Regatta

Women CAN read maps!

How many times have you been the woman being led by the man across the countryside? And how many times have you longed to make the navigational decisions, or perhaps head off for a solo outing in the hills, or a walk with your girlfriends only? 

It seems that you’re not the only one, because the numbers of women signing up for map reading courses is on the up. Another group of women that is keen to learn how to properly use a map and compass is mums. Many would like to lead their children on mini countrysdie adventures, so knowing how to navigateis a definite asset. 

It’s not that these women-only navigation course organisers are being sexist, it’s simply that many have found that:

a) women prefer to learn in a female-only environment

b) Women tend to learn to navigate in a different way from men so it makes sense to run single sex sessions.

Why women only map-reading courses work

One navigation instructor confesses: “I usually find that women are much more relaxed without the men around. They enjoy a less competitive atmosphere and they offer a lot more support to each other.”

Certainly you’ll witness oodles of encouragement, inclusiveness and camaraderie on outdoors courses where only the women are invited.

Another reason for  the female-only environment is that most women learn in a different way to men. Fran Loots, who teaches a course entitled Women CAN Read Maps, says:  “It’s not that women aren’t able to read maps, but more that they look at maps and the landscape in a different way.

“They tend to visualise landmarks, while men are more formulaic in their map reading and tend to prefer the system of grid references.”

Fran, who runs the company Aye Can, adds: “That is not to say that it is easier teaching one gender over the other. It’s just that if there’s a group made up of only men or only women then instruction can be tailored to suit.”

Many women also benefit from being able to go at their own pace. They are usually more contemplative when making decisions, too.

Fran adds: “In an all-female group, the women will defer their decisions more among each other. This might mean that they take longer to reach a decision but in the end they actually take a more straightforward route and make fewer errors.”

Where to go for wonen-only navigation courses

• Chicks Unleashed at www.chicks-unleashed.co.uk
• Aye Can at www.ayecan.org.uk 
• Glentrek at www.glentrek.com
• Talisman Activities at www.talisman-activities.co.uk
• Adventure Oakhampton at www.adventureokehampton.com
• Ramblers at www.ramblers.org.uk
• Original Outdoors at www.originaloutdoors.co.uk

These are just a selection. If you search on-lne there is sure to be a course near your own home.

Win Hill and Ladybower Reservoir

After the fantastic year of walking last year, due to various events including our wedding and a trapped sciatic nerve, the walks died down from the end of October.

We managed to fit a walk in during January, which was a repeat of a walk I did last year from Smithills Hall in Bolton, up Winter Hill. It was a terribly cold, wet and windy day, and I was very pleased to have my Regatta thermals and waterproofs! As I have already blogged about that walk, I thought it was pointless to do it again.

Last weekend we headed up to the Peak District, on a walk organised by a friend. She found the walk on www.go4awalk.com. The walk reference is d271, Winhill Pike from Yorkshire Bridge. The walk is approximately 5 miles long, with a tough climb up Win Hill, before it levels out and becomes a gentle stroll.

As we left Manchester, the weather was horrendous, and we thought that we were going to end up like drowned rats despite our heavy duty waterproofs. It took about an hour to get across Snake Pass, and was very happy to see a pub at the start of the walk! http://www.yorkshire-bridge.co.uk/

We parked up on the road, and headed out, just as the rain eased off. The first part of the walk is pretty tough, and I really felt it due to the lack of exercise over the last few months. It was a really steep climb up the hill, and it seemed to go on forever. After several breaks to get my breath, we got to the crest of the hill, and as I looked around behind us, the view over the valley with the Ladybower Reservoir was stunning. I was so pleased that the rain had stopped and the clouds had lifted!

After the crest of the hill, the walk was easy, apart from the fact that the wind was really strong, and we were very exposed up there. From the top we could see Castleton. As we descended the hill on the other side, the moor was very muddy. We then headed down into the plantation. It is worth noting that there are numerous sheep at this point, so if you take dogs on this walk, please ensure that dogs are kept on leads.

Once we got through the plantation, we had a few minutes rest and a snack in the sun. It gave the dogs a chance to rest. (One of them only had 3 legs!) After we left the plantation, it was an easy walk along the edge of the reservoir back to the car.

