Welcome to Walking_Jan22

FROM THE MAKERS OF 

W 2 W / C W 0 1 2 0 2 2 

Your ticket to freedom, calling at... 

• AMAZING VIEWS 

• GREAT STORIES 

• HEALTH & HAPPINESS • HISTORIC PLACES 

• INCREDIBLE WILDLIFE • PEACE & QUIET 

OPEN ME FOR: 

• GREAT DESTINATIONS 

• EXPERT GEAR ADVICE 

• MAP READING MADE EASY 

• FREE ROUTES DIRECT 

TO YOUR PHONE! 

Your complete guide to getting out there 

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

YOUR ROUTE 

TO ADVENTURE 

Find, plan and share your adventures 

with komoot

IN ASSOCIATION WITH 

PHOTO: TOM BAILEY 

Congratulations! 

YOU HAVE IN your hand a golden ticket. It’s 32 pages long and packed 

with information about the greatest, simplest, healthiest outdoor activity 

on the planet, and it’s all yours. Walking is free, it’s fun, and it’s good for 

every single fibre of your body, and every synapse of your mind, too. 

Whether it’s a stroll in your local park, a woodland wander, a first little hill, or a day 

on a mountain, every walk is as valid as every other. There genuinely is no bad day at 

the offce when it comes to walking, even if it rains (see page 18). So this guide is here 

to welcome you warmly to this wonderful world; to explain a few of the mysteries, 

inspire you to get out there, and show you what’s over the horizon. 

And thanks to our partners at komoot, your ticket also comes with instant access 

to amazing walks right across the nation – direct to your very own phone. 

When Charlie Bucket found his golden ticket, he ended up inheriting a factory. 

OK, it was a chocolate factory, and that’s pretty cool. But you’ve just inherited the 

footpaths, scenery and views of an entire nation. And that’s just as sweet. 

Nick Hallissey 

Deputy Editor, Country Walking 

GET OUT THERE! 

Look out for QR 

codes like this in 

our Where 

to Walk 

section. 

Each one 

gives you free access to 

amazing routes on the 

komoot app. 

AMAZING WALKS 

EVERY MONTH! 

This guide was brought you by 

Country Walking, 

Britain’s bestselling 

walking magazine. 

Find out more about 

it at greatmagazines. 

co.uk/country 

walking 

Contents 

WHY GO WALKING? 

05 What is it about this 

wonderdrug, and what can it 

do for you? 

IT’S NOT JUST 

06 WALKING… 

Walking is about stories, wildlife, 

history, friendship… and cake. 

WHERE TO WALK 

10 Your at-a-glance guide to 

the amazing landscapes out there. 

FAMOUS FANS 

17 Why does Stephen Fry 

love a good walk? Find out here. 

FROM A TO B TO Z 

18 How to find, plan and 

record your walks – easily. 

WHAT TO WEAR 

22 A simple guide to walking 

kit that makes all the difference. 

LOSE YOUR FEARS 

27 Worries we’ve all had, and 

how you can conquer them. 

WALK 1000 MILES 

30 Come and join the 

biggest, friendliest walking 

group in human history! 

3 WELCOME TO WALKING 2022

The Falklandsí archipelago is made up of two main islands, East and 

West Falkland, surrounded by smaller islands and situated 400 miles 

RฝWKHVRXWKHDVWHUQWLSRI6RXWK$PHULFD*UHDWZDONLQJH[SHULHQFHV 

can be found at many locations. 

7KHFDSLWDO6WDQOH\RQ(DVW)DONODQGKDVDEHDXWLIXOFRDVWOLQHZLWK 

stunning white sand beaches, rocky shores, heath and scrubland, 

which provide a variety of habitats for wildlife. Nearby Cape Pembroke 

is a lovely area with small ponds, coves and a charming lighthouse. 

0RVW RI WKH KLOOV DURXQG 6WDQOH\ DUH DOVR WKH VLWHV RI PDMRU EDWWOHV 

IRXJKW LQ WKH ZDU ZLWK $UJHQWLQD 8QGHUVWDQG PRUH RI WKLV 

DVSHFWRI)DONODQGV∂KHULWDJHZLWKDKLNHLQWKHKLOOVRUVLPSO\HQMR\WKH 

FKDOOHQJLQJWHUUDLQDQGPDJQLøFHQWYLHZV 

([SORUH IXUWKHU DøHOG DURXQG WKH (DVW :HVW DQG RฝVKRUH LVODQGV 

&RDVWOLQHVYDU\IURPUXJJHGFRDVWDOFOLฝVWRORQJPLOHVRIXQGLVWXUEHG 

white sand beaches interspersed with rocky headlands and large kelp 

forests. Many sheltered harbours are found along the coast. Hills, 

ZLGHRSHQ SODLQV DQG VWRQH UXQV FKDUDFWHULVH GLฝHUHQW SDUWV RI WKH 

Falklands. 

0RXQW 8VERUQH RQ (DVW )DONODQG LV WKH KLJKHVW SHDN DW 

PHWUHVIHHW7KLVLVDQH[FHOOHQWGD\ZDONZLWKDVSHFWDFXODU 

SDQRUDPDIURPWKHSODWHDXDQGH[KLODUDWLQJVFUDPEOHVWKURXJKWKH 

stone runs. 

:HVW )DONODQG DQG WKH ZHVWHUQ RฝVKRUH LVODQGV DOVR ERDVW 

PRXQWDLQUDQJHVZKLOVWWKHHDVWHUQLVODQGVRฝHU¿DWWHUWHUUDLQEXWHTXDOO\ 

amazing adventures. Wildlife is abundant in many places and there 

are sites of historical interest to seek out on foot. 

With a gloriously unpolluted atmosphere the views on a bright, clear 

day are truly fantastic and thereís fresh, clean air to inhale deeply. 

$QGDOOWRWKHDFFRPSDQLPHQWRIWKHQDWXUDOVRXQGVRIELUGVRQJWKH 

sea lapping the shore, a brisk breeze in the hills or the simple sound 

of silence. 

@FITB Tourism 

@FITB Tourism 

ilovethefalklands 

+500 22215 

info@falklandislands.com 

falklandislands.com

INSPIRATION 

What’s so great about it and what does it do for you? 

THE VIEWS 

“A simple change of scenery can bring 

about powerful shifts in the flow of time and 

emotions,” says novelist Haruki Murakami. 

And he’s not wrong; there is something 

about seeing a new horizon that helps you 

hit the reset button, slow time down, and 

quiet all the noise of modern life. It doesn’t 

have to be a grand panorama from the top 

of some far-flung mountain. Walkers get 

just as much joy from discovering a new 

footpath or viewpoint close to home. 

CHANGE OF PACE 

“Life moves pretty fast; if you don’t 

stop and look around once in a while, 

you could miss it,” said Ferris Bueller. 

And he said that in 1986; since then 

our world has only got faster and 

more hectic. Walking is the ultimate 

slowdown. It’s gentle and it’s 

rhythmic. You’ll notice more. Your 

senses will heighten; you’ll pick up the 

aroma of berries on the branch and 

the sound of birdsong. It’s the pace 

humans are designed to move at, and 

your body will love remembering that. 

YOU TIME 

Walking is being kind to yourself. Kinder 

than a binge-watch, kinder than a coffee 

break. Even if it’s a struggle to make yourself 

get out and go for a walk, within five minutes 

you’ll know it was the right thing to do. 

Troubles fade to the background, the world 

looks bigger, and people seem kinder. 

PROBLEM SOLVING 

“Whenever I’m stuck with a problem, I take it for 

a walk,” says author Michael Morpurgo. “Walking 

changes your perspective, and reveals answers where 

you thought there were none.” But equally, if you just 

want to switch off and forget whatever your problem 

was, you can do that too. Invariably, the answer will 

pop up as soon as you get back through the door. 

FRIENDSHIP 

Sometimes it’s great to walk alone, but 

sometimes having a friend or loved one with 

you is magical. Most parents will know it’s 

hard to interest a child in “going for a walk”. 

