Weve teamed up with our friends at Dicky Bag to give one lucky winner a chance to win a clever, beautifully designed dog-walking bundle worth 132

The post Glenarm Forest appeared first on WalkNI.

Two of the UKs best known outdoor names are celebrating their 60th anniversaries in 2026, but many people wont be aware of the connection between them and their shared origins.The LD Mountain Centre and Berghaus were both started by North East climbers and entrepreneurs Peter Lockey and Gordon Davison, who began by opening the shop in 1966 on Dean Street in Newcastle upon Tyne. It was the first specialist outdoor shop in the area, in what was a fledgling and niche market in the UK. As well as running the shop, Lockey and Davison also distributed outdoor gear from Europe around the country, much of which came from Germany or Austria. Needing a name for that arm of the business, they decided that a bit of instant credibility could be gained by roughly translating the name of their shop into German, and Berghaus was born. It didnt take long for Lockey and Davison to start developing their own kit to sell in the shop, and they put the Berghaus brand onto this new product.Iconic Berghaus products from across the decadesSince it first opened, LD Mountain Centre has remained a cornerstone of the UKs independent specialist outdoor sector, while Berghaus has grown into one of the worlds best known and most respected outdoor brands, with a long track record of bringing iconic products to the market. From the early 1970s, Berghaus quickly earned a reputation for creating some of the most innovative gear on the market, with developments such as the Cyclops rucksack, Europes first GORE-TEX jacket and the legendary Yeti Attak gaiter, all of which were designed upstairs in the LD Mountain Centre.The brand was still based inside LD Mountain Centre when Lockey and Davison launched the first flagship Extrem range in 1986, designed for the most challenging activities in the harshest conditions. Along with other significant product developments, that kick started major business growth for Berghaus, and as its scale and international reach increased, the brand had to move its headquarters out of the shop. Forty years on, the latest Extrem collection is once again taking centre stage in the Dean Street store, as part of a major partnership between the two companies that is celebrating their shared heritage, and introducing consumers to a new generation of technical outdoor gear.The latest Berghaus range on display at LD Mountain CentreThe new display inside LD Mountain Centre showcases other key moments in the history of Berghaus and demonstrates its role in mountain adventure and in wider popular culture. The walls are adorned with archive material featuring some of the high profile figures and events associated with the brand during the last six decades, from the likes of climbers Sir Chris Bonington, Mick Fowler and Leo Houlding, to Oasis front man Liam Gallagher and Jay Kay from Jamiroquai. Throughout the display, there is a thread of the brands groundbreaking product breakthroughs that continue to help more people access the outdoors. These include key Extrem kit through the years, to the recent Maternity and Beyond collection, and initiatives such as Repairhaus, the free repair service that Berghaus has offered throughout its history, initially from LD Mountain Centre.Charlie Pym, Berghaus senior vice president, comments: Berghaus is a richly storied brand, and that all began in LD Mountain Centre 60 years ago. So as we introduce our latest great kit, its right to celebrate that deep, shared heritage. Berghaus wouldnt exist if Peter Lockey and Gordon Davison hadnt opened their store on Dean Street, and its wonderful to see the brand showcased in this way in the place where it was born.Extrem products have remained a cornerstone of the Berghaus rangeRoddy Mackay, LD Mountain Centre managing director, comments: Over the past sixty years, LD Mountain Centre and Berghaus have shared an extraordinary heritage that began here on Dean Street in Newcastle. From the early days of developing innovative gear upstairs in the Dean Street shop, through to today, that spirit of innovation and passion for the outdoors has remained at the heart of everything we do.More info: www.berghaus.com and www.ldmountaincentre.com

The Sl Signet, by Tough Soles & The Wandering Goldsmith Inspired by Irelands National Waymarked Trails, the Sl Signet Ring is created for those who have fallen in love with the rugged beauty of the Irish landscape. Designed in collaboration with Tough Soles, who have completed every single one of the national waymarked trails, the ring features the trail marker that has accompanied them along their 4,000km journey. Each ring is handcrafted in Sterling Silver in my small workshop in Ireland. Created for hiking enthusiasts and travellers alike, its is a lasting symbol of miles walked, memories made and connection to Irelands beauty. To pour back into the outdoor community, 10% of the profits from each sale are being donated to Mountain Rescue Ireland. Order Here My dreams came true last year, when talking to Leika (The Wandering Goldsmith) and realising that she would be just as excited as me to make something together, inspired by Irelands incredible trails.The Sl Signet is inspired by "Elvis" - long term readers may remember this nickname for the little man who way-marks all of our National Way-marked Trails. This was a collaborative design process, discussing different jewellery formats, what would suit a broad demographic, and me learning a lot about metal densities, quenching affects, and everything else Leika was able to explain to me. I am so happy that we settled on a signet ring. Made of solid sterling silver, this ring feels durable and capable of accompanying me on many adventures into the future. View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize To celebrate our creation in person, we went and walked the Peakeen Ridge Loop on the Sheeps Head Peninsula, a stunning 15km loop with many gorgeous hand-made waymarkers too.

