Skills for the Hills
The Peak District offers some of the most breath taking landscapes in the UK, making it an ideal destination for hikers of all levels. Whether you’re an experienced adventurer or just starting out, having the right resources and skills can make your hiking experience more memorable.
I’m hoping my guide will give you the best books, guides, and skills you need to make the most of your time in the Peak District. From selecting the perfect trail to navigating challenging terrain, I hope to provide you with all the information you need to have a safe and enjoyable hike.
So, pack your backpack, lace up your hiking boots, and explore the Peak District’s Walks and beauty like never before.
The British Mountaineering Council
The British Mountaineering Council (BMC) is the national representative body for the United Kingdom’s climbers, mountaineers, and hill walkers. The BMC works to promote the interests of these outdoor enthusiasts and protect their access to the mountain areas of the UK.
Their website offers a wealth of resources and information about skills, equipment, training, mountaineering and hill walking activities.
The BMC boasts a community of 83,000 members committed to protecting access to hill walking areas and promoting responsible and sustainable use of the hills and mountains. Joining the BMC community is a great way to get involved in these efforts.
Into the Hills: A guide for New Hill Walkers
If you are new to hill walking, Into The Hills is a helpful guide emphasising the essential skills you should learn and develop for your trips to the hills and mountains. This guide also serves as a reference for resources to help you learn the necessary skills.
This 44-page booklet features chapters on various topics, including clothing and equipment, navigation, hazards, walking in winter, access and the environment, and emergency procedures.
Into The Hills is a valuable resource for all hill walkers, whether you are a beginner or looking to enhance your skills.
paper Maps
A detailed trail map is a must-have for any hiker, and hopefully, I’ve covered that off with my Peak District Walks. However, make sure to get the paper a map that covers the area you plan to hike in. Technology fails, batteries run out, and relying on a phone’s GPS for navigation can be helpful but unreliable.
The best and most comprehensive maps of the Peak District are Ordnance Survey (OS).
map reading help
If you are unfamiliar with map reading, here are few options.
Option # 1. Ordnance Survey – Map reading skills, beginner’s guides
The guide provides step-by-step instructions on how to read maps and use them for navigation. It also offers useful tips on how to orientate a map, use a compass, and plan a route. Ordnance Survey Map reading skills – beginner’s guides
Option # 2. Map Navigation Courses in the Peak District
A map navigation course can significantly enhance your outdoor skills and help you gain confidence in map navigation.
There are a few options: PureOutdoor / Beyondthedge / Navigation for women / Dolomite Training / Emma Holland
Option # 3. The British Mountaineering Council Resources.
Training Essentials: Intro to navigation and safety on the hills. One-day course introduces navigation and safety basics when walking in the mountain environment.
Skills: One of the world’s most respected experts on long-distance walking and backpacking, Chris Townsend is also the BMC’s hill walking ambassador.
The Countryside Code
Respect
- respect livestock – more information
- be considerate to those living in, working in and enjoying the countryside
- leave gates and property as you find them
- do not block access to gateways or driveways when parking
- be nice, say hello, share the space
- follow local signs and keep to marked paths unless wider access is available
Protect the environment
- take your litter home – leave no trace of your visit
- do not light fires and only have BBQs where signs say you can
- always keep dogs under control and in sight
- dog poo – bag it and bin it – any public waste bin will do
- care for nature – do not cause damage or disturbance
Enjoy the peaks; plan ahead, show some respect, leave without a trace and Have Fun!
In an emergency
If you do need to call out Mountain Rescue here’s what to do:
- Dial 999 or 112 and ask for police and then mountain rescue
They will ask for: - Your location (and a grid reference, if possible) alternatively What3Words app.
- The names, ages and gender of any people with you
- Any injuries and what they are
- Number of people in your party
- Your mobile number
Remember to stay where you are until Mountain Rescue contact you. If you have hearing or speech issues you can contact the emergency services by text. You must be registered with emergency SMS. Text ‘register’ to 999.
Bespoke Guided walks
myGuidedWalks
Award winning private bespoke guiding, walking and nature based experience days, group walks and navigation training across the Peak District and Derbyshire.