15 TIPS for BEGINNERS to Long Distance Hiking & The West Highland Way
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 2 ส.ค. 2024
- In this video I go over 15 tips that can hopefully help people that are new to long distance hiking. Whether you're planning on hiking The West Highland Way, or any other long distance trail, hopefully at least one or two of these tips will be of use to you!
Happy Trails!
00:00 - Intro
01:16 - Plan Ahead
03:10 - What Time of Year?
03:59 - No New Footwear!
04:54 - Prevent Blisters, Don't Treat Them!
07:43 - Use Trekking Poles
09:28 - You Don't Need a Pack Cover
10:37 - Don't Overload Your Pack
12:15 - Carry a Water Filter
14:40 - Don't Use Heavy Water Bottles
16:17 - Layer Your Clothing
18:45 - Carry Ibuprofen Tablets
19:32 - Check Yourself for Ticks
20:54 - Watch Your Footing
21:55 - Leave No Trace
22:22 - Enjoy & Engage
23:49 - Outro & Please Subscribe!
![[LIVE] : ONE ลุมพินี 73 วันนี้!! คู่เอก "วรพล vs พันฤทธิ์"](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/rrOljlqse3A/mqdefault.jpg)
![NONT TANONT - ดอกไม้ที่รอฝน (spring) - Reimagined [Live Session]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/nY2PsFZFEOg/mqdefault.jpg)
Hey Paul, many thanks for this...after a few days up there, here and there, I'm considering the whole GR10, and frankly I'm seriously daunted. So I've really appreciated these calm words of advice. Thank you mate, and safe travels.
Paul 🙏
Thanks Paul, much appreciated! I still get daunted by long distance hikes. Once you're out there, everything tends to fade away. Getting there and starting is the hardest thing in my opinion. The GR10 has good access to services, transport and towns at regular intervals for the most part. It's well marked and most sections are well travelled. Get yourself out there and have an awesome time! I used the Cicerone guidebook to help me plan my section hike and found it really useful.
Hi Paul, even though the video has been online for a while, it helped me again. I'm going to walk the West Highland Way at the beginning of September and am constantly looking for tips. I already have the newest Trail book from Cicerone and have planned routes that should be doable for me with good stamina but somewhat sensitive feet (I have 2 weeks and will then have time to enjoy the landscape). I'm trying to take as little weight with me as possible, but that's not so easy because the Scottish weather keeps making me question my equipment constantly ;-) I try to end under 12 kg. If not possible I have to leave anything home :-) Best wishes!
That's great, thanks for watching! I hope that you have a really enjoyable experience on the trail 👍
Hi Paul, thanks for such a useful video!
Here's a tip: Not necessarily for hiking but for hot weather and risk of dehydration, I carry the most common brand of electrolyte powder. In my youth I worked on a university archaeology project in rural Greece. We were told the water was safe. It wasn't. At one point it was 41 C in the shade and we all got sick. I got it first and worst... could barely keep any food or drink down for nearly a week. If I hadn't been able to mix up my magic elixir, I would have had to be taken to hospital. Slowly, my body became able to take in small amounts of fluid without rejecting it and I credit the powder for saving me from losing my summer (or worse)!
Most of your hikes are close enough to shops to buy more supplies (an ice cold Cola) or get help if you need it so the extra weight may not be worth the bother. However, if you are travelling in stupid-hot and isolated regions, or working outdoors in the stupid hot-sun, I recommend carrying enough powder for a couple of bottles.
Cheers!
That's actually really good advice Anne, thank you! After my illness on my last trip on the Cleveland Way, I've added a few electrolyte tablets to my first aid kit. They're invaluable if dehydration or high temperatures are a possibility.
I'm also quite envious of your archaeological work in Greece, I would love to do something like that!
Electrolytes are indeed a must, either for hot temperatures or for long distances, or both 👍
All super tips mate. I've learnt many of these by trial and error. I also totally agree with your pack cover one. I used to always take one and use a liner. I soon realised what a waste of added weight it was. The pack liner is more than enough and some pack materials are also water resistant enough to fend off the lighter rain.
Exactly right fella, experience is the best way to learn!
Hi, recently I went on my first long one-day hike. I only committed five of your no-nos. I had on a new pair hiking shoes, so I did get a blister on one foot. I did take in the view and nearly ricked my ankle. The distance was a little too adventurous for my first hike (16 miles). The weather was quite warm and with an everyday rucksack, my back was soaking with sweat. Finally, I had my landscape camera and tripod with me; too heavy for such a walk. Very useful advice. My next walk will be better planned. Thanks.
Thanks for taking the time to comment! Getting out there is the best way to learn, gain more experience, and find what works best for you. 16 miles is impressive for your first long hike, well done! Keep on getting out there and enjoying it!
Great video Paul will take many tips on board when I go at the end of April. One question though how much water would you actually carry on a daily basis?
Hey, thanks. I hope you have a great hike when you go mate.
I'm guilty of not drinking enough when I'm hiking, but the WHW is pretty good for water availability as long as you're carrying a filter such as one of the 2 in the video. Personally, I wouldn't carry more than 2 litres, and would just make sure I was topped up before I set up camp (if wild camping). If you intend to use water to cook or make hot drinks at camp, you might want a little more.
@@PaulandaPack okay mate lovely jubly. Yes I will be wild camping and carrying water filtration. Can't wait! Again thanks for your brilliant videos... We really enjoy them!
Think you missed one practice carrying your pack with the weight you intend to carry good bids by the wsy
Thanks Stephen, and a good tip from you. It's a great way to prepare for a long hike - pack your backpack with the gear you need for the trail, throw it on, and do some shorter hikes to get used to carrying the weight.
hi Paul,
I usually never take any medicine and thus I'm not accustomed to ibuprofen or paracetamol. However, out of curiosity, why do you recommend the 1st one?
Hey Eric, good question. Both Aspirin and Ibuprofen act not only as pain relief, but are also anti-inflammatories, which can help reduce swelling in strained muscles and tendons. It really comes down to personal preference between the two, (or some people may be allergic to one of them). Personally, I find Ibuprofen more effective than Aspirin, especially for general aches and pains on trail.