Solo “hiking”

[ApricotDanish83]

Posting here mainly for traffic to be honest.

I’m planning a day out to Dartmoor this weekend to go on a pretty long walk up a couple of the tors. Going by myself because I have nobody to go with but I’m craving being outside 😂

the route is set to be about three and a half hours back, two hours in, and about 12 miles all together. I’m relatively fit but wha do I need to take with me??? I know I’ll need some snacks but that’s about all I can think of

Oh and I’ve planned my route on komoot, which sticks to paths etc and I’ve saved the routes for if I lose signal!

Water, fruit and nut snacks, silver foil blanket thingy (very light), compass and good ordnance survey map with waterproof cover, whistle. Good, worn in, walking boots and socks plus spare socks in bag. Good waterproof jacket and , depending on the weather, waterproof trousers.

Power bank if your phone is likely to flag? Waterproofs - even if it doesn't rain the extra wind proofing can be helpful. Blister plasters just in case?

Bear in mind that a path of a map is a permission to walk that way not necessarily a path on the ground. Have a good look at the aerial view to see if you can see the path.

If you are not used to hiking even with others that is quite a challenging walk at this time of year/weather. It doesn't sound like you have much/any navigation skills. You want to be leave as early as you can to leave as much time for things going wrong as possible before it gets wet.

You need
A paper map as back up
Power pack - these map apps eat power
waterproofs
spare layers
emergency foil blanket
torch
Water
Proper food
Hat and Gloves

I'm sure others will be along with other suggestions.

Are there any parts that involve more than just walking? (i.e scrambling, climbing, going through water). If not, as long as you've got weather appropriate clothes and a map, 12 miles should be straight forward. Toilets may be an issue if you are fully rural - prep for that maybe.

Most importantly, you need a dog. Everyone needs a dog if you like walking. Enjoy!

If you've saved the route, you should be able to switch to airplane mode with location on and save battery drain.

I’d love a dog!!

I’ve taken a look on maps, it’s all very distinguishable from the air, and very well worn tracks. It also looks set to be a rare dry day down here!

I carry a power bank with me everywhere anyway as my phone is awful now so that’s a staple🤣

You need to tell someone your route and when you expect to be back. First rule of hillwalking solo.

Ah, I'm jealous, have a lovely time! The OS app is really good. That's what I use.
If it's an easy hike and good weather I like to bring a book for lunchtime company.

Oh I’ll share my route with my parents! It’s starting at okehampton station and then down to yes tor and west hillways. So I don’t know if calling it any more than a walk is just being too complimentary to myself 😂

More food than you think you'll eat, plenty of water, waterproof coat, sturdy trainers or hiking boots, plasters & bandage, fully charged phone and power pack, map or guide (possibly on phone), maybe extra light layer in case it's colder than you expect. Check timings as it's getting dark much earlier now and allow more time in that respect than you think, just to be sure you're not stuck walking in the dark.

I hike all the time, though rarely alone. As long as you don't get lost or injure yourself, you'll be fine. Getting lost can be easier than you imagine, depending on the route, but if you have access to the Internet, you should be able to work out where you are - if in doubt, retrace your steps to the last place on the map where you were sure of where you were.

Was going to suggest life360 or something similar and telling someone where you are and if you haven’t sent a text at the end by X time they’ll call you.

Great having to think of personal safety 😩 no wonder we always choose the bear 🐻

Have a lovely hike!

I was going to say 'A Dog' too! They would love that.

I can't think of anything else original to add, but have a great time!

Rather than take lots of water, invest in a water filter, like a Sawyer.

You can carry a lot less and just replenish at streams and puddles.

This time of year I would take a flask as well as the obvious waterproofs and an extra layer in case you get stuck

I would make sure I had a recent map and the get os maps and os locate on my phone so that I can always tell where I am

i wiuld have someone to call when I got back - someone who knew where I planned to go and when to call for help - 12 miles so call for help after say 7 or 8 hrs

check the weather and don’t bother if it’s crap - do something much shorter

🙄
Telling someone your walking route is in case you get injured or fall, not in case you walk past a man. This place sometimes.

If this was going to be a more common occurrence for me I definitely would but at the moment I don’t think it is!

aw i love walking alone, enjoy! good snacks and some perfect sandwiches, plenty of water, waterproofs, phone and power bank, compass but your map is on your phone even offline so probs ok without OS map (maybe thats bad advice!)

I’m really looking forward to it! I’ve not been up to Dartmoor for a while now but last time I was up there the signal was actually okay, apart from really deep on the moors. Because I’m sticking to the edge I’m hopeful it should be okay!

I use the free version of the All Trails app which gives you a live location, if you have a signal.
I'd also take a bag of mint humbugs and plenty of tissues as the cold makes my nose run.

I hike alone and always have os map on app. Its brilliant. Plus spare battery
If I dont know the route I take paper map.
Coat, hat and gloves
Food and drink
Blister plasters
Tissues
Lip balm

I do a lot of solo hiking and think your plan sounds great! Lots of good advice from everyone on what to take / telling someone your plan & return time. Make sure you download the map if you can on Komoot - it then won’t matter if you lose signal / have phone on airplane, it’ll still show your GPS location on the loaded map.
Have a good one!

Download what3words, it’s what mountain rescue etc can use to find you. And remember to turn back if the weather turns. I think that’s when it tends to go wrong. Enjoy!