Tips for walking in warm weather

A glorious summer’s day is the perfect time to head out into the countryside and enjoy a walk.  However, a
lot of people make the mistake of failing to prepare for the hot weather.  Here are some crucial tips to avoid any walking mishaps…

Protect against the sun
With Britain experiencing record high temperatures, protecting yourself against the sun’s rays has never been more important. Be sure to use a sun lotion with a high SPF and apply it at least half an hour before heading out. It is not enough to just apply the cream once so remember to reapply at least every two hours or whenever you feel necessary. Wear a hat to protect your head from the sun and reduce the risk of suffering from sunstroke. Sunglasses will protect your eyes from the sun’s rays and make it easier to read maps in bright light too.

Layer up
The British weather is renowned for being unpredictable and ever-changing so choose an outfit that will protect against all weather conditions. Choose lightweight, breathable fabrics and layer them up. The layers will be useful if the weather turns colder and you can always remove a layer if you are too hot.

Appropriate footwear
We all know the importance of wearing the appropriate shoes whilst out walking.  The comfort and support of a walking boot is essential to the enjoyment of any walk.  However, on a hot day another factor comes into play – keeping your feet cool.  Select a boot that is made from breathable material to ensure that your feet don't overheat and remain dry.  A decent range of affordable, breathable walking boots are available at Millet Sports.

Keep hydrated
Whilst walking in warm weather, a large amount of water is lost from the body through sweat.  It is important to keep hydrated in order to replenish the water lost to avoid feeling ill.  Before you set off on your walk, freeze a bottle of water.  ice will slowly melt providing you with a refreshing, ice cold drink.

Pack a snack
Long walks in the sun can be physically demanding on the body.  Keep your energy supplies up by packing
yourself a range of snacks.  A banana would be a good choice as it is a form of slow release energy. Likewise, pack oat-based nutrition bars as these are high in carbohydrates which will provide your body with a wealth of energy to keep you walking all day.

Pace yourself
The heat of the sun will leave you feeling tired more quickly than you normally would. Combat this by pacing yourself. Walk at a manageable pace and don't push yourself too hard. Try to walk in shady spots, underneath wooded areas as these will be cooler and allow you to walk longer.

A guide to buying walking boots

As well as being a rewarding and enjoyable hobby, walking is a fantastic form of exercise.  It allows you to set your own pace and build up your fitness and stamina over time, often in beautiful surroundings.  To find out more about how beneficial walking is for your health, and to get some great advice on building your general fitness by walking and hiking, take a look at this handy guide.

Like all forms of exercise, walking and rambling is going to put pressure on the different parts of the body, particularly your feet and lower legs muscles.  That’s why it’s of the utmost importance that you take your time when you’re choosing walking boots, to ensure that you're wearing something that’s suitable for walking long distances or over difficult terrain.

Here's a few things you should be looking for in a pair of walking boots to ensure that you stay safe, healthy and comfortable on your walking adventures.


Support and Protection

Walking can take you on all sorts of surfaces and terrain, which naturally puts more strain on your feet than walking on surfaces like concrete or asphalt.  It’s because of this difficult terrain that your everyday shoes and trainers just aren't suitable.

When choosing boots, your buzzword should be 'support'.  After all, the reason you're wearing walking boots is to support and protect your feet.  Look for a design that’s high enough to support your ankle, as well as one that incorporates a protective rubber toe and heel-cap.  When you're walking, your heel takes the brunt of each step you make; having sufficient padding in the heel area is important for reducing the risk of injury.

The best walking boots use foam in their design for added support, so pay attention to product descriptions when you're buying boots, to see if they have this essential feature.


Material

As you're walking, friction and the heat released by your muscles can cause the temperature inside your walking boots to quickly build up.  You should choose boots that are made using materials like split suede leather, which prevent an excessive build-up of heat, and are waterproof.

Again, you should pay close attention to product descriptions and particularly look for boots that boast 'thermoregulation' technology; a feature that allows heat to escape.


Grip

You are reliant on your boots to provide adequate grip to the surface you're walking on.  Opt for a boot design with a treaded sole, made from an adhesive material like rubber or EVA, for optimum grip.  You should avoid designs with plastic or PVC soles, which are will be unstable when you're walking.


Weight

Obviously, a pair of walking boots aren't going to be the lightest footwear that you own.  However, you should do your best to look for boots that boast a lightweight design.  Having boots that are heavy and cumbersome will reduce your walking capabilities and the distance you can cover.

