Things to do and places to visit in and around Pickering.

One of  the most frequently asked questions we get in the shop is what is there to do in Pickering? What should we see whilst we are here? Where would you recommend for lunch?

Those questions always put me on the spot because the simple answer is there is so much to do, see and visit. I am very luck to live and work in the area which remains largely unspoilt and is free from serious crime and traffic.

To try and answer the questions I thought I would start a list of attractions some well known others not so. It will very much be a work in progress as I think of things to add to the list.

Visitor Attractions

The North York Moors Railway - The NYMR is arguably Ryedale's biggest attraction and most certainly the biggest in Pickering, a must for all steam engine fans and generally a great day out. All tickets bought are rover tickets meaning you can travel wherever you want on the line all day long, 2014 sees platform improvements at Whitby meaning many more trains can visit there extending the lines appeal.

Flamingo land theme park and zoo - definitely one for the thrill seekers which state of the art rides all snaking around a real life zoo complete with Lions, Tigers and Rhino to name but a few.

Beck Isle Museum of Rural Life - this attraction holds a special interest for me as I used to live in it, pre museum days, and my Grandad had the small farm at the back for a short time. The museum is stuffed full of items and photographs of times gone by and is actually much bigger than in looks, well worth a visit especially on a wet day.

St. Peter and St. Paul's church - looks great on the outside, watch for the strangely placed stone carvings, but spectacular on the inside with its medieval wall paintings depicting George and the dragon amongst others.

Pickering Castle - set on the highest point in Pickering the castle must have been an imposing site a thousand years ago. This Motte and Bailey castle is very well preserved and covers a large area, run by English Heritage it is a great place to visit and let the kids blow off some steam. Don't forget to walk around the outside of the castle and then visit Newbridge Woods with its mountain bike park, picnic area and walking trails.

Outdoor and Sporting Pursuits

Pickering Swimming Pool - I don't think that many places the size of Pickering can boast an indoor pool, but this one is a little cracker, it is a 25 metre pool with a shallow and deep end. the pool also has a water slide, an ideal warm or wet weather retreat.

Pickering Climbing Wall - situated at the senior school called Lady Lumley's this small but feature packed wall is not always accessible but sessions on Monday evening and Saturday morning are popular.

Dalby Forest - a must visit for all with its award wining cycle tracks, Go ape and several playgrounds there is plenty to do. 2014 sees the visitor centre being updated, £300k being spent on the main playground, a new Blue cycle route and mini go ape being built which should make Dalby top of your visit list.

Re-Proofing and Cleaning a Paramo Jacket or Trousers

One of the questions that crops up in the shop all the time is how do I look after my Paramo jacket or trousers?

The answer on the whole is quite simple, if you follow the instructions that come with the garment on the swing tags and use the appropriate Nikwax product you will not go far wrong, remember that Tech Wash cleans and TX Direct re-proofs or green to clean and purple to proof (referring to the cap colours).

Tech Wash is a non detergent liquid soap which cleans without removing the water repellent coating it also has a detergent catcher built in to pick up residues left In your washing machine. A new garment will only need a wash in tech wash to refresh its water repellency you do not need to bother with TX Direct, in fact TX Direct is now so good that it should remain intact for 8-10 washes. Using TX every time is counter productive as it can actually cause water to be attracted to the garment at worst and is just flushed down the drain at best.

Another question then arises, how often do I need to wash my Paramo? Well the answer is as often as you need to, providing you follow the garment washing instructions (I use 30 degree wash, slow spin) you cannot damage it, I wash mine very often indeed, I see too many Paramo garments crying out to be washed, it's so easy, and you will really benefit from doing it. Remember Paramo mimics animal fur in the way that it keeps you dry, and a dirty Otter gets wet!

Eventually the water repellency wears off and then it is time to re-proof using TX Direct, but fear not, once again the trusty washing machine does all the work on the same settings as above. Again Paramo is designed to be re-proofed for the life of the garment, my smock is over 10 years old an as good as new.

In the shop I tell customers that your jacket speaks to you, if the water does not roll off the fabric then wash it. If after washing the water still does not bead up then re-proof it. If both those fail then return your garment to your retailer or to Paramo who will happily sort it out for you.