But tell them they can bring a friend, and 

that’s different: that’s an adventure. Same 

for all of us. Getting back in contact with 

someone you haven’t seen for ages? Suggest 

a walk. You’ll be amazed at the ground you 

cover, physically and conversationally. 

Lack confidence in the outdoors? Seek out 

a walking group and form friendships for life. 

YOUR BODY 

LOVES IT… 

Walking is more than twice as 

effective as running at fighting off 

heart disease; an hour a day cuts 

your risk of heart attack in your 50s 

and 60s in half. It cuts your risk of 

obesity in half and reduces the risk 

of Type 2 diabetes and several 

common forms of cancer. It 

strengthens bones, lubricates your 

joint and triggers anti-ageing 

processes. It is, quite simply, magic. 

…AND YOUR 

MIND DOES, TOO 

Walking boosts circulation, triggers 

endorphins, decreases stress hormones and 

increases oxygen supply to every cell in your 

body, helping you feel more alert and alive. It’s 

also clinically proven to help fight depression 

and anxiety; it’s at least as effective as 

medication for mild to moderate depression. 

UP NEXT: What’s out there? 


It’s not just 

walking, it’s... 

Going for a walk is great in itself. But it’s 

what you discover when you’re out there 

that makes it really magical… 


Storytelling 

Don’t you just love a great story? 

Of course you do, and there are few 

better ways to uncover a great story 

than on a walk. It might be an ancient 

legend, or a story of bravery or 

bloodshed from a chapter of history. 

It might be the story the landlord 

tells in the village pub, or the 

amazing secret viewpoints only the 

owner of your B&B can tell you about. 

Film locations (like Harry Potter’s 

viaduct at Glenfinnan, below), 

literary journeys, places that 

inspired famous poetry or songs 

– these are all fantastic stories that 

add richness and depth to any walk, 

and become the thing you tell your 

friends about when you get back. 

Walking is curiosity, you see. And 

there’s so much to be curious about. 

PHOTO: CANDYBOX IMAGES/ALAMY- PHOTO: STEPHEN EMERSON/ALAMY- 

Escape 

Slow, steady, rhythmical, free: in many 

ways, walking is absolutely everything 

the modern world doesn’t allow you to 

be. No rush, no screens (well, except 

for a komoot route and the camera), 

no emails, no demands: just you, the 

path, and however far you want to go. 

Think of most other outdoor hobbies 

(we’re looking at you, golf, fishing, skiing, 

photography) and you’ll generally 

find that walking is a) more relaxing and 

b) cheaper than all of them. It really is 

the Greatest Escape. 


THE ULIMATE EXPERIENCE 

History 

Walking connects you to the history 

of Britain more immediately and 

excitingly than any textbook or 

documentary. Walk a few miles 

of Hadrian’s Wall in wildest 

Northumberland and marvel at the 

engineering genius and military 

swagger that went into it; explore 

the ancient standing stones of 

Avebury, Callanish or Castlerigg 

(left) and ponder the connection your 

ancestors felt between landscape and 

light; or track down battle sites like 

Hastings, Naseby and Stirling, and 

see how these scenic places changed 

the course of British history forever. 

Our shores also boast 33 UNESCO 

World Heritage sites, from the tin 

mines of Cornwall to the Pontcysyllte 

Aqueduct, plus countless Second 

World War defences and shadowy 

Cold War installations. And you’ll 

usually find that walking is the best 

(and sometimes only) way of reaching 

them. In places like this it’s not just 

history any more; it’s a story that’s 

still happening now you’re here. 

Wildlife 

For many people, getting up close 

and personal with the extraordinary 

flora and fauna of Britain is the very 

best reason to go for a walk. From 

curlews singing merrily above 

the Yorkshire Dales to dolphins 

slicing through the water off the 

Pembrokeshire coast; from stags 

rutting and bellowing through the 

autumn to the first daffodils of spring 

– a great walk always has something 

going on, depending on where you 

are in the year and what part of the 

country you’re in. If you need more 

inspiration, here are few more of CW 

readers’ favourite wildlife wonders: 

Fungi, peregrine falcons, 

orchids, otters, woodpeckers, 

ling heather, hawthorn blossom, 

blackberries, skylarks, 

boxing hares (right), celandines, 

snowdrops, pine martens, 

razor clams, fossils… 

How many will you spot on your 

travels this year? 

PHOTO: BIOSPHOTO/ALAMY- 

WELCOME TO WALKING 2022 7

Adventure 

Walking can also be thrilling. 

Scrambling across a mountain 

ridge (such as Garnedd Ugain in 

Snowdonia, below); exploring old 

shipwrecks off a rugged coastline; 

going off-path in a deep, dark forest; 

following a river from source to 

sea; treasure hunting with kids or 

grandkids: walking can be, as Peter 

Pan said, an awfully big adventure. 

Immersion 

Nothing gives you a sense of place 

and space like pausing in the 

middle of a walk. Whether you’re in 

a quiet meadow or a vast mountain 

amphitheatre, that moment when 

you stop, heart pumping, cheeks 

flushed, thighs burning happily, 

and just take everything in – it’s as 

real and as immediate as life gets. 

(Even better if you’re just about to 

crack open the Mr Kipling.) But we 

also mean literal immersion: wild 

swimming, whether in river, lake 

or sea, has never been more of 

A Thing than it is now, with entire 

guidebooks and blogs devoted to 

the quietest, coolest or remotest 

spots for a dip. The komoot app is 

great for wild swimming hotspots, 

curated by devotees such as Sian 

Anna Lewis. That moment when 

you take the plunge and submerge 

yourself in a clear Welsh llyn or 

meandering stream? That’s when 

the entire world makes sense for 

a moment. 


PHOTO: MARK TITTERTON/ALAMY- 

Food and drink 

Om nom nom. One of the best things 

about walking is the calorific offset: 

that sense that you’ve really earned 

the cream tea afterwards and can 

enjoy it guilt-free. And sampling it all is 

a great way to help the local economy of 

wherever you are, as you try out Welsh 

cakes; Eccles cakes; Cornish pasties; 

Bedfordshire clangers; Whitstable 

oysters; Bakewell pudding; Lincolnshire 

sausage, Scottish tablet… if you love a 

treat now and then, walking is your 

passport to nutritional nirvana. 


THE ULIMATE EXPERIENCE 

PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK 

PHOTO: KATIE METTERHAUSER 

...and friendship 

First of all, pretty much everyone you 

meet on a walk is friendly. After all, 

you’re kindred spirits: you’ve both 

chosen this path, on this day, just in 

opposite directions. A friendly hello 

makes the world a better place, even 

if you’re not feeling so great. But then 

there’s the wonder of walking with 

someone: a friend who really needs 

a friend right now; a pal you haven’t 

seen for years; a friendly walking 

group; the family. Words flow, pauses 

are natural, shared snacks taste 

better than high tea at the Ritz, and 

the walk ends with a firm promise to 

do this again sometime. Don’t believe 

us? Check out the world’s friendliest 

walking community at facebook.com/ 

groups/walk1000miles and see what 

we mean. 

UP NEXT: Where will you go 

walking? (In other words, 

geography made easy…) 


Where will you go? 

From gentle woodland to soaring cliffs; from peaceful 

beaches to rugged peaks: Britain is jam-packed with 

incredible scenery – and you can explore it all on foot. 

IN ASSOCIATION WITH 

FOR BOTH COUNTRY Walking and our 

partners at komoot, one of the loveliest 

experiences we know is hearing someone 

say: I had no idea we had places like this 

in Britain! And happily, we hear it a lot. For a 

reasonably small island, Britain is blessed with 

a near-infinite variety of scenery, coupled with 

almost unparalleled access for walking through it. 

So here’s your at-a-glance guide to what’s out there 

for you. And for each terrain, you’ll find a link to a 

komoot Collection offering 10 fabulous walks that 

might just make you say those hallowed words. 


