Walking

[ATM]

Hello

Apologies if this is in the wrong section. I have recently started walking more for Health and something to do. I have bought some boots and other stuff. I am now starting to think about handheld GPS thingies basically because I like gadgets in a childish way. Anyway the point to this thread is I would like advice where to go for tips on routes, boots, clothing and gadgets etc.

Thanks

[ewenm]

Trail magazine is my preferred publication.

Edited by ewenm on Monday 1st February 10:56

[BoRED S2upid]

Handheld GPS? where are you thinking of walking to? Ive covered quite a few hills around Snowdonia with my trusty OS map.

[bazking69]

As above, a map, some planning and maybe a compass is more than ample.

I tend to look on my local OS map and pick a place I haven't been yet, and disappear off there with the dog for a walk.

[Dan_1981]

OS maps - all have trails and bridleways and etc etc marked on them and seem to cover a pretty large area.

[fadeaway]

Dan_1981 said:

OS maps .... seem to cover a pretty large area.

that would be the whole of the country in fact


If you want to get out and about head to your local outdoor shop and pick up your local OS map. You can even order them on line and request a map that's centred on your house (or where you like to walk) - useful if you live on the join between a couple of maps!

You can also see OS maps on line. The following does a nice dual display so you can compare OS and Google Maps at the same time.

http://www.bikehike.co.uk/mapview.php

[Bill]

ewenm said:

Trail magazine is my preferred publication.

Re the GPS: there's no need and there's something very much more satisfying about using a map.

[Don]

I generally buy walking route books but a good website is

http://www.walkingworld.co.uk

Thousands of routes. Whilst you can (and should) make your own up it's nice to go somewhere that's guaranteed pleasant. Websites achieve this with routes and reviews.

A free routes site is www.everytrail.com but is less well populated for the UK.

Gadgets? A modern GPS, like SatMap or a Garmin Oregon say, with OS mapping on it makes navigation a breeze. There are cheaper alternatives with maps that aren't as comprehensive (I have one). But I'd STILL advise carrying a good old fashioned paper map and a compass and making sure you know how to use them. My (slightly) cheaper alertnative is a Magellan Triton 2000 with a full set of UK maps.

I'm the guy that has a GPS, spare batteries for the GPS, a second set of spare batteries for the GPS and a map and a compass. I do not get lost - that happens to other people. Can you guess I'm a bit paranoid about it!?

Clothes? I buy Rohan stuff personally. Top quality but you pay for it.

[twister]

Bill said:

Re the GPS: there's no need and there's something very much more satisfying about using a map.

I agree there's more satisfaction to be had navigating by map, but there's also something satisfying about having a GPS unit tucked away at the top of your rucksack, capturing your tracklog as an extra memento of the walk. Also, from a fitness point of view, it can be a motivational aid as well - keep walking till you've done at least x miles, see how high an average speed you can sustain over y minutes etc.

[kiteless]

Don said:

I generally buy walking route books but a good website is

http://www.walkingworld.co.uk

Top link!

[Nobby Diesel]

I'd surprised if you'll need a GPS if you've just started walking.
Choose the right OS map as a satrter.
If you want to plot your travels for distance, elevation etc, take a look at http://gb.mapometer.com/en/running/route_16915.htm...

[Dave_ITR]

As above, get an OS map. I use this for planning walks & cycle routes and it serves me well.

[Don]

Dave_ITR said:

As above, get an OS map. I use this for planning walks & cycle routes and it serves me well.

Oh. If there's an area you want to walk in regularly get the 1:25000 maps. More detailed. They even have field boundaries which can be useful when the path peters out on the ground but you know it's supposed to be there...

And get a map-case. Then if it pisses down your map doesn't get soaked.

[Don]

twister said:

Bill said:

Re the GPS: there's no need and there's something very much more satisfying about using a map.

I agree there's more satisfaction to be had navigating by map, but there's also something satisfying about having a GPS unit tucked away at the top of your rucksack, capturing your tracklog as an extra memento of the walk. Also, from a fitness point of view, it can be a motivational aid as well - keep walking till you've done at least x miles, see how high an average speed you can sustain over y minutes etc.

I also have a GPS Enabled camera. I take pictures as I walk. Later on I can review the route and see the pictures overlaid at their locations on Google Earth - I use "RoboGeo" for this. Makes a nice memento and can be sent to others for their viewing pleasure or even so they can repeat the walk...walk authors use this sort of technology these days.

