Walking From The Start To The End Of The River Foss passing by the small river as it runs through some lovely green countryside

Walking From The Start To The End Of The River Foss

6th September 2024 - New Experience Number 22.

This is a longer read and will take around 25 minutes.

Grab yourself a cuppa, settle in, and join me on the journey.

Jump to 'Try it yourself'

Walking from the start to the end of the River Foss was something I’d had my eye on doing for a few years, and this was the year I finally got around to it

Definitely one of the more ‘challenging’ new experiences that I’ve done as one of my 52 new things in 2024, this was frustrating and beautiful.

Challenge Fifty-Two, a white woman with dark hair wearing an orange t-shirt and the straps of a rucksack as she takes a selfie whilst walking through a field of corn
Taking on an active experience walking from the start to the end of the River Foss

The Challenge - Walking From The Start To The End Of The River Foss

For the past few years I have done at least one long distance walk per year. My first ever multi-day hike was walking from York back to my childhood home in South Manchester. I also took on the challenge of walking every street within the York walls which covered a much bigger distance than I’d anticipated.

The seed of an idea was planted by Levison Wood. I’d followed his adventure when he had walked the length of the River Nile, from source to sea. I fancied doing something similar, although mine would probably be on a slightly smaller and less exotic scale! 

There are plenty of rivers around me to choose from, and I decided to follow one which I have explored a small section of on some of my running routes. 

The River Foss doesn’t run into the sea though, so this was more of a spring to river journey, as I would attempt to walk from where it comes up from the ground, to the place where it runs into the much bigger River Ouse.

A river with a nice footpath running alongside it on one side and green trees on the other as it flows into the distance where there are some buildings. It's a sunny day and things look bright.
Taken when running by the River Foss in York centre.
The River Foss winding past some industrial looking buildings in the centre of York on a sunny day.
The River Foss winding through the city centre.

The Foss Walk

There is an official Foss Walk which I kind of followed. I say kind of, because the official route seems to have walkers starting in York where the Foss runs into the Ouse.

The signposted footpath goes out of the city, through the villages and countryside, and then beyond the source.

A wooden sign post pointing to the right. It reads 'Foss Walk, Easingwold, 28 miles'
The signpost where the River Foss meets the River Ouse

The official trail finishes in Easingwold. Don’t get me wrong, Easingwold is a really lovely market town with some seriously mouth-watering coffee shops and tea rooms. However, it is an extra 4 miles away from where the Foss springs up. As I wanted to try and complete this in one day, 4 additional miles were not so appealing.

A bridge with blue railings leading towards some trees.
The River Foss runs under this blue bridge into the Ouse

I also wanted to walk from the source of the Foss, to its confluence with the River Ouse. Whilst there are no particularly steep inclines in either direction, heading towards York, would mostly be a gentle downward hike.

The Foss Barrier, a brick and glass flood protection unit with the river Foss running underneath it and trees on either side of the river.
The Foss Barrier near the River Ouse

Planning My Route - Walking From The Start To The End Of The River Foss

Although it’s an official walk, I knew I couldn’t rely solely on signposts and markers so planned the route I would take.

I used Plot A Route, which I am a big fan of and I regularly use it to decide where to run. As well as showing footpaths, trails, cycle paths and roads, it has clearly labelled official trails. The snaking purple line highlighted the Foss Walk, making it easy to see where I should be going.

Whilst google maps doesn’t always show walking paths and off-road trails, I still find it incredibly useful. Comparing the route with Plot A Route, I used the satellite view to see if I could spot any obvious paths across fields where I would be walking.

A mobile phone with the screen displaying the website 'Plot A Route' and a section of the Foss Walk trail is visible. A helpful resource when walking from the start to the end of the River Foss
I find Plot A Route really helpful when planning a walk.

I also used Street View to try and find sign posts and stiles at any points when the route was near a road. This has been really helpful on many of my walks as it helps me to recognise places, which is always reassuring when you’re actually doing the walk.

Lastly, I actually plotted my route on Plot A Route. The official Foss Walk is 28 miles (45km), and as I was going to miss out the 4 miles To Easingwold, it was looking as though I’d be walking just over 23 miles (37km).

Feeling relatively confident with the route, especially as I would recognise a lot of it, I was good to go!

Setting Off

The Other Half left me with a cheery wave as he drove off after having kindly given me a lift to my starting point. Just the matter of covering around 23 miles until I would see him again later that evening.

