News & Blog

Hi I’m Stu, grew up in South Africa, but spent the majority of my life in sunny South Manchester.

What do you do at Sprayway? 

Marketing assistant to Thomas, helping out where I can with market research, planning  and design of marketing campaigns and photocopying duties.

What do you love about it?

Being able to get creative, help develop marketing campaigns and working with a friendly team.

What do you hate about it? Be honest

Early starts (being a student and all!)

 What and where is your favourite walk?

Well I’m more of a Fell-runner so it would have to be a favourite run – probably around Grizedale Horseshoe in the north-west of the Lake District.

 What's your favourite walking snack?

Homemade Chocolate and Banana cake…immense!

And your must have sprayway garment?

Nixon shirt

And why?!

Comfortable and fashionable 

In the Outdoors -

Sun or Snow? 

Sun and snow – Alps

Ray Mears or Bear Grylls?  

Neither

Kate Humble or Julia Bradbury?  

Julia Bradbury

Cosy pub lunch or scenic picnic spot? 

Cosy pub lunch by a window with a scenic view

One thing we can say is you know when Katie is in the general vicinity of the office. A wicked laugh that could be heard up mountains far and wide…

Anyway in the style of Cilla Black; What’s your name and where do you come from?  Katie and I'm from lovely Leyland in Lancashire 

What do you do at Sprayway?  Product developer and make the Marketing Manager lots of coffee (Lies, all lies)

What do you love about it? My favourite part about working for Sprayway is the team, they're all amazing.  But I do also like farmyard Friday's and 3pm because its brew and cake time :)

What do you hate about it? Be honest: Spiders! There are MILLIONS of giant spiders in the Sprayway office! (We counted only TWO very small spider incidents this year)

What and where is your favourite walk?  I like Cureden valley in Clayton-le-wood Chorley because its where I use to go with my family when I was younger. Or for a more casual walk you cant beat a stroll down the beach front with some warm sugary doughnuts :) yummmm

What's your favourite walking snack?  Apple, sandwich, bag of cheese and onion walkers and a twirl chocolate bar and a flask of hot tea :)

And your must have sprayway garment?  All day walking Rainpant because there really comfy to wear when walking in all weather and my oyster Ixia,,, because it looks nice and the fabric is lovely. Also my Sprayway socks because there amazing for keeping your feet all snugly and warm but also dry and comfy.

Quick fire in the Outdoors -

Sun or Snow?   Sun to bathe in and snow to play in! :D

Ray Mears or Bear Grylls?  Ray Mears

Kate Humble or Julia Bradbury?  Kate Humble  

Cosy pub lunch or scenic picnic spot?   Picnic for Lunch and cosy pub (with a fire in winter) for your tea :) win win!  

Katie is in the blue hat and Oyster jacket below

Bring on the quiz…

What’s your name and where do you come from?

Thomas. Born in the wonderful City of Swansea and dragged to Manchester for my childhood.

What do you do at Sprayway?  

I am the Marketing Manager having moved from another brand in the OSC group earlier this year.

What do you love about it?

Creative ideas and day to day tasks. The chance to work on a brand with 40 years of heritage and a fantastic range to push. (also the fact I never have to brew up)

What do you hate about it? Be honest

Having to fill in website questionnaires? There is not much I hate. I suppose not having enough hands to mix the ingredients…

What and where is your favourite walk? 

The short stroll around Dunham Massey where my mum lives. Or failing that a trip along the Mumbles in Swansea with a Joe’s ice cream. (google it!)

What's your favourite walking snack? 

Percy Pigs and Black coffee (am I allowed red wine?)

And your must have sprayway garment? 

I don’t leave my house without my Leftfield jacket in Khaki green.

And why?! 

Its the perfect mix of urban style and technical functionality of course.

In the Outdoors -

Sun or Snow?  

Both. Skiing weather

Ray Mears or Bear Grylls?   

Bear Mears

Kate Humble or Julia Bradbury?   

Sarah Beeny

Cosy pub lunch or scenic picnic spot?  

Picnic every time…am I allowed red wine?

What do you love about it? I love the variation of the job, day to day anything can happen and dealing with that. Also dealing with and looking after all our customers is fantastic and there's a great wokring envrionment in the office, really friendly. 

What and where is your favourite walk?  It would have to be a coastal walk in Cornwall. We went down in August for a long weekend and the weatehr was perfect. This triangular route takes from the Lizard to Kynanace Cove and back again, whatever ther weather it's stunning all year round.

