What to do in the Summer Holidays?

Its that time of year again when the kids are home and you have to find something to do with them!  Yes it’s the school 6 week holidays. 

So what do you do with them over the holidays? Well, we thought we would let you know of some of our favourite UK destinations that may help give you some ideas.

Richmond

Amber, one of our walking boot fitters, loves North Yorkshire, in particular Richmond: 

“It is a beautiful part of the country with something for all the family.  The town has a bit of a buzz to it so that you do not feel like you are in the middle of nowhere, but at the same time there is enough countryside to make it feel a world away.  There are some fabulous walks in the Yorkshire Dales and hours can be spent exploring them”.

An interesting fact; the Alt-Berg factory is based in Richmond.  This is one of our main walking boot manufactures and they still have full operations here.  It is definitely worth a visit to get a feel for the love that goes into these great boots.

Devon Cliffs

Carol, one of our clothing experts, has recently been to the Campsite Devon Cliffs and believes south is the way forward:

“The whole coastline around there is natural and untouched.  It is therefore stunning, with the dramatic cliffs dropping down to miles and miles of golden sand”.

For the keen walkers amongst you this area is part of the Jurassic Coast that makes up the South West Coastal Path.  This gives a slightly more challenging coastal walk but does allow you to get away from the tourist crowds and admire the sea views from different remote areas.  This is great for family walks as the coastline can be taken in bite size chunks that are perfect for all abilities.

If the beach life is for you then the miles of sandy beach at the bottom of the dramatic cliffs is where you will want to be.  The beach is big enough so that you can have plenty of space to enjoy quality family time without feeling squashed out by the other beach users.

Elan Vally

Russell, another of our walking specialists loves to go walking, and suggests the Elan Vally. 

It is one of the areas of Wales that caters for all levels of walking, as well as loads of mountain biking.  All the main walks start at the visitor’s centre and head of from there.  This means they are well signposted and easy follow so only basic map reading is needed.  However there is also plenty of areas for the more adventures out there to go and explore.

“A must see is the Nant-Y-Gro-Dam which became famous thanks to the Dambuster Bouncing Bomb.  This dam was used to test the bomb during its design and with out it the Dambusters raid would not have happened”. 

It is also in a beautiful area so if the historical pull is not enough for you we are sure that the pictures area will.

Ski Slopes

For those of you who cant get enough of the ski slopes, Robin one of our boot fitters and also a Ski race coach and instructor, has in the past spent summers race coaching in preparation for the following winter.

“Summer is where the basics are consolidated and new equipment is tested.  For a long time in the UK this was done on the Dry Ski Slopes, of which there are still over 50 throughout the country.  However there are a growing number of indoor snow slopes which provide more natural and better training facilities.”

You don’t have to be a racer either.  Facilities such as Tamworth Snowdome, Xscape at Milton Keynes and the Snow Centre at Hemel Hempstead provide a wide range of snow-related activities during the holidays, including beginner ski lessons.  Get ready for that first winter holiday!

Away from the snow Robin takes the family to St Andrews with hills nearby for waking and great beaches of Chariots of Fire Fame.

Many More…. 

So there are a few ideas to get you started on things to do over the summer holidays.  Hopefully this will help you plan a fab 6 weeks with the kids.  But if you need a few more ideas we will post a few more later in the month

Camping at a Festival

It's Glastonbury time and whilst there are many seasoned festival goes out there not everyone is a regular camper.  Everyone knows that they need a tent, sleeping bag and some form of mattress to go camping but it’s the other little things that they may not be so sure of!  There are lots of lists out there for the “essentials” but most of these are for your personal hygiene and safety!  So we thought we would put together our 5 camping tips for a festival so that your tent becomes your home for the few days that you are raving in a field.