Use this guide as much as possible when you're choosing your walking boots, to ensure that you select a product that’s suitable for your chosen pursuit.  Millet Sports have a decent range of walking boots and hiking shoes, which includes all of the big brands like Merrel, Brasher and Salamon.

Remember to check the product descriptions of boots to ensure that the features you are looking for have been incorporated into the design.  If you do this, you shouldn't go far wrong with your choice.

Top 5 Snacks to take on Walks

If, as Napoleon Bonaparte said, an army marches on its stomach, then us walkers certainly do too.  But whilst it is easy to make sure you have a good breakfast, it’s harder to know what to pack in your backpack for snacks en route.

So here’s our Top 5 suggestions for snacks to pack to keep you going through the walk…

Bananas
Undoubtedly the best walking snack food known to man!  Bananas are a fantastic source of slow-release energy, making them guaranteed to see you through the morning’s walking and well into the afternoon.  Like other fruit, they are a great source of vitamin C – essential to help fight off any nasty bugs.



Nuts
A fruit which has become largely ignored, thanks to popular image of nuts being fattening.  Well, if you eat a bag of salted nuts every day, they probably are – but as a snack food whilst walking, nuts are fantastic.  They are a good source of protein and contain essential fatty acids – these are “good fats” which will give you a boost of nutritious energy.

Oat-based Cereal Bars
You've got to love those oats… especially as they are great at keeping your energy levels up throughout the day’s walking.  Carrying a vat of porridge around the Northumberland hills isn't really an option – but a couple of oat-based cereal bars should fit into a daysack pocket.  The carbohydrates included within will sort your energy for quite a while.

Dried Fruits
All dried fruit is a good source of energy.  The main benefits of dried fruit for walkers is their space-saving and long-life properties – making them excellent for multi-day walks.  The fibre content will fill you up and help keep your intestines in fine working order.

Raw Vegetables
If you can prepare some chopped carrot, cucumber, red peppers, etc, then they make a super crunchy snack.  The ones we've mentioned have a great mix of lycopene, folic acid, vitamin A, vitamin B and vitamin C – all in a small tub of crunchy colour!





Thy are our Top 5 Walking Foods... but what are yours??

Gear Review – Vango Deluxe Walking Pole

Vango might well be a name you’d more associate with tents, but they make a range of items to help us walkers – and the Deluxe Walking Pole is one of those.

Now, there seems to be a debate about whether walking poles provide any benefit to walking… some people swear by them, while others would never use them.  I've used several walking poles over the years to review them for magazines and for the Walks Around Britain blog, and I must say I've become quite a convert towards them.  I don’t often use them whilst I’m filming the video walks on our site, as I quite enough kit to look after and carry, but when I’m on a walk when I’m not filming, I do use them.  So when the Vango Deluxe Walking Poles dropped through my letterbox, I was very eager to try them out.

So let’s have a look at the pole.  Vango say it is a “strong durable alloy 3-part pole with contoured handle and lower sleeve that offers superb grip and comfort.  Anti-shock on/off feature for shock impact on hard terrain.”





Well, after several trips out with the pole, I’d agree with the strong and durable bit.

The locking extended sections work easily and the pole still extends comfortably even after being subjected to several muddy puddles Peppa Pig would be proud of…

The pole extends to 140 cm, which should cater for even the tallest of walkers – and still feels ridged and stable extended to this length.  Minimum height is 70 cm, which allows my 9 year old daughter to use it, and therefore feel like a “proper walker” – her words…



The pole is made from “T-7075 alloy”, which presumably means something to somebody – possibly that it is strong, and coming in at 320 grams certainly means it is not a heavyweight piece of kit.





The grip is a Bi-injected 2-tone rubber with lower neoprene sleeve, which basically means it minimises that nasty feeling of material falling off into your hand after several trips out.  For adult hands, it’s a comfortable grip which gives you confidence to stride out.





The tip on any walking pole is very important – will it rust over time when exposed to so many muddy puddles… Well I’m happy to report the tungsten tip of the Deluxe Walking Pole helps ensure that doesn't happen.  And after many trips out and pushing that tip into boggy ground, there is no hint of rust or any other problems.




So, overhaul, I’m very impressed with this pole, and with a cost of £13.00 direct from the Vango website, it’s a great price too.  If you are a walker who has had walking poles recommended to them, or if you've been tempted to try one to see what all the fuss is about, then this certainly won’t disappoint you.


