Hello my Sole Sisters!
Ah hiking. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: hiking is easy, inexpensive and actually free once you’ve got the basic kit. There are however, a few things you can do to really amp up your hiking experience, and the main thing to do is to learn to hike the right way!
‘Wait!’ I hear you cry! There’s a wrong way to hike? Yes, yes there is. While some of these can’t really be considered ‘wrong’ in the strictest sense, as you can probably guess, I’m not a fan.
A few of the most well-known characters you’ll come across on your travels are:
- The Rich Hiker – They most likely go by the name of Tarquin or Daphne (or wish to). You can recognise these increasingly well-known species by identifying their eye-wateringly expensive plumage, which is labelled so you are left with no doubt as to their bank balance. These creatures have all the latest gear and no idea. (* Please Note: I’m NOT hating on the gear or their capabilities, I’m merely presenting the fact that you don’t need ALL the latest branded kit to get outside.)
- The Clueless Hiker – The last I saw of this common species was hiking Snowdon during my Welsh 3 Peaks Challenge. A staple on everyone’s list, Snowdon attracts the most clueless people, and it’s honestly a wonder how they all survive. I saw high heels (on a mountain!), people carrying miniature dogs on sheer rock faces and someone even wearing PYJAMAS(?!!!) in the midst of a freezing gale of mist at the summit. I am exasperated just thinking about it. If you are puzzled as to why this affects me so, please save yourself the trouble, a broken ankle or certain death and stay at home. Or read on and discover how to not die during hiking.
- The ‘It Will Be Fine’ Hiker – Guilty as charged (I blame my father), these personages can also be known as the ‘Tough-as-nails Hiker’ (but not in a good way.) Let me tell you a brief story about the time I nearly died on Snowdon. Sheer rocks faces, gale force winds and hollowed out rocks that made for effective wind tunnels that nearly blew my younger brother off into the lake below. Cue majorly stormy weather, falling headfirst down the mountain path (I was fine) and returning to CAMP in a soggy tent. Yeah… we’ve never let my dad live that one down.
My Top Tips
Now we’ve made contact with this colourful array of native hikers, let’s delve into the ways of the correct, safe, and thus proper hiker…
- Build up strength and stamina
I love the feeling of strength I get every time I’m hiking or after I finish a hike. You get the ache of well used muscles and can rest in the knowledge that you’ve achieved great things. The stamina needed for a long hike is not to be sniffed at – and by that I mean mental stamina as well as physical. Just because you regularly go on 2 or 3 hour hikes does not mean you’ll necessarily be able to tackle a 6+ hour hike.
2. Learn the basics – build up confidence and abilities
Map skills, sense of direction, the countryside code – these are all things that can be self-taught. Fear not, I’ll be here to help and guide you on your way. With these skills in hand, you can plot your own routes, and not have to rely on computer print outs or downloads. It’s a bit like riding a bike; once you’ve learnt it, you’ll always remember it.
3. Get your gear
Check out my handy guide to choosing the best kit for you (coming soon!) As I’ve mentioned, hiking is relatively inexpensive if you’re brand new to all this. While the initial kit may require some saving for and a chunk out of your budget, these investments can last for years, with care and attention.
4. Practice, practice, practice!
Even if you count yourself as a relatively fit person, or a gym bunny (or bear, depending on your preference. Grrr!) don’t be surprised if you struggle at first. Hiking is stamina-based and requires training if you’ve never attempted it before. It’s a whole different discipline, but one that I find is ultimately more rewarding than running on a treadmill whilst staring at a blank wall or muted TV. Don’t be disheartened if you consider yourself fit (or even hyper-fit), because gym-fit is not the same as location-based fit. Fear not, for I am here to help!
BONUS
5. Learn to appreciate the little things
I’m working on a guide to the hiking lifestyle and learning to love the outdoors. From discovering how to identify the flowers, trees and creatures you see on your way, you might just find yourself positively revelling in spotting an oxbow lake after a downpour (well hello there GCSE geography!). There’s always more to learn, which can help to keep your brain alert and active – a godsend if like me, you have a degree and are currently (and temporarily!) working as a waitress.
A quick note on safety
The south-west of England is a very safe place to get out and about. I’ve never had any problems, though I would advise taking adequate precautions, such as simply being aware of where you are and how to get home in an emergency (Think of: Do I have a phone signal? If not, where is the nearest place to get signal, or help?)
Once you’ve mastered the art of mindfulness hiking, this shouldn’t be a problem.
There are many other things to help you hike the right way, but the best thing to do is to get out there and begin your journey. Once you have your gear and it’s all tested, worn in and comfortable, there’s no stopping you.
From me to you, until next time tribe!
Jenni
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