Hiking Maps

Maps, and the ability to read them accurately, are essential to the success and safety of any hiking expedition. Learning the skill of reading hiking maps is often a lengthy and difficult process for the beginner. Selecting the right map for the job, on the other hand, is far less complicated and will make your job as designated navigator much more straightforward!

Firstly, I would like to state the importance of investing on a proper map.

Often, if you're hiking in a national park you might come across visitor's centres where free leaflet-maps are available. Whilst these might make useful companions for your own map, they shouldn't be relied upon as your sole source of information. This is because professional-grade maps have an extra level of detail and accuracy that makes them invaluable if you become disorientated.

In the UK I like to use Ordnance Survey “Landranger” maps, on a 1:25000 scale for short to medium length hikes. I find that these maps provide the most intricate level of detail whilst still allowing you to navigate using trails and footpaths without undue difficulty. On particularly long treks (generally this applies to more advanced hikers) you may want to consider taking a 1:50000 OS Landranger along with the two corresponding 1: 25000 maps for added clarity.

In the USA, the map type with the best reputation amongst hikers is the USGS Topographical map. The best known of these are the 1:24000 scale topographical maps, of which there are 55000 made to cover the 48 conterminous states. There are other manufacturers who make similar maps, but they generally tend to be reproductions (if in different scales) of the USGS maps. That is of course presuming you will be hiking in state park/ wilderness areas. If you are planning to hike on roads, a simple road map (available from most gas stations) should suffice.

I'm not able to write an exhaustive list of hiking maps for other locations unfortunately, but rest assured that most search engines will provide you with the best options for maps of whatever area you like to hike in.

There are also online resources for viewing most major hiking maps online before purchasing, which can be a great help when route planning. I would still advise buying physical copies of the map rather than printing them due to the somewhat fragile nature of printing paper.

Preparing for a Weekend Hike with the Right Hiking Gear

If you're considering taking your first weekend hike you may be thinking its as straight forward as throwing on a pair of boots, grabbing your Thermos flask and setting off to the hills. Unfortunately it's far from that simple and there's a myriad of very important factors you will need to carefully consider and plan in order to ensure your weekend hike goes smoothly, enjoyably and most importantly, safely!

While the planning will be highly dependent on the terrain you intend to walk on. There are a few hard and fast rules you'll need to follow to make certain your planning covers all of the important aspects of Hiking, leaving as little as possible to chance, well, apart from the weather that is!

Firstly we'll need to think about the route you want to take. There are many locations across the UK and even further afield, that are very popular with Hikers, so with the help of the internet it’s normally very easy to do a bit of background research and find the perfect route for you. Unless you are an experienced Hiker or plan to travel in a group with somebody who does have that level of experience, it's always more sensible to stick to the more known routes.

In Snowdonia for example, there are various routes which Hikers tend to stick to. While they may not be marked well on the actual ground, the maps and guide booklets will point you in the correct direction. Take a look at the route well in advance and check the relief and vertical interval. This can be found on OS maps if you cannot find it elsewhere. It will indicate the steepness of the ground.

As you plan to be out on the ground for several days, make sure your route isn't too challenging or you will lose some of the enjoyment if you begin to struggle. Also consider how far the nearest facilities are away, just in case. Take a spare OS map and keep it in a pocket on you, just in case you lose your rucksack in an emergency.

Now you have your route in hand, it's time to think about matching up your equipment to the route you've chosen to walk. Clearly the time of year will have an impact too. Hiking in mid January would be much colder and wetter than early September. You're personal gear will obviously need to include some sturdy and supportive boots which will not only keep your feet warm but also protection and support on the hills.

Then there's your clothing. Don't be fooled in to thinking that because it is dry and warm when you begin your hike, that it will stay that way! It’s normally the case that when you don't take your waterproof clothing, it’s guaranteed to rain! Go for a layer system of clothing rather than one or two big thick layers. Thin, multiple layers work best to keep you warm by trapping air within the layers. This is turn will keep you warmer. Alternatively it also allows you to remove layers and regulate your temperature should you get too hot.

Don't forget to take spare socks. Your feet will invariably get damp and there's nothing worse than hiking with damp feet. A good trick is to pack individual pairs of dry socks in sealable sandwich bags before you set off. That way if your rucksack gets wet, your socks will always remain dry and ready to slip on.

Your rucksack will contain all of your hiking gear and food supplies for the trip, so make sure before you leave that it can take the weight of the contents and that it hasn't any small tears of rips. They may be OK now but out on the hills half way through your hike is the worst time for a bag to tear open and dump your kit across the floor! It's also a good idea to fit the rucksack to you before you leave. Simply layer up and put the rucksack (containing your kit) on. Then adjust the straps to get the best most comfortable fit to you.