After we had changed out of the worst of our clothes and our muddy boots, we headed up to the pub for a couple of drinks.

I will be trying some of the clothing from the new spring/summer range in the coming months, so watch this space for my reviews.

The Lakes in the Winter - Perfect Venue for your First Wedding Anniversary

Trying to decide where to go for our first wedding anniversary in January was difficult!

City breaks were coming in a little too expensive straight after Christmas. An option neither of us had thought about was the Lake District, due to the fact at this time of year, you couldn't rule out being up to your knees in snow in the countryside. But we received an e-shot and the deal was too good to miss, a fraction of the price of a city break and much more special and romantic.

We did play it a little safe by booking the accommodation in Bowness, just in case it snowed, so we could still travel up to Windermere on the train. Luckily we didn't need this back-up plan, we travelled up to Lancaster the night before and got an incredible deal for a bed and breakfast at a central hotel. The next morning we travelled to the Lakes, where the only sign of snow was the slightest hint on the tops.

There was a chill from the wind and some light showers, but wrapped up in our Regatta gear, we were warm and dry! We spent a few hours each day on walks, enjoying the crisp air. In some areas we had a distinct feeling we were the only ones around.

The only disappointment was a trip to Lowther Castle, which was unfortunately closed to visitors. But as my husband said, it's a good excuse to plan another trip!

I really enjoyed our little celebration in the Lakes and would definitely consider another trip to the countryside in the winter because you get to see a different aspect of country life. Also, when planning a trip, the bargains to be had out of season are definitely worth the consideration!

Tips to get Children enjoying the outdoors by Walks Around Britain

Getting children into walking at a young age can influence their habits in later life, hopefully leading to a healthier, more active lifestyle. So how can you get your young ones interesting in walking? Here are some useful tips from Andrew White of Walks Around Britain.

1. Make the Idea Sound like Fun
Don't say "who wants to go for a walk" - instead ask "who wants to explore the forest". If it sounds like a game, young children are more likely to be excited. Publisher walkingbooks.com has a range of walking packs aimed especially for children – and the walking routes in them are designed at making walking fun.

2. Choose an Interesting Spot
Make sure that you choose a walk location carefully. Straight routes and flat paths are boring. Children like places where there is lots to look at. They like to climb over things like logs and beaches and streams. If there is a famous landmark, all the better, whether that is a place linked to a sport, famous person, film or television programme. The National Trust in England, Wales and Northern Ireland – and the National Trust for Scotland north of the border – have many great places to walk for families to walk.

3. Dress Them Properly
Make sure that their shoes fit properly and are the right kind of shoes for walking. Likewise, clothes should be loose-fitting and not too hot or cold. Layers are always best. For a real treat, give them a small backpack to carry. Then they can hold the bits that they find along the way. The Regatta range is perfect for getting children to feel the adventure of going outdoors.

Boys and Girls ranges are split into X-ert Performance and Adventure to mimic the adult ranges.

X-ert Performance range features everything you would expect for an adventurer with high expectations! Quick drying t-shirts (Speedway/Show Off and Luxo/Myral – with graphic), technical trousers (including Extol Zip-offs and waterproof and breathable Chandler overtrousers), softshell bodywarmers and jackets including a new printed design (Railroad for boys and girls) and waterproofs including the full stretch Host (boys and girls) jacket in Isotex 5000 stretch with grown on hood.

The Adventure range still protects from the weather but in a more laid back way! Think polo shirts, printed shorts, a range fleece and softshell jackets, overheads and bodywarmers and core value waterproofs that will stand up to a bad storm.

4. Keep the Pace Slow
There is nothing worse than a parent striding ahead and yelling "come on" or "hurry up". If they want to dawdle, dawdle with them--it is part of the experience.

5. Make up Games as You Go
To keep things lively and fun, make up stories, play follow the leader or hide and seek. Use "log books" for children to fill in, listing things that they have spotted or collected. Treasure maps are fun if they are easy and the "treasure" can be a healthy treat. If they are older, an old mobile phone is a good way to get them into taking outdoor photographs.

Walking with very young children may require a pram or buggy. To ensure an enjoyable walk, it's helpful to find out in advance whether the route you are taking will be accessible.

