by Mollie Millington | Nov 24, 2023 | gift guide, outdoors, product review, travel
Are you looking for the perfect gift to give the travel and outdoor enthusiast in your life? Whether they love hiking, camping, running, or exploring, we have a variety of gifts at different price points to help you tick their name off of your nice list. For this Black Friday blog post, I have tried to feature British small businesses, as well as those with a sustainability-focus. Remember that you vote with your GBP (or dollars) so be mindful when shopping. Support small businesses, knowing your purchase will directly help someone and their family. Below, you will find gadgets, ways to relax, cozy apparel, travel accessories, and supplements in this gift guide, we have something for everyone! If you’re looking for the perfect gift for your loved one who loves to travel and be outdoors, keeping reading. You will also spot a discount code to Deakin & Blue.
Gadgets
Body Lite Gear’s Night Vision LED Belt is perfect for those who like to walk or run no matter what time of day (including dog walks!). It features a small amount of storage, so you can pack your keys or fuel. Only 90 grams of weight so you will barely notice it when you wear it.
Lumi Mini is a must if you are missing natural sunshine during the winter months. I have a large seasonal affect disorder (SAD) lamp and it takes up a lot of space when I am using it and when I am storing it in the summer. Using the Mini will help boost your mood, alertness, and daytime energy by emitting 10,000 lux at a distance of 12 cm. Have it shining when you eat your breakfast or while reading a book to make the winter months more bearable.
Travel
El Camino bracelet* is something I am super excited about. My bracelet is waiting for me back in the UK. I am telling my ‘running in every country’ story with large and small steps on my El Camino bracelet. You can also customize the steps to commemorate adventures and achievements that you are proud of. The bracelets are designed to be durable, which means I don’t have to take mine off to run, swim or work. Each one is unique to the wearer and I cannot wait to show you mine (so far!).
Your Family Travel Wallet is a PU leather wallet comes that comes in both teal and tan Colours. It can hold everyone’s passports (up to 7) and other important travel documents, such as plane tickets. The handy wrist strap will ensure you don’t drop or loose it as you make your way from check in to security to the gate.
D-Robe roll up rucksack is 35 liters of storage (including a laptop sleeve). The material is durable, waterproof, recyclable and biodegradable TPU, which means the bag can take a beating and still keep your gear dry. The thing that I think makes it unique is the air valve to compress the bag down (and make it fit in the overhead bin!). Internal storage pockets also make it easy to stay organized while traveling.
Outdoors
Amazing Jame thermal half zip is thermal lined, making it versatile for both autumn and winter depending on whether you want to layer it. The fabric is sweat-wicking and stretched four ways while compressing. There are thumb holes, hidden pockets, and a shaped hem for a flattering hem. Did I mention it is named after Mary Earps?
D-Robe Beaufort Outdoor Robe is something you will never want to take off. I wear my outdoor robe at home while on the couch instead of turning up the heat. I take it camping to stay warm around the campfire, during an early morning dog walk and if the temperatures dip overnight. If you like being warm, dry, and/or cosy, this jacket should be at the top of your list.
Deakin & Blue long sleeve swim suit comes in three styles: Hendricks (shown here), Monroe, and Hepburn. Covering your arms may help keep you a bit warmer and reduce risk of sunburn (still wear sunscreen, ok?). There is built in bust support and a back zip to make it easier to put on and take off. If you are an open water swimmer, why not grab a 2litre dry bag too (in pink or blue) to store your wet stuff after your dip? Deakin & Blue have kindly given my readers a special 10% discount off full price items using the code MOLLIEPT. Enjoy!
EcoSki is a platform that allows you to rent, buy, or repair outdoor clothes. What a fantastic way to be sustainable as you hit the slopes this winter. EcoSki makes an effort to feature sustainable brands and sells pre-loved kit too. Another selling point for me is the size inclusivity. The site offers skiwear sized from XXXS to 4XL for women and from XS to 4XL for men. The platform is also stocking a range of kit for skiers and snowboarders who prefer a longer or shorter cut in the leg or arm. So if you struggle to find outdoor gear that fits your body, definitely have a look. The Halti Planker Jacket and pants are what you see here.
1000 Mile’s fusion double layer socks are always the perfect stocking stuffer. This padded sock offers reduced friction and blister protection, making it perfect for long hikes or runs. I personally love how the design protects the Achilles, which is something I definitely need. The ventilation zones helps to keep the foot cool meaning you can stay out all day without issue.
