Hiking Tips | Stepping Outside

Podcasts for Adventure Travel

Emma — Mon, 13 May 2019 15:55:22 +0000

One of the odd realities of hiking is that you often spend a lot of time in the car. Most of my weekends begin with a drive to the start of a hike or to a new area to explore. The positive part of all this travelling is the time to catch-up on podcasts. These are my go-to favourites.

SHE EXPLORES

The podcast interviews women who love the outdoors. Episodes include awe-inspiring guests who run ultra-marathons, tackle long distance thru-hikes and manage successful outdoor companies. There are also plenty of episodes which cover more day-to-day outdoor experiences; guests talk about getting lost, what they learnt from their first camping trip and how they became weekend adventure warriors.

POD SAVE AMERICA

Three former Obama staffers discuss the current political shitshow in America. They talk Trump, Mueller, the 2020 race and everything in-between.

It’s funny, thought-provoking and I’ve gone from having a broad understanding of American politics to confidently being able to debate the policies of most members of Congress.

WOMEN ON THE ROAD

As someone who is completely fascinated with the ‘van life’ movement, this podcast is very additive. Each episode interviews women about their experiences of life on the road. There are tales of travelling solo, raising young kids while living in a camper, dealing with chronic illnesses and grief, summer adventures and managing businesses from the back of a van; it’s inspiring, candid and often makes me daydream about throwing the dog and a backpack in the car and just driving off.

GRIEFCAST

This one is a little niche but it’s saving my ass at the moment. Host Cariad talks to comedians about someone who they have lost. The podcast explores the weird world of grief and, as someone who has recently joined the grief club, it’s incredibly helpful to hear how others are processing the enormous range of emotions that come with losing someone. It’s funny (really!), honest and incredibly raw.

S-TOWN

I’m half hoping that there isn’t anyone left who hasn’t listened to S-Town! If you’re one of the few who hasn’t, stop read, download it and listen now. It’s essentially one of the best pieces of journalism I’ve ever come across.

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Why I love the outdoors…

Emma — Thu, 28 Jun 2018 15:36:21 +0000

In April, I climbed my final Wainwright. I bagged all 214 summits in 11 months. It’s safe to say that I spend a huge amount of time outside!

I love the whole process of spending time outdoors, from planning a trip to the final push to the summit.

If you haven’t planned a hike, it’s a lot like planning a holiday but you get to do it every weekend. For me, the ritual starts with mapping out a route, obsessively checking the weather and packing my gear the night before. On the day of the hike, I creep out of the house before dawn and drive down deserted country lanes as the sun rises, watching the beams stride across the mountains; I’m always shocked that anyone would want to sleep through this spectacular light show.

Then there’s the hike itself. Yes, there’s blood, sweat and occasional tears but there’s also an enormous sense of accomplishment and a calm that’s hard to find anywhere else. When I’m focusing on where to put my foot next and only stopping to occasionally take in the view, everything else shuts up. Any background noise, the constant urge to check your phone and those niggling anxieties, all disappear. And that silence, that peace, is extraordinary.

I’m fairly certain that marching through the wilderness keeps me sane.

There have definitely been moments when I’ve wished I had another, perhaps warmer, indoor hobby. I’ve hiked through persistent rain, reached summits in zero visibility, battled through snow storms and been knocked to the ground by gale force winds. But it’s always a short-lived complaint; I’ve never returned from a hike and not started thinking about the next one.

I came across this quote the other day, “The climb speaks to our character, but the view, I think, to our souls.”

Perhaps that’s all I’m trying to say. Reaching a summit makes me feel completely alive and free. The climb to the summit is often only a day or two, but I know these feelings are going to stay with me forever.

And one day, when I can't climb mountains anymore, I’m going to trace my finger across a map, remember all those summits and all those views and think, damn, I did all of that.

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What to Wear Hiking: Basic Guidelines

Emma — Mon, 19 Feb 2018 17:32:59 +0000

Different brands work for different people. Picking the right clothes for hiking is more about following a simple set of guidelines.