On the Walks Around Britain website, the number of styles and the grading of the route will help you decide whether the walk is suitable for buggies. Alternatively, use a baby carrier, which are great and comfortable for both the child and the adult, and have an amazing amount of storage too for all those baby-related essentials.

Regular walking cuts cancer risk

Oh, we just can’t help ourselves! When we hear another good news story about walking we want to tell you about it. And this piece of happy news about walking is one worth sharing. A regular walk is not just good for your heart, waistline and keeping your blood sugar in check – it’s now been shown to reduce the risk of some cancers.

New research has found that more than 10,000 cases of breast and bowel cancer could be prevented each year if we took more brisk walks or headed out for longer daily walks.

Walking for an hour each day can reduce the risk of endometrial cancer by 30%, according to a study by the Vanderbilt University Medical Centre in Nashville.

Another study, this time in Scandinavia, found that walking reduces colon cancer risk by 40% in women. Walking improves cancer survival.

Then there’s a study by researchers from the California, San Francisco and Harvard universities. This concluded that frequent brisk walks may help to lower the risk of cancer progression in men undergoing prostate cancer treatment. The results found that men who walked at least 3mph at least three hours per week, had a 60% reduction in recurrence or the need for a second round of prostate cancer treatment.

A Nurse’s Health Study also found that women who walk one to three hours per week after being diagnosed with breast cancer improve their survival rate by 20 to 50%.

Guide to walking for health

Little and often: Aim to walk for 10 to 20 minutes a few times a day. You could walk the kids to school, or walk to the shops at lunchtime, or walk to the supermarket instead of taking the car, or walks to a friend’s house. There are so many times to walk, if you just make a habit of including it in your life.

Every step counts: So walk as much as you can. Getting off the bus or train a stop earlier from your destination or walking across town or city instead of getting the train. Why not use a pedometer so you can find out how many steps you take in one day – and try to increase this on a weekly basis?

Dress for comfort: Walking to the office in your high heels will obviously cause you discomfort and will easily put you off walking again. Instead, swap your heels for a pair of walking trainer or shoes for your walk and then change again when you get to work. The same goes for jackets and trousers. There is nothing to stop you doing a quick change when you reach your destination.

Make the most of weekends: Plan a family walk or a walk with your partner during your leisure time, and especially at weekends. Why not aim to explore a network of trails or to climb to the summit of a number of hills. As you tick these off you’ll find rewards in your fitness and your mental health.

Evening stroll: Instead of sitting down in front of the TV after your evening meal, take half an hour for a walk around the block or to a local park. Use this time for walking and talking with your partner.

Own a dog: We’re not saying that everyone should have a dog, but if it fits into your lifestyle then a dog can be a way to increase your walking. Knowing that you need to walk the dog at least twice a day offers great motivation for many owners.

Walk and talk: Instead of meeting a pal for a coffee and a chat, suggest that you walk and talk together.

Do you have any other ideas for increasing the miles that you walk each week?

An alternative guide to Valentine's gifts

You could say, "I love you" with flowers or chocolates this Valentine's Day. Or you could find the way to your loved one's heart on February 14th with a gift that says: "I know you well, and I bet you'd love this outdoors-themed treat instead of flowers or choccies!" (Of course, if you're at all worried about what your other half might say to a gift of outdoors clothing or accessories loveliness, you could always add in a bunch of flowers or a box of Milk Tray, too!)

Gift guide for your Valentine’s

Warm their heart: Show how much you care for your betrothed with outdoor clothing that will keep them warm and cosy, even on the chilliest February day. For women, the Regatta Clarice 3-in-1 jacket would be the ultimate Valentine’s gift. It’s waterproof, breathable, and versatile and will ensure that the girl in your life never feels the chill outdoors.

Red is the colour of love: Guys like practical. But they also like gifts that come with a lot of thought. So give them a red-for-love-coloured outdoors jacket this Valentine’s. The Calderdale ticks all the boxes. 

  Wrap her up in cotton wool… Or a fleece jacket. The stunning Starlette fleece immediately says: “I love you and I want to care for you.” The fleece will look as good at the pub as it will on the hills. And every time she reaches out to put this fleece on she’ll remember that you gave it to her Sealed with a Loving Kiss!

Warm feet = a warm heart! Ok, so this might not be the most romantic gift, but walking  socks are certainly practical and they will always remind your man of how much you care for the details. Why not stuff the socks full of chocolate hearts for the 14^th?! 

