SPORTS & ADVENTURES

Ever wanted to hike to the summit of Ben Nevis? Is it achievable for even a casual hiker? All the answers are in this full guide on hiking Ben Nevis, the UK's highest peak, at winter. The journey begins at Glasgow Queen Street railway station before travelling to Fort William and then hiking to the summit of the mountain including directions, tips, incredible scenery and blizzards. ------------------- HI! I'm Tom Bushell, welcome to the Planet Playground YouTube channel. If you liked this video I would love you to click the SUBSCRIBE button and follow my journey as I tell the story of our world through sport & adventure in a post lockdown world. -------------------------- Other Planet Playground videos you may like: HOW TO HIKE TO THE HIGHEST PUBLIC POINT IN THE UAE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nky5JCl9mIY&t=427s EDINBURGH'S BEST HIKE? AN EXACT GUIDE TO WALKING THE SEVEN HILLS OF EDINBURGH: https://www.youtube.com/@OurPlanetOurPlayground/videos CONQUER 5 PEAKS ALL IN ONE DAY ONLY 40 MINUTES FROM EDINBURGH: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UiBzPXiv1Zg HIKE THE STUNNING HUDSON HIGHLANDS 90 MINUTES FROM MANHATTAN: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tUmA1... ----------------------- The Sports Explorer on social media, follow and join the community: Website: https://www.thesportsexplorer.com/​ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamthesport... Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheSportsExp​... ____________ Having recently relocated to Scotland, Ben Nevis was on the top of my list for my The Sports Explorer journey's and it didn't disappoint. I started my journey from Glasgow Queen Street, at this is the only main terminus direct trains depart from. There are 3 trains a day. The summit sits at a height of 4,411 feet and is not only the highest point in the United Kingdom, but also until you reach Norway. Thankfully, it is a fairly straightforward climb, with it's well laid out mountain path guiding hikers to the summit. You will start at the Glen Nevis Visitor Centre, where there is a gift shop and snacks and drinks to be bought. The Visitor Centre is a short taxi ride from Fort William. Once you are on the mountain trail, you'll head uphill in a southbound direction climbing out of the Glen. The path on this stretch is the steepest you will encounter. After around 2 hours, you will reach Lochen Meall, known as 'halfway lake', it is here the path offers it's only moment of flat walking so enjoy it! For the next phase, you will hike away from Lochen Meall and continue upwards before entering a switchback section. Whilst this is not the steepest section, it is tough going, especially in winter conditions. Finally, you will make a left turn and follow the path (and cairns) all the way to the summit - don't stray form the path as the summit is surrounded by deep gorges that would be deadly if you were to fall. As you pass the old Observatory and the emergency shelter, you will see the summit a few feet away. If you are to hike Ben Nevis in the winter, make sure you take plenty of supplies, and wear the correct clothing. The proper layers, water, a hot drink and food are all required. And whilst you may not need hiking polls going up the mountain, they are a great help coming down. Thank you for watching this latest video. The Sports Explorer channel is all about telling the story of our world through sport & adventure, so I hope you have fun on the mountain when you do the hike.