Occasionally no matter what you do Tech Wash just will not clean your jacket, so once a year I undergo a deep clean procedure. Step one, I wash the garment using a liquid detergent, we use an environmentally friendly one from a Local shop, this strips the garment right back. Step Two, I then wash in Tech Wash, this removes any detergent residues and readies the fabric for re-proofing. Step Three, I then wash a third time in TX Direct, the result is a jacket or trousers that look like brand new and perform superbly in rain. I know it sound excessive but it really works.

To put all this another way, think of buying a new car, the paint is shiny, it's well waxed when it rains the water rolls off, you go for a few drives and the car gets dirty, the water does not roll off as well, so you wash it in car shampoo, the paint is shiny again and water rolls off, eventually after a number of washes the wax wears off and even careful washing cannot help, so you wash and re- wax, the paint then repels the water again. Some time later even the washing and waxing cannot help it, so you sand back the paint and respray it and then wax, hey presto it's the same car but it looks brand new.

So remember your Paramo is only as good as your aftercare, don't be afraid to wash it in Tech Wash, use TX only occasionally (probably once a year for average users) and for that deep clean use my three wash method.

One final note, to make cleaning cheaper we do a Tech Wash refill service in the shop, if you bring in your empty bottle we will re-fill it and you will save around one third off the cost of a new bottle.

SRMRT Exercise day December 2014

This Sunday the 14th of December was the last exercise day of the year and it was run as a simulated callout.

The team members running the call out decided to use the base at Snainton as Control with the scenario being a report of two items seen dropping from a micro light flying over Wykeham Woods, the incident was reported by a cross country skier which was rather ironic as I can barely remember a warmer December day with temperatures up in the teens.

We were tasked to search some woodland near Wykham Nurseries which are cross crossed with forest access tracks and paths. All was going well until we arrived at a section that had been totally destroyed by 4x4 enthusiasts. The track was very badly rutted with areas of deep mud and water, to make matters worse they had also left behind many items of litter, a great shame in a lovely area. The only plus side to the mud is that it is very easy to see animal tracks which were Badger, Roe Deer and Fox.

Half way through our search pattern we received word that a real job was potentially taking shape so we were told to make our way back to the road for team vehicle pick up, as it was the incident was dealt with by the Ambulance service so we ended the exercise early and went back to base.

All in all a great day out with the team only spoilt by lunatic 4x4 drivers.

Canoe trip down the River Derwent from Old Malton to Kirkham Abbey

Its confession time I am afraid, a few weeks ago I achieved a lifelong ambition and bought my first Canadian open canoe, it is second hand, of course, but it's in perfect condition and this little 15 foot 8 inch beauty is gonna take me to places that can only be seen from a boat. The model of canoe is an Old Time Discovery 158. I managed to get my brother to agree to a half share in it to keep the cost down.

For our first outing we decided to take a trip down the river Derwent from Old Malten to Kirkham Abbey. 

Canoeing is often a one way trip so you really need two cars, one to drop the boat off and then one at the far end to get back into and then take you back to the original car. 

We arrived Kirkham Abbey at around 11am where there is a small carpark just at the entrance of the Abbey which is free to parking, from there we then drove to old Malton where there is another free carpark, by the side of the river just to one side of the little church, from here we unloaded the boats and essential accessories like buoyancy aids, paddles, throw line and Ortlieb dry bags and carried the boat to the side of the river. We found that just downstream from the carpark near the first set of tall waterside bushes there are some handy steps down to the river and we found this to be the easiest place to put the canoe in the water, once the canoe is in the water and loaded with all the gear off we set. 

It was quite fascinating seeing Malten from the river as it just did not look like Malton we could see all the old timber wharfs and the rear of the buildings that were obviously once served by the river to unload their goods onto boats which are then sent down the river. 

The river Derwent at this point is quite slow flowing and also relatively wide so is ideal for inexperienced canoeists. We carried on past Malton into the open countryside which I have to say was largely quite stunning, we saw a huge amount of wildlife including many Kingfishers darting downriver ahead of us, and to our great surprise and delight one Otter.  

During the entire journey we only saw two other people and have to say it was one of the most peaceful and tranquil things I've ever done, I became instantly hooked to canoeing and now I'm desperate to do some more.

