Hike Wales

Maiden voyage of the Banana Boat

noreply@blogger.com (Chris Cowell) — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 20:07:00 +0000

Our new bright yellow Tarpon 130T. A perfect morning in Caswell Bay in clean 1 foot waves.

Day-o, Day-ay-ay-o
Daylight come and me wan' go home
Day, me say day, me say day, me say day
Me say day, me say day-ay-ay-o
Daylight come and me wan' go home

Fail

noreply@blogger.com (Chris Cowell) — Fri, 15 May 2009 12:07:00 +0000

http://failblog.org/

So much fun you can write off the next hour of your life.

New toy

noreply@blogger.com (Chris Cowell) — Thu, 14 May 2009 12:19:00 +0000

Garmin Edge 705 – more soon.

Good stuff I have found…

Free maps for Garmin users here

Great software for Garmin users here – Sport Tracks

Good route creation website for hikers and (off road) bikers (OS Map based) – Bikehike

Good route creation for on-road bikers – Bike Route Toaster

Tunnock’s Tea Cakes

noreply@blogger.com (Chris Cowell) — Thu, 07 May 2009 19:35:00 +0000

Gotta have one… www.thecyclejersey.com

Three books

noreply@blogger.com (Chris Cowell) — Tue, 05 May 2009 19:32:00 +0000

I was looking for Tom Hutton’s new book and found these three books on the Halsgrove site. Haven’t read them, so this is just for your info really.

A Boot Up The Brecon Beacons

A Boot up the Brecon Beacons is a collection of ten easy to moderate walks in and around the glorious Brecon Beacons National Park. They are especially written with families and groups of friends in mind looking for an active and interesting day out. Local expert,Tom Hutton, takes you from the tops of the highest mountains to the floors of the most spectacular valleys, highlighting plenty of fascinating points of interest along the way.

Enjoying the Brecon Beacons

The marketing slogan chosen for the Welsh National Parks of “Britain’s breathing spaces” was never more appropriate than in the Brecon Beacons. The vast majority of the seven million annual visitors to the National Park come from the valleys of South Wales, for whom it has been a vital lung and escape route for generations.

Since before the rapid growth and later decline of the coal mining industry, the Beacons had beckoned the people of the Rhondda and the other South Wales valleys by the striking contrast provided by their clean, fresh air and wonderful vistas to their grim everyday working conditions.

It was the proximity to the populations of these dark, industrial landscapes which was one of the major reasons for the designation of the National Park. Even today only 32,000 people actually live within the National Park, but its catchment area for potential day visitors runs into millions.

This practical visitor guide, published in partnership with the Brecon Beacons Park authority to mark the Park’s 50th anniversary, gives you everything you need for an enjoyable visit to the Brecon Beacons. After a regional breakdown in geographical areas, the guide looks at the Park’s history, human and natural, and lists things to do and places to visit, ending with a useful gazetteer of towns and villages.

Portrait of the Brecon Beacons

From the majesty of the Beacons themselves to the intimate detail of remote mountain llyns, cwms and the elusive wildlife and flora of the area, Tom Hutton’s portrait of the area is unlike anything seen before. It will become a must on the bookshelves of Beacon lovers everywhere.

Cannondale touring bike is finished!

noreply@blogger.com (Chris Cowell) — Sat, 02 May 2009 20:27:00 +0000

I have finally finished converting my old 1988 Cannondale SM700 to a super comfy, fast touring bike.

I added some multi-position touring bars, called butterfly bars or trekking bars. Found a great pair of BBB BHB-30 Multibars for good money at Freemans Cycles and finished them off with a matching set of foam grips encased in Cinelli carbon tape. The fatter the grip the better (for comfort) and as I am using it to commute, the tougher the better too, hence the Cinelli bar tape.

I found a cheap short hi-rise stem on Ebay to pull the ride into a more upright position, added a Cateye Cordless Strada and a bell to stop the dog walkers on the Sustrans bike paths whinging when I shoot past them. BTW, Sustrans maps now available from Memory Map for 20 quid.

