15 October, 2021
Are we missing too much by rushing from A-B? Contributor Alex reminded herself on a recent hike to slow down, and be amazed at what you can find.
On a recent walk, contributor Alex spotted the infamous but allusive (to her) the fairy tale of mushrooms, the Fly Agaric on a recent walk in Thetford Forest (Thetford Forest is the largest lowland pine forest in Britain).
It was a great reminder that late summer, heading into early Autumn, is the best time to see them (and other mushrooms) and to be more alert, looking down at the reminded Alex that late summer into Autumn is the best time to see them and to be more alert on the lookout through the fauna and flora, as it can be very easily missed.
Despite them supposedly being common in woodlands it was a bucket list moment for Alex and well worth the 38 year wait it took her to finally find one.
I’ve often wondered have I just been unlucky not spotting them on my regular walks or have I not looked around me enough? It was a great reminder to sometimes slow the pace to get to the final destination and just enjoy the journey searching the woodland floors for hidden treasures this autumn.
In case there’s any inquiring minds, no, Alex didn’t eat it and like all things we encounter we left it safe in all it’s glory for the next wonderer to see.
Click here for more info from the Woodland Trust on the Fly Agaric.
If you're ever unsure of what you find in the wild, you can use guide books or apps like Seek to help you identify what's around you.
Outside & Active is the home for those who love the outdoors. Our mission is to inspire, inform and educate people about being active outdoors in a fun, safe and sustainable way. We provide inspiration, kit, tech and advice on adventure, camping, climbing, cycling, hiking, running water and winter.
Most recent articles by Outside & Active
Ethical outdoor clothing brand Páramo has opened its doors to British watch brand Elliot Brown with the introduction of a special edition Mountain Rescue charity watch now sold in all three of its stores covering London, Keswick and Páramo’s home town of Wadhurst.
Join Dom on the latest Outside & Active Podcast where he is joined by award-winning Endurance Adventure Athlete, Jamie Ramsay. This is the second of two parts discussing Cotswold Outdoor's #SaveOurOutdoors campaign.
Previous Outside & Active Podcast guest, Men & Mountains founder, and 'Rethinking Masculinity' author, Dan Stanley, has made the first chapter of his book freely available for Outside & Active readers.
Most recent articles in HIKING
Walking in a winter wonderland. Snowy hills and a pub, in great company - that’s a heady and enticing combination, right there. What better way to round off a chilly amble in the Brecon Beacons, with a sojourn for a bite and a pint in the cosy ambience of the delightful Tai’r Bull pub in the heart of the Beacons.
In days gone by “taking a constitutional” summed up an outdoor jaunt perfectly. It meant taking a walk, usually post-lunch, to strengthen the natural and physical condition. Nowadays people walk and mountain hike for all manner of reasons.
If you’ve never been on a multi-day hike, then a Highlander Adventure is a great place to start. Here are five ways to get trail-ready for your first long-distance trek.