·     Groundsheet

Most tents, whatever their quality level are waterproof, however there are different levels of waterproofing!  We understand that you wouldn’t want to take an expensive tent to a festival as it may get ruined so any help in making a budget tent waterproof is a good idea.  Even if it does not rain whilst you are at the festival (rare in the UK!) dew and ground moisture can easily seep into your tent so pitching it on a groundsheet is a great way to ensure that you have a dry grounding.  Remember, you lie on the ground so a dry base means a dry bed, and there is nothing worse than after a day of hard dancing than getting in to a damp bed!  Also if you get a groundsheet that has a bigger footprint than your tent this will give you a good doormat, a space to remove your shoes before entering your inner sanctuary.

·      Mallet

Now we know this sounds obvious but you would be surprised how many people we have seen trying to put tent pegs in with their shoes as they have forgotten a mallet.  If you are not a regular camper you may not know that a tent does not include a mallet and without one, especially if the ground is hard pegs will fight back.  Please take a mallet and not a hammer!  This is so that you do not break every peg! A hammer will quite easily bend a peg instead of allowing it to slide into the ground!  So a wooden or rubber mallet is essential!

·      Camping Chair

Some people may think a camping chair is a luxury for a festival but we would disagree. This is not a luxury, it is a must!  This is not a school assembly! Anyone over school age, sitting on the floor all day will soon have aches and pains they just don’t need. This is also a British summer, and so the ground may not be an inviting place, so having a safe haven of a chair is a godsend.  The chair does not have to be expensive but do remember the more you pay the more likely the chair will survive the weekend and will be lighter to carry!

·      Cooker

The morning after the night before needs a cup of tea. Heading out to face the queues, especially if it is not the best of weather, can be avoided with one nifty little piece of kit.

If gas is allowed at the festival you are going to then a portable cartridge gas stove is probably the safest one to have.  This gives a nice wide base so the stove will not fall over and also a large flame so a kettle boils quickly

If gas is not allowed then a solid fuel pocket stove is the way forward.  The little burner is sturdy enough that it will not fall over and 4 squares of fuel is enough to make your kettle whistle in know time.

Just don’t forget the kettle!

·      Water Container

Water is always available at a festival and is probably one of the only free things on offer!  Having a larger water container that you can keep at your tent for drinking, washing and cooking is a great time saver!  The best kind for this is a collapsible one!  This means it is small to carry when empty and so easy to get into the festival ground.  Then when your tent is all pitched and you have made a little home for your self you can go fill it up and be sure you have water to quench your thirst when returning home.

So there you have it our 5 tips for making camping at a festival bearable.  However we are sure there are many other tips out there so please feel free to comment and add your "festival camping survival" tips.  There is know reason why camping should be slumming it and with a few carful purchases it can feel like the Ritz!  A festival should not be survived or endured it should be celebrated and loved.  With these few tips it will be!

Smartphone vs GPS

Why use a Garmin instead of your smartphone?

Most smartphones have built-in GPS, so why spend money on a dedicated Garmin off-road navigation device?

• Ruggedised construction

A Garmin is built to withstand rain, snow, dust, cold, and the inevitable bumps and knocks of outdoor use. Your smartphone probably isn't.

• High-performance, energy efficient GPS

The GPS on your smartphone may well be very low performance - slow to acquire a satellite fix, easily effected by tree cover, and quick to drain your battery (in some cases less than an hour!). A Garmin is designed to give a good battery life (typically around 16hrs), a quick position fix, and to maintain satellite fix under tree cover, etc.

• ’Infinitely extendable’ battery life

Some Garmins use removable rechargeable battery packs, but all use AA batteries. You can easily carry as many batteries as you need for the day, weekend, week, etc. You can use alkaline, lithium and rechargeable batteries. You can save your smartphones batteries for when you really need to make a life-saving call!

• Glove-friendly controls

If you've ever used your smartphone in the cold, you've probably noticed that the screen looses its touch-sensitivity when you put on a pair of gloves. Garmin devices use buttons or pressure-sensitive touch-screens, meaning that skiers, mountaineers, and winter walkers can keep their gloves on.

