Walking

[justaweeone]

Hi
I wasn't sure where to put this. Myself and Dh enjoy going for a walk(gentle stroll then having a pub lunch!). However with Covid and the weather changing I really want to explore proper, longer walks. I've looked at a few websites but how do you find decent longer walks not too far from your home, suitable, cheap parking. What clothes do we need if out for longer walks and any other tips please. We are in south norfolk/ Suffolk border so ideally don't want to spend an hour driving to the coast.
Thanks

Try the OS app it's really good and interactive. Clothes are hard but having learnt the hard way between waterproof and show proof o would check the weather very carefully! Good socks are an absolute must I swear by Brasher as are good walking boots and don't start off doing a long walk on them, break them in slowly
Hope that helps a bit

A book with local walks is often a good way to get started too. I can’t recommend a specific one as I’m a long way from you, but have a look at what’s available In a local bookshop - they will tell you where to park and suggest good routes.

Decathlon does a big range of affordable hiking boots but do check they are waterproof. Even when the weather is dry, the ground is often wet, especially in the winter.

Happy walking!

Get an os map . Most roads have lay-bys close to wherever a path crosses the road. Be careful on the tiny roads , don't block farm access

Be prepared to go back the way you came as you learn to read the map and the local ground

For Suffolk Norfolk sturdy trainers are fine , waterproof if forecast is not good.

Snacks and water! Always take snacks

The o/s map is awesome. I basically scan for public rights of way routes near me on the map just by looking and seeing which routes meet up to form a circle. Then cross reference with Google maps satellite view to check the terrein out a bit more and find somewhere nearby to park. I walk in remote places for parking can be an extra wide bit of verge, for me.

The o/s app is also really useful for seeing where you are whilst on route - but don't rely on it because it needs a mobile signal. Make sure you know the way without it.

I have a light backpack ready to go which has a small first aid kit and other useful bits in it, lip balm, anti-histamines, pen knife, plasters, tissues, etc. I add bottled water and a rain jacket.

Walking boots: it's a personal thing but I hate big leather, traditional boots so tend to walk in lightweight ones or even trail running shoes.

Good socks are important.

All clothing and kit should be tested on shorter walks first to make sure a tiny niggle isn't going to become a massive pain.

Enjoy! Walking is an awesome activity.

Walking boots that have a good grip on wet rocks. Not trainers.

Good wind proof jacket. A beanie.

And a PROPER Ordnance Survey map for the area.

Do Not rely on your phone.

I recently had to guide a couple of stupid tourists up a high fell. They’d come walking in the Lakes without a map or a local guide book. Hopeless.

I love OS maps.

Nothing better than having a physical map in your hand.

Check the forecast.
Decent waterproof, layers, warm fleece plus good boots.
And food.
Do some reasonable circular walks and you'll get used to it.

And plan for a tea shop at the end.

Define proper? DH and I regularly walk 15 miles and we don't have special kit for it. Just a decent pair of shoes (not necessarily walking boots, I prefer walking shoes for

Eurgh. Cut off my reply. Essentially you don't need anything special for less than 15 miles, just water and decent shoes. We also use the OS app (print to scale maps before setting off) which suits us for 3+ day backpacking and through hikes. Longer walks take snacks (savoury and sweet as you will get salt cravings after long distances, we like Gu gels and Grenade protein bars but chocolates and pretzels work too). Waterproof coat (for wind not just rain). Spare show laces. Minor first air kit. If the start of the route is within a few miles I'd just walk it. Better for the environment, your health and your wallet.

Essentially you don't need anything special for less than 15 miles, just water and decent shoes

How long does it take you to do 15 miles?

That's definitely a snack and a packed lunch walk.

20 minute miles, so 5 hours. Eat before we go. Eat when we finish. Lunch at 1. Dinner at 7pm. Or breakfast at 8am and lunch at 1pm. Obviously these aren't exact times and sometimes we'll have brunch mid-morning and eat mid afternoon. Whatever works shrug 🤷‍♀️

Another vote for a proper map. You can see so much more than on a tiny screen and can plan walks that you discover for yourselves. Just make sure that you understand which paths are public rights of way and which aren't - all printed on the map in a helpful box.

Consider using a bus at the start of the day and walking back. We often do that, locally and on holiday (although you might want to wait until the virus has lessened).

For up to about ten miles I'd just take water but it you are new to walking you will get hungrier so something like sandwiches and a banana.

Have fun, you will discover so many places you never knew were there.

@chomalunga
I definitely can't keep up that pace at 25-30miles though!!!! Goes drastically downhill after mile 18 and lucky to keep a 30 minute average. Frustrates DH no end because I'm too slow. I vetoed anything above 30 miles. So DH sometimes goes for a run beforehand. He's crazy, he did just a touch over a half marathon this morning before eating breakfast. Fairly regular occurrence but rather him than me!

I live in Yorkshire and there is a section on Yorkshire Water's website detailing walks around its waterways and reservoirs. They even sent me a free pack of maps. Does your local water board do similar?

I vetoed anything above 30 miles

Which is very sensible.
Most I've done is 26 miles and it almost killed me

I also have the OS app and one called Komoot for inspiration and planning.

Hi, sounds like you're just down the road from me...
I have used this website recently www.discoversuffolk.org.uk and did a lovely walk near Somerleyton and passed two nice pubs!
I think the local ramblers association have some walks on their websites too.
I would definitely recommend a map or printed instructions. Gps/Google maps have failed me miserably due to lack of signal.
Another good option if you can't find circular walks is parking at a station (Halesworth/Beccles area) going one way and walking back.
As the weather gets worse, just be mindful of boggy low lying land- good waterproof walking boots are sensible unless you are sticking to roads and bridleways.

All trails app

www.alltrails.com/

Voilà

Are you near enough to walk around one of the Norfolk Broads (those you can walk around)?

Ordnance Survey also produce small books of walks in various areas of the country . Each book includes around 20 walks graded in levels of difficulty , includes a section of a map with the walk highlighted and a description of the route .

You could also do an Amazon search of 'walks in xxxxxx' in the books section .

Mountain Warehouse and Go Outdoors sell reasonably priced walking equipment, eg walking boots, waterproof jacket etc

Essentially you don't need anything special for less than 15 miles, just water and decent shoes.

You obviously don't have serious mud or partially flooded paths where you walk!

Be prepared to go back the way you came as you learn to read the map and the local ground

Or if part way round a walk you come across a field with a bull or unsettled cows. They're about the only potentially serious animal hazard in the U.K.

The advice that you don't need anything special for a walk of less than 15 miles is what results in people needing mountain rescue to bring them down off Snowdon.

For beginners, 15 miles is a very long day walk, particularly if you are on mountainous or rough terrain.

Agree 15 miles is one hell of a walk. Ridiculous advice upthread