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If Carlsberg did Saturdays, they’d probably look a lot like this one.
On Saturday 18th October, we packed up the flasks, laced the boots, and headed north for a proper autumn ramble, this time in partnership with the legends at Deep North Donuts, Allpress, and our ever-supportive mates at Grisport.
We were joined by 20 top-tier ramblers (plus a few four-legged legends who were just as keen), ready to tackle a 7-mile hike through the wild beauty of Kielder Forest, England’s biggest man-made woodland. It’s the kind of place that makes you realise just how lucky we are up here.. There’s endless pine, fresh air that bites just right, and that golden autumn light that makes everything look like a painting.
Our route took us deep into the trees, winding towards the mysterious Silvas Capitalis, a massive wooden head sculpture hidden in the forest. The name literally means “The Forest Head” in Latin, and honestly, it’s as eerie as it is impressive. Built from timber and tucked among the trees, it’s got these hollow eyes that seem to follow you about, perfect for spooky season, like Kielder’s very own guardian of the woods.
It’s one of those spots that perfectly sums up Kielder, a mix of art, wilderness and a bit of “what on earth is that?” magic. The kind of place that makes a 7-mile hike feel more like an adventure than a workout.
About halfway round, we stopped for something very special. We were buzzing to have Luke from Allpress Manchester join us to show the crew how to brew the perfect outdoor coffee using an Aeropress.
Now, we’ve brewed plenty of flasks on hikes before, but this was next-level. There’s something unreal about the smell of freshly ground beans mixing with pine air and a bit of autumn chill. Luke made it look effortless; hot water, a few presses, and suddenly we’re all stood there in the middle of a forest holding what can only be described as a hug in a cup. Mint doesn’t even cover it.
Fuelled up on caffeine and good vibes, we pushed on, taking in the changing colours, sharing stories, and stopping for the occasional “look at that view” moment. A few soggy orange leaves underfoot, a bit of mud (it wouldn’t be the North without it), and plenty of banter along the way.
The dogs were living their best lives, tails wagging, tongues out, the full works. And the company? Spot on. The kind of people you can walk in silence with one minute and laugh your head off with the next.
As if the day couldn’t get any better, we arrived back at the car park to find Phil and his lovely wife from Deep North Donuts had set up a little pop-up stand, serving fresh coffee and the kind of donuts that make your eyes roll back in your head. Warm, sugary, and absolutely deadly in the best possible way. The perfect way to round off a proper day in the outdoors. And because we love a good surprise, everyone walked away with a free pair of winter hiking gloves courtesy of our brilliant partners at Grisport, with one lucky rambler nabbing a brand new pair of hiking boots too. Not bad for a Saturday stroll, eh?
Massive shoutout to everyone who joined us, you lot make these days what they are. To Allpress for the outdoor brew masterclass, Deep North Donuts for feeding our souls (and our sugar addictions), and Grisport for keeping us all kitted out and cosy. Kielder once again delivered the goods: golden trees, crisp air, a creepy wooden head, and a reminder that the best adventures are the ones shared with good people, good coffee, and good dogs. Until next time, keep rambling, keep brewing, and keep chasing those views. Scott and Steph x