If you look down at my fork crown in the top picture, you can see the best cycle mirror ever made – and I have tried a few. It’s called a Zefal Spy and it fits anywhere (look at this Amazon link and you’ll see what I mean). They are so good I have fitted one to the forks of my road bike too. They have saved my skin a few times and you can see cycling clubs approaching from behind so you can suck in your belly and put on a burst of speed.

The finishing touch is my pride and joy – a copper finished Brooks B17 Special. I had one of these on a bike I had as a youngster – not sure where it came from, probably something my grandfather found somewhere. It was ancient and a joy to ride.

The B17 saddles are touring classics and once broken in, nothing compares comfort wise. They’re not light (I didn’t go for the titanium version, but I do have a titanium Brooks Swift on my mountain bike), but at my age I am happy to forsake a few ounces for a comfy ride. I’m pretty lucky with this B17, I did 60 miles on it today and it feels great, so pretty much broken in after about 120 miles.

I wish I could say the same for the Swift ;)

Whatever bike you ride, invest a few quid and a few miles in a Brooks saddle. Sure, you need to treat them well, nourish them and cover them in heavy rain, but they will last longer than the bike and probably longer than you.

And when you are 92 and find it in your shed, you’ll probably make a profit on Ebay.

Google does Morse Code

noreply@blogger.com (Chris Cowell) — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 06:00:00 +0000

To celebrate the birthday of Samuel Morse.

Cracking outdoor blog

noreply@blogger.com (Chris Cowell) — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 15:51:00 +0000

Mac E left a comment on the post about the amazing cyclist (Thanks!).

Boy am I glad he did – one of the best blogs I have seen out there – certainly pushes all my buttons. That’s my reading sorted for the next few nights :)

I can’t believe I’ve missed this.

Amazing

noreply@blogger.com (Chris Cowell) — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 18:23:00 +0000

Astounding, brave, creative, insane… take a look even if you are not into bikes.

Watch him ride up a tree and do a back flip off it.

This kid has BALLS.

Vote for your favourite walk

noreply@blogger.com (Chris Cowell) — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 14:15:00 +0000

Times Travel are asking you to vote for your favourite walk in the UK. Mine isn’t there, but some of the walks that are in the list are pretty damned good!

Brecon Beacons Horseshoe, Snowdon summit, Oxwich Bay anyone?

http://twtpoll.com/ievkij

Anyone into canoeing?

noreply@blogger.com (Chris Cowell) — Sun, 19 Apr 2009 19:35:00 +0000

Is anyone out there into canoeing? If you know about this stuff, and you would be willing to pass on a bit of knowledge and advice I would really appreciate you contacting me at chris @ hikewales .co .uk

Many thanks :)

A pile of old magazines anyone?

noreply@blogger.com (Chris Cowell) — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 18:25:00 +0000

I have a 2 foot pile of Trail, TGO and Backpacker magazines if anyone in the Swansea area would like them before they go to recycling heaven. It would be sad to see all that hard work from the likes of Cameron, Graham and Chris getting shredded to make cereal boxes.

Dates range from 2003 to 2008. Be a good read for someone just getting into the outdoors scene :)

Let me know in the blog comments if you are nearby and would like to give them a home.

Cannondale reborn

noreply@blogger.com (Chris Cowell) — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 06:03:00 +0000

My beloved 1988 Cannondale has just come back from being resprayed and reborn as a touring bike. 20 odd years ago, this steed was just about one of the best mountain bikes money could buy, but it’s relaxed geometry is a million miles away from modern MTB’s and my new Marin Mount Vision.

My father in law very kindly arranged the pimp paint job for me – purple/jade/orange tri-tone – and with the ‘Dales gorgeous welds, it looks like its been poured into a mould.

I have rebuilt it from the tyres up, with Shimano SLX 28 speed drivetrain and a new Deore wheelset. The brakes are original (an XT U-Brake on the back and XT canti’s on the front). I have kept my old Pace forks and have fitted some Ergon grips to some narrow, dead straight Ti’ bars. I’ll probably change these bars for some butterfly bars in the next few weeks. Bit more upright and comfortable for taking in the views.