Relax
Amazing Jane tie dye pajamas are a great option when taking a day or two to recharge at home. Designed and manufactured in the England but a female owned business, you can wear in bed or as loungewear. The relaxed fit with a brushed fabric make these both comfy and cosy.
Earth’s Secret sleep mask* will help you block out light when sleeping at home or when traveling. I have been using it at my mom’s and will be trying it on my overnight flight home. The eyes are cupped so you don’t need to worry about your eyelashes as you sleep. The fabric is breathable and you can adjust the band, as well as cup placement.
The Munros: The complete collection of maps from HARVEY maps looks great on your coffee table and can help you plan your next Scottish adventure. For those who don’t know, a Munro is a hill over 3000 feet. Not only can you use the book as inspiration, but you can also use it to capture memories for the hills you have climbed.
Supplements
Osavi joint and bones collagen* has been my favorite collagen product to try this year (and one of these days, I will tell you about them all). The powder is taste-free so I add it to my juice, yogurt, porridge, whatever I am having for breakfast. The bioactive collagen peptides have helped relieve me of my mystery shoulder pain that I have attributed to perimenopause. My hair quality has also improved (according to my hair dresser). I have also tried tendons and ligaments and am currently making my way through hair and nails (which I won as a prize).
Planthaya Lion’s Mane* I have been taking on and off all year. These 1000mg capsules help improve cognitive function (something I have been struggling with is brain fog) as well as promoting a calm and relaxed mood. I am hoping to be diligent with these for the rest of the year to help me cut back on caffeine consumption. It is time I kicked that habit!
I have written several gift guides over the years and know that there are plenty of other things out there that my readers would like. If you have any ideas or suggestions, please leave a comment below and let me know. Or come back after Christmas and let me know what Santa brought you.
* Item was kindly gifted to me as a PR sample. All opinions are honest and my own.
by Mollie Millington | Mar 16, 2022 | cycling, outdoors, running, travel, water sports
Have you heard a rumor that California weather is perfect year-round? I certainly had so when I touched down in San Diego in late February of this year, I was expecting sunshine and warm temps. There were big plans to play outside and on the water while working on my tan. Unfortunately, the rumor is not true and winter comes to California making the air temperature cold when it is cloudy and rain showers inevitable. Don’t get me wrong, it was still warmer and sunnier than London at this time of year. Luckily, I never leave home without a raincoat and Gortex shoes so I was ready for this surprise (sunscreen and sunglasses were also on hand at all times, just in case). In the end, it was a mix of weather and a mix of outdoor activities while I was in San Diego for ten days. Most of the time was dominated by a work conference but I snuck a few fun activities in and around the jam-packed schedule.
Wildlife watching
My number one priority while on the West Coast was to go on a whale watch (closely followed by running a California race to tick the state off my list). While spending way too much time on Instagram during Covid, I discovered Dolphin Drone Dom who runs Gone Whale Watching in San Diego. Being the marine biology nerd that I am, I have a whale species bucket list (currently, North Atlantic right whale is still top of the list). On this trip, I wanted to see gray whales, a sperm whale, and if possible, a blue whale. Ironically, my uncle had sent me a sperm whale lapel pin as a surprise and it turned out to be a lucky totem. Tally for the day: eight hours on the boat, one Diet Coke, one sperm whale, five gray whales, two humpbacks and hundreds of dolphins. While it was very chilly (even before we left the dock), the sun was out for a fantastic day at sea. The seas were fairly swelly farther out but we were able to stay closer to San Diego due to the gray whale migration patterns.
If boats aren’t your thing, La Jolla is about a 20 minute drive north of downtown San Diego. At this time of year, the resident sea lions and seals have pups. Because of this, the beaches are closed to allow the animals some peace and quiet. Unfortunately, people still climb over barriers and approach these animals for a selfie. It is very important to stay at least 50 feet from marine mammals, so please enjoy them from afar and bring binoculars. Babies can be crushed if animals are scared into the water. In addition, sea lions and seals can spend up to half of their time on land so it is perfectly normal for them to dry out while on land.
For the kids who like to get their hands dirty, we tried tide pooling in La Jolla too but weren’t able to see many critters. I am sure there are better places (perhaps with a smaller tide or in a more protected area). Be sure to check the tide times before heading out to ensure you are safe. If you know a better tidepool spot near San Diego, please leave a comment below and let me know.
