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As he prepares to head to Nepal to attempt a record-breaking 20th (for a Western climber) summit of Everest, we chat to Kenton Cool about what motivates him to go back, how climbers can do their part in promoting sustainability on the mountain, and what to look for when choosing which guiding or logistics company to go withWhat motivates you to keep returning to Everest: records, money, love of the mountain/people/culture or all of the above?Ive got a deep affection for the mountain itself her history, her size, her sheer presence. You cant spend that many seasons on Everest without forming a bond with the mountain. The people are a huge part of it too. The Sherpa community have been my friends and colleagues for decades; returning each year feels a bit like coming home. Yes, guiding is my profession, and of course theres a financial element I have a family to support but if it were just about money, Id have stopped a long time ago. In truth, its the combination of culture, camaraderie, challenge and the privilege of helping others realise a lifelong dream.Youve climbed from both sides of Everest; how do they compare and do you have a preference?Ive actually only ever climbed from the South Side (Nepal) and its where my relationships with the Sherpa and knowledge of the mountain have formed. People often ask whether Id like to try the North. Perhaps one day. But the South Side has given me everything I could hope for: challenge, beauty, camaraderie, and a deep connection to the people who make the whole endeavour possible.Kenton could tick off his 20th Everest summit this season if all goes to planWhat are the main environmental factors affecting Everest at the moment?The big three in my opinion: 1. Climate change The Khumbu Icefall is becoming smaller and more unstable year on year. The monsoon and winter patterns are shifting, which means its warmer for longer around the Icefall. 2. Glacial retreat Base Camp itself is moving; the glacier underneath is thinning and changing shape and there are rivers running through Base Camp now they werent there when I first started climbing Everest in 2004. 3. Overcrowding Increasingly high traffic on the mountain means more footfall, increased waste, and more of a human imprint which strains a fragile environment. Whilst waste is being managed much better these days, it is still highlighted by many as a problem.Can Everest climbers be part of the solution, rather than part of the problem?Absolutely and they must be. Im conscious that I have a bit of a platform and I want to use it for good. As climbers, we bring money into Nepal, which funds conservation projects, waste management, and local livelihoods. Teams can insist on responsible practices: waste removal, minimal camps, ethical logistics. But climbers also need to be honest about their footprint and not hide behind token offsetting. The best contribution is to reduce impact, support local communities properly, and respect the mountain as more than a trophy.What are the main changes youve seen on the mountain in the 20+ years youve been guiding on it?Its almost unrecognisable in some respects. The professionalism of Sherpa climbers has skyrocketed. The kit is far better boots, oxygen systems, tents. Communication has transformed the experience satellite comms, weather forecasting, GPS. There are many more teams, and the spectrum of quality is wide. And, of course, the effects of climate change are becoming unavoidable. Everest, however, is the same majestic peak and she still commands the same level of respect.KC preparing his kit for the forthcoming seasonHow do you see the practical aspects of climbing Everest change in the future as climate change continues changing the conditions on the mountain? Will it eventually be a rocky scramble?!No, it wont ever be a scramble Everest will always be a high-altitude, oxygen-thin, brutally cold place. But I think we will see: More unpredictable weather; harder-to-read ice conditions; a gradually deteriorating Khumbu Icefall; less stable snowpack; longer periods of bare ice. The practicalities of climbing will continue to evolve, and guides will need to adapt their strategies each season.How do you reconcile encouraging clients to take long-haul flights with your awareness of the damage it is doing? (and bearing in mind that offsetting has largely been debunked)There is no doubt that international mountaineering has a carbon cost. I dont pretend offsetting magically fixes everything. What I can do is: Encourage clients to stay longer in Nepal and contribute meaningfully to the local economy; work with operators who run environmentally responsible expeditions; personally minimise unnecessary travel outside the guiding season; support long-term community and conservation projects in the Khumbu.What is a safe number of permits to issue each season, in your opinion?Somewhere around 250-300 climbers on the South Side is manageable if the teams are competent and well-spaced throughout the season. The issue isnt the number itself its the quality