What's your favourite walking snack? Keeping up the Southern theme it's got to be the classic Cornish Pasty!! 

And your must have sprayway garment? Definitely the All Day Rainpant. (Check out our Sprayway retailer Cave & Crag this month for their fantastic All Day Rainpant offering).

And why?! Having them means you're prepared whatever the weather, pull them on in the morning and they will keep you going all day long. Not only that but former England Manager Steve McLaren was seen picking up a pair in Catstycam Outdoor in the Lake District this week!

In the Outdoors -

Sun or Snow?  Sun! 

Trail or Country Walking?  Trail!

Ray Mears or Bear Grylls?   Ray Mears 

Kate Humble or Julia Bradbury?   Julia Bradbury 

Cosy pub lunch or scenic picnic spot?  Depends which walk we are on and of course the weather!! But pub lunch probably!!  

1. What is your role in Sprayway? I manage the equipment sales and am sales rep for the North east of England…whey aye man.
2. What do you love about it?   Working with people day to day who have a mutual love for the outdoors.
3. There must be something you hate about it?   At times having to drive past the hills when I'd much rather be playing in them!
4. What and where is your favourite walk? Suilven & The Falls of Kirkaig (from Achalls Bookshop). Assynt, North West Highlands of Scotland. (See walkhighlands.co.uk)
5. What's your favourite walking snack?   Venison & Cranberry pie (From the famous Lochinver Pie Shop!)
6. And your must have sprayway garment?   Challenger Pant.
7. And why?! A superb trouser with great stretch, fit, durability and a DWR finish…what more do you need?!?!

In the Outdoors -  

1. Sun or Snow?    Can I say Winter Alpine...with a bit of sun?
2. Trail or Country Walking?   Trail walking, the more scrambling the better!
3. Ray Mears or Bear Grylls? Ray Mears every time. Bear Grylls is too melodramatic!
4. Kate Humble or Julia Bradbury?  I'll say Julia, because I've met her and she's lovely. Incidentally, it was the same day I met David Bellamy, legend!
5. Cosy pub lunch or scenic picnic spot? Scenic Picnic Spot. Food always tastes so much better when you find a special little spot. Don't forget to take your rubbish away with you though!

1. What's your favourite walking snack?   Cheese and ham sandwiches, a Mars bar and a cup of tea - I'm a simple girl at heart!
2. And your must have Sprayway garment?   Just one?  Really??  Dash hoody is my favourite all rounder, for both walking and casual wear, but I have to tease you and mention the Hydrolite 3in1 as well, coming for AW11 - I've been lucky enough to test a sample, and it is so versatile - the inner jacket is stylish enough for town, and the outer is lightweight enough to carry around and perfect to throw on when the heavens (inevitably) open! 

In the Outdoors -

1. Sun or Snow?    Sun, the hotter the better
2. Trail or Country Walking?   Country
3. Ray Mears or Bear Grylls?    Ray Mears
4. Kate Humble or Julia Bradbury?  Julia Bradbury

Cosy pub lunch or scenic picnic spot? Picnic if the sun is shining, cosy pub lunch with a roaring fire (essential) if it's chilly

1.) Hello, hello, tell us Neil what's your role at Sprayway? UK Sales - North West.

2.) What do you love about it? The different challenges and needing to be flexible make every day different and interesting. One day you're dressing a window display and the next your training retail staff in the shop or on the hill, the next day you're giving presentations on the new seasons exciting products.

Also getting to communicate and build relationships with so many great people in the outdoor industry and working with enthusiastic people both on the road and in the office. 

 3.) There must be something you hate about it?  Carrying heavy bags of samples around!

4.) Whinger...what and where is your favourite walk? It would have to be the walk to White Nancy along Kerridge Ridge. It's local to me, the pup loves it and the views across the Cheshire Plains are absolutely stunning. (Catch Neil's walk here). 

Although I'm just as happy taking my bike to Lee Quarry near Glossop and would highly recommend it to anybody looking to get out on their bike!! 

5.) What's your favourite walking snack? Homemade flapjacks with raisons! Although I have recently discovered OM Bars and they may take over!  

6.) And your must have sprayway garment? Hydrolite and Solar 30.  

7.) And why? Hydrolite is really packable and lightweight, so fits neatly in my Solar 30 along with everything I need for a days walk. The Solar 30 I use EVERY DAY for work, it carries my laptop, diary, stationery and files! Perfection on and off the hill!... And it looks good!