What’s good

Strong and durable
Lightweight
Great price
Seemingly rust-resistant tip


What’s Bad

Could be a tad more comfortable on the grip but otherwise nothing at this price bracket

Vango Deluxe Walking Pole - Rough Price - £13

Walks Around Britain rating  9/10

Find out more on the Vango website here.

Gear Review - Extremities Hiker socks by Terra Nova

Socks.  Ok, perhaps not the most exciting pieces of walking and outdoor kit - forgotten about almost as opposed the other essentials required for trekking.  Well, of course.  After all walking socks can't have anything like the immense technology which goes into a waterproof jacket these days... And surely socks are socks... one pair can't be any different to other?

Well, all that is wrong.  Socks are very important.  And the specialist walking pairs do have masses of fabric technology in them.  And if you've ever suffered from cold feet, itchy feet, blisters or sore toes whilst walking, then changing your socks to a pair of specially designed walking pair will make an amazing difference.

One of those specially designed walking socks are the Extremities® range from British company Terra Nova.

And as soon as you unwrap them from their packaging you immediately start to understand how their difference to the run-of-the-mill M&S stuff.

For starters, the loop construction all the way up to the shin is designed to give greater comfort in stiffer boots.  And that's just the beginning of the planning which have gone into these socks.

There are no fewer than 10 versions of the Extremities range - each one proudly made in Britain.  I tried the Hiker version, designed for use on year-round hikes and the more demanding backpacking trips.

Look, no toe seems!

As soon as you put them on, you feel your feet starting to love you more.  Your toes are the first to say thank you... they particularly like the specialised toe seams - finished by hand - which don't dig into your toes.

Putting on your walking boots and you feel like you can walk for miles.  Whereas ordinary socks can rub along the in soul of your boots, the specially positioned padding, support areas and grip zones for the Hiker socks are all designed to stop that.  As a result, steps are more comfortable and you feel like carrying on for longer.

In the interests of testing - and to replicate a multi-day backpacking - I wore the socks for 3 days running... to see exactly whether they would carry on the rest of the walk on their own...  And I can happily report that even after 3 days of constant wearing whilst walking, these Extremities socks didn't smell like I should have thrown them in the bin - and perhaps more importantly neither did my feet!

The fact the Extremities socks are made in Britain at Terra Nova's factory in the Midlands only makes these socks even better.  Excellent for walkers of all levels - in fact I feel sure if you've just started on the path of the walking hobby, then a pair of these socks will allow you to go further and keep your feet feeling loved.  So... socks... pretty important then.


What's good...

Great quality
Lightweight but durable
Warm and supportive
Washes very well without bobbling

What's bad...

Price - possibly a tad steep for the more casual walkers

Extremities Hiker socks by Terra Nova - Rough Price - £18

Walks Around Britain rating  9/10

Podcast Edition 012 - Show Notes

listen to ‘Edition 012 - Christmas gift ideas for Walking and Outdoor people’ on Audioboo

Edition 12 of the Walks Around Britain podcast is a special dedicated to helping you with Christmas with some top gifts ideas for walking and outdoor people.  If you're still searching for Christmas gift inspiration, then perhaps you'll find some here...


Mountain House navigation courses

These make a great gift for any outdoor person.  Join their popular Hill and Moorland Navigation courses based in the Derbyshire Peak District.  They offer a range of 1 day courses, with a flexible and individual approach designed for both novice and more experienced walkers.  For more info, visit their website


Outwell

Quality camping people Outwell have some fantastic gifts suitable for Christmas presents - despite Andrew's initial hesitancy...  How about the On Air Digital Radio for instance?  Find out all about the products Clive talked about by visiting their website.


Mendip Hills AONB "8 Wild Walks"

The walks, devised by local landscape ecologist Adrian Boots, range from just over 2 miles (4km) to just over 7 miles (12km) take you through a wide variety of landscape types in the Mendip Hills AONB including steep scarp slopes with impressive views across the Levels, windswept plateau criss-crossed with dry stone walls, valley village to lakeside and all with the opportunity to see a variety of wildlife that will change according to the seasons. The guide also includes fascinating facts on plants and wildlife and where to look out for them.

For details of all the stockists and for how to order by mail, visit http://www.mendiphillsaonb.org.uk/publications/


Treasure Trails

Treasure Trails create fun and unique ways to get outside and explore.  They currently have over 1,000 Treasure Trails throughout the UK and are writing more every day.

For more information about the trails on offer, visit their website http://www.treasuretrails.co.uk


Chocolate Fish Merino

For all things Merino, click on the Chocolate Fish Merino website here.