Probably the most important age old rule of Hiking is to never do it alone. This is also just good common sense. That's not to say that nobody does. In fact many experienced hikers enjoy hiking alone, however it is not recommended. There are some advantages to walking in a group other than the obvious safety issue.

In a group of hikers it’s a lot easier to push on when you're feeling tired and exhausted, but still have a while to go until you reach your next rest stop or camp site. There's also the fact that hiking responsibilities can be shared, which eases the load. For instance not everybody will need to be carrying a tent or food supplies at once, this task of carrying hiking gear can be shared round.

If there's a more experienced walker in the group, newer less experienced hikers can learn from the way he or she does things on the ground, be it map reading, orienteering, or setting up camp. Learning from others by actually doing, is one of the most effective forms of bettering your skills!

Now you have your route planned, and all your equipment prepared to go. Finally but no less importantly, you should think of the less obvious aspects of hiking. Hiking can be a very physically taxing activity, so do you think you are prepared enough for this hike? How fit are you and are you carrying any injuries? Have you been ill lately?

If so maybe you need to take a few small short hikes beforehand to make certain your body is in the right condition to manage it. This can be just as important as having the right hiking gear!

What about the psychological aspect too? Do you have a lot on your mind which makes cause you to be distracted and unable to concentrate?

Problems at work or home may distract you and cause you to make some silly mistakes on the hills. It may sound strange but many hikers have been rescued off the hills and mountains after losing their way while being 'distracted'.

Also, do you feel you have the right skills needed? If you're travelling in a group, does at least one or two of you have first aid training and are you as a group carrying a first aid kit?

These subsidiary considerations can easily be missed out of the plan at the early stages, but by following the tips in this article you can successfully and safely plan for an enjoyable, memorable hiking trip!

Ramblers Holidays – Choosing The Perfect Hiking Trip

There is no real set destination for a perfect ramblers holiday, but the United Kingdom certainly seems to be the firm favourite across Europe. Great Britain lays claim to some of the finest walking routes in Western Europe and there are an astonishingly wide range of locations available considering the relatively small size of Britain itself!

However, going elsewhere can be a very valuable experience if you're already accustomed to rambling in the UK, and can make a nice change if you need a break from the daily grind of your life. There also happens to be a variety of organisations dedicated to helping you find the very best locations and routes for your rambling holiday - very handy, if you're a beginner or are trying to cater to your own needs as well as other potential group members!

You might even want to book a themed rambling holiday which works by incorporating specific geological or historical sites into your walks depending on your interests. Some of these are absolutely fantastic! There are quite a few reputed companies who specialise in just this, however if you prefer to put your own holiday package together, a simple search on Google is a good place to start and will no doubt return some great suggestions, however here are some places overseas that might be ideal for ramblers holidays.

Iceland

Iceland (not, as the name might suggest, covered in ice) is a very picturesque country containing a huge array of really impressive geological features such as glaciers and waterfalls, but it's also a country that is (at least outside of urban areas) mostly free of a major tourist population. This gives Iceland a wonderfully unspoilt feel to it and has allowed the indigenous culture to survive where elsewhere it may not have. The region of Borgarfjorður in Eastern Iceland (which is relatively isolated) is one of the better areas in which to hike and is a popular place for ramblers holidays.

Nice, France

Nice (and the Côte d'Azur) is a place where you can mix the pleasures of a typical sun and sand holiday with the fun and excitement of a hiking expedition. Nice itself is a quaint place with lots of history, but nearby is an area with some excellent rugged foothills that are easy enough to traverse for most amateur ramblers.

An additional factor that makes Nice attractive to potential visitors is the cost, which due to its close proximity to the UK is fairly low when compared to other foreign destinations. It seems a particularly popular choice is to visit for a split purpose visit, spending a week or so rambling and then relaxing in the warm sun for a few more days before returning to the UK. Remembering that France is so accessible, this is probably the most convenient place for rambling holidays, after the UK that is!

Thailand

Believe it or not Thailand is an extremely popular tourist destination for hikers and Bangkok (which will likely be the most common starting point for any hiking holiday) is very densely populated even by Thai standards. However, as you wander further from the city, you will find an absolute wealth of culture and natural beauty to be explored.

The flora and fauna of Thailand are extremely difficult to match anywhere in the world, and the country represents a great opportunity to experience new things in almost every respect. Unfortunately this is reflected in the cost - with flights, accommodation and tour guide costs rarely meeting the equivalent price of a holiday in Europe. Certainly worth consideration if you're looking for a ramblers holiday with a difference!

