Walking Equipment
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.