Quick fire in the Outdoors -

1.) Sun or Snow? erm.....erm.....snow or sun, skiing and winter climbing =snow! biking and walking =sun! I can not decide.     

2.) Trail or Country Walking? Country.  

3.) Ray Mears or Bear Grylls? Ray Mears, I met him in Carlisle, lovely chap.     

4.) Kate Humble or Julia Bradbury? Julia Bradbury.  

5.) Cosy pub lunch or scenic picnic spot? Pub, cold pint of course!   

If only he'd display the same skills in chosing a football team...

So I managed to collar him for just about long enough to squeeze a quick 60 seconds of questions. And I'll be putting his recommended walks onto the sprayway walks section this week as well!

1.) What is your role in Sprayway? Graphics Co-Ordinator

2.) What do you love about it? Great brand, with great people.

3.) Aw shucks, you're making me blush, anything you're not so fond of? Not being able to open a window..

4.) The hazards of having you're own office! What and where is you're favourite walk? Walking all the way from Anjuna, through Baga and Candolim and ending up in Calengute on the West coast of India.

In this country, walking to Chelmorton and Flagg from Taddington taking in the white peak. Although I also have a bit of a fondness for Kinder. 

5.) Don't we all, Bueno or Surprise? Nevermind...Actually speaking of which, what's your favourite walking snack? Jelly Babies!

6.) Ohhhh how do you eat them? Each one goes in whole, no nibbling!

7.) Animal! What's your must have sprayway garment? Equinox Zip Tee or Discover Tee

8.) Mines too, and why? Fab baselayer, does everything you'd want. Quick drying, odour adsorbing, wicking and super comfortable.

Okay then super quick fire round:

1.) Sun or Snow? Snow

2.) Trail or Country Walking? Country Walking

3.) Ray Mears or Bear Grylls? Ray Mears

4.) Kate Humble or Julia Bradbury? Whoever asks me first!

5.) Cosy pub lunch or scenic picnic spot? Pub in winter, picnic in summer!

Thanks for your time matey, and you can find "Waynes Walks" on the sprayway walks section from the 1st April!

You can find them on the following users:

Julie: @julie_sprayway

Owen: @owen_sprayway

Happy tweeting!

1.)    What is your role at Sprayway? I am the Fabric Technician for the Sprayway design team. I started as a machinist for Sprayway over 14 years ago working on waterproof jackets, so I literally know them all inside out! Since then I’ve had several jobs progressing to the position which I’m in today.

2.)    Fabric Technician? Sounds technical, what sort of things do you do in the Design Team? I am responsible for all aspects of the fabric production. I have to make sure all the fabrics we choose for every product is manufactured and dyed correctly. I then make sure all meet our exacting quality standards before they get shipped to our garment factories, where the products are made. When you think about how big our clothing range is, you’ll understand how difficult this can be – making sure the colours match throughout the clothing despite all sorts of different fabrics! I am also involved in the fabric testing of our fabrics, so making sure that they will perform to what you expect it to.

3.)    What do you love about it? When I get the first samples of a new fabric colour in, you never know how it looks until you see it, and then seeing the garment made up in it – those are the best moment in the office. There’s always great excitement throughout the office when the first samples come in. I also love days out on the hill with the team, testing some of the new and potentially new styles for the coming seasons collections.

4.)    Is there anything you hate? Sitting in front of a computer...  

5.)    What and where is your favourite walk? I don’t really have one particular favourite walk, however I do absolutely love to get up to the Lakes whenever I can. Any of the Ullswater walks are stunning. I also love taking the grandchildren to the park on a Sunday morning or out for the day when I can.

6.) And your favourite snack when you’re out walking? Easy – a Mars bar!

7.)    Finally what’s your favourite Sprayway Garment and why? For me it’s the Shikari Parka – I really like this jacket. It kept me snug, warm and dry throughout all the shockingly cold winter weather we had recently. I also like the look of the jacket, it’s great for every day wear. And doesn’t particularly look like a walking jacket even though it performs like one, and I would know!

Thank you, and quick fire:

Sun or Snow? Sun

Trail or Country Walking? Country Walking

Ray Mears or Bear Grylls? Ray Mears

Julia Bradbury or Kate Humble? Julia Bradbury

Cosy pub lunch or Scenic picnic spot? Cosy pub lunch!