• Built-in high-quality mapping

Smartphones typically download maps ’on demand’ and therefore rely on a constant data connection - loose your phone or wi-fi signal and you loose your mapping. Also, the mapping you can view may not be the most appropriate for off-road use. Many Garmin devices use genuine Ordnance Survey mapping and allow you to pre-load additional mapping and satellite imagery using Garmin Birdseye.

• Dedicated navigation software

Designed with serious off-road navigation in mind, Garmin software provides a raft of functions and features: tracks, routes, proximity waypoints, Sight 'N Go, MOB, TracBak, area calculation, multiple map datums (including British OS grid ref), and customisable dashboards with dozens of data displays (speed, distance, time to destination, altitude gain, sunset times, heading, and loads more).

• 'BaseCamp' - free route-planning and data management on your PC

BaseCamp is a free download from garmin.com and allows you to transfer all your tracks, waypoints and routes between your Garmin device and your PC or Mac. You can view the Garmin's built-in maps, plan routes, and view your tracks in Google Earth.

• Altimeter functions

Most Garmins feature a barometric altimeter for meter-accurate altitude measurement and altitude related data functions - see and record how high you've climbed or descended in a day.

• Geocaching friendly

Download geocaches via your PC or Mac directly to you Garmin from geocaching.com and opencaching.com.

• Additional sensors

There are several external sensors available to extend to the use of your Garmin - heartrate and cadence sensors for fitness training, and 'Tempo' temperature sensor for data collection.

• A bit of peace and quiet?

Your Garmin will not bother you with calls, texts, emails, social media and game notifications - you really can 'get away from it all'!
The bottom line - Garmin have been designing and manufacturing GPS navigation devices for aviation, ocean and land navigation use for over 20 years - they are trusted by pilots, sailors, military personal, and professionals the world over. Can you say the same about the GPS on your phone?

Tilley Hats - the Rolls-Royce of sun hats

Here in Leamington Spa we sell a whole host of outdoor equipment. From boots to gloves and jackets to backpacks, we know you’ll be able to kit yourself out for any outdoor activity. When it comes to hats though, use your head on the golf course and shelter your brow on the trail. Buy the best, buy the Rolls-Royce of hats - buy a Tilley Hat.

The Sun is coming out (again)

Now we should point out that every time we blog about the weather being hot, the sun gets scared and goes on holiday. We are going to put our neck on the line again though, and suggest that you need to protect your head from our elusive glowing friend in the sky. UV (Ultra Violet) rays are the main cause of skin cancer and the importance of protecting yourself from harmful rays is not news to any of us. But did you ever stop to think about your head? Especially if you’re of the age where your protective layer of hair is as elusive as the British sun?!

“Conceived in frustration and born of necessity”

Set up and still run by Alex Tilley, Tilley Hats have been the world’s best for decades. Designed out of sheer frustration at losing hats to sailing winds, the Tilley Hat is manufactured to the highest quality and guaranteed for life.
Tilley Hats are the best, and we have always stated that they are ‘the’ trekking hat. There aren’t many hats that come with a four-page owner’s manual! Not only that, but they come with a lifetime guarantee and they protect your head from harmful UV rays too (rated UPF 50+). They come in an array of sizes and styles and we just love the secret compartment for storing your keys or that all-important cash - keeping your valuables quite literally under your hat! To keep it from Mother Nature’s paws it is also designed to float on water and comes with easily hidden ties, so you can really keep your hat on even in the wildest of conditions.
Now Tilley Hats may be the best of the best, but that doesn’t mean they don’t like getting dirty, and with it being completely machine washable, you’ll have no excuse not to take it out on the trail. The dark underside of the hat’s brim ensures that glare from the sun is kept to a minimum, and the excellent water repellent material means you’ll stay dry should the wonderful British summer live up to its reputation.
We have a large range of Tilley Hats for all occasions in our Leamington Spa store, some even have tuck-away ear warmers for the cold easterly breeze and occasional snow storm (you have to be prepared outdoors in Great Britain!) All our Tilley Hats are covered by Tilley’s two-year loss insurance, and just like our boots, hats require the correct fit to ensure they provide the best experience and protection. Pop into Lockwoods to see our full range and try some on for size!

