Hints and Tips For Walkers
Here are a few tips to help you on you way
Advice for Walkers
Distance to be Walked
This will obviously depend on how fit you are and the time you have available, but as a rough guide a steady pace will be 2 miles per hour. Take a 5 minute break every hour.
Before Setting Out
Tell someone where you are going and when you expect to return. They should be briefed to summon help if you have not arrived home within an agreed timescale.
Dogs
Although local authorities are installing kissing gates along much of the MILLENNIUM WAY, there are still many stiles that are not dog friendly. Please bear in mind when planning your walk that there may be situations where you will need to lift your dog over stiles.
Maps
Take our detailed directions and the appropriate Ordnance Survey map with you. Remember you can download our gpx file to your smart phone onto mapping software which will pinpoint your position. Sometimes it is difficult to identify footpaths and if you need clarification definitive footpath maps are held by the Footpaths Officer of the local Council. A copy can usually be found in main libraries.
Compass
Knowing how to use a compass in conjunction with a map can be useful - see below for a guide on how to use a compass.
Country Code
Please observe the Country Code - don't drop litter, close gates and keep dogs under control.
Clothing
Make sure you have enough suitable outdoor wear to be warm and dry. A few light layers are best. Do not forget a hat and gloves in winter. Trousers prevent scratches and stings.
Walking Stick
Very useful to help maintain balance on uneven or slippery ground and to clear nettles away.
Rucksack
It is surprising how many bits and pieces we all carry and a rucksack stops them falling out of pockets when crossing stiles etc. It is very difficult to find a lost wallet or set of keys in the middle of a field.
Boots
Seek the advice of a good outdoors shop and buy the best you can afford. Do not buy them too tight. It is a good idea to allow space for two fingers to fit in at the back of the boot.
Food & Drink
Take a drink to avoid dehydration - walking can be thirsty work. Some fruit, an energy bar or a snack gives a good excuse to stop and have a break during a walk.
Mobile Phone
Don't leave home without it - it could be vital in an emergency
Whistle
A more old fashioned way of attracting attention but still very effective. The emergency code is 3 short blasts every minute to summon help and 6 long blasts every minute as a reply.
First Aid Items
Use suncream, even if you think it is not going to be sunny. At the least take some plasters for blisters.
How to Use a Compass
Parts of the Compass
- Magnetic Arrow - Always points Magnetic North
- Adjustable Arrow - Adjusted by turning the ring
- Journey Arrow - Journey directionThis is some text
The Map
- A: Where you are now
- B: Where you want to go next
- [N-E-S-W]: Points of the compass
Step 1
Place the compass on the map with the Journey Arrow pointing along the way you want to go.
Step 2
Turn the Adjustable Arrow so it points North as per the N on Points of the compass on the map.
Step 3
- Take the compass off the map.
- Don't touch the Adjustable Arrow ring.
- Turn the whole compass round so the Magnetic Arrow and the Adjustable Arrow are together.
- The Journey Arrow points your way.