Frosty Morning

Over the last 25 years Ali has been inspired by her travels to make work that connects people from different backgrounds through the art form of carnival. She has worked internationally bringing people together through the creation of large-scale spectacular processions.

In 2010 Ali took up walking, becoming a member of the LDWA and through this has rediscovered her love for the English landscape. She has become inspired by the way in which people communicate whilst walking, and the way in which she sees the world differently when traveling long distances by foot.

Avebury

She is now developing her own practice through walking and is currently devising a series of creative and interactive 100 mile walks. These walks will invite a team of artists to collaborate with Ali and a group of participants to create stories, images and installations through the walking and to provoke stimulating conversations along the way.
The first is in June 2012. Ali has been invited by The Ageas Salisbury International Festival to lead a creative walk that will connect all 8 White Horses of Wiltshire 

It will take place between 24-30 June 2012
Participants are invited to join Ali for all or part of the 7 day experience
Sun June 24 Westbury to Devizes
Mon June 25 Devizes to Cherhill
Tues June 26 Cherhill to Broadtown (via Avebury and Windmill Hill)
Weds June 27 Broadtown to Marlborough
Thursday June 28 Marlborough to Pewsey
Friday June 29 Pewsey to Alton Barnes
Saturday 30 June Alton Barnes to Devizes

Final day

Ali is working closely with The Ageas Salisbury International Festival to invite artists, writers, musicians, environmentalists to join her and to develop a programme of activities that will take place at various points on the way.
For more information please contact Ali Pretty via the contact page on alipretty.co.uk

For those people who adore caravanning but become tired of the limited amount of space inside a caravan, motor-home or campervan then maybe it’s time to consider a caravan awning. Caravan awnings can increase your holiday space dramatically and can be weatherproof too.

Caravan awnings can range in price starting from around £250. One of the better makes of awning is the Dorema range. You can expect to pay up to £1000 for a really good quality Dorema caravan awning. Caravan awnings come as tall annex or standard annex, their poorer relative is the porch, which are effectively the same thing only smaller than a full sized awning.

Awnings provide additional room attached to your caravan, they offer superb value for money and can be fitted to either side of your vehicle.

Escape The Rain

Most Dorema caravan awnings these days are weather proof, the roof of an awning is usually made of polyester with cotton sides. More elaborate awnings are all-season grade. The material will be  extremely strong, simple to clean and shower-proof. The awning fabric is coated polyester.

Windows & Entrance

An awning comes fitted with windows and a door. These are either roll down or zip up in design, some being both. Zip up doors and windows can help to keep insects out in summer months. If you do need some extra ventilation then look out for awnings with a zip panel vent.

Dorema Strength

Dorema awnings can be steel framed or lightweight aluminium and they are held together by support poles which come as legs and rood supports. Some frames come with additional triangular bracing for extra strength, this is well worth the effort in windy conditions. Locks are also a feature of some awnings.

Flooring

For the ultimate comfort one should consider adding flooring. Flooring comes as either tiles or groundsheets. Groundsheets offer great protection from damp conditions and also help keep worms and bugs at bay. Gound-sheets are breathable and are usually sold by the metre in the UK. The breathable fabric also helps to keep the grass alive beneath your temporary camp. A close weave allows the air to circulate but also reduces insects, worms and worm casts from penetrating through. Groundsheets are really hard-wearing and rot proof. They are easy to clean with a simple hosing down. For an complete luxury you can even buy carpet for your awning which can make it a home from home.

Caravan Awning Accessories

The most popular awnings accessory is an ‘inner awning’ which transforms your awning into a tent attached to your caravan, motor-home or camper van. These will have a zip entrance and are useful if you have guests as it offers a bit more privacy.

Other accessories include the pole suction pads and awning hangers made from tubing, which can provide more wardrobe space.

If you’re hoping to maximise space on your next caravan trip then investing in a Dorema awning is definitely worth considering.

Article by Simon Lucas

When the dictum where the grass is greener is used, it is often used in a sarcastic way to tell someone who things one place is better than the other that he or she is not necessarily right. When you say the grass is greener in Herefordshire, you are most likely making a true statement about this green country for indeed the grasses in Herefordshire are indeed greener in the most rural country in England.

Haven established Herefordshire credential, if you want a camping holiday or experience in a green natural environment, Herefordshire is probably your best bet and there is only one campsite in Herefordshire that combine the natural greenery of Herefordshire with the beauty of the Welsh borders, its is Burhope Farm campsite which sits right between Herefordshirre and the Welsh borders in the fantastic Wye Valley just by the foothills of the black mountains.

