How many people wake up and the first thing they do is reach for their phone?

Before we have even properly started the day, we are already looking at messages, emails, news and everything happening around us.

Then the rush begins.

Getting ready, getting children to school, travelling to work, thinking about everything that needs to be done — and sometimes we start the day feeling stressed before we have even stepped outside.

---

We also support the mental health charity Mind and trail conservation project Fix the Fells.

July Post 2026

---

---

Introduction:

The Malvern Hills have always held a special place in my heart.

I lived in Malvern from the 1980s until moving to the Netherlands in 1991, and during those years the hills became a familiar part of life. Even after moving abroad, every visit back to the area included at least one walk along the Hill ridge. Sometimes it was just a short section, other times a longer hike, but I always found myself drawn back to the hills.

In the summer of 2025, while staying with close friends for a week, I decided it was time to walk the entire Malvern Hills ridge once again.

The route is approximately 16 km long and follows the backbone of the hills from Chase End in the south to Great Malvern in the north ending at the Clock tower Great Malvern. Although I know the route well, experience has taught me never to take any walk for granted. Paths can be diverted, maintenance work can take place, and access arrangements can change. Whether you use a guidebook, paper map, or navigation app, it is always worth checking before setting off.

At around 6:30 in the morning, I was dropped off at Chase End with my backpack, water, and a few light snacks. The weather was excellent, and I was looking forward to spending the day on one of my favourite Hill ridge walks.

Before leaving, I checked my map and guide one final time. Everything looked good, and with the hills stretching ahead of me, I was ready to go.

Unfortunately, my first mistake of the day arrived within the first minute.

Normally, I wear lightweight trail hiking shoes on walks like this. However, I was wearing my hiking boots because I needed to take them back to the Netherlands for a winter hiking trip in Austria later in the New year.

As I stepped forward, one boot lace hook caught on the eyelet of the other boot. In an instant my feet were locked together and I went straight down onto the gravel path.

The result was a scraped hand, a bruised knee, and a slightly wounded sense of pride.

Thankfully, I always carry a small first aid kit, so after cleaning up the cuts and making sure everything was fine, I stood up and laughed at myself.

After all these years of hiking, I had managed to fall over before the walk had even properly started.

It was a good reminder that even on familiar ground, it pays to pay attention.

With my hand cleaned up, my knee patched up, and my pride slowly recovering, I finally set off properly along the Malvern Hills.

---

Following the Ridge:

The route starts by climbing steadily through woodland before emerging onto the open slopes of Chase End Hill. Even though I know these hills well, there is always something special about seeing the views begin to open up as you gain height.

Standing at the trig point on Chase End, I paused for a moment to take in the scenery. The weather was excellent, and with the early start I had the hills largely to myself. It reminded me why I have returned here so many times over the years.

From Chase End the route continues north, dropping down before climbing again towards Raggedstone Hill. One of the things I enjoy most about the Malvern Hills is that they are never completely flat. You are constantly going up, down and back up again, which keeps the walk interesting throughout the day.

The paths were in good condition, and with the morning sun beginning to warm the hillsides, it felt like one of those days where everything simply comes together.

Passing through the Hollybush area, I continued towards Midsummer Hill. The views stretched across Herefordshire, Worcestershire and Gloucestershire, and despite having seen them many times before, they never seem to lose their appeal.

Walking these hills always brings back memories. Although I left Malvern in 1991, there is still a strong feeling of familiarity here. The landscape may change slightly over the years, but the character of the hills remains exactly as I remember it.

One lesson I have learned over time is never to assume a route will be exactly the same as your last visit. Paths can be diverted, maintenance work takes place, and access arrangements sometimes change. No matter how well you know an area, it always pays to keep your map or navigation app handy as I noticed changes.

---

Along the Ridge Life on the Hills :

It was nice to see the wildlife waking up all around me as I made my way along the ridge. Cows in the surrounding fields called out as I passed, adding to the feeling that this was a living, working landscape rather than just a walking route.

In the wooded sections the paths were a little wet in places, so I had to watch my footing carefully.

The quarry area was particularly beautiful, with its open rock and quiet atmosphere standing in contrast to the surrounding greenery. I also came across the old stocks, a reminder of the area’s history.

As the route continued north over Black Hill and towards Pinnacle Hill, the views seemed to improve with every step. The Malvern Hills are never flat, and the constant climbs and descents make the walk far more challenging than many people expect.

