News Archive

A teenager who sparked a costly rescue effort four years ago has repaid the authorities by taking part in a cross-country walk for charity.Seb Green was 15 when he stole an inflatable boat from Weymouth Harbour in Dorset in May 2004. He and his companion got into difficulties and lifeboats were scrambled to save them.He said he felt guilty at the time and came up with the idea of a charity walk to go some way towards giving something back.After a 3,000 mile walk around the coasts of Britain with....

With the skiing and snowboarding season now well underway, those participating in the sport have been urged not to take risks by one source.News Health Guru attests that winter sports can be risky even for those who have had practice, but that taking unnecessary risks can increase the likelihood of serious injury.Firstly, always wear a helmet - "this tip cannot be stressed enough" the website comments, as well as adding that children should always be well-protected too.Secondly, skiers....

An anonymous snowboard instructor has urged people intending to participate in winter sports to make sure they wear the right clothing and get to know their ski gear properly first.The source's warning, in an article for the Telegraph, came after he witnessed a minor accident on the slopes.A small child was being coached for snowboarding when an out-of-control skier came down the piste at high speed and collided with him.Although nobody was hurt, the instructor pointed out that the man had no co....

People in Cambridgeshire who have never visited the Wicken Fen National Nature Reserve have the perfect opportunity to do so this holiday thanks to the National Trust.As part of its drive to get people walking off the turkey, it is opening the park to visitors who will be led around by a guide in order to see the best it has to offer.People will also get the chance to see how the park is being conserved before being led back to the care for hot soup.However, anyone thinking of participating shou....

With the hours of daylight currently very short, anyone intending to go out hiking has been urged to go prepared and to always go out with someone they trust.On a blog post for the Times Union, Alan Wechsler reports the story of David Pisaneschi, who encountered a lost hiker while out on a hill walk with a hiking group.Mr Pisaneschi said that the man he bumped into had never been to the area before and did not have a map, but had arranged to meet with a walking group he had discovered on the int....

People hoping to get fit as part of their new year's resolutions would do well to buy a bike or some hiking boots instead of a gym membership, it has been suggested.Tom Stienstra, outdoors correspondent for the San Francisco Chronicle, said that people who opt for the gym are less likely to keep it up because the rewards are few, while hiking and biking in the great outdoors offers a payoff every time."The outdoors quickly becomes addictive. All you need is curiosity to propel you to see wh....

Dame Judi Dench is backing a campaign to get people walking in Britain's woods and forests this Christmas.The actress said that this could allow people to better appreciate the beauty of their local woods, which may in turn lead to increased awareness of their need to be protected."I find our woods and forests absolutely remarkable. They have been a source of inspiration for artists and writers for centuries. A truly magical setting for a walk this Christmas," she said, according to Yo....

Anyone in Derbyshire for the festive season could consider taking a trip to Hardwick Hall on January 1st at midday in order to take part in an historical guided walk.The National Trust is allowing people to follow in the footsteps of Bess of Hardwick on a walk lasting three hours and which takes in some of the Peak District's most beautiful scenery.Booking is essential, so anyone considering taking the walk should visit the trust's website soon. A picnic will also be required, which can be enjoy....

Anyone going on winter sports holidays soon has been warned that they should make sure their boots are as comfortable as possible.Dave Sartwell, writing for the Gloucester Daily Times, said that scrimping on this vital piece of ski gear is a false economy, since poorly-fitting boots can cause cold feet and pain."With the materials now available to boot fitters, no one should ever again ski in boots that cause them discomfort," he commented.Mr Sartwell continued that people should see a....

People in the Windermere area who feel in need of a bit of exercise on Boxing Day may be interested to hear of an event that is to take place near Newby Bridge.Lakes Aquarium at Lakeside has organised a winter walk to High Dam which should help to blow away the cobwebs and work off some of that Christmas dinner.Walkers can simply head to the Aquarium and pick up details of the route, then head off on a walk which is described as manageable for most people.Even better, when they return they can h....

