10 things we learned from the British Attire x Outdoor Licence hike
Last Sunday saw us teaming up with the stylish staff from British Attire to enjoy a cracking Winter hike in the glorious Peak District. This was the fourth group hike we’ve organised and was a really joyous couple of hours spent taking in some beautiful countryside and having a right laugh with some truly lovely people. Here’s what we learnt….
Dedicating hikes to David Lynch is a flex – Even though we didn’t plan it, the fact we hiked up up ‘Twin Peaks’ (Mount Famine and South Head) felt like a lovely bit of serendipity and that the great man was looking down on us with a wry smile (and a celestial cig).
Canine energy is infectious – We had an impressive amount of very well behaved doggos joining us this time and each and everyone of them was a joy to be around. If Ragnor the dachshund is reading this please come along on the next one.
Bringing wagyu sausages and a jar of mustard is a power move – Shout out to Manchester’s number one culinary troubadour Matty White for remembering to pack the Colmans.
British Attire are the real deal – Not only is everyone that’s involved with British Attire excellent company on a hike but the philosophy behind their business is reassuringly ethical one too. Founder Jen explained their ethos over a pint at the packhorse and hearing her passionate plans was a refreshing antidote to the fast fashion and greedy corporate bigwigs currently out there ruining everything. Ethical independent retailers are the way forward!
Don’t count your Manchester Eggs – Foolishly we assumed that Luke Payne’s legendary snacks would be on the menu when we arrived at the brilliant Packhorse pub in Hayfield. Much to our chagrin we were told upon entry that the Manchester Eggs had all sold out, so savour these rarefied beauties when you do manage to happen upon them.
You can never have too many cameras – Alongside the two drones that came along on the hike there were also lots of cameras being shared amongst the group. This resulted in some cracking shots despite us all being a bit distracted by the immense fun we were having. That’s also why we didn’t have many shots from our previous head torch hike with SILVA and because it was dark LOL.
We missed our mates – Despite the largest turn out to date we really missed some of our regulars being there for this one. We know you had important stuff on so we’ll let it slide this time but if it happens again we will be needing a note from your doctor/ legal guardian/ probation officer.
Base layers are bloody brilliant – On what turned out to be a surprisingly chilly day my trusty Haglofs base layers once again proved to be worth their weight in gold. After a waterproof jacket and some comfortable boots a solid set of base layers are an absolute necessity for the unpredictable British weather.
Always expect the unexpected in the Peak District – From people wild water swimming with ironing boards to recognising someone passing overhead in a glider there’s always something bizarre going on in the Peak. This time around it was someone riding past us on a unicycle.
You really should come on the next one – If this is giving you FOMO then make sure you come along on the next group hike we’re doing. It’s a very casual hike where everyone goes at their own pace and we’re always happy to stop and chat if you need a breather or a fruit pastille. All are welcome!