I’m going to be using this bike to do the 12 mile commute into work. I’ve been cycling in since Christmas on my Marin, which isn’t ideal but I’m managing to maintain my 50+ miles per week. I’m the fittest I’ve been since the Cambrian Way and my arse is a lot smaller!

Really looking forward to some Youth Hostelling with the boys as they get older. Aaron is ready for a short, flat trip this summer so I’m planning a route using the excellent Sustrans networks of cyclepaths here in Wales.

Roll on summer :)

Waun Fach – Black Mountains and motorcycles

noreply@blogger.com (Chris Cowell) — Sat, 04 Apr 2009 05:40:00 +0000

We took a trip over to the Black Mountains last weekend, the first for months, to explore an area we haven’t walked in before.

We parked up in a village just below Talgarth called Pengenffordd, dropped the landlord of The Castle Inn a pound for all day parking and promised we’d be back for a pint later in the day.

A well signposted but evil little climb across fields to the remains of a Norman castle (most of it now seems to make up the dry stone walls on surrounding farm land) led us to a spectacular ridge walk along the ‘Dragons Back’ to the summit of Y Grib (SO193310).

Dragons Back from the remains of the castle

Sadly, there was plenty of evidence of motorcycle erosion everywhere. The National Park is suffering badly – the damage these bastards are doing makes me want to weep. We saw a group of around six on the climb up to Waun Fach. They had stopped, but as we approached, they sped off, ripping up the paths, wheels spinning, with no respect for the mountain or other mountain users. You could see they ruts they had made for miles.

Brecon Beacons National Park Authority seem to be struggling with the situation.

I walked with the Ramblers a couple of years ago and we encountered a large group of bikes around Talybont, ripping Torpantau to shreds. The Ramblers were pretty confrontational, taking photographs and blocking paths – it all got a bit dangerous as the bikes started to buzz us – and I am talking mere inches at 20 or 30 mph. I don’t know what the answer is – but it has to stop. I have never seen evidence of motorbikes in the Lakes or the Peak District - has anyone else? Is it a problem where you walk?. They are ruining the Brecon Beacons and tourism will suffer. When they are all dressed up like something out of the X-Games and hurtling past you at speed, they are pretty intimidating. The BBNPA started to fight back last May, so hopefully, they will continue fighting these idiots.

Looking west from Waun Fach

The climb up to Waun Fach (SO215299) (the highest point of the Black Mountains) gave fantastic views west and although the sun was bright, the temperature dropped considerably and the Montane Featherlite smocks went on for the descent. The area below the summit skirts a stunning valley that is crisscrossed with superb bridle paths for riding and mountain biking. The route could easily be extended along the valley side to the summit of Pen Twyn Glas and on to Pen Allt-mawr (SO206243).

We dropped down into the greenest of valleys (Wales in springtime – it’s so oversaturated, soooooo green!) and through ancient green lanes and farm tracks back to the car and a perfect pint of Reverend James.

Dropping down from the summit – the highest point in the Black Mountains at around 2650 feet

The Caste Inn has a bunkhouse and camping if you fancy exploring this region of the Beacons. It is beautiful and empty, even in the height of summer.

If you would like to report an incident involving illegal off-roading in the National Park, contact Dyfed Powys Police on 0845 330 2000.

Grab the Memory Map .MMO file here. Here is the .GPX for Martin! Not sure about the quality as it was an automatic conversion.

Heavens above

noreply@blogger.com (Chris Cowell) — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 20:23:00 +0000

I just saw the ISS and Discovery (still docked) pass over my house after a tip off (thanks Den!).

Hell of a spectacle. Check when it flies over yours at www.heavens-above.com

Spring has sprung

noreply@blogger.com (Chris Cowell) — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 12:40:00 +0000

Doom and gloom? What doom and gloom?

It’s amazing how nice a bit of sunshine makes you feel.

The Swansea forecast for the next few days looks wonderful*, and for once, BBC, Met Office and XC Weather seem to agree.

*Disclaimer: Forecast generated 12.38pm on 17th March 2009. It’s probably going to chuck it down tomorrow.

