The Ramblers - Still Wearing Hiking Boots at 75

Over 75 years ago, if you fancied a walk in an area of natural beauty like the Peak District one sunny afternoon for example, it wasn't the case that you could simply pop your boots on, pack your vittles and saunter off into the dales.


Thanks to the Ramblers Association, formed 75 years ago in 1935, hikers no longer need fear the wrath of the gamekeeper's gun or the lock and key of the local gaoler, which was the case back in those inter-war years. The Ramblers Association or Rambler's as they are now known, has been at the forefront of public accessibility arguments, helping to ensure the UK's 140,000 miles of footpaths and bridleways remain open for the walkers, hikers and families. They are one of the largest charitable organisations in Britain.

To celebrate their organisations continued success and achievements, the Rambler's are holding a succession of Baton Walks, which by the end of 2010 will have crossed the whole of Britain. In August, the baton is being passed by walkers around the East Midlands, and then for the last 4 months through the East of England, London and concluding in the South East. If you're interested, get your hiking boots on and join in!

The Ramblers (http://www.ramblers75.org.uk/) won't rest on their laurels though. They're already campaigning to try and encourage more families to take up walking and put on their hiking boots - sharing information on the benefits of the activity, as well as continuing to campaign for hikers' rights. They're also keen to encourage walking health benefits. One way in which they aim to achieve this is through their extremely popular Get Walking, Keep Walking campaign which highlights the importance to body and mind of natural exercise - not only in places of outstanding natural beauty like the National Parks, but also in inner-city areas like Birmingham, London and Sheffield.

You can also apply for a Get Walking Pack which (although temporarily suspended due to demand) will be available online very soon to help you plan your walking activities and get the most benefit from it, which, together with choosing the right equipment and hiking boots, will give you everything you need to get started.

Hikers Tackling Britain’s National Park Walks

Some of the most interesting and yet challenging hiking is provided by the UK's National Park walks. Many of these are well-known, such as the Pennine Way or the Viking Way, and can be longer than 250 miles.

Further information about National Park walks can be found at theNational Park's Website http://www.nationalparks.gov.uk/visiting/outdooractivities/walking. Here there is plenty of useful information about the many different National Park walks available such as 214 of Alfred Wainwright's walks in the Lake District or the Coast to Coast which runs from St Bees in Cumbria and ends in the North York Moors town of Robin Hood's Bay.

For those attempting National Park walks of such magnitude as the Pennine Way in one go, then it should be noted that this task is suitable only for those who have walking experience, are fit and healthy and (it almost goes without saying) that they are able to carry a backpack comfortably.

Importantly the choice of equipment for such an expedition should take into account several things such as making sure that it's waterproof, windproof and perhaps even foolproof (depending on the hiker of course)! Things such as tents, sleeping bags, cooking equipment and food all need to be carried, as well as the essential survival kits, first aid and water supplies (the latter being especially important during the summer months).

Hiking along one of the National Park walks is a valuable experience for those wishing to achieve something truly special, but the challenges that these impressive and protected parts of the UK countryside can throw at even the most experienced backpacker, can be the utmost test of strength, ability and stamina.

If all of this sounds far too arduous, then there are plenty of alternatives. Whatever your ability, the National Park walks provide an opportunity for everyone to get out and about in some of the most beautiful landscapes that Britain has to offer.