Pat Kinsella
Outdoor writer and gear reviewer
Pat is the author of numerous books about the outdoors, including: 100 Great Pub Walks (National Trust) | Devon - 40 Coast and Country Walks | Dorset: 40 Coast and Country Walks | Caving, Canyoning, Coasteering: 30 exhilarating adventures around Britain
Recent articles by Pat Kinsella
This Irish town captures a mountain goat every summer and crowns it king. Here’s why
The truly ancient Celtic festival of Lughnasadh is an athletic, and sometimes unusual, celebration of the season’s first harvest, writes Pat Kinsella
This fiercely fought test of skill is the weirdest world championship you’ll see this year
The World Conker Championships has turned the traditional game of conkers into a serious and fiercely fought test of skill
Camping just got comfier: Our top 2025 camping chair picks
Our BBC Countryfile Magazine experts tested the best camping chairs of 2025 to take on your next trip.
“My daughter looked up and caught a hot coin in the eye.” Discover the bizarre rural tradition that hides a sadist and sinister history
While the origins of this hazardous tradition have been lost to the sands of time, the hot pennies are still flying in the small Devon town of Honiton every year, reveals Pat Kinsella
Are you descended from one of Scotland's most powerful, infamous and violent clans?
Six clans that shaped modern Scotland
Are you descended from one of Ireland’s most powerful and infamous families? We look at the top 6 clans including O’Neill, MacCarthy, Kavanagh...
These six clans have historic tales full of battle and betrayal – with violent scraps against each other, as well as invading forces
Brutal famines, deadly diseases, savage witch hunts, murderous wars: These were the 10 deadliest times to be alive
Think times are bad now? We take a look at when times were worse
The Nine Years’ War: Henry VIII’s destructive conquest against Ireland’s clans was one of the largest (and most expensive) in Tudor England
In response to Henry VIII's ongoing Tudor conquest of Ireland, the Nine Years' War erupted, leading to the collapse of Ireland's clans
Best walking shoes for 2025: Tried & tested hiking shoes for men and women
We've reviewed some of the best walking shoes on the market, including Hoka, Salomon, Merrell and more
Shin kicking and hammer throwing: These bank holiday games predate the modern Olympics (and there’s still time to sign up)
The bank holiday celebration is known for its shin kicking competition – but just what is the Cotswold Olimpicks?
What on Earth is well dressing? The ancient practice that was born out of the horrors of the Black Death
Explore the ancient spring tradition of well dressing which is believed to have been revived after the Black Death pandemic.
Beltane: Everything you need to know about this 'fire and fertility' spring festival
The historic Celtic festival Beltane has been revived in recent years – but what is it and how is it celebrated?
April Fools’ Day: the hard-to-believe history behind the pranks
From bathing lions to paper fish, we take a deep dive into the hazy origins of this prank-filled day.
10 of the most epic April Fools' Day hoaxes in history
Aliens on the Moon, spaghetti grown in trees and the discovery of an old (and very curious) Winston Churchill telegram – we explore some of greatest April Fools' Day jokes ever created.
Birding world in shock as starlings heard mimicking Oasis' Wonderwall in Manchester
Experts believe the birds have picked up the famous pop song in the city centre, where it is played relentlessly by buskers.
Easter: All you need to know about the celebration, including forgotten traditions and why it changes each year
There's more to Easter than chocolate and egg hunts – find out the history and traditions behind the festival and cultural holiday
Spring equinox: All you need to know about the celebration between mid-winter and mid-summer
Mark the start of astronomical spring using our guide to when it takes place, the historical roots and how to celebrate
Imbolc: All you need to know about this ancient spring celebration
This historical Celtic festival, celebrated on 1 and 2 February, marks the beginning of spring
Why is it unlucky to leave Christmas decorations up until 6 January? The Twelfth Night tradition explained
Don't risk an unlucky start to 2025 and make sure to take down your Christmas decorations by Twelfth Night
Best fleeces for men and women tested for 2025: our ultimate guide to the must-have midlayer
Looking to beat the chill, or in need of a new midlayer? We review the best fleeces on the market.
We tested the best waterproof jackets for men and women so you can hike in comfort in 2025
Keep the rain firmly out whatever the conditions with a waterproof jacket we've tested in the elements.
Best waterproof backpacks reviewed in 2025 for rainy hikes and wet-weather adventures
The best backpacks for wet-weather and aquatic adventures – great for walkers, hikers, cyclists, trail-runners, kayakers and stand-up paddle-boarders
Best walking poles tested in 2025: hiking poles for all abilities
Walking poles for casual country rambles and longer treks
Animal war heroes: 10 incredibly brave creatures that served alongside alongside us in times of war and conflict
Discover Britain’s non-human war heroes