I don’t know about you, but it’s starting to get a bit harder to keep putting on a brave face. Luckily, we can still spend time outdoors, but I miss being able to head off anywhere I want or having ‘proper’ family days out or little trips away.
If, like me, you’re slightly worried how you’re going to keep the kids occupied all autumn and winter with trips to the local park, this post is for you!
I’ve got a few ideas to make sure your autumn outdoor adventures are fun and enjoyable.
Get Booted and Suited
I’m going to start with the bad news. You are going to get wet and muddy. It’s inescapable in our climate, so you might as well embrace it.
First things first make sure everyone has at the very least a waterproof coat and a pair of boots. The kids both love their wellies and Ollie especially would wear his all the time if he could. It means that they can both jump in puddles to their hearts’ content.
It’s worth investing in good quality waterproofs if you can, as they can be handed down. Ollie is currently wearing Finn’s Elka waterproof trousers and his old Berghaus coat, which have both lasted really well.
A decent pair of wellies and waterproofs are a must for Autumn outdoor adventures
I personally prefer to layer up the kids with long sleeve t-shirts and a fleece jumper (plus thermal base layer if it’s really cold), and then a light waterproof coat and trousers. I find this approach a bit more flexible and easy to layer up or down as the conditions change.
I also like to wear plenty of layers myself, plus a good quality pair of walking boots. At the moment I am sporting a pair of Hi-Tec Eurotrek Lite waterproof boots that I was kindly gifted. So far I have been really impressed, I’ll write a full review once I’ve tried them for a bit longer.
A good pair of boots to see you through the cold, wet months is a must
Ring the Changes
We’re lucky to live within walking distance of two large parks, but it can get a bit boring going to the same places all the time. Why not try out a different park instead? Maybe walk a little bit further or if you have a car, you could try somewhere a little further afield.
Last week I paid a visit to my sister and we tried out a new park
If you’re short of time or travelling isn’t possible, there are ways to make familiar places a bit more exciting.
Playing games like Granny’s footsteps or tag or even just exploring new parts of the park you don’t normally go to can make it seem fresh and new. Autumn is also a great time for a scavenger hunt, as there are so many colours, leaves and seeds to spot.
Autumn is also the perfect time to have a go at kite flying. Finn has been asking for ages, so we finally got round to getting a kite and giving it a go. We also got given a glider, which has provided lots of fun.
A kite provided hours of fun for us this week
Food to Go
Don’t just write off picnics as a summer thing, they can brighten up a cold outing in the autumn too. All you really need is a decent waterproof picnic mat (we love our PACMAT) and away you go!
You can bring a thermos flask with a hot chocolate or soup, or even use one to cook some hotdogs (we tried it, it works!). If you’re feeling a little more adventurous, why not take a back packing stove and cook yourself some food outside.
Taking a stove out to cook up some hot food is a great way to stay warm on autumn outdoor adventures
And of course, the best thing about getting outdoors in the Autumn, is that you can come back to a cosy house, snuggle up on the sofa and get warm in front of a boxset with a nice cup of tea.
The Hi-Tec Eurotrek Lite Waterproof boot is the official boot of I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here! I was gifted a pair to use for my outdoor adventures. I was not asked to write this post, but wanted to inspire everyone to spend some time outdoors this month.
Labyrinth Canyon is a gorgeous flat water section of Utah’s Green River that snakes its way past spires, hoodoos, and towering orange walls, allowing you to slowly take in the landscapes that Southern Utah is known for.
Labyrinth Canyon is a family-friendly stretch of class 1 river with no rapids that is best done as a 3-5 day canoe trip. It requires a fair amount of logistics, including a shuttle, an easy to obtain permit, and some necessary gear. I’ve done it twice and had very different experiences on each time, so in this blog post I share some key tips to help make sure your trip is a success.
Plan your Labyrinth Canyon canoe trip on Utah’s Green River with the tips in this blog post.
