General Health and Safety when Walking

Whether you’re hiking, rambling, taking the dog out for a run on the park or just going out for a pleasant leisurely ‘stroll’ - walking is probably the most simplest form of exercise we can all take to keep us in good shape. Of course, unless you’re going at a pace which increases your heart rate, it’s not going to help you lose loads of weight nor will it necessarily result in you becoming extremely fit but it can help with both of these things depending on the intensity level at which you do it. The degree to which you’ll need to prepare will depend very much on the kind of walk you are planning and the terrain and location you are going to be walking in so some of the following general advice on health and safety measures you should take may or may not be applicable to you.

Walking On Roads

Even if you’re just going for a leisurely stroll around your local village or even in the city, follow the advice which is outlined in the Highway Code and always use the pavement if there is one. Cross at safe points where you have excellent views of the traffic coming in both directions and try to avoid crossing on bends or from behind or between a stationery vehicle. If you’re in an area where there is no pavement, always walk on the right side of the road, in other words, facing oncoming traffic but cross over to the other side when approaching sharp bends on the right.

Hiking or Rambling

Before you tackle a hike or ramble, make sure that you have been checked out by your GP if you’re unsure about your general health and physical fitness level and don’t be too adventurous in the distance you’re expecting to cover if you’re a relative novice. If you’re walking ‘off the beaten track’ make sure you take a map with you and know how to read it and take sufficient food and water with you which will last for the estimated duration of your walk.

Weather

Be prepared for adverse weather. The British weather, as we’re all aware, can be very fickle, especially at higher levels e.g. hills and mountains, so keep an eye on the forecast and dress appropriately for the conditions. If you’re in any doubt about the severity of the weather and you intend walking in remote hilly areas, it’s always better to postpone your walk until another day, rather than run the risk of getting trapped up a hill or mountain.

Preparation

Before heading out, make sure that you’ve physically prepared for the walk you intend doing. Depending on the nature, intended duration and location of your walk, you should leave details of your intended route and your estimated time of return with somebody who can alert the relevant rescue authorities should you not be back at your estimated time. Take a mobile phone with you. Most of us carry one these days and they can be a vital tool for summoning help if you get into difficulty. You may also need to carry a torch, a first aid kit and other items too, depending on the type of walk you’re intending to do.

The information contained in this article is very general but, for more specific and detailed advice on health and safety whilst out walking and much more besides, please check out the other articles contained within this website.