Mountain to Glen The Podcast

Neil discusses the bivvy bag, it's uses and advantages as well as regaling Robert with many fun, and interesting memories while using one on his travels. And as for Robert, he chat's about looking forward to changing up to a hooped bivvy tent. There is also a competition, where you could win your very own Salewa Bivvy, courtesy of Charles Camping. Listen in now for good bivvy stories, and maybe win one for yourself.

Robert talks with Ruth Whelan, the Hillwalking Manager with Mountaineering Ireland, which is the national representative body for hillwalking, mountaineering and climbing in Ireland. They discuss the Women With Altitude event taking place in May, which Ruth is lead organiser for. This flagship initiative supports and empowers women in the outdoors. Curious to learn more, then tune in now.

Robert talks with Becky Gilmour who skateboarded the entire Wild Atlantic Way to help raise both awareness and funds for suicide prevention after losing a close friend this way. Her journey of 2,500 km along the West Coast of Ireland to her hometown of Portrush in Northern Ireland on a skateboard, is an amazing achievement and a very human story. Click on the episode now to hear about her incredible journey

Robert talks to Andy Nolan about his experiences in climbing six of the Seven Summits, while now in preparation to take on Everest itself. Andy discusses how he started on this journey and the challenges each mountain has provided so far. He also talks about his upcoming plans to climb Everest. Love a good Mountain adventure then tune in now.

Robert talks with Ellie Berry from Tough Soles about her experience of having recently done the Lowland Leader Award course. She describes what it was like, what she enjoyed most about it, it's learnings and what to expect should you decide to do the course. So, if this is something you would like to know more about then definitely give this a listen.

In this special episode Robert is joined by Bob Cartwright from The Outdoors Station and Ellie Berry from Tough Soles in a collaborative discussion about the Skye Trail in Scotland. Bob set Robert and Ellie the task of listening to Episode 465 of his podcast, which was Part 2 of a 3 Part series about his journey on the Skye Trail. The conversation which ensues involves them asking him questions about his experience's on the trail, both hiking it and from the prospective of a podcaster recording his series while out in all weathers. This makes for a very interesting conversation between Outdoor Podcasters and YouTubers. Be sure to check it out, especially if this is a trail you have an interest in.

Neil shares his knowledge with Robert, on different hiking boots and brands as well as hiking socks. An ideal episode for anyone thinking of investing in either and want a better understanding of what is out there, especially when you want something reliable and comfortable on your feet while out in the mountains.

Robert talks with Paul Franklin, who, despite having multiple spinal fusion operations, has cycle toured 20 countries as well as having walked from Malin Head to Mizen Head and cycled back, basically, from the North to the South of Ireland and back again, as well as many other adventures. They discuss his spinal fusion operations, it's impact on his life and his outlook. This is a conversation to inspire.

Robert continues his discussion with Wells Jones about the historical fiction novel he co-wrote with Miles Spencer, which is inspired by their actual trek across the Middle East in the footsteps of T.E. Lawrence. If you found Part 1 interesting then tune in now for the concluding part of this interview.

Robert talks to Wells Jones about the historical fiction novel he co-wrote with Miles Spenser which is inspired by the very real trek of 1,100miles they both took across the Middle East, inspired by T. E. Lawrence. Wells discusses his own experiences along the way and explains why they wrote the novel the way they did. This is a conversation well worth listening to, especially if you have any interest in life in the Middle East.

Neil discusses with Robert the different types and styles of rucksack available out there for all kinds of activities, from Hillwalking to Backpacking, Climbing, Running and Urban Travel. If your thinking of investing in a new rucksack then definitely give this episode a listen.

Robert talks with Aibhe Joyce, Founder of Laois Forest School, on what Forest School is about, what children experience while there and indeed, what it takes to become a Forest School Leader. If you are interested in Outdoor Education....especially for children, then this episode is for you.

