Author: Alex Mason

  • The Call of the Hills – Why Spending Time Outdoors Is More Important Than Ever

    In an age of screens, schedules and endless scrolls, spending time outdoors has never been more important. Whether it’s exploring the rolling ridges of the Peak District, wandering through the quiet woodlands of the Lake District or walking a coastal path with the wind in your hair, stepping outside offers something that no phone app or indoor workout ever could: true connection.

    Spending Time Outdoors

    Why Nature Heals

    Being outdoors is not just good for the body, it is essential for the mind. Studies show that time in green spaces reduces stress, improves sleep and helps boost creativity. Even a short hike or lunchtime walk can reset your brain and restore calm.

    The UK is blessed with accessible natural beauty, and places like the Peak District National Park make it easy to escape without travelling far. You don’t need fancy gear or a GPS tracker, just a sturdy pair of boots and the willingness to get a little mudded.

    The Joy of the Journey

    Hiking and outdoor adventures are not about ticking destinations off a list. They are about moments – that breath of cold air at the summit, the smell of pine after rain or the sound of a stream cutting through ancient stone.

    Each path walked is a story, and each trail reminds us that the world is far bigger than the screen in our hands. Nature invites us to slow down and rediscover what it means to be.

    Sustainability Starts with Us

    Spending time outdoors comes with responsibility. Whether you are wild camping, hiking or paddle boarding, small actions have big effects. Picking up litter, sticking to trails and supporting local eco-friendly businesses all help preserve the wild spaces we love.

    Bringing the Outdoors Into Everyday Life

    Spending time outdoors does not always have to mean climbing mountains or camping for days at a time. Even simple moments like enjoying lunch in the garden, cycling to work, or taking a walk through a nearby park can reconnect you with nature. Building these habits into your daily life helps you stay grounded and mindful, even when the week feels chaotic. The outdoors is always there, waiting, and it does not demand much – just your presence.

    Join the Movement

    At Mudded.uk, we believe that everyone deserves a stronger connection with the earth. Our goal is to inspire more people to step outside, explore the wild corners of Britain, and embrace a lifestyle that values the planet as much as adventure. Whether you are an experienced hiker or someone just spending time outdoors this is your place to learn, share, and be part of something bigger. The world is wide open – go and get a little mudded.

    The Future of Outdoor Living

    With more people than ever exploring UK national parks, the outdoor community is growing fast. From mindfulness hikes to eco-volunteering, the outdoors is no longer just a weekend escape, it is a way of life.

    So lace up, head out and see where the trail takes you. The earth beneath your feet might just be the best therapy you will ever find.

    Also, spending time outdoors is mostly free – so you have no exuses!

    Spending Time Outdoors FAQs

    What are the best places to hike in the UK for beginners?

    Try routes in the Peak District, Snowdonia or the South Downs. They offer well-marked paths with plenty of scenic views and easy gradients.

    How can I make my outdoor adventures more eco-friendly?

    Use reusable water bottles, avoid single-use plastics, car share when possible and respect wildlife by keeping noise and waste to a minimum.

    Do I need expensive gear to start hiking?

    Not at all. Start with comfortable shoes, weather-appropriate clothing and a small backpack with essentials like water, snacks and a map. You can upgrade your gear as you go.

  • Kirton Off Road Venue Information – 650 Acres of muddy fun!

    Kirton was the first venue I visited with the #warhorse (I nearly died, like genuinly nearly died on the way there – that is a story for another day though) and I think it’s safe to say Kirton Off Road is one of the reasons I got the off road bug so bad.

    It boasts one of the largest (650 acres), mixed use off road playgrounds in the country – full of woods, water, bomb holes and lots of steep hills. No matter how you like to get mudded, you will find something for you at Kirton 🙂

    I found that I particularly enjoyed the woodland areas, as they were technical and steady, I wasn’t as fussed about simply ragging it up hills and through massive amounts of water but I did have a go at everything.

    The location itself is just outside scunthorpe;

    And they run various off road events there, including Pay and Play days, 4×4 Experience Days, MTB events and they also rent the whole venue out to Motorsport teams and anyone else that wants to test vehicles or drivers – its probably one of the more switched on venues in terms of a revenue stream.

    Kirton Off Road also caters for every experience level, so newbies can enjoy a day or weekend – and there will always be something challenging for the more experienced off road enthusiast. They also do events for charities such as Macmillan and are one of the few venues that do themed nights such as Halloween weekends which are always highly anticipated.

    You can lookup the contact details for Kirton on our Off Road Venues page, and to find out when the next event is taking place, refer to our Off Road Events Calendar.

    If you have visited Kirton and have a story to tell – comment below. I am deffo looking forward to my next visit 🙂

  • Holymoorside Off Road – Pay & Play Private Venue

    Holymoorside Off Road is a bit different to other off road venues, as its not really open to the public like most – its owned by someone that lets a couple of Off Road Clubs use it at certain points throughout the year.

    I managed to go thanks to a friend who put my name down on the list to go with TPORE – a local off road club, and I went in February of 2016. Its a great off road venue, although it’s not the largest – really good for a day or just an afternoon of mudding 🙂

    The site is located in Chesterfield, Derbyshire and consists of a nice variety of challenges, including some pretty difficult hills and the MUD is SO STICKY – its actually infamous for it!

    Quite a few of my friends love the place, but then many hate it – its definitely a Marmite venue! I personally had a great time and would go back again in a heartbeat. It helps that this is REALLY close to where i’m from, so its a nice short drive there and back which is always a good thing when off roading – especially if something breaks!

    As stated – this is not a free-for-all Pay and Play venue, so I cannot publish any event info on the Off Road Events Calendar i’m afraid. For Holymoorside Off Road it is better to check the TPORE forums and if you are local to chesterfield/derbyshire, just ask some local off road enthusiasts if you see any and they may be able to advise on the best way to get yourself entry to the venue.

    If anyone linked to the venue would like to add more info or send me contact details for the venue owners then please comment below or contact me using the contact page.

    I look forward to visiting again, soon!

  • Frickley Off Road – Pay & Play 7th August 2016

    Frickley 4×4 Offroad Centre was established in April 2005 as part of a diversification project. The site on a reclaimed slag heap and covers approximately 75 acres which consists of woodland, various depths of water, rock crawl, uphill rock climb section, earth mover tyre section and covers all degrees of severity to accommodate the extreme modified vehicle and driver as well as regular road legal vehicles and drivers.

    They are hosting one of their Pay & Play days on the 7th of August 2016.

    Site opening times 10am to 4pm.
    Pay & play entrance is £25 per vehicle.
    All makes of legal and non road legal welcome (sorry, no motorbike or quadbikes are allowed on this site)

    No advanced tickets are available, so turn up early to guarantee entry.

    Contact details here: http://www.frickley4x4.co.uk/html/contact-us.php