One of the things that set Burhope Farm campsite apart from other camping site in Herefordshire is the space. Set by a large lake with caravans stands that allows each camper to breath and have a decent space to itself, you will have a great sense of space around you.

Campervans is not the only way to camp at Burhope Farm, you can bring your tent or even a caravan, the site caters for all types of campers. Here are are some of the facilities available for campers at Burhope Farm campsite:

– hard standing for vehicles
– electric hook-ups
– adjacent water taps
– separate grassed area for tents
– first-class toilet and shower block with central heating
– disabled facilities
– fire bowls and fuel for hire

Because of the proximity of Burhope Farm campsite to the City of Herefordshire and parts of Wales, you can have a long camping holiday and be able to pop into Herefordshire, Hay-On-Wye or even Cardiff for a quick retail therabpy.

Old Town Discovery

the Discovery 158 is a 15ft 8” canoe which has been a best seller for years. It will comfortably sit 2 Adults with a load of kit, or if a snap in seat is used the space can be made to seat a smaller member of the family. The flat hull design keeps the boat very initially stable, meaning that it will inspire confidence in even the most sceptic beginner. It may be best suited to paddling flat waters, lakes, lochs and calm rivers. However it also can navigate some moderate rapid water should you come to it. The Old Town name means many things, some of them being tradition, build quality and reliability, the combination of these will allow you to have a trouble free boat and a decent return on your investment should you ever sell it.

To sum up – the Discovery 158 is a stable easy to paddle tandem canoe which is well suited to camping trips, day trips and learning all the basics on some easy going water and rivers.

Here is the specs:

Length

15′ 8 / 4.8 m

Width

35.5 / 90.0 cm

Bow Height

21.5 / 54.6 cm

Depth

13.5 / 34.2 cm

Weight

80 lbs / 36.2 kg

Max Load Range

1,100 – 1,150 lbs /
499 – 521.6 kg

Symonds Yat is an ancient area of outstanding natural beauty. Nestled in the heart of Herefordshire, it is one of the oldest areas of human habitation in the UK. The area is steeped in history and has long been covered in woodland and forest.

If you’re considering a good weekend break then you’ll find plenty of places to stay, and if you want to try some accommodation Herefordshire style, then you will find some of the best hotels, guest houses and bed and breakfasts in Herefordshire right in the heart of Symonds Yat gorge.

The River Runs Through It

The river Wye runs through the heart of the Yat, splitting it in two, East and West. The river is best viewed from the top of Yat Rock where the ox-bow bend can be clearly seen. There is some great rock climbing around here and many rock climbing groups embark on conquering the ‘needle’ rock which juts out from the gorge. Walking around Yat Rock is truly breathtaking, with deer and peregrine falcons at large. If you have long enough, this is a great place to start exploring the Forest of Dean which is right on your doorstep.

The River Wye offers up some of the best salmon fishing in England but a permit is needed as there are clubs who fish the waters here.

If canoeing floats your boat then a trip down the rapids is worth a day, boats can be hired from both sides of the river and there are some great routes to take in both direction up and down stream.

Endless Forests

There are quite literally miles of quiet woodland and forest walks and cycle routes around Symonds Yat, and that is not taking into consideration the Forest of Dean next to the Yat and the rest of the Wye Valley.

Hiking, walking and cycling is all popular around Symonds Yat and you can easily get lost so a map is worth investing in.

The sights around here are beautiful. Beech, oak and pine woods blanket the area with a wide variety of fauna and flora, not to mention the wild life, wood ants, wood peckers, deer, peregrines, cave spiders and the occasional boar. Symonds Yat is peppered with old caves and a few mines as well as old lime kilns. Some of these are open to the public but it is not advised to venture into the caves without a guide or an experienced caver.

If you think of the film Excalibur, then you’ll have a good idea of the beauty of Symonds Yat. It really is a hidden gem in the British countryside. There is plenty to do in the area and a long weekend is probably not enough. If you’re hiking in winter then be wary of the slippery rocks under foot, there are a couple of small waterfalls during winter months and Symonds Yat covered in snow is something to behold.

If you’re looking for a Herefordshire bed and breakfast then a visit to the Saracens Head Inn is well worth the money, although you may need to book ahead as the Inn is very busy.