Camping in Wales

There are many fantastic camping opportunities in the UK, and camping in Wales in particular is hugely popular with the hiking and rambling community. This is mainly due to the fact it has such a wealth of excellent hikes, trails and paths covering most of the country. Snowdonia for example, is rarely ever free of walkers traversing its many hills and mountains, even in the winter months!

It is testament to the outstanding natural beauty which attracts hikers and campers from across the UK. Camping in Wales need not be restricted to the better known, more famous regions though, and in fact it really pays off to opt for some of the lesser known but equally beautiful areas. This may be heaven, especially if you're looking to get away from the hassle and bustle of city life.

There's a broad and appealing range of places to hike and camp which tend to be quieter and more peaceful during the peak periods. It really is worth trying somewhere new and exploring for yourself next time you decide to camp in Wales!

Here are three places which come particularly highly recommended, both for their natural appeal and for the tourist attractions and facilities within an accessible distance.

The Gower 

The Gower Peninsula measures only sixteen miles long and seven miles wide, however, in spite of its relatively diminutive stature, it is remarkably rich in historical landmarks and attractions. It was also one of the first places to be awarded as “An Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty” under the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949.

Places to visit in this area include the Clyne Valley Country Park and Three Cliffs Bay, which contains the 800 year old hill fort Pennard Castle. This is a particularly good place for families with younger children. Camping can add that extra element of excitement and will make a trip to the Gower Coast extra special.

Betws-y-coed

Betws-y-coed is a very small village located near the Eastern edge of the Snowdonia National Park in the Conwy Valley. Founded on a monastery sometime in the sixth century, Betws-y-coed's population has never officially risen above 1000, and at the last count in 2001 numbered only 534!

This is by no means a bad thing for potential visitors, who will find the town relatively unspoilt by huge tourist influxes. Attractions nearby include numerous caves and mountains in the Snowdonia area along with Criccieth Castle and Caernarfon Castle, both of which are impressive in their own right. This area offers fantastic hiking routes and has a challenging path for all abilities. Once again camping in Wales is easily arranged as there are many sites offering campers the great outdoors with the facilities of showers and toilets.

Brecon

Brecon was originally established as a Roman cavalry base during their invasion of Britain. It is a relatively large town, and camp sites nearby provide an excellent starting point for anyone wishing to explore the Brecon Beacons National Park- home to the highest peak in Southern Britain, Pen-y-Fan.

Brecon itself provides some of the best views of Beacons available anywhere. Aside from the obvious attraction of the national park, Brecon also has its own cathedral and Norman castle, which overlooks the town and was built in the late 11th century. If you decide to visit in August, there's also a Jazz festival which is worth visiting if you enjoy that sort of thing! This is more suited to adult groups and more serious campers. It's not that children can't visit the region; it's just that the area lends itself more towards the serious hiker and camper with a plethora of difficult and exhilarating walking routes.

Combining Hiking and Camping

Hiking and camping, in a sense, are twin disciplines. Mastering the ins and outs of hiking will allow you to access newer and more impressive places in which to camp. In turn, camping will allow the extension of hiking trips, letting you venture forth much further into the wilderness.

The two activities, when combined, significantly impact upon one another in several senses. For example, turning a one-day hike into a three day hiking and camping trip can really complicate your packing procedure beforehand.

You give yourself a lot of new, important things to pack and very little space in which to pack it. You may have to re-sort, re-fold and re-pack everything before ultimately having to leave some of your less essential equipment behind after all to make space for a tent, a sleeping bag and a decent stove.

Similarly, you really can’t afford to carry an 8-man luxury canvas tent with separate dressing rooms and living area- as well as a great big propane stove- when you've planned a 40 mile, two-day hike because over rough terrain (and in bad weather conditions) weight considerations really come into play.

Hiking and Camping are a great combination of activities that can be experienced by all ages groups.

If you're a hiker, but have little experience of camping, here are some items that you might not normally pack that you will almost certainly need when you're in the great outdoors overnight:

• Tent: Select a tent that is intended for use by no more than three men, made from nylon (or similar) with fibreglass rods in order to keep added weight to a minimum. You should aim to get a tent that is as simple as possible to erect and disassemble because at the end of a long day's walk, the last thing you want to do is try to solve the tent equivalent of a Rubik's cube in the dark.
• Sleeping bag: The type of sleeping bag you'll require will depend heavily on the climate in which you're camping. For the most part, a three season sleeping bag should be enough to keep you comfortable overnight- try to get one that packs down into as small a space as possible so that you don't have to ditch too much of your other kit to make room.
• Roll Mat: More of a convenience than a requirement, but anyone who's ever spent a night sleeping on rocky ground will tell you it's no laughing matter. A foam roll mat is a little bulky, but light enough not to push you over your weight requirements and well worth it if it allows you to sleep soundly.

