Ah summertime

Published: 20 June, 2008

Those still, balmy evenings, the enchanting slanted light filtering through the swollen foliage of the native trees. The vague, faint yet contented smiles touching the corners of those people you meet and greet as they stroll on through the warm breeze; magic.

Of course, most of us only get to enjoy such romantic and life affirming episodes during those finite hours sitting squarely outside the working day. And then it often rains. Furthermore, the increasing temperatures can, I think it's reasonable to say, make the commute to and from work rather an arduous affair. Yes, the train you board may have a few less people on it during summer but it is also rapidly and inexorably approaching the sort of temperatures more akin to those found at the surface of Venus.

So, one answer to the hard boiled and fraught commute might well be just to get out of dodge. To take off and head for the hills leaving smog, super heated diesel fumes and, heck, all of your worries behind.

Indeed, I've often wondered (normally some time in late June as I travel to the office jammed underneath the arm of the rotund fellow with limited experience of soap based products) why it is that the yearly exodus to the wilder, cooler, more unique and lovely parts of the country - the Peak District, the Brecon Beacons, the Lakes to name but a few, doesn't happen at a more frantic rate. I'm forced to imagine thousands of sweating urbanites quite literally running for the hills leaving me and the 149 bus far, far behind...

And so, to aid those also finding themselves in a sweltering urban nightmare and dreaming of a hill, vale or mountain top, we hope to start the ball rolling. As such, this month we have compiled a round up of the outdoor footwear market to inspire those in need of a weekend in the country.

We've scouted around to focus on items that might well help you conquer the North Face of the Eiger in comfort. Alternatively, for those with less a sense of ambition or insanity we also dig out a couple of pairs that will let you meander more serenely across field or pasture (and with boat loads of style, too).

Plus, have a look through our précis of what the bright young things might be stepping out in as the temperatures soar with our teenage trends review and much, much more.

Now do excuse me, I'm heading for the hills....

Regards

Mike Sharkey - Editor

DL: 07966 136037
E: footwear@datateam.co.uk