Newsletter > Newsletter archive > March 2022
March 2022
Planned maintenance this week
A warning for night-owls! We have some essential maintenance work to our server taking place at the end of this month which will mean some disruption to our services. The work is overnight on two days, the 29th and 31st March, from around 10pm until 6am the following morning. Hopefully this won't be a time you want to download walks to the app or print them out from the website. But do make sure you get what you want done before 10pm.
You may have noticed a message about this on the Walkingworld app. The app will function during this time as long as you are offline - although we don't suppose many people will be walking during the night. If you have Wifi or mobile data enabled the app will attempt to access your account and will fail. If this happens just close the app and wait until the following morning. Likewise the website will be offline and will return magically once the maintenance is completed.
Finding the Dordogne in Dorset
If you can't decide where to go on your next self-guided walking holiday, the experts at Inntravel recommend that you take inspiration from regions that you've visited before or that are on your wish list. There are no prizes for spotting the connection between the Italian Lakes and the Lake District, but what about finding the Dordogne in Dorset, or Salzkammergut in Snowdonia?
Think of Dorset and your mind turns to the romance of England's 19th-century rural idyll, of Wordsworth, and Hardy; thatched cottages, and gentle walking through green pastures. In the Dordogne, the same bucolic charm is embodied in picturesque villages of honey-coloured stone houses, farmyards of geese, and truffle-scented woods. Exchange the fruit orchards and old stone paths of the Villages of the Dordogne, for the woodlands, hills and country lanes of The Hardy Way in Dorset, and voilà!
Holidays in Wales may seem like a million miles away from Austria's Lake District but look more closely and Snowdonia National Park boasts many of the most impressive features of Salzkammergut.
Secluded lakes glistening within panoramic valleys and surrounded by lofty peaks, are the speciality of the Snowdonia: from Sea to Summit walking holiday, not to mention the alluring village of Beddgelert, the Welsh answer to Austria's Hallstatt. And while Wales can't provide a boat trip across serene Hallstättersee, it does have the incredible Snowdon Mountain Railway to provide the perfect finale to an exploration of this stunning region.
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Mad about Mountains consider sleeping...
As longer days, and hopefully warmer weather, are just around the corner, the opportunity to get out into the hills for the odd overnighter beckons. So we thought it would be a good time to take a quick look at the kit you might take for a night under canvas. Let's assume you've got your tent and cooking side of things covered. The next thing on most people's list to keep themselves warm and comfortable through the night is a sleeping bag.
First to take into consideration is how far you need to carry it. Essentially you want a lightweight but warm bag that packs small. The weight and warmth rating will be affected by the insulation type. The best option for damp weather and the very occasional camper is a synthetic filling. This is more robust than 'natural down' and also suits those who would prefer not to use an animal product. Down remains a popular choice as it is not only warmer but compact and lightweight - however it will be more expensive.
Sleeping bags have four 'comfort' ratings, with the 'Upper' limit giving the highest temperature the bag will give you a reasonable night's sleep. 'Comfort' and 'Lower' are as you would expect, with 'Extreme' being the lowest temperature at which the bag can facilitate survival. Bags also come with 5 'season' ratings, with '1 Season' essentially for summer camping right up to '5 Season' for extreme conditions down to -40 degrees C. Looking at both these rating systems should allow you to tell how the sleeping bag will perform in the conditions you are likely to use it.
More on other aspects of your 'sleeping system' next month. Go to www.madaboutmountains.com to view an extensive range.
Walkers are Welcome in Snaith
The Vale of Snaith is a rural area of over 50 square miles surrounding the medieval market town of Snaith in the East Riding of Yorkshire. Four rivers and two canals pass through or around the vale. It is easy to reach as the M62 runs west to east through its heart and the M18 connects to the south.
Snaith developed around The Medieval Priory which was built by Selby Abbey in 1102. The town was granted a market charter in 1223 by King Henry III. It was a very busy and important inland port until the 18th century when canals were built elsewhere, and remained an important regional centre until the Victorian Age.
Close to the heart of The Vale of Snaith is the village of Carlton, just 2 miles from Snaith town centre. Dominating the village is Carlton Towers, the magnificent home of Lord Gerald Fitzalan Howard, brother of the Duke of Norfolk. The oldest part of the building dates to 1614, enhanced by the mainly gothic exterior and imposing clock tower, overlooking 250 acres of stunning parkland. Inside there are sweeping staircases and impressive ornate rooms. Carlton Towers has featured in numerous films and TV dramas, playing the part of Windsor Castle in two series of ITV's Victoria, Hetton Abbey in the film A Handful of Dust and a chateau in France for an episode of Darling Buds of May.
White Rose Way
A popular long distance footpath between Leeds and Scarborough celebrates its 10th anniversary. The White Rose Way is the brain-child of Paul Brown, who had the idea of creating a new long distance footpath in 2011 after running out of such walks to complete in the North of England. Taking a year of trial and error to establish, the walk starts in Leeds City Square and travels along the Meanwood Valley, taking in Wetherby, Boston Spa, Tadcaster, Fulford, Stamford Bridge, the Howardian Hills, Kirkham Abbey, Malton, Thornton le Dale, and the forestry of the North York Moors National Park before a clifftop and headland stroll into the South Bay at Scarborough.
The 104 mile walk was published as a step-by-step guide book in April 2012. Paul considers the route an ideal starter for people new to long distance walks as there are no mountains to conquer and it is easily split into day or weekend walks. The website has a comprehensive list of accommodation along the way.