James Boulter @bpackingbongos Twitter profile

Last Seen Profiles

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James Boulter

@bpackingbongos

4 years

I think the punishment for this sort of thing is that you should be made to eat it. All of it.

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James Boulter

@bpackingbongos

4 years

This is how I left each of my three campsites in the fells this weekend, nothing but a small patch of flattened grass. If you choose to camp away from a campsite there should be no evidence when you leave. Really easy to do unless you're a childish knuckle dragging arsehole 😉

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James Boulter

@bpackingbongos

10 months

Very grateful for a bothy last night as the conditions on the hill became pretty unpleasant. Nice to warm myself by the stove and spread out. It’s a world of wind, mist and swirling snow this morning up here at 700 metres. Hopefully the wind will be at my back for the walk out.

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James Boulter

@bpackingbongos

2 years

Woke up to a frost on Maoile Lundaidh with ice inside the tent. Glad I set my alarm for before sunrise as there was an absolutely stunning inversion. So quiet and still up here. Magical.

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James Boulter

@bpackingbongos

10 months

The inversion this afternoon from the summit of Cross Fell is a real treat that I was not expecting. Barely a breath of wind up here and the sun has some warmth to it.

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James Boulter

@bpackingbongos

4 years

I've found myself shuffling towards an unseasonably dark hole the past couple of weeks, so have headed out for some mountain therapy. They have really worked their magic this evening. A combo of low cloud, mist and sunset came together to give a moment of stunning beauty.

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James Boulter

@bpackingbongos

4 years

For a few minutes this evening the sky caught fire.

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James Boulter

@bpackingbongos

2 years

The views today are absolutely outrageous.

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James Boulter

@bpackingbongos

2 years

Definitely my favourite moment from two weeks in the NW Highlands. Now I'm back in the city it already feels like a lifetime ago!

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James Boulter

@bpackingbongos

10 months

It was definitely one of those magical days on the hills. Met one person and was thankful for their footprints through the deep snow. Much of the country was probably under that sea of cloud.

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James Boulter

@bpackingbongos

4 years

A tough mountain day climbing Stob Coire nan Lochan, Bidean nam Bian and Stob Coire Sgreamhach. The whole day was on exceptionally steep ground, my knees are not thanking me now. These really do feel like big hills! Tops weirdly deserted but the Lost Valley busy.

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James Boulter

@bpackingbongos

3 years

Relaxing in my tent listening to the waves crashing on the beach. A beautiful spot about an hour's boggy walk from the road. Weather has been rubbish, but a few dry spells and dramatic skies.

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James Boulter

@bpackingbongos

4 years

After a long day taking in Scafell Pike, Esk Pike, Bow Fell and the Crinkle Crags it was good to get the tent pitched. Great location for watching the sun set, hues of pink and orange across the land. Cold now so back to tent for curry.

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James Boulter

@bpackingbongos

2 years

After a 4 month 'sabbatical' I start a new job tomorrow! Going to be working for a nature based organisation. A complete change after working in homelessness and advocacy for the past 17 years. Proper nervous this evening!

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James Boulter

@bpackingbongos

4 years

My bachelor pad for the next week. British tourism's a weird old thing, this cost just £2.72 more a night than the shed in a campsite I stayed in last night.

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James Boulter

@bpackingbongos

4 years

Pitched at 800 metres again, the whole of Anglesey spread out below me. It's been blissfully quiet on the mountains today, the fell ponies outnumbering the people. A spectacular sunset and finally it's cool enough to pull on a fleece.

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James Boulter

@bpackingbongos

4 years

The reward this evening for straying off of the beaten track and forging my own path up a steep hillside. Camp sites don't really come much better than this (apart from a cold and strong wind).

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James Boulter

@bpackingbongos

3 years

The sun has now set and I'm snug in my sleeping bag, the tent door open with views down to the coast 2000ft below me.

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James Boulter

@bpackingbongos

10 months

Pre dawn brew. Slept pretty well last night. Going to be hard to get out of my sleeping bag.

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James Boulter

@bpackingbongos

9 months

The breeze is making it feel a bit brisk this morning.

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James Boulter

@bpackingbongos

3 years

Climbed Ben Vorlich and Stùc a' Chroin via Glen Ample in perfect winter conditions today. A nice quiet approach to these popular hills. With a measured windchill of -15.2C my face is only just beginning to defrost.

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James Boulter

@bpackingbongos

5 years

I've still got a long way back to the car but thankfully with the security of a track. An hour ago I was seriously regretting a spur of the moment descent route and pondering my own mortality. Then this happened.