Urban escapes: town and city walks 

Great walks aren’t always miles away 

‘Out There’ in the countryside. Our 

towns and cities are alive with green 

spaces, many of them tucked away in 

hidden places. Parks, canals, riversides; 

disused railway lines, small woodlands, 

reservoirs: all of these are a walker’s 

superhighways. London is especially 

green; Country Walking once managed 

to walk right across the city from west 

to east without setting foot off green 

space, and it has now become the 

world’s first National Park City. But 

you’ll find similar magic from Cardiff to 

Cambridge; Bath to Birmingham; Perth 

to Plymouth. In Edinburgh they’ve even 

got a volcano growing out of the city. 

And given that more than 83% of us live 

in urban areas, that means there’s 

always a great walk on the doorstep. 

GET WALKING! 

Scan the QR code to discover 10 top 

city routes on the komoot app, plus 

inspiration for 

hundreds more 

urban adventures. 


WHERE TO GO WALKING 

Into the wild woods 

What do you fancy? Kicking through 

autumnal leaves or full-on forest 

bathing? Wide, friendly tracks or 

exciting expeditions beneath a dense 

canopy broken by shards of sunlight? 

Hoiking yourself up into the bough of 

a venerable oak, or just perching in the 

shade of a beech tree while you break 

out a sandwich? The good news is, you 

can do all of the above – and a whole 

lot more – in the woodlands of Great 

Britain. Trees once covered almost 

the whole of the nation; that may have 

changed slightly but we still have access 

to countless woodland spaces, from the 

tiniest copse to vast forests where 

the trees stretch for miles in all 

directions. Scan the QR code below 

and you can unlock 10 of our favourite 

wooded wanderings free of charge 

courtesy of komoot; they include the 

forested flanks of Symond’s Yat in the 

Forest of Dean; the immense space 

of Blackwater Arboretum in the 

New Forest; beautifully accessible 

Forestry Commission sites like 

Thetford in East Anglia and Dalby 

in North Yorkshire; and vast ancient 

forest such as Rothiemurchus in the 

Highlands. And at Wistman’s Wood 

on Dartmoor you can even track down 

a fairytale fragment of temperate 

rainforest – a magical experience in 

itself, and a glimpse of what ancient 

Britain truly looked like. 

GET WALKING! 


woodland routes on 

the komoot app, 

plus inspiration for 

hundreds more 

woodland 

wanderings. 



Coastal havens 

It’s a fabulous fact that even in the most 

landlocked place in the heart of Britain 

(apparently a small farm at Coton-inthe-Elms, 

Derbyshire), you’re only 70 

miles from the sea. Everywhere else is 

even closer. As an island nation, we’re 

defined by our relationship with the sea; 

little wonder we have such an urge to be 

close to it. And coastal walking is really 

special, not least because it usually 

means less map reading: start walking, 

keep sea on left/right, reach tiny 

smuggler’s pub or beachside tearoom; 

stop. Again the variety of landscapes is 

staggering: our west coast tends to be 

more rugged, with granite cliffs and 

secluded coves, while the east coast is 

more about long beaches and wildliferich 

saltmarsh. Our top 10 includes 

some truly awesome seaside scenery: 

the 200ft sea stack of the Old Man of 

Stoer in Sutherland; the legend-soaked 

cliffs of Boscastle in Cornwall; the 

romantic islet of Llanddwyn on 

Anglesey and the fragrant saltmarshes 

and white sands of the north Norfolk 

coast. Walk, breathe, paddle, swim; 

it’s all out there waiting for you. 

GET WALKING! 

Scan the QR code 

to discover 10 top 

seaside routes on 


plus hundreds more 

coastal walks. 




Little hills 

Field and farmland make up the vast 

majority of the British countryside, 

so this is where most people’s country 

walking tends to happen. Field paths, 

country lanes, tiny villages, green 

lanes and bridleways: these are the 

superhighways of the countryside. 

But when you want to go a little 

higher, stand atop something that 

feels a bit special, and gulp down 

the surrounding scenery like it’s 

lemonade, you need a hill. Not 

necessarily a big one; happily, Britain 

is awash with magnificent little 

hills that offer panoramas out of all 

proportion to the effort of reaching 

them. Little stars like Roseberry 

Topping in the Cleveland Hills; 

Moel Famau in the Clwydian Hills; 

the magnificent Malverns in the 

West Midlands or mighty Mam Tor, 

the ‘Shivering Mountain’ of the Peak 

District. Zap the QR code to find all 

those and more, and send us a photo 

from the summit. We’re pretty sure 

you’ll be smiling. 

PHOTO: GEORGE LEROY/ALAMY- 

Soaring mountains 

Looking for something a bit more 

challenging? Then take a look at 

world-class mountains that reside 

upon our isles. We say ‘world class’ 

– we don’t mean by height of course, 

because our peaks are actually quite 

small on the global stage; we don’t 

have Alps or Rockies or Himalayas 

here. But if you judge by shape, 

architecture, spirit and poetry, then 

our mountains aren’t just world 

class but world beaters. And the best 

thing is, they’re achievable. Even the 

hardiest mountaineer can’t get up 

and down an Alpine peak from 

sea-level to summit in a single day. 

But can you climb Snowdon, Scafell 

Pike or Ben Nevis in a day and be 

back in the pub for tea? Hell yes 

you can, and without ice axe and 

crampons too. OK, you’ll need a map, 

some good walking kit, and a bit 

of common sense (as well as the 

directions and shared insights from 

the komoot app), but if you can sort 

those out, then all these peaks – and 

others like Great Gable, Pen y Fan 

and Ben Lomond – will be within 

your grasp. And you might just get 

hooked. We did. 

GET WALKING! 


mountain routes 

on the komoot 

app, plus 


hundreds more 

high-altitude 

adventures. 

GET WALKING! 


hillwalking routes on 


plus inspiration for 

hundreds more 

micro-mountains. 





Going long-distance 

Sometimes you don’t want your walk 

to end after a day. Sometimes you feel 

like carrying on. And that’s where longdistance 

walks come in. Whether you’re 

looking for a three-day long weekend, 

a ‘project’ to complete over a series 

of weekends, or a full-on two-week 

odyssey, there are thousands of multiday 

routes out there to suit every need. 

Some are nice and compact (the 34-mile 

Sandstone Trail in Cheshire, for example); 

some are more challenging (the 84 miles 

of the Hadrian’s Wall Path, or the 177 

miles of the Offa’s Dyke Path in the 

Welsh Borders) and some are seriously 

long-term commitments (the 630-mile 

South West Coast Path is the longest of 

the lot). But they all bring that sense of 

an unfolding story, a journey that’s as 

much about discovering what you can 

do as it is about the views, the distance 

and the welcomes along the way. The 

komoot app has pretty much all of the 

nation’s great multi-day trails available 

as Special Collections; take a look via 

the QR code and see which grand 

adventure suits you best… 

GET WALKING! 

Scan the QR code to 

discover 10 classic 

long-distance route 

collections on the 

komoot app, plus 


hundreds more. 

GET 27 GREAT WALKS 

EVERY MONTH! 

Every issue of Country Walking 

magazine comes with 

27 step-by-step 

routecards 

covering the 

whole of the UK. 

Start your 

collection at 

greatmagazines. 

co.uk/country 

walking 

UP NEXT: Famous fans reveal 

their love for putting one foot in 

front of the other… 


HIKER BEYOND 

THE ORDINARY. 

isthenewbenchmarkforalldayhikes.Abootmadeinthe 

name of comfort and technologies, with IKS system on the sole that helps 

to reduce foot fatigue during hiking. 

SCARPA.CO.UK

‘TIS THE SEASON 

TO BE SUSTAINABLE 

SHOP OUR SUSTAINABLE COLLECTION AT 

REGATTA.COM & IN STORES NATIONWIDE 

@regattaoutdoors

FAMOUS FANS 

Meet a few well-known faces who love nothing better than 

a good walk, and have said so to Country Walking… 

PHOTO: ELLIOTT SPENCER 

PHOTO: REGATTA 

PHOTO: OLIVER EDWARDS 

Walking is a way of 

seeing the world: 

you notice things 

when you walk that 

you might not if 

moving more rapidly, especially 

birds and the change of seasons. 

