Just joined, I am from sunny Blackburn, Lancashire.
Been an enthusiastic outdoors man since I was a young'n always trying to get out in the hills hiking, scrambling, climbing, mountain biking, snowboarding etc. Dont get out as much anymore now I'm older and married (Still I managed to sneak a trip to Nepal in before the wedding last year ) but myself and my wife are looking to get a new (wife suitable) tent this year and get out and do as much camping as we can and get back into the wild (She isnt so keen on my Force10 Ascent, it doesnt meet her requirements for a comfortable camping experience unfortunately!)
Thought I would join the forums on here for hints, tips and general banter as well as trying to sell some of my gear that I don't use anymore to fund this years adventures.
I'm sure you'll get lots of advice shortly, I'm not in your area but know folk on here do walks in the north of England if you look through the "Latest Posts" they should come up .
I used to live in Mellor near Blackburn and went to school in Blackburn. Not been back for about 10 years I think. Perhaps it's time I headed back to my old haunts and see what's changed.
When I lived there they built the ice rink, put a speed camera at Brownhill roundabout (catching about 2000 people out in the first weeked as a uniformed senior copper told us in the barber's in town) and the motorway ended at Shadsworth!! How it has changed since then!!
Yeah! Ribble Valley where the Blackburn money lot go. Or is it down WIlpshire way. That little road you could take to cut through before you get too far into the edge of Blackburn. The one that heads to Preston old road but via a back country road. Jeez! I've forgotten all those sneaky, back routes now.
Like the old motorway end at Shadsworth. I did once hear of someone who might just have gotten an old mini to 98mph (top speed IIRC was 99mph) on the section from the old start (downhill) until Accrington turnoff. Great bit with a decent downhill and wind assisted 98mph!! Wasn't me of course. And certainly wasn't a month after passing a test in a borrowed parent's car.Can't do that now the motorway has been extended.
Also it was a shame that they got those tree huggers out of the trees somewhere near Blackburn. There was a treetop sit-in I believe. Was a long time ago though.
Going back to an old place can be very strange I think. Anyone else do that? Re-visit your old haunts.
) but myself and my wife are looking to get a new (wife suitable) tent this year and get out and do as much camping as we can and get back into the wild (She isnt so keen on my Force10 Ascent, it doesnt meet her requirements for a comfortable camping experience unfortunately!) 
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