Cycling
San Diego has many cycling lanes built into their roads, but I didn’t see too many people using them (electric scooters were everywhere but most people ride then on the pavement (sidewalk)). There was a designated cycling and walking path near my hotel that ran along the Metro line towards Mission Bay. San Diego was a much smaller city than I thought it would be. Everything was within a 10-20 minute drive. With the infrastructure already there, I hope that more people will start cycling in the city as it is much more ecofriendly and helps you stay fit too. My friend, Haley, and I rented bikes at Stay Classy Bike Rentals. If we had planned a bit more ahead, they would have dropped the bikes off at our hotel and collected them too. In stead, we drove to their shop where Haley picked up her fancy road bike. I opted for a commuter bike because I can never reach the brakes on road bikes. We road about 10 minutes from the bike shop before we reached the promenade along the bay. Haley was happy to take it easy on me, so we kept a casual pace weaving amongst the tourists, stopping whenever we saw something cool.
While in San Diego, I also attended my first spin class since March 2020. Up until the pandemic, I was an indoor cycling instructor and taught weekly classes at my local gym. When the gyms closed up during lockdown, not all were able to open again, including my local one. I discovered Cyclebar Hillcrest while buying some groceries for my long stay. It was a short drive from my hotel and the studio offers a $10 introductory class. The class reminded me why I love indoor cycling so much. The music. The energy. The people. The lovely personalized welcome note on my bike. This was exactly what I needed to get me out of my fitness slump. Unfortunately, I unceremoniously fell off my bike at the end of class to stretch, which left me with a huge bruise on my arm. This became a big talking point as the week went on and the bruise further developed its colors. I am refusing to believe this is an omen of some sort and am actively looking for studio positions back in London.
Running
Not only were there lots of parks and paths in San Diego and along the coast, but I found there were lots of races to sign up for too. Initially, I was going to sign up for the T9 Mermaid Series Half because of the mermaid theme (omg the medal was gorgeous!), but it clashed with my daylong whale watch. The Mermaid Series is about inspire women from all backgrounds (men are allowed to join the races too) to experience joy as they cross the finish line. Accomplishing the goal of completing a race will hopefully inspire participants to pursue new goals in fitness and in other areas of their life. If I ever get back to California, I am going to check their race schedule before booking flights.
If you want a race series that is more about trails and PBs, I recommend Endurance Race Series (ERS). They are now sponsored by Salomon (congrats guys!), and have events that offer a range of terrain, distances, and locations in Colorado and San Diego. They kindly offered me a spot in their Coast to Crest 5K trail race #gifted on the day I was due to fly home to the UK. Unfortunately, it rained heavily two days before the race, so the event was postponed by a week to let the trails dry out and avoid long term damage. ERS gave me the option to go virtual, so I did. Originally, I was going to run around Fiesta Island but was worried that my little rental car would get stuck in the mud. Instead, I drove to the Mission Bay area and wound my way through some parking lots and along the shore to hit my 3.1 miles. Having looked at the social media posts about the postponed event, it looked like a perfect day for a run (check back next week for a race report).
Of course, this is not an exhaustive list for stay active while in San Diego and California. Surfing, kayaking, fishing, sailing, scuba diving, and even hot air ballooning are within two hours drive. There is roller skating, skate boarding, beach volleyball, golfing, rock climbing and more. I even managed walking over 4.5 miles at the San Diego Zoo. If spectating is more your jam, there are many amateur and professional sports teams located in San Diego.
Clearly, I need to visit San Diego again and explore the outdoors a bit more with a few other activities (and hopefully run another race with ERS). What’s your favorite way to spend time outside in San Diego?
by Mollie Millington | Feb 1, 2022 | affiliate, fashion, gift guide, outdoors, product review
Can you believe it is already February? Your Christmas decorations may be packed away by now but it is time to do a bit of shopping again. While I understand that some people may think Valentine’s Day is a marketing ploy to sell flowers, wine and chocolates, I love a day that gives me an excuse show people that I love them. There is nothing like choosing the perfect item that makes your bestie smile! The list below includes gifts for people who love the outdoors, whether that is while running, hiking, camping, swimming, or relaxing. I chose items that are under £40 to keep it affordable too. These Valentine’s Day ideas are for men, women, friends, and family. Some of these I have tried myself (*gifted PR product) and others I like the looks of. If you have any other Valentine’s Day gift ideas, please leave a comment below.
For those who run commute: Nuasan Active Body Wipes* are my workplace essential. I can freshen up my face if my mask gets too hot or do a quick wipe down after a run (£13.26).
For the chocoholic: 80Noir Ultra dark chocolate was designed for your recovery and wellbeing. With a UK-based female-founder, this small business is one you should support (spices start at £2.00, chocolate at £5.50).
