Wanting to explore more mountain bothies in the UK as somewhere interesting to camp for future expeditions, I decided I should find the ‘Green bothy’ that’s located in the Northumberland national park.

Taking the train to Haltwhistle, the route would be almost 24 kilometres (so a little more than a half marathon) from the station to the bothy, via Hadrian’s wall and winding firetracks through Kielder Forest.

With a few days in London, I decided to make a trip the Royal Geographical Society (RGS) to catch a special exhibition showcasing photographs from the ill-fated Everest expedition of 1924 where George Mallory and Andrew "Sandy" Irvine sadly disappeared.

Whilst having a huge interest in mountaineering and Everest, I didn’t know much about the early Everest expeditions not least the 1924 one.

If you’ve not heard of them, ‘The Longest Johns’ are a vocal group from Bristol, that came together through a shared passion for folk music, sea shanties, and maritime rock. Comprising Andy Yates, Dave Robinson, Jonathan “JD” Darley, and Robbie Sattin, the quartet began their musical journey by performing traditional songs and their own original compositions.

In Autumn 2018, whilst on a trip to traverse the nearby Aonach Eagach ridgeline, I made a special journey to the Commando Memorial, situated at Spean Bridge in the Scottish Highlands – a really poignant tribute to the elite Commando forces of World War II and beyond.

Erected in 1952, the memorial overlooks the stunning landscape of the Nevis mountain Range and serves as a lasting memorial to the Commandos who trained in the rugged terrain of the nearby Lochaber region.

Wanting to spend more time exploring Britain’s fine range of abandoned houses (aka ‘bothies’) along the Pennine way to serve as potential rest stops, saw me trek to the Haughton Green bothy building, located near the now infamous remains of the Sycamore gap tree.

On my way to find the Haughton Green bothy, I stumbled upon the stunning Cawfields Quarry, a former limestone quarry within the Northumberland National Park.

In addition to its calming atmosphere Cawfields Quarry has historical significance.

The site contains remnants of Hadrian's Wall, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built by the Romans in the 2nd century AD to fortify their northern frontier in Britain. Hadrian's Wall runs along the northern edge of the quarry, and visitors can explore the remains of the wall and the nearby milecastle.

HR4K is more than just a shop, gym, cafe, or hangout space; it's a vibrant lifestyle brand that brings together individuals who share common interests and values.

Founded by Ben Garwood, a former 22 SAS operator, HR4K serves as a community-focused hub where good people come together to connect, collaborate, and cultivate strong networks.

The National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire is a poignant and tranquil space dedicated to honouring the memory of those who have served and sacrificed for their country. Located near the village of Alrewas, the arboretum spans 150 acres (about 85 football pitches for context) of beautifully landscaped grounds, offering a place for remembrance, reflection, and commemoration.

During a trip to explore Dartmoor, I got to visit the Duke of York pub located in the village of Iddesleigh in Devon, renowned its association with the acclaimed British author Michael Morpurgo, who often frequented the pub.

The Duke of York pub holds a special place in the history of "War Horse" as Morpurgo reportedly got the idea for the novel from a veteran he met in the pub who shared his experiences of World War I and the role of horses in the conflict.

These days, Friday nights are best spent sleeping in remote Welsh mountain bothies!

Despite many years of outdoor adventures, a Friday night in April 2024 was my first time sleeping in one of these many free camping huts dotted around the UK.

Driving to Snowdonia national park in North Wales, our group of 3, good mate, Justin Oliver Davis, an adaptive athlete aiming for some big adventures (who I’ve interviewed on our podcast a few years ago), and Stefan Hoole, another great mate made when we both flew to the Caribbean to respond to Hurricane Irma in 2018, found this little hut at lake Arenig Fawr to yomp to and camp at.

Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the castle stands on top of a hill overlooking the River Wear and is next to Durham Cathedral, forming one of the most iconic views in the city.