Walking holidays in Europe

Europe is rife with excellent destinations for a walking holiday. These destinations are also thankfully very easily accessible from within the EU due to the Schengen rules, which in 1997 were incorporated for the first time into European Union law. These rules essentially have relaxed the border controls between member states in order to provide citizens with free travel between EU members whilst tightening security at the borders between non-member states.

This is great news if you're on a walking holiday in Europe and want to move in between neighbouring countries with minimal fuss- something that's not really possible on other continents.

A few years back a survey was carried out on the purpose of visits to neighbouring countries in Western Europe. You may be very surprised to learn that for the year 2008-2009, 27% of European holiday makers classed themselves as on Walking or Camping Holiday!

Western Europe

Some of the better camping opportunities in Western Europe are located in France. France itself is a good place to start because it contains a good mix of easy terrain (and warmer temperatures) and mountainous, much colder areas (at higher altitudes). At its North/Eastern borders lay Germany, Belgium and Switzerland.

Switzerland is famed for skiing holidays, but might also present some excellent places to walk and even camp if you make an effort to stay in the lower-lying areas. There are some fantastic routes that are accessible all year round, however, it always pays to do your research first and plan your routes carefully and sensibly, sticking to your skill and experience level.

Southern Europe

The term “Southern Europe” covers many countries, but those of most interest to family campers will be the South-Western locations such as Spain, Italy, Portugal and Gibraltar. These are all recognisable as typical holiday destinations for party-goers, but also have a wealth of really picturesque locations for camping and hiking if you want to stay out of the cities.

Of course, the mostly warm weather in these countries does nothing to damage their worth as potential camping and walking destinations. Some walkers find the change in weather refreshing; coming from a part of Europe where hiking often involves getting wet and cold, a warm sun on your face can be very uplifting!

Northern Europe

It would be ill advised for anyone to venture out on a walking holiday in northern Europe without a considerable amount of planning and preparation. Certain Scandinavian countries become extremely cold at points during the year due to their proximity to the Arctic Circle, and it would be safe to assume that much of the terrain is difficult to traverse for all but the most experienced hikers.

There are, however, some excellent locations in the United Kingdom (Snowdonia, Cumbria, County Mayo and the Scottish Highlands to name a few) where there are camp sites aplenty and well known routes to challenge every level of walker. The Channel Islands (Alderney, Jersey Guernsey) are also very much worth visiting if you get the chance, with lots of unspoilt areas to explore, not to mention the French influenced micro-climate which leaves the islands very warm for much more of the year than mainland Britain.

Eastern Europe

Some Eastern European countries have delicate political situations which should be reviewed thoroughly before planning any holidays. A good tool to use in the first instance is the foreign office website which has regularly updated information on destinations worldwide. However, there are also some astounding areas of beauty in these countries which are well worth the effort it costs to visit them. The Czech Republic in particular is very tourist-friendly and has a great mix of spectacular architecture and great natural beauty.

What are Hiking Gaiters?

A gaiter is a handy piece of kit that effectively bridges the gap between your boots and your trousers in order to maintain the waterproofing effectiveness of both. A pair of gaiters will serve several functions:

• Added warmth for the often under-insulated lower part of the body
• Preventing stray debris from entering the boots/shoes and causing discomfort and irritation.
• Stopping water from dampening the boots and socks during stream crossings.
• Helping to prevent ticks, leeches, and other large parasites from attaching themselves to a hiker by adding another layer of material to the legs.
• They can make handy waterproof mats in a pinch when you need to place something on the ground without getting it wet.

Most gaiters used by hikers are short, and reach from the heel (where they are attached to the foot by an elastic strap) to the mid shin, where they are attached to the leg by an adjustable strap. There are longer gaiters available (mainly for use in more extreme weather conditions) that reach from the heel to the upper thigh in order to protect the user from moisture cause by deep snow drifts and fording rivers at deeper points. They are generally made from waterproof but breathable materials such as Gore-Tex, which is the most popular fabric with which to make gaiters.

To be perfectly honest, the difference in quality between the least expensive pair of gaiters on the market and the most expensive is not as noticeable as it might be if you were buying a jacket, perhaps. However, this doesn't mean that you should necessarily buy the first pair you come across- as with most consumer products these days, there is always a risk of buying a hastily sewn together piece of rubbish. Here are some of the better available pairs of gaiters for your consideration:

Berghaus Yeti Extreme

These are some of the most expensive short-length gaiters on the market. The Berghaus badge probably costs a little more than it should, but there can be no doubt that this is a top quality gaiter that will last for many moons of hiking given the proper usages and care.