For al fresco lovers: The Hydro Flask Wine Bottle* has been on my wish list for a while. Perfect to avoid glass on the trial and to keep your wine at the perfect temperature (£35.00). The wine tumbler* can be used on the go, at work, and around the campfire too (£24.00). (Wine sadly not included)
For dog walkers and campers: SealSkinz has an amazing waterproof LED beanie* that is perfect for early morning dog walks and year-round camping. No more searching in the tent for a head torch. The built-in light has 240 hours of battery life and visibility of up to 500m (£35.00).
For those who live far away: Monty & Ridge letterbox gifts are the perfect care package for the adventurer in your life. With over a dozen themed-boxes to choose from, you can’t go wrong (from £17.95).
For those who lift: Grass-fed and additive free, the Organic Protein Company’s Strawberry, Elderberry, and Beetroot bag* is a fun pink whey protein powder to try this Valentine’s Day. It tastes good too! (£24.00).
For the impossible to buy for: Sport Pursuit offers short-term deals on all the outdoor kit you didn’t know you needed. Clothes, trainers, SUP boards, sleeping bags, protein bars, and more from the brands you know and love. They don’t offer gift vouchers but have a look for the perfect gift anyways.
For those looking for health and happiness: My book, 52 Weekend Challenges, is available on Kindle or as a printed paperback. Each week there is a small goal to achieve to help you step outside your comfort zone to find something you love. Available on your local Amazon site (£15.85).
For those who can’t sleep/need to relax: R3ST 500mg CBD spray* from R3 CBD is something I have been using since the 2020 Running Show South. I spray it under my tongue after I brush my teeth to help me relax a bit before bed. CBD also helps some athletes with recovery (£24.99).
For those who work for the NHS: Donate to Duty To Care in their name. Duty to Care provides free wellbeing services to anyone with a NHS email address. From counselling, to yoga, to physiotherapy, to personal training with me, I am so grateful that Duty to Care is helping those who need it most.
For those who are environmentally conscious: dewerstone Chunky Knitted Beanie hat will keep you up on the bobble hat trend while doing good for the planet. dewerstone takes part in 1% for the Planet where 1% of their annual revenue goes directly to non-profit environmental action groups. Plus their products are Climate Neutral Certified and for every product they manufacture, they plant a tree (£19.95).
For those who want to run faster: Superfeet carbon insoles make the idea of using carbon technology to improve your performance without a hefty price tag (£40).
For those who always have cold feet: Rab Cirrus Hut Slippers look like small sleeping bag shoes, don’t they? Filled with recycled PrimaLoft Luxe synthetic insulation that comes from post-consumer waste, this material retains twice the loft of down when wet, breathes, has no allergens and retains warmth when wet. Available through specialist outdoor retailer, Trekitt (£36).
For those who cold water swim: Zone3 Neoprene Heat-Tec Warmth Swim Socks have a titanium lining on top of being 3.5mm thick. There are no more excuses to avoid open water swimming in the winter (£39.00).
For those with a ponytail: MAAREE Secret Pocket scrunchie two-pack in red and pink have clever little zip pocket to stash your locker key (£12).
For those who don’t wear sunglasses: On Cloud Lightweight unisex cap with laser-cut ventilation is lightweight, breathable, and comes in several different colors (£32).
For those who like to pack light: Paramo neck warmer is multi-functional and comes in a variety of colours. It will keep you warm or cool due to the Parameta G (R) fabric, depending on what you need, because it is fast drying and moisture wicking (£20.00).
For those who love pink: Designed By Sport Pink Amnesia leggings will make you smile each time you put them on. Featuring both thigh and waistband pockets, these high-waisted leggings are also squat proof (£39.99).
For those who love fun socks: Thought’s Heck Athlete socks are made from bamboo and come in a little gift bag. Patterns range from runners, to bicycles, to pugs, to robots, to polar bears. There is something for everyone (£7.99).
For those who need more support when train: Crossfly Men’s Performance Underwear can help men by offering additional support where they need it. The unique design of 3D breathable, fast-drying panels and a 7″ inseam plus anti-microbial fabric means you will be returning your cotton pants for good (£24.99).
For those who like to have their phone handy: Ultimate Performance Ridgeway phone holder arm band is a low-tech and comfortable solution for carrying a phone while on the move (£15.99).
I had a few other ideas I wanted to list, but they cost more than £40. Let me know if you would be interested in more gift guides here on the blog. There are already a few, which you can find here. Hope this list gave you a few more Valentine’s day gift ideas.