One of the highlights of the morning was seeing the hang gliders launching from the hills and lifting into the sky. I stopped for a moment just to watch them catch the wind and disappear over the ridge.

I also had some great conversations with people walking their dogs before work, as well as trail runners moving quickly along the hills. There is always a friendly atmosphere here, and even a short chat can brighten your day.

Reaching the Wyche Cutting felt like a natural break in the journey. Here you will find public toilets, the Wyche Inn and Cafe H2O. Everything was still closed when I passed through, but later in the day it becomes a popular meeting point for walkers and visitors.

Beyond the Wyche Cutting, the route climbs again towards Worcestershire Beacon, the highest point of the Malvern Hills.

Worcestershire Beacon and the Finish:

Standing on Worcestershire Beacon was fantastic. The sun was shining, the skies were clear, and the views were incredible in every direction.

Seeing parts of Malvern from above felt special in a simple way. It brought back memories and reminded me just how lucky I was to have grown up with these hills on my doorstep.

In moments like that, it is not about distance or height. It is simply about being there, breathing fresh air, enjoying the sunshine and appreciating the world around you.

From the Beacon, the route continues over North Hill before descending towards Great Malvern. I passed the Clock Tower and made my way into town.

To finish the walk, I dropped into The Foley Arms for a coffee and a well-deserved English breakfast. It felt like the perfect way to end the day.

Final Thoughts:

All in all, it was a fantastic morning on the hills.

The Malvern Hills End-to-End is around 16 km, but the constant climbs and descents make it more demanding than many people expect. Good footwear, plenty of water, and allowing enough time to enjoy the views will make the day far more enjoyable.

After finishing the walk, I sat in The Foley Arms with a coffee and a well-deserved English breakfast.

As I sat there looking out towards the hills, I found myself thinking back to when I was 16 years old. Back then, I would spend hours walking these same hills without giving much thought to the future.

Now, more than forty years later and at the age of 59, I was still doing exactly the same thing.

Apart from perhaps being a little wiser — although falling over within the first minute of the walk might suggest otherwise!

Nature changes over time. Trees grow, paths are altered, and the landscape evolves. Yet the outlines of the hills remain the same. Standing on the ridge, I could still recognise the familiar shapes that I first knew as a teenager.

Perhaps we forget sometimes that beauty is all around us. We become busy with everyday life and stop noticing what is right in front of us.

Walking the Malvern Hills reminded me once again that some of life’s greatest pleasures are also the simplest — fresh air, open views, good company, and the freedom to put one foot in front of the other.

For me, the Malvern Hills will always be a special place, and every return visit feels like catching up with an old friend.

---

Inspired by this adventure? Join one of our guided walks and explore the Peak District for yourself. Whether it’s a gentle stroll or a full-on hill challenge, we’ll help you enjoy the scenery safely, build your confidence on the trail, and make every step count. Get in touch to find out more!

---

We also support mental health charity Mind and trail conservation project Fix the Fells.

July Post 2026

---

---

---

Introduction

In 2024, while spending time in Manchester, I found myself reflecting on a simple goal I had been working towards over several years.

I had already climbed the highest mountains on mainland UK, but there was still one left — Slieve Donard, the highest mountain in Northern Ireland.

Not long after, I booked an early morning flight from Manchester to Belfast. After arriving, I spent the morning exploring the city before catching a bus later that afternoon to Newcastle, nestled beneath the Mourne Mountains.

Sitting there looking towards Slieve Donard, I knew the next day would be special.

Sometimes the best adventures start with a simple thought: what’s next?

---

Exploring Newcastle and Preparing

I had booked a room at Mountain View Lodge in Newcastle for three nights, giving myself time to prepare properly.

The day before the climb was spent exploring the town and getting everything ready. I picked up an updated 1:25,000 Ordnance Survey map for the Mourne Mountains, something I always prefer alongside digital navigation.

Newcastle is a beautiful coastal town. The weather was perfect and warm but not too hot, ideal for a relaxed walk along the beach. The shoreline was quiet, and the views towards the mountains were impressive.

It felt like a calm pause before the challenge ahead.

Later, I enjoyed fish and chips by the sea. The portion was huge, and I could only manage half.

Unfortunately, I wasn’t the only one interested in my food.

