Hi Reg
Great to hear from you and we’re sure you’ll never regret your decision to get out there!
The sense of exhilaration and pleasure that a good walk can give you is unsurpassable. The feeling of the wind on your face, as you clamber to the top of a glorious hill, surrounded by nothing but a big sky and fellow walkers is hard to beat. With urban life getting faster and faster, it's no wonder that more and more are turning to walking and other outdoor activities as a healthy and satisfying way of spending their leisure time.
What to wear
One of the biggest misconceptions is that you need to spend a fortune on equipment. This just isn't the case. Comfortable footwear, with a reasonable grip and comfortable clothing can work just as well on many walks as gear costing a great deal more. However as you become more experienced and begin to talk to others involved in the sport you will appreciate the benefits of wearing clothing and using equipment that has been designed especially for the purpose.
Clothing
Generally speaking when selecting your clothing, think layers. Starting with a base layer that goes against the skin, this may be your only layer in hot weather or the first of many in cold weather. Further layers above can include a fleece jacket and possible a waterproof jacket on top, and some kind of leg wear and waterproof trousers below,
Most modern fabrics used in outdoor clothing have the ability to breathe (or wick), which simply means that they allow the bodies' moisture to pass through the fabric and not retain by it. When the body exercises, sweat is produced. Fabrics like cotton absorb this moisture, which can mean the wearer gets cold and damp unless there is sufficient external heat to evaporate it. If you are wearing a cotton shirt under a breathable water proof jacket and doing vigorous exercise, walking uphill for example, you'll soon get a wet shirt and feel damp inside the jacket, as the air becomes saturated and stops the jacket from breathing properly. By wearing wicking layers underneath breathable jackets, you'll avoid this unpleasant feeling. The other advantage of modern man-made materials is that they are easily washed and dried.
Footwear
Over the course of a day's walk, your feet will have a great deal of pressure put on them and if your footwear isn't right then you are not going to enjoy yourself. Walkers have traditionally recommended the use of boots with ankle support. With the rapid development in footwear over recent years, boots have become lighter, ankle support lower and trainers and even sandals designed for walking have appeared on the market. What you choose will depend on your preference but most important considerations is the adequacy of grip on the sole and the amount of support it gives you against twisting. If you walk on rough stony ground then some protection against the foot twisting (usually a steel or plastic shank in the sole unit ) is advisable. Flat riverside paths require less technical footwear.
Poles
Walking poles have recently become very common in the UK, although they have been used in other parts of Europe for many years. Used properly, poles (in pairs) can take a great deal of the pressure off your feet and knees. Poles with ski pole handles and held like ski poles are best and can help give a walker stability (and confidence) over rough terrain. The use of poles can make all the difference to a day's walk
What to pack
What you put in your rucksack will vary according to where you are and what time of year you are going out. Below is a basic list that should be added to or taken away from according to your needs. Using a large plastic bag or rucksack liner, widely available from outdoor stores, to ensure your gear remains dry.
First aid kit
- Map, compass and whistle
- Waterproof clothing
- Spare (warm clothes), hat and gloves
- Bivi bag or small survival tent
- Emergency hi-energy food
- Notebook, pen and pencil
- Food and drink for the day
- Torch
Where to go
In England and Wales we have the right of access to the extensive public rights of way network and to access land, where the landowner has given permission for the public to visit (shown as green dashes and purple lines on 1:25,000 Ordnance Survey maps, red and purple respectively on Harvey maps). Common land is also open for public access but is not shown on maps.
Over the next few years, in England and Wales, the situation will change as new access legislation causes a growth in 'access' land. We will soon have the right to enjoy thousands of hectares of mountain, moorland and heath that have previously been closed to the public. In time maps will be changed to show the new access land but in the meantime contacting information centres or local outdoor equipment stores will give you up-to-date information.
The Scottish situation involves the concept of 'responsible freedom to roam on appropriate terrain' , which generally means mountain and moorland areas. Landowners and users accept each other's rights and generally act accordingly. Some rights of way are shown on maps.