1. Cotton is not your friend

I really can’t stress this enough; do not wear cotton hiking. Cotton absorbs moisture and dries very slowly so if your clothes get damp through rain, sweat or snow, they’ll stay damp. In warm weather, this means you’ll be extremely uncomfortable and your body isn’t able to regulate temperature effectively. On cold days, damp material covering your skin can cause hypothermia. So one more time...do not wear cotton hiking.

Instead of cotton, pick materials which can dry quickly and remove moisture from your skin. Polyester or merino wool are brilliant, especially for base layers. Most gym tops and hiking t-shirts, like North Face tees, are 100% polyester.

2. Seamless Socks/Flat Seams

If your walking boots are fitted correctly but you're still getting blisters, socks made from the wrong material and thick seams are going to be the culprit.

Before buying any socks, always check around the toes; there shouldn’t be any lumps where the seams join as this will cause rubbing and blisters.

I generally wear two pairs of socks; a thin base layer to keep cool and remove moisture (IsoCool walking socks are great for this) and a second layer of wool socks, which are padded for comfort and stability.

3. Layers

The temperature at the base of a mountain or hill will be dramatically different to the summit, even if you’re only climbing a few 100 metres.

For most walks, you’ll need a base layer top, long sleeve t-shirt, down or synthetic jacket and a waterproof. The only specific brand I’ll mention here is Icebreaker; the lightweight, quick-dry, long sleeve tops are brilliant.

For the lower body, shorts or trousers – again, no cotton! I always prefer hiking in shorts and when it’s absolutely too cold for shorts, I switch to polyester gym leggings or synthetic hiking trousers.

4. Waterproof Trousers

I once spent 12 hours declaring my love for waterproof trousers while walking through torrential rain in Scotland.

So, yes, we all know that waterproof trousers will never look great and can take up quite a bit of space in your backpack, but they’re a game changer when you get caught in a storm.

If you’re buying your first pair of waterproof trousers, slowly lunge in the changing room when you’re trying on the trousers. You need to be able to scramble and climb steep ascents in your clothes and the trousers need to be roomy enough for this.

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Hiking Gear Checklist: Three Essentials

Emma — Wed, 10 Jan 2018 15:25:27 +0000

As well as picking the right clothes for hiking, you’ll need the basic gear. These three items are the key essentials to get you started.

1. Walking Boots

The best advice is to get your boots fitted. Most outdoor stores, like Cotswolds, have staff who are trained to help you find the right boots. As well as measuring the length and width of your feet, they’ll discuss the type of terrain you’ll be walking on and get you to test the boots on small slopes.

With their advice, you’ll need to decide what type of material your new boots should be made from and how flexible the material is. As a general rule, hill walking requires a more flexible boot and mountain hiking, across rocky terrain, requires a sturdier boot. Also, make sure you ask how long it will take to wear in the boots; leather boots can often take 10-15 miles of walking.

2. Choosing a Day-Rucksack

Size

For a day hike, you will need a rucksack between 20L and 26L to carry your essentials (water, clothing layers, maps and food).

I use a 26L Osprey pack as an all year round day hiking rucksack. I’ve gone for the larger capacity as I do a lot of walking in Wales and the Lake District so I always need space for waterproof layers and I often take a Nikon camera.

Ventilation

Always choose a rucksack with an air ventilation across the back. The mesh panel, which presses against your back, reduces sweat build-up and keeps you more comfortable.

Side Pockets and Compartments

Side pockets and internal compartments are a huge help when organising your gear. External pockets also mean that you don’t need to stop and open the main compartment of your rucksack to grab something small, like a dog treat.

Fitting

I would avoid buying a rucksack online and, instead, visit a store and ask one of the team to help you fit a rucksack. They will be able to correctly adjust the bag so the weight is distributed evenly and sits centrally on your back. Make sure the straps are padded and fit comfortably on your shoulders.

Hydration System

If you’re buying your first hiking rucksack, space for a hydration system (essentially a bag of water which fits inside your rucksack and has a drinking hose) may seem unnecessary. However, if you’re planning to do day-hikes, a hydration pack is really useful as the water weight is evenly distributed across your back and access to the water is much easier than stopping to open a bottle. Even if you’re not thinking about buying a hydration system at the moment, I would recommend getting a rucksack which accommodates one in case you change your mind.

