Written by Sam Taylor

Welcome! Willkommen! Konnichiwa!
(whispering) Now lean in we're going to tell you a secret…
Sam is not actually an outdoorsman! ...yet.

In fact Sam is actually quite new to this whole outside doors business, is that how you say it?
Sam lived in London for 4 years and claims that the closest he got to green space was when he re-painted his flat.
However, after moving to Japan to live and work as an English teacher Sam had the opportunity (and the time) to explore the length and breadth of the southern most isles of sleepy, rural Kyushu. It was here where the obsession with the great outdoors started. Nothing propels you faster along a trail than the knowledge of a long hot soak in one of Japan’s many Natural hot springs. Sometimes buried deep in the mountains!

On his travels Sam visited the hiking island of Yakushima, skied in Blistering snow in Hokkaido and completed a 3 day trek through the Tu Lan cave system in Cambodia, but more on that later.

For now though, Sam is making up for lost time by spending more of it in the great British countryside and exploring the beautiful hikes and trails we have right here on our doorsteps. Sam will be writing for the more lightweight outdoorist, soaking up as much knowledge he can about Modern Bushcraft, Design and Function, Books and much more.

The Power of Walking | BBC Countryfile Ramble
Now in its 4th year, the BBC Countryfile Ramble is an opportunity for people to stretch their legs and their wallets to raise money for underprivileged children around the country. With 18,505 miles between us to walk it's time to grab your ramble hat and hit the trails. #HatsOn Read more20-09-18 • Sam Taylor
Top 5 Coastal Campsites
Oh, I would love to live beside the seaside...Well now you can! For a few days at least. Here we pick 5 of our favourite coastal campsites from Cool Camping's new guide, Coast. We're also giving away 10 copies of the book. Read the blog to find out more. Read more24-08-18 • Sam Taylor
Fishing For Answers - Fact Finding In The Lake District
In this episode of notes from the field, Professional Angler, Marina Gibson and Eco-Journalist, Sarah Roberts go on a fact-finding mission to the Lake District to find out what impact plastic pollution is having on the places we love. Read more08-08-18 • Sam Taylor
Blacks Celebrates International #RideMTBDay
On International #RideMTBDay we down tools and headed to our local track to test our some new Fox Racing gear. Join us in celebrating this inaugural event. As if you needed any more excuses to ride this summer... Read more20-07-18 • Sam Taylor
Top 5 Quirky Staycation Campsites
Whether it’s hanging out in a suspended tree dome, catching some futuristic Z's in a spaceship, or camping like a king in the shadow of a Scottish castle, here are a handful of secret spots across the UK that take an outdoor staycation to an all new height. Read more16-07-18 • Sam Taylor
Top 5 Campsites in the Mountains
Looking for a campsite with paths straight from your pitch? Then check out our top 5 campsites in the mountains, as chosen by Cool Campings Amy Woodland. Active campers rejoice these mountain bases won't disappoint. Read more02-07-18 • Sam Taylor
National Walking Month | Our Top 10 Walks in the U.K.
In the spirit of National Walking Month (May) we asked OS Champions from around the UK to share with us their favourite walks. And there are some real hidden gems... Read more24-05-18 • Sam Taylor
WIN a walking holiday for two with EDIE
To celebrate the release of EDIE, in cinemas from 25th May, we are offering you the chance to win a walking holiday for two in the Scottish heartland, including flights, accommodation, car hire and more. Read more13-05-18 • Sam Taylor
Win an Outdoors Bundle with Ordnance Survey
Grab your walking boots and a pen, it's time to get outside and get inspired by our short story writing competition, sponsored by Ordnance Survey. Read more30-04-18 • Sam Taylor
adidas Terrex | Here to Create
What is a Terrex? How can I 'agravic'? Am I cool enough for Terrex? The answer to these existential questions and more are all here in this blog. Terrex your world. Read more05-04-18 • Sam Taylor
Win an Osprey Hikelite Daypack!
We're giving away an 18 litre Osprey hikelite in our exclusive Facebook giveaway. Click through to find out how to enter... Read more11-12-17 • Sam Taylor
Field Test: Osprey hikelite - Upper Derwent Water, Peak District
We visit Upper Derwent Water in the Peak District to test the new Osprey Hikelite on a 1-day circular route around the historic reservoir. Read more08-12-17 • Sam Taylor

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