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James Boulter

@bpackingbongos

3 years

Dawn inversion.

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James Boulter

@bpackingbongos

3 years

Morning. Just woke after nearly ten hours unbroken sleep, snug in my sleeping bag. It's beautiful outside again with a hard frost. My fingers aren't looking forward to taking the icy tent down though!

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James Boulter

@bpackingbongos

6 years

@aroundthehills @markswalking @PeterSweden7 Looking at the Twitter account I have a feeling he might just be a biggoted racist...

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James Boulter

@bpackingbongos

2 years

Today is my first day of unemployment for over twenty years. I'm going to do the sensible thing and head to the Highlands tomorrow to climb some mountains. I then better think about trying to get another job!

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James Boulter

@bpackingbongos

6 years

My brain has been a complete arse the past month or so. Nature really is the best medicine for me, so I packed my best pal into the car and had a soothing 24 hours in the hills.

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James Boulter

@bpackingbongos

4 years

Due to my current insomnia I was out the door before first light and on the summit of the Pap of Glencoe whilst many were still in bed. Midge free stillness, the sound of roaring stags filling the air. Ticks still active though, brushed loads off my trousers.

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James Boulter

@bpackingbongos

1 year

Since leaving the car at midday yesterday I've not seen anyone on the hills, not even a speck in the distance. I think it's brilliant that everyone flocks to the same places on Bank holidays. That means there's plenty of space elsewhere for this misanthrope 😎

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James Boulter

@bpackingbongos

3 years

Finally made it to the very remote Beinn Fhionnlaidh. Really struggled in the heat and with lack of fitness, so took a short cut missing out some hills. The glens are currently fiercely guarded by clegs.

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James Boulter

@bpackingbongos

3 years

As life is too short to be stressed at work I've gone down to three days a week. I'll still be stressed for three days, but have four days when I'm not!

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James Boulter

@bpackingbongos

3 years

Yesterday I did the Silver Walk along Loch Moidart and returned over some low hills. Possibly the best easy low level walk I've done. Not one to do if you don't like narrow paths above drops into the sea though!

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James Boulter

@bpackingbongos

2 years

Lovely light on the hill right now. The downside will be finishing in the dark...

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James Boulter

@bpackingbongos

5 years

The worlds most inaccessible stile. I could hear it taunting me with 'Go on, go on, I bet you cant'. I didn't and I probably couldn't.

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James Boulter

@bpackingbongos

2 years

The views from Conival are amazing today. Now for the there and back ridge to Ben More Assynt. No one else on the hill, fabulous!

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James Boulter

@bpackingbongos

1 year

My little micro camper is far from luxurious and probably not good enough for hashtagvanlife, but I'm glad I'm not in a tent this morning. The weather in Wales is filthy. Just one more coffee before packing up and going for a walk...

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James Boulter

@bpackingbongos

9 months

My first time out out for a month (and on here). Poor health and uninspiring weather has kept me off the hills. Nice to sit on a lofty perch with the sun on my back whilst I eat lunch.

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James Boulter

@bpackingbongos

2 years

The 475 mile drive up to Sutherland today was a bit of a bore. The little Doblo is now parked up amongst the pines in a beautiful glen. A pleasant stroll after dinner to a waterfall, and now comfy in the van listening to the birds. Midge situation currently favourable.

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James Boulter

@bpackingbongos

2 years

The Scottish weather is broken.

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James Boulter

@bpackingbongos

4 years

The weather in the Highlands was outstanding today, the early mist soon burning off to leave a warm and sunny day. Cracking views over watery Rannoch Moor and down Glen Etive.

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James Boulter

@bpackingbongos

4 years

Spending the night in a posh shed.

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James Boulter

@bpackingbongos

4 years

Happy New Year to you all from Bongo Towers. Let hope that 2021 is a much better year. Once Covid is dealt with I'll pop over and give you all a big beardy kiss.

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James Boulter

@bpackingbongos

6 years

I'm not a natural scrambler so have never done Striding Edge before today. What a fantastic ridge. Easy enough to stick to the crest with dry rock and no wind. Glad I left Reuben in bed though, not sure he'd have been happy up there.

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James Boulter

@bpackingbongos

5 years

A couple of knobwits in their giant caravan on this lovely campsite. Earlier cooking dinner on a massive catering size gas grill. Ate their dinner under a patio heater. Yes a fucking patio heater. Then fired up their generator so they could watch TV. And that's why I hate people.