And for a good read, check out their blog - http://chocolatefishmerino.blogspot.co.uk/




From High Heels to High Hills

From the pen of one of the familiar voices from the Walks Around Britain podcast, Tanya Oliver's first book tells the story of her passion for the mountains of the Lake District and how she’s conquered them - in her own style.

Well worth a read :)

To order from Amazon click here, and to find Tanya's blog, visit here.



Scotland End to End

Documenting the recently opened Scottish National Trail, Cameron McNeish's new book is a great read - and a fantastic guide to the 470 mile route between Kirk Yetholm and Cape Wrath.

As one of the driving forces behind the trail, Cameron is perhaps the most suited to write this book.

For more information, visit the Mountain Media website or to order from Amazon, click here.


Well, that's it - hope you all have a great Christmas and we'll see you for another podcast on the 1st January!

Book Review - Pub Walks: Walks to Cumbria's Best Pubs

In my experience, small pocket walking books are generally rubbish.  They are often too small with tiny drawn maps - poor relations to proper Ordnance Survey ones - not properly researched, in black and white with no photographs and most are simply lifted from other larger books.

So I must say I came to the latest in Northern Eye Books' Top 10 Walks series with little enthusiasm.  This would be another one bad pocket walking books... wouldn't it?  Well, I started to begin hoping the old adage "You can't judge a book by its cover" wasn't true - as the cover provided a tantalising introduction to the potential of the book.  If I could find that pub, I'll be ready and waiting to go on a walk!

Opening the book up, and I found extended covers - both at the front and the back - which can be used as book markers to hide away the pages of the book not pertinent to the walk.  A touch with I liked.

The author of this little book is Vivienne Crow - and if anyone can pick ten of the best walks to Lake District  pubs, then Vivienne is a great person to carry that out, what with her in-depth knowledge of the National Park.  Looking at the map showing the location of the pubs, there's a good spread across the Lake District; some to the north, some to the west, and, of course a cluster in the honey pot areas around Grasmere, Ambleside and Coniston.  Nothing around the Ullswater area though - does that mean there are either no top pubs around there...?

So what of inside the book?  Black and White?  Walks lifted from other books?  Line drawn maps?

Well, no... no... and no.

The book is beautifully designed with a two column per page layout affording an easy read of the detailed walking routes.  Having done several of these walks - or variations on them - I can attest to the detail in the route descriptions.  Interspersing each of the main walking route is additional notes and comments in italics - these give more info about features to look out for and historical information - and it's rather like Vivienne is walking along with you, chatting to you as you go.  The maps are proper Ordnance Survey Explorer ones, and are shaped so that only the walking route and the immediate surrounding areas are shown in the book.  The walking route is depicted with bold rustic orange lines which are impossible to miss.

Photography in the book is simply stunning - and there are six sources of images credited in the book; one of which is the impressive Stewart Smith - always a favourite of ours.

I also liked the details about each of the pubs featured in the book.  Ok, so the real ales provided can change, as can food serving times, but it is refreshing to not have to return to the net to find out this info,

So, overall, Pub Walks: Walks to Cumbria's Best Pubs is a pocket walking book which has changed my views on pocket walking books.  Colourful; bold yet well designed; littered with interesting images; proper OS mapping and original routes.

In short, a book every Lakeland walker should find a place for on their bookcase - especially at £4.99.

Pub Walks: Walks to Cumbria's Best Pubs by Vivienne Crow, published by Northern Eye Books.

Walks Around Britain rating 9/10

Order it now online from Amazon here.

Make strides with Berghaus' Lonscale range

Berghaus has announced a range of outdoor trousers perfect for year-round adventures - just in time for the autumn walking season.

The Lonscale Pants come in a rangle of styles both for Men and Women, and are idea for walking and trekking.  They are part of the Trail range, and are made out of 100% nylon together with a DWR (Durable Water Repellent) finish - which is Berghaus' special finish that is applied to the face fabric to maintain waterproofness and breathability.

The trousers come in long-leg, short-leg and a zip-off leg versions.  For more information, visit the Berghaus website.

Hungry pub goers and walkers help the Yorkshire Three Peaks

Special pub meals and a book of walks have been raising much-needed cash to help maintain footpaths around the Three Peaks of the Yorkshire Dales National Park.

The Lion in Settle decided to help by donating 15p every time a hungry visitor to the pub ordered a main course dish called ‘Butchers Board’.

