Hiking, statistically, is one of the safest ways to get active and keep fit outdoors but those natural elements we enjoy can also, very occasionally, get the better of us, if the weather unexpectedly turns or we turn an ankle.
So, when taking part in any activity or course booked through this site, you’ll need to make sure you’re properly kitted out – for your safety and comfort. Here’s some guidance for you…
These are the basic essentials, the must haves, required for our day outside:
- Good quality walking boots or trail shoes (no trainers), with;
- A pair of equally good quality hiking socks.
- Quick drying ‘outdoor’ trousers and base layer (no jeans/cotton)
- Waterproof Jacket & Overtrousers
- Hat & Gloves
- Extra/spare ‘warm’ layer (for example a fleece or insulated jacket)
- Sunglasses & Sun cream (believe it or not!)
- Packed lunch, including a healthy supply of snacks;
- Water (2 litres in summer, 1 litre at other times – minimum) and, at times;
- A flask with a warm drink is advised (for those colder days).
Additional items
- Walking poles
- Head Torch (when daylight recedes)
- Spare gloves & hat
- Gaiters
Also, where appropriate or necessary, do think about any personal medication you might require during a long day and make sure you have that with you.
All the above will of course, need to be carried in your own good quality rucksack.
If you are still to buy some of the above items of kit, guidance can always been given.
There are lots of outdoor retailers and I’d recommend visiting one, rather than shopping online – a lot of the staff working in these stores are outdoor enthusiasts themselves and will be able to give you better advice than that big online shop we all know!
Map & Compass?
Depending on the activity, I may ask you to bring one or both of these. On guided walks they will largely be optional, so we can discuss the landscape around us. For map reading/navigation courses, I will usually provide A4 maps of the immediate area being used for the training but will recommend you have the appropriate Ordnance Survey (OS) or Harvey Map for the appropriate area.
Participation Statement
Heading out into hilly, remote and mountainous areas can be hazardous; and, when the weather deteriorates or the terrain becomes more rugged, hazards can increase and therefore a potential risk of injury or, in very extreme circumstances, loss of life can become a consequence of any accidents. Anyone taking part in a course or outdoor activity needs to consider this very seriously. Prospective clients and Participants must both take responsibility for their involvement in activities and acknowledge and accept these risks.
The British Mountaineering Council (BMC), which acts on behalf of walkers, climbers and mountaineers in the UK, offers the following participation statement that we ask you to agree to:
“The BMC recognises that climbing and mountaineering* are activities with a danger of personal injury or death. Participants in these activities should be aware of and accept these risks and be responsible for their own actions and involvement.”
When completing your booking form you will be asked to clarify that you have read, understood and agreed to them.
*The term Mountaineering should be understood to include ‘hill’ and mountain walking.