Article by Simon Lucas

Camping is a very popular pastime throughout the world, and no matter where you live, the attraction of camping is ever present. From woodland getaways, to coastal cliffs, festivals to lakes, camping can be a cheap and easy way to escape the hum drum of everyday life.

Camping is notorious as a rough way to spend your holiday, especially if the weather is not so great. The comforts of home are left behind, and for many this is quite off-putting.

However, there are plenty of caravan accessories and camping furniture which can really make camping a pleasant experience.

Camping Furniture

There are many accessories which can make your trip away more enjoyable. Camping furniture is great for both caravanning and camping in a tent.

Tables will always be a great addition to any camping holiday, they allow you to utilise the space outdoors or in an adjoining porch or awning.

Camping tables come in all shapes and sizes, and the most useful ones of all are the fold away type. These can be stored easily and provide a good solid wipe-able surface for preparing food, eating and drinking. These are also known as trestle tables.

Chairs are also important, especially if you want to sit at your table. Camping chairs can be used indoors or outside, and are popular with fishermen, campers, festival goers and general outdoor types. They can be padded for extra comfort or lightweight with breathable material to prevent sweating in summer months. Most camping chairs are the fold up type, and some even come with drink holders for extra comfort.

Caravan Accessories

Caravan accessories are vital for those who enjoy getting away in their caravans. Accessories fall into various categories, such as electric, awnings and covers, furniture and other handy tools.

Caravan electrics help to make caravanning a great experience, like for instance camping fridges, mini televisions, portable lights and torches, heaters and so on.

Furniture has already been discussed but items such as caravan covers can really help keep your pride and joy in good condition and clean from the elements. Awnings are also very popular with campers and caravanners as they offer additional space and provide shade from the sun or protection from the rain but still allow you to get outside the caravan.

No matter whether your passion is in the tent or in a caravan, accessories for camping and caravanning are essential to making a great holiday. For more information on caravan accessories, camping furniture and camping equipment try Camping-Online.co.uk in Derbyshire.

If you are lucky enough to be somewhere that camp-fires are allowed for cooking rather than using a camping stove then it is your responsibility to ensure it has been properly extinguished before you leave. It is quite amazing how resilient one tiny burning ember can be and putting out a fire can often take more work than getting it going in the first place. When you are camping there is no need to build a huge roaring fire. Small, well contained fires are easier to build, maintain and extinguish and provide enough heat for staving off the evening chill, cooking and roasting marshmallows.

Plan ahead – you will need to start thinking about burning down your fire a little while before you intend to completely extinguish it. It is easier to ensure a fire is put out properly once it has burned to ash and small coals. If you unexpectedly have to extinguish a fire before this stage then spread out the logs or larger sticks as much as possible then scrape them free of any obvious burning embers.

First douse – you will need quite a bit of water to douse the fire but start with a small amount and build up gradually to stop ashes flying up. Once you have poured a substantial amount of water on in this way give everything a good stir with a stick to ensure any buried embers get wet too. Aim for a gooey mess and you are on the right lines.
If you still had some larger logs burning then they will need several heavy dousings to ensure they are wet through and their unseen interior isn’t still smouldering.

Second douse – pour more water on the fire. If you can still hear any hisses it means that somewhere in that gooey mess or buried out of sight are hot embers which need attention.

Spread it out – use a large stick or spade to spread out all the fire remains. Knock larger lumps down to tiny pieces. Turn them over several times and let everything stay loose. Don’t pack the remains down – this would serve to help maintain any burning embers rather than stifling them.

Wait – leave everything for a minimum of ten minutes and then use your hand to feel for any hot spots. If you detect any heat at all after this time then the fire is not extinguished and you will have to repeat the steps above.

If you are in any doubt as to whether or not the fire is extinguished just keep dousing and spreading the ashes. If your fire was a large one with a deep bed then you may have to dig down a bit to ensure that there are no hidden glowing embers underneath.It is possible to extinguish a fire just using earth but unless you know what you are doing you are more likely to protect burning embers which will continue to smoulder long after you have gone. If you have any gathered firewood left then it is both acceptable and courteous to leave it for the next person, particularly in places where camping is common. In many countries it is an unwritten law that failure to leave a wood supply for the next person is extremely bad manners.