*Thanks to the brands for sending complimentary samples. All opinions are honest and my own. This post contains affiliate links which doesn’t cost you anything additional. I receive a small fee for each purchase to help cover the costs of running this website.
by Mollie Millington | Apr 21, 2021 | outdoors, travel
With staycations part of the new normal during last summer’s lockdown, we decided to take a week to explore some of the Southwest of England in August 2020. It was our first proper camping trip and to make it more fun, we brought our puppy, Maple. We had no idea how she would do in a tent, in the rain, at the beach, and/or with others at the campsite. While some people (including the people on the pitch next to us) enjoy sitting at their campsite all day while admiring the view, I prefer to stay moving and active. Devon seemed the perfect place to allow for all sorts of options- paddleboarding for me, cycling for James, walks in the woods for all of us, and hopefully restful nights of sleep.
James made an extra effort to find a campsite with somewhere close for me to paddle. Our trip started in Bristol at my in-laws and then we stopped in Seaton on the way to our campsite in Slapton. It was my first time paddling in the sea and it was so different from paddling in the London Royal Docks (a protected quay). The water was much more active and the wind was intense. I also struggled with the large pebbles that were wedged into my sandals as I walked from the land to the water’s edge. It was a similar issue when I paddling at the beach by our camping site but the rocks were a little bit smaller. I don’t know much about paddleboarding kit, so my board might not be best suited for the open ocean. This is something to consider if I want to keep traveling with my board. Many other people enjoyed the beaches too with swimming, surfing, body boarding and walks along the beach.
Dorset has numerous sites to visit courtesy of the National Trust. We would have loved to have visited one the properties but didn’t manage to find the time. You don’t need to be a member to explore the grounds but may have to pay a fee to park or enter premises. I know many people have joined the National Trust this year as international travel doesn’t seem likely in the foreseeable future and many families enjoy planning days out with the kids with a National Trust destination as the highlight.
One thing I always do when I am near water is look for fish (blame my degree in marine biology). Not that I can usually tell what they are as they dart around, but it makes me happy to spot them. If I am ever walking by someone who is fishing, I will probably ask what they are aiming to catch. In Devon, I was surprised to see lots of families with strings on the edge of the harbour walls when we were in Dartmouth. Turns out crabbing is a summer activity that visitors try. In all the tourist shops, you can buy a plastic contraption to catch crabs. Of course, you need to find your own bait (raw chicken seemed to be a popular choice), but the people I saw were having great success. One family had an literal bucket full of crabs. I asked what they were going to do with their catch and they replied 1throw them back’. I would imagine fishing from the shore and by boat are very popular activities for people living in and visiting Devon too.
We didn’t plan too many structured activities as the weather could change at any moment. Plus, Maple’s behaviour was (and still is) a bit unpredictable as we were in a place she was unfamiliar with. While I love that the majority of the UK is dog friendly, we were worried about what we could do with her if it rained. Cinemas and museums do not allow dogs and there is only so much time you can spend in a pub, so before we left home, we researched indoor activities we could do if it rained all day. On the Wednesday, it was already pouring when we woke up. We ended up booking a steam train and harbour cruise excursion with Dartmouth Steam Railway. The biggest selling point was that they allow dogs. We had to drive to Paignton, where we caught a steam train to Kingwear. From there it was a quick ferry ride to Dartmouth. We had some time to kill in Dartmouth before our harbour cruise. Unfortunately, with the downpour, everyone was seeking shelter from the rain, making it impossible to find a place to grab some food and drink with our dog. Long story short, Maple wouldn’t nap which made her uncontrollable. We had to take the ferry back to Kingsmear and then a taxi to our car. Of course, she instantly fell asleep in the taxi once she couldn’t see any of her surroundings. The weather was pretty terrible so I am not sure the harbour cruise would have been as much fun as if it were sunny out. Even now, I don’t think Maple would nap when out so this is something we need to keep in mind if we ever planning a rainy day activity again.
With marathon training, I had a few nice runs during our week away while the sun was out. Unfortunately, there wasn’t a good paved path along the seafront near our campsite. My options were either the car park or sandy paths. I tried running along the shoulder of the road but it just wasn’t wide enough to have an even surface for both feet. The local woods had a few trails which I explored but trail running sometimes irritates my Achilles tendinopathy so I was cautious. A few portions of these trails were also shifting sand, which brought back memories from my week of running in the Jordan desert. Maple and I retraced my steps later in the day. She loved all the different smells but was afraid of the water. This fear is a little frustrating as we would love to take her paddleboarding some day (I even have a life jacket for her in our shed). Recently, she has started walking through puddles so maybe by this summer she will be up for a swim.