Even in the depths of the city you 

get to know the magpies and 

crows. You note the opening of 

the buds or the falling of the 

conkers. Walking connects you 

deeply to the rhythms of nature. 

STEPHEN FRY, writer, actor 

and presenter 

There’s a huge wood 

across from our house 

and it’s as much the kids’ 

home as the house is. 

You get deer roaming 

around in it, so it has the feel of a wild 

place on your doorstep. Like a lot of 

mums, I’ve had to lurk behind a lot of 

trees pretending to be the Gruffalo. 

And I love it every time. 

KIMBERLEY WALSH, ex-Girl Aloud 

There’s a view out 

there that nature is 

only found deep in 

the countryside, and 

the city somehow 

doesn’t count, but it’s not like that. 

If lockdown taught us anything, 

it’s how to reassess our view of 

what engaging with nature 

means. Nature isn’t just ‘over 

there’ or ‘somewhere else’. It’s 

right where you are, right now. 

MYA-ROSE CRAIG, (Birdgirl), 

birdwatcher and activist 

PHOTO: BRIAN DAVID STEVENS 

PHOTO: GERAINT LEWIS/ALAMY- 

PHOTO: NATIONAL TRUST IMAGES MEGAN TAYLOR 

Kids might whinge at the 

time, but taking children 

for a walk is a wonderful 

thing. If you give kids 

those experiences, they’ve 

got them to go back to. I drifted away 

from walking in my teens. Then I went 

back to Dartmoor in my mid-20s and 

suddenly realised how important it was 

to me to be out and to be walking and 

to be in wild places like that. And how 

much I’d missed it. 

MELISSA HARRISON, bestselling 

author and podcaster 

It’s probably the 

storyteller in me, 

but I do love a walk 

that goes end-toend 

rather than 

round in a circle. I don’t mind 

circular walks but I prefer 

the feeling of a long-term 

achievement. A story with a 

beginning, a middle and an end, 

the sense of a journey that changes 

you a little bit. 

CHARLIE HIGSON, Fast Show 

star and bestselling novelist 

Walking fixes me. 

Whenever I had to work 

overseas I used to get 

terribly homesick, but 

walking fixed that at 

the Winter Olympics in Sochi. Every 

morning I’d go for a walk for an hour and 

a half by the Black Sea. And it sorted 

me out. Before that I would have been 

flagging after a few days, but by making 

time for a good walk every morning, 

I was still flying by the end of Day 19. 

CLARE BALDING, BBC presenter 

and curator of Radio 4’s Ramblings 

PHOTO: SCALA RADIO 

PHOTO: GARY DOAK/ALAMY- 

We’re all born with 

a connection to 

our surroundings. 

Walking puts you 

right back in touch. 

So many of us are hunched over 

our computers and devices, or 

cooped up in cars or trains, and 

I think it stops your body being 

able to absorb the oxygen 

properly. Walking changes that; 

it helps you to breathe. 

MICHAELA STRACHAN, star of 

Springwatch and Autumnwatch 

Walking makes me feel 

childlike – or childish. 

And I love that. When I’m 

happy, I don’t just walk, 

I skip. Honestly, I still 

love skipping. Or I skim a stone or do 

a handstand. Anything like that is a 

way of saying, ‘I’m as much a part of 

the universe as the trees and the stars, 

and this moment is mine’. 

PENNY SMITH, GMTV legend and 

Scala Radio presenter 

You can watch 

amazing footage of 

a leopard making a 

kill, but I don’t think 

that compares at all 

to being out in a wood and seeing 

a fern unfurl in front of you. 

RAY MEARS, TV presenter 

and bushcraft sage 

UP NEXT: Your at-a-glance guide 

at what to wear on a walk. 


Get from 

A to B to Z 

At-a-glance answers to that big question: 

how will I know where to go? 

WALKING IS THE 

easiest and simplest 

hobby in the world, until 

someone mentions the 

concepts of ‘map-reading’ or ‘navigation’. 

At which point, some of us get a bit 

jittery. But these don’t have to be big, 

scary animals. Sure, maps can look a bit 

mystifying at first glance, but you’ll be 

Find routes 

1 

COUNTRY WALKING 

MAGAZINE 

The simplest way to start discovering new 

walks is just to grab a copy of (or even 

subscription to) Country Walking. 

Every issue comes with 27 routecards 

(with turn-by-turn instructions) covering 

the whole country, so there’s bound to be 

one not far from where you live or where 

you’re heading. And they are a great way to get used to 

mapping and how it works: each route has a detailed 

Ordnance Survey map, so it becomes second nature to 

follow the instructions and see how they relate to the map. 

Find out more at greatmagazines.co.uk/countrywalking 

amazed how quickly a little basic 

knowledge turns them from 2D data 

into 3D, HD adventures. And you don’t 

have to do it all yourself; there are 

dozens of options out there to help you 

find great ready-made walks that will 

take the stress out of getting from 

field-edge to hilltop and back again 

– and learn as you go. 

LOCAL RESOURCES 

2 We’ve never met a tourist 

information offce, library or Post 

Offce that didn’t have a stock of 

leaflets or guidebooks of local 

walks, which will usually 

highlight points of interest as 

well as just getting you round 

the route. These tend to use less 

detailed maps, so for added peace 

of mind you might want to carry or 

download a more detailed map too. 

3 

A GOOD GUIDEBOOK 

A good guidebook should be a mix 

of factual instructions and inspiring 

information about the history, 

geography and wildlife of each route. 

Some guidebooks have elevated the 

format into an artform: take a look at 

Alfred Wainwright’s Pictorial Guides 

to the Lake 

District (search 

Wainwright at 

quartoknows. 

com) which are 

compact works 

of art, or 

Cicerone’s 

walking guides 

at cicerone.co.uk 


HOW TO GET AROUND 

Once you start getting used to 

maps, you might just end up 

falling in love with them… 

AN EXCELLENT APP 

4 There are many walking-based 

apps out there, but we think you’ll love 

komoot. You can search for walks 

where you are, or where you’re heading, 

and choose from thousands of Tours 

and Highlights created and shared by 

other users. There are pre-existing 

themed Collections, and you can 

also bundle together your favourites 

as Collections of your own. Once 

you’re walking, the app will give you 

instructions on the hoof (like satnav for 

your feet) with a reassuring dot on the 

screen to show exactly where you are. 

It also lets you plot your own walk. 

You can even put in your start point 

and destination, and let it plot the 

best route, and guide you along it by 

map, voice and notification. Available 

on Apple and Android platforms; 

more details at komoot.com 


THE BEST JUST GOT BETTER … 

Plan your Pod holiday - visit: www.thepod.info

HOW TO GET AROUND 

Some basic know-how 

©CROWN COPYRIGHT 2021 ORDNANCE SURVEY. MEDIA 003/21 

GRAB 

A MAP 

The most 

detailed 

mapping for a 

walker’s needs 

is provided by 

Ordnance 

Survey 

Explorer maps, 

which use 

a scale of 

1:250000 (ie. 1cm on the map 

equates to 25,000cm in real life). 

SPOT 

WHAT 

YOU LOVE 

All kinds of 

interesting 

things are 

marked on the 

map – pubs, nature reserves, 

panoramic viewpoints, castles, 

cathedrals, gardens, campsites – so 

check the legend for the full list, find the 

symbol that shows your favourite thing, 

then look for it on the map and link them 

up with those lovely green lines – and 

there’s a walk! 

PHOTO: RICHARD FAULKS 


FIND THE PATHS 

Dashed green lines are every 

walker’s favourite thing on the map 

as they represent rights of way. A line 

of short green dashes means it’s 

a footpath, a line of longer dashes 

mean it’s a bridleway, and a series 

of crosses or half-crosses indicates 

byways. You can walk them all, while 

other users like riders and cyclists 

are also permitted on bridleways 

and byways, but not on footpaths. 

BUT, while those prized green lines 

mean you have a legal right to walk 

somewhere, they don’t always 

guarantee you’ll see a clear path 

on the ground: look for thin black 

dashes along the same line to know 

there will be a path you can clearly 

see. The green diamonds show 

long-distance routes – usually a good 

indication of a nice, clear path. 