and timing of those attempting the peak. Ten excellent teams cause fewer issues than two poorly run ones.Given that the Nepal authorities have talked before about not issuing permits to climbers with proper experience, do you really think this will come into force, or will money trump ethics again?Nepal is in a difficult position. Tourism is its economic heartbeat. Id love to see stricter competence requirements, but realistically, politics and financial pressures usually outweigh safety considerations. We may see incremental changes, such as the suggested requirement to have climbed a 7,000m peak before attempting Everest, but a strict enforcement regime? Ill believe it when I see it.What Chez Cool looks like before an Everest expedition!What is the standard of Nepali-run guiding companies/outfitters these days, and is it true that a cheap Everest package is cutting corners?The best Nepali operators are world-class. Truly exceptional. But the bottom of the market is a different story. A cheap Everest package absolutely means cuts, usually in: Oxygen quality and supply; guide experience; ratios; safety equipment; weather forecasting; evacuation capability. Everest is not the place to bargain hunt.Where is the line between guiding and outfitting, and how can prospective Everest climbers be sure of what they are getting? (i.e. full guiding or just logistics)This is one of the most misunderstood aspects of Everest. Outfitting = logistics: tents, food, oxygen, ropes. Guiding = decision-making, leadership, pacing, risk assessment, and personalised Sherpa support. Many companies advertise guiding but actually provide logistics only. A prospective climber must ask: Who makes the decisions on the mountain?; Who is my personal guide and how many clients do they have?; Does my guide climb with me, or just coordinate things from Base Camp?; What is included in the oxygen strategy?; What is the plan if things go wrong?. If you dont get clear answers, walk away. Everest is not the place to take unnecessary risks. As I always say, the summit is optional but getting back home is the goal.For regular updates on Kentons Everest 26 expedition, you can follow his or Trek & Mountains accounts on Instagram.More info at: www.kentoncool.comKenton is sponsored by www.lasportiva.com and www.petzl.comImages and video by @daniel_james_media

Whether youre a seasoned family camper who always seems to end up forgetting things or youre a first-time camper, the Camping with Style Ultimate Family Camping Packing Check List will ensure you never forget anything vital again!Packing for a camping trip can feel like a daunting task, especially for family campers when there are multiple people to think about, but with our ultimate camping check list, youll be well-prepared for a lifetime of unforgettable family outdoor adventures. One of the biggest challenges with family camping is not just remembering what to pack, but making sure everything is easy to find once you arrive. Theres nothing worse than turning up at a campsite and rummaging through bags trying to locate tent pegs, torches or that one crucial cable. A well-thought-out packing list doesnt just help you remember items, it helps you organise them too. Grouping your gear into categories like sleeping, cooking and essentials can make unpacking quicker, so you spend less time on tedious set-up and more time having family fun.Its also worth remembering that every camping trip is slightly different. The time of year, location, campsite facilities and even the age of your children will all influence what you need to bring. Thats why having a reusable, adaptable checklist is so helpful. Over time, youll start to tweak your list based on experience, adding items you wish youd had and removing things you never used. Before long, youll have your own perfectly tailored family camping system that makes packing quicker, easier and far less stressful every time you head off on an adventure.Download The Ultimate Camping Packing ListClick here to download you list to save or print.Simply bookmark and refer back to this page, take a screen-grab, download the pdf and keep it on your phone or go old-school and print a few out so youve always got a physical handy checklist that you can refer back to bonus points if you laminate it!Download The Ultimate Camping Packing ListClick here to download you list to save or print.Kids Camping Activity BookA camping activity book thats packed full of everything from camping skills to wellbeing, nature crafts to campfire stories, kids will love taking this away on their next family camping trip. Buy On AmazonThe post What Camping Gear Do I Need? Family Camping Packing Check List 2026 appeared first on Camping Blog Camping with Style | Travel, Outdoors & Glamping Blog.

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Planning a Devon road trip? Wondering which part of Devon is best or where the best places to visit for a fun day out are? Heres everything...The post Devon Road Trip itinerary- 19 Beautiful places to Visit appeared first on Wandering Bird Motorhome Travel Blog.

