The Expedition Journals

I first ran the Original Mountain Marathon in 2016, on the mountains and marshes of Galloway, Scotland. That event I labelled 'Bog Bashing' for the arduous terrain; we did not believe another location could be so challenging. The 2019 edition, in Largs (also West Scotland) proved me very wrong... The Original Mountain Marathon (OMM) is a two-day ultra-running orienteering event, hosted every October in a remote and hostile landscape. Self-sufficient teams of two must navigate between hidden markers, and camp out overnight in the wilderness. It is a challenge of endurance; pushing both physical and mental limits. When you sign up for The OMM you can pick either the Line Course or the Points Course. This year, my running buddy Ben and I chose the 'A Line Course'; a set order of checkpoints that you have to visit, totalling a direct line distance of 65+ kilometres, with 3000 metres of height gain over the two days. Welcome to Scotland… It is 21:00 on Friday nig...

The Original Mountain Marathon (OMM) is a two day ultra-running orienteering event, hosted every October in a remote and hostile landscape. Self-sufficient teams of two must navigate between hidden markers, and camp out overnight in the wilderness. This is a challenge of endurance; pushing both physical and mental limits. Here is what I am packing... I first ran the Original Mountain Marathon in 2016, on the moors and mountains of Galloway. The weather was bleak, but both my running partner and I relished the challenge. You can read more about that first edition here . This year, we are making a return. When you sign up for The OMM you can pick either the Line Course or the Points Course. This year we have chosen the 'A' Line Course; a set order of checkpoints that you have to visit, totalling a route distance of 65 kilometres, with 3000 metres of height gain over the two days. In 2016, we completed the Medium Points Course; where you visit as many points as possib...

By their nature, expeditions mean you are on the move — away from home kitchen comforts. Yet, with a bit of preparation it does not mean you need rely on single-use disposable plastics or takeaways. This set of products from Stanley, Camelbak, and Humangear is a set-up I use to ensure I am as self-sufficient and eco-conscious as possible on my daily or lengthy expeditions. Review — Camelbak Hot Cap Vacuum Insulated Travel Mug Not all reusable travel mugs are made equal. The Camelbak Hot Cap Vacuum Insulated Travel Mug is one of the best I have used. The compact design uses Camelbak's patented 360 degree drinking Hot Cap. You unscrew the inner seal on the top, and then you can drink from any side of the mug — ideal for a quick drink mid kayak or trek. The Hot Cap also comes apart for easy cleaning. At 400 ml the Hot Cap Mug is an adequate size for a medium takeaway coffee from most major chains, and it is a good size for making a drink at home that you want to take i...