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James Boulter

@bpackingbongos

5 years

The haunting call of a Plover woke me before dawn. The grass crisp with frost I wandered to the edge of the plateau to see the sun rising across a sea of cloud. The skylarks are now chatting noisily over breakfast.

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James Boulter

@bpackingbongos

6 years

The reality of a still summer morning in the Cairngorms.

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James Boulter

@bpackingbongos

2 years

Absolutely stunning up on Ben Loyal today. What a mountain, which I have all to myself!

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James Boulter

@bpackingbongos

3 years

Heading north tomorrow for 4 nights / 5 days to decompress. Pack weighs a ton or two, just about managed to carry it down the stairs.

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James Boulter

@bpackingbongos

9 months

Pitched for the night in the wild and beautiful Cambrian Mountains. Barely a soul seen and treated to a great sunset.

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James Boulter

@bpackingbongos

4 years

Back home after a reflective few hours in the Peak. My Gran was moved into a hospice on Sunday and sadly died yesterday. She was much loved. She recently told my Aunt that she did everything she wanted to do, along with a few things she was told she shouldn't do ♥️

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James Boulter

@bpackingbongos

3 years

Nice view from bed this morning, think I'll stay here for a little longer and listen to the sky larks.

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James Boulter

@bpackingbongos

4 years

Pitched on the summit of Pen Pumlumon Fawr. Treated to a spectacular sunset, the afterglow continuing a long time after the sun slipped into the sea. Barely a breath of wind, the temperature dropping indicating it's going to be a cold night. It feels more like October than August

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James Boulter

@bpackingbongos

3 years

A memorable day climbing two Corbetts, Creag Mac Rànaich & Meall an t-seallaidh from Lochearnhead. A nice approach to these unfrequented & rugged hills. The wind was strong & cold and I struggled a bit over the 19km but the light was magical this afternoon.

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James Boulter

@bpackingbongos

4 years

Makes me go wow every time.

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James Boulter

@bpackingbongos

9 months

Lots of sitting and snacking today.

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James Boulter

@bpackingbongos

4 years

Finally plucked up the courage to speak to my GP after a frightening crash in my MH last week. Been signed off work for a couple of weeks which will hopefully allow me to chill out a bit. Packing now for a bit of Munro therapy, how effective that'll be is prob weather dependent!

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James Boulter

@bpackingbongos

4 years

Pitched up high this evening, the strong breeze finally dying out. With the temperature dropping it feels like it's going to be a cold night. Hopefully a good sunset later.

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James Boulter

@bpackingbongos

1 year

Dragged my sweaty carcass and lots of water to pitch at 850 metres. The views are incredible up here, my temporary kitchen having an on top of the world vibe. It's 9pm and still baking hot. Not a breath of wind and the silence is making my ears ring.

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James Boulter

@bpackingbongos

3 years

Mountain days in Scotland don't get much better than this. Snow, hot sun and no wind.

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James Boulter

@bpackingbongos

7 years

Autumn light doesn't get much better.

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James Boulter

@bpackingbongos

3 years

Tonights van spot. The Isle of Eigg in the distance. The temperature has plummeted today, a bone chilling wind but thankfully the stars are out.

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James Boulter

@bpackingbongos

3 years

It was all very idyllic in Glen Feshie yesterday and last night. No idea where I'm picking up this slither of a phone signal from at the headwaters of the Geldie!

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James Boulter

@bpackingbongos

3 years

Had a great night at Leacraithnaith bothy. Arrived yesterday afternoon in pouring rain and soon had the fire lit. A couple turned up after dark, so a nice sociable evening. A bonus waking up to snow this morning ❄️

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James Boulter

@bpackingbongos

3 years

This morning's cloud inversion really was special, not something I expected to see in late July.

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James Boulter

@bpackingbongos

3 years

This sign I passed today pretty much sums up England in 2022. A country of privilege for the few, and exclusion for the many. A triple whammy with 'private', 'keep out', and some barbed wire to hammer the message home.

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James Boulter

@bpackingbongos

3 years

It was pretty grotty where I woke up this morning but I put on a brave face.

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James Boulter

@bpackingbongos

2 years

Why I no longer wear shorts when hiking in the hills.

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James Boulter

@bpackingbongos

2 years

Not a ripple on the Loch.

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James Boulter

@bpackingbongos

4 years

Pitched above the 2000ft contour this evening on a boggy and little known fell. It's a long damp slog to get up here, but I love the feeling of wildness and solitude such a place brings. It's currently cool, grey and breezy but with a hint of brightness on its way.

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James Boulter

@bpackingbongos

3 years

Poo Tin.