Where is the launch and takeout points for Labyrinth Canyon?
There are two possible launch points for Labyrinth Canyon, with the takeout being at Mineral Bottom.
Launch Point #1: Green River State Park
The first possible launch point for Labyrinth Canyon is at the boat ramp in Green River State Park (river mile 120). If you launch here, your trip will cover 68 miles, and 4 nights/5 days is recommended. Launching in Green River State Park makes for a slightly shorter shuttle drive. However, if you launch in Green River State Park, you’ll mostly encounter private farmland for first 20 miles of the trip. This means there aren’t really any campsites, and you should expect to paddle at least 20 miles on that first day (which is a long day). Green River State Park charges an overnight boat ramp parking fee of $5 per night.
Launch Point #2: Ruby Ranch Private Boat Ramp
My first trip through Labyrinth Canyon we launched at Green River State Park. Given the lack of campsites, we decided to launch at Ruby Ranch (river mile 96) the second time around. Getting to Ruby Ranch requires a ~20 mile drive on a well maintained dirt road, making the shuttle slightly longer, but I didn’t think it was a big deal. If you launch at Ruby Ranch, your trip will cover ~45 miles, and 3 nights/4 days is recommended. The fee to launch here is $10 per boat and $5 per person.
The launch site at Ruby Ranch
Takeout: Mineral Bottom
Regardless of where you put in, the takeout is at the Mineral bottom boat ramp (river mile 52). The dirt road to the takeout is very windy with a steep drop off on the side. Typically the road is well maintained, but after a rain storm, it can be pretty sketchy. If you use a shuttle company, you won’t have to worry about being in the driver’s seat and you can enjoy the view. If you want to spend a night in Mineral Bottom at the end of your trip, there are campsites, but they are a bit of a trek from the boat ramp.
The dirt road coming up from Mineral Bottom
If you want to extend your trip further, you can continue on for another 5 days through Stillwater Canyon (this section is not dog-friendly as it goes through Canyonlands National Park).
Shuttle Companies for Labyrinth Canyon
If you have multiple cars, you can park one at the top and another at the bottom, but keep in mind, this will add quite a bit of travel time to your first and last day. While it’s only 68 miles on the road from Mineral Bottom to Green River, the drive takes ~2.5-3 hours each way (and just a smidgen longer if you launch from Ruby Ranch). For this reason, we used a shuttle company based in Moab. It adds to the price of your trip, but your shuttle company can also rent and transport your canoes, provide a permit, and any other rental gear you need (such as a river toilet).
We used Tex’s Riverways, and they were very organized. We also went during COVID, and I appreciated how serious they took things. We were required to wear masks in the vehicle and in their offices, as was the driver. However, Tex’s is not dog-friendly (Charlie is an exception due to his medical service dog status), so if you have a pup you want to bring with you, I suggest Moab Rafting and Canoe Company.
Canoes loaded and ready to go at Tex’s Riverways in Moab
If using the above shuttle companies, you will start in Moab at the shuttle company office, load your stuff in their van, and they will take you to your selected launch point. Then they will pick you up on your desired date at Mineral Bottom and drive you back to Moab.
A third option is Coyote Shuttle which will actually move your vehicle from the launch point to the takeout. This is a great option if you have your own boats and a trailer and don’t need any rental gear.
Best Boat Type for Labyrinth Canyon
Canoes are by far the most popular boat type for Labyrinth Canyon, and that is because of the wind. Labyrinth Canyon can get very windy, and while canoes can be tough in a strong headwind, with 2 people they are still more efficient than the alternatives, including inflatable kayaks, stand up paddle boards, and packrafts.
The other reason to go with a canoe over a different boat type is that they can carry a lot more gear. The water in the Green River is very silty and will muck up your water filter. There are also cattle upstream in the river corridor. For that reason, it is recommended to carry all of your water for the trip. At 1 gallon per person per day, your water weight adds up, and a canoe is the best way to transport water on this trip.