RV Rental Prices: What It Really Costs

In 2023, Ellie set off to climb every mountain on the island of Ireland - specifically, the Vandeleur-Lynam List. The definition of a mountain is a tricky one. The Vandeleur-Lynams is a list of 275 summits over 600m, featuring all of Ireland's most iconic peaks - and many that are remote and little known.Through the months of June and July, Ellie worked her way around the island ticking off all the major mountain ranges. She just so happened to pick the wettest summer on record. However, this project wasnt a box ticking exercise. It was a celebration of the wild variety of landscapes that Ireland has to offer, and an excuse to spend a summer in the places she loves the most. It is here! I am so delighted to share with you that the short film about my adventure climbing mountains all around Ireland is complete. With the help of Matt and Conall from Outsider.ie, this film captures the joy of adventure, and the realities of a summer outside in Irish conditions. 3 Upcoming Screenings: 1. April 18th: Wander Wild Festival, Co. Kerry * Great Southern Killarney, Co. Kerry* Saturday at 4pm* Tickets 15* Live recording of the Outsider Podcast Book Wander Wild Here 2. April 30th: North-west Screening * Eclipse Cinema, Carrick-on-Shannon, Co. Leitrim* Thursday from 6:30 - 7:30pm* Tickets 8* Followed by Q&A conversation Book North-west screening here 3. May 7th: Dublin Screening * UCD Cinema, Dublin 4* Thursday from 7:00pm - 8:00pm* Tickets 8* Followed by Q&A conversation Book Dublin Screening Here Events CalendarAs part of rolling out these screenings, Ive set up the Tough Soles Events Calendar, which you can flick through below, or find linked above in the navigation bar. Future screenings, group hikes, etc., will all be listed on the events page.

The Caves of Kesh are a short walk to an incredible viewpoint. These interconnecting, ancient chambers foster a sense of otherworldliness, of folklore and faeries. And maybe there is something there. OverviewDistance: 3km total out and back (with a lot of wandering around by me)Time: 15 - 60 minutes depending on how long you want to explore! Parking: small car park with space for approx. 10 cars.Trail difficulty: Easy (-ish)There is a waymarked path, but it is very steep. The upper slopes are very exposed, and the caves themselves can be very muddy. Read how we rate trails here.Trail quality: 3/5The paths between the caves are exposed, good footwear is required. Views: 5/5For a relatively short climb, the views are gorgeous. I especially enjoyed visiting at sunset. Buggy/Wheelchair friendly: No Dogs allowed: NoExternal links: Sligo WalksTrail on HiiKEROur long-form video on YouTube View of the caves from the car park The Caves of Kesh (also known as the Keash Caves or the Caves of Keshcorran) are a series of limestone caves in the south-west of Sligo. Located on the west side of Keshcorran Hill (part of the Bricklieve Mountains), they consist of sixteen chambers that interconnect - if youre daring enough to follow the narrow passages.Carl and I had visited when we moved to the north-west in 2021, and Id been meaning to come back with a camera ever since. Who knew somewhere so close would take me almost five years to revisit. View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize Its early March as I pull into the car park in the evening sunshine. One of the first full days of sunshine weve had all year, and I am beaming from a day already spent outdoors. I am wearing all my winter weight base layers as the wind could still cut you in two, but right now all Im really aware of is the sting of my cheeks and the glare off the windshield as I repack my bag before starting off on the short walk. Leaving the small car park, you go through a kissing gate and across a field to the base of the hill. Like many hills in the area (Knocknarea and Knocknashee being two) Keshcorran is very steep-sided, with a more plateau-like top. However, we wont be seeing the summit today. Hug the hedge for 100 meters or so, and then the climb begins. Its both over before you know it - and feels like youre not making any progress. But it levels out after a few switchbacks, and gently rolls towards the entrance to the largest of the caves. The path to the primary cave is the one that is the most developed and distinctive. If you want to visit other openings, it becomes a narrow sheep-path, and all are muddy. View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize And would really recommend that you do prepare to visit a few of them.Muddy boots already donned, I skipped the primary cave as it was somewhat busy and meandered between the others. Several do interconnect, and as I stood silently in one, a slight pre-teen suddenly appeared on a ledge a couple of meters above my head. Both of us startled to see the other, I asked where she came from. One of the narrow entrances back that way, she answers, pointing back over her shoulder towards the main caves. I have a strong guess as to which one she meant, as I had stopped into one earlier that felt like it continued on. However, after two months of intense rain, these limestone walls are quite literally dripping wet.The plink-plink-plink of this indoor rain creates a relaxing backdrop to the sun streaming in. All the ferns and mosses are a bright, vibrant green, reminding me of the Atlantic rainforest phrase Ive been hearing more and more of these past few years. View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize Of course, with such distinct and ancient caves, there is plenty of folklore surrounding them.The first story I read when researching was of Cormac Mac Airt, a legendary high-king of Ireland. According to the story, a female wolf kidnapped him shortly after his birth, and reared him in one of the Kesh Caves (the Irish retelling of the roman myth?).The second tale is that of the Cailleachs of Ceis (Cailleach meaning witch in Irish), where Fionn MacCumhail and the Fianna are captured and imprisoned in one of the caves by three hags of the Tuatha De Danann, only to be rescued by one of his enemies who battles fiercely to free them.However, the story that I was told by more than one fellow visitor that evening was of a young woman tasked with caring for the bull of a local chieftain. So much did she want to impress, that when the bull went charging off, she grabbed its tail to try and stop it. It dragged her through fields and ditches, and as the sun set, into the caves themselves. The caves went so deep that hours and hours passed, and still the bull ran through the darkness. Eventually, she saw light ahead, and the exhausted bull burst out into the daylight. However, on looking around she realised that they were no longer at her homeplace but had instead come out through the Caves at Tulsk in Roscommon. View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize This is not the first time Ive heard a story of caves from one place connecting to somewhere far off (Tulsk is a solid 40km+ away). When living in Tipperary as a pre-teen, I remember the ruined castle up the road from us that we would explore with the neighbouring kids. There were one or two cramped cave entrances below it, and each of us would be dared to walk slightly further - the eldest kids claiming that this would take us the whole way to Cahir Castle, some 10km away. Moving on from my youthful antics - the caves of Kesh are a lovely place to visit for a sunset walk. There will probably be other people also visiting while you are there - I think many people add it to their to do list when visiting the north-west as its a place you can visit quickly while on the way to or from other adventures. I spent quite a bit of time here, and so got to enjoy the lulls between different groups. Further exploringCheck out all of the trails organised by county here.Other trails in the area: Knocknarea & Queen Maeves TrailKillaspugbrone Loop WalkAughris Head Coastal WalkKnocknashee WalkUnion WoodLough Key Forest ParkFavourite Local Coffee / Food Options:Tempo Cafe, BallysadareNook Cafe & Restaurant, Collooney (great vegan options)Lovage Gatelodge Cafe, BoyleRover Coffee Lab, Sligo (Coffee)

