Hiking is always more fun when you’re prepared, you will need to keep warm and dry in winter and cool and hydrated in summer. We’ve drawn on our experience to come up with suggestions we hope will ensure your hikes with us are as comfortable and enjoyable as possible.
What should I wear?
Clothes: Wear whatever makes you comfortable and is suitable for the conditions of the day. On our longer walks, we advise against wearing cotton or denim as they absorb and retain moisture, which can make you uncomfortable.
Boots: Walking in trainers is possible on our shorter walks (less than 6 miles) Please consider it can be muddy in places at any time of the year, so your trainers may get muddy and or your feet wet! Walking shoes or boots are best for longer hikes. Boots are usually essential on our trips away.
Waterproof: On any walk, the weather can turn for the worse, so even if the forecast is clear most members carry a lightweight jacket or waterproof. During the winter a rainproof jacket is a must, and many members also use waterproof over-trousers or quick-drying outdoor fabrics. Gore-tex and eVent fabrics are perfect if you have the budget.
From spring through to autumn, you’ll probably need some sun protection too (sunglasses, hat, sun cream)
What should I bring?
Food and Drink: You will need to bring water, about a litre, even in winter. On a hot day you may need 2+ litres of water. Most longer walks usually include a lunch stop of about twenty minutes (or less if it's raining hard!) so please bring some food. Please check the walk details. Read the Ramblers advice on food and drink when out walking.
Bag: You will need some sort of rucksack. Make sure it is comfortable for long periods. Try out backpacks with a realistic load in them. On very short summer walks it’s possible to get away with just carrying water with you. Choose one that can accommodate your kit, food and drink.
Are dogs allowed ? Generally yes, it will usually be in the walk description if restricted to assistance dogs only. Please be mindful of others who may be uncomfortable/have a fear of dogs and ensure your dog only approaches other people or their dogs when invited by ensuring they are under effective close control and on a short lead around other animals. If you're unsure, contact the walk leader to check and the amount of livestock en route. Please read the Dog Walking Code before bringing your dog.
Children: Children under the age of 18 are welcome to walk with us provided they are accompanied by a parent, guardian or person with equivalent responsibility for the entire walk. We currently do not run family-friendly walks and are walks are generally not suitable for children under 10 years old due to the pace (speed) and length of walk. Please contact us in advance if you are considering bringing a young child to ensure the walk is suitable.
Extras - useful for weekends away
Sit mat: These cost next to nothing, don't take up much space and provide a welcome perch during a lunch break when everyone else has nicked the best seats.
Walking Poles: The popularity of walking poles is steadily increasing as more people realise the benefits of them - this includes people of all ages. Poles offer a better spread of effort on ascent, taking some of the load off the legs and onto the arms. The same concept applies more so during descent due to the additional shock loading which would otherwise be present on the knee joints. Poles are best used in pairs to balance your gait.
Torch: A torch isn't usually needed for most walks, but do check the walk write-up as the short daylight hours during winter and evening walks during the summer mean that walks can sometimes finish at or after dusk. Recommended for mountain walks during summer and winter months.
First-Aid Kit: Even on short walks, it's always useful to have a couple of plasters handy in the case of blisters or other minor mishaps. Compede is useful for blisters in the early stages and is available at most outdoor shops. For hills or mountain walking, minor cuts and abrasions can and do occur, so a few extra items such as swabs, dressings, tape and antiseptic cream will be useful. Paracetamol or Ibuprofen for pain killers. Conveniently sized pocket first-aid pouch, is available at most outdoor stores and online.
Whistle & Survival bag: Useful in the case of emergencies on the hill for attracting attention and keeping warm. Survival bags also offer a convenient way of attaining a faster descent down a suitably snowy hillside - not that we officially condone that sort of thing of course!
List and map of our Walks in the Chilterns Got a question, ask the team