And manager Ian Pilcher has handed over a cheque for £250 – raised from more than 1,600 meals – to the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority (YDNPA) for its Three Peaks Project, which was launched in 2009 to maintain the heavily-used network of paths connecting the famous hills.

“I think it’s really good to support a local organisation that conserves the area,” Ian said.

“Most of our customers come to walk in the Three Peaks, and the menu choice proved very popular. We’ll do the same again over the coming winter.”

From left to right: Ian Pilcher, Chris Grogan and Steve Hastie in the restaurant at the Lion in Settle.

The first Three Peaks Project was established by the YDNPA in 1987, after a study by the Institute for Terrestrial Ecology carried out a study of the condition of the path network in the Three Peaks area.  It  concluded that the region had the sad distinction of possessing the most severely eroded network in the UK.

Originally started with a staff of 13, its remit included trialling new path-engineering and re-vegetating techniques to provide sustainable routes and to allow damaged surrounding land to recover.  The mid-90s and early 2000s saw a number of externally-funded projects completed, each with one or two extra staff appointed.


However, since 2004, the management and maintenance of the Three Peaks network has reverted back to the YDNPA’s Rangers – a team of just two officers covering the whole of the wider Ribblesdale area.

The latest project aims to create a sustainable source of both practical and financial support that will help protect and enhance the area and the rights of way network into the future.  Since its launch, many of the charities that regularly use the Three Peaks for sponsored events have volunteered to donate money towards the upkeep of the area.


At the same time, the authors of a book of walks from stations along the world-famous Settle Carlisle railway line have been doing their bit to help the project.

Tony and Chris Grogan from Saltaire-based publishers Skyware Ltd decided that a proportion of the proceeds from the sale of each copy of ‘Dales Rail Trails’ would be donated to the Friends of the Three Peaks, a group run by the National Park Authority.

Chris has passed on a cheque for £200 generated from sales of the book over the spring and summer.

“I’m very happy that we are able to donate to the Friends of the Three Peaks, and that sales of the book have gone so well,” she said.

“It has only been on sale since the spring so we’re hopeful that we can make further contributions.”

The book was funded by the YDNPA’s Sustainable Development Fund – which is managed by the Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust – and has sold more than 650 copies since going on sale at the beginning of the year priced £8 99.

It contains 32 walks from stations along the railway line as well as a guide to the popular, 24-mile Three Peaks Challenge route and details of the 48-mile Six Peaks Trail, which links stations from Settle to Kirkby Stephen.

Steve Hastie, the YDNPA’s Three Peaks Project Manager, said: “The great thing for me is that these fundraising ideas came from Ian, Chris and Tony.

“Our Corporate Friends have really started to get to grips with the challenges facing the wonderful Three Peaks and they are making very useful, positive contributions.”

If you'd like to become a Friend can log on to the YDNPA website at www.yorkshiredales.org.uk/threepeaks and follow the pages to join online.

And you can watch our walking video around the Ribblehead Viaduct, which takes in part of Whernside below.

Making improvements in the Ogwen Valley

With around 250,000 visitors every year, the Ogwen Valley is an extremely popular location - it's just a shame the current Warden's building does not do justice to its setting.

The building was originally designed as a garage, snack kiosk and toilets at the end of 1970 and, over the years, it was converted to provide office, storage and interpretation areas.

But, in early November, construction will start on providing a brand new building.  The proposed new facilities at the Centre will include an office for 3 people, toilets, changing areas, food kiosk, and a sheltered area for interpretation which will be suitable for groups, monitors providing 24 hour weather information and visible from the outside, interpretation panels, assembly points for groups, and curtilage area which will separate cars, people and parking facilities for bicycles.

These much needed improvements in the Ogwen Valley - which is to the North East of the peak of Snowdon - has come through the Cwm Idwal Partnership, a combination of the Snowdonia National Park Authority, the Countryside Council for Wales and the National Trust.  Funding is from the CAN strategic project (Communities and Nature) through the European Development Fund and the Countryside Council for Wales through the Welsh Government.

Emyr Williams from the Partnership, said,

"The facilities at the Warden’s base in Ogwen were limited and basic, and did not offer the best service or provision for the 250,000 visitors who visit Ogwen each year. The new Cwm Idwal Centre will be a gateway to Snowdonia, and one which will improve people’s understanding and enjoyment of Cwm Idwal, Ogwen Valley and the surrounding area. It will also attract a wider audience to take advantage of the various recreational and educational opportunities available here. "

Construction work should be finished early in 2013 ready for opening in the summer.  In the meantime, snacks and drinks facilities will not be available at the site - but there will be temporary toilets and parking spaces will be limited during the construction period.