Rain Cover

Rucksacks are generally rain resistant, rather than waterproof. Ensure that the rucksack has a detachable rain cover, which is often hidden away in one of the front pockets. Even with the rain cover, the bag won’t be 100% waterproof. See below for info on a dry bag…

3. Dry Bag

Even with a water resistant rucksack and a rain cover, your gear is still at risk of getting wet if you’re walking through heavy rain. Dry bags are light weight, long lasting and always keep your gear dry. Pack your clothing layers, phone etc in the dry bag before placing the bag inside your rucksack.

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What We Wish We Had Known Before We Started Hiking

Emma — Mon, 06 Nov 2017 14:09:59 +0000

During a group walk last week, I asked everyone what one thing they wish they had known before they started long distance walks and climbing mountains. Here are the answers…

1. Maps aren’t that scary

Learning the basics (setting the map by using a compass, understanding scales, bearings, grid references and using the landscape to match map features) are hugely helpful and will give you more confidence on walks. A lot of organisations run courses for beginners (I did a really useful day course by the Lake District Walker ) and OS have great resources and online tutorials.

2. What gear you really need

If you’re just starting out, don’t get too concerned about having all of the right gear. For short, flat walks in good weather, your trainers and a bottle of water will be fine. Once you start covering more distance and choosing higher routes, the right gear becomes far more important. Hiking Gear Checklist: Three Essentials

3. Check the weather forecast for the highest part of the walk, not the start

The weather at the summit of Scafell Pike in the Lake District is currently -1 degrees, with a wind speed of 45 mph. The weather forecast for the closest village is 8 degrees and wind speed of 11 mph. You get the point. The Met Office Mountain Forecast is a good site to use.

4. How much water to bring

This is a little dependent on the weather and the individual. I drink loads of water (around 4 litres a day) but I also exercise a lot so I think it’s necessary. Start by taking 3 litres for a full day hike and 2-2.5 litres for a 4-5 hour walk. See how much you have left and adjust how much water to take, bearing in mind you will drink different amounts based on the weather and how strenuous a walk is.

5. Some walking boots need to be broken in

Sturdier, leather boots can need 10-15 miles of walking to break them in. When you buy new boots, always ask the store for their advice. Tips on choosing the right gear.

6. Backpacks aren’t waterproof

Even with a rain cover, backpacks aren’t 100% waterproof in heavy rain. It’s best to keep your gear in a dry bag inside your backpack. More info...

7. Always Take money with you

Almost everyone I asked had £8-£10 in small change for parking and toilet fees.

8. Trekking poles are actually really useful

If you’re doing a lot of hill walking, poles are hugely helpful, especially for balance and taking some of the pressure off your knees.

9. Check the Wind Speed

The wind on mountains and hilltops is often much stronger than in the valley. As a general rule, walking becomes difficult when wind speeds reach 30 mph. At 40 mph and above, the wind can knock you over. Wind speed conditions are based on the Beaufort Scale and the full scale can be found here.

10. what to do in a Thunderstorm

Hopefully it goes without saying that lightning can kill so don’t walk in thunderstorms. Luckily, in the UK, unpredicted thunderstorms are extremely rare but if you do get caught out, there are a few things you can do to help protect yourself, including getting to lower ground as soon as possible, moving all metal items away from you and sitting on top of your backpack. The British Mountain Council have put together a few great tips.

11. Don’t rely on a postcode and a Sat Nav to find the start of a route

For most walks, the postcode will get you to the right area, but not the exact location. Make sure you check the map before you go.

12. GPS devices are great for peace of mind

In poor weather and on remote walks, a faint footpath can be difficult to find. A GPS device can show you exactly where you are and where the path is, making a lot of routes significantly easier. I use a Garmin Montana GPS and it’s incredibly accurate; if I deviate from the path by half a metre, the device picks up the detour and shows the direction I need to go to meet the path again.

