Walking holidays can be a fabulous way to relax, unwind, and get plenty of fresh air and exercise.
Britain has tonnes of choice when it comes to walking trips, from the Scottish Highlands and the Lake District to national parks and miles of scenic coastline.
There’s more to a walking holiday than simply picking a destination, to make the most of your trip and really maximise your enjoyment it helps to be prepared.
The right food
Walking anywhere can put a strain on your body, and if you aren’t used to a lengthy hike it can lead to problems with fatigue and potential injury.
Taking the time to prepare for your trip should start with the right nutrition. This could be anything from a picnic to a range of freeze dried meals that can be quickly prepared during a break or rest stop.
You should also make sure you travel from stop to stop with plenty of water and snacks to help keep energy and morale levels up. Especially if you’re trying to cover a particularly demanding distance and the weather takes a turn for the worse.
Depending on the sort of walking holiday you are on you might be travelling to and from a base point, such as a village or B&B. Or you might be moving from one destination to another camping along the way. This will influence your access to food so understanding your specific needs during the trip and planning well in advance is crucial.
The right equipment
Alongside food you need to make sure you have the right equipment. Walking holidays can involve different terrain and weather conditions. Thinking about what conditions you are likely to face and being prepared can help you to avoid any difficult situations and getting stuck without something you need.
Keep in mind:
- Temperature
- Conditions underfoot
- Distance you’ll be walking
- The weight you need to carry
These considerations can help you plan the various equipment you’ll need. This can include:
- Walking boots – essential for difficult terrain, they also support your feet and help to avoid injuring yourself on rocks etc.
- A backpack – this needs to spread weight comfortably and can carry everything you’ll need
- Clothing – think about layers that will allow you to adapt to different temperatures.
Getting your equipment right can help you be much more comfortable on your walking holiday.
You should also make sure that if you are camping you have all the equipment you’ll need, such as a tent, sleeping bag, utensils and the equipment you’ll need for preparing food. Keep in mind that camping adds more weight to your backpack, so if you are planning a much more leisurely walking holiday moving from one hotel to the next or having a location to return to each day can be much easier.
Covering distances, walking up hills and clambering over rocks can be incredibly rewarding, and making sure you have the right food and equipment can make each trip even more fun and pleasurable. Especially as knowing you’re prepared can provide peace of mind, leaving you free to take in your surroundings.
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