Articles written by Chiz Dakin

Oak Apple Day celebrates its 350 anniversary on May 29 2010. With origins from Pagan traditions and English Civil War, what have nettles got to do with it?

May 28, 2010 - Chiz Dakin

The Peak District is rich in history, and the area around Hathersage provide some excellent gentle historic walks and cycles. Here are a couple of the best.

May 25, 2010 - Chiz Dakin

Cromford is well known as the cradle of the factory system in the UK, both it and nearby Crich are good destinations for a historical-based family day out.

May 24, 2010 - Chiz Dakin

Crossing the Drake Passage is said to be a right of passage for any adventurer to the Antarctic, and is rarely a tranquil experience. But what's it like?

May 10, 2010 - Chiz Dakin

The Drake Passage has a notorious reputation of being the world's roughest stretch of water, but what are the other contenders and do they beat the Drake?

May 10, 2010 - Chiz Dakin

Just crossing the Drake Passage to Antarctica in relative comfort reads like a Polar Explorers dream, but some Antarctic trips are more exclusive and epic.

May 10, 2010 - Chiz Dakin

Spring is the season for bluebells in the UK, and they can be so abundant in Derbyshire that it isn't always necessary to leave the car to see them.

May 8, 2010 - Chiz Dakin

The ancient summer-time tradition of Derbyshire Well Dressings begins May 8 at Carsington Water, other villages continue the tradition throughout summer.

May 8, 2010 - Chiz Dakin

A working Russian icebreaker may be an unlikely choice for 5* accommodation but its the only way to visit the Antarctic ice-pack. Are the food and rooms 5*?

Apr 19, 2010 - Chiz Dakin

Most people assume the Emperor Penguin is the typical Antarctic penguin, but Antarctic Peninsula visitors are far more likely to see Adelie and Gentoo penguins instead.

Feb 26, 2010 - Chiz Dakin

The Ross Sea holds several important Adelie penguin colonies that tourists can visit away from typical Antarctic Peninsula destinations of most Antarctic cruise ships.

Feb 25, 2010 - Chiz Dakin

When the budget won't stretch to another adrenaline-filled activity, or for the traveller who isn't interested in such activities, natural attractions are the answer.

Feb 24, 2010 - Chiz Dakin

Auckland's Huaraki Gulf Islands are a magical and diverse archipelago, containing an open wildlife sanctuary, a wine reserve and Auckland's newest (yet dormant) volcano.

Feb 18, 2010 - Chiz Dakin

This article gives useful tips for the novice cyclist trying the 50k Cycle Route around Auckland and information on both pitfalls and hidden gems of the western section.

Feb 13, 2010 - Chiz Dakin

Stunning windsurfing photography requires an understanding of the sport. Wind direction, position of the sun and the windsurfers skills all contribute to the end image.

Nov 29, 2009 - Chiz Dakin

Iguazu National Park was listed as a World Heritage Site in 1984 for its spectacular Falls. This article helps visitors discover the trails on the Argentinian side.

Nov 29, 2009 - Chiz Dakin

Many travellers make a mistake by only spending one night at Iguazu/Iguacu Falls. More time is needed to get the most out of a trip to this amazing World Heritage Site.

Nov 29, 2009 - Chiz Dakin

Eating out in the whitewashed villages of the Alpujarras can be very cheap and enjoyable. This article lists three of the best places to drink and eat in Lanjaron.

Nov 29, 2009 - Chiz Dakin

Rodeo may be a small village in the middle of nowhere, but it has several options for the traveller, including windsurfing, kitesurfing, and a thermal "pileta" (pool).

Nov 29, 2009 - Chiz Dakin

There are many manufacturers of tripods, but some are more popular among photographers than others, especially for use during outdoor activities such as hillwalking.

Nov 29, 2009 - Chiz Dakin

Windsurfers everywhere want strong winds. This article describes a place reputed to be the windiest lake in South America, and is one of Argentina's well-kept secrets.

Nov 28, 2009 - Chiz Dakin

The Los Tres Miles is the best multi-day walking route of the Spanish Sierra Nevada. Taking roughly four to six days, it usually starts in Lanjaron and ends in Jerez.

Aug 25, 2009 - Chiz Dakin

Although Mulhacen and Veleta are well-known and well-frequented, there are many more remote peaks and valleys in the Spanish Sierra Nevada which are well worth visiting.

Aug 25, 2009 - Chiz Dakin

Trevelez is the highest mountain village in Andalucia, and some great walks start here, including the trek to Siete Lagunas, and onto Alcazabar, and two sections of GR7.