How to ensure your boots are made for walking!

Here at Lockwood’s we’re hoping that a warm summer is just around the corner. Being prepared is one thing, but are your boots ready? We know how to keep your boots-a-walking, so we thought we'd let you into a few little secrets...

Getting the right pair of walking boots is essential if you're serious about walking or hiking – or even if you just like having a good country walk at the weekend. But choosing the right pair is just the start. When you consider the cost of a well-made pair of boots, you'll want to get the most out of them, and that's exactly what we preach here at Lockwood's. A soggy boot is never a welcome feeling, so ensuring good maintenance and fitting will keep your boots waterproofed and comfortable for years to come.

Fitting

At Lockwood’s we provide the full boot-fitting service in-store and we're passionate about it too. But there are more reasons to get fitted properly. Did you know that a correct fit will also ensure a longer life for your boot? Correctly fitted boots ensure less excess material, and that means less movement and less wear and tear. Excess material due to poor fitting can lead to cracking, and that’s your enemy in the fight against water. Cracking in a boot leads to puncturing of the waterproof liner below the leather, which could give you a soggy trek on a traditional British summer's day.

Cleaning

You should be investing not only money, but time into your boots. Buying the right boots is only the beginning; cleaning and maintaining is your true investment. And it doesn't stop at leather either. Whether your caring for fabric, leather or Gore-tex lining, you need to keep them well-maintained, because like anything in life, you only get out what you put in. You care for your car with servicing and maintenance, and your boots are no different! You can completely re-sole boots like Alt-berg Fremington or Zamberlan Ultra Lite to keep them walking the trails for much longer. If you're not looking after bodywork, then don't expect new tyres to keep the rain out!

Here’s our advice for keeping your boots rain-proofed and ready for your hike

• Always clean your boots with running water and a soft nylon brush.
• Never let your boots dry with out treating them; we always treat ours with Nikwax to avoid the dreaded cracks!
• Let your boots dry naturally. DO NOT use a radiator, fire, or any heat as this will also lead to cracking, and that means damaged waterproofing and ultimately a pair of wet socks!
• Re-proofing your boots with a product like Nikwax conditions the leather and keeps it supple, which reduces the chance of cracking. It also coats the boot to increase its water repellency. The more you re-proof your boots, the longer life your boots will have.
• If your boots are really dirty then use Nikwax footwear cleaning gel to remove stubborn dirt. (We have this in-store – so just ask.)
• The cleaner the boots, the better the conditioner will sink in. Dirt particles can actually cause cuts which lead to long-term damage.

We recommend these two products, which we use on our own boots:

1) Nikwax fabric and leather proof - £5.50.
This is a spray, which makes it so much easier to apply. Cover the boot all over and remove excess drips with a cloth, then leave your boots to dry.
2) Leder Gris - leather (only) wax - £5.50.
Rub wax on to dry, clean boot using your finger (the heat of your finger will melt it allowing it to be applied). Using your finger allows for a good cover of wax and better penetration. Then leave your boots to dry naturally avoiding strong heat sources, especially radiators.

Our rule of thumb? "If a boot is dirty, clean it. If you clean it, reproof it."

Owning a pair of walking boots is not just about choosing and buying the right pair. A professional fitting and great aftercare is essential to your investment and we help people in-store daily to choose and look after their boots. Always get a professional fit! This isn’t something you can replicate online, so try to buy from a reputable supplier with the right knowledge to help you select the right boots for you. Never leave your boots wet or dirty, and constantly reproof them to ensure a long and exciting life on the trails.
For more advice about your walking boots, just pop in to Lockwood’s.

