Travel Tips for Hiking Holidays
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Travel Tips For Your Walking Holidays
Walking holidays, either as families or groups of friends, have always been popular in the UK.
Not that we are a nation of fitness fanatics, far from it, but because we have the choice of so many places in which to enjoy the fresh air, peace and quiet and getting back to nature.
With the recent shock news that most adults in England are overweight and one in five is obese, walking holidays could become even more popular as doctors recommend more exercise.
It requires no real training – just a few muscle-strengthening strolls in the weeks before the holiday – and a minimum fitness level to tackle easier terrains.
The British countryside is hugely varied – ranging from the hills of southern England, the coastal paths of the West Country, the flat lands of Norfolk and the lakes and mountains of Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
It sometimes seems we live on a crowded and traffic choked island but, when you start investigating, there are so many places to find a rural idyll. It is as simple as renting a park home, caravan, chalet, log cabin, cottage or flat through the pages of Daltons Weekly and on the internet at www.daltonsproperty.com.
Then equip yourself for most eventualities for the countryside or coast and off you go. But where to go is the big question?
Scotland is one of the less populated parts of the UK with huge tracts of wilderness just waiting to be explored. The Western Isles and the Outer Hebrides are rugged and wild and appeal to nature lovers who do not mind some of the harsh weather from the Atlantic. The Highlands is a massive area which spreads right across the heart of Scotland offering spectacularly-scenic walking territory – Ben Nevis and Loch Ness among them.
Eastern England’s highlights include the Norfolk and Suffolk coasts and the Broads wetlands, also in Norfolk. Hertfordshire’s canal network makes for good walking country and there are many paths to follow through Cambridgeshire and Essex that have a historic theme.
Northern England is rich in walking options and none more so than the Lake District in the northwest. The Pennine Way – from the Peak District to the Yorkshire Dales – is not an easy trek and the weather can be unpredictable. The wooded hills and valleys of the Dales provide a more gentle option.
Wales has superb coastline walks especially in the south west around Pembrokeshire with its islands and national park. From the north starting with the Snowdonia National Park, Wales have a central spine of beautiful mountain and hill country.
In the West Country, Cornwall and Devon share a variety of long sandy beaches and many kilometres of clifftop walks. Dartmoor and Exmoor bring walkers into close contact with wildlife.
Northern Ireland’s mountains, glens, forests, lakes and coasts are ideal for hiking. The circular Ulster Way runs for 560 miles but the most popular section is the 11 miles along the Causeway Coast between Portballintrae and Ballintoy which passes the Giant's Causeway.
County Fermanagh is famous for the beauty of its lakes and the Wetlands Way has a series of walking trails. The Mourne Mountains are ideal for the keen hill walker as well as the hiking newcomer.
Taking care on your Walking Holiday
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High routes – be cautious on mountain paths or clifftop coastal routes where there is a danger of slipping over.
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The seaside – before venturing on the seashore check tidal conditions and high tide charts to avoid being cut off by the sea.
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Roads – take extra care where walking routes cross roads. Even minor roads can present a danger.
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Dogs and children – keep both under control where roads meet country paths and when agricultural machinery and livestock are about.
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Climate changes – always check the weather forecast before setting out, especially in high areas where conditions can turn nasty very quickly. Rain can turn to snow; moorland mist to thick fog; and warm sunshine to a very hot day. Do not set out in poor visibility.
Going walking away from civilisation for a day requires some essentials. Most items needed for a safe and trouble-free day out are made of modern lightweight materials, so weight is kept to a minimum.
Walking Holiday Equipment
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A 20-35 litre rucksack, preferably waterproof and with stormproof pockets
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A comprehensive (Ordnance Survey even) map of the area you plan to cover
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A compass, penknife, torch and whistle
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In summer, a hat and plenty of water
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In winter, spare clothing and a survival bag
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Mobile phone but do not always bank on a good reception area
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Sturdy waterproof boots that support the ankles
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Warm and waterproof clothing, depending on the time of year
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Waterproof trousers and gaiters
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