My first hill – climbing catbells

As many of my friends and colleagues would tell you, I am not known as the most “outdoorsy” person in the world, but after this weekend my appetite has certainly been whetted. During a long weekend in the Lake District I found myself at the bottom of the 451 metres (1,480 ft) high fell, Catbells. All kitted out and with help from some more experienced walkers, I made it to the top and back within 3 and a half hours (and that includes a stop at the top to re-energise with chocolate and crisps!) Here are a few tips that I found useful and feel are important if you’re thinking about taking up hill walking as an activity:

• Preparation – you have heard the saying don’t run before you can walk. Well don’t walk up a big hill before you can walk a good distance on the flat! Make sure your body is up to the task by training a bit beforehand. This will prevent excess muscle soreness and reduce the risk of injury.
• Safety – check the weather forecast to see if it’s safe to climb and let somebody not climbing with you know where you are walking and your estimated time of return.
• Take a mobile phone – I used mine to take some nice pictures, but you never know when help might be needed – and yes, I surprisingly got a signal!
• Navigation – plan the walk carefully as there are many routes to the top and take a map with you.
• Clothing – the key here is layers. I got warm climbing, but it was cold at the top where I was grateful for the gloves I had packed. Waterproofs weren’t needed this time but getting wet while walking wouldn’t be my idea of fun.
• Footwear and stick – a good set of walking boots is vital, with some nice chunky socks. Some of the terrain was slippery and steeper than I had imagined but the boots and stick really did help.
• Last but not least, food and drink – water and a snack/treat at the top was much appreciated and well deserved.

If you need some advice regarding training or injury prevention, a physiotherapist can help you with this.

So give it a shot – the views were well worth it and the exercise can do nothing but good!