Weekend walks make a wonderful opportunity to stretch your legs, get some fresh air, and return feeling revitalized. Whether you’re heading out with the dog, in a large group, or on your own, walking can be one of the most rewarding ways to spend your free time.
No matter if you’re a beginner or a seasoned hiker, it’s worth knowing a few of the best ways to optimize your walks. With some essential tips and practical know-how, you’ll be able to put your best foot forward, time after time.
Enhancing your weekend walks: 4 expert tips
Table of Contents
1. Plan your route
Unguided exploration suits the more spontaneous walker, but this could be a dangerous approach if you’re not familiar with the area. Knowing how to use a compass and navigate with an Ordinance Survey Map could make the difference between a pleasant walk and getting lost in the middle of the countryside!
As well as the obvious safety benefits of planning a route and following it, finding new locations to explore helps you diversify your walks and keep things more interesting. From local footpaths to mountainous trails in the north of England, it’s always worth exploring scenic and lesser-known areas.
2. Wear the right gear
It’s so important to wear suitable footwear and clothing when you’re out walking. Technical and well-fitted equipment will keep you comfortable for longer out on the trails, especially if you’re tackling steep hills and mixed terrain.
Most importantly, it’s worth taking the time to choose a robust pair of walking boots to last through the seasons. When you’re trying to enjoy a hike, there’s nothing worse than wearing boots that rub, give you blisters, or seem to fall apart too easily. Investing in a high-quality pair of boots will always be worth it.
Some of the top outdoor brands for walking boots include Berghaus, Meindl, Salomon, and Scarpa, but there are plenty of options to choose from. As for waterproof gear, make sure you look out for technical features like Gore-Tex.
3. Stay prepared
Wherever you’re headed, you should try to plan your walks around the local weather forecast.
Walking in dry conditions is often more enjoyable than pressing on through heavy rain, and it’s certainly one way to streamline the steps involved in getting ready and sorting out your gear once you get home too.
Still, if you’re set on heading out in unpredictable conditions on the weekend, you need to prepare appropriately. If you expect poor visibility, especially in areas with high hillsides or ridgeline footpaths, it’s important to exercise caution. Bring a headtorch with you if you’re going to be out in the afternoon because the sun sets faster than you might expect.
4. Fuel your body
Lastly, regardless of the weather, you should take enough food and water with you to keep comfortably fuelled throughout the adventure. Unless you’re planning to stop for lunch in the pub, this is essential. If you’re walking for longer than an hour, you should aim for 30g to 60g of carbohydrates per hour.
As for water, you might find it useful to carry an ergonomic water bottle. Many keen hikers choose integrated hydration systems that also serve as backpacks, perfect for storing snacks and other essential items.
Final thoughts on improving your weekend walks
From the widely known benefits of walking for health to the multitude of opportunities it brings, there are so many reasons to get out walking on the weekend. As with any hobby, though, it’s important to find ways to make sure that it’s always something you enjoy – and that you want to repeat!
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