Here is a list of some of my 5 favourite outdoor clothing brands to help you get started and kitted out for the Great Outdoors. I start with The North Face, probably the best known outdoor clothing brand out there, then move on to the likes of Fjallraven, Haglofs, Montane and Rab Equipment. Where I hope to give my honest opinion of what these popular brands might offer.
Read MoreThere's nothing better than an outdoor hen night with your girl gang. Click on the link and get some great ideas on how to have an outdoor hen party in style.
Read MoreHere is my latest review of the Quad Lock Smartphone Adaptor. This is a fantastic piece of kit and it has certainly now become an integral part of my outdoor kit bag. I have reviewed this product while using it regularly on my trips outdoors and it is easy to use and allows me to take some great photos on my Smartphone.
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Read MorePeople of the Outdoors is my latest series whereby I acknowledge those individuals who are inspired and motivated to spend their lives in the Great Outdoors. This series forms a selection of personal interviews and imagery taken from these dedicated individuals. This second interview is by Outdoor Enthusiast Mathias Wielinga, who enjoys hiking and exploring the wild outdoors.
Read MorePeople of the Outdoors is my latest series whereby I acknowledge those individuals who are inspired and motivated to spend their lives in the Great Outdoors. This series forms a selection of personal interviews and imagery taken from these dedicated individuals.
The first interview is by intrepid Outdoor Enthusiast Rory Southworth, who enjoys utilisng the wild outdoors, at any given opportunity.
Read MoreA Camping trip is meant to be fun. However, when you are dealing with the elements of nature, one mistake can turn the whole experience sour. When it comes to the outdoors, it pays to be prepared. This article talks about the complete checklist of things one must keep in mind before they venture out into the wild.
Read More50 Bucket list ideas to do in the Great Outdoors is a comprehensive list of fun activities that any child or adult can enjoy in their own free time. I hope these 50 ideas help to serve as inspiration and motivation and indeed help others get outside, enjoy the natural world around them, without spending large amounts of money on unnecessary extras.
Read MoreIt is time for me to GO GREEN in 2019. To cut back on all the unnecessary bad stuff and do more to help shape a positive future. Find out all about Going Green in 2019 in my latest Blog Post and why I think it is something we all should start to do in the year ahead. Together let us make a difference to the world we live in and begin to follow a more sustainable approach to life in general.
Read MoreDuring my own childhood and Primary Schooling, back in the 1980’s. I have very clear and distinct memories of how cool my school was. With my local Primary School being a diverse and exciting place, where I was not only lucky enough to be inspired by the world around me, but also by the bold and inspirational individuals who led us along this beautiful learning journey. One thing was clear, I really enjoyed learning from the Great Outdoors.
Find out more about the Surprising Benefits of Outdoor Learning in my new blog post.
‘Thoughts and Stories from the Great Outdoors’
Read MoreWhat will it be like in 2019?
With 2018 drawing to a close and a New Year around the corner. This blog post focuses on all that have supported me during a pretty successful 2018 and how I can encourage others to step up, get out and do something new in the year ahead.
Read MoreChildren should be embracing the outdoors.
My thoughts and response to the proposals set out by Education Minister Damian Hinds and his encouraging words about children utilising the outdoors as a creative learning tool. To learn in the outdoors and to incorporate good practice back in the classroom.
Read MoreCycling tips for staying safe on the road.
Nowadays, it seems like more bicycles are out on the roads rather than simply ageing or gathering dust in the garage or shed. This increase probably has something to do with increased awareness over the worries of climate change, or it is simply due to the fact we all seem on a fitness drive (of sorts) and are continually looking to keep in shape and lead a more healthy and positive lifestyle.
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Read MorePeak District Walks - Mam Tor.
This is the second in my series of popular Peak District Walks. It forms one of my favourites, that being the stunning area around Mam Tor. I hope you enjoy this mini adventure.
www.garethmate.com ‘Thoughts and Stories from the Great Outdoors’ #placestowanderandexplore
Read MoreWOW Park: A great day out for all would-be adventurers. I recently had the chance to spend the day adventuring in the Danish Woodlands, at an amazing outdoor adventure playground. It was an exhilarating experience, climbing and swinging in the treetops. Rediscovering your childhood, as nature intended.
Read what I thought of this pretty impressive place, in my latest Blog Post.
‘Thoughts and Stories from the Great Outdoors’
Read More'Do more of what makes you happy’ is a frequently used saying. It is also a saying that is often misused or perhaps overlooked. Feeling happy or finding happiness in life is something we all seek. How we get there or how long it takes, is always a question the individual has to answer themselves.
A practical view on how we can utilise what is all around us in order to bring some extra positive thinking and overall happiness into our lives.
‘Thoughts and Stories from the Great Outdoors’
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Read MoreIt is fair to suggest, that at some point in our lives we've all heard and possibly used the phrase 'I can't do it!' and as a result of adopting such an approach, it can often lead us into following a negative mindset and the distinct possibility of merely giving up before we have even really started.
Read all about my latest thoughts and why adopting a Growth Mindset with the outdoors, will bring overall positivity to your life and others around you.
www.garethmate.com
‘Thoughts and Stories from the Great Outdoors
Read MoreRead all about my latest Camping visit to Delflandhoeve in the Netherlands.
A great little campsite in South Holland, close to the city of Delft.
#placestowanderandexplore
Read MoreHydro Flask Colder, Hotter, Longer. Hydro Flask guarantees to keep your beverages tasting fresh and crisp all day long. They're colourful easy to carry, insulated and reusable bottle. Will ensure that you can hydrate at any time, allowing you to continue enjoying all of your adventures. Wherever they might be.
Read on to find out what I thought about their versatile 21oz water bottle.
Read MoreOne great thing about being a teacher is that you get to participate in some fantastic projects. Projects that are not exciting for you (the teacher), but also the children you are teaching.
Over the past few weeks my class has been excited about learning more about Prehistory and in particular life during the Neolithic and Palaeolithic periods.
Find out more about what we have been up to in my latest blog post. How to make Stone Age dwelling.
Read MoreIn pursuit of further developing creativity, I decided to present my class with another open-ended and creative task.
A task that would not only encourage the children I teach to work together, think expansively, but also build stronger levels of resilience and perseverance in order to reach and hopefully achieve a desirable goal.
Read on to find out more.
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