UPSKILL YOURSELF 

Just knowing the above will 

hopefully get you going in most 

locations. But if you want to become 

a navigational ninja, sign up for a 

one-day map-reading course. 

They cost around £70, but the skills, 

confidence and freedom they give 

you will be worth every penny. We 

recommend Mark Reid’s excellent 

courses at teamwalking.co.uk 


THINK DISTANCE 

(AND HEIGHT!) 

Start gentle; a simple walk of 2-3 

miles has just as much merit as a 

10-mile stomp. (And just walking 

2.74 miles a day will get you to 1000 

miles in a year – see walk1000miles. 

co.uk) But an ideal length for a great 

day’s walk is between 5 and 8 miles 

(especially in the winter months 

when there’s less daylight). Just be 

sure to look at the contour lines on 

the map: these swirly orange lines 

indicate the height of the ground. 

Five miles over hilly ground is likely 

to take a lot longer and be more tiring 

than five miles over flat terrain! 

AND FINALLY: 

LEARN ON THE GO 

When it comes to navigation, there is 

always more you can learn of course. 

But the more you follow routes, maps 

and guides, the more you’ll find yourself 

picking up naturally. 

UP NEXT: LOSE YOUR FEARS! 

How to overcome those walking 

worries that bother us all. 


What to wear 

A little bit of kit makes all the difference 

on a walk – and it needn’t cost the earth. 

YOU DON’T HAVE to buy 

a thing to get started in 

walking. If you can walk 

comfortably in what you’ve 

got, off you go. But if you’re going to 

make a habit or hobby out of walking, 

a little knowledge and some careful 

shopping will make your walks comfier 

and cosier – and give you the confidence 

to head for new horizons. It’s about 

knowing what you need for the kind 

of walks you want to do, and 

shopping smartly to make sure 

you hit that sweet blend of 

quality, value for money, fitness 

for purpose and long-lasting 

reassurance. Here’s our simple 

and jargon-free guide to getting 

started, and what to look for when 

you’re browsing. 

EXPERT 

ADVICE YOU 

CAN TRUST 

Each month, Country 

Walking has jargon-free 

reviews of outdoor gear, 

plus special features on 

eco-friendly kit, 

budget gear and 

sizing advice. 

1 Good footwear 

If you’re comfy in your trainers, great. 

But once your curiosity takes you 

further out into the countryside, you’re 

going to hit some terrain that trainers 

don’t do so well in: muddy fields, stony 

hill paths, boggy moors. And to a pair 

of dedicated walking shoes or boots, 

these are all part of the job description. 

Tougher, comfier, more stable, more 

protective and more weatherproof: good 

footwear really is your golden ticket. 

SHOP LIKE AN EXPERT 

1 

Every foot is different, so finding the 

right fit for yours is Priority 1. Get 

your feet measured in an outdoors 

shop with a Brannock device, so the 

staff can find you the closest match. 

Look for a waterproof/ 

2 breathable membrane, which 

keeps rain and puddle water out while 

also moving sweat and heat out from 

the interior. The ‘gold standard’ is Gore- 

Tex but it can bump up the price. Most 

brands offer cheaper footwear with an 

‘in-house’ membrane, and Gore-Tex 

options for a higher price. 

Wear your new boots/shoes 

3 round the house for a week before 

you take them outside. This gives you 

time to work out if they really are 

perfect for you – and keeps them 

pristine enough to exchange if 

they aren’t. 

4 

Even the best boot or shoe 

won’t do its best work 

without a decent walking sock 

to keep your foot stable and 

manage the moisture. So try on 

a walking sock along with 

your boots; the Bridgedale 

Hike Midweight (£17, 

bridgedale.com) is a 

fantastic all-rounder. 

Give them some love. A bit of 

5 TLC after use will really help them 

last longer, such as a quick scrub with 

Nikwax Fabric and Leather Proof 

(£4.50, nikwax.com). 

Try these for size 

QUECHUA NH150 

WP shoe £25 

Astoundingly good value for a 

comfy, waterproof all-rounder. 

REGATTA 

Samaris II 

boot £75 

A terrific entrylevel 

boot if you 

fancy tackling 

hillier ground. 

SCARPA Rush TRK GTX 

boot £185 

Great for all terrains; 

has a Gore-Tex 

membrane and is 

really built to last. 


WHAT TO WEAR OUT THERE 

2 A decent waterproof 

Truth be told, it rains out there. But with 

a decent waterproof jacket, that won’t 

bother you at all. A good jacket needs 

to have a magic mix of waterproof 

barricade and breathability, so you 

don’t overheat on the go. 


1 

As with footwear, a waterproof/ 

breathable membrane is key, and 

again, Gore-Tex is the flagship option if 

you’ve got the money and want to make 

a long-term investment. But many 

own-brand membranes work just as 

well, such as Berghaus’ Hydroshell. 

When shopping, wear (or try) a 

2 jumper or fleece under the jacket. 

You want to make sure the jacket will fit 

over a warming layer underneath. 

Check the hydrostatic head, 

3 which is the measure of how 

waterproof the jacket is. To be classed 

as waterproof, a jacket must have a 

minimum hydrostatic head of 1500mm 

(which means it can resist a column of 

water 1.5m tall before it starts to leak). 

But most waterproof fabrics in the 

outdoor market far exceed that baseline; 

top-end Gore-Tex has a hydrostatic 

head in excess of 30,000mm. 

Somewhere in between is ideal! 

Again, TLC is key. An occasional 

4 wash with Nikwax Tech Wash 

(£5) will restore the membrane to full 

power and make the jacket last longer. 


CRAGHOPPERS 

Atlas £85 

Usually findable for 

less than that, 

this all-weather 

jacket comes 

with a lifetime 

guarantee. 

craghoppers. 

com 

BERGHAUS 

Deluge £120 

Berghaus make 

waterproofs of 

every style and 

thickness. Here’s 

a great midweight option at a 

reasonable price (often discounted). 

berghaus.com 

RAB 

Kinetic 2.0 

£185 

A lightweight but 

superbly featured 

technical jacket 

for those looking 

for more 

adventurous days in 

the mountains. rab.equipment/uk 


WHAT TO WEAR OUT THERE 

3 A rucksack 

The joy of a good rucksack is not just 

how much it carries, but in how it 

disperses the load so you feel like you 

aren’t really carrying anything at all. 

That’s all down to the back system 

– styles vary, but they’re all designed 

to distribute weight and stop heat and 

moisture building up on your back or 

on the harness. 


1 

Check the back system. Simpler 

packs have a padded back panel 

which keeps the load close to your back, 

with channels to move air around. 

Higher-spec packs push the load away 

from your back, creating a space where 

air can circulate for best ventilation. 

Dedicated outdoor packs usually 

2 have a hip belt and a chest strap. 

These wrap the pack snugly around 

your body, meaning the weight is 

dispersed around your waist and upper 

torso (not sitting heavily on your back) 

and the rucksack won’t bounce around 

as you move. 

Check for extra storage options, 

3 not just a main compartment. 

It’s good to have well-placed pockets 

A rucksack harness 

showing chest 

strap and hip belt. 

for a bottle/flask, car keys, valuables, 

map/guidebook, compass, sunscreen 

and first aid kit. 

Consider capacity. 15-25L packs 

4 are perfect for day walks; 30-40L 

packs are good for long trips if you’re 

walking between accommodation 

venues, and 50-60L packs are ideal for 

multi-day walks where you need a lot of 

kit, possibly including camping gear. 


REGATTA 

Survivor III £25 

A simple, well-designed 

pack for day-walks, and 

at a great price. 

regatta.com 

DEUTER Zugspite 

22SL / 24 £75 

A highly sophisticated 

lid-closing daypack with 

hip belt and chest 

strap for excellent 

weight dispersal. 

deutergb.co.uk 

OSPREY 

Stratos 34 / 

Sirrus 36 £150 

This sleek, high-spec 

larger pack is ideal for 

multi-day walking. 

ospreyeurope.com 

The nice-to-haves 

Little extras that might not be essential – but sure can make walking more fun! 

