How to sound like a walking expert - a word from the author
by Gnasher the Dog (aka Mike Knipe)

Effective navigation can be such a minefield of jargon that, before I retire completely to that great beanbag by the fire, I thought I'd explain a few jargonistic expressions concerned with hillwalking.

This, in my opinion will be useful for the walker who is unfamiliar with such language, and wants to appear knowledgeable in the post-pedestrianistic bibulotastic quaffing in the King's Head. (Ed. Where does a dog learn such language?)

So, if the following words come up in conversation over the frothy stuff, you can join in with confidence and a plumb. (Sorry, that should be aplomb, which, as Latin scholars will already know, is a lump of lead used in Roman times to persuade cynics that you really do know what you're talking about. Often the lead was concealed in an elderly and unwashed loop-stitched sock, which was invented by the Romans, of course.) Anyway, I digress - on with the plot. As a bonus, for that "I know what I'm talking about" effect, some simple and easy-to-remember phrases are included for regurgitation when the particular piece of jargon comes up in the conversation.

And remember - walking is supposed to be fun. Woof!

© 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?