GPS devices can also have pre-programmed routes for you to follow. The vast majority of walking routes on this site have free GPS route downloads.

13. OS Locate App

The free app, from OS maps, shows the six figure grid reference of exactly where you are. It’s a very quick and easy way to help you get your bearings if you get lost. Also, if there is ever an emergency, you will be able to tell someone your location.

14. Don't wear Cotton

I’ve written about this before; never wear cotton hiking.

15. What to do in an emergency

Hopefully, you’ll never need to use this information, but it’s always best to be prepared. To contact Mountain Rescue, call 999, ask for the police and then Mountain Rescue.

16. And one from me

...whether you’re walking in a group or going solo, always let someone know exactly where you’re going and what time you expect to be back.

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Hiking Solo?

Emma — Thu, 26 Oct 2017 17:48:54 +0000

Last week a friend asked me if I hike alone. I replied that I never do, I always take the dog. She went on to explain that she meant hiking without other people. Oh, well in that case, yes, I do all the time.

About 60% of the walks I do are just with dog. Sometimes it's because I have a more flexible work schedule than the people around me but most of the time, it's because I want to. I want the flexibility to grab the dog and just set off. Climb a few mountains, roam across hillsides and see what the weather does.

“Do you ever get scared walking alone?” is the next question I'm asked.

There are two ways to answer this; firstly, by addressing any practical concerns of hiking alone and secondly, what people really mean when they ask this question, if you’re scared of a scenario straight out of a horror movie.

Tackling the horror movie scenario first; what happens if you meet some crazed psychopath on the side of a mountain?

In response to this, I roll my eyes and explain how unlikely this would be and how much safer the middle of nowhere is compared to a city.

However, I'd be lying if the thought hadn’t occasionally crossed my mind. Of course I’ve imagined a worse case scenario. Being that one in a billon. Being that unlucky.

In the last 6 months, I've walked just under 3,500km (thanks Fitbit). At least 2,000km of this was probably solo, well just me and the dog. I've only had one moment where I've panicked. And spoiler alert, there was no reason to have panicked.

I was hiking in a very remote part of mid-Wales and had walked for 3-4 hours with seeing anyone. After climbing above a tree line, I crossed an open, boggy moorland and headed towards the final summit.

As I reached the cairn, I saw a middle-aged man approaching from the opposite direction. He was about 20ft away, dressed head-to-toe in camo gear and had a shotgun over his shoulder. My heart froze.

The guy lifted an arm, waved and in a lush, sing-song Welsh accent told me he was hunting birds.

Admittedly, I still walked away pretty quickly but reminded myself that any concern about stumbling across a psychopath while hiking is pretty absurd!

In terms of the more practical concerns about hiking solo, I think I’m often putting myself at less risk when I’m hiking alone. When I hike solo, I'm far more aware of my surroundings; I pay more attention to the weather for signs of a storm, I take more care on steep ascents, I check the map and GPS more regularly to ensure that I don’t get lost and I know the escape routes from higher climbs in case the weather turns.

I do all of these things when I’m hiking with other people but to a much lesser extent. Because they're checking too right? Well, the answer to that is ‘no’ in most cases. Unless, as a group, you decide who is leading the hike, everyone assumes everyone else is taking charge. I've got lost significantly more times when I'm with other people than hiking on my own.

That being said, a few extra steps do need to be taken when you're hiking solo in case you have a bad fall or get lost.

Always let someone know exactly where you're going, including which route options you might take if the weather changes.
If you're driving to the start of a walk, leave a note visible in your car, including the time and date you started the walk, your route and what time you expect to be back.
Don't push yourself too much; if you're not great at navigation, don't choose a high route in poor visibility.

Obviously, there’s a risk with everything but I set off on a walk well aware of my limits and knowing that there’s a higher risk when I cross a busy city street.

Oh and would I hike completely solo, without the dog? Well yes, but perhaps slightly less often. Part of why I like hiking alone is because I can hangout with the dog. And everyone plays hide and seek and chases their dog up and down mountains when no one else is watching, right?

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