The Sports Explorer talks to Barbara Rubenstein, the 91-year old women who has greeted runners at the finish line at over 30 the New York Marathon's. In 2021 she was inducted into the New York Roadrunners Hall of Fame and named New Yorker of the Week, and can't wait for the 50th running of the event. ------------------- HI! I'm Tom Bushell, The Sports Explorer. If you liked this video I would love you to click the SUBSCRIBE button and follow my journey as I tell the story of the USA through sport & adventure in a post lockdown world. -------------------------- Other The Sports Explorer videos you may like: NEW YORKERS GIVE THEIR BEST TIPS ON ATTENDING A YANKEES GAME: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_0Mcw8tMVrw&t=5s TRY THIS INCREDIBLE HIKE ONLY 90 MINUTES FROM MANHATTAN: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tUmA1SCBykw&t=4s NEW YORK'S BIGGEST SOCCER GAME AND HOW TO ATTEND: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JzKeuggXGPg&t=1s ----------------------- The Sports Explorer on social media, follow and join the community: Website: https://www.thesportsexplorer.com/​ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamthesport... Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheSportsExp​... ______________ During the summer of 2021 when I was in New York, TV news was celebrating Barbara Rubenstein, she had just been made 'New Yorker of the Week' for her service to the New York Marathon. For over 30 year's she has stood at the finish line congratulating runners as they finish. At 91 years of age, she is still as passionate as ever about the event and today, November 7th will be at the finish line for yet another New York Marathon greeting the thousands who cross the line, even more excited after the cancelation of 2020's event. 2021 marks the 50th running of the New York Marathon, an event which is known to be the world's most famous Marathon and the characters involved deserve to be celebrated. None more so than Barbara, who's love for New York, the Marathon and the people who compete is long standing. I hope you enjoy hearing from Barbara, a wonderful lady and a great example of how sport brings us all together.

The Sports Explorer's complete guide to hiking South Lake Tahoe's Van Sickle Trail. This is a hike that is walking distance from Heavenly Village and is a perfect way to explore Heavenly Mountain. ------------------- HI! I'm Tom Bushell, The Sports Explorer. If you liked this video I would love you to click the SUBSCRIBE button and follow my journey as I tell the story of the USA through sport & adventure in a post lockdown world. -------------------------- Other The Sports Explorer videos you may like: HOW TO CONQUER EMERALD BAY IN SOUTH LAKE TAHOE IN ONE DAY: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jDH41-VkV0s A COMPLETE GUIDE TO HIKING THE BREAKNECK RIDGE HIKE IN NEW YORK'S HUDSON HIGHLANDS: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tUmA1... YOUR COMPLETE GUIDE TO HIKING THE APPALACHIAN TRAIL APPROACH ROUTES: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dZfm6... ----------------------- The Sports Explorer on social media, follow and join the community: Website: https://www.thesportsexplorer.com/​ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamthesport... Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheSportsExp​... ______________ South Lake Tahoe is no doubt a wonderful hiking location, but the Van Sickle Trail has one great advantage, it is within walking distance of the Heavinly Village so therefore most likely within easy reach of your hotel. It is a moderate hike, that weaves through alpine forests, offers plenty of stunning vista areas and includes a waterfall in which many make the half-way point before walking back down the mountain. The start point is behind the Raley's store in the Heavinly Village shopping complex. There are plenty of coffee shops that provide a good source of caffeine before you get going. You'll find the start as you enter the Van Sickle State Park, you'll then walk up a service road underneath the Gondola before you reach an information point which has pocket maps, restrooms and information about the area. Head left continuing up the road before you reach the official trailhead, again marked with a map. It is here you'll turn onto the trail properly and then follow the orabge markings. You'll walk through the alpine forest and eventually come to a VIsta sign which marks a route up some boulders. It is well worth taking this to reach a high point where you get the most stunning of views across Lake Tahoe. Once you decide to carry on, you'll keep following the orange markings, also marking the Lake Tahoe Rim Trail before you begin to come out of the alpine forest and then climb the mountain on a well maintained switchback trail. You'll get to the small waterfall when you reach the bridge. This is a perfect location for lunch and to cool the feet off with a little dip in the water. Here you can either carry on another 3.5 miles to reach the Rim Trail or use this as your turnaround point and head back down the trail the same way you came up. The Van Sickle Trail is a great one day adventure whilst in South Lake Tahoe. The whole hike shouldn't take you more than 3 hours, but don't forget to take your time to soak up the views. You could also combine the trail with a trip up the mountain on the less active, but no less spectacular Gondola ride. Thanks for watching the video. In next week's video, I'll showcase my top 5 hikes to do in South Lake Tahoe.

