yorkshire walks

There are enormous possibilities for walking in and throughout Yorkshire. There are many mountains, hills, rivers, stream, villages, towns and much more to enjoy in and throughout Yorkshire. The Yorkshire coast is indented with bays and narrow inlets, offering the walker that wonderful combination of hills and the sea. There are great ridge walks in the Yorkshire Dales that take up to two days to complete, and there are circuits available for full or half days. There are easier walks that take you up smaller hills, often with better views. For the rambler there are exciting coastal walks, river and canal towpaths, mountains and hills, quiet country roads, and the network of long distance Waymarked Ways.

The main areas for walking in North Yorkshire include Yorkshire Dales and Yorkshire Moors, which each have their own unique quality and appeal for walkers and visitors alike. The Yorkshire Pennines is another region blessed with spectacular landscapes and stunning contrasts of scenery. The Pennines form the backbone of England with many hills and mountains un-spoiled. The Yorkshire Wolds are located to the south of the North Yorkshire Moors. It stretches in an arc from the city of Hull/Beverley to Selby/York and covers over 70miles. They also include coastal resorts of Filey and Bridlington on the Yorkshire Coast. All these areas provide wonderful area in which to explore the wonderful Yorkshire countryside.

The best way to enjoy this wonderful area of the country is to walk. But remember when you go walking remember, you must respect the countryside and this environment at all times. If you don’t then there is a likelihood that you will encounter a problem or problems and ruin your walk. Every year, people go walking in Yorkshire unprepared for what will face them and end up getting themselves into major difficulties, whilst walking in this region of the countryside. I know this sounds negative but this is the fact. Some people are unprepared for walking in the regions of Yorkshire and as a consequence they end up in major difficulties, with some people even losing there life during walking trips, which were just meant to be enjoyable and relaxing.

To get the most enjoyment and feel safe whilst walking this area of the country, I have composed a list of what you should do before you consider a walk in this area of the country. I don’t want to discourage you from walking in Yorkshire but so much of being safe whilst walking in this area is being prepared and organised before you attempt to go walking in this region. Most of the things I have said below are to prepare you, the walker, for walking in Yorkshire. This list is not one of those famous do’s and don’t list of the countryside. Rather, I have tried to make a list which is both informative and educational, to help people who have little or no experience of walking in Yorkshire. Remember the under-lining rule for walking in Yorkshire is to prepare well and wear the right equipment and then you are likely to have a successful and enjoyable walk. Of course, this list is not 100% solution to stop you running into major problems and difficulties when walking in Yorkshire, but hopefully it will help and stop many problems, that may possibly emerge if you don't take steps to keep yourself safe before you go on a walk in this region.

Before you go walking


1. Weather forecast- Before making any plans, CHECK the local weather forecast for the day or days you are planning to walk. The Yorkshire weather is very changeable within a matter of hours. Yorkshire’s weather is so variable which can go from summer heat-waves to winter storms, and from sun to mist, fog, ice, gales and rain. In Yorkshire, an sunny, red hot day in the morning maybe pouring rain and Snow in the afternoon. So you must be prepared to cancel you plans if you think the weather will turn poor in the area. It is better to be safe and stay away from walking in poor weather rather than attempt a foolish walk in pouring rain and misty conditions. If not, you could end up with major problems on your walk and be one of many deaths that happen each year in this area from walking.

2. Choosing the walk- Make sure that the choice of the walk is suitable to the abilities and fitness of yourself and your fellow walkers. The Yorkshire countryside has a variety of different types of walks to cater for all abilities, needs and ages of your walking group. Please try to avoid going walks on your own and walk in groups with at least two, preferably more if at all possible.

3. Equipment- It is essential to try to keep dry and warm at all times when walking. This is best achieved by wearing several thin layers of clothing under a wind/waterproof outer shell. Some of the best clothes to use and have on while walking is to wear thick jumpers, t-shirts, shirts and trousers (not jeans), wind/water-proof coats, gloves, hats, strong walking socks and boots. In the summer months a hat is recommended for protection from the sun at high altitudes. Always carry extra clothes with you on your walk because you never know when you may need them.

4. A map, walk book is essential for all walks and a compass is strongly recommended.

5. Walking sticks or poles are recommended and are particularly useful for steep descents.

6. A whistle and torch could be useful to attract attention.

7. A first-aid kit should also be carried. In its simplest form this would consist of analgesic tablets, plasters, crepe bandage, antiseptic wipes, triangular bandage, No.8 bandage, ambulance dressing, scissors and safety pins. Vital additions to the list, particularly in the summer months, are sun-tan lotion/cream, insect repellent, anti-histamine cream and water purifying tablets.