Step into spring loveliness. A new range of Regatta spring and summer footwear will put a smile on his/her face. As they open the gift they will already feel the warm rays of sunshine rushing to their hearts! Check out the Tidal sandals for both men and women. 

Full pack of delights: If you know that your loved one has been hankering after a new rucksack (there are people out there who do hanker after such things, we can assure you!) then do them proud with a new Regatta rucksack. For the sake of romance, fill your rucksack of choice to the brim with sweets, choccies and trinkets that say I love you.

Naked truths: So we know you would prefer your lass or lad in the buff but that’s for times indoors and on your own. Outdoors you will prefer that your other half stays warm and clothed! So treat him or her to a fabulous new set of baselayers. You can even buy base shirts for her in a gorgeous pinky red.

Baselayers for her and  baselayers for him.

Still can’t decide? Choose the colour red and have a look through all the lovely outdoor clothing and accessories. See here for red outdoor clothing

A romantic outdoors break: Valentine’s is the time to head off for a romantic break as a couple. If you’re into the outdoors choose a hotel that is located amid fabulous walking countryside. (Normally we’d suggest that romance comes in the shape of wild camping in the wilderness but not at this time of year!). So splash out on a fantastic hotel and plan a few country walks or lochside strolls. You never know what might happen! Perhaps you’ll even go down on one knee.. (Just make sure that if it’s wet you’re wearing your Regatta waterproof trousers!)

 

Parents urged to get kids outdoors

Parents are being urged to encourage their children to spend more time outdoors. According to a new survey a fifth of children don’t go outside to play and a third of youngsters have never climbed a tree, or built a den. One in 10 kids can’t even ride a bike. Can any parents imagine this being the case when we were youngster?

In fact, the report by the Play England charity found that today’s children are less than a third as likely to play outside as their parents were when they were young. And only 21% of today’s six to 15-year-olds play outdoors daily near their home, compared to 71% of their parents when they were young.

This report strikes us at Regatta as very sad. While we do live in a time when parents are much busier because of work and home demands, and there are greater perceived dangers, such as more cars on the road, there are numerous ways in which you can squeeze in some outdoor activity for the kids.

The report actually revealed that 70% of parents consider taking their children to an outside space to play to be a real treat and children feel the same. Almost two-thirds of children say they wish they could play outside more often.

Why playing outdoors is important for children

Play of all types, whether indoors or outdoors, is essential for children’s health and happiness. It helps children to learn how to become sociable and make friends. Being active outdoors is also good for physical good health. And like their parents, it’s important that children are outside in daylight for at least 20 minutes each day so that they can receive a healthy amount of Vitamin D, which is essential for mental well-being.

Outdoor activities for all the family

• Garden fun: Try to make good use of any outdoor space that you have at your home. If space is limited show the kids how to play with chalk on paving stones, hopscotch or skip. Add a trampoline to the garden or a playhouse if you have some spare money (or treat the kids to an outdoors toy for their birthday).
• Climb a tree: Head to a local park and find trees to climb. So long as you are not causing any damage to the tree, and the tree is study enough, climbing is fun and to be encouraged. Perhaps you could start by learning some “monkey” skills at a local playground and then transfer the skills to trees. Look out for fallen trees, too.
• Build a den. Woodlands make a great place for building dens from fallen branches. Or let the kids take chairs and sheets outdoors to build their own den in the back garden. 
• Join an outdoors club, such as a football club, a climbing club or golf. It’s good for children to a have a regular outdoors session to attend so that it remains on the family’s busy timetable. Team games are especially good for children's education and development.
• Family walks: Hills, forests, beaches and riversides provide the perfect location for walking with the family. When you’re near water you need to remind the kids about safety. Set a walking goal, such as being the first to the top of the hill, or the first to walk 3,000 strides, or the first to collect five different shells or rocks on the beach.
• Outdoor adventures: There are so many different activities to try in the outdoors that you could be kept busy all spring and summer long. How about canoeing or kayaking, abseiling, white water rafting, mountain biking, road cycling, gorge walking, canyoning or ropes challenges. Check out your local outdoors activity centre or book a holiday that is close to one of these increasingly popular centres.