Cycling seemed to be the most popular activity if you counted the amount of bikes in our campsite. The gated paved site was a small loop, allowing all the children to cycle around while Mom and Dad cleaned up after meals or packed the car for the day. James packed his cyclocross bike and took it off-road, finding some muddy gravel paths (probably due to all of the rain we got). These paths are also good for hiking or walking, with or without a dog, of course. If you prefer road cycling, the area around Slapton is hilly so the area might be better suited for adults rather than kids if you wanted to take the bikes off of the campsite.
Of course, you can’t go to the British coast without sampling the fish and chips. Our campsite was a nice 20 minute walk to a few seaside shops and pubs. While I don’t eat seafood (I have worked with fish for too long to eat them), James was happy to have his traditional holiday food on the beach while sitting in the sun with a beer by his side. It is funny how good weather can have such an impact on your trip. Good weather means great memories. Wet weather can bring funny stories to share later. Unfortunately, we ended up packing up camp a day early as more rain was forecasted. We didn’t have the patience to sit in a tent with an eight month old deaf puppy while cold and soaking wet. On the days it was dry, there was loads to do outdoors in and around Slapton. However, with Maple, it limited what we could do indoors. If you don’t have a dog or perhaps a better camp set up to deal with rainy weather, I would highly recommend exploring Slapton. With the UK lockdown restrictions easing, I imagine there is even more things to do there this summer.
Have you ever camped with a dog? Leave a comment below with your tips on how to make it more fun for everyone. We definitely need some advice!
by Mollie Millington | Nov 17, 2020 | outdoors, ski, travel
The wanderlust is brewing deep inside me. Mind you, I would always rather be traveling (even when there isn’t a global pandemic keeping me home). In fact, I will go just about anywhere. There is so much to learn from other people in different places- so much to see, to hear, to smell, and possibly even taste (although I am not so adventurous when it comes to food). Living in the UK for the last ten years has opened up much of Europe to me, for both short city breaks and longer holidays away. We have even made it to a few different continents too and try to pack in as much as we can when abroad.
While it has been nice to explore England a bit more this year, I am ready to get out there again. I am waiting with bated breath for possible trips to Italy to go ahead in February (for skiing) and March (to run the Rome Marathon). Tokyo Marathon has been rescheduled for October 2021, meaning all my fingers and toes are crossed for me to cross the world and land safely in Japan. I have even booked a cruise to Antarctica for 2022, so it might be safe to say that I have been in denial a few times lately when booking these trips.
Now that autumn is here and the leaves are changing, I am starting to think of the mountains. Much of my childhood was spent skiing at a local mountain while my dad was on ski patrol. Over the last 10 years or so, I have made it to even higher mountains, sometimes on skis and sometimes on foot. I thought I would take you back to a few of my favourite trips to the mountains in case you are looking for travel inspiration.
Seward, Alaska, USA, 2007
In the summer of 2007, as part of my master’s degree program, I was an intern at the Alaska SeaLife Center in Seward, Alaska. The photo above is one of the first outings our intern cohort took. We were somewhere on the Kenai Peninsula in dry suits and rafts. We were all in awe of the majestic beauty around us (I am pretty sure we just floated down the river with our mouths hanging open at the views). I was definitely no longer in the Midwest. We spent lots of time hiking, looking for glaciers, having campfires, and dancing in the Seward Alehouse. It was an amazing summer and I am so glad I went there.
Seward itself is on the sea but has a large mountain next to it (which you are meant to run up if there is a tsunami). For my running readers, Seward has a famous 5K race up Mount Marathon on 4th of July in which you run/scramble to the top (over 3,000 feet) and back down again. It is very hard to get entry to and a super tough race. Perhaps you can cheer the runners after the parade is over if you aren’t lucky enough to gain entry next year.
Red Mountain Resort, British Columbia, 2010
James and I flew from Michigan to Spokane, Washington where our friend, Jamie, picked us up. We drove into Canada, where Jamie lived at the base of Red Mountain resort. Our first night, we snowshoed through fresh powder to a little shelter on the mountain for a cup of hot coffee before heading back down. I had to borrow powder skis from Jamie but still couldn’t quite figure out how to manoeuvre through the fluffy snow. I guess I am more comfortable on ice.
This trip sticks out for me because James proposed in Spokane the night before we flew back home. It was along the river, rather than in the mountains, but a lovely memory just the same.
