Contouring
by Gnasher the Dog (aka Mike Knipe)

So, you are out walking when you see a hill that you've never been up before. But in the way is a dull and boring hill that you have been up loads of times. Solution? Contouring!

Basically, what you do is walk around the hill that's in the way, as opposed to over it. The theory is that this is easier. The theory is wrong.

You'll encounter bog, crag, scree, deep, tussocky grass, a stalker looking for North, and an electric fence.

Also - if you do too much of it, one leg will develop more than the other, which is fine on the hillside, but a distinct disadvantage in the King's Head, where the list to the right (or left, depending on the direction of the contouring), will result in a somewhat crooked posture. This will become empirically proved by the slant of the meniscus on the pint in hand, and consequent spillage, which is not what you want.

Useful phrase: "No, I'm not drunk, I've been contouring"

© Mike Knipe. Mike Knipe is an experienced outdoor enthusiast, walk leader and writer who has worked with Durham County Council and English Nature (aka Natural England).

Other articles by Mike Knipe on go4awalk.com include:

The Mike Knipe Column

The Art of Getting Lost . . .

How to start Peak Bagging . . .

How to sound like a walking expert . . . (writing as Gnasher the Dog) and

Is that a Mitt in your pocket - or are you just pleased to see me?

Do not miss our pick of the Best Walks in the UK

Follow go4awalk.com on Twitter Follow go4awalk.com on Facebook

Home

• The Bunkhouse

° How To

› Sound Like A Walking Expert

- How to sound like a walking expert - a word from the author

- Bearing

- Heading

- The Compass

- Boxing The Compass

- Aiming-Off

- Handrailing

- North

- Contouring

- The Map

- Grid Reference

- GPS - Global Positioning Systems

- Pacing

Help

Register

Search

Contact Us

Free Example Walks

Newsletter

Advertising & Sponsorship Opportunities

About go4awalk.com

Find new Friends to go walking with

Walk all 214 Wainwrights in just 59 Walks. Download GPS Waypoints - Great Walks you must not miss!

Walk The Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge Walk - All the Latest Route Information, GPS Waypoints and Split Times to keep you on Schedule

Walk The British Three Peaks Challenge Walk - All the Latest Route Information and GPS Waypoints

See our pick of The Best Walks in The Lake District - Great Walks you must not miss!

Walk our pick of the Best Lake District Ridge Walks - Great Walks you must not miss!

Walk our pick of the Best Lake District Walks to do in the rain - Great Walks you must not miss!

Walk our pick of The Best Walks in Snowdonia - Great Walks you must not miss!

Walk our pick of The Best Ridge Walks in Wales - Walks you must not miss!

Walk our pick of The Best Walks in The Brecon Beacons - Great Walks you must not miss!

Walk our pick of The Best Walks in The Yorkshire Dales - Walks you must not miss!

Walk our pick of The Best Walks in The Peak District - Walks you must not miss!

Walk our pick of The Best Walks in The Forest of Bowland - Walks you must not miss!

Walk our pick of The Best Walks in Shropshire - Walks you must not miss!

Walk our pick of The Best Walks in Cheshire - Walks you must not miss!

Walk our pick of The Best Walks in Lancashire - Walks you must not miss!

Not sure where to walk next? Try Peak Bagging - Great Walks you must not miss!

Not sure where to walk next? Walk part of a National Trail - Great Walks you must not miss!

Walks with Downloadable and Uploadable GPS Waypoint Data

Walking Kit and Gear Tested by Walkers

Full Site Search
Do not miss our pick of the Best Walks in the UK