Author: Olly Parry-Jones

I live in Weston-super-Mare, close to the Mendip Hills in Somerset and I enjoy time spent outdoors, whether that's walking, camping or backpacking. My day job involved making furniture from recycled wood (I'm a furniture maker and carpenter by trade). I have two blogs: Olly Writes (woodworking, DIY, baking) Walks With Olly (walking, camping and kit) You can also find me on YouTube, Twitter and Facebook. My second YouTube channel is titled 'Walks with Olly'.

Olympus ‘Tough’ TG-4 Camera

A review of the Olympus ‘Tough’ TG-4 digital camera that I bought in early August 2017.

After attending surviving this year’s Port Eliot Festival at the end of July, my second Nikon camera (Nikon S9400) gave up on me and I was left with no choice but to buy something new (the thought of spending another £90 on a second repair in three years seem nonsensical, to me).

I wasn’t keen on the thought of a DSLR, as their bulky (not to mention expensive) and I’d like to use this on my walks, of course. I thought about buying another compact/point-and-shoot/£150 item but, how long would that last, given my track record of breaking them (I’m up to three, now).

So, after reading many reviews and watching the odd video online, I came to the conclusion that the Olympus Tough TG-4 digital camera may be the one for me.

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Malvern Hills – July 2017

Sunday 23rd July 2017

Almost one year before this walk, I embarked (solo) on my first ever adventure in the Malvern Hills of Worcestershire. On that day of sixteen-miles, I conquered all of the peaks in the southern half of the hill range.

But it wasn’t until this walk (led by Jenny of Brunel 20s and 30s) that I would finally climb Worcestershire Beacon; the highest point along this ridge.

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Review: Salomon X Ultra 3 GTX

For the second time this year, I purchased a brand-new pair of hiking boots (shoes, to be specific) from Cotswold Outdoor.

My reason for this was simple: I wanted something lightweight for fast-paced, warm weather walks and also, I was curious to test a growing belief that full ankle support isn’t often necessary.

So, after around two-hundred miles in my trail-ready shoes, here are my thoughts on the Salomon X Ultra 3 GTX.

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White Horse Trail – Walk 4 of 7 (Part 2)

Saturday 15th July 2017 (continued…)

From the downland of Pewsey Hill, the White Horse Trail continues to the south…

Continue reading “White Horse Trail – Walk 4 of 7 (Part 2)”