SIT 

MAT 

Mama 

Nature 

is lovely 

but she 

doesn’t 

often leave 

obvious dry places to sit, 

have a snack and watch the 

world go by. Step forward 

the sit mat – a foldable pad 

that fits neatly in your 

rucksack but pops out to 

make any surface comfy. 

Try the Pocket Perch 

(£20, jacwicksdesigns. 

co.uk, pictured) or the 

Multimat Compact Kumfie 

(£6, multimat.uk.com). 

WALKING POLES 

Usually named as the 

product that has made the 

most difference to walkers’ 

lives after boots, a pair of 

walking poles keep your 

body well balanced, 

lengthen your stride and 

relieve the weight and 

pressure on your knees and 

lower back by about 30%. 

Try the Forclaz F500AS; 

£40 per pair at 

decathlon.co.uk 

HEAD TORCH 

Great to have in case you 

accidentally get stuck 

outdoors after dark but 

also for deliberate nighttime 

walks, eg. watching 

the sunrise or sunset, or 

heading out for a spot of 

stargazing. Or peering into 

caves, of course. Try the 

amazing value Lomo 

Summit Floodlight 

(£6, lomo.co.uk). 

…AND 

YOUR 

PHONE 

We mostly 

walk to 

disconnect 

from our 

screen-heavy 

lives. But phones can be 

helpful: for route planning 

and mapping (like komoot 

and OS Maps), for photos, 

for nature ID (like the free 

British Tree ID app from the 

Woodland Trust), and for 

inspiration. If you sign up 

to #walk1000miles next 

month, it’s your pass to 

the friendliest walking 

community on the planet. 


ANDREW STANLEY 

Clinical Director and State Registered PODIATRIST 

Andrew Stanley BSc(Hons)PodM MChS SRCh 

Leg or foot problems? 

Trail’s expert can help! He offers: 

X Digital treadmill walking analyisis 

X Walking/posture correction 

X Single visit treatments 

X Custom-made orthoses ‘while you wait’ 

X On-site workshop ensuring 

comfortable fit 

X Orthotics tested in video gait laboratory 

www.reboundclinic.co.uk 

or for a brochure and 

appointments 

01729 825900 

Rebound Clinic, 

The Sidings, 

Settle, N Yorks 

BD24 9PR 

Andrew specialises in the diagnosis and correction of foot and leg injuries. 

All foot problems 

Plantarfactis (heel pain) 

Achilles Tendonitis 

Deep Calf Pain 

Common Walking injuries 

Ankle Pain (inside, outside, central) 

Knee Pain (inside, outside, central 

Shin splints 

Osgood Schlatters Syndrome 

Chondromalacia Patellae 

Iliotibial band syndrome 

Hip Pain 

Lower back pain 

THE WORLD’S 

WARMEST BASELAYER ® 

No restriction 

on movement 

Advertising feature 

Cooling 

two-layer 

construction 

Moisture 

wicking 

Compression 

benefits 

WHAT MAKES IT SO GOOD? 

Regulates your 

body temperature 

The ULTIMATE is Zerofit’s flagship 

product and perfect for camping, 

hiking, golf, sailing or any outdoor 

activities when it’s cold. But if you’re 

more active, it is complimented by 

the Heatrub MOVE. Twice as warm as 

a standard baselayer, the material 

regulates temperatures as you move, 

so you won’t suffer from cold sweat 

even if you’re running or cycling. To 

see the full Zerofit range, visit 

www.zerofit.co.uk 

,W·VÀYHWLPHVZDUPHU 

WKDQDVWDQGDUGEDVHOD\HU 

This is a fact, not a guess. The Boken 

Institute in Osaka tested the heat retention 

of the Zerofit and give it a rating of 0.78; a 

standard baselayer would have a rating of 

0.1 to 0.14 (a jumper would typically have a 

rating of around 0.3). 

,QVWDQWKHDWWKH 

PRPHQW\RXSXWLWRQ 

A standard baselayer traps body heat 

between your skin and the material, so it 

takes a little time before you feel its benefits. 

With Zerofit, FIVE separate fabrics, along 

with a patented knitting process, create 

instant warmth as soon as you pull it on. 

+HDWPDLQWHQDQFHDQG 

WHPSHUDWXUHUHJXODWLRQ 

Extra-long fibres on the inside of the 

garment (you can actually see them) 

gently rub against your skin as you move. 

This creates frictional heat which means 

the instant heat is retained. 

0RUHIUHHGRPWRPRYH 

The majority of baselayers use compression 

to keep you warm, by sealing your body heat 

inside the garment. Due to Zerofit’s unique 

fabric mix you don’t need that tightness for 

it to work. Many people who don’t like 

baselayers say it’s because it’s too tight – 

you don’t have that issue with the Ultimate.

Away from the crowds 

CLOSER TO NATURE 

Discover an enchanting escape on the picturesque 

south coast of Cornwall 

A hidden gem set in the 

beautiful East Sussex countryside 

camping | touring | holiday homes 

Dogs 

welcome 

www.heligancampsite.com 

info@heligancampsite.com | 01726 842 714 

Open January - November 

Find us on social media 

See website for our 2022 opening times 

and admission prices. 

Staithes... historic, coastal gem 

Stay at Roraima House 

Friendly, family run B&B and self-catering 

8 minute walk from the Cleveland Way in 

Staithes and a 3 minute walk from bus stops 

Tea and cake on arrival, parking, WiFi 

Mention this ad for 5% discount in 2022 

www.bedandbreakfast-staithes.co.uk 

roraima.house@gmail.com 01947 841423 

BRIDES 

BAY 

St. Davids Solva Porthgain 

Tea Room | Visitor Centre | Picnic Areas 

Marlow Rope Maze | Children’s Play Area 

Explore a 300-acre estate that includes themed and 

formal gardens together with meadows, lakes and 

woodland trails set around a magnificent 15th century 

moated castle. Well behaved dogs kept on a lead are 

welcome. The estate is adjacent to the 1066 Country 

Walk and the Cuckoo Trail is just a short drive away. 

www.herstmonceux-castle.com 

/herstmoncastle @herstmoncastle 

herstmonceuxcastle 

Quality Self Catering Holiday Cottages 

In Pembrokeshire West Wales 

www.stbridesbaycottages.com 01437 720 027

FEAR NOT! 

Banish those fears 

Worried about walking in the country? You’re not alone. 

We asked our Facebook community about their 

biggest concerns. Here’s how to tackle them. 

PHOTO: PREMIUM STOCK PHOTOGRAPHY GMBH/ALAMY- 

Being slow 

Please don’t ever feel the need to rush. 

Charging uphill makes your heart 

hammer, lungs ache, and muscles flood 

with searing lactic acid. Setting a slow 

pace – and we mean s-l-o-w enough to 

let you chat easily – lets you breathe 

comfortably and relish those growing 

views without sweat stinging your 

eyeballs. Professional mountain guides 

go slowly up hills, and nobody is 

questioning their fitness. The point is 

that slow is a pace you can sustain – 

happily – for hours, perhaps smugly 

plodding past those hares you last saw 

at breakfast now flopped in agony on a 

boulder. Flagging a bit? Singing a song 

(in your head, out loud; your choice) can 

boost morale and snacking on a jelly 

baby or two will boost energy. 

Encountering cattle 

A herd of these hefty beasts can 

be a scary thing to encounter on 

a walk, and serious incidents 

understandably make headlines. 

These are thankfully rare though, 

and you should never meet dangerous 

bulls. Recognised dairy breeds like 

Friesian and Jersey bulls are banned 

by law from any field with a footpath; 

beef bulls are only permitted if 

they’re with cows; and farmers are 

advised to keep aggressive animals 

elsewhere. Of course, bullocks, and 

cows with calves can be daunting 

too, but farmer Richard Heady 

explains that your best approach is 

to be boring, and walk quietly at a 

steady pace. Start to dash, wave your 

arms or shout, and they’ll think it’s 

all good fun and charge towards you. 

