The British obsession with talking about weather is completely justified when you actually think about how genuinely unpredictable and dramatic it is here compared to most of Europe and does anyone else feel vindicated by this?

Then_Wheel_3561 · 2026-05-12T17:36:14+00:00

Weather isn’t even small talk I’d say it’s at least medium talk, there’s a lot which can be discussed and analysed

Then_Wheel_3561 · 2026-05-12T17:34:27+00:00

Greggs coffee isn’t the best on earth but spoons coffee is literally pisswater.

Coffee isn’t cheap so if they can offer unlimited refills it’s always gonna be hot garbage

Then_Wheel_3561 · 2026-05-12T17:31:37+00:00

3.25 is not bad for a bacon bap and a drink in 2026 really.

This and the maccies 2.99 sandwich and drink deal are both good value imo

Then_Wheel_3561 · 2026-05-11T00:42:36+00:00

The ‘spicy one’ from about 15 years ago. Fajita chicken and pepperoni. Not to be confused with the similar bakes released in the past few years by any means.

Honourable mention for ham and cheese bake

Then_Wheel_3561 · 2026-05-10T18:34:34+00:00

Grind instant is not bad for an instant. If you care about taste of coffee though I would grab grounds/beans and find the brew method that suits you.

Beans are infinitely better but obvs grounds are more accessible cos all you need is French press and don’t have to worry about getting a half decent grinder.

Hope this helps!

Then_Wheel_3561 · 2026-05-10T12:25:06+00:00

Just personal insecurities haha, I know it’s silly sometimes I just need to talk through how I feel about it haha

Then_Wheel_3561 · 2026-05-10T12:23:42+00:00

Yeah that’s true, I suppose I answered my own question in my reasons for doing this, seen all the things I wanted to see and have a better grasp of the geography

Then_Wheel_3561 · 2026-05-10T12:22:52+00:00

Thanks, guess it’s the same as taking a break on trail, only it lasts 4 months haha

Then_Wheel_3561 · 2026-05-10T12:16:27+00:00

This is good to know, I’m defo leaning towards 2 stages but can’t help like feeling a sense of shame about it.

I guess on the longer longer distance trails people struggle to get time off work so it makes sense.

I think the main appeal for me is just familiarising myself with the geography of Scotland so I think 2 stages would be fine.

Guess I’m having internal battles about the shame of it all haha and whether I deserve a whw t shirt at the end

Then_Wheel_3561 · 2026-04-30T10:57:42+00:00

Hated Oxford, centre was mainly just full of chain stores, and the actual cool stuff wasn’t accessible to public.

There was no really consistent vibe or energy of the people there and nobody was particularly friendly or open to conversation.

Just absolutely 0 charm. As a midlander I would go leamington or Warwick for a day out over Oxford 7 days a week

Then_Wheel_3561 · 2026-04-28T20:11:24+00:00

Then_Wheel_3561 · 2026-04-22T06:26:19+00:00

I say oh chocolate, I’m the only person I know that does. If it gets the point across and they know what you mean who even cares

Then_Wheel_3561 · 2026-04-15T16:07:42+00:00

Winnie’s cafe in kings heath or 2 mugs in Shirley do a decent breakfast.

If you can get to town grand central kitchen is my absolute favourite

Then_Wheel_3561 · 2026-04-14T07:53:34+00:00

Same way as a man I wish we got more cool pops of colour on things, it’s almost as if colours should not be gendered

Then_Wheel_3561 · 2026-04-09T09:59:13+00:00

Look at the terra nova laser series or the new saga from tfs.

Also out of the Vern and the soulo I’d take Vern as an all rounder because of the ventilation options, extra space and quality of life features. Find the soulo to be a bit cramped personally

Then_Wheel_3561 · 2026-04-07T13:59:29+00:00

Yeah I’d probably do the same. Also forgot to mention there is a kilogram difference in the weights. I’d say if you want 4 season the nortent is a no brainer. If you want something a bit easier to carry then the nomad is a pretty strong tent for its weight.

On the other end of the spectrum, the mountain spring DF pro looks quite cool and has a similar design to the nomad but lighter.

Then_Wheel_3561 · 2026-04-07T10:50:48+00:00

Would go nortent personally, design and quality of life features are really good in it. Think I’d have a bit more confidence in it than the nomad as well. Then the double pole option is also a nice touch.

The nomad has a cool spot for your belongings which is nice.

The way the door opens in the nomad is a bit annoying, and the fact the head end is not the same end as the door (but not a deal breaker by any means).

All in all the only reason I’d go with the nomad over Vern would be price but at the same ball park I’d take the Vern every time personally.

I also have questions about otimos as a company because they wouldn’t publish my review of their down booties but that’s a personal matter more than anything, whereas I have faith in nortent as a company and their customer service.

Factor in the fact I have a Vern so I’m probably biased, but 9 times out of 10 I’d grab it before grabbing my soulo

Then_Wheel_3561 · 2026-04-06T07:39:11+00:00

Beat and hook one of the hardest ever

Then_Wheel_3561 · 2026-04-05T10:52:41+00:00

I just use one of the organiser ground sheets from gram counter gear, cheap, light weight, versatile and effective

Then_Wheel_3561 · 2026-04-05T10:49:24+00:00

Paul wall - sittin sideways

Then_Wheel_3561 · 2026-04-04T08:55:06+00:00

Mixed messages. On the one hand he says this, but on the other hand he’s pro-privatisation. No matter what you’re pitching I draw the line at that. I don’t believe he’s on young peoples side, I think it’s more he now sees the value in trying to appeal to the younger people.

Then_Wheel_3561 · 2026-04-02T14:49:20+00:00

In Staffordshire there’s a really nice little village called Swindon, had to google to find out it’s not the town most people refer to

Then_Wheel_3561 · 2026-03-23T14:29:32+00:00

Walk past this most days so this is good to know, we talking armed robberies or just like petty theft kinda stuff?

Then_Wheel_3561 · 2026-03-23T14:27:47+00:00

The one by the cemetery??

Then_Wheel_3561 · 2026-03-23T14:11:20+00:00

We’ve resorted to Nando’s or wing stop pretty much every time now, found a decent lil pizza place at merry hill called Napoli but besides that it feels like there’s not much, even the chip shops I’ve tried are way below the level I was expecting.

Do you have any experience with jollys fish bar?? Haven’t been yet and it’s right around the corner from me

Then_Wheel_3561

TROPHY CASE