The September sun was shining, and whilst autumn was crawling in day by day, it was still pleasantly warm and bright and perfect for a day of hiking.

Starting near an official finger post, it clearly marked the Foss Way with the distinctive green and white frog emblem. I hoped this was a good indicator for the marking of the route throughout the journey.

Challenge Fifty-Two, a white woman with dark hair wearing hiking kit as she is about to start Walking From The Start To The End Of The River Foss
Ready to go!

Walking down the lane, I could hear the dog kennels before I could see them, and turned off down a marked footpath. So far so good. A nice clear signpost, and obvious well trodden trail to follow. However it wasn’t too long until the path crossed into another field where the thick grass rose past my knees and the brambles scratched at my legs.

A close up of a wooden sign post with a white badge on it which has green writing saying 'Foss Way' and a green frog sitting on some green ripples. There are green leaves in the background beyond the signpost. A helpful marker regularly seen when Walking From The Start To The End Of The River Foss.
The distinctive green frog sign marking the official Foss Way

My leggings protected my skin from any piercing prickles, but this did make me wonder what I had let myself in for. If overgrown paths were going to be keeping me company for much of the hike, it was going to be slower and tougher going than I had anticipated.

Following The Signs

Thankfully, the grass shrank back as I came to a forest. The shaded ground was much easier to traverse. Leafy branches overhead provided perfect conditions for a muddy track through the trees.  

Glistening through the trunks, the sun danced on the ripples of Oulston reservoir as the chatter of other walkers murmured in the distance.

In the centre of the trail stood a post marked with a clear frog sign and I confidently strode onwards, but it wasn’t long until I had my first uncertain moment.

A close up of a wooden post in some woods, with a green and white arrow which has a frog emblem on it for the Foss Way. A useful marker when Walking From The Start To The End Of The River Foss.
It was always reassuring to see the frog and to know I was on the right path.

Losing The Frog - Walking From The Start To The End Of The River Foss

Further down the path I noticed a gate to my right with various footpath signs, but I couldn’t see the reassuring Foss frog. Double checking my maps, I wasn’t convinced about which direction I should be heading.

Two joyful ladies came bounding through the gate, and I asked if they knew which way the Foss Walk went. Equally unsure, I decided to walk with them for a few metres and enjoyed their fun company and chatting about their plans for the day.

I’m not sure what it was, but it didn’t feel like the right way. As we came upon a fence  without any signage, I decided to listen to that gut feeling. I bid the local lovelies farewell as they continued with their plans, and I retraced my steps back to the gate that I’d unwisely chosen to ignore.

A reservoir amongst some green trees on a sunny day with just a few clouds in the blue sky.
Oulston reservoir, near where the River Foss begins its journey to York.

First Sight Of The Foss

The field of sheep seemed to stop their munching in synchronisation when they noticed me, and watched intently as I strode through their grass.

Following the tree line at the edge of their field, this was where I caught my first proper sight of the River Foss. A small stream trickled over the undergrowth and down the slight hill. I wasn’t quite at the exact spot where the water bubbled out of the ground, but I knew that wasn’t too far away.

Either fortuitously positioned, or purposefully placed, I crossed the stepping stones in the water and onwards through the field beyond, where my path would eventually bring me out at the other end of the River Foss.

A small stream running by some trees. There are some stones placed in the stream for walking across.
My first sighting of the River Foss.

Not A Confident Start

The first hour was fairly slow going, the hold-up mostly being my uncertainty over the directions.

A finger post pointed directly across a field. I don’t know about you, but this always feels like the opposite to what we’re told to do. I’m used to walking around the edges of a field to protect whatever the farmer is growing.

A field of green grass with a barely visible path through the middle leading to the trees at the end of the field. It's a sunny day with just a few clouds in the sky.
I could barely make out a path in this field. Others were even less obvious.

There were no clues to suggest that anyone had walked straight across the cut-back crop recently, and I couldn’t identify an obvious exit to the field where the walk would continue. All of this made me hesitate.

I double, and triple checked my maps, before quickly crossing through the middle of the field in the direction the signpost was pointing. The small gap in the boundary on the opposite side was quite overgrown. I missed it at first, and ended up following the tree line a bit too far as I tried to hunt down where I was meant to go next.

Another field contained a signpost pointing across a field which had an electric fence running through the middle of it. It really wasn’t obvious which side of the wire I needed to be on. Luckily, when I realised I was walking on the wrong side, it was low enough for me to be able to safely step over it without any sparks!

