Any advice for someone that would like to get more into trail walking?
Posted by No_Usual_572@reddit | AskUK | View on Reddit | 24 comments
I've been recently getting more into walking and tried to do a longer walk this weekend for which I realised I was ill prepared (lack of water, under estimating the length and in need of some new boots).
Is there any tips avid walkers could give? Anything essentials that are needed in your bag? Any any apps that would help with following a trail would be really recommended, any does or don'ts.
cbawiththismalarky@reddit
Look for circular walks, 4km an hour speed, start with flat and short, add distance and height gained each week, I tend to only hike between mid march and the end of October so I always start like this by may I'm ready for long days and hopefully the weather is good
Arbdew@reddit
Things that live in my walking pack include a whistle and a foil blanket. Both are small and light and you never know when you'll need one or the other. We do a lot of walking in the hills (Cheviots), and have had to use a blanket when we came across someone who'd had a fall.
For us mostly its water, high energy snacks, packable waterproofs, sun cream, paper map (in case there's no signal), compass and a very basic first aid kit- think blister plasters, plasters and antiseptic cream. Oh, and fly repellent before you go!!!
We use the OS maps app and its pretty good. You can download routes before you set off.
Most important thing though is to tell someone where you're going and what time you expect to be back. If the worst happens, they can raise the alarm.
Fraggle_ninja@reddit
Whistle is an excellent idea. Where does one buy one these days aside from Amazon?
Arbdew@reddit
Go outdoors have a good range. I always lose them somehow, so have about 4 kicking about. Think pets at home sell them as well for dog training (not dog whistles that are silent to us, but proper 2 ended whistles).
Fraggle_ninja@reddit
Walking boots with good socks! Lightweight wind, rain shower jacket (I don’t walk when it’s heavy rain), hat, sunscreen. Then I usually take water, a tea or coffee and a protein bar or nuts - some easy snack. Some walks I might power on and some I like to amble and take lots of scenic breaks. I have a little first aid kit I got from OS. I have the all trails app as well - it’s gone down hill in the last year and other apps might be available but use for scouting out walks, parking and can tell my husband how long I expect to be
Stealth_bummer_@reddit
Download AllTrails. It’s good 👍.
Try not to view it as exercise, just think of it as walking, makes 10 miles or a big hill seem less daunting.
Share your location with someone if going out solo.
Wrightsocks are expensive but an absolute game changer.
You can take layers off, but can’t put them on.
Peanut butter sandwiches are quick and easy, don’t need to be kept in a fridge and are a good energy source.
flitzyfitz@reddit
I recommend AllTrails too! Although it wasn’t as good in Devon as I was anticipating (compared to more locally in the south east), as National Trust walks were missing.
I also recommend National Trust Walks, and looking at some of the rambling and walker groups, as normally they’ll have tested out a walk.
I keep meaning to pack a pair of scissors or pocket knife as a few times we’ve ended up down really overgrown paths.
BG3restart@reddit
The main thing is to make sure your shoes/boots are well worn in. You need to have done a few miles in them just walking around town and such before you go on a walk. Wearing them in the house won't suffice. You need to be taking proper strides like you do on a walk, not taking small steps like you do pottering around at home. If your feet aren't comfortable you'll hate every step.
nivlark@reddit
It's always better to bring more food and water than you end up needing than less. And for boots what matters is that they fit well and you've looked after them: if they get muddy, clean them ASAP - ideally the same day you walk, but realistically the next.
As we head into summer and the weather continues to warm up: sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses are essential. And personally, on a day like today, I take the risk that I can skip waterproofs and other bulky items. I'd rather be able to carry a smaller, lighter pack (or more water).
I'm oldschool and still rely on paper OS maps. I've tried a few GPS apps but none of them IMO are as comprehensive or as easy to read as the physical map. Although I know the areas I like to walk in well enough that I don't find it necessary to check that often.
You'll get a sense of how far you can comfrtably walk from experience. If you want to build endurance, plan your routes to be just a bit longer than that - half an hour or so at most.
OddSkyrocket@reddit
I always try and plan a walk that has a pub or village about half way (at some point between 51% and 66% through the walk is pretty ideal).
I recently did a walk that only had one place that we knew would be open for food / drink / toilet - a country pub. The weather turned, horribly. The day started still and sunny, and in the afternoon we had rain, hail and snow. Because we knew the pub was open, we stopped there for lunch and a drink and we considered calling it a day and getting a taxi back to the car. We didn’t, but it was a serious consideration that we knew was an option because of the planned stop in the village.
BrittEklandsStuntBum@reddit
As you've discovered, proper preparation is key. Plenty of water, energy snacks, first aid kit, waterproofs and warm clothing... Think of what you'd need if things went horribly wrong and make sure you've got it.
I'm not saying "pack the kitchen sink" but falls do happen and you might get lost on moorland. It doesn't hurt to plan for the worst.
No_Usual_572@reddit (OP)
Any recommendation on energy snacks?
Yeah, certainly learned my lesson today. What we thought was a 10k step walk ended up being 20k, very hilly and a pretty difficult to navigate from written instructions.
Peppy_Tomato@reddit
I can't see why some fruit and a water bottle won't suffice. Go for sweet fruit if you fancy, like grapes, apples. If you prefer more filling snacks, pack a sandwich made of dense bread.
People often overestimate how hungry they might get, and pack too much expensive food. If you're spending only 2 to 3 hours round-trip, you're unlikely to need food, provided you weren't hungry at the start.
BrittEklandsStuntBum@reddit
The absolute classic is Kendal mint cake. It's basically pure sugar but it was the favoured energy provider of British climbers. Mars bars are a more modern choice.
If you're not into that granola bars or trail mix but in my experience the extra effort required to digest them can dehydrate you and upset your stomach.
And don't be afraid to turn back if you've underestimated a walk. You can always add it to a list for future attempts.
No_Usual_572@reddit (OP)
Great, thank you very much. I will keep this all in mind for next week.
Yeah, we should have turned back today to be honest. It was a lot of nice views, but man, I have ended the day on 25k steps and was only aiming for 12k!
BrittEklandsStuntBum@reddit
The right shoes, the right socks, and the right attitude go a long way. Hope your next one goes better!
bennythefish@reddit
Yes . Good pair of walking trainers , check the weather and food and drink
Sustainable_Twat@reddit
I use an app (Map My Walk) to create maps of my walks which is great as it offers a visual history of your walks!
Aside from this, I use headphones to keep myself occupied and I always ensure I’m adequately hydrated and I even have some snacks to keep me going. Wear loose clothes so airflows and I say from personal experience, if your nipples get sensitive (They can if your clothes constantly rub on them), then ensure they’re covered as they can bleed!
It helps if you know what’s a long your route in case you need to make a stop for whatever reason.
No_Usual_572@reddit (OP)
Great, thank you!
I certainly don't want any bleeding nipples, so will get myself a packet of plasters just in case.
SoupMaleficent9513@reddit
Use layers. You can peel off or add more as required. Always carry a waterproof jacket in your backpack. For a bit of luxury (if you can carry the extra weight) a flask of tea and biscuit is a great halftime reward.
No_Usual_572@reddit (OP)
Any recommendation on brands for a waterproof jacket and those waterproof trousers that can turn into shorts? Sorry if its a bit of a silly question, but really don't have much experience with walking at all!
sebuq@reddit
Komoot app and the world maps paid-for option at £20
No_Usual_572@reddit (OP)
I'll have a look into this, thanks. Is 'the worlds maps' an app or do you mean its an option within the Komoot app?
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