What 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.
www.garethmate.com
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’
www.garethmate.com
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.
Read MoreHow to Reproof an Outdoor Jacket with Nikwax Waterproofing. It is time to test out some Nikwax waterproofing products, which were kindly given to me by Nikwax. Nikwax is the world Leaders in waterproofing. You can read all about my detailed product review and how I reproofed an old outdoor jacket. Breathing new life into it and saving money on buying a new one.
www.nikwax.com/
Read MoreTime for a Digital Detox
I remember the days when Social Media and electronic devices didn’t exist. I remember the days when I (personally) would spend hours of my day, care free and out in the fresh air.
This new blog post highlights another reason why it is important to ‘get back to nature’and give your body and mind a Digital Detox.
Read MoreFeeding our natural instincts by getting back to nature is vitally important if we are to fulfil and attempt to live a more healthy lifestyle.
I this particular blog post I aim to share some thoughts and ideas on how we can all make a positive change and begin spending just 30 minutes a day in the outdoors.
#30minutesoutdoors
Over the last few years, there’s definitely been somewhat of a revolution in the number of people choosing to cycle to work. Maybe it's down to increased traffic on the roads, personal issues relating to health, cost or simply trying something new. Either way, there are many great benefits of riding into work, rather than driving or using public transport.
In this particular post, I hope to highlight some of my Top Tips, after I decided to ditch all modes of transport, in order to complete a 32 mile/52km cycle commute each and every day.
Read MoreIt's time to make the most of the longer days and warmer weather...
With long, dark, cold winter months finally leaving us behind, a new world of opportunity is blossoming just beyond your window. As the seasons change, the weather is starting to improve and the days are getting longer.
To hopefully promote, positive thinking, I would like to encourage my readers to get outside, make the most of what you have, by enjoying some much-needed sunshine and perhaps begin to participate in one of the many healthy active pursuits at your disposal.
As the saying goes... 'hello body, healthy mind.'
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Here is my latest Outdoor Product review. In this particular post, I will be reviewing the Black Diamond's 'Ultra Distance' carbon fibre folding trekking poles. A 3-section Z-Pole combination and design, that features a flexible coated inner cord, a single push-button release system, together with the very handy Speed Cone technology that has Black Diamonds impressive avalanche probe design—a key component of Z-Poles'.
https://www.blackdiamondequipment.com
Read MoreYou don't need to travel too far to enjoy a GREAT adventure. To prove this I spent a day exploring Outdoor Valley, and adventurers paradise close to Rotterdam in the Netherlands.
https://outdoorvalley.nl/
Read MoreInspiring Individuals
This is the third and latest post in my series all about 'Inspiring Individuals.' In this particular post, I will be focusing on one of my good friends, from my University days. Through the years, we shared some great times. Playing in the same successful football team and enjoying some similar past times, as well as being part of a wider friendship group.
May I introduce Graham Clarke.
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