| Dawdling in a Heatwave
Walks writers in this country are forever reviewing the sort of
gear that keeps you warm in Arctic conditions and dry when the heavens
open – but rarely do we mention the altogether sweaty proposition
of walking in a heatwave.
Well, the heat is on and I, for one, do not intend to be put off
my favourite leisure activity simply because it is too warm. So
I asked an expert from the outdoor specialist retailer Black’s
for advice.
She recommended various products designed to keep walkers cool
and these include a “high performance Coolmax t-shirt”
(price: £19.99). “The material is lightweight, breathable
and highly wickable,” said the expert from Blacks. “It
actually moves moisture away from your body when you are perspiring.
Blacks also sell three-quarter length “travel trousers”
called Technicals (price: £44.99). These are the hybrid trousers
which unzip just below the knee, effectively turning them into shorts.
They too, are “wickable” - meaning the material actually
takes moisture away from the skin leaving you cool and dry.
And Blacks also does a new lightweight, waterproof and breathable
jacket which rather handily packs away into an internal pocket.
Made of ripstop nylon the jacket is waterproof, breathable and machine
washable (price: £44.99).
Lastly, the all important question of one’s overheated feet?
Blacks recommend the latest Plateau Sympatex Shoe which has a SympaTex®
lining making it fully waterproof and breathable – weighs
just 1052 grams per pair - price: £49.99.
To find out more about Blacks and look for their South West stores,
go to www.blacks.co.uk.
Sheep Shearing Walk
Sunday 11th June is National Open Farm Sunday and at Browns Norton
Farm, near Dartmouth, you can both see agriculture in action first
hand and go for a walk. The event starts at 2.00 pm and includes
a walk which coincides with shearing time.
“Following the sheep shearing demonstration there will be
a walk around the farm looking at aspects of the management under
the Countryside Stewardship scheme,” say organisers. “This
includes a newly planted orchard and recently laid hedges set against
wonderful Dart Valley views.”
Farmer Phil Bond will explain what’s involved in the sheep-farming
year during the walk and farmhouse teas will be available in the
barn. Browns Norton Farm is off the Totnes-Dartmouth Road near The
Sportsmans Arms . No Dogs. Not suitable for pregnant women due to
proximity of newborn lambs. Adults £3, Children £2,
Farmhouse Tea £2 per head.
Details of further events can be found in the summer events leaflet
available from local tourist information centres, or online at www.southdevonaonb.org.uk.
Further information: Contact Phil Bond 01803 712636 /07974 968878
or Diane Lethbridge 01803 861384 / 07974 720334.
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