Terrain

During the training you will be walking both on and off paths. The morning of the first day will start in the valley on a mixture of good tracks and smaller footpaths and also off paths across grassy fields.  We will then spend most of the course on Kinder Scout which will be rough in places and includes a fairly long hill. The hill up to Kinder is a steady climb of about 400m (1300ft). On Kinder the terrain is open moorland with heather, rough grass and deep groughs (ditches). At any time of year there are likely to be wet and muddy sections and the paths becomes rougher and a little rocky in places. For much of the training we will be off path on Kinder where the ground is very uneven with thick vegetation, hidden bumps and holes under the vegetation so care is needed and boots providing good ankle support are strongly recommended.

Recommended Equipment & Clothing

The day will be largely practical, walking in both the lower valleys and up towards Kinder Scout. We will be going off paths in rough or sometimes muddy terrain so walking boots with good ankle support are recommended. You will be standing around whilst practising skills in whatever weather we have on the day and so will need to dress warmer than for a usual walk. Below is a recommended list:

• 1:25,000 map of The Peak District: Dark Peak Area - OS Explorer Map sheet OL1 covering Edale/Kinder.  I recommend the waterproof maps which will last much longer, otherwise will also need a waterproof map case.

• Compass (if you want to practise with one) - recommend a Silva Type 4, Suunto A30 or similar.  If buying one check it's Northern Hemisphere (NH), degrees and metric scale. There are a lot for sale online which are not!!

• Appropriate walking clothing to keep you warm on the day (no jeans as they can be cold if wet).

• Waterproof jacket.

• Waterproof trousers.

• Spare warm layers (several thinner layers are more versatile than 1 thick).

• Walking boots (some areas are rough and uneven so boots that go above the ankle, providing good ankle support, are recommended rather than low cut walking/trail shoes. Boots will also keep your feet drier than walking shoes in boggy/muddy areas). We can advise you as to what would be appropriate for your walk and we can also recommend more accessible routes that do not require walking boots if appropriate.

• Warm hat and gloves or sun hat if sunny.

• Food, drink and snacks for the day. We will have a couple of food stops whilst out on the hill.

• Personal first aid kit (for minor cuts, blisters, sun cream, pain relief and any personal medication).

• Rucksack with waterproof liner/bag.

• Notebook and pencil/pen.

• Money for parking and/or cafe

• Hand sanitiser and face covering recommended A face mask/covering does not need to be worn, however whilst virus levels remain high it would be recommended in emergency situations to help protect people whilst providing first aid or assistance, or when entering busy cafes and toilet areas.

• Optional additions: camera, gaiters and/or walking poles if you have them.

Any questions please email  info@myguidedwalks.co.uk or call me on 07928677626