Robert talks with Aodhnait Carroll, who is the Campus Manager at Kerry College Killorglin Campus, an Outdoor Education and Training Centre, nestled in the Kerry Mountains. They discuss the wide range of outdoor courses which are available and the amazing level of support offered to their students. Thinking of a career in the outdoors, then this episode is definitely for you.

Robert talks to Lottie Dodd who decided to cycle 2,300 miles across America from Miami, Florida to Lubec in Maine, which is right on the Canadian border. She tells him of her many different experiences along the way and the people she met. If you love cycling, especially long distance cycling, as well as the spirit of Adventure then this episode is for you

Neil and Robert discuss how best to chose the right gear for the winter season in the outdoors, and offer some helpful tips along the way. Well worth a listen, especially if you plan to enjoy winter adventures in the mountains.

Robert continues his conversation with Ronald Yoshida about his pilgrimage to the 88 Temples of Shikoku. Ron share's with us, his experiences along the way and how he felt at journeys end. Those with an interest in long distance walking and indeed, the Camino will love these two episodes

Robert talks with Ronald Yoshida about his pilgrimage to the 88 temples of Shikoku, which is a long distance trek around the Island of Shikoku. Ron talks about what inspired him to go on this journey, his experiences along the way and how he compares it with the Camino. If you have ever thought of trekking the Camino or have already done so then you will love this episode .

Robert talks with Bob Cartwright from The Outdoors Station podcast about the TGO Challenge which takes place in Scotland each year. Participants walk from coast to coast over a two week period. Bob describes his love of the challenge and all the friends and adventures he has had along the way. Feel up for a nice long hike in Scotland with a good possibility of making new friends along the way....then you will enjoy, and perhaps, be inspired by this episode.

Robert continues his conversation with John O'Brien about his love of the Mountains, the horrific accident he suffered and his long journey on the road to recovery.

Robert talks with John O'Brien about his love of the Mountains, both here in Ireland and abroad. They also discuss a horrific accident that John suffered, how incredibly lucky he is to be alive and his long journey on the road to recovery afterwards.

Neil talks with Robert about what people should consider bringing with them when deciding to go on the Camino. He also discusses life lessons from doing the trail itself....and occasionally sends his co-host into fits of laughter. If you are planning on doing a Camino and you are not sure what awaits you then this episode is most definitely for you

Robert talks with Ronan Friel who, in 2015 travelled to Nepal as a guide on a trip to Everest Base Camp and the mountain Imja Tse, better known as Island Peak. After returning to Kathmandu the devastating Earthquake struck. Ronan describes his experiences, from life on the trail, climbing Island Peak and all that he witnessed in Kathmandu during and after the Earthquake.

Robert talks with Sean Lundy and Tom Roth about a cycle trip they undertook from Norway to Italy. They discuss what it was like to travel through Europe by bike and how their journey varied and changed through the different countries they passed through. If you like the idea of cycle touring....and maybe you're even planning on a long distance route, then this episode is for you.

Neil talks with Miki Barlok, Founder of the Irish outdoor clothing company Gnarly Peaks. They discuss the quality of gear on offer from Gnarly Peaks, what goes into creating a product from concept to finished piece, the determination to produce environmentally friendly gear and life in general. If you have an interest in outdoor gear.....and for all of us who enjoy getting out there then who doesn't.... this episode is for you

Robert talks with Raymond Cummins about his passion for Hill Running, how it began and what he gets from it. He also discusses recovering from Heart Surgery and getting back on the hill....and more recently, his journey with Bell's Palsy. This is definitely worth tuning into.

Robert continues his conversation with Anja about her walk from Clonakilty to Jerusalem as she shares the story of her journey and her thoughts on the world she is travelling through

Robert catches up with Anja Bakker as she continues her journey by foot from Clonakilty in Co. Cork to Jerusalem. Last time he spoke with her was in August 2022 in Episode's 14 and 15. Anja has many interesting stories of her travels to share since last we heard from her so tune in to hear about her progress and her thoughts on the world around her as she journeys through it.

