Here at Mill House Cottages we understand that a hike will be the top of your agenda in the beautiful landscape of the Lake District. The sprawling hills, lush green grass and gushing waterfalls are only a few of the reasons to put on your hiking boots and start exploring. There is a world of adventure out there; so you must be prepared to face anything in the pursuit of it!
The appropriate shoes, wearables and other such hiking equipment are expected on any hike. But, there are a few things that you might overlook when setting off on a hike. It’s best to consider them now, rather than miss having them when you need it.
Hydration
Hiking is a lot of fun – a chance to take in the natural beauty of the world around you – but it can also take a toll on your body. Primarily, it can dehydrate you quickly; especially in hotter weather. So, it is important that you take plenty of water with you on your hike in order to compensate for this. This is especially important during the hotter seasons such as the summer.
You must ensure that you carry approximately two litres of water, a pint an hour is the minimum amount of water that you need in order to keep hydrated for the entirety of your hike. To be especially safe, you can also drink about a litre of water in the hours that proceed your hike to ensure you start as you mean to go on. Dehydration can make you more susceptible to heat exhaustion, so be prepared!
Orientation
On a hike, it is easy to find yourself turned around. If you do not know the area this is especially likely, which is not ideal and can lead to you feeling distressed. So, having something on hand which can help steer you back in the right direction is important for your own peace of mind. A map is a great way to ensure you keep track of where you are going and where you have come from. It might also be prudent to have a compass, this will keep you orientated and going in the right direction even if you feel turned around.
First Aid
Accidents happen – it’s a fact of life. You cannot prevent them in most cases and as such you must instead be prepared to deal with them. A fall can result in just a couple of cuts and bruises, in this case, a first aid kit is essential to deal with the problem there and then. This way you can avoid discomfort or potential infection later. For more serious injuries, it is important you always carry a charged mobile phone with you that can contact the emergency services in such an incident. Of course, this is highly unlikely on a day to day hike.
Ready to start your hiking adventure? We’d love to welcome you to one of our most sublime properties – they make a great base camp for any hiking adventure! Having been awarded a 5-Star Gold from Visit England, you needn’t just listen to us! For more information, or to settle any queries, please contact us on 01524 276500.
