Safe Walking Tips

Walking is one of the safest outdoor activities with hundreds of thousands of participants each week. However, as with all outdoors activities, it is not risk-free and the risk increases as the grade you walk at increases, especially if you choose to walk in all weather conditions. Below are some tips that might help reduce any potential risk that you could experience whilst walking with LYPWG:

• If you have previously been inactive, getting a check up at your doctors might be a good idea before beginning any extensive walking activities.
• Know your limitations; don't try participating in a hard or severe walk before you are very comfortable at intermediate grade walking.
• Whilst walking your pace should be such that you can comfortably hold a conversation. If you become breathless while walking and talking, slow down; we'll not leave you behind!
• Listen to your body. If you feel pain, dizziness, nauseous or unduly uncomfortable in any way, stop and summon assistance.
• Keep hydrated. Drinking water is always a good idea. Drink small amounts before, during and after your walk, especially if you are sweating heavily due to warm weather or exertion.

• Check the weather forecast before you leave home (see Walking and the weather); dress and pack accordingly (see What to wear on your walk and What to bring on your walk).
• Check your kit before you leave home (it is a good idea to do your kit-check the night before!) - is there any fraying on your boot laces, any damage to your clothing or rucksack, is everything protected from the weather? (e.g. is your mobile going to get wet; do you need to pop it in a waterproof bag?)
• Be aware of your surroundings. On elevated paths, scrambles, stream or river crossings etc... pay extra attention to your footing and balance. If doing anything other than easy or moderate grade walks you should try to get 'map-savvy' and start knowing where you are going, what obstacles you might come across and what features you might expect to see.
• When walking along roads keep in single file and pay attention. Walk along side that offers the most protection, such as a wide grass verge, or affords the best view of oncoming traffic. Swap sides if necessary when approaching bends.
• Strange but true - more people are killed or injured each year by cows than are by bulls. Cows are naturally curious about strangers in their fields and a herd will often move 'en masse' to scope you out, especially if you are with a dog. Avoid crossing fields with cows or, if you must, keep enough space between you and the herd to effect an escape if you have to. If you're walking with a dog get it on a lead as soon as you encounter cows (or any other livestock for that matter!) .
• If you become an avid walker consider taking a walking skills course. If you become a really avid walker, and would like the opportunity to get more involved whilst improving your own skills, consider becoming a Walk Leader.

• On easy and moderate grade walks your existing footwear should suffice though you will need to ensure the good condition of the tread on your soles to avoid slipping an any ice or compacted snow patches. However, on intermediate, hard and severe walks you must ensure that, especially in winter, your boots are suited to the level of activity that you will be carrying out.
• Make sure that you carry spare clothing layers to ensure effective layering. Many thin layers are better than a couple of thick layers as you can then 'fine tune' your body temperature. Also, never forget your hat and gloves.
• To ensure your safety and comfort always carry the recommended scales of kit for the grade of walk you intend to participate in and the weather you expect. You should always have a plastic survival bag in your rucsack when walking in elevated or mountainous terrain - as well as providing an emergency refuge should the worst happen they are also great for 'danger-bagging' on snowy slopes!
• Strange but true - more people suffer heat exhaustion in cold conditions than in hot. When walking in winter it is easy to overdress and then wonder why you're sweating your bits off ten minutes into the walk. Ditch the heavy jacket into your rucksack on setting off and put it on when you stop for more than three minutes (e.g. coffee breaks and lunch) when you really need protection to keep warm. Consider getting a windsmock as lightweight protection whilst walking.
• If regularly participating in intermediate, hard and severe grade walks in winter, consider taking a winter walking skills course.

** Remember, for your own and others safety, please read and abide by the advice and guidelines included in this website and any communication issued by LYPWG's organisers, walk leaders or committee members. Though walking is inherently one of the safest outdoor activities, no activity is completely without risk and it is your responsibility to behave sensibly and to minimise the potential for accidents to occur. **