(Sheila centre right, fitting Patrick for his Sprayway fleece!)

Anyway here he is playing with Brand Director Ian's bike, so he's also braver than the rest of us as well!!

1.) What is your role at Sprayway?

Senior Product developer. I am responsible for making sure that garments arrive in looking, fitting and working correctly which involves being the middle lady between the designers and the factories to translate ideas and information into wearable product. I spend a lot of my time hands on with the garments looking for ways that we can improve quality and function and helping our factories to understand what we need them to do in order to get the product the way we want it.

2.) And what do you love about going to work in the morning?

It is never the same each day, you never quite know exactly what you will be doing until you turn on your computer and see all the e-mails come flooding in from the other side of the world. I love my job because I can really get stuck in and make things happen. There is always a new way of doing something to discover, or a problem that needs solving. 

3.) Is there anything you don't like about it?

Sometimes it is like a juggling act because I have to work on three or more seasons all at one time.

4.) Having seen so many great products come off the page into reality lately - what's your must have Sprayway garment?

Womens Warm Challenger pant  

5.) Why?

I have been wearing them pretty much everyday since late October (washed regularly of course) they are my staple dog walking uniform because they block out the wind and withstand light rain and mud washes of them a treat. They are also pretty much indestructible and I don't overheat in them even when I am stomping up hills. Oh and they have zipped pockets for phone and keys and stuff, which is essential when your jacket pockets are already stuffed with poo bags, dog biscuits, gloves, tissues, etc.....

6.) Okay so what and where is your favourite walk when you're in it?

We found a great walk when we went to Cornwall last summer, it is approx 8 miles along the coast starting at Portreath and ending at Gwithian sands, passing Godrevy lighthouse, great in summer because you can do the last half mile or so along the beach and cool your feet off in the sea. It is an A to B walk but you can catch a bus to the start like we did and walk back.

7.) And most importantly - What's your favourite walking snack?

Cheese and marmite sarnies 

Lovely jovely, and for your quick fire questions...

1. Sun or Snow? Sun 
2.  Trail or Country Walking? Country Walking
3. Ray Mears or Bear Grylls? Ray mears, he doesn't bite the heads off frogs and jump out of helicopters.

1.  Kate Humble or Julia Bradbury? Kate Humble
2.  Cosy pub lunch or scenic picnic spot? Ah so hard, Pub in the winter for Pie and mash and Picnic in the summer, squashed cheese sandwiches and warm squash

1.) What is your role at Sprayway?

I am a Freelance Designer/Consultant and my role within Sprayway is to design the best gear I possibly can for the customers so that they enjoy being outdoors without having to worry about what they are wearing. I hope that my 25 years in the outdoor industry brings a confidence and knowledge to the product and to the team. 

2.) And what do you love about going to work in the morning?

I love the sharing of ideas, the constant battle to achieve the best item of clothing, the pace of the fast moving outdoors market place, working with fun people who would rather not be in the office, and having a close relationship with our fantastic weather and the unpredictable seasons - it's never boring!

3.) Is there anything you hate about it?

I hate being stuck in front of a pc all day. I miss the hands on approach of making the patterns, cutting out the fabric and then being able to sit next to a machinist and work out the best method of make for the factory to follow. 

4.) Having seen so many great products come off the page into reality lately - what's your must have Sprayway garment?

For walking my "must have" garment is my Sprayway Veila softshell.  

5.) Why?

Because it is the most versatile piece i have at the moment.  It is exactly the right weight and comfort level so that with a light base layer underneath I can wear it most of the year and in winter i just add another layer - a waterproof jacket on top or another thicker base layer like powerstretch underneath. I like the quiet, soft, stretchy fabric that repels most showers and love the way it morphs from hill to pub without looking awkward. It is like a cross between a fleece and a waterproof jacket - with all the bits I like!

6.) Okay so what and where is your favourite walk when you're in it?

Summerseat Circular. I like this walk because it is on my doorstep so I can go after work (in the lighter months). It suits any level of walker and it is not too far off the beaten track which means you can go solo if you want to, with no fear of getting lost. It takes me back in time to the 19th century when the mill workers were treading the same cobble stones in their clogs being overtaken by clattering horse and carts.  Maybe the loud hooting of the horn and hissing of steam from the impressive East Lancs steam trains which cross various points of this walk will help you imagine this era more vivdly. 

7.) And most importantly - What's your favourite walking snack?

