Community News

July 10

Stuart Maconie Confirms Ullswater Talk

28th July 2010 - filed under Events

Sprayway can confirm that Radio 2 DJ and Outdoor Enthusiast Stuart Maconie will be speaking at the Ullswater Outdoor Festival on Saturday the 2nd of October at the Inn at The Lake, Glenridding, Cumbria.

With an extensive background in music, radio, television and journalism, and having lived in the Lake District for so long, Mr Maconie will be entertaining the Ullswater Festival-ers with an evening talk.

For tickets to the event contact Catstycam Outdoor shop at Glenridding or Pooley Bridge, Collect or Pay by card,  Tel: 017684 82351 or 017684 86401. Tickets are only £6 and all the money goes towards the Ullswater Association and contributes to the local community.

Try Sprayway Gear For Free

21st July 2010 - filed under Press, Products

Ever seen a jacket you like, but not been absolutely sure if it's the one for you? You've read all the reviews, asked your friends and family, even tried it on in-store, but you aren't quite convinced?

I mean, this is the outdoors we're talking about here isn't it?

Sure it looks great in the mirror in the changing rooms, but will it keep out rain lashing in sideways on top of Helvellyn? Is it really THAT breathable after 4 hours on the trail? Will the pockets actually hold EVERYTHING I need?

Well, we know some people have those nagging doubts, so get rid of them! At everyday of the Ullswater Outdoor Festival this Autumn, we're giving anyone the chance to try out our gear...for free!

Yep. For free.

So you can take that jacket/overtrouser/baselayer out on one of the walks, scrambles or climbs and try it out for yourself. For free. 

Check out the Ullswater Website to see what walks or activities tickle your fancy, and then when you arrive, come along to the Sprayway Stand at the base camp to choose your free trial gear!

Simple....And free...

Ullswater Outdoor Festival

20th July 2010 - filed under Events

Ullswater is arguably England's most beautiful lake, with an unmistakable approach through a stunning backdrop of mountains and valleys, Ullswater opens in front of you, a hidden gem in Northern Cumbria. 

What more excuse could you need to get to Ullswater? How about the Ullswater Outdoor Festival from the 25th September-3rd October 2010, with over 50 walks, climbs, scrambles, swims, abseils, cruises, talks and tours to choose from.

Highlights include: a talk by Radio 2 DJ and Outdoor Enthusiast Stuart Maconie, Mountain Navigation Training (one of 18 free activites provided by Distant Horizons), a mobile climbing wall and a series of fantastic walks through the stunning local scenery, whether it's to Dovedale and Deepdale or Aira Force (see below).

The full list of walks is available by clicking here, or contact Catstycam Outdoor Store for further details.

The Lake District Walking Festival

19th July 2010 - filed under Events

Another update with some great excuses to get outdoors now the kids are breaking up for summer holidays!

The Lake District Walking Festival, with volunteers kitted out by Sprayway has a great selection of events this week. Some of the highlights:

Walks:

22nd July - Dovedale & Deepdale - Compare and contrast the beauty and wildness of the Deepdale and Dovedale valleys.

24th July - Scales Tarn & Souther Fell - See Scales Tarn in its magnificent setting under Blencathra. Return via Souther Fell and enjoy stunning views.

25th July - Hawkshead (Vikings & Monks) - A leisurely walk with spectacular views through the fields around Hawkshead, learning about its varied history.

Or for the whole family:

23rd July - Nature with a Twist - Look at the natural world with fresh eyes and be inspired to create your own work of art. 

24th July - Learn Bushcraft and Survival Skills - Get to grips with basic survival skills, including shelter building, fire lighting and rope, string and knot tying. 

Check out the full list of events by clicking here.

July Camping Product of the Month

13th July 2010 - filed under Products

Hood River 8

The British summer and (for once) summer sun may have taken you by surprise, but at Sprayway we’ve been getting ready for this all year and have the perfect summer tent.

The Eight Berth is the largest in the Hood River family and comes with all the features and perks you can come to expect from a Sprayway family tent. Not only is it easy to erect, with an outer that pitches as a sealed unit, but provides plenty of living AND sleeping space.

It comes with 4 removable bedrooms (each of which comes with a dedicated storage space) and a huge central living area, which can be expanded when any of the bedrooms are taken out. The tent also has a side annex, ideal for keeping bikes or dirty gear out of your living space.