Having only progressed around 3km in those first 60 minutes, I knew I’d have to be more decisive if I was going to finish before it got dark.

A fallen wooden signpost resting against a tree near the spot where it has come out of the ground.
Not all of the signposts were in the best condition.
A fence with a fading marker indicating the Foss Way.
Some signs were harder to spot than others

Spectacular Scenery - Walking From The Start To The End Of The River Foss

Happily, the next few hours were a little easier to navigate, (even when the way-markers weren’t all that obvious), with clear tracks and paths to follow through ever changing scenery.

Enjoying the easy terrain of a little-used farm track, I contentedly walked by lush green fields with an accompanying soundtrack of light birdsong and a distant tractor.

A tarmac country lane surrounded by grass fields, leading to a hedgerow in the distance. It's a sunny day with a couple of clouds in the blue sky.
Following a quiet lane through the peaceful countryside.

The biggest hill of the day was up the road to the gorgeous little village of Crayke. However, I was too busy admiring the old stone cottages and late blooming flowers to notice the short and steep incline. Sitting at the southern end of the Hambleton Hills, and on the boundary of the Howardian Hills, both of which are Areas Of Natural Beauty, it certainly was a pretty place.

A wooden sign post pointing to the right with the clear words 'Public Footpath, Foss Walk, Crayke'
Following the clear sign to the village of Crayke.
A row of pretty stone terraced houses with nice plants outside. A traditional village passed through when walking from the start to the end of the River Foss.
I didn't even notice the hill to the village - it was so pretty!

Pushing on as the path crossed more fields, I was treated to golden views across the countryside as crops of corn danced in the light breeze.

A beautiful golden field of corn on a summers day with just a couple of clouds floating across the blue sky.
Passing corn fields lit up like gold by the September sunshine.

Gentle hills curved across the horizon and patches of trees brought appreciated shade. 

Idyllic countryside with golden corn fields, trees, and gentle rolling hills on the horizon where they meet the blue sky.
Hills in the distance gently rolled across the horizon.

An abundance of wildflowers swayed amongst the contrasting green, creating a breathtakingly beautiful landscape.

A field full of white wildflowers amongst green grass . It's a perfect countryside view on a sunny day with only a few clouds in the blue sky.
The wildflowers were such a beautiful sight.

I was thoroughly loving being out amongst nature, and reminding myself of the magnificent Yorkshire countryside.

Remote Villages

The traditional black and white signs welcomed me into two remote little villages. I stopped to have a look at the small and welcoming church in Marton-In-The-Forest. 

A black and white sign on an old mill stone at the side of a country lane. The sign reads 'Marton on-the-forest'
A traditional sign welcoming me to the village.
A small stone church on a sunny day.
I stopped to take a look at the small church.

Reaching the quiet farming village of Farlington, I followed the beck for a short while until the signpost pointed across the fields again.

A quiet country village on a sunny day. A sign under a large leafy green tree reads 'Farlington'. It's a sunny day with some cottages in the distance.
Farlington - a very quiet little farming village.

Yes, I’m A Coward

My biggest weakness on any hike, is cows.

I’m a little bit petrified of them. I’ve heard too many stories of how they can charge at people. Although we usually see them gently munching on the grass and taking their time when they walk, they can really get moving when they want to!

After crossing a beautiful golden field, and tramping my way through a particularly overgrown section, I arrived at the gate to a farm.

The footpath signs indicated to proceed, but, my heart sank as I saw a huge herd of cows in the field beyond. They seemed to be distracted by their lunch, but it would only need one of them to take a disliking to my presence for a potential stampede. I know plenty of other people would have carried on quite happily, but I wasn’t prepared to risk it.

Retracing my steps, I found my way back to a road to avoid the bovine confrontations.

A sign on a fence post next to a closed gate indicating the direction of the Foss Walk. The sign includes an arrow and the Foss Walk frog motif.
Despite the sign indicating a way through, I wasn't brave enough to risk the cows.

Another Hurdle - Walking From The Start To The End Of The River Foss

I picked up the path again, but faced yet another obstacle. This time, there was a stile into a field which had an additional boundary of an electric fence running around the inside perimeter.

It looked as though at one time there would have been just enough space for hikers to walk between the hedge and the fence. Clearly the vegetation had grown a fair bit since then.

Any attempts at staying in this makeshift corridor would have resulted in some sort of injury, either from the thorns and branches on one side, or the volts on the other. 

A green grassy field with a hedgerow boundary and an electric fence within the perimeter.
An electric - another obstacle along the way.

