What the gaffers think…
Britain’s National Trails
are managed by on-theground officers steeped in decades of experience watching walkers come and go. So, tell us...
What’s the secret of success?
Forget dreams of spontaneity and living the itinerant life – the freedom of doing an LDP comes after a solid base of planning and preparation. Key to that is working out what you really want to get out of it. “From the outset it’s really important to set the goals of what you would like to achieve in your walk” says South Downs Way National Trail officer Ben Bessant. “Is this a fast-paced challenge where you want to challenge yourself and your fitness? Or is this a leisurely trek where the overnight accommodation, room to manoeuvre as other factors come into play – like weather or distractions – are equally important.” You need to define the idea of success in your head clearly. ‘Just doing it’ sets you up for a box-ticking exercise, not a dream adventure. Malcolm Hodgson, for 27 years trail officer for the Cleveland- and Yorkshire Wolds Way, says the happiest completers share an approach: “They use it as an opportunity to relax and enjoy the landscape, wildlife and heritage – it’s a brilliant way to de-stress”.
What do people get wrong?
Planning a daily mileage that’s at the outer edge of what you normally do on day walks is asking a lot of your body says rob Dingle, trail manager of 177-mile Offa’s Dyke Path: “Some people underestimate how hard it is to walk for more than a few days consecutively. Especially on a trail like Offa’s Dyke which while not mountainous is over 28,000ft of ascent – that’s the equivalent of walking up Everest!”
Trails all have their ‘pinchpoints’ and particularities too, and acknowledging these in your plans is crucial. Accommodation is at a premium in places like Keld in the Yorkshire Dales – the crossroads of Pennine Way, Coast to Coast and Herriot Way – so starting out of sync with the crowds on your LDP can throw up more vacancies. On the Pembrokeshire Coast Path it’s even more critical says trail officer Theresa nolan: “People who go wrong usually fail to check tidal crossing times or MoD range closures. Then it’s not enough water and sunscreen”. There’s treats you don’t want to miss too: “Don’t forget to collect your Wayfarers Dole – a small glass of ale and a piece of bread – from the Hospital of St Cross in Winchester. It’s a great way to finish the trail!” urges South Downs Way manager Ben, nor “Your free half pint of beer in the Border Hotel, Kirk Yetholm” says nick Osborne of his Pennine Way.
What advice would you give a first-timer friend?
“Plan your walk from Easter to September so you have the longest periods of daylight to complete each day, then you don’t have to rush your day and you can enjoy the scenery” says Rob Dingle from Offa’s Dyke; “And don’t forget if you have a questions, call or email the Trail Officer to help during the planning phase.” “Pace yourself” says Ben Bessant; “Take good boots you’ve broken in” says Helen Tatchell of the hilly Glyndwr's Way, while of his North Downs Way, peter Morris says: “In decent weather a pair of light walking shoes is fine. You don’t need tonnes of gear to follow the acorns. And if you’re nervous you can contact me and I'll put you in touch with an Ambassador who will be happy to walk a stretch with you.”
What shouldn’t they worry about?
You’re bound to have nerves – but channel them into research; don’t waste time fretting about… “Getting lost – we get many great comments about how well waymarked the National Trails are” says Rob Dingle. “Setting any records” says Ben Bessant – “In 2014 the South Downs Way was run in 14 hours by Mark Perkins and in 2010 completed in a non-powered wheelchair by Swasie Turner in nine days! Take it easy!” “Anything” says Helen Tatchell – “If you are unsure about anything, call the Trail manager and have a chat [see left].” “Bears or wolves” Nick Osborne urges anyone who might have read A Walk in the Woods. “Work” says Ben Bessant – “Leave the work emails at home – the South Downs Way is an amazing escape and to get the most of out of it you really need to immerse yourself in the experience.”