Baltimore Beacon is an unusual outpost jutting out into the Atlantic from the rugged cliffs of west Cork. Come explore this unique landmark with me OverviewDistance: Starting from Baltimore village: approx 3.5km total out and backStarting from the very small car park at the end of the road: 600m total out and backTime: 10 - 60 minutes depending on how long you want to explore! Parking: Large car park in the villageTiny closer car park (room for approx. 4 cars)Trail difficulty: Easy (-ish)Walking out from the village is all small lanes, until the last 300m. From there, there is a worn path that can be steep and slippy underfoot. There is no way-marking. Read how we rate trails here.Trail quality: 3/5No official trail really underfoot, but the ground was stable when I visitedViews: 5/5A really lovely spot to sit and look out at the surrounding islands and cliffs. Buggy/Wheelchair friendly: No Dogs allowed: NoWhen was I here: March 2026External links: Our long-form video on YouTubeSport Ireland Outdoors Recently I was down in Cork visiting The Wandering Goldsmith to work on our Sl Signet. Having driven to the other end of the country, it felt only right to go and see some places that have been on my to do list for a long time. The first stop was to see the Baltimore Beacon. The Baltimore Beacon is a large, white-painted stone pillar that sits on a prominent viewpoint above the water between the mainland and Sherkin Island. Standing at 15m high, its a tapered pillar with a red ball on top, and unlike anything Ive seen along the Irish coastline (although apparently it is one of at least 20 such structures out there).Visiting in mid-March on a stormy weekend, I was alone as I pulled into the tiny car park at the top of the lane out from the village. I let the rain shower pass, and then stepped out into glorious sunshine with a biting wind. Walking out from this tiny car park, its only 300m or so to this huge pillar. Beacons like this have to be somewhat unique, so that when sailers spotted them they would know where they are. Apparently, one of the names its known by is Lots Wife - after the biblical woman who turned into a pillar of salt. While wandering around this viewpoint several other people came and went, despite the strength of the wind and earliness in the season. I stayed and watched one or two small boats resolutely push through the choppy water, the gulls diving along the cliffs, and the sea foam blowing up around me so it fell like snow. At this early point in the year, this was a peaceful place to stop by to drink in both the views and my coffee. I can imagine that during peak summer times it could be overly busy. Something of a snap and go viewpoint, I feel conflicted in whether I recommend visiting. Our outdoor spaces suffer enough from high footfall in photogenic places, which this certainly is. In these high-use areas, being aware of our impact is key - strive to leave nothing behind and take care of the environment. Is a simple walk to a pretty place, and if that interests you then I hope youve a wonderful time. View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize Further exploringCheck out all of the trails organised by county here.Other trails in the area: Knockomagh Hill (Lough Hyne Viewpoint)The Sheeps Head WayPeakeen Loop, Sheeps HeadGougane Barra Forest ParkThe Beara WayFavourite Local Coffee / Food Options:Brew, SkibbereenONeill Coffee, SkibbereenDrip Coffee, RosscarberyWazzy Woo, Clonakilty

Theres something primally magical about waterfalls. The thundering roar that gives nothing away until youre almost upon them. The cool mist that hangs in the air on warm summer days. The moss-drenched rocks and fern-lined banks that seem to belong to a world untouched by time. And, of course, those irresistible plunge pools glittering invitations to strip off and take a dip.The UK might be compact, but it punches well above its weight when it comes to dramatic cascades. From the misty Highland gorges of Scotland to the wooded valleys of Wales and the tumbling becks of the Lake District, some of Britains most breathtaking waterfalls are hiding in plain sight and a handful of brilliant campsites have had the good sense to set up right beside them.Weve put together a carefully chosen list of UK campsites where a waterfall isnt just a nearby attraction, its practically part of the experience. Think falling asleep to the sound of rushing water, morning walks to cascades before the crowds arrive, and wild swimming spots you can reach in under ten minutes from your tent. Whether youre a seasoned wild camper or planning your first family camping trip, these campsites close to waterfalls offer