Augmented reality – wind farm style

noreply@blogger.com (Chris Cowell) — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 12:57:00 +0000

If you have a few minutes (and a webcam), take a look at this and then go and try it. Jaw droppingly amazing fun!

Welsh Space Invaders

noreply@blogger.com (Chris Cowell) — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 17:29:00 +0000

One for all you 40 something's out there. If you are Welsh, or know and love Wales… even better.

Have fun! Welsh Space Invaders.

Digital Map Shop

noreply@blogger.com (Chris Cowell) — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 17:48:00 +0000

Memory Map has launched the Digital Map Shop.

Custom maps in 1:50k at around a pound per 1000sqkm. 1:25’s at about 3 - 4p per sqkm.

Hopefully they’ll plough some money into developing their software. Painful to use, but still my preferred choice.

Shoot the logo designer though.

Happy birthday Dr Seuss

noreply@blogger.com (Chris Cowell) — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 09:01:00 +0000

The best Google header EVER!

I’m a big fan, I grew up with Dr Seuss books and my three sons have a pretty vast collection.

Nothing like filling kids heads with a bit of lunacy during a bedtime story. Makes for interesting dreaming.

How Welsh are you?

noreply@blogger.com (Chris Cowell) — Sun, 01 Mar 2009 01:15:00 +0000

Happy St David’s Day

To celebrate the feast day of our very own St David, my company have devised a ‘How Welsh are you?’ test for our good friends over at www.wales.com.

Even if you are born and bred in Caerphilly, it may still hold a few surprises for you. You don’t need to be Welsh to have a go and you even get a certificate celebrating your honorary Welshness at the end of it.

Montane Deal

noreply@blogger.com (Chris Cowell) — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 12:44:00 +0000

Loving the look of this deal from the Hike-Lite guys.

A Montane Slipstream Gilet and a Montane Dragonfly base layer for 55 quid.

This get up will pretty much sort summer out for me – both hiking and biking.

Brechfa [take two]

noreply@blogger.com (Chris Cowell) — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 12:30:00 +0000

I took the drive up to Brechfa again this weekend after Tim emailed me to say the trails were clear and dry.

I rode the blue and green Derwen trails twice – best fun I have had on a bike since I was a kid jumping over lines of my mates. You can grab the trail maps here.

I was enjoying too much to take photos, but check out this handy site to get a flavour, maps and gpx’s.

Going back real soon to ride the red Gorlech.

Tried my new (2nd hand) Ergon grips – these babies are MADE for the forty-something mountain biker. So comfy, I forgot I had hands.

Thanks to my next door neighbour, Steve, for recommending them :)

Google Earth… ocean

noreply@blogger.com (Chris Cowell) — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 14:33:00 +0000

Google Earth 5 now lets you explore the oceans too…

With ocean in Google Earth, you can:

Dive beneath the surface and visit the deepest part of the ocean, the Mariana Trench

Explore the ocean floor with top marine experts including National Geographic and BBC

Learn about ocean observations, climate change and endangered species

Discover new places including surf, diving and travel hotspots as well as shipwrecks

You can check out the HD version on YouTube

Brechfa

noreply@blogger.com (Chris Cowell) — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 17:41:00 +0000

I took a drive up to Brechfa today – should have been about an hour if the damned Road Angel didn’t send me on a wild goose chase AGAIN. It is a wonderful tool on the hills, but let it loose on our highways, and no matter what settings you use, it sends you on such a direct route that you end up on all sorts of crazy green lanes.

Tomtom, here I come.

The plan was to ride the two Derwen routes (blue and green) and if I had enough time, to take in the (red) Gorlech trail.

Anyway, I arrived at Brechfa and hour late to find the higher trails under several inches of ice crusted snow – pretty much impossible to ride. I played on the bottom swoopy mile of the Derwen, up and down four times, to make the journey worthwhile. The Raven was closed for logging (open again any day now), but the section down through the car park was rideable and great fun.

It’s a beautiful place. I can’t wait to get back as soon as the snow melts.