The Sports Explorer's complete guide to hiking Lake Tahoe's Rubicon Trail, kayaking Emerald Bay to Fannette Island and exploring the Lower Eagle Falls trail near South Lake Tahoe. ------------------- HI! I'm Tom Bushell, The Sports Explorer. If you liked this video I would love you to click the SUBSCRIBE button and follow my journey as I tell the story of the USA through sport & adventure in a post lockdown world. -------------------------- Other The Sports Explorer videos you may like: HOW TO HIKE TO THE UAE'S HIGHEST PUBLIC POINT AT JEBEL JAIS: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nky5J... A COMPLETE GUIDE TO HIKING THE BREAKNECK RIDGE HIKE IN NEW YORK'S HUDSON HIGHLANDS: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tUmA1... YOUR COMPLETE GUIDE TO HIKING THE APPALACHIAN TRAIL APPROACH ROUTES: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dZfm69kRGjg&t=473s ----------------------- The Sports Explorer on social media, follow and join the community: Website: https://www.thesportsexplorer.com/​ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamthesport... Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheSportsExp​... ______________ In the first of my feature videos based around Lake Tahoe, I'm showcasing to you how to hike the glorious Rubicon Trail at Emerald Bay in California. The trail begins at the Eagle Point campground and stretches all the way around to Rubicon Point, 13 miles away. As it is a turnaround trail however, you can switch back on yourself whenever you feel like. In the above video I guide you on hiking to the beach area, where the Vikingsholm estate is located, take a kayak on the water to Fannette Island and also hike the short route to the Lower Eagle Falls. The Rubicon Trail to the beach is easy-moderate. You'll start with a downward stretch all the way to the bridge area, with Lake Tahoe on your right. On a clear day, you'll experience the most amazing views and landscapes from the mountains to the lake itself. There a few seating areas on the trail where you can stop and soak it all up. You'll eventually cross the bridge that crosses the Lower Eagle Falls ridge, where you'll turn right towards the beach. Here you will find the Vikingsholm estate and visitor centre. You'll be able to read about the history of Vikingsholm, and its founder, Lora Knight who built the area up to be an outdoor adventurers playground. You can also get a tour of the mansion. It is also from the beach area where you can rent a kayak. You'll pay $35 for an hour, which is enough time to kayak over to Fannette Island and back. Once at the island, you'll also have time to stop for lunch, or take a hike around the island. As you return towards the start point at Eagle Campground, you can take a right as you get to the Lower Eagle Falls bridge and head up the short path to the Lower Eagle Falls. The best time to see the falls in full flow is in Spring when the winter ice melts, but it is still worth a visit at any time of the year. You'll then walk back down to the bridge before you begin the return leg, uphill on the Rubicon Trail back to the start point. There is a car park at the start point, but it does get busy so you might might like to consider getting a taxi to the start point. Once you complete your hike, you can walk through the campground to the welcome hut where you can use their wi-fi to order a ride home. I hope you enjoy the video, and are inspired to visit Emerald Bay at Lake Tahoe. It's an incredible place.

