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The great outdoors

Here you can find advice on camping, outdoor activities and walking in the UK and abroad.

Come chat hiking with me!

790 replies

SanFranBear · 08/05/2022 14:40

I've noticed whenever hiking comes up as a general chat subject, loads of people jump in to say how much they love it. I thought there might be a general thread somewhere on this as I'd love to chat with people who walk regularly but couldn't find one.

Would anyone like to join me? I live down on the South Coast so am lucky that there are some gorgeous places for me to walk - the New Forest, South Downs and further up the coast in both directions. I normally manage a couple of decent walks a week, depending on DC's care pattern, as well as trying to get out for the occasional hour or so on other days. I mainly walk alone but do have a friend who joins me on occasion.

I'm quite a novice as only really started walking in February of this year and the furthest I've walked is just over 20k, but I'm finding it so liberating - I feel like a different woman after a walk, my mind is free and my body feels tired but satisfied, if that makes sense?

Would just be nice to have a friendly chat with like-minded bods. And perhaps share some photos - helps the weather is beautiful at the moment but I'm struck every time I'm out, just how beautiful our country is - even when I'm wandering in the inner city. Here's a couple of pictures from my Friday walk - a stunning church in a village in the middle of nowhere and some great graffiti on the side of a motorway underpass 😃

Come chat hiking with me!
Come chat hiking with me!
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Gwdihooooo · 05/03/2023 08:57

Ah @SanFranBear they’re lovely pics! Your brave going in with cows 🙈
I love walking through woodland!

We’ve just introduced a puppy to our house soo our walks have slowed down quite a bit at the moment.

Undergroundovergroundwomblingfree · 31/03/2023 15:25

Sorry not to have been keeping up to date on this thread but walking just seems a bit muddy and grey at the moment and I am longing for spring to properly arrive. At least with the clocks changing I can get out in the evenings too.
However, I am off next week to walk The Ridgeway and can't wait. I'll try and get lots of photos and hopefully the weather will be kind.

Undergroundovergroundwomblingfree · 14/04/2023 11:23

I'll update some photos when I get a chance but I just popped on to say I did it. The whole Ridgeway from Overton Hill to Ivinghoe Beacon. It was absolutely beautiful and so well signposted. I would definitely recommend it. Now I want to go back and walk it the other way!

SuperLoudPoppingAction · 17/04/2023 12:20

Amazing! Well done.

SanFranBear · 28/05/2023 12:35

Hellllloooo my lovely fellow hikers!

I thought as the weather is just wonderful and improving every day and the nights are starting later, it's probably time to resurrect this thread so we can share all our summer adventures!

I hurt my knee quite badly back in March and was told not to walk for over a month which was torture - the first time I got back out again was better than any drug... well, almost 😉

So I haven't been as active as I'd have liked but am back on it and with my DC away a bit in half term, I have some wonderful routes planned, all around the 20k mark.

I managed to get out this morning and it was absolutely wonderful - not too hot yet but beautiful sunshine and all nature and her babies seemed to be out! I also went through a lovely village which had a scarecrow trail in full force - some incredible creations and presume the theme was kids tv!

Hope you're all looking forward to a gorgeous summer as much as I am and I can't wait to hear about your ramblings!

P.s. I realise it was a long time ago now but massive well done, Underground! Sounds like a wonderful adventure.. and not too far from where I grew up!

Come chat hiking with me!
Come chat hiking with me!
Come chat hiking with me!
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SuperLoudPoppingAction · 28/05/2023 13:23

Bagpuss!

I've actually hiked.
My dog has decided she hates most mountain trails so that is annoying.
But we went to Skye and went up to the old man of Storr, and up Bla Bheinn.

Come chat hiking with me!
Come chat hiking with me!
SuperLoudPoppingAction · 28/05/2023 13:24

I have to say, I was quite worried about my hill fitness as it had been so long, so I'm relieved as well as quite pleased I managed it.

Gwdihooooo · 28/05/2023 14:21

Amazing pics! Glad your knee is on the mend OP

Looks amazing @SuperLoudPoppingAction

We’ve been doing our usual walks on the weekend locally. But off to Keswick tomorrow for a weeks camping so looking forward to doing some new wainwrights in that area 😀

SanFranBear · 28/05/2023 15:17

Your photos are stunning, SuperLoudPoppingAction... Scotland is just so SO beautiful! Impressed by your stamina too - sadly, don't think my knee is up to that sort of thing quite yet, so will be staying in the fairly flat New Forest or the gently undulating South Downs for the foreseeable! I vaguely renege a discussion about walking poles and think it might be well worth my time investing in some to help support my knackered joints!