Mammut Nylon

Made from Nylon and Cordura as a pose to Gore-Tex for a change, these are middle of the road gaiters. Good for moderate use, and still good enough to tolerate most conditions you're likely to encounter.

Regatta Cayman

This is an excellent gaiter for a part time hiker. It represents brilliant value for money, and although it may not be manufactured to the highest standards, it is certainly produced by a trusted manufacturer and is unlikely to let you down.

Hiking Food For Your Journey

At a steady pace, the average hiker can expect to burn somewhere in the region of 300 calories for every hour spent on the trail. It doesn't take a genius to figure out that this number soon stacks up if you're out in the wilderness for several nights, and the more calories burnt the less energy you have left to complete your journey. This is where hiking food can be of crucial importance!

Obviously, it's not convenient (or possible, really) to consume the same food whilst on an expedition that you would in everyday life- fresh food spoils quickly inside a backpack, and is difficult to cook, and your low calorie, low fat ready meal isn't really appropriate sustenance at the end of a hard day's walk. So what is the right kind of food for consumption on the trail?

The majority of all hiking food you take walking with you should be calorie-rich. As a guide, aim for foods that contain a minimum of 400 calories per one hundred grams. The majority of these calories, at least in hiking circumstances, should come from complex carbohydrates (such as those found in bread, oats and rice) which are released more slowly than sugars and so should provide a steadier controlled release of energy over a longer period of time.

A great source for these carbohydrates are porridge oats (or instant porridge, which is more convenient to make in less-than-ideal conditions) which you can sweeten or salt according to preference. Dried fruits are great for packing many calories into a very small space, and can be snacked on whilst on the move.

There are plenty of pre-packaged hiking foods available from camping stores, and they usually come in “boil in the bag” form. If you can afford to pay the often inflated prices for this type of meal they do make it incredibly easy to plan for the exact number of meals you'll require on your trip. They're also some of the easiest and cleanest meals to cook because you can simply place the pack into a pan of boiling water and remove when it's thoroughly heated- cutting down the time spent cleaning up after dinner drastically.

A more affordable option, if you have access to them (and many people do) is to opt for freeze dried ration packs as used in the past by the British Army, amongst others. These are slightly trickier to prepare but essentially still only require the application of a little hot water before they're ready to eat.

What Hiking Supplies do I Need on My Trip?

It can be hard to prioritise when packing for a hiking trip. The space and weight restrictions that a backpack places on you mean that one of a hiker's primary concerns is making sure that before he/she sets out, everything they might need is squared away neatly.

Unfortunately, this means that a lot of equipment and supplies that are surplus to requirements have to be offloaded, but how do you choose what to keep and what to get rid of? I like to make my list as follows:

Supplies You Must Take

These are the supplies that no hiker should be without. The list includes some items that you may not ever need- things are only ever required in the case of the emergency. You should never be tempted to forego the inclusion of these items in order to save space or reduce weight- the likelihood is that the one occasion you don't take it will be the first occasion that you need it. There are also some items in this list that you will use constantly- water and food, mainly, but also things like waterproof clothing that you should never be without.

• Food
• Water bottle
• Some kind of stove
• Matches
• First Aid kit
• Emergency Whistle
• Torch
• Mobile Phone
• Map
• Compass
• Waterproof clothes
• Sleeping bag

Supplies That Are Nice To Have

This list is comprised of gadgets and tools etc. that might make your hike run a little more smoothly. In theory you should have plenty of room to allow you to take a few (or more of these things) so it's up to you to choose the items from this list that are best suited for the type of hike you're planning, your surrounding environment, and the people you're walking with. Some of these will also depend heavily on whether or not you intend to spend the night outdoors.

• Wire saw
• Hat
• Insect repellent
• Swiss Army knife
• Lighter
• Camera
• Two way radio
• Gloves
• Toilet paper

Things You Probably Won't Need

There are very few items that have never have any place on a hiking trip. However, there are items which are very often carried that are very rarely required for use. Things such as combat shovels, axes and full sized saws are heavy and take up a lot of space in any backpack. Similarly, you can't really afford to pack a spare for every single piece of equipment you take. You should really try to assess which items are essential, but also likely to require a back up.

Deciding on Best Hiking Jacket Suitable For Your Needs

Protection from the elements is crucial whilst hiking, because unless you're very experienced you never know exactly when you'll become lost, or caught in a storm of some kind. Having the best hiking jacket, therefore, should be one of your main priorities when planning an expedition with your friends and/or family.