I like dairylea cheese and worcestershire crisps in brown bread. 

Fantastic - now the quick fire round...

1. Sun or Snow? Sun 
2.  Trail or Country Walking? Country Walking
3. Ray Mears or Bear Grylls? Ray Mears
4.  Kate Humble or Julia Bradbury? Kate Humble
5.  Cosy pub lunch or scenic picnic spot? Errr... difficult 'cos food is featured in both - I'll go with the picnic

(Anne second from left with Patrick the Pig)

1.) How long have you been with Sprayway at what is your role here?

 Just over 2 years and I'm a designer

2.) And what gets you excited going to work in the morning?

 The fact that Sprayway is a growing brand. This makes it a very exciting time for all of us. For me, this means I get to be really creative with all my designs and explore completely new opportunities for the brand, you can see this in the growth of our off the hill wear, that's still got great performance, but looks as good high street as hill and trail.

3.) Is there anything you hate about it?

 It could be easy to be confused with all the seasons! While you only ever see one collection in the shops at a time, I can be working on up to three at a time. That's allot of new styles and colours for one brain to remember...and I often forget.

4.) Having seen so many great products come off the page into reality lately - what's your must have Sprayway garment?

 My Menara Parka is pretty warm and cosy at this time of year. I love the winter white colour, and I don't have to layer up to wear it, even at this time of year. It also goes with anything!

5.) It's getting close to that family winter walking time of year...What and where is your favourite winter walk? 

My favourite walk at this time of year is in Staffordshire. It's stunning, with an old railway line, a canal, a wood, and a big reservoir towards the end of it. It's always nice and quiet, being quite secluded and on a Sunday you can sometimes watch the boats sailing.

Christmas lights on the cottages along the way give it a little festive lift at this time of year, and when the canal freezes over it's even nicer. I love it because there's only one small hill involved....and three pubs to choose from!!

6.) When you'e on the hill, what's your favourite walking snack? 

Some form of chocolate.

And the quickfire round:

1. Sun or Snow? - Definitely snow.
2. Trail or Country Walking?  - Country Walking.
3. Ray Mears or Bear Grylls?   - Hmmm...Grylls, he's quite nice. Apart from the whole Craghoppers thing...
4. Kate Humble or Julia Bradbury?  - Kate Humble 
5. Cosy pub lunch or scenic picnic spot?  - Cosy pub lunch

(Zoe, left, out in the Lakes with the Design Team)

Good Morning Sarah, sorry to be ruining your early morning coffee and breakfast...

1.) What is your role in the design team at Sprayway? Product Developer - I work everyday with the Designers to develop products and ideas from drawings, into real life samples!

2.) And if you can pick out one thing...what do you love about it? The variety as I am usually working over three seasons which although can be quite confusing sometimes (and stressful) makes every day different! Plus it's great seeing designs come to life when the samples are ready...

3.) Is there anything you hate about it? Not about the job! More the fact that there is always cake in the Sprayway office, it's too easy to be led astray.

4.) Having seen so many great products come off the page into reality lately - what's your must have Sprayway garment? All Day Rainpants - I wear them all year round as whether sunshine or snow, they keep me warm/cool and keep my legs dry. Also love the Hydrolite Jacket, as the colours are great, so you can make it go with anything. 

5.) A running theme with the Developers and All Day Rainpant then - what and where is your favourite walk? Moor Divock and the Lowther valley which is a regular feature at the Ullswater Outdoor Festival and part of the Lake District Guided Walks Season. (Which can bee seen in our new Walks feature here!)

6.) Lovely, and when you'e on the hill, what's your favourite walking snack? Cheese and Onion crisps, closely followed by cake. Of any variety. Yum.

And the quickfire round:

1. Sun or Snow? - Both!
2. Trail or Country Walking?  - Country Walking, you never know what wildlife you're likely to see.
3. Ray Mears or Bear Grylls?   - Ray Mears 
4. Kate Humble or Julia Bradbury?  - Kate Humble 
5. Cosy pub lunch or scenic picnic spot?  - Both, cosy pub lunch for winter days and a scenic picnic spot in the midst of summer

(Sarah, left, about to hit the hill at Glenridding, Ullswater Valley.)

1.) What do you do at Sprayway?  Product developer and/or office chatterbox

2.) What do you love about it?  - Travelling to China to visit factories and it's an awesome team.

3.) Is there anything at all you hate about it?  - Way too many sweets in the kitchen, slimmers nightmare!! (Agreed – it’s the cakes that get me.)