[Dan_1981]

Don said:

Dave_ITR said:

As above, get an OS map. I use this for planning walks & cycle routes and it serves me well.

Oh. If there's an area you want to walk in regularly get the 1:25000 maps. More detailed. They even have field boundaries which can be useful when the path peters out on the ground but you know it's supposed to be there...

And get a map-case. Then if it pisses down your map doesn't get soaked.

Or for a couple of quid more than the normal OS maps get the next level up ones - they come laminated so you can wave them around in the rain, drop them in puddles and generally abuse them.

They are very good.

[Don]

Dan_1981 said:

Or for a couple of quid more than the normal OS maps get the next level up ones - they come laminated so you can wave them around in the rain, drop them in puddles and generally abuse them.

They are very good.

I have one of those for Dartmoor. I found it very bulky and prefer a regular map in a map-case. But that's just me...

[rhinochopig]

My advice would be:

• Get the correct maps - lamfolds are the best IMO as they do last and you can write on them in perm - marker.
• Decent base-plate compass - with romer scale.
• Learn how to use the above: Take a bearing (from ground and map); how to give a grid ref; what the features mean; how to step count / naismiths rule so you can judge distances.
• GPS can help (there are many areas in the UK where iron-stone renders a compass US) but should NEVER be used in preference to a map and compass
• Buy a small 2 man group shelter. They cost circa £30 and can be a life saver. They are also ideal for sitting on when the ground is wet or for keeping you warm and dry when you stop for food / drinks.
• Carry a small first aid kit and a silver blanket - I really rate the reflexcell stuff as it is as warm as a goosedown sleeping bag.
• Carry food and water for at least 12 hours if you're venturing away from popular areas.
• Carry a phone
• Carry a head-torch in-case you get benighted - I carry an LED lenser headtorch based on their brightness and duration (brilliant bits of kit)
• Couple of snap lights
• Spare bootlaces
• Spare socks
• If you're planning on doing anything steep, it's often wise to carry a spare base layer for when you get to the summit to change into. Coming down you'll get very cold very quickly with a wet base-layer
• Decent boots and clothing - TBH you can't really buy crap gear these days. Biggest importance is fit. I would also avoid dark colours if you're planning walking in remote areas. Although dark colours are more fashionable - you want to be seen.
• Check the web to determine the route you've picked is still viable - bridges do get washed out frequently and you don't want a 10 mile detour to find another one when you've only got a couple of hours of daylight left.
• Check the weather before you leave.
• If it's snowy check for avalanche reports.
• File a route and an ETA with friends and family - AND REMEMBER TO TELL THEM YOU'VE FINISHED!!!!!!!!!!

Most of all enjoy it and take a camera.

HTH

[Bill]

Don said:

twister said:

Bill said:

Re the GPS: there's no need and there's something very much more satisfying about using a map.

I agree there's more satisfaction to be had navigating by map, but there's also something satisfying about having a GPS unit tucked away at the top of your rucksack, capturing your tracklog as an extra memento of the walk. Also, from a fitness point of view, it can be a motivational aid as well - keep walking till you've done at least x miles, see how high an average speed you can sustain over y minutes etc.

I also have a GPS Enabled camera. I take pictures as I walk. Later on I can review the route and see the pictures overlaid at their locations on Google Earth - I use "RoboGeo" for this. Makes a nice memento and can be sent to others for their viewing pleasure or even so they can repeat the walk...walk authors use this sort of technology these days.

I'm torn between wanting to point and laugh and wanting all the toys

rhinochopig said:

My advice would be:

I got talking to a US SAR guy once, his biggest moan was having to find lost hunters dressed head to foot in camouflage

And one thing you didn't mention was using a waterproof rucksack liner/plastic bags.

[Don]

Bill said:

I'm torn between wanting to point and laugh and wanting all the toys

It's geeky, I know. But quite fun. I combine walking (which I love), with Photography (which I love), navigation and GPS (fascinated by this) and IT (that I work in) to produce something quite fun.

If anyone want's to see how it's done I'll write a thread on it.

[Bill]

Don said:

If anyone want's to see how it's done I'll write a thread on it.

TBH I'd be interested although I don't have the time to emulate it atm.