The right jacket will provide significant shelter against Mother Nature’s wrath whilst fitting comfortably and possibly even having a few nifty features to make your hiking experience a little easier.

Buying a jacket for hiking is probably not something you should be doing with a tight-fisted attitude. Whilst I understand fully the need to save money in these difficult times, cheap jackets are notoriously easily damaged by the kind of routine wear and tear that a higher-end jacket would bear easily. This means you'll only end up forking out again in the near future when your new coat rips or the waterproof seals are compromised. In the end, strangely, you'll end up paying more for a cheaper jacket.

Your requirements from any given jacket will be different, depending on the type of hiking you want to do. If your hiking will be done in predominantly dry conditions then paying for a top notch Gore-Tex jacket might be a waste of money as your waterproofing requirements will be less significant.

However, if you're in more changeable conditions (such as those found here in the UK) waterproofing will be much higher on your list. Similarly, pocket space and placement will not be very important if you are planning mainly short hikes. On the other hand, pocket placement is vitally important on longer navigational hikes where constant access to a map and compass is vital whilst simultaneously carrying a backpack!

Like sleeping bags, most jackets have a “seasons” rating, from 1-4. This refers to the number of seasons (starting from spring) that the jacket will give enough shelter from the cold. For example, a one season jacket will only be usable in the hottest months of the year. However, a four season jacket should keep you comfortably warm all year round.

I find that in most conditions I'm faced with a three season jacket is sufficient (in combination with other sensible layers of clothing) to keep me warm. However, in comparison with some locations the UK climate is generally mild, and so your own discretion must be used when you're picking the best hiking jacket for you!

Choosing Suitable Hiking Trails

If you're interested in taking up hiking there are many things you need to consider before you get started. For example, do you have the right boots for the terrain you'll be crossing? If you're staying out overnight, is your tent of sufficient quality to withstand a night of potentially torrid weather? Is there adequate room in your rucksack for all of your provisions?

However, before you can answer any of these questions you have to be able to choose a hiking trail.  In order to do so, you will first have to truthfully assess your hiking expertise; if you're a beginner (i.e. if you've been hiking fewer than five times in the past couple of years or so) then there are more restrictions on the kinds of trail you can use when compared with an experienced hiker who goes trekking on a regular basis.

Of course, your physical fitness is also a major contributing factor, as well as whether or not you're hiking with other people of a less robust nature than yourself (children, the elderly etc.).

Regardless of where in the world you are, hiking trails will generally always be divided into three difficulty ratings: beginner, intermediate and expert, with the odd few trails falling outside these ratings. You should always choose a trail based on your experience rather than the perceived level of natural beauty available at a certain location.

Beginner trails are for beginners (obviously), but also people with heart/back/weight problems, the elderly and children. These hiking trails are often short, on the lower levels with only gentle climbs.

Intermediate trails are for those with a good grasp of navigation techniques and hiking safety considerations, and possibly for beginners who are accompanied by intermediate hikers. The beginners who are on these types of trails can then be looked after and avoid running into any difficulty.

Expert trails should only ever be attempted by the very experienced hikers, as they are likely to include sections where the going is very difficult, the inclines very steep and the ground treacherous.

Selecting a trail of the appropriate difficulty is the most important consideration to make. Once this is done, you are free to make the more enjoyable choices for your trip.

If you're a lover of wildlife, then consult members of the local populace to find out where your best bird watching opportunities will be. On the other hand, you may prefer the scenery itself, if that is the case check the maps to see which trails offer the best elevation and thus the best views. And if you're taking the family along, my advice is to use a trail with plenty of potential toilet stops along the way!

Local Hikes in Snowdonia

As I have stated before, some of the best hiking locations are the ones sat directly one your doorstep. Local hikes in places that you can easily return to, is so fulfilling because each time you return, your familiarity with the area will allow you to explore more extensively and travel further afield.


For me, this familiar territory is Snowdonia. This is the name given to the area of Wales surrounding Mt. Snowdon, which is one of Britain's most famous peaks. Here are just a few of the fantastic local hikes and spots available to you in this beautiful part of the world:

The Nantle Ridge and Moel Hebog

Moel Hebog and the Nantle Ridge are located in Beddgelert, which sits in the Southern part of Snowdonia. Beddgelert contains some excellent medium height mountains, and The Nantle Ridge presents an excellent opportunity to traverse five of the better ones. There are some tantalisingly narrow sections of the ridge and some scrambling to be done near a few of the summits.

Moel Hebog is the highest summit near Beddgelert, and has some great cliffs and rocky bluffs. However, access from Beddgelert itself can be tricky and forest tracks should be your chosen route.