 4.) As Product Developer you see everything up close and personal, what’s your must have Sprayway garment this year?  - All day rainpants, everytime.

5.) Why so good?!  -These are the bee's knee's,  you put them on at the start of the day, they keep you warm, day and you don't get that swooshing sound when you walk.  (plus i'm too lazy to carry an extra pair of over trousers)

6.) Okay so what and where is your favourite walk when you're in them? - Edale / Casleton (Check our Staff Walks for full details)

7.) And most importantly - What's your favourite walking snack?  - Home made flapjack!

I can definitely appreciate that. Righto some quick ones to round it off:

1. Sun or Snow?   - Snow, can't have sun ball fights (Good thing too)
2. Trail or Country Walking?  - Trail, preferably with a cafe or pub at the end 
3. Ray Mears or Bear Grylls?   - Ray Mears 
4. Kate Humble or Julia Bradbury?  - Kate Humble 
5. Cosy pub lunch or scenic picnic spot?  - Scenic picnic spot 

(Katherine, front and centre, with the rest of the design team)

Design Team left to right (Zoe, Julie, Emma, Katherine, Sarah, Ian & Sheila. Anne is behind the camera!)

Some of the Sprayway Sales and Marketing Guys admiring the magical self-standing bike...

Deciding he needed a bit of extra help in and around the shop he's bought in Patrick as his assistant, and as you can see in the picture he's quite a looker.

All makes sense really, until we tell you that Lee is the bloke on the left, and Patrick is the Micro Pig...

So as if being retailer of the month, stocking out latest winter '10 gear and running a golf-putting discount scheme isn't enough to get you down to Whites of Ramsbottom, you HAVE to come meet Patrick. 

He's faster than he looks though, so if you're looking to pet him, wear some runners, you won't catch him in 500g hiking boots.

Special mentions go to Marketing Manager Rob Sykes of Sprayway who got round in one hour twenty five minutes at his first attempt of anything like this, and to Andy Nixon of our counterparts Hilly & Ronhill, who came an impressive 5th in a time of fifty six minutes.

Watch this space for a little update on how it felt from the runners perspective!

It turned out to be a “wee drive” from London to Paris in support of 6 slightly deluded men who had thought it a good idea to cycle from Big Ben to le Tour Eiffel. Along, might I  add,  a fantastic selection of the smallest, windiest roads in Southern England and Northern France.

We set off from Big Ben at about 7am on the Sunday morning, and 3 days, 1 car ferry, 4 crashes, 8 punctures, 2 dodgy motels, some fantastic chocolate éclairs, countless wrong turns, a few well deserved pints of France’s finest and a quietly impressed me later we found ourselves under Le Tour Eiffel.

Despite all that, it was an excellent trip and one I would thoroughly recommend anyone taking. You can do the trip through a number of companies:

http://www.londres-paris.com/site/html/home/index.php

http://www.discoveradventure.com/challenge.aspx?t=32

http://www.skylineoverseas.co.uk/cycle-paris.aspx?ad=goO335&adentry=true&gclid=CIi5xtmWw6MCFR0B4wodMhUhaQ

Or you can do it like these fools did, and organise it yourself, so you set your own pace and have to book ahead for your own hotels etc. It works out a lot cheaper, but unless you’ve got a friend as patient (or stupid enough) as my brother you won’t have a support car. Which makes punctures and crashes a very irritating business.

I’m not the biggest climber in the world so I’m not going to be telling you about the last face I soloed, there’s many more talented folk here to do that. I’m a swimmer and a dog walker, so I’ll be filling you in on the best places around* for either of them and anything else that catches my eye in the Great Outdoors. Expect a jimble jamble of (hopefully) priceless information on enjoying being outside in Britain (and anywhere else I find myself).

* Don’t worry – it’ll be wild swimming, I’ll not be letting you know all the details of the bottom of Manchester Aquatics Centre, unless there’s a request…

Image: Owen at Culdaff Beach, Donegal, Ireland, Boxing Day 2009. (Yes it was so cold the beach was covered in ice)

Between us we've accumulated more hours in the outdoors than we could possibly account for, so here's where you can find out more about our best, and worst experiences. Not only that, but also where the inspiration behind everything we do comes from!

We'll also be filling you in on any walks, hikes, climbs, trips and falls we have throughout the year, so watch out for any Sprayway recommendations.