EC Lake District Escape: 7-9th November

Location is everything this weekend. Our mountain lodge is remote, located several miles from the closest road and surrounded by the peaks of Great Gable and Kirk FellConverted from a former shepherds bothy our lodge has just had a make-over, so its fresh and clean but retains the rustic charm that makes it the most sought after hut in the Lakes. There are only 14 spaces on this weekend so be quick as this is bound to be oversubscribed.The weekend will start on Friday afternoon / evening. We will meet you and walk into the lodge together. With no road access for several miles in any direction, bring a rucksack and pack light as you will carry everything in for the weekend. Don't worry we will help you with this, we can lend you a rucksack and advise on what to bring (and what not to bring)Expect a weekend away from the modern world, out of the reach of traffic, phones and internet and staying in an off grid location powered by renewable energy.We will spend Saturday and Sunday exploring the area on foot. Within easy reach are the famous peaks of Great and Green Gable, High Stile, Pillar and Kirk Fell. Nearby Haystacks gives views over picturesque Buttermere, or we could cross the dramatic Honister Pass to Dale Head giving views over the Newlands Valley and Derwent Water.There are also some classic climbing routes near the lodge including Pillar Rock and Napes Needle (NB these will be self guided)If you've never come on an EC Adventure before, they're informal, friendly and great fun. We generally have singles, couples and small sets of friends coming along, from complete beginners to adventure professionals - what we all share is a love for adventure. Ages tend to range between mid 20s and mid 40s but anyone over 18years old and young at heart is welcome.

Walking the length of New Zealand: Te Araroa. Needs team mates and advice

When walking through New Zealand's mountainous areas some time back on 3-5 day walks, I never liked returning to the towns and just wanted to get back into the wilds. So after meeting someone linking them together into a 6 week trek with hellicopter drops for food, I vowed to return....one day....Since then the Te Araroa trail has been formalised through the whole of the country, North and South. So with a career break and lust for getting out there, I am looking at doing this trail. However I'm also exploring other ways of walking the South Island, e.g. to get more of the mountains along the south west coast.

I'm keen to hear from people who have done such long distance treks with tips, as much as from those who think they may want to do something similar or even this trail itself in December 2014.

carriechambers@hotmail.com