Four essentials for a successful country walk

Country walks have the potential to be the ideal family day out or an exciting adventure with a friend, depending on what you are in the mood for.

They can be anything from a leisurely stroll along the South Downs to a stunning and exhilarating climb in the Lake District. However no matter where you go or who you are walking with, there are some things that you would do well to consider each time you set off.

If you are planning to go on longer walks or on more dangerous routes, then be sensible and pack a comprehensive bag of kit. It can also be useful to speak to someone who has done the hike before recently. However, at a basic level, you cannot go wrong by always keeping in mind the following four things.

Maps

Unless you have grown up around the area you are exploring, then a map is an essential, since it can be very easy to go wrong on a route and much more difficult to correct your journey without some assistance.

Not only is there an element of danger to losing your way; you may also be berated by companions who had not signed up for a long and confusing hike.

Footwear

Arguably your most important item of clothing in many cases, since wearing the wrong kind of shoes can transform a pleasurable walk into a hellish odyssey. Invest in some solid footwear such as North Face boots so that you always have a pair on hand for outdoor adventures.

Weather-appropriate dress

While in some countries it may be easy to judge what to wear on a walk, in the UK it is always recommended to take a lightweight waterproof, no matter what the weatherman says. As well as this, you may wish to consider a cap just in case the sun comes out one day.

Liquids

Even if you are dressed appropriately and have brought a map with you, there is the chance that a walk will take longer than you think or that you will end up altering course, so it is essential that you bring liquids. This does not mean bringing a huge sports drink on every little stroll, just a small bottle of water will do the job on most little routes, although this will change according to how many people are with you.