Outdoor Life Archives - Mud, Chalk & Gears

It’s okay (not to be okay).

Outdoor Life November 28, 2017

For a quite some time I’ve had a nagging question in the back of my mind – how much of my true-self am I happy in ‘putting out there’? I set up Mud, Chalk and Gears to keep a record of my adventures and encourage others to give things a go. It’s important to me […]

Time for a Spring Clean!

Outdoor Life May 16, 2016

As I am sure you all know I love kit… As a result, I have collected (and loved) many jackets over the years. Once retired from use these tend to gather dust in my wardrobe. That is until now, as Mountain Warehouse have launched a great initiative called Jacket In. Jacket In means you can take your […]

My top tips for staying motivated throughout injury

Outdoor Life January 24, 2016

As I am sure many of you know the past few months (late October to January) have been a bit of a disaster! Starting off with a few kidney troubles, then when that had all finally passed, first run out I managed to sprain my ankle. All in all 2016 didn’t quite kick off in […]

5 tips to motivate you to get outside this winter

Mountain Biking, Outdoor Life, Running October 14, 2015

I am sure you are all sick of hearing the phrase “Winter is coming“! Sadly it’s true – the nights are getting longer, and it’s getting colder. Long gone are those balmy summer evenings… mind you I am not total convinced they ever really materialised this summer! But fear not, there are plenty of good things […]

Welsh Adventures – Zipworld and Bounce Below

Outdoor Life, Travel October 1, 2015

After a relatively easy journey down we arrived at our main base for the weekend – Llechwedd Slate Caverns. Top of the agenda was Zipworld Titan, the longest zip-line in Europe! Claiming to have spectacular views over the moors, mountains and mine we were glad the weather was on our side, and the sun was shining – […]

Interview with Capture Outdoors

Outdoor Life, ViewRanger September 5, 2015

Capture Outdoors is a great website dedicated to everything outdoors, from adventuring and sport to the more creative, such as photography and art created simply from resources found in the wild. I love the range of topic they cover, it illustrates perfectly how being outdoors is not just about getting into sport or hardcore activity […]

Wild swimming in the Peak District | Outdoor Adventure Motivational Speaking | Hetty Key | Mud, Chalk & Gears

Wild Swimming – the best way to cool down!

Outdoor Life July 4, 2015

Phew, it’s been hot! As much as I love the mini heat wave that has hit the UK this week, it is less fun when you are sat in an office 9-5! Come to the end of the day I can’t say I particularly fancy running or cycling when it is this humid and facing […]

I think I have Stravitis – 15 signs your a Strava Addict

Outdoor Life, Road Biking June 22, 2015

For the past year, I have actively avoided getting Strava. The excuses ranged from not owning a phone with a battery capable of lasting the ride/run to simply being too forgetful to turn it on. I believe I even claimed I was getting it when I bought my new road bike (didn’t happen)! You want […]

The importance of adventure!

Outdoor Life June 5, 2015

Adventure is addictive, for me it is an essential and fundamental part of living. No matter how big or small it sends that fizzle of excitement through me that reminds me that I am alive. Now before you worry, I am going to get philosophical and deep on you, don’t! A few weeks ago Carmen […]