The Sports Explorer's showcase to how Nashville is more than just the Music City, as IndyCar takes over the streets in the first running of the Big Machine Music City Grand Prix. ------------------- HI! I'm Tom Bushell, The Sports Explorer. If you liked this video I would love you to click the SUBSCRIBE button and follow my journey as I tell the story of the USA through sport & adventure in a post lockdown world. -------------------------- Other The Sports Explorer videos you may like: DOES ALTOONA CURVE HAVE THE MOST EXHILARATING SEAT IN SPORT? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7xWl2supYAI&t=1s NEW YORKERS GIVE THEIR TIPS ON HOW BEST TO ATTEND A NEW YORK YANKEES GAME: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_0Mcw... CYCLE AROUND AN F1 CIRCUIT FOR FREE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U02-v... ----------------------- The Sports Explorer on social media, follow and join the community: Website: https://www.thesportsexplorer.com/​ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamthesport... Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheSportsExp​... ______________ Nashville around the world is of course known for one thing, being the Music City. And when you arrive into this amazing city, you are never far away from its music culture and heritage. However, the Music City is also a thriving city for sport and adventure. From a sporting perspective, there are major franchises such as the Tennessee Titans, Nashville Predators and Nashville SC to enjoy whilst the Nashville Sounds represent the city within Minor League Baseball. And in August 2021 the city welcomed a new sporting aspect to its streets, as IndyCar raced around the city for the first time in the Big Machine Music City Grand Prix. I visited the city to soak up the event, speak to fans about their love of the IndyCar series and their delight that they can now watch the series in their own backyard. And with the success of the event, there is no doubting that the sound of motorsport is a welcome new sound to the Music City. The event has been described as the beginnings of a new iconic IndyCar event, and has the potential to reach the heights of other famous street circuits around the world. With a city like Nashville, withy its rich culture, atmosphere and party spirit, motorsport fits ever so well - and offers sport fans a brilliant experience each year. A day of race action before a walk into the thriving Broadway area is what many fans had in mind. The race weekend consisted of three days of track action with IndyCar being the star showing but other categories of racing also entertained fans around the circuit that took in the streets around around the Nissan Stadium, the Korean Veterans Memorial Bridge and the Rolling Mill Hill area of Downtown. By all accounts, Nashville can now say that horsepower is well and truly a new sound of the Music City. Thanks for watching the video as I explore the world through sport & adventure. I am currently travelling across America and you can more watch more videos in the links above or head to the channel page.

The Sports Explorer's complete guide to hiking the approach trails of the Appalachian Trail in Georgia, including how to stay at the Hike Inn for half price, showcases of three great hikes and tips on keeping the bears away. ------------------- HI! I'm Tom Bushell, The Sports Explorer. If you liked this video I would love you to click the SUBSCRIBE button and follow my journey as I tell the story of the USA through sport & adventure in a post lockdown world. -------------------------- Other The Sports Explorer videos you may like: HOW TO HIKE TO THE UAE'S HIGHEST PUBLIC POINT AT JEBEL JAIS: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nky5J... A COMPLETE GUIDE TO HIKING THE BREAKNECK RIDGE HIKE IN NEW YORK'S HUDSON HIGHLANDS: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tUmA1... IS AL RABI MOUNTAIN THE UAE'S VERSION OF TABLE MOUNTAIN? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VgIv1nUK9nc&t=348s ----------------------- The Sports Explorer on social media, follow and join the community: Website: https://www.thesportsexplorer.com/​ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamthesport... Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheSportsExp​... ______________ A few years ago, I read Bill Bryson's 'Walk in the Woods' book. It was an account of his attempt to hike the entire length of the world's longest hiking route, the spectacular Appalachian Trail. Sadly, without 7/8 months up my sleeve, I had to embark on a slightly shorter adventure. What I did have time for however - and I made sure a visit was part of my cross-America series - was to experience the beginnings of the AT, pass through its arch that marks the start of the Approach Trail and explore the hiking routes within the area of the Southern Terminus in Georgia. All the hiking routes that lead to the AT for real begin at The Amicalola State Park visitor centre, here you'll be able to pick up maps, refreshments, and if you haven't done so already, book a night at the Len Foote Hike Inn... as the lodge has an office behind the visitor centre. Below is my step-by-step guide to a great weekend hiking adventure that takes in the Amicalola Falls, the Hike Inn Trail and a night's stay at the Hike Inn plus a southbound hike on the AT Approach Trail. - At the Amicalola State Park visitor Centre, you can book your night's stay at the Hike Inn, or book online here (XXXXXX). As I mention in the video, if you are hiking during the summer months you can get a room at half price at just $75. - Once you have your night's stay at the Hike Inn booked, you actually need to drive up the mountain to the Top of the Falls car park which is where the Hike Inn and Approach Trails officially begin. You can leave your car here overnight. You'll be given a parking pass once you have booked your Hike Inn stay. - If however you want to begin your hike