8. If you are walking for a few days, make sure you have all the necessary camping equipment you need. A tent, sleeping bag, heating-stove, pen-knife, eating and drinking utensils are some of camping equipment you may need.

9. Make sure you have a good rucksack which can hold all the necessary equipment and can fit comfortably on those who will wear it during the walk. If you have a mobile phone, take it with you because you never know when you may need it.

10. The key thing is to check before you walk that that all your walking equipment is in good working order and necessary for your walking trip. Don’t carry items which are not necessary or not needed on your trip. Above all, walking equipment is there to make walking safer for you and your fellow walkers. Use it!!

11. Food and Drink- It is essential that you have something to eat and drink before you set out on a walking and during the time you are walking. Like any physical activity, to walk effectively you need energy. Food and drinks provide you with this. Always take food with high carbohydrate and sugar content in them, on a walk. They give instant energy and provide energy almost immediately. Biscuits, chocolate, sandwiches, crisps and fruit are some of the useful foods which you should take when walking. On the drinking side, water, tea/coffee are best of drinks to have when you walking. Avoid fizzy drinks whilst walking.

12. Tell somebody- If you planning a walking tell somebody where you are going who is not going on the walk. This could include telling them when you plan to start and finish your walk and when are you likely to reach certain locations on your walk. This could also include leaving a map of the route you are taking and a list of the names and phone numbers of the people on the walk.

Whilst you are walking

1. When hiking or walking, you must always stay with the other person or group. If you get separated, don’t panic and stay where you are and call out. If you have a mobile phone, use it to get in touch with your fellow walker or walkers to let them know where you are.

2. On roads, walk facing traffic. When you cannot avoid walking on the side of the road, always walk on the side of oncoming traffic so you can see and react to any vehicle. Do not walk with your back to overtaking traffic.

3. Also, close and lock all gates and keep and stick to all footpaths, bridleways at all times in the countryside.

4. Don’t leave rubbish and treat the countryside as you would aspect you to find the countryside.

5. Stick to your walking route, don’t take unnecessary diversions or go into areas where you are not permitted to go.

6. Keep a steady and regular pace when walking. Know where you are walking to and heading towards. Stay together with people you are walking with and don’t get split up. Help others who maybe struggling by walking at there pace, not your own. Help others if they are having problems and turn back if there medical conditions makes them unable to walk anything further.

7. Take regular breaks to have drinks and eat food and rest. Space out the time for eating and drinking so you enough food and water to keep you going throughout your walk.

8. Try to keep to the times which you have set before your walk. If you going over-time, then try to inform the person you informed before hand that you going to be late.

9. If you see any criminal activity or damage happening, report it to local police station as soon as possible.

10. But above all, the countryside is there to be enjoyed by everybody. So don’t take any dangerous risks, play safe at all times in and respect and enjoy, the countryside at all times.

Walking equipment

You can safely walk countryside without any specialist clothing or equipment at all. But we don’t advice this because the countryside is full potential accidents waiting to happen. Some important items which should be always be worn when walking, include sensible shoes or boots and warm and waterproof clothing if you want to go on longer walks or deeper into the countryside. A huge range of equipment is available to make your walking easier, safer and more comfortable.

For those who still unsure of what you needed to safe but comfortable when walking in the countryside, here is an some of the equipment and safety matters for walking in the countryside and hills. The golden rule is, be comfortable, dress for the sort of weather and terrain you are likely to meet, and never underestimate the changeability of the Yorkshire weather and landscape. Below is our what you should have as a minimum to be safe when you go walking in the different regions of Yorkshire.

Here are the minimum items needed for safe walking in Yorkshire : -

Footwear

Feet are probably the most important part of a walker’s body. There a range of different footwear which you could use to go walking. The two we recommend for walking are: -
• Walking boots- with tough molded soles are the best all-round solution, protecting the feet and keeping them warm and dry, providing grip and supporting the ankles, essential on steep slopes.
• Walking shoes- are a lighter alternative to boots, offering a tough protective sole with good grip, but they lack ankle support.

Types of Boots

Currently there is an enormous range of walking boots, which are now available, for a variety of different costs. The main types of boots which are currently are heavy and lighter boots. Boots are currently available in a heavy, robust fashion for countryside which has more rugged conditions. Alternatively, there are also lighter boots for countryside summer walking. Furthermore, traditional leather boots remain popular almost walkers today. In addition with lighter "breathable" waterproof fabrics are also used in construction of some of boots which are currently available. Boots are increasingly available to suit different sorts of feet, including narrow and wide, and men's and women's fittings, and you can even get boots made to measure now in some places.