Five tips to spot wildlife on your Autumn Walk

Autumn is a great time to be spotting wildlife, and it's simpler than you might think find your inner Chris Packham...

1. Take A Break

Instead of racing through on your walk, take it steady and rest for a while to look around.  Not just to make sure you don't tread on anything, but also to keep your eyes open for footprint trails.  If you are stopping for any length of time, make sure you're layered up to keep warm.

2. Blend into your Environment

Leave that red fleece behind, turn your mobile phone onto silent and zip your car keys away in your pockets.  Blending in is the name of the game when trying to spot wildlife - so dark coloured clothing and hinding away into the shadows helps your chances.  Also, if you are snacking, try to avoid crunchy snacks which make loud noises in the quiet of the landscape.

3. Rhythm of the Rain

Don't just be a fair-weather walker - getting out in the rain will mean you'll see all the insects and worms who love wet weather.  And they then bring out more birds... Who then bring out bigger birds...

4. Dawn or dusk

Picking the right time greatly increases your chances of wildlife viewing - and the best times are either at dawn or at dusk.  With a bit of research you'll be able to identify animals favourite drinking spots, shelters and hind-outs.  And don't forget to bring a torch to light your way - a head torch is a great idea to keep hands free.

5. Remember to put it back

It's so important not to disturb things, especially during breeding seasons - and if you do, replace it.

And remember also to take a camera - and post some top pics to our Facebook page please!

What wildlife have you spotted on Autumn walks - please let us know.

Five of the top British Isles walking destinations

Taking a walk with the family is a great way to spend some time together and to get healthy exercise, but how many times can a family walk around their own neighbourhood.  After a while, the same old route may get a little boring.  That’s why planning a walking holiday for the next family trip may be just what the doctor ordered.

A walking holiday is perfect for people of any age that want to get away, see some spectacular sights, and not gain weight while traveling!  That’s why walking holidays are great for the whole family – it keeps mum and dad active and allows the kids plenty of things to see and do.  A walking holiday can include everything from a long-distance hike to relaxed strolls along a coastal path; it just really depends on the destination.  So here are five of the top walking destinations in the British Isles to consider for the next family holiday.


Lake District

The Lake District is one of the most beautiful and serene destinations in the United Kingdom.  The scenic beauty of the lakes and mountains has attracted millions of visitors over the years and is the ideal backdrop for a walking holiday.  Be sure not to miss the Southern Fells, home to Scafell Pike, the highest mountain in England - though every area within the district is ideal for an extended trip or a quick weekend getaway.  Families may rent a cabin or choose to camp in the Lake District National Park.  Camping allows families to bring their own village garden furniture for comfortable al fresco dining.  Using a campsite as a base the family can enjoy the easy, moderate, and difficult walking trails, which vary in length, at their own pace.


Isle of Man

The Isle of Man is one of the best locations for a walking holiday simply because there is so much space.  Measuring 33 miles in length and being 13 miles wide, this destination offers some of the most breathtaking countryside views in the British Isles.  For families that want to get a taste of every type of scenery the British Isles has to offer, the Isle of Man has it all – majestic highlands, layered cliffs, valley slopes, woodland glens, and of course sandy beaches.  With miles of footpaths, the Isle of Man is ideal for hiking beginners, leisure walkers, and families with young children as well as the most experienced walker.  Remember though, the Isle of Man isn't part of the UK, so you'll need some form of photo ID to travel to and from.


Norfolk Coast Path

Between Cromer and Hunstanton, the Norfolk Coast Path offers an enjoyable route for any enthusiastic walker on holiday.  Following along the coastline, this national trail has an abundance of wildlife that can only be seen in the UK. There is birdlife in abundance and the walk passes through some nature reserves.  Salt marshes, sandy cliffs, and crashing waves are features of the Norfolk Coast Path.  Because the path remains at sea level, there is some walking on the shingle shoreline and the beach itself; these sections can be quite tiring.  Do not be put off by this, as this is a wonderful coastal path that rewards its users with some wonderful scenery.


North York Moors

For a dramatic coastal walking holiday and a taste of the wild upland moorlands, the North York Moors are the perfect destination.  The interesting ancient villages with ruined abbeys and a restored steam railway complement the beautiful rural scenery.  Walking enthusiasts will enjoy the well-developed footpaths offering a wide range of walks.  Covering almost 600 square miles, the North York Moors is home to one of the most picturesque national parks in the United Kingdom.