The field itself had a slight rise in it, meaning I couldn’t see across to the other end. However, I could see that the gap between the hedge and the electric fence seemed to widen out a little near a gate further along. If I could duck under it here, nip diagonally across the field and dip beneath it again by the gate, I should be back on track.

Taking off my backpack, I threw it under the electric fence first, and then crawled after it. I quickly started to cross the field. Except as I walked up the incline and crested the small hillock, not far in the distance were three big white beasts. I say beasts because I’m pretty sure one of them was a bull. Whatever they were, they were huge and bulky. I didn’t hang around to find out.

With that brief glimpse of the path beyond the gate, it again looked overgrown. Disheartened, I retraced my steps back to where I had begun at the stile, and then back again to the road.

Detouring

Feeling frustrated at how stop-start this past hour had been, and having already rerouted due to the previous cows, I decided to stick to the road.

Paths across fields are usually much nicer (unless they’ve got cows in them!), and they’re often more direct, but I wanted to try and get a bit of distance under my belt after having taken such a long time to get not very far in the past 60 minutes!

A quiet country road lined by grass and tall trees that lead away in a staight line into the distance.
Re-routing to the road.

Sheriff Hutton - Walking From The Start To The End Of The River Foss

The road to Sherrif Hutton was nice and quiet. The few cars that did pass by slowed down giving me plenty of room whilst I tried to take a step nearer to the hedges so that we could easily share the space.

Uniform clad school children sluggishly crossed the road to the village shop. I had hoped to be much further on by the time schools were finishing. Luckily, despite being behind my self-imposed schedule, everything was feeling alright. It was a lovely afternoon and I kept plodding on with a brief stop to admire the impressive ruins of Sherriff Hutton Castle.

Ruins of a Sherriff Hutton castle through some autumnal foliage on a sunny day
Catching a glimpse of Sherriff Hutton Castle

Keeping My Fingers Crossed I Could Get Through

The road to West Illing was closed to traffic. I crossed my fingers that I’d be able to get through on foot, and enjoyed walking along the deserted road to the peaceful village.

As I drew nearer, I could see that the roadworks were only on the road and my path was still passable. Heading out of the village, I followed the seldom used country road past crop fields and then along a nice track of a road.

Challenge Fifty-Two, a white woman with dark hair wearing an orange top and a dark rucksack smiling at the camera for a selfie.
Having the road to myself due to roadworks.
A quite country road leading into the distance. There are hedges on either side and the sky is clouding over.
Following a seldom used country road.

Finding The Foss Again

The track became more of a construction route across some big fields where work was taking place on a flood alleviation scheme. Then, after several hours without seeing it, I crossed over the River Foss! It felt good to see it again after so long, and know that we were both flowing in the direction of York. 

Huge machinery was parked up clearly having finished work for the week. The clouds seemed to be winning the battle of the sky and there was a threat of rain as it turned a bit darker. I suddenly felt quite alone, and began to wonder whether I’d actually be able to complete my challenge.

A small river running into the distance. The banks are green, the sky is grey and there is a pylon in the distance.
A first sighting of the river in a while!

A Patchy Path - Walking From The Start To The End Of The River Foss

Due to the ongoing works in the field, the path seemed to be less well marked in this section than I’d anticipated. Finding where the trail went after the gravel ran out became like a game of hide and seek as I hunted for a sign that I was still going in the right direction.

A rough path looked as though it had been worn into the ground through a small patch of trees. I’m pretty sure I could have just walked around the trees as it was only a small group of them but I eventually spotted an official arrow and obediently went in the direction it pointed.

Coming out next to some buildings, the route joined an old road which ran next to a railway line and was popular with dog walkers. After several hours in my own company, it was nice to say hello to someone other than myself!

A rusting sign with a yellow arrow pointing to the right, and just visible is the Foss Walk badge in the corner.
Some signs needed hunting out

Strolling Through Strensall

The road eventually came out in Strensall village, which was where I properly picked up the Foss. It was a much more formed river here than when I had seen it at the start. 

Looking like a proper river flowing through a properly formed channel, plant-covered banks sloped towards the water. It didn’t look too deep, or too wide, but we know from history that it can get much higher.

The River Foss running through some green fields at the back of a handful of houses on a cloudy day.
Picking up the River Foss in Strensall.

Rays of setting sun occasionally broke their way through the thickening clouds and the volume of birdsong increased as I passed under a telegraph wire being used as a perch by hundreds of feathered friends.

