Newsletter > Newsletter archive > November 2021

November 2021


Christmas ideas
Since we are now well and truly snowed in at Walkingworld HQ, it's probably acceptable to mention Christmas. If you are looking for a small present or some cards with an outdoor theme the following might just fit the bill.

Teenager Jack Berry, whose book 'Flying High in the Sunlit Silence: Aviation Art' became something of a viral hit, has created a special painting showing a dramatic rescue in the hills. The picture features Mountain Rescue volunteers searching at night aided by a Coastguard helicopter. Jack finds painting an enjoyable and creative release from the challenges arising from his autism. The folded A5 cards, which come with envelopes, are being sold in aid of Kirkby Stephen Mountain Rescue Team and the Barbara Priestman Academy. The cards come in packs of 5 for £7.50, including postage within the UK. All proceeds go to the two organisations.

After a year off when The Wainwright Society wasn't able to go to print, they are back with their 2022 Calendar, featuring the traditional combination of Wainwright drawings and photographs taken by their talented members. This year the proceeds will support the work of the Calvert Trust, a charity with almost 40 years' experience in enabling people with disabilities to access the great outdoors. The Trust offers fully accessible accommodation and caters for people of all ages with sensory, learning or physical disabilities, including those with the most complex needs. The 2022 Calendar is available from The Wainwright Society at just £10, including postage within the UK.

With both of the above please be patient and allow a week or two for delivery, as the orders are fulfilled by volunteers.

Finally, don't forget that you can buy a Walkingworld Gift Subscription for the standard subscription rate of £18. These subscriptions can be bought right up to the last moment, as all you have to do is place the order and then print out or email the instruction sheet to your lucky recipient.
http://www.walkingworld.com/Articles/Site-stuff/Gift-subscriptions.aspx

Walkers are Welcome in Meltham

A new regular monthly feature in our newsletter is a short profile of one of the many Walkers are Welcome towns and villages. Walkers are Welcome is a UK-wide, community led network of accredited destinations whose purpose is to develop and promote walking in areas with something different to offer. This month we take a quick look at Meltham, in West Yorkshire.

Meltham lies in the Holme Valley below Wessenden Moor a few miles from Huddersfield, with a huge variety of walking. One of the local walks takes in the renowned Folly Dolly Falls which is spectacular when in spate. The Blue Plaque Trail takes visitors round the rich architectural history of Meltham while the Olde Ale Trail takes you to sites that were formerly pubs or beer houses. More than 30 (all now sadly closed) in their small town have been identified. One of the Blue Plaque buildings is Durker Roods the former home of Sir David Brown of both tractors and Aston Martin DB fame. The tractor factory was situated in Meltham Mills about a mile from the centre of town.  Prior to tractor production the site was a silk mill complex which in its heyday employed over 1000 people.

Outside the town Meltham valley has been inhabited since pre-historic times and there are two Iron Age sites on the hills above the town, as well as a stone tool sharpening workshop high on the hills. The town is also proud to have a young suffragette in their history. 16 year-old Dora Thewlis was arrested in London, sentenced to two weeks in prison and served one week. She emigrated to Australia and died in 1976.

Winter walking in the snow
Snow-covered landscapes create a magical world for those who enjoy lacing up their boots and taking to the hills. That's why walking in snow is such a central feature of Inntravel's collection of winter breaks.

Although often considered the domain of skiers, snowy slopes also provide excellent walking trails. On Inntravel winter holidays, you'll find networks of well-signposted paths specially created for walkers on compacted snow, as well as a plethora of other activities to choose from, including snowshoeing, tobogganing, dogsledding and horse-drawn sleigh rides.

In places such as the Naturhotel Moosmair in Italy's tranquil Ahrn Valley, trails lead to panoramic viewpoints, including over Taufers' imposing medieval fortress, and cosy mountain huts serving homemade cakes and kaiserschmarrn (a sweet, shredded pancake).

From Hotel Meisser in the charming village of Guarda in eastern Switzerland, you can strike out along paths to other pretty hamlets and around the base of a dramatically-sited castle, or don snowshoes (which strap easily onto normal walking boots) and explore silent forests.

Following routes that weave through breath-taking winter scenery makes for a unique and unforgettable walking experience. Visit inntravel.co.uk to view their full collection of winter holidays in the snow or contact their expert team to discuss your holiday plans on 01653 617001.

Book with confidence
Flexible amendment policy
Bonded with ATOL & ABTA for your complete financial protection
Covid-inclusive travel insurance (UK residents only)
Timely, no-quibble refunds if Inntravel cannot operate your holiday

A cottage for Christmas or New Year
Original Cottages pride themselves on being truly local experts. With regional teams spread across the country, they have plenty of feet on the ground to help give their customers all the local tips about their holiday destination.

Why not spend Christmas and New Year somewhere special in 2021? Original Cottages have lots of availability and choice for you to see out 2021 and see in 2022 - in total style.

Choosing winter walking boots
With days getting colder and wetter it may be time to start thinking about upgrading your footwear if you plan on venturing on to the fells, hills and mountains this winter. Lots of people will push their summer boots into snow and cold wet conditions but summer boots have their limitations.

Many boots are classed 2-3 seasons and are suited to spring, summer and autumn conditions. 4 season boots, which are suitable for all year use, will be a much better choice for the winter walker but may be a bit too much for summer use.  The boots are likely to be more robust and durable with thicker fabrics, leathers or more technical materials to help shed water and snow. Deeper tread will help traction in mud, snow and boggy ground, whilst waterproof and thermal linings will help keep your feet warm and dry. You can still find good quality traditional leather winter boots without waterproof liners if that is your preference but they do take more maintenance and care if you want to stay dry.

With so many brands and different types of boots out there it helps to narrow down the search by looking at the type of activity you will be doing and considering what qualities and functions you want or need. Many winter boots are aimed at more technical mountaineering and ice climbing so it pays to do some research to make sure they really are the right choice for you.

If you want some friendly advice, do get in touch with the team at Mad about Mountains.