h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

You need to be visable when walking on roads, when there is a path or a verge then use that. If there isn't then walk the opposite side to the cars, you don't want to be on the same side as the car when it comes up behind you, you want to see it coming. So if the cars are driving on the left, you walk on the right, and stop when the car goes past you, you don't want to run the risk of tripping up into the cars path.

Also be respectful of locals, for instance people often walk the Wandle Way near me, I often bump into groups of 10 or 20. I have been carrying heavy shopping and a group bumped into me, time after time as they didn't want to give me any room on the footpath - there was a grass verge either side! Also, there is one stretch near me, when there is only room for one person at a time, so I stood and let a lot of people past, not one person said thank you.

I used to ramble in the Mendips and still do a little around Surrey, I appreciate that you have to respect the area and the inhabitants. Which means closing gates, keeping to paths, when walking through fields you keep to the edge, not dropping litter, not shouting. Its okay to ask for directions, just be polite.

If you walk through a field and a herd of bullocks come towards you, then don't worry, they are just inquisitive and playful. A female cow with young can be rough, but if its a bull, then run!! Although there should be a notice if there is a bull in a field.

If you are hill walking then you should always check the weather, wear walking boots, no matter how hot it is. If mist or fog descends or it starts snowing, turn back straight away, it may get worse; or head to the nearest habitation if that is nearer and you think you might be able to find it.

Carry spare clothing such as gloves and hat, sunglasses, food and drink, plasters and painkillers, and sun tan lotion if its summer. Wear two pairs of socks always, and consider something bright, I have great photos of me walking wearing red gloves that stand out a mile! Be prepared not to find a loo nearby. Carry a map, compass torch and penknife. Waterproofs are important unless you are walking only a short distance, ie less than 5 miles, or you are sure of the weather forecast.

If you are going somewhere very deserted or Ben Nevis for instance then consider carrying a flare. Mobile phones are great, but they often don't work in deserted areas. Mine doesn't work at all in the Isle of Man! Always tell someone your plans and ring them when you are back, again this is more for walking in deserted, hilly areas.

Lastly, don't push it, remember how far you have walked and that you have to walk back again (unless doing a round trip!). Don't push it and wait until you can barely walk before you turn back.

now I don't know about wearing two pairs of socks but I would def advise having two pairs...one to wear while the other pair drys...and if you are on a long walk(might be off subject) and you want to change your socks do so quickly...don't sit around with your boots or shoes off for a while because you might not beable to fit back in your foot gear afterwords


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One thin pair and one thick pair, helps with warmth, keeps a layer of warm air there.

Plus, if you've got a decent pair of hiking boots - two pairs is a must.

And, Kaz, you omitted to mention the most important part of a hiker's armoury - gaiters. No matter what the weather, there's always some mud somewhere.

B

Hi Master B, I never wore gaitors, if it was that muddy I would often wear shorts and wash it off in a stream or wear waterproofs. But yes you must do something, mud can make you feel very heavy!!

Of course, one must refrain from swaggering at all costs.

Yeah, bullocks are very easy to boss about - they will follow you in a big group but if you turn around (it's a bit like "what's the time Mr Wolf") and tell them to stop they tend to shuffle about looking embarrassed instead. If you see a sign saying that there is a bull in a field, it's usually OK if there are more cattle than just one bull - a bull together with lots of cows is usually a happy chappy & won't make the path dangerous. Now, horses in a field are REALLY scary ....

Reflectors at night (although it sounds ludicrous) are a very good and safe idea.

Ware hunter shoes or at least good sports shoes and leave your high heel sandals behind!

When its hot and I am walking in known areas, I often wear my sandals, but they are walking sandals from a walking shop. So you can if on an easy walk in good weather, just get decent ones, with no heel!

I am a little concerned, as in my Youth (ahem) I did a lot of walking and have encountered cattle (worrying if near milking time) horses/ponies (usually tame if fed grass as their paddocks are regularly a mud-bath) pigs (Jesse Owen anyone?) Geese (Officer, I dispute 100mph!) and Swans (The cast has to stay on for how long?) and yet although I've encountered all of these, I've never come across Gators. Do you stand and confront them,back off all casual like, or run like hell? Appreciate a reply as I'm off to the South Downs next week (Heatwave allowing) and don't want to do the wrong thing. The RSPCA are getting very active these days.

I think MadFiddler, that if you must approach one, you have to make yourself look very big, with your arms open wide, whilst saying 'eeep, eeep', and then they will follow you evreywhere, but never over water!