Charlie sitting next to 2 big 6-gallon water jugs.
If you do decide to go with a packraft, kayak (get beginner kayaking tips here), or smaller inflatable boat, know that you may have to paddle harder to keep up with your friends in canoes. You’ll also want to carry alum with you to settle the sediment before you purify your water.
Best Time to Canoe Labyrinth Canyon
There are a few things to keep in mind when choosing the time of year you want to canoe Labyrinth Canyon. These factors are water levels, bugs, and weather.
Water Levels
You can see from the graph below from that at peak spring runoff, the Green River through Labyrinth Canyon can reach 20,000-30,000 cubic feet per second (cfs). At the low in winter, it can drop to about 2,000 cfs. Note that the graph below is from 2019 after a HUGE snow year so peak runoff happened later than normal. You can check current water levels here.
2019 flows below Green River, Utah
The advantage of running this river at high water is that the current moves you faster downriver, so you likely won’t have to paddle as much. However, campsites are limited at high water and there are very few places to even pull off to take a break. The river bank is lined with tamarisk, an invasive tree species that is sharp enough to cut you. I wouldn’t recommend canoeing Labyrinth Canyon at the highest water levels unless it’s your only option.
Make sure to tie up your boats at your campsite as river levels can fluctuate throughout the night.
When we did this trip most recently, water levels were around 6,000-8,000 cfs. We had a current just strong enough that we didn’t have to paddle much. There were more places to pull off, but we were still limited to high water campsites that were located up on the benches. At lower water later in the season, there are beautiful sandy beaches all along the river that you can camp on, but these were still underwater. We also experienced a brutal amount of mosquitos, which I’ll talk more about in a bit.
Later in the season as water levels drop, this will be a nice sandy beach that you can camp on. At this level, it was muddy and bug infested.
At low water, you have a lot more options for camping, but the river moves slower meaning you might have to paddle more.
Bugs
The mosquitos in Labyrinth Canyon can and will be awful during certain times of year (as a friend told us, “that hippie bug spray ain’t gonna cut it). The bugs start to come out typically when the water levels drop to a point when the beaches start to be revealed, just like they were on our trip. This typically happens sometime in June. Then the bugs will stick around through mid to late July.
Now I’m one of those lucky people who usually aren’t too bothered by mosquitos, but on our trip, I had to stay covered head to toe the entire time in order to avoid getting mauled. They were the worst around breakfast and dinner time right when the sun went down. We found that sunny campsites with less vegetation had fewer bugs than shady, vegetated sites. Bugs were also the worst right by the water line, so the further you could walk from the shore to set up camp the better shape you were in.
Our second night we walked way above our camp to escape the bugs.
If you come during bug season, bring sometime to cover up and absolutely bring a tent so you have something to hide in during peak hours.
Weather
Temperatures in Southern Utah can be unbearably hot. The good news is you’re on the river, so you can always take a dip, but if camping in 100 degree weather doesn’t sound like a good time, save your trip for the cooler fall months.
Monsoon season is mid July through early September in Utah. This brings afternoon storms that can result in flash flooding. If you float during this time, just make sure to choose your campsites carefully and avoid any washes.
So when is the best time???
Next time I float Labyrinth Canyon it will be in the September through November time frame.
Labyrinth Canyon Permits
Labyrinth Canyon permits are free and can be obtained by emailing the permit form to the BLM or directly from your shuttle company. Make sure you bring a copy of your permit with you.
There are no designated campsites along the river, which means below Ruby Ranch you can camp wherever you want, and it’s first come first serve.
Gear you Need for Canoeing Labyrinth Canyon
There are key pieces of gear you need for canoeing Labyrinth Canyon, some are required by the BLM as a condition of your permit. Others are recommended for a good time to be had, especially if you go in peak bug season. Remember canoes can carry a lot of gear. Packing light will make loading and unloading each day more efficient, but you should also feel free to bring along some creature comforts.
