When walking the Lake District a must do is Haystacks made famous by Alfred Wainwright. Located at the head of the Buttermere Valley, near Keswick, this 1775 foot ascent is over a rocky, rough trail, even steep in spots. You can even expect some easy scrambling as you near the summit. Although Haystacks is not as high as some of the neighbouring peaks you will find amazing views of of the Buttermere valley and surounding mountains of the northern Lake District.
In this video about walking the Lake District Wainwright talks about his beloved Haystacks still popular.
Filed under Walking Holidays in Europe by on May 6th, 2010. Comment. 
During a walking holiday you are normally going to be taking a series of day hikes whether you purchased a package from a tour operator or planned the walking holiday yourself.
There are some advantages to day hiking as you are more likely to meet fellow hikers along the trail making it a very social outdoor activity. Other advantages include the opportunity for exercise, fresh air, seeing some great scenery and maybe some wildlife.
A day hike is normally 10 to 25 km (6 to 16 miles), the length depending on the trail chosen and your experience. Another major advantage of day hiking is you can go for a short distance one day and a longer distance or take a hike with steeper hills the next day. Also if weather is not cooperating you can change your plans at a moments notice.
What you carry during a day hike can be kept to a minimum so you pack should not be too heavy. Although it depends a lot on the weather and the terrain these are a few items to consider planning your day hike.
First, you require a packsack (rucksack) and cover, although day packs tend to be smaller as you have less things to carry. Inside you will need to pack your lunch and lots of healthy snacks. It is always a good idea to carry extra food should you be delayed for any reason. Water or sports drinks are is essential, particularly in the summer, so a hydration pack or water bottles must be carried. Studies have shown you are more likely you will consume more if you bring sports drinks.
Additional items to pack may include a first aid kit, sunscreen, sun glasses, insect repellent, bear spray and a whistle. For navigation take a compass, guidebook (with map) or GPS. In your day hike takes you along a wilderness trail or into a remote area consider taking a survival kit which might contain items such as matches, emergency blanket. Today many day hikers also carry a mobile phone for emergency purposes.
As with all day hiking wear your clothing in layers and take extra clothing. Start with hiking boots you have broken in prior to the walking holiday and good hiking socks to avoid blisters. Whether you wear long pants or shorts, a long or short sleeve shirt or gaiters depends on personal preference, the trail and the weather. Also you will need a lightweight wind jacket, rain gear at on top a wide brim hat.
Optional items on your walking holiday may include a seat cushion to sit on. And to assist you along the trail take a set of hiking poles. Many hikers also carry a camera and binoculars.
Remember you are on a walking holiday so when day hiking in Europe and the trail comes to a tea room or café do stop for a break. When you finish your day hike sit down in a pub or bar and enjoy your well earned drink as you talk about the day’s experiences.
For further reference see Joy Of Hiking: Hiking The Trailmaster Way
Have an enjoyable day hike using these tips during your walking holidays!
The Joy Of Hiking
Price: $12.41
An inspirational guide to hiking and the hiking lifestyle, this compendium is chock-full of advice for novice and experienced walkers–and everyone in between. Extensive resource section noting hikes all over the US.
Brand: Wilderness Press
Originally posted 2009-08-14 12:13:59.
Filed under Independent Walking Holidays by on May 6th, 2010. Comment.
Hiking safety is to be considered on every walk. On a day hike recently we had to stop as one of our group had a blister. It was uncomfortable for the hiker as we were only about 5 kilometers into our 16 km hike and it would not have been enjoyable for the individual. Fortunately I always carry a first aid kit.
Hiking is usually a pretty safe activity, provides great exercise, and is fun and very socialable. You do need to follow some basic hiking safety tips:
1. Always carry Adventure Medical Kits
many hikers do not even carry the basic minimum which should
include:
– Moleskin, band aids (plasters), blister treatment
- Tensor bandage, gauze pads
– Tweezers and needl
– Pain medication
– Disinfectant or antibiotic cream (such as Polysporin)
2. Hydration & food – Carry plenty of water or sports drinks and
snacks such as energy bars, nuts, and bananas. Lack of energy
leads to making poor decisions and frankly you will not have a good
time.
3. Map & compass – carry a map of the route and understand how the
trail is blazed. For example the colours in Switzerland indicate the
level of the trail, understand that prior to starting. Also carry and
know how to use a compass or GPS. A great resource is The Essential Wilderness Navigator: How to Find Your Way in the Great Outdoors
4. Cellular phone – to have in case of an emergency is another hiking
safety tip. While hiking in the Lake Como area of Italy one of our
group slipped on a rock and could not walk. A quick call on the
cell phone meant a car was waiting when we arrived at the
nearby road to take the person to hospital.
