Category: Hiking

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Walking in the Lake District

The Lake District National Park has for many years been seen by many to be the most picturesque part of the British Isles. The scenic landscape has drawn in many writers and artists through the ages and the same scenery provides today the perfect location for a wide variety of hikes and walks. The National Park is situated in Cumbria with the towns of Windermere, Ambleside and Keswick being the main tourist towns. For lots of people that enjoy walking this area has become their favourite area in the UK and even in the busy weekend at the height of the summer it is still more that possible to escape from the crowds.

The Southern Fells

The lake district is home to the highest mountain in England Scafell Pike, there are also some other impressive peaks located in the Southern Fells of the lake district. These include Eskdale, Great Langdale, Wasdale, Borrwdale and Duddon valley all added arguable the most picturesque high ground in the country. Other great peaks in the Southern Fells area are the Man of Coniston, Great End Scafell, Esk, Pike, Crinkle Crags and Bowfell Crinkle Crags and of course many more.

The Central Fells

The best part of the Central Fells is Langdale Pikes which add some very impressive scenery and make this a very popular area indeed. This somewhat makes up for the boggy ground of this particular area. The ground is particular soft and boggy between Helm Crag and Greenup Edge. That being said being said this area offers great view?s of the the Southern Fells

The Western Fells

This area has many different fells that are well known, some of these include Great Gable, High Stile, Haystacks, Redpike and Pillar. This particular area offers great mountain scenery that can be enjoyed by everyone. These are complimented by the Valleys of Wasdale and Ennerdale which offer some ideal shelter when the weather takes a turn for the worse.

The North Western Fells

This is one of the quieter areas of the Lake District and offers a change in terrain to that of the Western Falls. The tallest summit in this area is Grasmoor which is sit amongst mainly smaller summits. There is a steeper walking in this area climbing up Lanthwaite Green onto the Whiteside ridge. The views outweigh the extra effort of the steep climb. This area is well known for a number of different fells including Dale Head, Eel Crag and Grisedale Pike.

The Northern Fells

Head west on the the M6 motorway then turning along the A66 to Keswick, the shapely south face of Blencathra is the first mountain you see. When you reach Keswick, which is situated on Derwentwater, you will see first the the round of the Skiddaw mountain comes into view. Many hikers find these two mountains for-fill the extent of their interest, often oblivious to the fells at the back O’Skiddaw. This area gives solitude and has the benefit of mostly being clear of cloud contrasting to other parts of the Lakes which are often short of sunshine. Hikers most favoured fells include Bannerdale Crags and Carrock Fell.

The Eastern Fells

This location in places rises 2500 feet above sea level. The higher ground sits between Ullswater and Thirlmere. The best area is Helyellyn which the most picturesque scenery. Other areas include Fairfeild and the Dodds. This area also has a mining history and there is lot of evidence to show this which might be of interest to you.

Far Eastern Fells

This area is one of the most popular because it provides miles and miles of easy walking and panoramic views which lead to the higher ground of the Pennines. The constantly changes views make this one of the most interesting area to go walking in. Fells in this area include Harter Fell, Angletarn Pikes and Nan Bield Pass.

Before you venture out to the Lake District National Park it is important to remember that the correct footwear and equipment is essential to get the most enjoyment out of your experience. Here at Newforestfootwear.com we stock a wide range of quality hiking footwear for a reasonable price to suit all needs

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Walking on Exmoor

Exmoor National Park spans across West Somerset and North Devon with a picturesque coastline. The park is largely made up of moorland with wooded valleys and the coastline is made up with some of the highest cliffs in Great Britain making Exmoor one of the nicest places for walking in the UK. The highest point of Exmoor is Dunkery Beacon which offers some fantastic views of the beautiful setting.

Exmoor is one of the smallest national parks in the country at just 267 square miles but contains some of the most beautiful landscapes in the UK. The nearest towns and cities to the national park are Exeter in Devon and Taunton in Somerset. The park provides leisure activities and employment for about 10,000 people in the surrounding areas.

Although the park is relatively small it contains a wide variety of different landscapes including remote moorlands, the tallest cliffs in the UK situated above the Bristol Channel. Here you will see a wide variety of different features including rocky headlands, waterfalls, heaps of fallen rock and wooded ravines that make this a stunning place to go walking.

The inland areas of the national park are made up of vast heather clad grass moorland, rising to 900ft above sea level. The highest location in the park is Dunkery Beacon with is 1704 ft above sea level. Dunkery Beacon is one of the most popular spots in the park for walkers because of the stunning panoramic views. The only downside to this like all highlands near the coastline is the amount of rainfall with about 80inches per year. As a result there are a large amount of rivers and streams situated in the park the largest being the River Exe (hence the name Exmoor). These have in turn created steep wooded valleys and fast flowing streams making the park a unique, interesting and challenging place to walk.