Still with around 14 miles (22km), left to walk, I pretty much hiked next to the River Foss for the rest of the journey, with just a slight detour through Haxby. Thankfully there were no more cow incidents!

Challenge Fifty-Two, a white woman with dark hair wearing an orange active t-shirt and a rucksack as she takes a selfie in a field while she is walking from the start to the end of the River Foss
Catching a few of the last rays of the setting sun.

Hiking Through Haxby

Following the path through Haxby village, I walked through the estate and into Earswick where I picked up the riverside path again which went past the back of several houses. 

I passed a couple of lads who had ridden their bikes out to do a spot of fishing, and quite a few walkers finishing off the working week with an evening stroll.

The clouds had truly settled in now, and I realised that the darkening skies had nothing to do with rain, but rather because it was getting quite late!

The River Foss running into the distance through a field, with a tree by the edge in the distance.
Clouding over and getting darker!

A Big Milestone - Walking From The Start To The End Of The River Foss

Walking under the bridge that was carrying traffic around the outskirts of York on the ring road felt like a pivotal moment. 

I definitely knew where I was now and wouldn’t need to look at my map again.

Even though I was still well over an hour away from finishing, and my feet were really starting to talk to me, reaching this point gave me a boost. I realised that I was actually going to be able to finish.

A red brick bridge over the green grassy banks of the River Foss which is flowing below, on a cloudy afternoon.
Passing more bridges as I got nearer to the finish.

From Huntington To The City

Homes backed onto the River Foss more frequently as I reached the suburbs of Huntington. Every step forward taking me a step nearer to the city centre. 

I walked over the neat little brick bridge near All Saints Church, and then followed the Foss as it arced around towards New Earswick.

Teenagers were hanging around at various points along the way from this point onwards. Consumed in their own conversations, they were uninterested in the tired, red-faced woman trudging past.

The river flowed around the back of Yearsley swimming baths. A faint smell of chlorine hung in the air as I followed the path under the trees, and walked by a couple enjoying a beer whilst they attempted to catch something in their nets.

Stepping up and away from the river at the roundabout near Monkgate, I was tantalisingly close to the end point. Leaving the trodden muddy footpath behind, I was now following the river from the roads for the rest of the journey.

A footpath in the grass leading into the distance where a church is visible on the right. It's a cloudy sky in the daytime.
Walking to the church in Huntington.

Familiar Territory

The street lights were on and car headlights lit up the road. The last of the daylight had definitely gone as the darkness of the night was creeping in.

This last section was reassuringly familiar as I regularly run by parts of the Foss in the city centre. I passed by Sainsbury’s and started to feel hungry as I began thinking about what I was going to eat for my celebratory dinner.

A brick factory building next to the River Foss. There is a walkway on the outside of the building.
Rowntree Wharf next to the Foss used to be a mill (picture taken on a different day to the walk)

I crossed the wooden walk way that runs along the wall of the impressive brick building at Rowntree Wharf. Once a flour mill, the five stories and focal nine story water tower are home to apartments. It is probably considered as one of the best industrial buildings in York.

Snaking around the back of the Fenwick’s building where the Foss continues, I came out at Clifford’s Tower and crossed the car park and was met by my Other Half.

Rowntree Wharf in York, an old brick mill with a water tower. It's an impressive industrial building.
The impressive water tower at Rowntree Wharf (picture taken on a different day to the walk).

The Last Leg - Walking From The Start To The End Of The River Foss

I had regularly shared my location with my Other Half via WhatsApp throughout the day, and I’d agreed to leave it running live for the last half an hour. I was grateful to see him as the final few hundred metres were a little dark and I appreciated having some company.

The River Foss flowed under the Blue Bridge and out into the River Ouse. It had reached the end of it’s course, and I’d reached the end of my hike.  

It was after 8pm and I was tired but beaming. I stood under the sign post for the Foss Walk, pointing in the direction of Easingwold, 28 miles away. Challenge completed!

I’d done it! I’d walked from the source to the end of the River Foss and it felt like a heck of an achievement.

Challenge Fifty-Two, a white woman with dark hair wearing hiking kit, standing under a sign post at night having just finished walking from the start to the end of the River Foss
At the finishing post!

According to Strava, I’d covered 44km (27 miles), and been moving for 9 hours and 9 minutes. Aside from the small hill in Crayke, it had been relatively flat, and it turned out the elevation gain was just 331m.

Now was just the small matter of walking one more kilometre home. It was exceptionally slow going!