Aug 25, 2009 - Chiz Dakin

The ski road to Prado Llano allows easy access to the north of the Spanish Sierra Nevada, but the south side has some excellent walks without any view of the ski centre!

Aug 25, 2009 - Chiz Dakin

Buddhism and Monasteries are an important part of life in Ladakh. This article highlights three must-see monasteries within a short drive from Leh - the centre of Ladakh.

Aug 21, 2009 - Chiz Dakin

Portrait, landscape and sports are the 3 most common picture modes on a digital camera. Picture modes are a great next step for photographers wanting more than Auto.

May 20, 2009 - Chiz Dakin

Photographers moving on from a camera's automatic modes often ask what the Tv setting is. It's important for freezing/blurring action in sports/landscape/wildlife shots.

May 14, 2009 - Chiz Dakin

Moving beyond the Rule of Thirds - this article covers more advanced techniques in composition of landscape photography and is aimed at more advanced photographers.

May 13, 2009 - Chiz Dakin

When moving beyond the automatic modes of a camera, three questions frequently asked are "What does Av mean?", "What are f numbers?" and "What is Depth of Field?".

May 12, 2009 - Chiz Dakin

The UK's Outdoors Show at the NEC in Birmingham is renowned as an annual gearfest - but visitors also get to try several outdoors activities indoors.

Mar 27, 2009 - Chiz Dakin

Specific techniques are needed for photographers to capture the best results when photographing waterfalls/flowing water on bright sunny days.

Mar 25, 2009 - Chiz Dakin

The Western-most end of the Gibb River Road is the most accessible, with Windjana Gorge and its freshwater crocodiles and fruit bats being a major highlight.

Mar 11, 2009 - Chiz Dakin

So who was Charles Cotton? Born in the Peak District, he was best known as a poet and angler. He was also co-author of one of the most reprinted books in UK history.

Mar 11, 2009 - Chiz Dakin

Best known as the Gateway to the Peak District, the Derbyshire town of Ashbourne is host to some unusual sporting events, some of which have long-standing traditions.

Mar 11, 2009 - Chiz Dakin

The Alps are often crowded in winter as hordes flock to Europe's winter downhill skiing playground. But the SaasTal is a quieter hideaway with plenty to offer.

Mar 6, 2009 - Chiz Dakin

Richard Arkwright is regarded as the father of the factory. The Derwent Valley (near Derby) is where the story began and is one of only 27 UK UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Mar 4, 2009 - Chiz Dakin

Ski-touring bindings differ in many ways from their downhill cousins. One key difference is the ability to release the heel for uphill skiing. Their setup also differs.

Mar 2, 2009 - Chiz Dakin

Ski-touring is great way to explore the hills in winter, but avalanche rescue gear is an additional set of gear that should always be carried when ski-touring.

Mar 1, 2009 - Chiz Dakin

Ski-touring boots, bindings and skis differ from downhill ski equipment. This article highlights important things a novice should know before renting or buying.

Mar 1, 2009 - Chiz Dakin

Once a royal stronghold and prominent stone building atop a prominent hillside, the remnants of Horsley Castle are now a hidden treasure lurking beneath ivy and woodland.

Feb 18, 2009 - Chiz Dakin

The Ningaloo Reef is one of Australia's hidden gems, but the village resort of Coral Bay isn't cheap. This article shows how to enjoy a visit without spending a fortune.

Dec 27, 2008 - Chiz Dakin

Madeira's gentle climate is behind its nickname of "a floating garden paradise", and every January walkers celebrate its levada and mountain walks at a walking festival.

Dec 21, 2008 - Chiz Dakin

An "Australia" movie location, the Gibb River Road has a reputation for eating tyres, but even a 4WD newbie can do it and experience the amazing gorges it has to offer.

Dec 18, 2008 - Chiz Dakin

Lying less than 70km north of Brisbane, the Glasshouses are one of the most accessible playgrounds for bushwalking and climbing close to a major centre of population.

Dec 12, 2008 - Chiz Dakin

The Glass House Mountains form a striking outline overlooking the Sunshine Coast, have a rich historical past and are very accessible - being only 70km north of Brisbane.

Dec 1, 2008 - Chiz Dakin

Australia is vast, and transport options present a dilemma. Which is best - to hire or buy a vehicle, or alternatively to purchase a seat on a train, plane or tour bus?

Oct 9, 2008 - Chiz Dakin