Note: Feel free to substitute anything on this list with stuff you already have at your house. Also, all of these links are affiliate links which means if you purchase anything I get a small commission at no added cost to you. Your support helps keeps all of my content free, and I really appreciate it!
Gear Required by your Permit
Ask your shuttle company about their rental options for this required gear.
A leakproof toilet system. You can also use a wag bag toilet system and store the used wag bags in a leakproof container
Fire Pan – even if you don’t want to have a campfire, you are still required to carry a metal fire pan. Some shuttle companies rent them or a disposable turkey pan will suffice if you don’t actually plan on having a fire. If you do have a fire, you also need to pack out your ashes.
These leggings are from my friend’s former clothing company WanderBabe. I felt festive, and when they were wet, they actually kept me cooler in the hot sun than shorts. Plus they provided some protection from the crazy bugs!
Don’t carve your name into rock walls, and don’t touch any petroglyphs you might find
For more information on Leave No Trace as it pertains to canoe trips, check out this page on the American Canoe Association.
Other Helpful Tips
The wind can be gale force in Labyrinth Canyon and tends to pick up in the afternoon. I recommend getting up early and getting some miles under your belt. That way if the wind picks up, you won’t be left with 10+ miles to paddle into a headwind. Either way, be mentally prepared for this challenge.
There are lots of side attractions and hikes to check out. We didn’t do any of them because there were too many bugs. Road Trip Ryan has a great list on his website.
I highly recommend taking a GPS and loading it with a map of the river miles so you can keep track of your progress. This website has a GPS file you can download, as well as a list of high water campsites that you should make note of before your trip.
I hope this blog post about canoeing Labyrinth Canyon on the Green River helps you plan for a spectacular trip. Got questions? Leave them below in the comments. Want to explore more of Utah? Check out my Utah archives here.
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The Wye Valley Walk stretches the length of the River Wye providing amazing scenery across England and Wales. It is a 136 mile walk, although you can walk as much or as little of it as you like. If you’ve not heard of it, then by the end of this post we hope to have you lacing up your boots ready to go.
Where Is The Wye Valley Walk?
The Wye Valley Walk runs from Plynlinon in Powys to Chepstow in Monmouthshire, passing through many notable towns and cities such as Herefordshire, Hay-on-Wye and Ross-on-Wye. It crosses the Wales-England border many times on it’s route and provides a variety of different terrains from deep valleys to woodland.
Despite its length and variety of scenery it is a very accessible and easy walk that is suitable to most people. There is no obligation to do the whole walk, you can take sections that you fancy, whether that is 3 hours or 3 weeks!
Top Spots To Visit
Being in the Wye Valley, the walk is full of places that you just have to visit. Here are some of our top places that we recommend stopping at along the way.
Tintern Abbey
Tintern Abbey is a wonderful sight to behold. Dating back to 1131, this ancient site is the ruins of an old Abbey founded by a lord. It is quite a site to see, sitting on the banks of the River Wye.
Symonds Yat
Symonds Yat is another great spot. The valley is home to Yat Rock which offers some spectacular views. There are also plenty of lovely country pubs that are situated on the river side.
Ross-on-Wye
The small market town of Ross-on-Wye is a lovely spot to stop off at during your trip. There are plenty of small tea shops or country pubs to seek refuge and rest those weary legs.
Where To Stay On The Wye Valley Walk
Naturally, there are plenty of accomodation options along the walk. We highly recommend camping or glamping along your route. It’s a great way to connect with nature and to stay in some truly remarkable locations. White House on Wye Glamping is an example of one of the excellent glamping sites on offer.
For those who prefer something with a more solid roof then there are many BnBs and hotels that can be found too.
How To Plan Your Trip
In order to plan your trip, you’ll need to decide on the amount of time that you have and how far you’d like to hike. If you’re just after doing part of the route then take a look at the sections that the walk is split into. A useful resource for this is the official Wye Valley Walk website which has a route planning tool for different recommended sections of the walk.