at the famous AT arch, which sits behind the visitor centre, you can walk down the falls, and then begin officially from the arch. - You'll turn left as soon as you pass under the arch, following the West Ridge Staircase trail (blue) to the Top of the Falls. It's a great warm up to your weekend of hiking as you climb the 600 steps to reach the top of the Amicalola Falls, with the views getting even more impressive the further you climb. - Once you reach the top, you'll be back at the car park where you have parked and from here you'll take the path which is well signposted at the back of the car park for the AT Approach and the Hike Inn trail. - The two trails begin together, so you'll see blue (AT Approach) markings and green (Hike Inn trail markings) as you begin. - Soon after you begin, the Hike Inn trail will head off to the right whilst the AT Approach continues straight forward. Head right on the Hike Inn trail and it's 4.8 miles to your night of comfort. - The trail is not technically difficult, but does see you climb around 600/700 feet in elevation. There are moments where the humidity if you're hiking in the summer will sap your energy, but taking a mile at a time makes things manageable. - Once at the Hike Inn, dinner and breakfast will be provided with your booking. Showers, brilliant vista seating areas and comfortable bunk bed rooms also make it a remote, isolated oasis. The rooms do not have power outlets, but there is a shared solar powered charging point for any devices you need to plug in. - Once you have enjoyed your night's stay, you can either hike back down the way you came up, or head right from the front door of the Hike Inn and continue on the green Hike Inn trail for a mile. - You'll then reach the t-junction where you can either turn right and continue to Springer Mountain, the official start point of the AT, or turn left to hike southbound on the Approach Trail where after around 6 miles you'll reach the Top of the Falls car park to complete your adventure. For all tips in more detail such as avoiding bears watch the video above to plan your AT Approach trail adventure. Enjoy your hiking and thanks for watching!

The Sports Explorer's guide to kayaking along the Potomac River in Washington D.C., including prices, locations, tips on routes and the sights you get to see from the water! ------------------- HI! I'm Tom Bushell, The Sports Explorer. If you liked this video I would love you to click the SUBSCRIBE button and follow my journey as I tell the story of the USA through sport & adventure in a post lockdown world. -------------------------- Other The Sports Explorer videos you may like: THREE ADVENTURES TO DO IN ONE DAY IN NEW YORK CITY: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ka34UOq7GUw HOW TO HIKE BREAKNECK RIDGE ONE HOUR FROM NEW YORK CITY: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tUmA1SCBykw&t=325s KAYAK PITTSBURGH'S RIVERS AND WATCH THE PITTSBURGH PIRATES FROM THE WATER: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uhr96IXQal0&t=173s ----------------------- The Sports Explorer on social media, follow and join the community: Website: https://www.thesportsexplorer.com/​ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamthesport... Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheSportsExp​... ______________ My final adventure in Washington D.C. is a brilliant kayak along the Potomac River to take in the city's sights from the water. The adventure begins at the Key Bridge Boathouse in Georgetown on the northern shore of the Potomac. You can rent kayaks here for $20 per hour, although I highly suggest two hours so you're not rushing whilst on the water. You'll need to pre-book your kayak online here: https://boatingindc.com/boathouses/key-bridge-boathouse/ Once you have arrived at Key Bridge Boathouse, registered, picked up your lifejacket and boarded your kayak you are able to travel north or south. For me, going south is the best option, it is in this direction you'll come across some of Washington D.C.'s best sights. You'll start by paddling underneath the bridge, then soon pass the bustling riverside restaurant and bar area of Georgetown once you have passed the Georgetown Waterfront Park on your left. Next to witness is The Watergate buildings and then the John F. Kennedy Centre for Performing Arts. A little further down the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial come into view, two of the city's most spectacular landmarks. And from the water, you get a perfect view of the two structures without any obstacles in the way, other than the glorious Potomac stretching out in front of you. After this point, you'll loop back around the Theodore Roosevelt Island, which will be on your right as you head north with Virginia on your left. You can hike on the island with numerous trails to be explored. Once you have travelled north up the channel, you will soon be approaching the Key Bridge and back within reach of the Boathouse. Kayaking along the Potomac is a wonderful way to explore Washington D.C., you are away from the hustle and bustle of the key tourist hotspots, and the Potomac is a great river to explore in itself. My best tip would be to head out in the late afternoon sunshine, you'll be sharing the water with rowers, paddle boarders and small leisure boats, the with the width of the Potomac there is plenty of room. Once you are back on dry land and as you come out of the Boathouse, turn right and you'll find The Berliner, a brilliant spot for a refreshing drink post kayak. If you then walk back down the river through the park, you'll find numerous restaurants and bars to enjoy on he water's edge Thanks for watching. In the next episode, I head south to Georgia to show you exactly how to hike the approach trails to the Appalachian Trail, including staying at a remote lodge in the middle of the forest and all the tips you need to know before embarking on this hiking adventure. See you next week.