something genuinely special.1. Stanley Force, Eskdale in CumbriaFrom your pitch if you listen carefully, youll hear the quiet sound of running water; its this sound that lead us to explore and just a couple of minutes away from the campsite, we came across the beautiful Stanley Force Waterfall.Weve written previuosly reviewed Eskdale Camping & Caravanning Club Campsite, or you can visit the website here.2. Rhaeadr Nantcol Waterfalls, Gwynedd in WalesOnly a couple of miles away from Shell Island, Nantcol Waterfalls Campsite is one that is high on our must-visit list. No matter where you pitch at this campsite, youll hear the soothing sound of the waterfall.Photo credit: Nantcol Watefalls CampsiteVsit the Nantcol Waterfalls Campsite here.3. Falls of Foyer, Loch Ness in ScotlandThe beautiful waterfall Falls of Foyer can be found near the shore of Loch Ness. If you choose to camp at the Camping and Caravanning Club site, Loch Ness Shores is located on the south shore of Lock Ness is less than a twenty minute walk away from the falls.Photo credit: Weeping Willow4. Whitelady Waterfall, Lydford Gorge , Dartmoor in DevonLydford Gorge is a deep, wooded ravine carved by the River Lyd on the western edge of Dartmoor National Park, and its home to one of the most dramatic waterfalls in the south of England. The gorge stretches 1.5 miles and includes the spectacular 90ft Whitelady Waterfall, as well as the Devils Cauldron whirlpool making it a genuinely extraordinary place to base yourself for a few nights under canvas.Lydford Caravan and Camping Park puts you just five minutes walk from the gorge entrance, with pretty views of Dartmoors tors from the site and easy access to the circular trail passing the Whitelady Waterfall and Devils Cauldron. There are also limitless additional walks and cycling routes close to the site, including a number of lovely National Trust properties to explore. Visit the Lydford Caravan and Camping Park website here.5. Ingleton Waterfalls Trail Campsite, North YorkshireIf you want a campsite that puts you right at the start of one of Englands most celebrated waterfall walks, look no further than the campsite at Ingleton Waterfalls Trail. The trail itself winds through two dramatic gorges and takes in a series of stunning waterfalls including Thornton Force, Pecca Falls and Hollybush Spout, all accessible directly from the campsite gate! Its a truly unique setup where the waterfalls are essentially your front garden. Weve previously stayed the Ingleton Waterfalls Trail campsite and can thoroughly recommend it! Visit Ingleton Waterfalls Trail campsite here.6. Hardraw Force, Wensleydale, Yorkshire DalesWere staying with Yorkshire for this next one. Hardraw Force holds the impressive distinction of being Englands highest single-drop waterfall above ground, plunging 30 metres into the gorge below and remarkably, you access it by walking through the bar of a 13th century pub. The Green Dragon Inn has a small campsite on its grounds, meaning you are quite literally camping in the shadow of one of Englands most spectacular natural features. A small entrance fee is payable to access the falls, but staying on the campsite puts you just minutes away at any time of day.Visit the Green Dragon Inn website here.7. Pistyll Rhaeadr, Powys in WalesOften cited as one of the Seven Wonders of Wales, Pistyll Rhaeadr is Britains tallest single-drop waterfall, tumbling 73 metres down a dramatic cliff face in the Berwyn Mountains. What makes this entry extra special is that the campsite sits right at the base of the waterfall you can hear it from your sleeping bag and be standing in front of it within minutes of waking up. Theres also a charming little tearoom on site called Tan-y-Pistyll, meaning little house under the waterfall, making this one of the most atmospheric camping spots in Wales.Visit the Pistyll Rhaeadr campsite website here.We hope this guide has inspired you to swap the ordinary campsite backdrop for something a little more dramatic. Theres genuinely nothing quite like the sound of falling water to make a camping trip feel like a proper escape, and as this list proves, you dont have to travel to far-flung corners of the world to find it. The UK has it all, right on your doorstep.If youre searching for campsites near waterfalls, wed love to hear about your experiences. Whether youve visited one of the spots on our list or discovered a hidden gem of your own. Drop us a comment below, and if you found this guide useful, dont forget to share it with a fellow camping lover.The post UK Campsites Close To Waterfalls appeared first on Camping Blog Camping with Style | Travel, Outdoors & Glamping Blog.