Robert talks to Simon Evans who, with his friend Fergal decided to take on an 18 month, 30,000km cycle around the world in 2009. They have a conversation about his journey and the wide range of adventures he experienced along the way. If epic adventures is your thing then you should tune in now....who knows...it may inspire you toward an adventure of your own

Robert talks with Orlaith Kelly, who at 14 yr old has already climbed Carrauntoohil over 100 times and enjoys Winter Mountaineering both in Kerry and Scotland with her Dad. Her parents run KerryClimbing, an outdoor adventure provider in the South West of Ireland so it is no wonder Orlaith has gained such a love of the Mountains. If you want to find out more about her adventurous spirit then why not tune in now.

Robert talks to Marie Power who is also known as The Sea Gardener, about foraging seaweed, the different varieties along our coastline, what to watch out for while foraging, when not to and various ways to cook seaweed as well as other uses it can be put to. If you are interested in seaweed foraging or simply looking for ideas on how to cook it then this episode will be of interest to you.

Neil talks about what waterproof really means for outdoors folks. How waterproof is the gear out there....what should we expect and what works for our different needs. He also goes into detail on boots. I'm sure many of you will relate to what he discusses here....and you will have a better understanding of all that's advertised on the label before making your next purchase. For everyone who has spent a wet day in the outdoors.... and that's pretty much most...if not all of us...this episode is for you.

Robert talks with Gerald McEnery, the Development Officer for the MacGillycuddy Reeks Mountain Access Forum about the role of the forum itself, which includes trail maintenance, raising awareness about the reeks themselves, mountain safety and education. He also discusses up and coming projects which include work to be done on the Devil's Ladder on Carrauntoohil. For anyone with an interest in trail maintenance or hiking in the reeks this is worth listening to.  

Robert talks to Jim Schofield, who in 2021, entered the Mclintyre Adventure Globe 5.80 and built his sailboat, the Molly Claire in his garage in Blessington, Co. Wicklow before solo sailing her across the Atlantic, arriving in Martinique on Christmas morning. Jim discusses what it was like, from self building his own boat to all that he experienced on a solo sail out on the Atlantic Ocean. For anyone with a zest for adventure this is not to be missed.

Cindy talks with Helen Lawless from Mountaineering Ireland about the role of Mountaineering Ireland itself as the representative body for hillwalkers and climbers in Ireland, and which is also the National Governing Body for Mountaineering in Ireland. They also discuss the release of the second edition of Irish Peaks, the  award winning, large format guide book to many hillwalking routes around Ireland which they are responsible for. Whether you already have this book or are thinking of buying it, this episode should be of interest to you as you learn all that went into it's creation and what was the inspiration behind it. 

Robert invites Maddy Turnbull back onto the podcast, this time  they discuss her journey to Everest Base Camp and what inspired her to take the trip as well as her experiences along the way. They talk about the trek itself as well as the people she met and the deep meaning this journey had for her. If you are simply curious, thinking of going or have memories of your time there then definitely tune in to this one 

Robert talks with Chief State Archaeologist Micheal MacDonagh about Ireland's history and what evidence we have of that history in the landscape around us. Micheal shares his knowledge of the evidence our ancestors left behind in the land, of their existence.. The conversation goes from Megalithic tombs and Ringforts or Raths to Lazy Beds and Napoleonic Signal Towers that dot our coasts. If you want to get more from your experience in the outdoors and appreciate what secrets our countryside holds then this is definitely worth a listen.

Robert decides to mark Mountain to Glen the Podcast being one year old by playing a recording of a practice interview he had with a friend of his, Julie Horton before the first episode ever aired. It was never intended for this to be played, however what better way to celebrate one year on the go than to go right back to....well, the very beginning. In this episode Julie Horton discusses her love of open water swimming and how that love began. She is also a singer/songwritter and at the end of the episode we play out with one of her new and unreleased songs 'We're Better Like This'. Hope you all enjoy and thank you for continuing to listening to the podcast.

