MY SUMMER BUCKET LIST | BLOG THEME FOR JUNE

For this month’s Outdoor Bloggers theme I thought I’d look forward and write down some of my outdoor plans for this summer. Hopefully writing down where I want to go and what I want to do will make sure I achieve something! (It’s also a rather blatant attempt to get some ideas and inspiration from other bloggers and outdoor lovers).

Firstly, I’m looking forward to a few camping trips this year. Last year we went to Devon for a week and, with a small child, it proved to be a bit too long. So this summer we’re planning on several short trips. Also, as I’m now back at work I have to use my holiday wisely. We’re getting a new tent soon (after a very long and drawn out selection process worthy of the X Factor) so I’m eager to put some new kit to the test. We were lucky enough to get lots of vouchers and money for our wedding, so most of that is going on camping gear.

We plan to head back to the Lake District as we haven’t been since 2014, and we’ve never taken Finn there. Also, after hearing so much about it, I really really want to go to Northumberland. The scenery looks astounding and I’m so excited about exploring somewhere new.

I also want to carry on with my Nene Way walk. This long distance path starts in Northamptonshire and winds it’s way along the River Nene, ending at The Wash. Realistically I’m not going to get the whole thing finished anytime soon, but I would at least like to complete the Northamptonshire section over the next couple of months.

We’ve recently renewed our National Trust membership so I’ve got a list of places that I want to visit. Top of the list is Tatton Park and their celebration of Roald Dahl (my favourite author) Hopefully we can squeeze in a visit on our way north. It’s also a good opportunity to revisit some great places that are local to us. I’m a big believer in making the most of what’s on your doorstep.

Another thing I want to tick off my list this summer is to finally learn how to read a compass. I’m a little bit embarrassed that I have no idea, so I plan to go along to one of the Cotswold Outdoor/OS workshops in July. It really is about time I got this sorted!

Finally, I want this summer to be the time that we truly get Finn excited about the outdoors. Now he’s finally walking and so much more aware of things around him, I’m hoping to come up with some activities to get him interested in the world outside. I’m starting with the ‘nature tots’ group at our local country park and we’ll take it from there.

So what are you up to this summer? I can’t wait to hear what adventures everyone else is planning.

Lauren | The Helpful Hiker |@TheHelpfulHiker | Despite living in the centre of a bustling town, Lauren loves spending as much time as possible outdoors with her family. Her blog aims to inspire others by documenting their camping adventures, interesting walks and days out around the UK. The ethos behind The Helpful Hiker is that everyone can enjoy the outdoors, and you don’t need to travel far or spend a lot of money to do so.