Jetboil have launched their new TrailCook 1.2L and 2.0L stove systems, which they describe as next-generation stove systems that let you dial in the perfect flame for simmering, sauteing, and stir- frying delicious meals wherever you are.Engineered with a new integrated, self-centering pot support and advanced regulator valves, Jetboil say that the TrailCook 1.2L and TrailCook 2.0L Stove Systems deliver precise simmer control, fast ignition, and incremental heat adjustment for delicious meals.They also feature Jetboils re-engineered ignition, now integrated directly into the valve control for easier, more reliable lighting. A durable, ceramic-encased igniter ensures stable, long-lasting performance, while a textured grip zone on the burner base makes it easier to attach canisters, adjust the flame, or connect cookware. Additionally, each TrailCook model comes equipped with ceramic-coated cook pot with Jetboils FluxRing technology for easy cleaning and maximum fuel efficiency.Both models come with a ceramic-coated cook pot with Jetboils FluxRing technologyThe TrailCook 1.2L Stove System is aimed at individuals seeking a compact, efficient setup. At only 19.4 oz, this stove offers a 1.2-liter capacity and reaches a boil in 2 minutes and 15 seconds per 16 oz, providing exceptional performance without excess bulk. The new lid design boasts helpful features like a spout and a strainer, while a clever foldable handle locks the lid into place for easy packing. Its streamlined design makes it perfectly suited for individual meals and fast-moving adventures.For groups of 2-4 people, the TrailCook 2.0L Stove System expands your off-grid cooking capabilities with a larger, Dutch-ovenstyle cook pot built for shared dishes. The lid is specifically designed for easy handling to stir, simmer, and cook, featuring 2 folding handles and 2 silicone thumb rests for effortless straining and maneuvering. At only 22.2 oz with a capacity of 2 liters, this stove boils a liter of water in 4 minutes and 15 seconds, providing the same precise flame control and packable design as the 1.2L model, scaled for group meals.Jetboils new TrailCook 1.2L and TrailCook 2.0L Stove Systems are compatible with a wide range of accessories, including the Summit Skillet, 1.5L Ceramic Cook Pot, TrailSpoon, and TrailWare.Both models feature Jetboils re-engineered ignitionWith TrailCook, we set out to give adventurers real control over their meals beyond fast boils, said Ally Spaight, Senior Integrated Marketing Manager at Jetboil. These Stove Systems bring precision cooking to the backcountry in a way that is brand new at this weight and packability. Whether youre simmering a pot of stew or making a quick solo breakfast, Jetboil TrailCook Stove Systems gives you the reward of a hot meal at the end of the day.Prices are 219.99 for the 1.2L model, and 229.99 for the 2.0L version.More info: www.jetboil.co.uk