Planning your walk
Make sure you plan your walk with an appropriate map or guide book. Many maps and routes are available on different web sites (including this one!) but be aware that these may only provide an indication of the walk route and may not be to scale. You should carefully research ahead of your trip to ensure that the route is right for you. If in doubt, it is always worth getting a copy of the relevant Explorer or Landranger Ordnance Survey Map, which are ideal for walkers.
If you are not sure you really know how to read a map - why not consider going on a map reading course or using the handy guides, which are available free from Ordnance Survey Maps. Once you know how to read a map, the world is truly your oyster and you can plan your own walk routes.
Check the weather before your trip to make sure you are as prepared as you can be.
It is important to tell people where you are going, and what your estimated times of arrival back to base are likely to be. Prepare a route plan before your journey outlining where you're going, where your breaks are likely to be and how long you expect the route to take.
Remain flexible to your plans at all times and be prepared to change routes if the situation arises. A change in weather conditions may mean that a road is vulnerable to flooding or too dangerous to ride in wet conditions. Forced breaks due to injuries, or just tiredness, may mean that you need a shortcut home. A back-up route, prepared before hand will make it easier when out in the countryside to think quickly and act appropriately.
What to wear
One of the many pleasures of the South East is its relatively gentle climate. It doesn't really suffer from extremes of temperature like other United Kingdom regions, but as elsewhere, the weather can be unpredictable - so be prepared!
Make sure you have a Water Proof Jacket that keeps out wind and water. The best jackets:
- Have a fully waterproof outer shell and, ideally, let out water vapour. (Products based on Goretex®, Triple Point® or Sympatex and Nikwax perform well in this respect).
- Have a hood large enough to pull up while wearing a hat.
- Have storm flaps over zips
- Are big enough to wear over several layers of clothing. Even if you are walking in the summer, carry a lightweight waterproof - many will fold away into their own pocket!
Several thin layers are always better than one thick one. Build up several layers of wool and/or some man-made materials but NOT cotton and take them on and off as required.
Head protection is important all year round. In winter 25% of body heat is lost from the head so a warm hat can help in maintaining overall body temperature. In the summer, an exposed head can cause over heating and even sunstroke.
Our hands can be the most difficult part of the body to keep both warm and dry. Make sure you have a good pair of gloves or mittens - ideally waterproof.
The type of footwear depends on the ground conditions but above all should be comfortable and waterproof. A good pair of walking boots is a sound investment - many lightweight styles are available so you can set off with a real spring in your step!
What to take
"Remember it is always better to have and not want, than to want and not have!"
Always make sure you are carrying enough water with you. Even if you plan to stop at a pub for lunch, you will still need drinks of water along the way.
It's also worth taking a little high-energy food with you as a stand by - it can often take longer to walk a route than you think. Pack an energy bar, a chocolate bar or fruit like bananas or raisins.
A small compass can be invaluable on even a short walk, and a real aid when following a map.
If you are carrying a day pack or rucksack, make sure you have a small first aid kit - and know how to use it!