Neil goes into detail on some of the new and interesting gear he came across when he attended the first ISPO Trade Fair in Munich since the outbreak of the pandemic. This is the world's largest multi-segment trade fair in the sports business. In this episode he reviews a broad range of outdoor gear from sleeping bags  and camping kit to rugged robust caravans and...well... what could only be described as an origami kayak.....sounds interesting....then best listen to this episode to find out more.

Robert continues his conversation in this, the second part of a two part interview with Anja Bakker who has decided to undertake a walk from the front door of her home in Clonakilty in West Cork, all the way to Jerusalem. She is also carrying her harp named Sean with her on her journey. The discussion continues on her reasons for taking on this walk and her experiences along the way. The continuing story of a true pilgrim. 

Robert talks with Anja Bakker who has decided to undertake a walk from the front door of her home in Clonakilty in West Cork all the way to Jerusalem. She is also carrying her harp named Sean with her on her journey. They discuss her reasons for taking on such a walk and all her experiences along the way. This is definitely the story of a true pilgrim.  

Cindy, our new Podcast Co-Host breaks the ice with our Listeners by choosing to interview Robert himself in her first ever episode of Mountain to Glen The Podcast. She talks with him about what inspired him to create the podcast in the first place and what he gets from it. We hope you enjoy.

In this, Neil Smiths first episode on the podcast as a Co Host he discusses how Brexit and the Pandemic have effected supply chains and indeed the quality of goods in the outdoor retail sector and how outdoor stores are having to adapt to this current climate. If outdoor gear is your thing then the new Gear Review section is definitely for you

In this episode I talk with Carina McNally who is a tour guide based in the Beara Peninsula. Our discussion is about Dursey Island which lies at the southwestern tip of that Peninsula. We discuss its history, its people as well as the walks and the spectacular scenery you can enjoy from that Island. Also we touch upon the impact of the cable car being closed for repair for so long, on the people who are part of the Island and the tourist industry there.

In this episode I talk with Eoin Connolly, who along with a friend of his, set out to canoe 500 kilometers from Donegal to Waterford on Irelands inland waterways over a 15 day period, wildcamping all along the way. During the conversation he describes the preparations for the trip, the actual journey itself and the highs and lows that came their way. If you enjoy a good outdoor adventure then this episode is definitely for you.

In part 2 of this interview with Dave Lawton, on the Wicklow Mountains National Park, we continue to talk about the animals, birds, bats and fish that inhabit the park as well as discuss the effects of climate change and the devastating effects of wildfires.

In this episode I talk with Dave Lawton, who is an Education Guide in the Wicklow Mountains National Park. We chat about the formation of the park, the roles of the staff that work there, its natural environment and the animals, birdlife and insects that inhabit it....including Irelands rarest butterfly.

In this episode...which is a follow up on the Camino, I talk with Barbara Byrne, who, after experiencing life on the Camino de Santiago was inspired to start guiding groups of her own on the Kerry Camino. We talk about her journey from her first time on the trail in Spain all the way through to guiding her own groups in Co. Kerry and giving people the Camino experience here in Ireland.

In this episode I talk with Mark Reynolds about his many years guiding on the Camino de Santiago, in particular the French Route, through his business Into The West Adventures. We discuss his experiences on the Camino, the people who decide to walk it, the food it's famous for and the meaning it has for so many different people from all walks of life and beliefs.

In this episode, I talk with Maddy Turnbull, who lives in the Lake District and became part of the first all female British expedition team to attempt an unsupported North to South crossing of the Finnmark Plateau, the largest Ice Plain in Europe, in the Norwegian Arctic Circle in March 2020. We discuss her preparations for the trip, what life was like while crossing the plateau and returning to a world completely changed by the pandemic

In this, the first episode of 2022, I discuss the meaning of wilderness with Bill Murphy who initiated the Wild Nephin Wilderness project in 2010. We also talk about how wilderness is perceived by different cultures around the world, with particular reference to Europe and here in Ireland where the Nephin range in County Mayo is probably the best example on our shores.