Weekend in the Smoke
I was in London for the weekend. Regular readers will know that I like my urban walks. I often start somewhere out in the sticks and walk back towards the centre. On Saturday I was in Bermondsey an area that is changing quickly. I walked in towards London Bridge, strolled through a very busy Borough Market and then made my way towards Covent Garden. I snapped away with the camera as I walked. I don’t recall taking any great shots, and I haven’t looked at them yet. But I did take over 80 shots!
The end of the walk is always the same. I gravitate towards the gear shops of Covent Garden before visiting Stanfords for some map and book browsing and a coffee in the cafΓ©. I always seem to end up at the Apple Store in Regents Street.
The gearshops are becoming an increasing disappointment as they stock less and less stuff. The big stuff, like tents, is simply offered online now which is a shame but there you go, that’s business. At this time of the year all of the stores are turning over an increasing amount of floor space to ski equipment. My visits to this part of Covent Garden are getting shorter and shorter!
The honourable exception to this is the new Paramo Store in Henrietta Street. I forget the name of the manager but he is a really nice bloke. On Saturday we talked about hiking and climbing and spent quite a lot of time playing with the 3rd Element jacket. Apparently the store will soon have an internet presence. They have many international visitors coming to the shop desperate to see and feel the stuff they’ve read about on the web!
If you’re in London it’s worth popping along to the Paramo Shop. Along with Itchy Feet in Wardour Street,they show how outdoor retail stores can still offer something different to the e-retailers.
8 Comments so far
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Sounds to me like you are going to be wearing the 3rd Element Jacket on next years challenge? I agree with you regarding the stock of `ski gear` that all the big names sell. I live very near to Betws y Coed its stores are bursting with `ski gear` in fact its only Cunninghams (Paramo Stockest)that seem to stock an even balance.
By Windy on 10.07.08 7:48 pm
Ah Cunninghams ay Betwys. My favourite gear shop in the world
I am thinking of using the 3rd Element on the Challenge (if I get in). Colin Ibbotson used it last year and felt it was the perfect combination of elements. I reckon for much of the time I’d just be wearing the Gillet bit.
By andy on 10.07.08 9:01 pm
My challenge gear (if I get on) will include the Paramo Velez Smock (wonder if Podcast Bob will be wearing his ?)
By Windy on 10.07.08 9:27 pm
I used a Velez on my first Challenge. Worked very well. What trousers will you wear?
By andy on 10.08.08 6:32 am
I am going to use Paramo Stretch Pants with a lightweight waterproof pair of over trousers maybe Paclite or the likes but not too heavy.
By Windy on 10.08.08 5:48 pm
The stretch pants work for me. On my first CHallenge I relied on these alone. Last tie I added a pair of Montane windproofs – waterprooof but they do give you a bit more protection.
The only thing you have to watch with the Stretch pants are warm days β and we can have them, especially towards the end. I then find they are too hot.
I always carry a pair of lightweight trousers with vents, such as Montane Terra Pants. These are also better when in civilisation such as pubs and so on. Next time I’ll take a pair of Paramo summer trousers. When the weather gets hot I walk in these.
By andy on 10.09.08 7:30 am
Warmdays?? Maybe this years Challenge was, but whats next year going to throw at us (if we are lucky to get on?)
By Windy on 10.10.08 8:04 pm
Rain, snow, a little sun …
…. and the Fife Arms!
By andy on 10.12.08 10:38 am
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