South West Coast Path

For those hoping to experience a walk to remember, the South West Coast Path is one of the longest national walking trails in the UK.  With a variety of landscapes and seascapes, it is also one of the most challenging.  Don’t forget the camera and good walking shoes on this trail, as the high cliffs and rich wilderness are a sight to behold while proving to be a great challenge every step of the way.



You can find walks in the Lake District, the North Yorks Moors, the Isle of Man and the South West Coast Path on our website - Walks Around Britain.  We're adding some along the Norfolk Coast Path very soon.

Have we missed out you're favourite destination?  Please let us know what it is and why.

Details for the Snowdonia Walking Festival finalised.

In October, the Snowdonia National Park Authority and the Wales Air Ambulance are again joining forces to organise the Snowdonia Walking Festival.

Every day, at 10.00am, on October 12th, 13th and 14th, twelve interesting and educational guided walks will start off at different locations in Snowdonia.  Each one is led by a local, knowledgeable and experienced leader and will vary in distance, grade and time.

During the festival, six guided walks will be held in the northern area of the Park and will include walks along the foothills of the Carneddau from Llanfairfechan, Abergwyngregyn Falls, the Bridges Walks from Betws y Coed, Cwm Idwal, and along the Pyg Track.  In central Snowdonia, walks have been organised from Croesor, Cwm Bychan and an archaeological themed walk to Tomen y Mur near Trawsfynydd.  In southern Snowdonia, the guided walks include the Panoroama Circular Walk from Barmouth, Foel Caerynwch from Brithdir and the Precipice Walk from Llanfachreth.

Booking is essential for each walk and a fee of £15 or £20 will be charged per adult but with all proceeds going towards Air Ambulance Cymru.  Participants will also receive a sponsorship pack which includes a sponsor form, Wales Air Ambulance goodie bag and an exclusive discount voucher at Cotswold Outdoor Clothing.

Valmai Mattula, from Air Ambulance Cymru, said,

“Snowdonia is famous the world over for its majestic, rugged beauty and the Snowdonia Walking Festival not only gives you a chance to explore this stunning National Park, but it also provides an opportunity to raise vital funds at the same time. Individuals and families can come along and we can also offer corporate packages for businesses looking for ways of fundraising with colleagues, or who would like to work on team-building skills and fulfil social responsibility schemes.” 

Snowdonia National Park Warden Dewi Davies is one of the Guides during the festival.  He added,

“Going on a guided walk is one of the best ways to learn about the history, geology, culture and biodiversity of the area whilst appreciating the beauty and special qualities of Snowdonia at the same time. What we cannot guarantee however is the weather! Walkers should wear comfortable walking boots, a warm waterproof and windproof coat or jacket, and gloves and a hat. A rucksack with plenty of food and drink, extra water and sunscreen can also be handy.”

Further details on the festival and booking arrangements can be viewed at www.walesairambulance.com.

Walking in the foot steps of Octavia Hill

Octavia Hill - Photo (c) National Trust

How about getting out and taking part in the National Trust's Great British Walk festival by embarking on one of 12 brand new trails in England and Wales which celebrate the life of its founder Octavia Hill (above)?

Social reformer, environmental campaigner and one of the founders of the Trust, Octavia Hill spent her formative years in the East End of London.  Her life was dedicated to social reform, campaigning to save green spaces and was herself an avid walker.  She set up the first ever housing association, was an advocate of the importance of learning and was the founder of the Army Cadets.  Along with Sir Robert Hunter and Canon Rawnsley she helped to found the National Trust in 1895.  Octavia Hill died on the 13 August 1912.

Ranging from a couple of miles to ten miles these walks reflect the diversity of the early sites acquired by the National Trust between 1895 and 1912.

From the jaw dropping beauty of the Lake District to the coastal gem of Morte Point in north Devon and the rolling countryside in Kent, these walks capture Octavia Hill’s passion for the countryside as places of discovery, reflection and a space to recharge the batteries.

