South West coast path hike (Newquay - St Merryn)

When I awoke this morning to warm sunshine and a brisk breeze it seemed the perfect opportunity to do some hiking along the South West coast path. I headed north towards Padstow which, although only a 13-mile drive away, is nearly twice as far via the cliff path because it meanders around each cove and […]

Buying my first wetsuit

Read my guide to buying your first wetsuit here.
I bought my first wetsuit a few days ago. At first I was a bit daunted by the variety of types and prices but after trying a few on and getting some detailed advice from the guys in the shops, I got an idea of what I […]

Running routes

I have been unable to bring you news of exciting outdoor pursuits like rock climbing or surfing because the weather has not favoured these activities of late, being mainly rainy and flat. Most of England seems to be under water right now. We have not had flooding here, although we have had our share of […]

Taking it easy

I have taken to wandering down to the beach of an evening. There is something very pleasant about feeling the sand between your toes and the water lapping around your legs. There’s always something to look at, whatever the weather, and the sea and sky are never the same two days running. Porth faces directly […]

Surfing and kitesurfing

Went down to Fistral Beach on Sunday to watch a surfing competition, held in memory of a local surfer, Adam “Spike” Goode, who died a few years ago in a mountain-boarding accident. It was a pretty chilled contest really. The waves weren’t much good but the surfers made the best of it. In surfing competitions […]

My first outdoor climb

Today was a big first for me - my first outdoor climb. I have been climbing on indoor walls for about six months, so I know some basic technique and how to belay, but that’s about it. I got a phone call on Friday night from a guy I met at the local climbing wall […]

The sun is back

The sun has come out! It is still rather windy and not particularly warm for the time of year, but the plucky Brits were nevertheless out on the beach in (small) force, determined to enjoy themselves. Armed with windbreakers and tents they took to Porth beach with bucket and spade. The surfers were also out […]

Interest is high - in Cornwall at any rate

Interest rates went up again yesterday. While the news was full of tales of homeowner woe, I was quite happy because I have no mortgage, no plans to get a mortgage and I’ve got a little nest-egg of money put away. I can’t gloat too much, however, as the nest-egg is not the result of […]

Sunshine and showers - from London to Porth

This describes my mood as much as the weather, on Monday 2 July, my last full day in London. The day began sunny (in all respects) as I hit upon the idea of going with my mother to the Anthony Gormley exhibition Blind Light, about which I had heard good things. Serendipitously, it was half […]

Taking my leave of London

I’m recovering from a whirlwind of leaving do’s, phone calls, messages etc over the last few days. It has been great, actually - an opportunity to meet up with people I haven’t seen for a while and bring different groups of friends together. Like Giles and Arvind here, who have never met before but are […]