Walking is a direct route to fitness. In this age of diets it is 'stealth health': it is easy, you can go at your own pace, you don't have to learn new skills; it's kind to the planet, too, because all you leave behind are your footprints.
Whether you decide on a 20-mile-long day hike, or a mere stroll around the block, if you do it regularly you'll find your energy levels increasing. Walking is a fantastic hobby, and your motorhome can help you enjoy the very best of it.
Getting started
If you're going to start walking as a serious hobby, then you might want to indulge in some good gear, especially if you are intending to tackle some of the more serious terrain.
Most important of all is your footwear. A decent pair of walking boots will keep your feet dry and warm, protect them from rocks, and give better grip and support to avoid twisted ankles. The better boots available will also provide you with shock absorption, easing the strain on your knees.
It's advisable to spend as much as you can on a pair of boots – you'll find a selection of three, to suit all budgets, in our panel on the right.
A good-quality, waterproof jacket is a must. Millets and Blacks both stock a good range (www.millets.co.uk and www.blacks.co.uk) but you should also consider other specialist shops such as Hi-Peak (www.hi-peakleisure.co.uk) and Cotswold Outdoor (www.cotswoldoutdoor.com).
Other equipment you should make sure you carry with you, if the terrain is at all challenging, includes a map, compass and
a mobile phone.
Interestingly, recent research carried out by the Camping and Caravanning Club showed that 88 per cent of Club members walk, compared with 54 per cent of the general public. (For some interesting statistics on how we enjoy the great outdoors, in and around campsites, see page 46.)
So, clearly, our hobby lends itself to walking. Having a motorhome is a fantastic way to get into the hobby because
it transports you to rambling country, and makes a base to which you can return. Many 'vans have external shower sockets for rinsing off muddy boots and wet lockers to store them in, too.
Planning your route
There are many websites for walking enthusiasts, to pre-plan their routes, try:
• Walking Britain (www.walkingbritain.co.uk) – it's a comprehensive, free-to-access, list of trails across the UK
• Walking Routes (www.walking-routes.co.uk) –hundreds of links to great walking sites
• www.go4awalk.com. There are thousands of walks on this site, and you do have to pay for most of them – but, prices start at 15p.
Alternatively, ask the warden of the site at which you are staying. Also try the local tourist information or local library.
For suitable walking maps, use brands such as Ordnance Survey, Landranger and Harvey, which you should find at all good outdoor stores.
The countryside code
When you're out walking, it's vital that you stick to the Countryside Code. For full details, visit the Ramblers Association website at www.ramblers.org.uk. Here are some key points to keep in mind:
l Be safe Refer to up-to-date maps and guidebooks, and be prepared for changes in the weather. Check forecasts before you set off
l GATES Leave gates as you find them, or follow signs. If land has crops growing on it, follow paths wherever possible
l Protect plants and animals Do not drop litter. Do not remove rocks, plants
or trees
l Keep dogs under close control Keep your dog on a short lead when around farm animals, and at all times between 1 March-31 July.
Reader's trekking tales
Our reader team regularly use their 'vans to get walking. Adele Bromfield (pictured, right) says: "Our favourite place is the Snowdonia National Park. Whether you're super fit and can make the nine- mile summit of the majestic Snowdon in less than five hours, or whether, like us, you prefer less of a challenge, the Snowdonia National Park has scenic walks for everyone. Alternatively, you can catch the train to the summit and walk down, or vice versa.
"Walking Snowdon can be hazardous if you're not prepared, but you'll not be short of fellow walkers if you do need help. Watching falcons soaring hundreds of feet below you is a rare spectacle and the views from the summit makes all the effort worthwhile."
Adele recommends the Snowdon Classic walking route from Pen-y-Pass, along a miners' path and to Llanberis. The walk is nine miles long and takes around five hours. Llyn Gwynant Campsite, in Nanygwynant, makes a fine base camp (tel 01766 890340).
Reader team member Barry Skinner (pictured, here) comments: "I've had many years of pleasure, walking and climbing in the mountains of Europe. Before retiring I had worked as an instructor at an outdoors centre. And Anne and myself were, for many years, members of the South Snowdonia Search and Rescue Team, so what I am about to say comes from experience.
"Wherever you park your 'van to go walking, you are entering an environment which, to most people, is alien.
"Make sure you buy some good footwear, warm clothing, waterproofs, a hat, a map and compass, and know how to use them. And if you are in any doubt about the route you are going to take, enlist some local knowledge. This can be found in local outdoor shops, local pubs and above all, if you are in a national park, the wardens or rangers.
"In your rucksack, no matter what the time of year, carry spare clothes, fluids, high-energy food (such as chocolate), and a map and compass. A local guide book is useful, too. Carry a whistle and a torch, irrespective of the time of year. And a 'bivvy bag' is essential if you are going into the high hills, as is a first aid kit.
"Most people use their motorhomes throughout the year, and rightly so, but take special care if you go walking from October onwards.
The British weather is fickle.
It can change from bad to worse in no time and the days are short."
Our reader team member Ruth Bass (pictured, right) says: "Walking is our favourite pastime in the 'van! If you're serious about walking it's essential to take an OS Explorer map of the area you are visiting. This also helps us choose a site before arrival so that we ensure we can walk from site wherever possible. Multimap or Google Earth help, too!
"My tip is to rig up a rail in your shower for wet coats, and take a plastic tray to sit muddy boots on, either in a wet locker or inside the 'van near the heater." ?–
|
