Wandering Wild with Ell

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“Happy Go Lucky outdoor explorer Ell Parkes reflects on an adventurous life, beginning with a childhood in Essex centered on the outdoors. After joining the army, he now enjoys hiking, wild camping, and aims to complete the Welsh 3000s challenge. Ell emphasizes the importance of preparation for unpredictable mountain conditions and encourages others to safely embrace outdoor activities. Looking ahead, he hopes to acquire a campervan for further exploration.”

Background

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Haha bad decisions make good stories Quite an easy one for me that, my upbringing was pretty normal and spot on! Born in the depths of Essex, England. Parents are the type where being outside was a big thing! Routine holidays around the UK in our caravan (I didn't appreciate it then, but it clearly led me down the path I am on now!) abroad once a year for something slightly more cultured then at 16.5 I decided to join the army and left home. Did that for a few years, which was epic and I wouldn't change it for the world, learnt a lot about myself to!

What outdoor activities do you currently enjoy, and what do you love most about those experiences?

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Now there’s a question, and to be fair I’m of the opinion if I’m outside it doesn't really matter what I do, the whole point it to be out and not think about it all! But generally, I’m found hiking and wild camping all over the UK, with a bit of everything else in between from bouldering and climbing, paddleboarding, wild swimming, chasing waterfalls.

Love a trig point to; at the moment my biggest thing is getting the Welsh 3000s completed this year, I’m on about 12 of 16 I think last count! Then grab the last of the 3 highest peaks in the UK Scafell Pike, having done Nevis years ago and Snowdon several times now!

Is there an outdoor activity you're interested in exploring but feel hesitant to try? If so, what is it, and what is holding you back?

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Hmm, that’s a good question! Theres definitely things I’d like to explore more or give a try, but that's more a financial constraint than anything else! One thing I’m hoping to pursue later in the year is either a proper mountain (higher than 2000m) and I’d like to start gaining my mountain leader qualifications.

For those who may not be familiar with the Welsh 3000s, could you provide a brief overview? Additionally, how have you approached completing the first 12 or 16 peaks?

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The Welsh 3000s are a series of mountains in Wales all over the magic 3000ft (914m) mark, there’s 15 (16 if you count the 1 on the way to Snowdon) of them in total. As for completing them, I’m very much a wing it and see kinda hiker, I'll plot a route via OS maps, pack the correct kit for the weather that particular day and just go for it.

Some have been a LOT harder than others, having done them all through the year regardless of the conditions, the last one Y Garn, 947m, I did at the beginning of the year was waist deep in snow at points and almost a white out at the summit briefly!

Once I've done them all and once I’m happy with a route, I’m going to attempt the 3000s challenge which is complete them all in under 24 hours!

What do you typically pack for the Welsh 3000s, and did you learn anything unexpected during one of your climbs?

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This is my general hiking load out, sometimes bits and pieces get swapped out depending on the weather, like extra water on a hot day or more layers if the weather is looking miserable!

@montaneofficial - synergy 30l daysack
@alpkit - concerta wind shield, hydrator 3l water carrier, compass, juice bank, quark head torch, sit mat, gas support, padded cell 5 bag,
@decathlonuk - 0.5 flask
@milletsonline - DLX waterproof trousers
@ospreypacks - 20l drysack
@trekmates - waterproof gloves
@mountainwarehouse - lightweight rain jacket, animal flask
@gooutdoors - north ridge beenie
@vango.outdoor - folding gas stove
@garminuk - etrex10
@morakniv - knife
@lixadasports - 1l cook pot
@seatosummituk - titanium spork Gosystem small gas can
@bearzoutdoor - ground sheet/tarp basic first aid kit incl survival blanket Brew kit and food for the day.
Spare socks British Army buffalo jacket (swear by this) All dry bagged just in case the heavens do open

as for something learned I’d say there’s a few key ones. The weather can change in an instant in the mountains, so always be prepared for that! Secondly, I’d say is no matter how well you plan a route, always be prepared and willing to change that plan and know where the limit is, sometimes it’s better to turn around and give it a go another day than risk yourself or others when they have to come and rescue you!

What plans do you have for the future Ell?

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My future plans are to hopefully get myself a campervan and spend even more time exploring the UK and beyond and start ticking off summits working my way up.

Words of Wisdom

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All I’d say to anyone who's either already enjoying or new to the great outdoors, is just safe, know your limits, practice things like map reading and route planning and just enjoy it, nothing really matters when you're out and about except being out.

Let all your worries be left at home for however long you’re away for and let it feed your soul to come back energised and ready to take whatever life throws at you!