The seagulls soon joined in, dive-bombing myself and others along the sea wall. In the end, I gave up most of my chips just to avoid becoming part of their game!

Afterwards, I returned to the lodge to prepare my backpack, check the map, and plan the route for the next day.

---

Climbing Slieve Donard

Mountain day had arrived, and I was excited as always.

I like to start early on mountain days. It gives me quiet trails, cooler temperatures, and time to enjoy the walk without rushing. It also means I can return early enough to rest properly afterwards.

Over the years I’ve learned that starting late often causes problems. If something slows you down like weather, navigation, or simple fatigue it can push everything into the evening, leaving you tired, hungry, and still on the move.

Starting early avoids all of that.

There is also something special about early mornings in the mountains. On this walk, I had the trail almost completely to myself. The only sounds were birdsong, running water, and my footsteps through the woodland.

The route starts from Donard Park and climbs steadily through forested paths. In places it is steep, but nothing too difficult.

I also prefer circular routes where possible rather than returning the same way. Part of the adventure is seeing new ground.

As I climbed higher, the woodland opened up and views began to stretch back towards Newcastle and the coastline. A stream ran alongside parts of the path, adding to the atmosphere.

The higher I went, the cooler it became.

I always carry a down jacket and full waterproofs in the mountains. A key tip from experience: make sure your waterproof jacket is sized correctly so you can wear insulating layers underneath. If everything is too tight, you lose movement and moisture builds up inside your clothing, which quickly becomes a problem in cold or wet conditions.

Eventually, the famous Mourne Wall appeared.

It was an incredible sight stretching across the mountainside. For a moment I thought, “just follow this and I’m there.”

Then the weather changed.

Mist rolled in, visibility dropped, and sleet and light snow began to fall. After a quick snack, drink, and map check, I began my descent along the opposite side of the wall.

One thing I’ve learned over the years is to trust your instincts in the mountains. If something doesn’t feel right, or you feel it’s time to move, it’s usually worth listening to that feeling.

I also learned another important lesson: people often get cold not just from the weather, but from sweat. If your clothing holds moisture, you cool down quickly once conditions change.

---

The Summit

WOW.

Standing on the summit of Slieve Donard, I was standing on the highest mountain in Northern Ireland, and I was genuinely excited.

At that point I was fully layered down jacket with waterproof jacket over the top. Conditions had clearly changed.

After sending a few messages to friends to say where I was, the feeling shifted slightly. The temperature was dropping and it was clear it was time to head down.

---

The Descent

Going down was more challenging than going up.

The ground was wet, boggy and uneven, with sheep and cattle in some areas adding extra obstacles. I used my walking poles constantly to help with balance and stability, especially on the steeper and slippery sections.

At times, the conditions were so boggy that I carefully followed the top of sections of the Mourne Wall for safer footing. This is not something I would recommend without experience, balance, and confidence in mountain terrain.

Eventually I reached the bottom of the wall.

---

Navigation and Detours

From here, I checked the map again. At first it looked simple, but as I’ve learned many times it’s always better to finish the descent before calling anything “easy”.

The path initially followed down towards a quarry where I met a fell runner coming uphill. He mentioned that part of the route ahead was under maintenance and a detour might be required.

I always try to stay flexible with navigation. Conditions change, and routes are not always straightforward.

Following the map, I eventually came across signage showing diversions and sections affected by livestock and temporary closures.

At that point I could see the road I needed, but the direct path was unclear.

I followed the marked public right of way shown on the map, staying calm, respectful, and aware of my surroundings.

---

The Final Stretch Back to Newcastle

Once I reached the road, the final challenge began.

Due to diversions, I had come out much more distance than planned at around 15.5 km total for the route and still had to walk back into Newcastle along the A2.

This was one of the most uncomfortable parts of the day.

The road was busy with fast traffic, lorries, and very little space for walkers. On several occasions I had to step quickly into the verge for safety. I remember thinking, “this should be the easy part.”

Eventually I reached Newcastle just as the pubs were opening.

There was only one thing on my mind a well-earned pint of Guinness, followed by a cheeky whisky, and I was lucky a pub called O’Hares by Donard Park was open and I was a happy man.

Later, I showered, rested, and even enjoyed a meal at the pub after being kindly invited by the owner I had met earlier.

It was a perfect end to a long day in the mountains.

---

Final Thoughts

Looking back, it was an incredible experience, spending time in the beautiful Moune mountains and scenery.