Cadair Idris

Cadair Idris is one of the more famous peaks in Snowdonia, and is significantly higher than any of the summits in the surrounding area (which are all of a low/medium height). It is also the second highest mountain outside the main Snowdon area, losing out by twelve metres to Aran Fawddwy.

Approaches from the North and South will be very difficult to complete due to an abundance of heather, scree and cliff face. Most hikers will want to take an east-west approach, and be sure to pack a camera as there are some incredible views from the area around the summit.

Snowdon

Snowdon itself is an extremely popular climb for good reason. Not only is it the highest and most famous of the mountains in Snowdonia, it also offer a wide variety of local hikes and walking routes to suit all tastes and abilities. Pen-y-pass is one of the most widely used starting points, but the more experienced hikers amongst you may want to consider the Snowdon Horseshoe.

Benefits of Hiking Groups

Hiking, like so many things in life, is often best enjoyed in the company of others. However, it's entirely possible that you'll have some trouble convincing friends and family to join you if they're more the 'television and biscuits' types. Or perhaps you and your family just want to get involved with something in the local community and don't know where to start.

Fear not, help is at hand. There are many hiking groups and societies waiting to hear from you and share some fantastic trips. It's actually more popular than you'd think these days, and why wouldn't it be? Fresh air, the great outdoors, exercise and with the exception of some initial outlay for the correct clothing and equipment, it’s relatively cheap to do week after week!

There are quite a few demonstrable benefits to joining a hiking club or walking group. For example, the chance to meet people who you might not have otherwise come across should never be underrated. Interactions with other (sometimes more experienced) hikers will teach you all sorts of things about your new hobby and you'll no doubt soon find yourself picking up all kinds of hints and tips for making a hike run more smoothly.

Additionally, membership to a lot of rambling and hiking clubs will entitle you to discounts or special offers at most camping stores, which you can use to quickly recoup your membership fee.

Even if your club doesn't offer discounts in stores, experienced walkers will doubtless have second-hand but well maintained equipment that they're looking to offload at various points of the season. This helps keep your costs down, especially when you're just starting out. Not to mention the advantage of having organised expeditions which split groups into experience levels in order to avoid the frustration inherent in hikes where experts walk alongside amateurs! This is a great way to advance and get on in your new hobby!

So, how do you locate and contact your local hiking groups? Well there are quite a few sites that contain lists of the UK's clubs, and they're usually sorted by location so you only need find your nearest town in the list. If you're abroad, I imagine the process is much the same although I can't speak from experience. Simply type “hiking clubs” plus the name of your nearest town or city and most search engines should lead you to the right information.

Once you've found the correct society that you think is most suitable for you, make a phone call (or send an email if that's not possible) to the hiking club concerned expressing your interest. Describe your experience, and inform them of any additional family members or friends you'll be bringing along. This should help whoever organises the club to better tailor your membership to your needs.

Going on a Hiking Holiday

In my experience, once you've bitten by the “hiking bug”, you'll snatch at any opportunity to include the activity in your schedule. And what better way to enjoy a break from working life than to combine your love of hiking with your love of holidays?

For me, I caught the bug many years ago in the Lake District (North West England) as a child. As a family, it was our annual summer ritual which turned into our hiking holiday. Since then I’ve been to many places (mainly Europe) where I’ve been able to go to the beach but also take the opportunity of venturing into the wilderness. To be honest I’m not a huge beach fan, I get bored!

When you go hiking abroad it can be an extremely rewarding experience, and a great way to learn to cope with and plan for new climates (a great skill for any budding hiker). However, there are also some fantastic locations to visit for your hiking holiday that are reachable without travelling too far from home, wherever you are.

For example, I live in England and have easy access to a variety of excellent hiking locations in neighbouring counties, more specifically in Wales. Snowdonia has played host to several excellent hiking holidays for myself, family and friends at a far lower cost than we could have expected elsewhere. I would suggest you do some research into the places surrounding your home before looking too far afield.

If you are interested in setting sail for warmer (or colder) climes, then Spain, Peru, New Zealand, Australia and North America are all popular destinations for hikers. Bear in mind that not all of these will be suitable places to take children, so do plan well in advance.

The importance of extensive planning is amplified by the fact that most people enjoy holidays in unfamiliar territory. This means unfortunately that anything you've forgotten to pack or account for will have to be purchased on site which can be expensive, depending on where you choose to go. I would advise following a mantra of “check, check, recheck” whilst packing, and of course this applies doubly for children, who will inevitably begin removing items from their luggage when your back is turned. Safety equipment such as emergency whistles, reflective blankets and torches are, as always, a priority.