 At the end of our journey at Kirkham Abbey the getting out point is literally just after the Stone Road Bridge on the right hand side of the river looking downstream, there is a very handy wall there which is perfect step out onto, you can then drag your canoe out onto the bank which is a grassy field and then carry over the style just above and to the right of the river.

 The whole journey took us around three hours of very steady paddling we weren't in a rush which is the real point of being in the canoe, so if you fancy a great day out in a canoe then this journey is well worth considering.

Trailblazer Outdoors Now Stocking Tilley Clothing

Here at Trailblazer Outdoors we are constantly looking around for new brands to suit the needs of our customers and to that end we have recently become the only stockist of Tilley Clothing in Yorkshire.

Having sold Tilley hats for years we have always been impressed with their quality and service, add to this a lifetime guarantee and the idea of stocking the clothing as well seemed a natural progression.

We love clothing that lasts and performs which is why we already stock Paramo and Fjallraven both of which have a very loyal following in Pickering, York and the surrounding area. Outdoor clothing that is this well built outlasts and out performs cheaper brands so in the long run it is better for your pocket and certainly better for the environment as less ends up in land fill.

So if you love Tilley hats then you will love Tilley clothing, the attention to detail and endless pursuit of quality will impress you so please call in for a look and a chat. 

Expedition to Iceland by Ben Esse

Over summer 2012 I took part in a two week expedition to Iceland. This involved living out of our rucksacks for nine days and within this we had a five day trek from Landmannalaugar to Thorsmork national park, which lay in the shadow of Eyjafjallajoekull, the volcano that erupted in 2010. This trek would take us over lava fields, past volcanic, sulfurous vents and through some of the most stunning scenery I have ever seen. We first spent two nights in the Thingvellir nation park, camping within 200m of the Mid Atlantic Ridge, where we spent time running final checks on our equipment, along with cursing the masses of flies. For the trek we would be carrying all our kit, so a quality rucksack was a must. I used the Deuter Aircontact 65+10L bag, with an assortment of Exped fold drybags to ensure my kit would stay dry in the changeable weather. For the majority of the trek we would be walking on rocky ground (there was little or no living things for the first two days) which turned out to be no problem for my Scarpa Trek boots, which handled the terrain with ease. This also meant that the ground was often covered in stones and rocks, however I had no problem sleeping with my Thermarest mat keeping me warm and comfy. From Thingvellir we took a bus to Landmannalaugar, stopping to view some of Iceland’s iconic landmarks, Geyser and Gullfoss. We were also shown an old volcanic crater that had been filled with rainwater to form a lake, which was beautiful. Upon arrival at the campsite, it began to rain, so we quickly pitched our tents, using rocks to secure the guide ropes in the rocky ground. Thankfully the rain slowed to a persistent drizzle and after cooking tea we gladly relaxed in the local natural hot springs.


The next morning we were up early and packed to go. The first section of the day would be navigating the lava field, then a 500m climb up to 1000m in the mountains. The lava field was an amazing start, with towers of jagged obsidian surrounding us as we passed through. On the other side, the rain returned, with a vengeance. In Iceland, there is a saying: ‘If you don’t like the weather, wait five minutes and it will have changed’ and I was thankful to my North Face shell and Sprayway overtrousers for keeping me as dry. The climb was steep and hard going, but once we were at the top, the view was phenomenal. The wind and rain stayed with us throughout the day, but our spirits never fell. However, near the end of the day we came across a memorial to a walker who had been caught in a blizzard in summer 2008, which really brought home to us the seriousness of the conditions. We were thankful when we finally reached the campsite, although I have never been anywhere so barren. The pitches were surrounded by makeshift walls of obsidian rocks, to keep the tents from the worst of the wind and the site itself was on a stony mountainside. There was nothing living in sight.

The next day we set off again, now coming out of the mountains and onto a flat plateau. The second day was easier going than the first, though the weather was still the same. But, again as the Icelandic say, ‘there is no such thing as bad weather, only bad equipment’ and my Fjall Raven Karl trousers and Sealskinz gloves kept me warm from the wind. I was really pleased with how both performed under the conditions. We reached the campsite and pitched the tents, thankful to be sleeping on grass again.

On the third day, we left our tents pitched and went for a day walk through the valley in which we were staying. The weather was much better, the rain and wind dropped and the sun came out, making it a pleasant walk.