The walk is marked with waymarks along the footpath so it is relatively straightforward to follow. The signpost has a unique leaping salmon that you’ll soon come to recognise. Despite this it is still recommendable to bring a map along.
So, When Are You Going?
There you have it, everything you need to get your trip to the Wye Valley planned. This walk is not to be missed. Start with planning a weekend and we’re sure that you’ll be back for more in no time at all!
This is a guest post from Rich, the owner of a small glamping site in Herefordshire called White House Glamping.
Liverpool is one of England’s best-known cities thanks to internationally recognised exports like The Beatles, Liverpool Football Club and David Morrissey. It was once the second most populated city in the nation, although its significance has declined slightly over the last century. It still remains in the top 10 (sometimes the top 5, depending on how you measure it) most populated cities in England, and plays an important role in attracting tourists to the region.
Major sporting and cultural events also help to keep Liverpool on the map, including the annual Grand National horse race, which attracts hundreds of millions of viewers from all over the world and sees millions wagered with bookmakers each year. Many brands look to compete for casual fans who typically only place bets for the Grand National each year, so offer generous bonus bets to attract customers.
But it’s not just horse racing; the Merseyside Derby is one of the most-watched football games, while the city hosts several music festivals and art exhibitions throughout the year too.
While tourists may explore the city when they visit, few are aware of the abundant nature that’s just a stone’s throw away from the city centre. This is a shame because some of the most beautiful parts of the country can be found in the areas that surround Liverpool, and most visitors miss out.
If you’re planning a trip to the north west, then why not consider including these sights on your itinerary?
Formby
Formby is a village north of Liverpool on the coast of the Irish Sea. It is home to many wealthy scousers, including footballers, musicians and actors, although its most famous residents are squirrels.
In most of the United Kingdom, squirrels can be found in parks just about everywhere. The native species, the red squirrel, was once found in abundance right across the British Isles, but for around 150 years they have been in decline.
The Victorians introduced the grey squirrel (either deliberately or accidentally), and a wild population had been established by 1876. In the following decades, grey squirrels slowly beat their red cousins to the food and habitat, causing the native species to die out.
Red squirrels can still be found today, but only in a limited number of places, namely western Ireland, northern Scotland, Anglesey, the Isle of Wight, and Formby.
Combined with the beach and sand dunes, this makes Formby a great place to visit. Visitors can relax in the sun, explore the dunes and see rare nature, all in one place. The nearby RAF base means you might also be able to spot planes as they come in to land.
The Wirral Way
The Wirral Peninsula is a strip of land on the opposite bank of the River Mersey to Liverpool. It’s a short car, ferry or train ride from the city centre, making it easy for residents and visitors alike to make the trip.
The Wirral Way is a cycle and footpath that runs the length of one side of the peninsula, following the route of a former train line. You can still see signs of the former railway, with high station platforms at Thurstaston and the preserved station at Willaston.
The route runs alongside some of the most picturesque sights in the north. From Parkgate, you can look over towards the Welsh coast and Mount Snowdon. A short walk from here is the “Dungeon”, which is actually just a footpath that takes you into a wooded area with some large rocks, but it’s fun to explore and climb on them.
It’s a great day out for both walking and cycling, with plenty of places to stop for a drink, lunch or an ice cream.
Victoria Park
Although it is manmade, Victoria Park is still a great place to visit when you want to escape nature. Located in Southport, a few miles further north than Formby, Victoria Park is a large open space with several acres of lawned areas.
This makes it great for sunbathing, picnicking and playing ball games. It’s size also makes it popular among cyclists who enjoy escaping the busy streets while taking a leisurely ride amongst nature.
Crosby Beach
Crosby Beach became famous after becoming home to the Another Place sculptures in 2007. These 100 cast iron statues stand at various intervals in the sand, covering 2 miles of coastline.
