Hill Skills Training

Q. My partner and I are looking to get into walking/hiking in a more serious manner than we are at present. We are both very fit people and currently walk locally, in Hampshire, to an upper/moderate level and average about 8-15K's per outing. We are going to Snowdonia in August for a 4 day camping/walking exercise, to see if it is a sport we would enjoy.

We do not know much about the safety/survival aspects other than the logical aspects. We know to take a first-aid kit, flares, food, water, etc and to wear good boots and ample layers, but that is where our knowledge ends.

We would appreciate ANY help or advice you could offer us to help us be as prepared as we need to be.

Do you know of any clubs/courses in our local area of Basingstoke, Hampshire that we would benefit from attending.

Thanks in advance

Mark Frayling

A. You seem to have all of the basics covered - plenty of food, water, boots, layers, waterproofs, Compass, OS map (go4awalk route guide of course!)

Have a look in our Hill Skills Section - it covers most of the basics from what to wear to what to eat to how to use a compass. There is also a quite detailed section on what to do in emergencies which you might want to print and take with you (just for reassurance).

The Snowdonia fells are popular most times of year so there should be plenty of people about. If you are sensible and don't over stretch yourselves and I'm sure you'll be OK.

As for local clubs/courses - I don't know of any in Hampshire - but you might want to have a look in the back of Trail magazine - or enquire at Plas y Brenin (The National Outdoor Centre) which is located in Capel Curig (if you are passing). Just don't forget to mention go4awalk.com though!

I hope you enjoy your time on the hills and become a fan - and don't forget to send us your photographs.

Mike (Editor)

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