Hill walking is a popular activity in Europe, particularly in the UK and Ireland. It is less physically challenging than climbing and requires minimal special equipment. Hikers should prepare for emergencies and carry essential provisions and a map. Popular destinations include Connemara, the Burren, the Lake District, and Glencoe Highlands.
Hill walking is the practice of walking on small hills or mountains, usually for the purpose of enjoyment, exploration, and exercise. In general, hill walking is less physically challenging than climbing or scrambling, and is perhaps best compared to intense hiking. It’s a popular activity in Europe, especially in the rugged terrain of the UK and Ireland, where many tourists travel for the express purpose of hill walking. Unlike more advanced forms of mountaineering, walking downhill requires minimal special equipment, though hikers should be sure to arm themselves with a few essential provisions in case of mid-trail emergencies.
Walking up the hill is typically considered distinct from rock climbing, which generally involves mounting over particularly rough or steep terrain with the use of climbing tools, and walking away, which generally refers to traversing somewhat rough terrain with feet and hands. Hill walking is generally less strenuous than either of these activities, and is therefore compared to hiking. Since hiking doesn’t necessarily imply mountains or hills, however, the two terms aren’t exactly interchangeable.
The mountainous regions of Ireland and the United Kingdom are popular holiday destinations for hikers from continental Europe and beyond. Favorite places to walk in the hills of Ireland include Connemara and the Burren, both in the western part of the country. Hikers bound for England often choose to explore the Lake District, located in the far northwest of the country, while many hikers in Scotland prefer the centrally located Glencoe Highlands. Detailed hiking guides are often available from local or national tourist boards in these countries.
Some forms of mountaineering, particularly rock climbing, require specialized and often expensive equipment such as ropes, harnesses, caribiners, and helmets. Unlike climbers, hikers can usually hit the hills for a fairly low investment. One of the only pieces of gear you really need to hike the hill is a comfortable, sturdy pair of shoes or boots. Some hikers also choose to carry lightweight, retractable poles, which can be used to navigate rugged terrain and then easily tucked into a backpack.
While the need for special climbing equipment is minimal, a hiker should always take care to prepare for emergencies. He should carry a backpack containing a first aid kit, water, sunscreen, a light waterproof jacket, a flashlight and some food. In addition, he must obtain a map of the terrain, which he must study before setting out and take with him on his hike. You should check the weather forecast on the day of your hike and avoid walking in heavy rain, wind, or snow. Finally, as cell phones often lose service in mountainous areas, rendering them useless, the hiker should inform someone of their intended route and expected return time before beginning their hike.
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