Finally, and essentially, you should check in with the appropriate authorities, wherever you are, and provide them with a copy of your route plan along with estimated, realistic time frames for reaching each checkpoint. This will allow them, in the event of any accident that might (but hopefully won't) occur on your hike to get a rough idea of your location so that a search and rescue team can be sent out post haste.

Mountain Rescue teams and other similar authorities make thousands of rescues per year, many of which would be impossible without the forethought of considerate hikers.

Choosing The Right Hiking Backpacks

Hiking backpacks are perhaps, the quintessential piece of hiking equipment. It is one of the items that holds most importance due to the nature of its function (i.e. allowing you to carry the rest of your things in a practical manner!). This is what makes it so important for you to have a backpack of sufficient quality to provide you with reliability and peace of mind wherever your feet take you. Unfortunately, there is such a gigantic range of backpacks on offer that it is practically impossible for beginners to sift the wheat from the chaff. Here are some criteria that might help you reach the right decision:

Weight: As a rough guide, any backpack for use on short hikes (a few days at most) will need to have a carrying weight of around 20-30 pounds. Backpacks for hikes lasting anywhere up to a week will need to carry at least 50 pounds. If you're able to do so, find a store that stocks your backpack and ask an assistant to provide weights so you can try it on at full carrying capacity.

Size: Your hiking backpack should roughly be in proportion with your body size. It shouldn't dwarf you, but neither should you have trouble stretching the straps over your shoulders. Most people should aim for packs somewhere between 40 and 80 litres in size, depending on your height. A backpack should not obstruct the movement of your head, so if the top of it comes higher than your neck then generally it should be discarded.

Price: The amount you pay for your backpack will depend heavily upon the amount of use you want to get out of it. Backpacks wielding more hefty price tags are only really necessary if you expect to be using them for the next ten years or more, regularly. For infrequent use middle and lower range hiking backpacks will easily suffice and save you from spending big money on what will amount to little more than a badge.

Features: There are many different kinds of strap, pad and pouch occupying the seams of backpacks everywhere. It's difficult for me to advise on which are the best without first knowing the activities you're planning and your requirements therein. What I will say is that you should check that all zips and adjusters are of a sufficiently heavy gauge to cope with the rigours of life outdoors. The last thing you want is for waterproofing to fail and soak your night clothes on a cold day!

Choosing the Best Hiking Boots to Suit You

Your hiking boots are the only things standing between you, the trail and a foot full of blisters. If you buy the right pair they'll keep your feet cool when it's too hot, keep your feet warm when it's too cold and keep your feet wet when it's too dry. They'll stop you from turning your ankle on a hundred different occasions and provide grip where before there was none. Your boots can be your best friends or your worst enemies, depending on how much consideration and time you put into finding the right pair.

Don't be fooled into thinking that you have to spend a fortune for a pair of ultra stylish, high-end boots in order to get the most out of your footwear. It's entirely possible to buy a top notch set of hiking boots for well under £100 if you know what to look out for before you go shopping. Ideally, you want to look for boots that are: a) lightweight, b) breathable, c) waterproof and d) sturdy enough to provide grip and protection for as long as your legs can carry you! Each of us will have our own favorite boot brand, but here are three of the best hiking boots available:

Berghaus Explorer Light

Used primarily as a warm-weather boot, the Berghause explorer light features an upper containing a waterproof and breathable Gore-Tex membrane. The boot also has a shock absorbing PU midsole and a toughened rubber outsole. The Explorer light is often noted for providing excellent comfort straight out of the box, and a distinct lack of “rub” (where new boots cause sore spots on the feet for a while immediately after purchase.

North Face Jannu GTX

The North Face Jannu GTX is more of a warm-weather boot that features a full leather and Gore-tex upper as a pose to more breathable suede. The one-piece leather upper is especially reassuring in wet weather conditions when you fancy keeping your socks bone dry. The Jannu, whilst expensive, does have some fancy features such as medial and lateral roll control stabilisers which can ease some of the stress when hiking on uneven ground.

Meindl Burma Pro 

The Meindl Burma Pro is an ideal boot for hiking on low level mountains. Again, these boots have a full leather upper combined with Gore-tex lining for an even trade off between waterproofing and breathability. The Burma Pro also features an air cushion in the midsole to relieve pressure on the arches of your feet during long treks, which has got to be a god send on rocky terrain. This is the most expensive (though not necessarily the best) of the three pairs we've listed.

It really is a personal preference thing, but if you're serious about hiking, you'll need to get serious about your footwear too. It's not only about comfort but your safety too! The right boot really can mean the difference between a great walk or an inconvenient injury! Have a good look around and find the best hiking boots for you.