They are life-sized figures of the artist’s body, and they get submerged and uncovered by the tide throughout the day. They are popular among tourists and art fans who flock to the area to see the statues in person, although they have provoked some controversy amongst locals.
Lyme Park
Located in Disley, Lyme Park is a little further afield than the other locations on this list, but it’s still worth visiting. This National Trust site is a large estate that was owned by Sir Thomas Danyers and then the Leghs family, before being given to the National Trust in 1946.
It contains three distinct areas: a large mansion which is constructed in Baroque, Palladian, and Elizabethan style, a set of beautifully manicured gardens, and a deer park. Sheep, red deer and Highland cattle can be found grazing in the large estate, although visitors may not always be able to see many animals depending on the season.
Regardless of what wildlife you can see, Lyme Park is a great place to enjoy a walk in nature.
Delamere Forest
Also in Cheshire, Delamere Forest is a large wooded area that covers 2,400 acres. A short drive from Liverpool, it’s a popular destination among locals who come to walk and cycle among the trees and look for various species of bird, including owls and woodpeckers.
Some attractions have been installed in the forest too, including a large obstacle course that lets guests swing from tree to tree, and facilities for guided Segway tours in the forest.
For city folk, Delamere offers a balance between nature and civilisation. Its visitor centre provides clean toilets, cycle hire, and a cafe that serves quality coffee and hot food. This makes it great for people who want to get close to nature, without giving up the comforts of modern life.
Have you ever visited any of these great places? Any other tips for days out from Liverpool?
People walk for all kinds of reasons. Walking is a great way to stay fit, see more of the world and spend quality time with friends and family. It can also be a great way to recover after something like an injury at work. You can use walking to help you to get fitter and to relieve some of the stress that is associated with seeking compensation from your employer. Below is an overview of how you could get started and give it a go.
Speak to your doctor When recovering from any injury, it is important to follow the advice of your doctor throughout your recovery. Walking is a very gentle form of exercise. But it may still not be a good idea for everyone. So, before starting to do more of it speak to your doctor first. Be sure to follow the advice you are given. You do not want to ignore them and slow your recovery. There could be all kinds of negative consequences if that happened. So, you do need to be a bit careful about what type of exercise you do while recovering from an injury.
You don’t need to buy a lot of kit to start with, but if you decide to carry on hiking, it is worth investing in some key pieces
Start slowly You should always start slowly. Gradually build up how long you walk for and how far you go.
Monitor your progress For many people, keeping a track of their progress is a positive thing to do. If you have had a bad day being able to look back and see how far you have come can be very helpful.
Invest in some good gear Once you get the walking bug it becomes a lifetime passion. So, it is worth investing in some good quality gear. If money is tight, which it is likely to be if you have not been able to work for a while, just use what you already own. You can also find good gear in charity shops. You want to be able to get your walking fix in all weathers. Don’t underestimate the value of a good jacket. Look for one that will keep the wind out as well as the rain. It is also important that it is made from a breathable material. Just click this link to find out what breathable fabric is and how to choose the best one to suit your needs.
Wait before investing in a pair of high-quality boots But, initially, be wary of spending a fortune on a pair of hiking boots. You need to be sure that what you are buying is really suitable for you. In the early days, go for something mid-range. That way you can try each format out, to see what boot form suits the type of walking you like. For some people walking boots are the best option. Whereas, for others, hiking shoes or trail boots are a far better option.
Have you found that walking is a great way to de-stress and recover from illness and injury?
A decent pair of wellies and waterproofs are a must for Autumn outdoor adventures
A good pair of boots to see you through the cold, wet months is a must
Last week I paid a visit to my sister and we tried out a new park
A kite provided hours of fun for us this week
Taking a stove out to cook up some hot food is a great way to stay warm on autumn outdoor adventures
You don’t need to buy a lot of kit to start with, but if you decide to carry on hiking, it is worth investing in some key pieces