Within the park are the Brendon Hills which are heavily wooded in the north but more grass and moorland in the south adding a contrast of different terrains for hikers depending on how challenging your want your hike to be! The south western area of the Brendon hills is where most agricultural activity take place within the park.

The Exmoor National Park also boasts a number of archaeological site and monuments to be explore on your walks

The wide variety of different terrains and landscapes that the Exmoor National Park has to offer is ideally suited to walkers/hikers of all different levels. There really is something for everyone here. There are about 600 miles of Footpaths, bridle ways to explore.

Before you venture out to the Exmoor National Park it is important to remember that the correct footwear and equipment is essential to get the most enjoyment out of your experience. Here at Newforestfootwear.com we stock a wide range of quality Hiking Footwear for a reasonable price to suit all needs

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A brief introduction to the Rambler Association UK

The Ramblers association is a walking charity. It is the biggest charity of its type in the UK and helps to improve the conditions and facilities for walkers in England, Scotland and Wales. The association organises about 500 walks per weeks. Some walks are more challenging than others depending on whether you want a short relaxing stroll or a more challenging hike. No matter where in the UK you are from, what age group you fall in to the Ramblers Association has something for you.

Walking with the Rambler Association helps you to meet new people who also love walking and hiking. These people come from a variety of different backgrounds and have different hiking skills. So there is a good opportunity to share hiking stories and get tips and advice.

If you join the Ramblers Association you will help to contribute towards protecting the footpaths and bridleways across the whole UK. Making walking in the UK a much more enjoyable and safe experience.

What the Ramblers Association does

  • Protecting Britains public paths. The Ramblers Association works to protect the footpaths and bridleways of the UK. There are thousands of miles of footpaths in the UK but alot of them are illegal block, obstructed and have become overgrown. By working with local authorities and land owners the Association stops this from happening allowing us all to enjoy the countryside a little bit more.
  • Increased Access for walkers The association has over the last 70 years has help to improve the statutory rights of access to millions of acres of land in the United Kingdom. The next aim is to continue this with the miles of coastline that is currently out of bounds.
  • Protecting the countryside The Ramblers Association helps to create new National parks across the UK to help protect areas of outstanding natural beauty so that walkers/hikers can enjoy them even more

The Rambler Association say that it is essential to have a good pair Waterproof hiking boots before you embark on any serious walking

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A walk in The New Forest

This walk is named the Naked Man and is an excellent circular walk through the New Forest. The route leads you from the car park and continues to the old Southampton to Dorchester railway line which is now disused. You enjoy excellent views of the forest as you continue along this track which was once the railway line. The terrain is varied and takes you through both woodland and heath land until you reach the Naked Man. This old oak tree which was once use was used for hangings must have many stories to tell as it blows gracefully in the breeze. This tree was use to execute smugglers whom had been caught along the many miles of coast. The coast of Hampshire and Dorset provided much cover for illegal goods to be bought in; however the penalty if caught was a trip to the new forest. It is said that the forest was used to hide these illicit goods.

Before you venture down to the New Forest please remember that at all times of the year good protective footwear is essential and here at New Forest Footwear we have an excellent range of Waterproof hiking boots to suit all pockets, all of which are manufactured from the finest materials and are offered at very low prices.

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The New Forest UK a great place to visit

The New Forest is an ideal area to enjoy the great outdoor. It is a favourite area for those that wish to enjoy the countryside with many a sighting of wild life that have made this fascinating forest their home. The right choice of footwear is important as in the early morning the ground is usually damp with dew, but this is the best time of day to witness a variety of wildlife including deer before they retreat further into the forest as the day progresses.

Suitable hiking footwear for you visit

Here at New Forest Footwear we specialize in quality Hiking Footwear. The choice of suitable clothing is essential for complete enjoyment of this area and Hiking Boots form part of this requirement.

A good quality boot will last for years and protect the wearer from the great British climate keeping the feet warm and dry during the winter months and cool and dry during the summer. All our hiking boots are 100% waterproof, which is achieved using the latest technology that also allows the feet to breath. All our Hiking Footwear have rubber soles and an anti slip tread pattern to ensure a sure-footed experience.

Walking in the New Forest

Forest Commission rangers are on hand to take groups on guided walks details of which can be obtained from the Forestry Commission at the Queens House, Lyndhurst, Hampshire. However the advantage of this area is that the walkers are able to go where they like and are not restricted by no go areas.

Walking in the forest is a great way to not only explore this area but also to maintain fitness by burning off those calories. There are many gravel tracks and open heathland with sandy tracks all great for testing those new Hiking Boots.

The area is well served by car parks and you are never far away from a local pub for a refreshing drink or food.

Whilst exploring the New Forest you will need a good pair of Waterproof hiking boots and shoes