Clothing

1. Hat

Up to 40% of body heat is lost through the head, so it is essential to protect your head and ears. A hat will keep you warm in the winter and protect you from the sun in the summer. A warm hat is a must in winter, especially in the hills, and it can be worn under a jacket hood. In summer, a sunhat is essential and using sun cream on your face and any bare patches of skin can help protect yourself from burning.

2. Waterproof and windproof wear

In the British climate, a good quality waterproof and windproof jacket or anorak is essential. Consider a water-proof jacket made from 'breathable' material which allows sweat out but stops rain getting in. You can buy jackets in all price brackets and in a variety of styles, fabrics and waterproofing systems. Prices vary from a cheap £10 to £150 for a high quality waterproof/windproof anorak/jacket.
To stop your trousers and socks from getting wet or muddy, consider waterproof over trousers or gaiters. They are available in a similar range of fabrics to jackets, including high tech breathable models. Prices vary from a cheap £10 to £150 for a high quality waterproof/windproof anorak.

3. Jumper

We recommend that in the winter you wear a thick to keep the cold out and keep yourself warm. Consider a warm jumper which allows sweat out but keeps you warm. You can buy jumpers in all price brackets and in a variety of styles and fabrics. Prices vary from a cheap £10 to £100 for a high quality jumper.

4. Socks

Boots should always be worn with good walking socks. Modern socks, often made from synthetic looped material, are designed with extra padding around toes and heels to cushion impact and without potentially irritating raised seams, and some are made from breathable material that "wicks" sweat outwards. Some walkers wear two pairs of socks, a thin pair made from cotton or synthetic fabric next to the skin, and a thicker pair on top: this helps cushion the feet and prevent blisters.

5. Trousers

We recommend that you should use tracksuit bottoms or everyday casual trousers for walking. Modern synthetic walking trousers are popular among regular walkers, since they are lightweight, loose-fitting, quick-drying and have handy pockets.

Rucksacks

Wherever you walk, rucksacks or backpacks are the best means of carrying what you need. They leave the hands free, and are far more comfortable. Modern rucksacks are currently made of tough and waterproof nylon or polyester fabric and lightweight alloy frames. Always choose the best size rucksack for the purpose. A day sack of around 20 litres capacity is fine for walks of a day or less but will quickly become uncomfortable across the shoulders if loaded too heavily. For weekends and short breaks, or when you need to carry more equipment, there are various medium-sized packs of 30-55 litres. For longer holidays, or for serious backpacking with camping equipment, large packs with a capacity of 55-75 litres are currently available.

Other essential items

1.Map, compass and navigation equipment. Basic map and compass skills are useful for most walkers and essential in hilly, heavily wooded and remote areas. Navigation skills are also an essential for walk leaders intending to take groups of people out into the countryside.

2. Extra bottle and/or thermos flask

3. Don't underestimate the amount of water you need. Doctors recommend drinking 1.5-2 litres of water a day even for an ordinarily active lifestyle, and you will need more if you walking strenuously and/or the weather is hot. Remember that should drink water all the time whilst you walk in order to maintain your water levels and replace any water which you have lost through sweat and perceptions.

4. Extra clothing. This may be necessary if the temperature maybe colder than normal. This should include a complete of new clothes if you have any minor accident during the time you are walking.

5. Food and Emergency rations It also carry sufficient food for the length of you journey. The best food is food which is high in carbohydrates and sugar levels. Carry extra emergency rations which could include extra chocolate and extra biscuits with regular food supply.

6.First Aid Kit You should not walk in remote areas, especially by yourself, without a basic knowledge of first aid. At least one person in a party should know how to bandage an ankle or apply a splint to a broken limb, and hill walkers should be able to recognise the signs of hypothermia and how to respond.
Carry a basic first aid kit, which should include:
• 10 plasters in various sizes
• 2 large sterile dressings for management of severe bleeding
• 1 medium sterile dressing for care of larger wounds
• 4 triangular bandages to support suspected broken bones, dislocations or sprains
• 1 eye pad in case of a cut to the eye
• 4 safety pins to secure dressings
• disposable gloves to implement good hygiene

7. A mobile phone. Depending on if you can get signal, a mobile phone is always a good piece of equipment to have with you when you go on a walk. Mobile phone gives you an instant form of communication to the emergency services which can used if any emergency situation arises (hopefully not) whilst you are walking. Also, it gives you added protection if you need to call anybody else in an emergency.

Other useful items

Here is a list of other useful items of equipment which can be important when walking, depending on the situation and where the walker is going to.