There is no better way to enjoy this British Summer than getting out and camping in the great outdoors, and there is no better way to enjoy camping than in the Hood River 8.

The Hood River is also available in 4 and 6 berth options.

July Product of the Month

12th July 2010 - filed under Products

Discover & Explore Tee's

Whatever plans you’ve made for this summer, or even if you’re not one for plans, and are happy to follow any meandering path your feet take you on, the aptly named Discover and Explore tee’s are an essential piece of kit.

With a good fit and soft handle, they will seem like a great addition to your kit list for the summer. But dig a little deeper and these tee’s really stand head and shoulders above the rest.

Why? They’re made with Cocona yarn, which feels fantastic against your skin and it’s moisture moving properties will keep you comfortable and dry. Not only that but outstanding levels odour adsorption mean even after a full day and night on the hill, your tee will be fresh for the next morning.

Available for both men and women, these groundbreaking tee’s are a must have for whatever you’re doing on or off the hill this season.

Win Great Sprayway Gear!!

9th July 2010 - filed under Competitions

Time is running out for you to enter the Sprayway Padarn Monster Competition!

While we were at the HUGELY successful Llanberis Mountain Film Festival, all the local "Llanberians" kept telling us about the Big Friendly Monster in Llyn Padarn.

Unfortunately we had no joy finding it ourselves but we're still dying to know what it looks like. So we're asking you to show us what you think it looks like in our new drawing competition.

If you’re one of our lucky winners you could be in with the chance of seeing your design on our new kids summer t-shirt! Yep, that’s right, we’ll be making our Summer kids T-shirt from the overall winning design. The winner of each age group will also win a fantastic selection of Sprayway Goodies.

For competition and entry details, please visit the competitions page!

21 Years of Catstycam!

8th July 2010 - filed under Competitions, Events

This year is a landmark birthday for Catstycam Outdoor, based in Glenridding and Pooley Bridge, and Sprayway are delighted to be getting involved in the celebrations!

Catstycam have been providing outstanding outdoor clothing from their two stores at Glenridding and Pooley Bridge by Ullswater in the Lake District for 21 years now, and are giving you the chance to enjoy the celebrations with a great competition giveaway.

For the chance to win £500 worth of Outdoor Clothing all you have to do is follow this link to the Catstycam Outdoor Shop.

Sprayway at the Peak District Walking Festival

4th July 2010 - filed under Events

Booking lines have opened for the 4th Peak District Walking Festival of the year, the Amber Valley and Erewash Walking Festival "Autumn Footprints" which will be taking place from the 11th to the 26th September 2010.

The walks will take place in Amber Valley and Erewash, two areas known for their natural beauty, superb scenery, industrial heritage and attractive towns and villages and are led by knowledgeable local expert volunteers and staff who are enthusiastic to show off their patch. 

The Festival has proved very popular with both inexperienced and experienced walkers and now in its eighth year, they return time and again to enjoy the stunning seasonal colours.

Click here for the event listing. This is the 4th of 5 Walking Festivals which fall under the Peak District Walking Festivals Title which Sprayway have provided Gore-Tex Performance Esker and Compact Jackets for staff and volunteers.

June 10

Trail - Kids Waterproof Review

30th June 2010 - filed under Products, Reviews

Trail Magazine recently ran their review of kids jackets. Below is the Sprayway Hawk jacket review y Tomas McFarland - Aged 7.

"The jacket fitted well, and it was very comfortable to wear while climbing Tryfan. It was nice and loose so it gave me lots of room to move without the jacket riding up…”

“The sleeves were long but again this was great while stretching out on the climb up Tryfan. The cuffs, waist and hood are all adjustable. The jacket was 8-9 years and my mum said it was a good size for the age.”

“The hood on the jacket is not removable but it can be rolled up and secured with a tab...”

“The jacket was waterproof, so it kept me nice and dry. The zip had a flap over it with a button at the bottom to keep it secure so no water could get in. the material is nice and soft and I found it very comfortable. I think you could use the jacket at any time of the year. A fleece can be zipped into it, which I think is a great idea especially for the winter. On my trip up Tryfan the coat got very muddy, but it washed and dried in no time and looked brand new again."

Verdict:

"This is a great coat and my mum says it's excellent value for money. I looked cool on the hills, and stayed warm and dry. It would be even better if the hood stowed away in a zipped pocket."