A map of the route covered when walking from the start to the end of the River Foss.
My Strava stats!

Putting My Feet Up

Despite the hot and wincing feeling of blisters forming throughout the afternoon, it hadn’t feel bad enough to need any intervention along the way. If it had been worse I would have done something about it. 

When I finally got home I removed my boots and gently peeled off my socks, bracing myself to see what might lie within. The instant relief as I took the weight off my feet was pure bliss. There were 3 angry looking blisters, and indications that I might lose a toenail, all of which were to be expected and I knew would be ok in a few days.

Needless to say, I didn’t move from the sofa after I had showered and put my snuggly pyjamas on, and I slept incredibly well that night!

Looking down at a pair of legs in black and white leggings with brown walking boots on the feet outside.
It was bliss taking my boots off after all of those miles!

An Amazing Route And A Happy Hiker - Walking From The Start To The End Of The River Foss

It was my own choice that I re-routed as I don’t like cows. However, I was able to find ways to continue without having to go back on myself too much. I still walked from the start to the end of the River Foss, and it had been a truly stunning route. 

I loved the changing scenery and the kaleidoscope of colours along the way. From being out in the unspoilt countryside to winding up in the city, it had been a fabulous journey. The fact that most of the terrain was relatively easy was an added bonus.

A field of a drop of golden corn on a sunny day. The sky is blue with just a few wisps of cloud and some green trees are visible in the distance
Beautiful golden corn fields along the way
A field of golden corn with some trees around the hedges.
Hiking through the countryside

The weather had been incredibly kind too. It wouldn’t have been as much fun if it had rained whilst I was out, or if it had been particularly wet before, making it a muddier and slower walk.

Despite my frustrations at the signage, I am very grateful that there were indicators  along the route. I also appreciate that they’re looked after by volunteers, and that parts of the route are seldom walked. I’m glad I had done my research before hand and knew the directions, even if I was less certain about some of the smaller decisions I needed to make along the way.

A wooden sign post pointing left across a hedge into a field. It reads 'Foss Way, Crayke'
Spotting the frog on the sign

It had been tough going, mentally and physically, but with the gorgeous views, a beautiful day and plenty of Werther’s Original sweets to keep me going, I’d done it. I’d walked from source to river, and it had been fantastic.

A beautiful countryside view across a green grass field on a sunny day
Beautiful scenery along the way

Want To Try It Yourself?

  • If you want to walk the same route that I did, you can find up to date information about the official Foss Walk through the Long Distance Walkers Association.
  • It’s also really worth having a look at the River Foss Society website. It’s full of facts, history, details about the walk, events and ways to get involved with looking after the river.
  • Perhaps there is a river near you that you could follow from start to end? Take a look at Plot A Route to see if you can plan a walk.
  • The Long Distance Walkers Association are the home for long distance walking. Have a look for any ideas that might be near you.
  • Have a look at some of the other active experiences I’ve tried for more ideas and inspirations of things you can do.

Cost Of Experience

  • Free! 
  • Depending on where you decided to do a start to end walk of a river, there may be some costs associated.
  • For example, you may need transport to the start or from the finish. 
  • You may need to factor in accommodation if it’s not somewhere with easy transport links.
  • Don’t forget you’ll need some fuel to keep you going, so you could either take food and drink with you (which is what I did), or you may need to purchase something along the way. Do check whether your route will be going past any places where you can buy food or drink before you set off though.

Recommendations

  • It’s really important to plan this sort of walk.
  • Tell someone when and where you are going. Plan your route and share it with someone you trust who could help you out if you needed it.
  • Share your location with someone throughout your walk.
  • Check the forecast. Dress and pack accordingly.
  • Take enough water with you. I carried a 2.5l camel back on my hike and finished it with 1km to go.
  • Take food with you. I took several sandwiches with me, and Werther’s Originals.
  • Don’t forget the sun cream. Even on a cloudy day it’s best to apply it. 
  • Carry blister plasters and regular plasters.
  • Wear appropriate gear. I wore my trusty walking boots, running leggings and breathable sports top. 
  • Make sure your phone is fully charged before you go. Even better, take a fully charged power bank with you too.
  • Consider doing your walk over a few days. Whilst I really got to appreciate the mesmirising scenery, I didn’t have much time to soak up the wildlife. 
  • Don’t forget to take your camera for some of the wonderful views you’ll hopefully see!
  • Let me know if you’ve ever done anything like this, or if you decide to give it a go!

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