Walking, Hill and Mountain Walking

Walking, Hill Walking and
Mountain Walking (with the odd scramble)

These activities are fantastic ways to get exercise see the countryside and enjoy yourself, not to mention the chance of some photography

Throughout my adult life I have enjoyed being outside walking, climbing and exploring.

When I was an apprentice engineer I took part in a series of  weekend and week long courses on outdoor pursuits, learning skills needed to navigate, live and stay healthy in the wild. We even learnt basic climbing skills.  One trip was to Scotland (The Cairngorms) for 2 weeks with one week totally out in the hills walking and camping. A similar trip took place in the Lake District.  Eventually I was selected to partake in a leadership course in the Greek Mountains, unfortunately I had already committed myself to change career and a move to London.

Whilst in London I became friends with a teacher who also organised kayak training and I helped with some of his activities. We took pupils kayaking to Wales, Herefordshire and even France (The Dordogne, The Pyrennes and The Gorges Du Tarn) . As an addition we competed at slalom kayaking. The real point of this is that we always camped building on our outdoor skills.

Walking Experience

Coastal paths Devon

Coastal paths Cornwall

Coastal paths Norfolk

Coastal paths Sussex.

Derbyshire – Lots of walks through, up and down the many dales.

Cumbria – Scafell and surrounding peaks, Helvellyn and surrounding peaks,

Snowdonia -Snowdon and surrounding peaks.

Norfolk coastal and beach walks

Northamptonshire – many paths reservoir and waterside walks.

Scotland – Cairngorms, Isle of Mull.

London – Walk all day in London and you will cover over 15 kilometres easily. You still need to carry basics with you.

France –  Alps and the Dordogne.

  Useful Information

http://www.allcampgrounds.com/articles/tips/10-rules-for-hiking-safety.html

Countryside Code from Gov website

Respect other people:

consider the local community and other people enjoying the outdoors

leave gates and property as you find them and follow paths unless wider access is available

Protect the natural environment:

leave no trace of your visit
and take your litter home

keep dogs under effective control

Enjoy the outdoors:

plan ahead and be prepared

follow advice and local signs

Equipment and Clothing

To this day even if walking a relatively short way, around a reservoir for example I carry basic essentials. Even in the summer you can get caught by a sudden change in weather or fall and hurt yourself, accidents can and do happen.  For short walks a small rucksack with water, light jacket, first aid kit, sunscreen, tissues/wipes will do. Anything more adventurous you need a lot more and a bigger rucksack.  

For example if I was to walk/climb Scafell I would take these. —

Waterproof Jacket

Waterproof Leggings

Gaiters

Sturdy Footwear suitable for the terrain.

Layers.

Jeans are not ideal – get denim very wet and you will be extremely uncomfortable.

Hat and gloves –

Food

Water or hot drink ( if its hot you need lots of water I use a 2 litre Camel pack)

Survival blanket or bivvi bag.

Torch – even if you think you will back down in daylight.

Map –  do not rely on your mobile phone. There a many places you will not get a signal. You also need to be able to ‘read’ a map and ideally use a compass.

Compass

First Aid kit

Multipurpose knife

Small fabric repair kit.

You will realize that this will weigh a lot and therefore making walking more difficult. So you have walked a long way on the flat with no large rucksack and coped well. Walk uphill with a heavy rucksack and the difference is enormous.

WATERSIDE WALKWAYS

Most rivers and canals have official walkways that track their length. These can provide fantastic short or long walks and by and large tend to be on flat terrain unless the river is in the mountains and dales.

Mt. Chery French Alpes

Ravensthorpe Reservoir Northamptonshire a lovely short walk. Make it longer, linger and enjoy the wildlife etc.

Trelissick – Cornwall

A country house and garden set in an estate with stunning maritime views and lovely woodland walks