In spite being the sort of guy who has visited every one of the many outdoor chain stores on Deans…read moregate, I still have a lot of time for Campcraft. The premises are large enough to display a good selection of outdoor gear - two good-sized floors - with tents, backpacks and boots being on the upper floor. The staff are really friendly, the young sales assistant who served me especially so, pointing out cool gear at random such as a super-lightweight pack. And I was treated to a demonstration of the latest LED headlight which varies its intensity according to lighting conditions - perhaps a wee bit more James Bond than I need, but still it was fun to see! I had been looking for a pair of adventure sandals to replace my worn-out pair, and had no problems at all with paying £75 for a Merrell pair featuring super-grippy natural rubber soles. Somehow, the 'just enough' stock on display helped me focus on making a buying decision which had eluded me in larger outdoor stores. I also appreciated the sales guy's opinion that I needed the larger size. Having since done a few hikes wearing the sandals I am very happy with the fit. For most Bolton locals, I would say Campcraft offers you all you really need. Just step through the door and tell the staff you need a tent, sleeping bag, campstove, boots, whatever and I am sure they will put you right. Although I don't do any extreme outdoor sports, I'm still a total outdoor gear junkie. But there is definitely a place for Campcraft's expertise alongside the Deansgate outdoor chains and out-of-town tent display warehouse places which I also enjoy. Although some of the Campcraft gear is cutting edge, this is still the kind of place I can imagine getting on first name terms with the staff and rocking up to ask 'What's new?' and be treated to a demo of the latest gizmos. Or for staff to remember what level I am at with outdoor pursuits or previous conversations and come up with suggestions tailored to my needs. Plus, we got talking about food, and it turns out that the owner of this place also owns Thyme deli and cookshop in Horwich which the sales assistant thought I might like. Where can you get that sort of village feeling these days? Exactly - so let's treasure it!

It's a fair sized shop but no where near as big as the big retailers. The staff are very helpful…read morethough and know what they are talking about. I went for some gas for my gas stove. I didn't have a clue what I was doing /looking for, but they were really friendly and helpful in advising me on what I needed.

Decathlon seems to literally have anything you need, anything - perhaps maybe beer, they don't sell…read morebeer (note to seek rip off Decathlon idea + beer). On a serious note I do really like what they do here, low cost high quality options for all sports (football, running, outdoor activities) and also some affordable and useful clothing items such as the Down Jackets or padded Gilets. I got a nice padded black gilet here the other week that in a high street shop would've cost upwards of £30 but in Decathlon it was ticketed at £15 (there was a reduction that took it ode to £10). All in all, I've never not been happy with a purchase here!

From the owner: We specialise in sports equipment and clothing for over 70 sports.read more