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

Yeah it let me download all the west Devon maps I wanted for some reason! It’s also got a lot of more local walks for me so it looks like a good little app!

Agree with what3words.
Your worry is not that you will get lost or hurt, your worry is that no one can find you if that happens.
What3words provides your location to others, to an accuracy of just 10 feet. Anywhere on the planet!

Paper map in map case, just in case. Second plasters/blister plasters: been caught out before, and it's not fun.

If you are asking for advice then you must be a novice. I think 12 miles is too long for a novice walk; I'd start with a shorter walk and build up to the 12 mile one.

I don’t think I’m necessarily a novice, I walk an and I’ve done a lot of 8-10 mile walks in my local area! I just know that Dartmoor is obviously different to my local area

I think senu is possibly right. 12 miles would be very long on your own and days are quite short. I'd probably max at 8 personally.

These are the routes as per Komoot, I’m quite comfortable with being able to walk that far to be honest, it’s a little push compared to what I usually do but I feel confident. It’s so much shorter on the way back because it misses out a couple of tors!

Very jealous, enjoy! My one necessity would be a coffee flask.

Well it's your choice op. But try and factor in possible short cuts just in case you get bored, tired, sore, rained on etc.

Hope it goes well.

You really need to carry a proper Ordnance Survey map. And cold weather gear.

From looking at maps it seems like I can just walk pretty much straight from any of the tors back to the town and if needs be there’s an army camp which is about halfway where I could always call a taxi!

But otherwise, sounds great. I walk alone up hills & mountains - Dartmoor always feels a bit flat to me ...

os maps are the most reliable in the UK

other maps have glitches that have led to people needing rescues

I’ve downloaded the OS maps app :)

Water

Blister plasters.

A good torch (check it is charged) - this is to attract attention as well as help you see in front of you so should be powerful one.

Emergency whistle (they cost about 3 quid)

Bit of waterproof insulated foam to sit on to enjoy your lunch but also important if you did get injured, the ground is really cold and you could be waiting a while for assistance. Being able to get your bum off the ground and onto an insulated mat makes a huge difference to staying warm. They are really light and don't take up much room.
Like this https://www.cotswoldoutdoor.com/p/therm-a-rest-z-seat-D3134020.html?colour=5522&utm_source=google&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=19716304771&gclid=CjwKCAjwgeLHBhBuEiwAL5gNEVr1E2ZAgFwAbFUbDPlVWsxQBrxL1AJa1D5Ya43QcZRE54g4vN9mVxoCUasQAvD_BwE

I have a head torch somewhere I think! I also have pads to sit on, from going to the F1 😂

I hope you enjoy your walk. My advice is to let someone know where and when you’re walking and arrange to check in with them when you return and agree a time by which they’d alert services if you haven’t contacted them

My parents will know and if I’ve not let them know I’m on a train home by about 6 they’ll be in contact!

Hello, regular Dartmoor walker here. You should be absolutely fine, but do please buy a paper OS map! I do carry a compass, but have used it exactly once on all my walks on Dartmoor.

I normally walk from the centre of the Moor so have never done Yes Tor and Higher Willhays from Okehampton, but imagine that it's a very well walked route. The only problem on access land (which it is) is that there are far more paths on the ground than on the map, because people can walk anywhere, and it can be confusing to find the right path.

Does your route take you through the firing range, and have you checked they're not firing this weekend? (You can look it up online).

I would take 1.5- 2 litres of water, and waterproof boots. Even if it's a dry day, it'll be boggy underfoot in places.

Have a lovely time!

This, plus DH always takes an actual old school map as well.

Paper map and spare socks. ALL the waterproofs and warm clothes.

I hiked solo for most of my 40 years on the hills - as long as you plan carefully and are mindful of the weather, it should be nothing but fun. Do not be afraid to turn back if conditions become unpleasant or you start getting seriously cold: any experienced walker will do that. The hills won't go away!

Going solo means you concentrate on your route and surroundings better - it's not in itself a hazard as long as you keep your decisions prudent. I know the walk you are describing extremely well - it's roads and paths all the way, so you are on firm ground and it's easy to navigate. There are likely to be a few other people around, there always have been when I've done it. Talk to them if you want to - there's a lovely feeling of camaraderie on the hills and you can pick up loads of information. No one will be in the least surprised to see a solo woman out there.

Mist can come in fast on Dartmoor and has a strangely intimidating effect, but if you feel secure on the road, just keep going: the road doesn't change because its foggy. Do not walk across the moor if mist comes down.

I think you are quite close to Army ranges. In true Mumsnet form, don't ignore any red flags!!

Take a plastic bag or buy a map cover if you have a paper map. It will be toilet paper within an hour if you don't. Above all, enjoy the grandeur that is Dartmoor, and feel justly proud of yourself for getting out there: this is your land! I hope this is the first of many adventures - try Hound Tor of Sherlock fame next. xx.

A paper map and compass and the ability to use them, or at the least the Ordnance Survey app. Proper clothing including a warm/waterproof jacket and trousers or leggings (not jeans). Decent shoes (doesn't need to be hiking boots, but need to have a good tread on them - trail running shoes are great for light hiking). Water, food, whistle, foil blanket.

Great - it's a really cool app, and there is also a companion compass app which gives you your grid reference, which mountain rescue will appreciate if you ever need them.

Good stuff. Make sure you download the base map for your walk. I've failed there myself previously.