Verbier, Switzerland 2011
One of James’s uni friends owns a chalet in the Verbier resort area. Their gang used to go on a ski trip every year, but now many of the couples have kids and work full-time, so it is much more challenging to get nearly 20 people all in the same place at the same time (sadly the chalet doesn’t fit us all either). Apres ski has been replaced with nap time and we don’t quite get out the door as early to hit the slopes. However, every trip as a unique memory, from dance routines, trips to the local spa when the snow was rubbish, and even late night whiskey tasting when the kiddos are asleep. In this case, I think the people around you are what make the memories, not just the view.
Cape Town, South Africa, 2017
When a colleague invited me to her wedding in South Africa, I could not resist a trip to this beautiful coastline. Two weeks during the British winter in the Cape Town sunshine literally changed my life. I had a week on my own, with a few days in Stellenbosch before heading to Cape Town, where I spent all my free time near the water. When James arrived, we took the cable car to the top of Table Mountain to enjoy the views. It was very hot and windy while we were there, so we were lucky we could get to the top as the cable car was shut most of our stay. We also cycled up Chapman’s Peak, meaning we were able to see the peak from another side of the bay.
Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania 2018
In case you missed it, I summited Mount Kilimanjaro on International Women’s Day in 2018. You can read all about my trip to Africa’s highest point here. It was one of the hardest things I have ever done and I am not sure I would do it again. I have toyed with the idea of hiking to Everest Base Camp but there is no way I would want to go any further. There is a lot of training, preparation, and the whole “risk of death” puts me off. I like a little bit of work, a little bit of fun on my adventures. Kilimanjaro was a nice balance as you had long days of walking to talk to people, time at camp to relax or keep chatting, and plenty of time to sleep (which I am a big fan of).
Morzine, French Alps, 2021?
Aside from a passion for travel, I also enjoy winning freebies (who doesn’t?). Usually, I excel at ones that don’t require skill or knowledge. That is why I am feeling good about winning a complimentary week at AliKat’s Mountain Holidays in the French Alps. This post is my entry and I can’t wait to visit the Alps and Morzine in the summer of 2021 with 10 friends to stay at their new Chalet Harmonie (pictured above). What do you think of this view? In America, hot tubs are an essential part of apres ski so I might have to visit this resort in both the summer and winter so make best use out of their ski and boot room too.
Which mountains are your favourite to climb?
by Mollie Millington | Aug 7, 2020 | outdoors, product review, travel
Travelling is one of my passions. Living in the UK, I have been very lucky to explore much of Europe and even further afield due to my husband being a lecturer. Covid has ruined all the travel plans we had for this year, and possibly next year too. The walls of our flat were starting to become very tiresome during UK lockdown when we couldn’t even think of leaving our home, let alone London. Luckily, things have improved slightly and we have been able to explore the numerous options for a staycation in the UK.
The Field Studies Council (FSC) was founded in 1943 as a place to allow school children to study living plants and animals in their natural environment. Today, they aim to “create a world where everyone feels connected to the environment so they can enjoy the benefits it gives and make choices that help protect it.” As someone who loves spending time outdoors and is very interested in saving the planet, I was excited to learn about them this year. They have 29 centres all over the United Kingdom, at which visitors can take courses on natural history, art, leisure, and secondary school courses. Eleven of their sites, covering England, Wales and Scotland, are now open for the public to stay at at least through mid-October (depending on local government advice) for time away with friends or family. To help share the news about their accommodation being available to everyone (normally it is school groups that stay, but Covid has prevented these from going ahead), FSC invited myself and my husband for a complimentary two night stay to experience some of what their centres have to offer. The only centre to allow dogs is in Scotland, so we had to leave Maple at home (which ended up being fine as I had the best night sleep ever there).
James loves maps and is the driver in this duo so I let him choose which site we went to. He chose Flatford Mill in Suffolk. Only one hour by train from Stratford station in East London, Flatford Mill is between Colchester and Ipswich. Initially, we were going to drive as we wanted to bring my SUP and James’s bike but car hires were expensive. The train was very easy apart from booking a taxi from the train station to Flatford Mill centre. The visitors information we received when booking did say to arrange transport ahead of time. However, I waited until we were on the train and had to call several taxi companies. (Be warned, there are no Ubers in the area!) The centre is a 2 mile walk or run from station for those who are up for it and travelling light. James cycled and I took our luggage and SUP in a taxi (which was about £10).