The Sports Explorer's feature on the best way to attend a D.C. United game in Washington D.C. including how the Screaming Eagles Supporter's Group are reuniting a city after a turbulent time. ------------------- HI! I'm Tom Bushell, The Sports Explorer. If you liked this video I would love you to click the SUBSCRIBE button and follow my journey as I tell the story of the USA through sport & adventure in a post lockdown world. -------------------------- Other The Sports Explorer videos you may like: NEW YORKERS GIVE THEIR TIPS ON ATTENDING A YANKEES GAME: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_0Mcw8tMVrw&t=5s YOUR COMPLETE GUIDE TO TOPGOLF IN DUBAI: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yInpRn98i3w NASHVILLE HOSTS ITS FIRST EVER INDYCAR RACE ON THE STREETS OF THE MUSIC CITY: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j-LOiVCUITM&t=6s ----------------------- The Sports Explorer on social media, follow and join the community: Website: https://www.thesportsexplorer.com/​ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamthesport... Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheSportsExp​... ______________ Washington D.C. is best known around the world as the home of US politics, often the centrepiece of global conversations, but the capital of America is also a thriving sports destination too. D.C. United, the city's MLS team - and one of the founding members of the league back in 1996 - is one of the city's best sporting attractions. The team, who have won the MLS Cup four times play their home games at Audi Field, a 20,000 capacity stadium in the south of the city. Having relocated from the RFK Stadium, this area of Washington is now seeing speedy gentrification with new apartment buildings, restaurants and bars all being built around the stadium. It takes around 20 minutes on the bus or metro from Downtown to reach Audi Field. One of the best ways to attend a D.C. United game is to join in the festivities with the Screaming Eagles Supporter's Group. Having had a thriving tailgate culture in the many parking lots around RFK Stadium, they haven't been put off by the lack of free space at the team's new home. They now gather before a game at the Mathew Henson Earth Conversation Centre, around a 5-minute walk south of Audi Field. If you are visiting the city and love watching a live football game, then it's a must to visit the Screaming Eagles before the game where you will be welcomed into the party, offered drinks (which are very cheap compared to inside the stadium) and meet some great people who are passionate about football. You can also continue your time with the most passionate of D.C. United fans during the game too if you have secured a ticket within the North Stand. In this stand is a mix of standing and seated tickets, and it is by far the best stand to experience the best of the atmosphere within the ground. I loved my visit, and I was keen to show how sporting teams in Washington D.C. are able to bring a city together which is often thought as as being divided. The Screaming Eagles' motto is 'All Welcome, All United" which is certainly what I found when I enjoyed the team's biggest game of the season against the New York Red Bulls alongside my new Screaming Eagles friends. Whilst down the road at the Capitol Building, or the White House, where there might be fierce rivalries in play, heated debates and a constant disagreement on many views, just a few minutes down the road there is a sporting club that brings everyone together. D.C. United may have taken the word 'United' from the traditional English use of it in its football clubs, but in actual fact, their aren't many other clubs in the world where 'United' is more fitting. If you are a football fan, and visiting Washington D.C. then I highly recommend getting ticket for a D.C. United game... and say hi to the Screaming Eagles whilst you're at it. They would love to see you. Thanks for watching. In the next episode, I complete my time in Washington D.C. with a stunning kayak along the Potomac River to take in some of the city's greatest sights.