Hindhead Commons - Photo (c) National Trust

Five of the walks featured include:

• Brandelhow in Lake District – this new 3.5 mile walk will follow in the footsteps of Octavia Hill who visited this beautiful landscape during the Trust’s campaign to buy Brandelhow in 1902; its first property in the Lake District.
• Hindhead Common in Surrey – a brand new trail around this famous and much loved common which is rich in wildlife such as Dartford warblers, Nightjars, dormice and silver-studded blue butterflies
• Wicken Fen in Cambridgeshire – a newly created 6-mile walk at this world famous nature reserve, which is home to more than 8,500 species, will capture the spirit of a site acquired by the Trust in 1899
• The Kent Countryside – a two-part figure of eight ten-mile walk in the heart of Kent taking in Toys Hill, which was given to the Trust by Octavia Hill, and the church at Crockham where she is buried.
• Morte Point in north Devon – a 2.2 mile circular walk around one of the first Trust sites in the south west of England with stunning views along the north Devon coast.

Fiona Reynolds, Director-General of the National Trust, said: "Walking rejuvenates both body and mind - something Octavia Hill and her sisters knew well. They were passionate walkers and would often take long walks in the countryside.

"These Octavia trails link the early jewels in the Trust crown and show some of the best places to enjoy the great outdoors and get that little bit closer to nature."

All of the walks can be downloaded for free from the National Trust website.

10 Ways To Walk More

We all know that walking isn't just great at the weekend through the Lake District but also something we should be doing more of all the time - it keeps us healthy in body, mind and soul.

So here's a few ways the team here at Walks Around Britain have introduced more walking into our week...


1. Take Your Lunch

Photo - MyUrbanLife

On average, us Brits only take 22 minutes a day of our lunch hour we're entitled to.

Strike a blow for the workers - take the whole one hour and find a place to eat that's a 30 minute round trip walking from your office - 30 minutes eating and 30 minutes walking - excellent.



2.  Listen to your Reading

If you're a bit of a bookworm, why not combine your love of books with your walking?  Lots of books are now released as audio books too - which you could loan from the library or from websites like Audible - which you can listen to on your walks.  If you're happy about to listening to a computer-style voice, certain versions of the Kindle e-book reader from Amazon - like the Kindle Touch - will read aloud most e-books, albeit sometimes with some distinctly odd pronouncation in some instances.

You can always listen to our monthly walking and outdoor podcast whilst out walking - download them from iTunes here. :)


3. Raise some money

For a more long term goal, there are plenty of sponsored walks you can sign up to which raise money for some great good causes.  Two very interesting ones are the Shine walks - which are night time walking marathons taking place in London (September 29th) and Manchester (September 8th) at night, passing well known landmarks along the route.  The organisers are expecting to have 15,000 participants this year and hope to raise £3.5m for Cancer Research UK.  To find out more info, visit the Shine website.


4. Walk to Work - at least once a week

Photo - Living Streets

If you're within walking distance from your work, how about doing just that - at least once a week.

You'll soon see the benefit to your health.

To find out more about walking to work, visit the Living Streets website.



5. Park a Little Bit Away

If you need to drive to work, how about parking 10 minutes away from your office - that way you've got another 20 minutes of walking exercise every day.  And if you pay for your parking, the chances are car parking further away from your office might well be cheaper than where you are parking now.


6. Use the Stairs

Seems an easy suggestion, but if you avoid the lift and use the stairs for a long period, you can greatly increase your lung capacity, blood pressure and cholesterol measurements.

7. Pack up your baby


If you're a new parent, leave the buggy or push-chair behind and take your little one out in a baby carrier harness.  This gives you both unbelievable closeness to your child as well as the ability to go for walks which aren't accessible to buggies.

It's a great way to get your child feeling the wonder of the fresh air whilst at the same time.





8. Get a Dog

According to a Canadian study, urban dog owners are more likely to walk on average almost double the amount non-dog owners did.  There's also many other health benefits now recognised in dog ownership, including the lowering of blood pressure, an increase in mood and others.

But obviously, a dog is for life and should be well considered before taking a puppy on.


9. Take a walking City Break

A long weekend in often takes the form of a trip to the countryside or the coast, but how about an urban minibreak?  There are some great towns and cities across Britain which have great history and stories to tell if you just do a little research.  Link together a couple days of urban walking with a trip to the theatre, great restaurants and museums, and you've got a great break away.

Take a look at our walk around Newcastle-Upon-Tyne's city centre for some inspiration.

10. Use technology to get out walking more

With modern technology as it is now, you often don't have to be in the office to do work, or communicate with people.  Use technology such as smartphones with Twitter and Skype to keep in touch whilst walking and try to schedule television programmes on personal video recorders, such as Sky + or Freeview +.  And don't forget, there's always the BBC's iPlayer and the commercial equiviants to catch up with tv you've missed whilst out walking.