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James Boulter

@bpackingbongos

1 year

Something very relaxing about doing absolutely nothing in a tent whilst listening to gentle rain on silnylon.

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James Boulter

@bpackingbongos

4 years

After 9 weeks without being able to see a hill it was good to set foot on one today. The feel of the wind on my face whilst listening to the plaintive cry of a curlew is just what I needed. A meandering off-piste tramp across dry crunchy moors, passing only 2 people in 6 hours.

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James Boulter

@bpackingbongos

2 years

After hiding from the rain on a very wet morning, the sun finally made an appearance. I took the winding road to Achmelvich and it's stunning beaches. It was actually hot for a while before the next bit of weather rolled in. Managed to time my visit for when the chippy was open!

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James Boulter

@bpackingbongos

4 years

Tent pitched with a good view down the valley. Feeling warm and muggy this evening.

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James Boulter

@bpackingbongos

4 years

I'm glad I'm in the Hilleberg Soulo tonight 😆

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James Boulter

@bpackingbongos

2 years

Happy New Year! I was asleep in the van well before midnight. Woke up to a view this morning, the murk has finally lifted.

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James Boulter

@bpackingbongos

4 years

My Black Friday deal was a walk along the Northern edges of Kinder Scout from the Snake Inn. Plenty of fresh air and rocks on which to sit and take in the views. The best things in life are free.

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James Boulter

@bpackingbongos

4 years

Cold comfort.

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James Boulter

@bpackingbongos

4 years

Apologies for going against the current outdoor social media narrative, but I've just had a splendid day in a National park. Zero litter spotted, empty car park, barely a soul in 33km and the locals were friendly. Oh it was sunny too. Dammit.

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James Boulter

@bpackingbongos

5 years

Lovely pitch for the night. It was noisy as the sun went down, the pheasants competing with the grouse to see who could shout the loudest. Saw the ghostly glide of a barn owl earlier. The stars are out now, the first hints of a frost creeping across the grass.

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James Boulter

@bpackingbongos

2 years

Ben Loyal's impressive summit Tor.

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James Boulter

@bpackingbongos

4 years

How to leave your wild camping spot.

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James Boulter

@bpackingbongos

3 years

A lovely camp spot last night in an empty Glen. Fell asleep at 7.30pm so found myself wide awake at 4.30am, languished in my bag for a few hours drinking coffee and waiting for the sun to rise and dry off the tent.

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James Boulter

@bpackingbongos

2 years

After a night in a tent battered by the wind it's nice to be in the van for tonight. Current midge situation = zero. Which is nice. But I can sense they will be here soon...

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James Boulter

@bpackingbongos

2 years

What a fantastic spot to wake up at. Overdid it yesterday so absolutely knacked, gonna have a lazy morning in the tent before heading up the mountain.

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James Boulter

@bpackingbongos

3 years

Poor physical health has prevented me from backpacking this year, and generally kept me away from the hills. Therefore very nice to get out for a short ramble today. My body feels worse for it but its good for the mind and head!

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James Boulter

@bpackingbongos

3 years

Some 'cracking' views today in the Cairngorms.

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James Boulter

@bpackingbongos

3 years

Poor old Reuben collapsed and had a fit whilst running after his ball in the park today. No more chasing balls for the old boy from now on. He thinks he's a pup in his head but his body is 15.

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James Boulter

@bpackingbongos

2 years

Too windy today for the hills so walked to a couple of remote lochs. In real wild back of beyond country.

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James Boulter

@bpackingbongos

2 years

A road I drove earlier today had a sign warning that it is not gritted in winter. It clearly isn't tarmacked in summer either!

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James Boulter

@bpackingbongos

3 years

A brilliant day to be up high in the mountains 🌄

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James Boulter

@bpackingbongos

3 years

It's Reubens unofficial 15th birthday this week. The first photo was taken on his first hill walk after he was adopted age 'about 4'. 11 years later those tiger stripes have faded, his trousers are now a bit baggy, and he no longer walks the hills. We love our old boy.

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James Boulter

@bpackingbongos

3 years

I think I'll sleep here tonight.

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James Boulter

@bpackingbongos

4 years

One of those mornings where you oversleep and then wake up in a panic as it's about 700C in the tent and you battle to get out for some air. Breakfast on the lawn this morning.

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James Boulter

@bpackingbongos

6 years

Iced fence on Great Dun fell today.

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James Boulter

@bpackingbongos

4 years

A beautiful dawn on the hills of Mid Wales. Chilly up here this morning, measured 6c with a wind chill of 3c. Back into my tent for a snooze before breakfast.