Looking forward to some lovely scenes from the top of a Wainwright or two, Gwidihoooo. How many will that be for you now?

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SanFranBear · 28/05/2023 15:18

*remember, not renege! I really need to proofread my mindless ramblings more!

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Merha · 28/05/2023 15:26

I remember your posts from last year! I was inspired to start hiking but never did get around to it. Thank you for resurrecting the thread, and the lovely photos.
I would love to hike alone for the peace and solitude, but I can't get away from the feeling of being vulnerable, so I will have to find a friend (or borrow a dog!)

MinnieMountain · 28/05/2023 15:27

Hello!
I live on the edge of the Fens, so it’s mainly flat as a pancake or undulating flat in Northampton.
Ely to Cambridge is my favourite local walk, it’s a good 15 mile yomp which I did 2 weeks ago.
I can’t fit in many long walks but DH and I are going to the Peak District soon and I’ve got a weekend there alone in July.
Stunning pictures @SuperLoudPoppingAction .

Juniper68 · 28/05/2023 15:54

I'm off to the lakes tomorrow. Lots of walking so should get some nice pics? We're back Saturday.

Gwdihooooo · 28/05/2023 16:24

SanFranBear · 28/05/2023 15:17

Your photos are stunning, SuperLoudPoppingAction... Scotland is just so SO beautiful! Impressed by your stamina too - sadly, don't think my knee is up to that sort of thing quite yet, so will be staying in the fairly flat New Forest or the gently undulating South Downs for the foreseeable! I vaguely renege a discussion about walking poles and think it might be well worth my time investing in some to help support my knackered joints!

Looking forward to some lovely scenes from the top of a Wainwright or two, Gwidihoooo. How many will that be for you now?

I’m not actually sure 🤔

Gwdihooooo · 28/05/2023 16:25

Juniper68 · 28/05/2023 15:54

I'm off to the lakes tomorrow. Lots of walking so should get some nice pics? We're back Saturday.

Where are you heading to?

midgemadgemodge · 28/05/2023 18:07

Oh love the photos

I haven't done much this year - it was a slow start with the weather and now it's good I'm recovering from a cold

Juniper68 · 29/05/2023 06:10

Gwdihooooo · 28/05/2023 16:25

Where are you heading to?

Keswick and coniston. Going up skiddaw. I haven't been up for years.

Gwdihooooo · 29/05/2023 07:59

Juniper68 · 29/05/2023 06:10

Keswick and coniston. Going up skiddaw. I haven't been up for years.

Lovely! We’re in Keswick this week… weather looks amazing! 😀

Juniper68 · 29/05/2023 09:11

Gwdihooooo · 29/05/2023 07:59

Lovely! We’re in Keswick this week… weather looks amazing! 😀

We're in Keswick tomorrow and Wednesday. Might see you 😁

SuperLoudPoppingAction · 29/05/2023 10:12

I love my walking poles.
I have an osprey backpack with a little carrying thing on one strap for them.
They really help me to ping up and down hills without knackering my knees.
Also, the stretch of walk I attempted without them, I went over on my ankle a bit, so I think in some ways they must help out with my hypermobility although I worry they just give me another set of joints to lock.

botleybump · 29/05/2023 10:28

Hey!
Also on the south coast - probably very close if both the forest and downs are accessible to you!

I'm also relatively new to hiking - got in to it and then fell pregnant and had a section so am only just returning!

Keen to share routes since you're likely nearby, and maybe even wander together! X

SanFranBear · 29/05/2023 13:36

Hi Botleybump.. if you're actually in Botley, you're only about 6 miles from me!!

I love the Komoot app and get most of my trails from there - they have about 1,500 in our area of differing lengths and difficulty. We're so lucky to be in an area surrounded by such beauty although am a little jealous of those of you in the Fens this week - perfect weather for it!!

I think walking poles are a bit of a must for me now as I really couldn't face another month of nothing - I was very miserable! I did however have my car written off last week (sob!) so non-essential purchases might have to wait a little - although I think I can persuade myself they would be essential for my health and wellbeing?

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SuperLoudPoppingAction · 29/05/2023 13:54

https://www.blacks.co.uk/15985188/leki-voyager-trekking-poles-pair-15985188
Or these.
Not that I'm invested or anything.

They do require a bit of spatial awareness. Dp kept nearly whacking the dog.

SanFranBear · 29/05/2023 17:09

Thanks so much, SuperLoud... although am definitely going to have to wait for payday regardless - which is actually end of June as just had my May one!

So cross as the accident was not my fault and yet will be massively out of pocket - but thems the breaks, I guess 😕

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