I may have completed all the highest mountains in mainland UK and Northern Ireland, but the biggest lesson remains simple:

Safety always comes first.

And sometimes the toughest part of a mountain day isn’t the summit — it’s getting safely back down.

Chris (Clogs)

PositiveOutdoor365 – Escape, Discover, Grow

---

Inspired by this adventure? Join one of our guided walks and explore the Peak District for yourself. Whether it’s a gentle stroll or a full-on hill challenge, we’ll help you enjoy the scenery safely, build your confidence on the trail, and make every step count. Get in touch to find out more!

---

We also support mental health charity Mind and trail conservation project Fix the Fells.

Post June 2026

---

---

Scotland has always had a special place in my heart, and in 2024 I finally got around to walking The Great Glen Way.

Most people walk the route from Fort William to Inverness, but I decided to do it the other way around. My reason was simple. Having previously climbed Ben Nevis, I knew what an incredible mountain it was, and I wanted to finish my walk with Ben Nevis in front of me rather than behind me.

Although I completed this walk in 2024, some adventures stay with you long after you finish them. Looking back through my photographs and trail notes recently reminded me just how special the Great Glen Way was and why it deserves a place on PositiveOutdoor365.

Looking back, walking from Inverness to Fort William was one of the best decisions I made.

---

Day 1 – Inverness to Drumnadrochit (Lewiston) (34 km)

The only problem came later in the bunkhouse.

The snoring was unbelievable. I could hear it all night long, which says something because I wear hearing aids and am hard of hearing. If I could hear it, everyone else certainly could!

Needless to say, I was up early the following morning.

---

Day 2 – Drumnadrochit (Lewiston) to Fort Augustus (35 km)

The second day was another long one at around 35 km.

The weather had become surprisingly warm, and the miles slowly ticked by as Loch Ness remained my companion for much of the day.

Eventually I reached Fort Augustus, famous for its impressive lock system on the Caledonian Canal.

It is a lovely place to stop and watch the boats working their way through the locks while walkers, cyclists and tourists enjoy the atmosphere.

My accommodation for the night was Morag’s Lodge, a popular stop for walkers and cyclists travelling through the Highlands.

After another long day on the trail, it was good to rest the legs and prepare for the next stage.

---

Day 3 – Fort Augustus to Loch Lochy near Clunes (36 km)

This was probably my favourite day of the entire route.

Leaving Fort Augustus, the path follows the Caledonian Canal before moving alongside Loch Lochy. The scenery is absolutely stunning, with hills rising around the loch and reflections dancing across the water.

After around 36 km, I found a beautiful spot on the shoreline just past Clunes and pitched my tent beside Loch Lochy.

It was one of those wild camping spots you never forget.

The evening was peaceful, the views were incredible, and waking up beside the loch the following morning reminded me exactly why I enjoy long-distance walking so much.

One tip for anyone planning to camp beside the lochs. Always check local water levels before pitching your tent. A quick search online can help. Water levels can rise, and a perfect-looking wild campsite in the evening may not look quite so perfect by morning.

---

Day 4 – Loch Lochy to Fort William (24 km)

After a peaceful night by the water, I packed up and started the final day towards Fort William.

Much of the route followed the Caledonian Canal and its impressive series of locks.

Along one of the locks, I met a walker who had been camping nearby. He came over and asked if I knew where he could find water.

Unfortunately, I knew there wasn’t much available ahead of him, and he was actually walking towards where I had come from, where there were a few houses and hotels further back.

Luckily, I had a spare bottle of water and was happy to give it to him.

It always surprises me how many people head out without enough water or a backup plan. One thing I always carry is a water filter. It weighs very little and can make a huge difference on longer walks.

Around half an hour later, I met two young American lads and a young American woman heading in the opposite direction.

As we passed, we exchanged greetings.

The young woman was carrying an empty metal mug in her hand and looked hopeful.

“Do you know where I can get a coffee?” she asked.

I couldn’t help laughing.

It was around 8:30 on a Sunday morning in the Scottish Highlands.

“Yes,” I replied. “Walk another seven kilometres, turn here and there, and you’ll eventually reach a hotel. It should be open around 11 o’clock.”

The looks on their faces were priceless.

I don’t think they were expecting the next coffee stop to be several hours away.

It’s one of the lessons Scotland teaches you quickly. Services can be few and far between, and a little planning goes a long way.