5. Always tell someone where you are hiking. If for some unforeseen
reason you do not return they know where to start looking. It is
not a good idea to hike alone. If you do keep to popular hiking
trails with lots of people in case you run into problems.
6. Hiking clothes – good hiking boots and socks to prevent scrapes
and blisters. Hike for the weather; in layers if it is cold, sun
protection if required. Always at least a windbreaker as weather
can change quickly, particularly in mountains. Also hiking poles can
help.
7. Whistle to signal to others if in trouble, particularly when hiking in
a group.
Destination specific items may include bear spray, flashlight, rope.
Follow these seven hiking safety tips and have an enjoyable walk.
Adventure Medical Weekender First Aid Kit
Price: $49.99
The Adventure(r) Medical Kits Weekender first aid kit is designed especially for the weekend adventurer. It can be easily carried by everyone from the family that going car-camping to the backcountry skier.
Brand: Adventure Medical Kits
The Essential Wilderness Navigator: How to Find Your Way in the Great Outdoors, Second Edition
Price: $13.22
Pages: 173, Edition: 2, Paperback, International Marine/Ragged Mountain Press
Originally posted 2009-10-27 12:56:59.
Filed under Best Walking Holidays by on May 6th, 2010. Comment.
Acadia National Park in Maine offers numerous walking and hiking trails of all levels. One of the longer hiking trails is the moderate 8.4 mile (13.5 km) North Ridge Trail up and back down Cadillac Mountain.
Before starting your hike stop at the Visitor’s Center for the excellent film on the history of Acadia National Park. Then a short drive on the Park Loop Road brings you to the trail head. There is no parking lot so join the other cars along the side the road.
The trail is easy to follow with a mixture of painted blazes and rock piles as you gently climb up the mountain. If you take just a short walk off the main trail you will find wild blueberries. There were plenty of vantage points along the way to observe the rugged Maine coastline and Schoodic Peninsula across the Frenchman Bay. Below us was the resort town of Bar Harbor and two cruise ships anchored just off shore.
As the trail neared the top you are mainly walking across rock until you reach one of the viewing platforms. When we arrived there was a park ranger with binoculars watching for migrating birds of prey which were then identified for the surrounding crowd.
Cadillac Mountain is Acadia’s tallest peak at 1,530 feet and the viewing platforms were crowded with many people who had driven up the other side of the mountain. There is also a small store and snack bar at the top.
If the North Ridge trail sounds too easy then try the South Ridge Trail which also climbs 1530 feet but is 14.8 miles (23.8 km) with some strenuous sections. For easy walking there is the extensive network of Carriage trails.
To get the most from your visit get a copy of Acadia, The Complete Guide: Mount Desert Island & Acadia National Park
Although we were hiking on a long summer weekend we found hiking in Acadia National Park enjoyable with the trails actually not too crowded.
Filed under Walking Routes by on May 14th, 2010. Comment.
People are surprised when I say I go on walking holidays all year round. Winter hiking can be an enjoyable experience as well with the trees covered with a dusting of snow and animals tracks crossing the trails. Depending on the snow, weather and trail conditions you may be able to just hike in your boots, use STABILicers Lite Ice Cleats
or even the Redfeather Snowshoes Hike Snowshoe
If you want to be happy winter hiking then take care of the cold; wet; being hungry and/or being tired and you will have a great time.
You must hydrate and fuel up to stay warm and happy. If a really cold temperature have many short breaks so you do not freeze when stopped. If hiking with a Camelback sip often if freezing temperatures and run the hose through the jacket to keep it from freezing.
Like all outdoor sports dress in layers. Start with a base T-shirt and light jacket that wicks off the moisture as it is amazing how much heat you generate when hiking, even in the winter. If extra cold add a fleece and a Gore Tex jacket. You will also require gloves while hiking and light mitts while stopped.
Your boots should be lined with a Merino wool sock which offer long soft fibers and does not itch or shrink. Wool adjusts to temperatures, keeping you warm when you are cold and cooler when you are hot. You need to manage moisture so leave room in your boots for circulation. Some of the recommended brands of socks include Ice brand, Patagonia and Wigwam Men’s Merino Comfort Hiker 2-Pack Sock
Do not let cold weather spoil your winter hiking experiences.
Originally posted 2010-03-02 15:18:36.
Filed under Independent Walking Holidays by on May 14th, 2010. Comment.