If they do get a bit close, walking 

slowly towards them encourages 

them to back off, so you can keep 

going on your way. Andrea Meanwell, 

the Lake District National Park 

WATCH 

RICHARD’S 

VIDEO AT 

Authority’s 

Farming Offcer, 

also advises to 

move away slowly, 

adding: “Don’t turn 

your back on the cattle 

and don’t make eye contact as they 

can find this intimidating.” 

Cattle see dogs as a particular 

threat, so keep your pet quiet and 

under close control. If things get 

tricky, let the dog off the lead so it can 

run and you can walk through and 

out of the field. And if you can’t safely 

cross the field, you’re within your 

rights to go around, rejoining the 

path as soon as possible. 

facebook.com/ 

headysfarm/videos/ 

356047318536156/ 

“If they look frisky I always walk 

around the perimeter of the field 

regardless of where the path goes. 

If they surround you but you have 

your back to the hedge simply 

walking towards them will get them 

to back off, I find. Above all stay 

calm and relatively quiet.” 

NATALIE COVILL 

“My weight held me back. I’d be 

worried that I’d look out of place, being 

the fat girl amongst the super-fit pro 

walkers and I worried that I wouldn’t be 

able to manage a decent walk. I was 

wrong to worry on both counts. The 

more I walked, the fitter I became.” 

SARA STEPHENSON 



FEAR NOT! 

Getting lost 

Losing the way happens to us all and the 

most annoying advice is also the best: 

don’t panic! Rushing off in what you 

think is the right direction will only 

make things worse (we know, we’ve 

done it). Obviously, a GPS in your pack, 

or a phone with a mapping app like 

komoot is a godsend here, but assuming 

that’s not an option the first thing to do 

is stop and have a break, and realise 

you’re not as lost as you think you are. 

Look at the map and pinpoint the place 

where you last knew exactly where you 

were, say at a path junction or river 

crossing. Turning round is hard, but 

retracing your steps is often the safest 

option. Then put your map to one side 

and look around. Note features like 

hills, rivers, woods or church spires and 

think how the map should look, then 

READ 

MORE AT 

rspca.org.uk/ 

adviceandwelfare/ 

pets/dogs/company/ 

unfamiliar 

PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK 

Meeting dogs 

Whether it’s one in a farmyard or out 

on a footpath, strange dogs can be 

scary – especially if they’re barking 

or growling. The first thing to know 

is that a dog behaving aggressively 

has perceived you as a threat, either 

to its own safety, its territory or its 

people, so your best bet is to seem 

as unthreatening as possible. David 

Ryan, Chairman of the Association 

of Pet Behaviour Counsellors, has 

worked with the RSPCA to provide 

guidance on meeting unfamiliar 

dogs. He suggests you stop walking 

but don’t turn your back; instead face 

the dog, but with your body angled 

pick it up and have a look for bits that 

match. And give yourself time; it’s worth 

always carrying a head torch, so that 

even if darkness falls you can find 

your way back. 

“Take photos along your route, like 

when you come to a junction. You can 

look at them to check which way you 

went on your return.” ELAINE BURGON 

“Try not to scream, shout or wave 

your arms about; try firm 

commands of sit, stay, down, if you 

feel able to. And I suggest carrying 

a few dog treats, throwing them as 

far from you as possible to distract 

a dog you feel threatened by.” 

MARIE DAWN 

slightly away from it. Don’t stare at 

it, but turn your head sideways and 

slightly down so you can watch it out 

of the corner of your eye. It’s best not 

to shoo, kick or yell, but instead talk 

to it calmly in a soothing tone, and 

you might feel reassured if you can 

manoeuvre a coat or bag between you 

and the animal. Stay relaxed, and if 

necessary move away slowly, either 

backwards or sideways until it loses 

interest. Very few dogs will press 

home a serious attack; most will be 

content you are leaving. 


PHOTO: JENNY WALTERS 

Walking alone 

This is mostly a worry for women 

walkers, and it’s everything from 

having an accident, to getting lost, 

to being attacked. Country 

Walking Features Editor Jenny 

says: “I’ve had all those worries, 

even hit full panic a few times, 

but I love walking solo – space to 

think, notice more, and beetle 

along at my own pace. I started by 

trying to rethink my perception of 

the risk; the odds of there being 

someone bad all the way out in 

the wilds are truly tiny. I built my 

navigation skills with a weekend 

course and lots of practice on 

routes I knew, to minimise the 

getting lost panic. I also have a 

map app on my phone to confirm 

my pinpoint location when I need 

it. I’m extra cautious on diffcult 

terrain, to try and avoid an 

accident – and I take all the time 

I need. You might find walking 

with a dog helps, and tell someone 

where you’re headed and when you 

should be back. You can even get 

phone apps that show your friends 

your location. You’ll find the more 

you do, the less you worry, as the 

positive memories and confidence 

grow. And I tell myself there are 

different risks in letting the fear 

stop me, in the exercise I’d miss 

out on and the soul-soothing 

views I wouldn’t get to see.” 

“I used to pretend I was Julia 

Bradbury with a camera crew 

and producer behind me. I’m 

now happy being me and 

discovering new routes!” 

MAGGI THOMPSON 


‘TheHide’intheWiltshireCountryside 

x Onebedroomedaccommodation 

x Stunningviewsacrossourorganicmeadows 

x AONBandInternationalDarkSkyReserve 

x Milesofwalkingandnaturefromthedoorstep 

x AvailablefromSpring2022 

www.hideandstride.co.uk 

Penwith Peninsula 

Grade II listed Cottage sleeps 3 

Nr South West Coastal Path & Moors 

Our Guests say "Warm & Cosy" 

www.Stennackcottage.co.uk 

Country Guest House 

AMBLESIDE 

Ideally situated 

for walking 

peaceful 

surroundings 

no children 

under 12! 

Rydal Road, 

Ambleside, 

Cumbria, 

LA22 9PN 

Email: 

info@crowhow.co.uk 

T: 015394 32193 

www.crowhow.co.uk 

WALES AND LLYN COAST PATH 

- A BASE WITH A BUS! 

onedolfor.co.uk 

aberdaroncottage.co.uk 

aberdaron-glandwr.co.uk edgeofwaleswalk.co.uk 

Tel Peter on 07977586353 

Cat Hole Cottages 

A superb selection of charming holiday cottages in Swaledale 

in the Yorkshire Dales, luxury barn conversions and gorgeous 

200-year-old stone cottages, many dog-friendly. 

On the Pennine Way, Coast to Coast and the 

2014 Tour de France routes, ideal for walking, exploring, 

cycling or simply relaxing and admiring the amazing views 

amid stunning scenery. 

www.catholecottages.com 

01748 886366 judith@catholecottages.com 

GUIDED WALKING 

HOLIDAYS IN WALES 

Explore the spectacular scenery, history & wildlife of the Pembrokeshire 

Coast or Brecon Beacons. Daily walks with Welsh speaking guide. 

Full-board with delicious food, croquet, coracling, etc. Relaxed houseparty 

atmosphere. 7, 6 or 4 nights. Singles, couples & groups all welcome. 

For brochure ring Richard: 01873 810970 

or visit www.dragontrails.com 

Forestside Farm Camping Pods 

Nestling beneath the Needwood Forest, Forestside 

is an Organic Dairy Farm set in the lovely 

Staffordshire countryside, providing wonderful views 

of the Dove Valley and Weaver Hills beyond. Plenty 

of local walks to enjoy and places to visit. Situated 

not far from Uttoxeter Racecourse for music events 

and racing, local pubs and restaurants. 

Take the stress out of camping and stay in one of our cosy Camping Pods. 

The Pods sleep up to 4 people and provide heat and lighting for that extra 

comfort. 

There is a decking area and porch, picnic table and fi re basket for those 

relaxing evenings, whilst on site complimentary showers/toilets and kitchen 

facilities. Pitches are also available for caravans/motorhomes and tents. 