1.Tents

This item is particularly useful if you are going a walk which will last longer than just one day. Tents are a porterable shelter made up a canvas which stretches over supporting poles, fastened to the ground with ropes and pegs.

There four main types of tents which are: -

• Pole-Supported Tents
• Pipe Frame-Supported
• Clear-span
• Tensile Tents

Generally Pole-supported and pipe frame supported tents are used by walkers today. They vary in size from a single one person tent, through tents which can hold up 12 people. Most tents normally contain plenty of room for sleeping, preparing and cooking in. Most tents today are designed to resist heavy rain, wind and even snow.

Pole-Supported Tent

A tent that features a set of individual poles arranged beneath the fabric roof to support and define the shape of the structure. The fabric roof is tensioned over the poles and attached to ropes and/or cables at designated spots around the fabric's edges. The ropes/cables are anchored to the ground using stakes, augers, or weights around the perimeter of the tent. This is the most common type of tent used by walkers because of flexibility, weight and size to fit into a ruck-sack so can be carried from place to place by the walker.

Some of types of Pole-Supported Tent

WeatherTec system of this 4-pole Coleman dome tent
The WeatherTec system of this 4-pole Coleman dome tent lets you relax to the calming sound of rain without the worry of getting wet. There is an oversized window and door along with the side vents offer superior air circulation on the tent. Also features a carrying bag, 2 storage pockets, a separate rain fly that covers the window and door; water-repellent thread, webbing and zippers; inverted seams with inside stitching; a leak proof welded floor seam; polyurethane-coated fabric and shock-corded fiberglass poles with frame clips.

Eddie Baur R tent

This large Eddie Bauer R Dome tent features a ton of windows and a curtain divider that creates 2 separate rooms so the kids can sleep in one room, and you can stay up late in the other. It features large front and rear doors, and polyester mesh ceiling. Steel stakes and shock-corded fiberglass poles for easy setup. Also features a rain fly with clear-view window, a shoe pocket, attached mud mat, hanging mesh organizer, drying hooks, hanging gear loft, zippered storage bag and repair kit. It Sleeps 6 and comes in a clay, sand and black colour.

Marmot Zenith Tent

This tent is a roomy, lightweight shelter for two people on backcountry adventures. Secret to the minimal weight lies in the unique pole sleeve and clip combo that also allows optimal headroom and spacious sleep area. There are 2 pole freestanding structure with brow pole, large D-shaped door for easy access, window in fly, and large netting ceiling panels for ventilation and star gazing.

Pipe Frame Supported Tent

A tent with an assembled framework made of aluminum or steel pipes that supports the fabric roof and defines the shape of the structure. The rigid framework allows the tent to be free-standing without additional support, but requires the same rope or cable anchoring system as a pole-supported tent to hold it in place, as specified by applicable fire or building codes. Walkers still use this type of tent occasionally but its added weight to carrier of it makes less of an attractive option to use for the walker. They generally more robust in size, particularly the poles are heavy on tent. Yet, these type of tents can hold greater number of people in them generally and have greater stability to the tent than pole supported tents.

Help when searching for a tent

When searching for the ideal tent for your outdoor needs, it is important to keep in mind that there are a variety of different tent styles. Each tent design offers slightly different features from the next tent and will suit a different type of person or people who will use the tent. When buying an tent, you the need to consider whether you should invest in a three-season tent, or a four-season tent. Three-season tents can be used in the spring and summer. These types of tents provide good ventilation in many weather conditions, with the exception of snow and heavy winds. In contrast, four-season tents are designed for extreme weather conditions. These tents typically feature sturdier poles, and more weatherproof material. They are also less ventilated than three-season products, and are heavier because of the increased pole support. The second consideration when purchasing a tent is to think what specific structure of a tent you require. The main styles currently available are list below and should provide you with some help in choosing the product that will best suit your needs.

Dome-shaped tents are typically freestanding, with a pole structure designed to withstand wind and snow. These tents offer campers plenty of headroom for sleeping, and enough leftover space to store your other walking equipment. Cabin tents are shaped much like a house, with large square designs. These tents are ideal for family camping and for use as base camps, as they provide ample space for gear storage, as well as for chairs and other furnishings. A-Frame tents employ a traditional triangular tent shape. These tents are inexpensive, easy to set up and are relatively roomy and stable. A-Frame tents don't always hold up as well against heavy winds than other styles. They are also not usually self-supporting, instead relying on tent pegs and sometimes a vertical support pole in the door opening. Tunnels are lighter and more compact than dome tents, but still provide good floor space relative to the size of the tent. Most are not freestanding, and must be placed in a good position to counter the tent's instability against wind.

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