In Northern Ireland the best starting point is a visit to the local Tourist Information Office where staff will be able to tell you the local situation. Rights of ways aren't shown on maps and the number of 'asserted' rights of way in an area depends on the district council's enthusiasm! Mountain and moorland areas mostly have an assumed right of access but again check locally.
In the Republic of Ireland, there are way-marked routes, many of which follow rural lanes, however Ireland has the highest percentage of landownership in Europe and there are relatively few paths on private land. Again the best advice is check locally before setting out.
Navigation and safety
Navigation
The more you explore the outdoors the more adventurous you are likely to become. The urge to explore a path that isn't in a guidebook or a magazine article will grow and at some stage knowledge of how to use a map and compass will be necessary.
There are many books, CD's and other resources that give you thorough instruction in navigation techniques but the best way of learning any practical skill is doing it practically. There are many organisations that run map and compass courses around the country from local adult education centres, private organisations and the national outdoor sports centres in Scotland and Wales.
The National Navigation Award Scheme was designed to give a structured way of learning the requisite skills from beginners upwards. The scheme is divided into bronze, silver and gold levels and will get you up to quite and advance level. Other organisations that can help include the British Mountaineering Council, The Rambler's Association and the British Orienteering Federation.
Safety
Walking is a wonderful healthy sport that will bring you both physical and mental benefits. In term of risk it is probably one of the safest outdoor sports you can participate in. Having the correct equipment helps; and it doesn't have to be the most expensive available - just appropriate.
One simple step towards safety is always to tell someone where you are going and what time you expect to finish. At the simplest level this could be a friend or family member but if you are away from home then it could be the nearest information centre, police station or where you are staying. The level of detail you give will depend on where you are going, how difficult the terrain is and what the expected weather conditions are. A short stroll in rural Sussex in summer is different from a winter mountain walk in the Cairngorms.
Route cards are a good way of chronicling where you intend to go and often save you the necessity of planning a route when you are out; it's far easy to plan the night before in warmth and comfort. Leaving a copy of the route card with a responsible person makes their job of notifying the rescue authorities easier if something does go wrong. (It should go without saying that you should always let the person know that you have safely returned.)
First aid
If you have an accident at work, then there is usually someone close at hand to help. The same can't always be said when out walking. A first aid kit, which has been adapted to suit your needs, is one of those rucksack essentials but knowing how to use it properly, is equally important.
First aid courses of different lengths and focus are run all over Britain and all walkers are encouraged to have at least a basic qualification.
If your walk takes you into more remote countryside, then a well equipped rucksack is necessary. One important piece of equipment is either a bivi-bag or small survival tent, in which you can put an injured person to help keep them warm. A comfortable casualty is less likely to cause you extra problems than one who is cold and uncomfortable.
Emergency services
Sometimes incidents occur that are beyond immediate first aid and this is when the emergency services come into their own. In most major mountain areas of Britain, mountain rescue teams exists to stabilise and evacuate casualties in locations that the conventional emergency services do not usually operate (mountains, moorlands and climbing areas). All mountain rescue teams operate under the control of the police and are contactable by phoning 999 and asking for mountain rescue. Where mountain rescue teams don't exist, accidents are covered by the conventional emergency services.
It is important to realise that mountain rescue team members are all volunteers and are not usually waiting at the foot of the mountain for you to have your accident! It may take two or three hours for them to assemble, equip themselves and get to you. Your first aid knowledge is still important as is keeping yourself and colleagues warm and comfortable.
With the ever-growing mobile phone coverage across the UK, many hill-goers see these instruments as an important addition to their rucksacks. Whilst this is probably true, there are still vast areas that aren't covered and you should be aware that yours might not work. A fully charged battery is recommended too; you don't want to run down at the wrong time. However use one with caution and don't be tempted to call for help when with a bit of time and effort you can solve the problem yourself.
Stay safe and have fun!
All the best
The Outdoor Supermarket Team
