You’ve booked your Amalfi coast walking holiday, now the countdown begins and it’s time to start preparing for your breakaway. Going on a walking holiday is great for both your physical and mental health. You’ll get to see many wonderful landscapes, as well as get to spend some quality time with the person you are going on the adventure with.
Hiking as a whole is a very safe activity, but that doesn’t mean you should take your safety for granted. You should always do your research on the trips you are going on as well as train beforehand to gain a certain level of fitness – different walking holidays have different difficulties which you should consider.
To help you stay safe when hiking, we have put together our guide on our top tips for staying safe when hiking.
Research your route
The more familiar you are with the route you are due to take, the easier it will be to stay safe when tackling it. Before heading out on your adventure, research the terrain you will be walking on, any difficult sections of the hike and the weather conditions. Weather can play a big part in how you approach a hike, if it’s raining the gear you will be taking will be completely different. If there is a review section to the route you are taking, have a read through the comments as this can also give you some insight.
Know your limits
We all like to challenge ourselves but don’t over-challenge yourself to the stage where it could be unsafe for you. Each hiking holiday has a difficulty level which starts from one and ends in six. (this may be different depending on the company who has organised the hike) Six is the hardest and would be ideal for experienced hikers. One is the easiest and would be enjoyable for beginner hikers. If you are unsure of what level to go for, give the company you are thinking of booking with a call as they will be able to assist you.
Wear the correct gear
The gear you are hiking with can directly affect your safety! For example, if you aren’t wearing the correct hiking shoes and go out in your trainers, you could be at risk of not having enough grip and slipping. When hiking in the cold, you want to ensure you have the right amount of layers on and no matter the conditions, you always want to have enough water to stay hydrated. You should never go on a hike without having a first-aid kit on you, in case something bad does happen.
Hiking is very safe, but unexpected things can happen which is why it’s important you think about your safety. Always have a phone on you so that you can call someone and as mentioned bring a first-aid kit, in case you slip and hurt yourself.
What tips would you suggest to someone trying to stay safe when hiking? Which of the above tips do you think is most important? Is there anything you would like to share that will help aspiring hikers? Let us know in the comment box below.
