Category: Microadventures

Simple expeditions and challenges which are close to home, affordable and easy to organise (inspired by Alastair Humphreys – Adventurer / Author / Motivational speaker).

Bikepacking The South Downs Way

On By James HandlonIn MicroadventuresLeave a comment

How hard is cycling the South Downs Way? Well it is 160 km long or for those who prefer imperial 100 miles, it is steeply undulating with 3,810 metres of climbing along the route. A mountain bike is a must, with at least front suspension and preferably rear as well. It is mainly off-road and traces a route through the rolling hills of Hampshire and Sussex. Twelve years ago I bought a book about it ‘Mountain Biking on the South Downs‘ by Cicerone, so it was about bloody time I gave it a try.

On The SDW

The intervening years had not been good to either myself or my bike. I had what was now a 12 year old Giant Yukon MTB that was showing its age. Large framed and heavy as hell with splitting tyres and worn out disc pads for brakes. The description could also have been applied to myself without too much alteration.

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Walking ‘St Peter’s Way’ a Summer Microadventure

On By James HandlonIn Microadventures2 Comments

Images from St Peter's Way

On a sunny weekend in August last year I took on the persona of a Pilgrim of old as I walked the length of an ancient route known as St Peter’s Way.

St Peter’s Way is a 45-mile-long walk through the countryside of Essex starting from the village of Chipping Ongar and going all the way to the ancient 7th century chapel of St Peter-on-the-Wall on the remote Dengie Peninsula. Continue reading “Walking ‘St Peter’s Way’ a Summer Microadventure” →

Microadventure – Iceland Trek Training #2 2013

On By James HandlonIn Microadventures4 Comments

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Andy Trekking up to the summit of Corn Du

After a first successful venture into the Welsh hills a couple of weeks ago it was once again time to hike on up into the Brecon Beacons and test some of my kit, and of course myself, in preparation for my imminent trip to Iceland to trek the Laugavagur Trail.

This time happily though I would not be alone, my microadventure buddy Andy would be joining me having driven up the day before from Cornwall ready to also test himself in the mountains and join me on my mad-cap trip.

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Microadventure – Iceland Trek Training #1 2013

On By James HandlonIn Microadventures1 Comment

 

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Wild Camp up in the Talybont Hills

If you’re a regular reader of my blog you’ll know that it’s not long now until I set off for Iceland to have a crack at The Laugavegur Icelandic Trek.

In preparation for this multi-day trek across the highlands of Iceland I have tasked myself with completing a series of mini treks and microadventures to toughen me up a bit and to help me get used to the routine of multi-day camping and hiking. Continue reading “Microadventure – Iceland Trek Training #1 2013” →