Mountain Martin

30/04/2026

I've been working on a few Duke of Edinburgh practice expeditions recently. Just received this feedback report from one of the kids, practising for his Bronze award. Very lovely!

02/09/2025

A look back to July, when I had an excellent out in Kerry, guiding Liz and Stuart on the 10 "Furths" summits in MacGillycuddy's Reeks, including Carrauntoohill, Ireland's Highest mountain.

05/05/2025

How would you feel waking up to this?😁

16/03/2025

Today I skied from Helags to Sylarnas Fjällstation- a 21km route straight into a strong northerly wind, with a temperature of about -9°C. Brrr! At least it was a trail marked with poles so I didn't need to stop and navigate.

This was a significant psychological and physical challenge.

I decided I had to complete the route today to avoid being stranded at Helags- as the weather is worse tomorrow, and my get-out routes are to the north.

So I wrapped up warm and went steadily, focused only on one thing- getting to the next marker pole. Always just reaching the next pole. And again. Keep going. Sometimes the snow and mist made the even next pole 50m away hard to see, so it's a case of inching forward slowly and carefully, squinting into the murk through my goggles until the shadow of a marker started to appear. Keep going. No looking at my watch, no looking at my phone.

There was a shelter hut half way, where I had a break for some food and get my breath back- but not too long else I'd get cold. I didn't make any other stops- the conditions simply wouldn't allow it. Just keep going.

I sang to myself- loudly, top of my voice. There was noone else for miles around and I didn't care if there was! This was fun and added rhythm, and something to think about other than the driving wind and snow. I felt the music really warming, joyful.

Most importantly of all I felt warm, safe and in control the whole way- and am going to enjoy a massive dinner tonight.

13/03/2025

Off on a little ski tour in Norway. Tonight I'm staying at Kjølihytta, a small mountain cabin north of Røros. Fabulous weather today; forecast not so good tomorrow...

03/12/2024

Give them a vote!

😱 We're up for a TGO Reader Award!
Please vote for us! 🙏💜🤞

Tonight I received an unexpected DM from TGO Magazine to say that I'd been nominated and made the shortlist for Online Retailer Of The Year in the 2025 TGO Reader Awards!

I am beyond thrilled and so so grateful for all of you who nominated Vampire Outdoors! THANK YOU! ☺️

Now it's time to vote 👉 https://www.thegreatoutdoorsmag.com/awards/reader-awards/

Please also vote for Emily Williams and Roxanna Barry for their amazing plus size canoe odyssey film 'Capsized' in the Outdoor film or filmmaker category, and please also vote for Ella Foote for her body positivity and plus size advocacy work in the Outdoor personality category!

24/10/2024

The wind and sunlight makes pretty patterns on the water.

21/10/2024

I'm in Scotland, out on Ben Lawers today. Or at least its three eastern summits, as I had Meall Greigh to tick off my Munro count. Terrible weather forecast - but it actually turned out to be quite a nice day, with lovely summit views and gorgeous autumn colours.

07/10/2024

My profile pic is from an amazing day on Creag Meagaidh back in March. Here's a look back to what it was like on top!