analog compasses are in an encased round case. Sometimes the glass has beveled edges and under the glass is the compass needle.

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There are certain unpleasant things that can be ignored when on a long hike. The biting insects, the sweaty heat, or the heavy backpack weighing you down as you struggle up the hill are just a few things that can make a long hike feel even longer. The worst though is when you have wet feet. Not only is the big “F” words (Foot Fungus) an imminent threat, but the squishy, squeaky sound can reverberate throughout the wild like a belch in church. There are several perils to hiking with wet feet and any man or woman should be well prepared before making that decision to trek through the swampy marshes wearing nothing but ankle socks and running shoes.

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I always relish the idea of cooking for my family. You know, like our mums used to and their mums before that and so on and so on. However, the reality is somewhat different. Nowadays we are all so busy holding down jobs and juggling childcare that no-one really has the time to spend all day cooking a nice roast. The problem is that we also don’t want to live off frozen ready meals or pasta with stir through sauces. So where is the middle ground? Fresh food needn’t take all day to cook. There are several meats which can be cooked in a relatively short period of time and provide a win-win situation, you are eating proper nutritious foods, but it isn’t cutting into precious free time that is close to non-existent.

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Most people who like to spend time in the great outdoors own a pair of binoculars. They are a great way to see nature in all its glory. They give a clear, magnified view of objects that would not normally be seen very well with the naked eye.

Binoculars - only for looking at birds. And trees

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If you enjoy spending time in the countryside, it is always a good idea to understand the various foods that you can and can’t eat. You never know when you might find yourself in need of a bit of substance and your only available resources might be what you can forage. If by some chance you do find yourself in this situation, you want to be able to identify which foods are edible because so many wild plants can be quite poisonous.

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Self-catering units are great when travelling because they give you an opportunity to spread out so that everyone can have more space, and they are more economical because you can fix your own meals.  As you are probably aware, some locations are not necessarily the best locations for renting a self-catering unit. To help you out, here you’ll find the ten best self-catering locations in the world that will fit any budget and taste.

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I am of the belief that the Lake District is indeed one of the best places in the world as it has so much to offer. Whether you are looking to holiday there or live there, it has something for everybody. I have travelled to a lot of European holiday destinations and have paid a lot more than I would for a week at the Lakes and I must say that the foreign holiday resorts couldn’t boast half of what the Lakes can. Of course, the great British weather can be unpredictable but with plenty to fill your time indoors and out, an appearance by that illusive sun is merely a bonus.

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If you ever find yourself planning a trip to or a hike in the woods it is important that you be prepared. It is important to have some knowledge of the animals that live in the area that you are planning to visit. Not all creatures are cute and cuddly. Some of the cutest and cuddliest things out there are also downright deadly. So before you head out get to know the wildlife that you might encounter in the woods of the countryside you are visiting.

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The winter winds are finally starting to taper off.  The sun is shining again and the whole world seems to be waking up.  That can only mean one thing – it’s time to start the grill.  BBQ season is gearing up and before you can get that fire toasty hot it will be in full swing.

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