---

Walking Towards Ben Nevis

As Fort William drew closer, I reached Banavie and the famous Neptune’s Staircase.

Watching the boats work their way through the locks while knowing the finish was getting closer added something special to the day.

From there, the route heads towards the coast before reaching Fort William itself.

Then came the moment I had been waiting for since leaving Inverness.

Ben Nevis slowly began to dominate the skyline.

The closer I got, the bigger it became.

You could feel the presence of the mountain long before reaching the town.

For me, this was exactly why I chose to walk the route in reverse. Every day felt like I was walking towards something. The lochs, the forests, the canals, the locks and finally the mountains all seemed to build towards one unforgettable finish.

Standing in Fort William with Ben Nevis towering above after days of walking through the Highlands felt like the perfect ending to a truly beautiful route.

The Great Glen Way is definitely one of those walks.

---

Navigation & Planning

---

One Final Question…

People often ask me the same question whenever I mention walking the Great Glen Way.

“Did you see Nessie?”

Well, I’m sorry to disappoint, but despite spending days alongside Loch Ness, I didn’t spot the famous monster.

That said, I did manage to pick one up from a gift shop along the way for my granddaughter, so I didn’t leave Scotland completely empty-handed!

Whether Nessie is real or not, Loch Ness certainly has a magic of its own, and it remains one of the highlights of this fantastic route.

Distance: Approximately 129 km (the official Great Glen Way is around 127 km, but route diversions in place during my walk increased the total distance)

Duration: 4 Days

Route: Inverness to Fort William

Accommodation: Loch Ness Backpackers Lodge (Kilmore), Morag’s Lodge (Fort Augustus), Wild Camp beside Loch Lochy near Clunes

“Would I walk it again? Absolutely.”

Chris ( Clogs )

PositiveOutdoor365 – Escape, Discover, Grow

---

Inspired by this adventure? Join one of our guided walks and explore the Peak District for yourself. Whether it’s a gentle stroll or a full-on hill challenge, we’ll help you enjoy the scenery safely, build your confidence on the trail, and make every step count. Get in touch to find out more!

---

We also support mental health charity Mind and trail conservation project Fix the Fells.

Post 2026

Welcome to the newly updated PositiveOutdoor365 website.

Over the past few months, we have been working behind the scenes to refresh and improve the site, making it easier to navigate and helping visitors find the information they need more quickly.

Whether you’re interested in guided walks, outdoor skills, navigation, team-building activities, or simply looking for inspiration for your next adventure, we hope you’ll enjoy exploring our updated pages.

At PositiveOutdoor365, our passion remains the same – helping people escape, discover, and grow through outdoor experiences.

We invite you to take a look around, explore our walks and adventures, and discover what we have to offer in both the Netherlands and the United Kingdom.

Thank you for visiting, and we hope to welcome you on a future adventure.

Martin & Chris
PositiveOutdoor365
Escape • Discover • Grow

---

Adventures & Experiences:

At Positive Outdoor 365, our experiences are designed to help you reconnect with nature, build confidence, and enjoy the outdoors in a supportive and inspiring environment.

From gentle guided walks focused on wellbeing and mindfulness, to practical navigation training and essential outdoor skills, we offer something for every level whether you’re just starting out or looking to grow your confidence.

We also deliver tailored corporate team building experiences, helping teams step away from the workplace, strengthen connections, and develop resilience through shared outdoor adventures.

Each experience is built on real knowledge, lived adventure, and a passion for helping others Escape, Discover, and Grow.

Martin and Chris have been exploring trails across the UK, Europe, and beyond for years  from rugged UK hills and national parks to multi-day adventures across Europe. Together, they share practical navigation skills, hiking experience, and inspiration for anyone looking to Escape, Discover, Grow in the outdoors.

---

---

Outdoor Wellbeing:

---

PositiveOutdoor365 was founded by Martin and Chris , two passionate outdoor enthusiasts with over 70 years combined experience exploring trails across the UK, Europe and beyond. They are dedicated to sharing their expertise in Navigation,Hiking and Team building to help others to Escape, Discover, Grow in the outdoors. Their mission is to inpire confidence and connection.

Step outside and discover the joys of the outdoors with PositiveOutdoors365

Join the Journey.

---

We also support the mental health charity Mind and trail conservation project Fix the Fells.

2026