The next morning was a very early start, as we had received news of a storm coming in from the Atlantic. The pace was set a little higher as we crossed an ash field spanning miles. It was hard walking on the loose surface, but it was flat and so we made good time, getting into camp before the storm. That night the wind was vicious, but luckily we were in a steep valley out of the worst of it.

Having gotten through the night in one piece we set off on our last day. By this point, we were tired and worn out from the trek, however my feet copped with the walking thanks in part to my Bridgedale Comfort Trekker socks. The final leg of the journey took us through a forest, which was a stark contrast to the lifeless slopes in the mountains, and down into a wide floodplain valley. Towards the end of the day, a light drizzle came down, but my Tilley hat had no problems in keeping off the rain, and keeping my visibility up. We finally reached the campsite, where we settled down to rest for the next two nights. The scenery was picturesque and we enjoyed two short walks the next day in the surrounding landscape.

From this trip I really learned the value of good quality kit, as it could easily be all that separates you from serious problems or death when the conditions turn bad. Not only this, but keeping warm and dry makes a trip much more enjoyable, no one likes being cold and wet all the time! I have found that the experience you gain from going out there and enjoying it is worth the preparation involved.

Which walking boots are the best?

One of the questions we get asked most at Trailblazer Outdoors is “Which walking boots are best” the answer to this is not usually one the customer is expecting because we generally say “The one that fits the best”.

When we say fit, it is meant in two ways, the first way is how the walking boot will fit on the foot, because if it isn't right that they will not be comfortable and there is nothing worse than an uncomfortable walking boot as anyone who has had blisters or bruised toes will testify too, the second meaning of the word fit is, fit for purpose, so we will ask you are you going to Everest basecamp? Walking along local towpath down by your local canal? Are you venturing off the beaten track on tough mountainous terrain or are you just walking along the local footpaths and bridleways in your local area. Of course there's nothing to stop you buying a boot that could get to the summit of Everest and just walking along a local canal path or even buying a boot that is designed for lowland valley walking and then venturing off into the high mountains of the Himalayas, but as with most things in life is important to get the right tool for the job. The right walking boots will perform best in the environments they have been designed to perform in, this will give you the user a much more pleasurable experience and also help to prevent injuries including slips or turned ankles, so when it comes to walking boots fit is king.

At Trailblazer Outdoors we have a specialist boot fitting area upstairs away from the shop floor this calm environment gives our customers time to reflect on the walking boots the are trying on.

At Trailblazer Outdoors we generally measure the size of your feet, which is something most customers have not experienced since school. Before foot measuring takes place we will ask you to select a try on sock from our range of Bridgedale socks as this will alter the size of your foot. Measuring your feet may seem like a strange thing to do, however, feet change throughout your life, generally speaking feet get longer and often wider with age this is not a growth issue rather spreading out of your foot, as our feet are very basically a bag of bones, cartilage and tendons surrounded by skin, you would be amazed how many people are wearing the wrong sized shoes and walking boots.

Once we have measured your feet we can then start trying on boots that will actually perform well for you in your chosen environment. It is important when trying on walking boots not to get too hung up on the exact size of the boot as they vary tremendously from style to style and manufacturer to manufacturer, if possible we will get you to try on a half or a whole size above and below the one that was indicated when you were measured. Take time to try each walking boot on, walk around for a while try our incline board, which simulates going up and down a hill. This is very important as gravity will push your foot forward slightly and the last thing you want to experience is pressure on the ends of your toes, which can lead to bruising and even lost toe nails, again from our experience walkers will often buy boots that are too small for them leading to this and other problems. Throughout the trying on process we will continue to offer advice and helpful hints on subjects like lacing of boots and aftercare so please talk to our friendly and helpful staff. Remember to take your time, we are not in a rush you can take as long as you like to choose the right walking boots for you, we only want you to be happy customer and to really enjoy your purchase.

So remember when you're in the market for a new pair of walking boot; fit is king! Fit for the purpose and the fit on your foot, if you take these things into consideration and use our staff to guide you then you shouldn't go too far wrong.

We look forward to seeing you soon, and remember to ask for your FREE boot aftercare product when you buy your next set of walking boots or shoes from Trailblazer Outdoors!