It seems that an adverse law of camping states that even the most reluctant fire to get started may prove even more reluctant to extinguish (annoyingly, this same adverse law applies if you are trying to bank a fire to keep it in overnight but for the opposite reasons). Although the UK doesn’t present the same high risks of bushfire as other countries, an improperly extinguished camp-fire can still lead to disaster, not least of all for wildlife. Open fires are not just the heart of any home – they are the epitome of idyllic camping. Help ensure that this tradition stays alive in the UK by acting responsibly.

An evergreen Turkish hotspot, the coastal town of Kemer is popular with tourists and locals alike. Cobbled streets from a bygone era wind their way through this picture postcard town, with the indomitable Taurus Mountains providing the dramatic backdrop. Hiking between the two will deliver ocular and olfactory delights – from the pretty forests of pine down to the quaint pebble beach.

Further round the southern coast, In the Mugla province, sits Marmaris. Marking the meeting point between the Aegean and Mediterranean seas, Marmaris boast some incredible views. And after a days hiking, you’ll be glad to know that the nightlife here has no rival in Turkey, from fine examples of local food and wine, to buzzing nightclubs.

Generally regarded as one of the world’s finest beaches, the Blue Lagoon at Olu Deniz is known for crystal clear waters and pearly white sands. It’s also a hikers paradise. The Babadag Mountain provides a tantalizingly formidable challenge, with steep inclines and rocky faces to navigate, and paragliding on offer at the summit for hardcore adrenaline junkies. You’ll need a strong constitution, but there are few better ways to see the area than from an aerial vantage point.

Side, 15km east of Antalya, is a pretty coastal resort, with lots to see on a walking holiday. It’s appeal lies in the uber-modern facilities located near fascinating ancient ruins – perfect for tourists who want a bit of culture with their relaxation. There are plenty of shopping opportunities too, and if you just want to get lots of beach time, Side has a number of stunning, golden beaches.

There are three official camp sites in Lanzarote. They all have something different to offer, and best of all, they’re all entirely free of charge, thanks to local government subsidies. Let’s take a look at each of the three sites…

Famara San Juan Beach is a highly organized set-up. A member of the team will welcome you on arrival, allocate you a sizeable pitch. Right on the beach, you couldn’t be closer to the local action. The only real downside with Famara is the ablutions facilities – just one cold and very open shower, and one toilet.

Papayagayo Beach at the gorgeous Playa Blanca village is the island’s largest campsite. Well equipped with a large toilet block and plenty of private showers, Papayagayo is also close to a number of bars and restaurants.

La Graciosa is another beach site with reasonable facilities. The main attraction here is location – La Graciosa is a small island of the north tip of Lanzarote. Home to just 500 permanent resident, the isolated La Graciosa has a ‘no news, no shoes’ policy – perfect for getting away from it all.

The liberal nature of the Canary Islands is one of its major charms. You’ll find that, despite the presence of ‘No Camping’ signs on the beaches, nobody seems to mind if you pitch up at Arrieta or Orzola for some unofficial camping. A number of campsites (both official and unofficial) have a large number of caravans, many of them belonging to locals who rent them out during the summer. They’re often very well equipped, and cheap to hire.

Are you in need of a kayak to do a bit of everything? Do you want to paddle on trips with a decent amount of kit but also paddle a bit of whitewater every now and then? The Dagger Approach may just tick the boxes you need it to.

Being 9 or 10 foot dependant on which one you need these kayaks are compact enough to carry by yourself (dependant on muscles) they also have a fairly rounded design that allows the boat to be very manoeuvrable in whitewater with forgiving edges that will not cause beginners to spend too much time upside down. It has a drop down skeg that makes a massive difference to the boats straight line handling, allowing you to munch up a load of miles with ease. It has a massive cockpit which means you don’t need to worry about getting stuck in there, but still has thigh grips allowing you to get a good level of control. The storage hatch at the back is big enough to store some overnight kit and food.

The Approach 9 is small enough for some quite young paddlers to get on very well thanks to its low sides, yet up to the size of smaller adults. The approach 10 is great for any adult and offers more room for longer legs.

Below are some specs:

Model Length Width Weight Volume Max Capacity Spraydeck
9.0 2.74m 0.64m 17kg 250L 111kg Approach
10.0 3.05m 0.71m 17kg 300L 127kg Approach

To sum up – most people do not know where their paddling may take them, and having a boat which allows you to tour rivers and also enjoy the bubblier stuff a bit more will be very beneficial. Although it is not an absolute beast in whitewater it will suit all recreational paddlers who either want to do a bit of everything or the beginner who doesn’t know where they want to go with their paddling.