Camelbak Hydration

With another May Bank holiday on our doorstep and after such a scorcher in Warwickshire earlier this month, here in Leamington Spa we’re gearing up for another cracking three-day-weekend of outdoor fun and activities. But with all this hot weather (don’t laugh), we were wondering, are you taking on enough water?

We all know that we have to drink water, but do we really know the full benefits or how much you should be drinking and how often? After exercise, we all feel the need to rehydrate, but are you taking on water before and during your activities too?

Water regulates your body temperature, lubricates joints and helps transport nutrients for energy and health. A lack of water in your system can lead to fatigue, poor decision making, or even muscle cramps and dizziness. Whether you’re a serious athlete or just walking for recreation, it’s important to make sure you get the right amount of water. If you’re planning to take the family out on a trek or hike then you need to make sure they’re well-hydrated too. Keeping young children hydrated is particularly important, so plan for the surprise summer heat that so often catches people out.

How much water should you be drinking?

The human body is more than 50% water, so keeping your H2O levels at their optimum is essential for your brain and muscles to operate at their best – and that even affects you back in the office on Tuesday morning too! Think about your last hangover for a second. Alcohol dehydrates us, makes us feel lethargic and leads to headaches and poor function. Topping up our water levels is the best way to cure it, and is one of the reasons we feel compelled to groan “I’m never drinking again.”

We want you to get the most from your outdoor lives, so here’s our quick reference guide to keeping your water levels up:

Hydration before exercise

• Drink about 15-20 fl oz, 2-3 hours before exercise (That’s a small 33cl bottle of Evian in new money!)
• Drink 8-10 fl oz (half a small Evian) about 10-15 min before your exercise or activity to make sure you’re fully topped up. Other bottled water is available!

Hydration during exercise

• Drink 8-10 fl oz every 10-15 min during exercise like running or cycling. (That’s another half bottle of small water.)
• If exercising longer than 90 minutes, drink 8-10 fl oz of a sports drink every 15 - 30 minutes.

Hydration after exercise

• If possible, weigh yourself before and after. The average body (that’s around 160 pounds or 11.5 stone if you’re interested) becomes dehydrated when it loses just over 2% of its normal hydrated body weight.
• As a rule of thumb, you should replace 16-24 oz of water per pound lost*.
• Always replace your body’s liquids as soon as possible after exercise.

Also note that at high altitude your fluid loss is greater and therefore increases your need to rehydrate.

Blimey, who knew drinking could be so complicated?

With all that in mind I bet you’re wondering how on earth you’re going to carry a measuring jug, a water carrier, a stop watch, a cup, and also have something to pack it all into? Well don’t worry, because the clever people at Camelbak have a solution to this.

Camelbak manufacture sports backpacks with built-in bladders so you can keep on trekking without the need to riffle through your pack every 15-20 minutes for water. Fitted with a special tube which sits conveniently on your shoulder, (much like a large sports straw) you don’t need to worry about forgetting to take on water. And, as it’s so simple and accessible, and there’s still ample room for all your kit and technology too!

Not only do Camelbak products ensure you’re well watered, but you won’t be wasting plastic bottles every time you go out either. Camelbaks are completely re-usable, so they’re better for the environment that we all love to be out in. Are you worried that your kids won’t want to be carrying a water bladder on their backs? Camelbak have designed these brilliant kid’s water bottles too. With a retractable spout (to stop spillages) and brilliantly-bright designs, they’ll be sure to want to keep their levels topped up too - even if they prefer being dinosaurs to camels!

We know how important it is to stay hydrated during any exercise, and we stock an array of equipment to help you stay well watered. Drop into Lockwood’s to see our full range and we’ll talk water and hydration over a glass or two (of water!)

 

*Source Sawka M.N., Burke L.M., Eichner E.R., Maughan R.J., Montain S.J., Stachenfeld N.S. Exercise and Fluid Replacement." Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise. 39 (2007): 377-390.