Although many walkers appreciate the freedom of a self-guided walking holiday, there are concerns occasionally raised about fears of getting lost. While EasyWays ensure that you’re completely prepared for self-guided walking holidays with us, you can reassure yourself with a navigation course and reading the Rucksack Readers Guide before you go. Planning on going on any adventure walking holidays? EasyWays can help to reassure you of any worries you may have.
Signposting
Many of our routes, including the West Highland Way, have way-markers posted along the route, to help walkers stay on the right track. Under the detailed description of each walk on our website, you’ll find a “Key Symbols” section. Under this section, we have graded the walks from Easy to Hard in terms of the navigational skills required. We also explain in this section whether Signposts exist on the route. Think practically, our team will always be on hand if you need any additional information about adventure walking holidays.
Know your route before you go
Each day, before setting out on your planned walk, ensure you’ve read through all of the walking notes. If there’s anything that concerns you, or you’re not entirely sure about, you’ll be able to check it out and reassure yourself before you leave.
Also check your step-by-step guidance notes with your map and make notes of anything you want to remember while walking. This is also an effective way to plan where you’ll stop for breaks or your lunch along your walk!
Read as much as possible
Your guidebooks should provide extra information for your walk so it’s a good idea to read up as much as possible for your walk. For example, you don’t want to miss out on historic monuments or particularly stunning waterfalls because you haven’t read enough to find out about hidden gems!
Take a step back
If, on the route, you feel you might be lost, rather than pushing on regardless and potentially getting more lost, take a step back, go back to the last spot you felt sure of and look over your route again.
Listen out
If you’re heading for a town or village, you may be able to hear the traffic of a main road nearby. This will help you relocate where you are in your environment.
Old school approach
Staying aware of your surroundings throughout the walk can help you to keep going in the right direction. The key things to note are the wind direction, the position of the sun in the sky and key landmarks.
When you set out for your day of walking, think about where the wind is coming from, and the general direction of your hike. Remember that the direction of the wind can change.
Another way to read the direction of your travel is tracking where the sun is in the sky and the time of day. Find out more how to navigate using the sun.
Map reading
Given that many walking holidays are off the beaten track, it’s essential that you know how to read a map, how to read a compass and take a bearing. Although we provide routes, maps help you when you’re in more remote locations.
It’s vital that you can cross-reference your route notes with a basic map and compass.
Embrace gadgets
A good compass app, a GPS app or a stand-alone GPS gadget can offer a lot of reassurance and comfort. It’s often enough to simply re-locate yourself on a map! Download your route and save it on your device, if you can. Remember that in many remote locations, you are unlikely to get a signal. Preparing for adventure walking holidays is vital when you come to walking in an unfamiliar place, this is the most important part!
Come prepared
When it comes to adventure walking holidays, always ensure you’re carrying extra batteries for your GPS gadget and a charger for your phone.
Think ahead – avoid getting lost
Knowing the ways that you may end up lost can prevent it happening to you and your group.
- Y-turns: If you reach a Y-turn and you’re not entirely sure about the route, there’s a 50% chance you’ll pick the wrong turn. So, ensure that you’re prepared to follow the right or left route and retrace your steps if you’re unsure or in order to double-check that you’re correct.
- Detours: You may decide to take a short detour to a whisky tasting, some particularly beautiful scenery or a summit. Ensure that you keep an eye on how to easily return to the route. You could track your off-route details on a navigation app or simply keep a close eye on your map.
- Walking and talking: When you’re walking with somebody else, you’re more likely to miss turns or signposts because you’re distracted. Being sociable is important and encouraged but ensure you still pay attention to the step-by-step guide.
- Walking in a group: In groups, somebody usually takes the lead but this doesn’t always necessarily mean they know the route inside out! Make sure there’s at least one other person checking the route so that you all stay on-track.
Adventure Walking Holidays with EasyWays
One of our most popular self-guided walking holidays is Scotland’s famous West Highland Way.
When you book a self-guided holiday with EasyWays, we send you a comprehensive walking pack which outlines each stage of your walk, details of facilities en route and our recommendations for places to eat and drink. With our inclusive fixed price deals, we also provide a guide book and/or map!
We are constantly researching and monitoring service providers and amenities available on the routes so that our customers can get the best experience possible. As well as visiting accommodations, we request feedback and follow up on any issues that are highlighted.
Are you interested in adventure walking holidays, like the sound of our advice and love walking holidays in Scotland? Look at our last post, to learn more about the best kind of holiday!
If you’re looking to experience one of our self-guided walking routes, get in touch today – we look forward to hearing from you!
