• Your boots are the most important thing. Make sure they are waterproof, comfortable and have good ankle support and soles.

• Travel light as a heavy rucksack can tire you out – a 35-litre rucksack is adequate as a daypack. Rucksacks are not waterproof so line it with a plastic bag.

• Waterproof, windproof and breathable coat and trousers are essential in all seasons. Underneath this it is important to maintain a constant body temperature through a system of clothing layers. Your base layer should be made from a high-wicking man-made material – do not wear jeans or cotton shirts as these will soak up moisture.

SAFETY

• Never underestimate the strenuous nature of walking and outdoor activities. Do not attempt to complete a walk that is beyond your level of fitness, skill or experience. Ensure that you are suitably fit before embarking on a long distance walk. Build up gradually by walking increasingly longer distances over a period of time. Do some stretching exercises before setting out to avoid straining muscles.
• Always walk in a group or inform someone of your intended route and report your safe arrival.
• Carry a first aid kit and blister plasters.
• Obtain a weather forecast and if the weather turns bad, turn back.
• From spring to autumn, cover exposed skin with sun block even if it’s cloudy.
• Drink plenty of water (not alcohol) and eat high-energy snack food throughout the day.
• Take OS maps with you and carry a compass (learn how to use it!) or GPS.
• Do not explore old mine workings or quarries. Take care crossing railway lines, rivers or roads. Face on-coming traffic when walking along roads.
• The moors and hills are home to Britain’s only poisonous snake, the adder. Adders like south-facing slopes and can often be found basking in the sun. Adders will only bite if startled or scared – if you are unlucky enough to be bitten seek medical help immediately.
• Other useful items include a torch, a change of socks, mobile phone (coverage is often limited to the hill tops), trekking poles, camera, plenty of plastic bags to keep things dry, ‘survival bag’ in case someone is injured and a whistle to attract attention (six blasts is the international distress call). Only call out the Mountain Rescue in an emergency.

“An experienced walker knows when to turn back”

COUNTRY CODE
Enjoy the countryside and respect its life and work
Keep dogs under control
Keep to public rights of way
Use stiles and gates to cross boundaries
Take litter home
Do not touch crops, machinery or livestock
Protect fauna and flora
Take care on country roads
Do not make excessive noise
Close gates behind you
Guard against risk of fire
Safeguard water supplies