Forestside Farm, Caravan and Campsite, Marchington, Nr Uttoxeter, Staffordshire ST14 8NA 

tel/fax: 01283 820353 y email: stay@forestsidefarm.co.uk y www.forestsidefarm.co.uk 

Holiday Accommodation 

in Aviemore 

Walking Holidays in Co Wicklow, Ireland 

Home to Ireland’s largest National Park - 1 hour south of Dublin 

Based at Loughdan 4* Guest House 

Fully inclusive Guided or Self-Guided tours, 

includes airport transfers and all meals. 

3 to 8 day self-guided tour from €425 pps 

Sean & Theresa Byrne 

www.walkinginireland.eu 

walking@loughdanhouse.com 

Phone 0035312817027 

“Discover home cooked meals, 

delicious desserts and idyllic 

woodland walks in one of the 

most beautiful parts of the 

;\IWZL[PQZM5WWZTIVL[º 

www.ramblersretreat.co.uk 

01538 702730 

info@ramblersretreat.co.uk 

An Exquisite treat for Walkers 

A UNIQUE TREE HOUSE LODGE 

Elevated to maximise the views 

of the Cairngorm Mountains 

www.treehouselodge.co.uk 

info@treehouselodge.co.uk 

THE FERNS 

GUESTHOUSE 

8 MILTON SIDE, AVIEMORE 

Located within a 10-15 minute walking distance from the centre of Aviemore and situated on the Aviemore 

Orbital Footpath, an ideal starting point for any walking/cycling in the area, this stylish and modern 

2 bedroom fully equipped townhouse with garage is perfect for a short break or holiday, allowing you to 

explore the Cairngorms National Park and enjoy its’ close proximity to the hub of Aviemore. 

info@8miltonside-aviemore.co.uk 

www.8miltonside-aviemore.co.uk 

We are a friendly B&B in Betws-y-Coed… 

a great base for your walking adventures in 

Snowdonia. 

Contact Sarah or Mark on: 01690 710587 

welcome@ferns-guesthouse.co.uk 

ferns-guesthouse.co.uk

@SecretHillsWalking 

info@secrethillswalking.co.uk 

SPECIALIST GUIDED WALKING HOLIDAYS 

FOR SOLO TRAVELLERS 

Friendly, experienced Walk Leaders make your walking holiday flexible, 

hassle free, sociable and one to remember for years to come. 

Discover more at www.secrethillswalking.co.uk or call 01694 723600 

Hut in the Sheep Wash 

Set in a tranquil and idyllic riverside field on the edge of the Lake 

District National Park. Called ‘The Sheep Wash’, the field is where 

sheep were gathered and washed in the river in times gone by. 

Perfect location for a romantic break, walking or get away from the 

hectic pace of modern life. 

Ulverston and Coniston Water within easy reach. 

Hilary Thompson, Ben Cragg Farm, Newland, Ulverston, Cumbria LA12 7PZ 

Tel: 01229 582035 | Mob: 07796 682548 | www.hutinthesheepwash.co.uk 

EXMOOR COAST & COUNTRY 

WOODCOMBE LODGES & COTTAGES 

Set in 3 acre gardens on a quiet country lane on 

the edge of the Exmoor National Park yet within 

1 mile of shops, pubs, beach & seafront. 

South West Coastal Path, Coleridge Way, 

Two Moors Way. Prepared walks from our door. 

Dogs welcome, Free Wifi 

www.woodcombelodges.co.uk 

woodcombelodges@outlook.com 01643 702789 

3HQQLQH2XWGRRU)DEULFV/WG 

:DWHUSURRIƔ %UHDWKDEOHƔ 9HQWLOHƔ )OHHFH 

%XFNOHVƔ:HEELQJƔ=LSVƔ3DWWHUQVƔ6HDP6HDO7DSHV 

0DNHƔ5HSDLUƔ5HXVH 

ZZZSHQQLQHRXWGRRUFRXN 

VDOHV#SHQQLQHRXWGRRUFRXNƔ 

Gemini Walks – specialists in 

Scottish walking holidays 

For a wee blether call us on 

01324 410260 

or email us on 

info@geminiwalks.com 

SUPERB HOLIDAY COTTAGES 

SET WITHIN THE STUNNING 

ENVIRONMENT OF COLDINGHAM 

LOCH ON THE SOUTH EAST COAST 

OF THE SCOTTISH BORDERS 

To book ring Carmel on 

01890 771960 or email info@coldinghamloch.co.uk 

www.coldinghamloch.co.uk 

To showcase your B&B, Hotel or 

Guesthouse contact Chloe on 

01733 979434 or 

email: chloe.sharpe@bauermedia.co.uk 

Stunning base to explore the Peak District 

Sheriff Lodge is an 

elegant, peaceful and 

tranquil B&B in Matlock on 

the edge of the Peak District. 

Five quality ensuite rooms 

with tasteful décor to relax 

in after a day exploring. 

The breakfast is plentiful 

and made to order with 

several meal choices of local 

ingredients. 

www.sherifflodge.com 

Tel: 01629 760760 | Mail: info@sherifflodge.co.uk 

Throughout Scotland 

Cottages throughout Scotland 

Pets Welcome 

01463 719219 www.wildernesscottages.co.uk

WALK 1000 MILES 

Fancy doing something 

INCREDIBLE? 

You can walk 1000 miles in 2022 in a little under an hour a day 

– and you’ll transform your health & happiness if you do. 

W 

E ALL KNOW, in a 

remote way, of the 

power of small, 

incremental differences 

to bring about enormous change. The 

movement of the glaciers which carved 

our mountain ranges; the passage of 

days that has led from dinosaurs to 

Daniel Craig. But it’s something we 

submit to (like when we look at a photo 

of ourselves ten years ago and rue the 

smooth skin and barely-there eye bags) 

more than we realise the power of for 

good, if only we were to seize hold of it. 

Which is where Country Walking’s 

#walk1000miles comes in – our free, 

fun, flexible challenge which dares you 

to walk an enormous distance, while 

whispering that it’s only 2.74 miles a day 

(and you’ll love every minute of it). 

It adds up to the distance from Land’s 

End to John o’ Groats the long way, and 

yet you can do it anywhere – in lunchbreaks 

and stolen half hours, without 

upending your life, needing time off 

work or making you a stranger to your 

friends and family. In fact no-one will 

even notice you’ve embarked on an 

epic quest. Except they will notice 

something. That you’re looking well; 

that you’re up for more things; that 

you’ve got more energy and a readier 

laugh – that you’re yourself, only 

more so. And you’ll have transformed 

your health prospects and sense of 

what’s possible. You don’t have to be 

a superhero to do #walk1000miles 

(you just have to keep at it) but you’ll 

feel like one by the end. 

Try the challenge 99.7% recommend 

to a friend – there’s a complete guide, 

and fun Progress Chart, free with the 

next issue of Country Walking. Find out 

more at walk1000miles.co.uk 

PHOTO: ANTON BALAZH/SHUTTERSTOCK 


FIND YOUR ROUTE 

TO ADVENTURE 

WITH KOMOOT 

Adventure looks different for everyone so komoot lets you 

tailor any route to you, by letting you adjust the fitness 

level and sport type before you plan a route. When you’ve 

chosen your start and endpoints you’ll have a basic route 

planned, where you can then see details like the route surface 

type and elevation profile. You’ll always know what to 

expect! You can adjust your route to include recommended 

Highlights from the local community of experts — be that a 

pretty section of trail or a friendly cafe. 

If you change your mind while you’re out, it’s easy to update 

your route as you walk, bypass a section, end it early, 

or even extend your Tour. When you’re done, save your 

komoot Tour and make it public so others can enjoy it 

too. Upload your pictures and create your own Highlights 

to help others plan their perfect day in the great outdoors 

with your tips. 

Want to know more about komoot? It’s an app that lets 

you find, plan, and share adventures with the easy route 

planner. Driven by a desire to explore, and powered by 

the outdoor community’s recommendations, it’s komoot’s 

mission to inspire great adventures making them 

accessible to all. 

Find, plan and share your adventures, for free 

Get a free maps bundle by going to komoot.com/g 

and using the voucher code KOMOOTWALKING 

Valid for new users only.

Welcome to Walking_Jan22

Transform your PDFs into Flipbooks and boost your revenue!

Delete template?

Save as template ?