FSC Flatford Mill is comprised of several buildings, one of which is Willy Lott’s cottage as made famous by Constable’s Hay Wain (spoiler alert: we stayed in this cottage). The buildings are old and rooms designed for school groups, so I would describe the rooms as hostel-style. Because of Covid, all available FSC rooms offer either en suite bathrooms or you will have a bathroom assigned to your room, which is really nice. Our room had five single beds, a separate (very small) shower stall, a sink in the room itself, and then a bathroom with sink too which meant if there were more than the two of us, we could all be getting ready at the same time. Each bed had a lamp above it too but I would always recommend packing a head torch to be considerate to your roommates. Our room also had a large set of dresser drawers and tea/coffee making equipment. Luckily, we are not very tall, as the room had very low ceiling because it was built in the 1600s. Most of the lower bits were padded as a precaution. Overall, the room was basic (no TV or radio) but also clean and warm. All bedding and one towel per person is provided. Paper towels and hand soap are available in the toilet but you need to bring shampoo, conditioner, soap for the shower, etc.
All bookings can be made on Booking.com and the price includes a takeaway breakfast. Pricing for Flatford Mill starts at £27/night/person or £72/family of four/night. For breakfast, you could chose either a sausage and egg sandwich with hash brown (vegan sausage available) or continental (yogurt, cereal, croissant). Each breakfast comes with tea or coffee (even though you have kettle and coffee machine in your room). Other locations might have their canteens open, depending on local government advice. We found it a bit awkward to eat on our beds but if the weather was better, we would have eaten outside. FSC aims to be as sustainable and local as possible. Packaging is recyclable or compostable. There are recycling bins everywhere and food is locally sourced. For those looking to stay in touch with social media, there is excellent WiFi available throughout the site. We never had a problem logging on or with the reception.
Flatford Mill has many paths and fields for walking or running. The Stour River is right next to the site, so I brought my inflatable stand up paddleboard and was able to explore the river while James went on a long bike ride. The river was very busy by Dedham, with lots of families in hired row boats, inflatable kayaks, more SUP boards and people swimming in the river. I even saw a few people fishing, although I am not sure if they caught anything with all the people going by. Everyone on the water was very friendly and was great at sharing the river. At the Dedham lock, I took my board to the other side of the lock and continued on for another 30 minutes. There was much less traffic and it was still beautiful. I would have gone out SUP’ing again on the second day but it looked like it was going to rain, so James and I went for a 5K walk instead.
The Flatford Mill centre is 1.8 miles away from the local town, East Bergholt. Depending on how fast you walk, it can take 30-40 minutes to get into town through fields (some uphill) and then a small neighbourhood. Going out for dinner was the only time I wish we had a car but we had gorgeous weather on Friday and Saturday night so we didn’t mind walking. There are two pubs and we ate dinner at them both (this was just as restaurants were allowed to open up, so it was our first experience eating out). The menus were quite similar, with jacket potatoes, sandwiches, chilli, lasagne, and nightly specials. Everyone, both staff and locals, were friendly. There is also a Co-Op in town should you need anything during your stay. We brought lots of snacks because I really like snacks and we weren’t sure where we would get lunch from. It turns out there is a National Trust cafe right next to the FSC Flatford Mill centre, which offers sandwiches, scones, desserts, and cream teas. Again, due to Covid, their operations were a bit different with take away only but there was lots of outdoor seating along the river as well as grass if you wanted a picnic. We were told it is normally one of the busiest National Trust cafes in the UK. There was always a steady flow of people taking photos at the pond and people coming in and out of the cafe but it never felt overwhelmingly crowded.
I really enjoyed our weekend there. It was close enough to London to head out after work on Friday and still arrive with sunlight and time to explore the local fields. The landscape is completely different to urban London too- green and quiet with a few cows and sheep dotted in. Even if I couldn’t SUP, I would still go to decompress and get back to nature. A few things I would suggest packing (depending on what outside activities you enjoy are) are:
- mask and hand sanitiser (hopefully this is automatic now!)
- walking shoes/boots/trail shoes in case it is muddy
- swim suit for water sports or wild swimming
- sunscreen
- reusable water bottle and snacks as there are limited shops
- bike lock if you bring your bike in case you cannot store in your building
- head torch for walking home from pub
- rain jacket or umbrella (This is England, after all)
- a good book or deck of cards in case it rains
We are going camping in Slapton Sands in a few week’s time and will visit their Slapton Key site. Unfortunately, we will have Maple so won’t be able to stay overnight. If you have any other questions about FSC or Flatford Mill in particular, leave a comment below and I will do my best to answer. Or if you have ever been to a FSC site, let me know which one you visited and what you learned while you were there (there are even a few in London).
Thanks to Field Studies Council for the complimentary weekend. All opinions are honest and our own (as James weighed in on some). Check out my Instagram to see more photos from the weekend.
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