Advances in the fabrics used in ski gear mean that people are no longer restricted to plain ski trousers and jackets.This is according to Donna Gagliardi, who manages a ski shop in the US and who told the Pittsburgh Tribune Review that there are many more colours and patterns to suit the fashionable winter sports enthusiast, as well as better fabrics that mean less bulk.She pointed out that Gore-Tex is popular for this reason, as is fleeces because it is soft but able to fit under a waterproof j....

Advances in the fabrics used in ski gear mean that people are no longer restricted to plain ski trousers and jackets.This is according to Donna Gagliardi, who manages a ski shop in the US and who told the Pittsburgh Tribune Review that there are many more colours and patterns to suit the fashionable winter sports enthusiast, as well as better fabrics that mean less bulk.She pointed out that Gore-Tex is popular for this reason, as is fleeces because it is soft but able to fit under a waterproof j....

Keeping warm and dry is the main thing to consider if you want to enjoy a ski trip, according to one source.Steve Kopitz, who runs a skiwear company in the US, said that getting wet and cold could ruin a holiday, but this can be easily avoided by wearing the right ski gear."New fabrics and high-tech materials wick away moisture to keep skiers dry but are thin enough to allow them to wear multiple layers to stay warm," he commented.However, this should not include cotton, which holds mo....

Keeping warm and dry is the main thing to consider if you want to enjoy a ski trip, according to one source.Steve Kopitz, who runs a skiwear company in the US, said that getting wet and cold could ruin a holiday, but this can be easily avoided by wearing the right ski gear."New fabrics and high-tech materials wick away moisture to keep skiers dry but are thin enough to allow them to wear multiple layers to stay warm," he commented.However, this should not include cotton, which holds mo....

Keeping warm and dry is the main thing to consider if you want to enjoy a ski trip, according to one source.Steve Kopitz, who runs a skiwear company in the US, said that getting wet and cold could ruin a holiday, but this can be easily avoided by wearing the right ski gear."New fabrics and high-tech materials wick away moisture to keep skiers dry but are thin enough to allow them to wear multiple layers to stay warm," he commented.However, this should not include cotton, which holds mo....

Although people working out during winter may feel hot, they could be losing valuable heat from their body if they fail to wear appropriate clothing.This is according to Doug Scarborough, a sports medicine coordinator, who told the Haywood County News that this could be particularly important for outdoor joggers."Dressing appropriately to prevent cold injuries is often overlooked. Several layers of lighter clothing provide better protection than one single bulky layer," he commented.An....

Although people working out during winter may feel hot, they could be losing valuable heat from their body if they fail to wear appropriate clothing.This is according to Doug Scarborough, a sports medicine coordinator, who told the Haywood County News that this could be particularly important for outdoor joggers."Dressing appropriately to prevent cold injuries is often overlooked. Several layers of lighter clothing provide better protection than one single bulky layer," he commented.An....

The Christmas period is going to be a veritable flurry of outdoor activities, with organisations up and down the country putting on guided walks for people who want to stretch their legs.Wiltshire is no different and walkers will have plenty of choice in terms of routes thanks to the Ramblers Association, the Wiltshire Times reports.The group is putting on a series of walks to suit all abilities, ranging from short five-mile affairs to much more strenuous hikes.All the outings will be guided, wi....

Parents who have been struggling with what equipment to buy for children who want to get involved with skiing may be interested in some tips from one expert.In an article for the Reno Gazette-Journal, US snowboard instructor Chris Cuff said that there are several bits of gear that are a must-have in terms of safety and warmth on the slopes.These are skis, boots, bindings, goggles, gloves, a helmet and warm, waterproof clothing."Keep their ears warm. That's the most important thing because t....

Parents who have been struggling with what equipment to buy for children who want to get involved with skiing may be interested in some tips from one expert.In an article for the Reno Gazette-Journal, US snowboard instructor Chris Cuff said that there are several bits of gear that are a must-have in terms of safety and warmth on the slopes.These are skis, boots, bindings, goggles, gloves, a helmet and warm, waterproof clothing."Keep their ears warm. That's the most important thing because t....