Tips on How to Plan a Walk

In the UK there are lots of beautiful places you can go to for a walk.  Even if you stick to the area where you live, chances are there are parks where you can have a walk and stretch your legs and let your thoughts wander.  In the UK membership to the National Trust and English Heritage opens up places and environments with some lovely walks that have the history of the place as well to offer more interest.  Walking is about how far you want to go and if you are new to walking here are some practical and useful tips to help you along your journey.

Where to walk?

With a wealth of stunning places to walk across Britain, deciding where to go is probably the biggest challenge! Start by asking yourself what sort of landscape you like best. Getting away from the stress and strain of city living into wild open country is a necessity for some. Others love nothing more than meandering around city streets, soaking up the sights and sounds of a busy metropolis.
There are a whole range of habitats to explore, from beautiful coastlines, magical woodlands, canals rich in wildlife and history, to the wild open moorland heaths and downs. The choices are endless!
Once you have decided on the place, you should consider the type of terrain that would suit your fitness best and how long you want your walk to be.
There are a wealth of great walking guidebooks, but with some basic map-reading skills you could devise your own route from scratch, turning a walk into a great adventure. 

Length and time

Think about how far you are able to walk in the time you have. The average walker takes an hour to walk 3 miles, and around 30 minutes to climb 300 metres (Naismith’s rule), but you should adjust this depending on your fitness levels. It isn’t just hills that will slow you down; mud, uneven path surfaces, high winds and poor weather will have an impact.
It’s important to plan time for rests, breaks and sightseeing, so that you don’t feel rushed. There’s nothing better than discovering an interesting feature to explore! If you are relying on a pub or café in a remote place for sustenance, check the opening times in advance.
Don’t forget to include extra time for a change of plan, or unexpected problems such as bad weather, tiredness or injury, or a blocked path. Plan in ‘escape routes’ and always check the weather forecast on the day.

Transport links

Many walks are accessible by public transport so consider leaving the car at home. Not only is it better for the environment, you can also walk a “linear” route from A to B rather than having to end up where you started from, just to return to your car. Don’t forget to check public transport times (and any disruptions to services) before you head out.

Routecards

Most walks can be memorised or highlighted on a map but if you are undertaking a more demanding walk, consider making your own route card. You can note the location of checkpoints along the way (grid references), times before checkpoints, bearings and ‘escape routes’ in the event of an accident or poor weather.
It’s a good idea to leave a copy of your route card with someone before embarking on your walk and then notify them on your safe return. In the event of an accident, help will arrive much sooner if rescuers have detailed information on your route.   

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