Chapter One: Walking and Climbing

Walking and Climbing

“To walk, perchance to climb.” (Hamlet revised)

This isn’t about people who power down roads just to get somewhere. They’re efficient—but they’re not really experiencing the journey. This is for those who wander.

Most people start with simple country walks, then gradually take on more challenging routes across hills and open landscapes—what we’d now call rambling or hiking. From there, some move up to summit hikes, reaching the tops of hills. Eventually, many find themselves scrambling over rocks, choosing routes that are more rugged and engaging than the usual grassy paths.

For some, that’s enough. Others take it further—joining roped climbs and getting hooked on rock climbing itself. A few even become so focused on climbing that they forget the broader joy of the mountains. But most people keep their love of the hills as a whole, not just the rocks.

It’s worth remembering that mountaineering covers a wide range of skills and experiences. Rock climbing may be the most intense form, but it’s only one part. Navigation, route planning, and long-distance trekking matter just as much. Without those, you risk being seen as someone who just climbs for the workout, not the full experience.

Walking

At its core, rambling is simple and flexible. You can do it on weekends, holidays, alone or with others, in any season. The only real requirement? Knowing how to walk—and wanting to explore. Everyone knows how to walk—at least in theory. But sore feet, blisters, getting tired too fast, or even burning out on an easy hike? That happens all the time. Walking on rough ground is actually a skill, and if you didn’t grow up doing it, you have to learn it.

The trick isn’t about looking graceful—it’s about moving efficiently. Think of a steady, natural stride: your legs swing from the hips, and you avoid over-bending your knees. Your body should move with your stride, just a slight sway, while your arms mostly relax unless you need extra speed or balance.

Place your foot firmly but lightly, using the whole sole—not just your heel or toes. On flat ground, try to walk in a straight line, one foot in front of the other, pointing forward. It helps keep your stride smooth and comfortable.

When you’re going uphill, shorten your steps to avoid tiring out your legs. On steeper slopes, zig-zagging makes things easier and more sustainable. Some people like to rest their hands on their hips or behind their back for support—whatever feels natural.

One big thing: Don’t hunch over. It makes breathing harder and puts extra strain on your legs. Also, avoid constantly pushing up on your toes—it’ll wear you out fast, even if it works for short bursts.

The right pace is simple: go at a speed where you can breathe comfortably and keep moving steadily. Sprinting for a bit and then stopping over and over? That’ll wear you out fast—especially on climbs.

Going downhill is a different story. On gentle slopes, you can just lengthen your stride. But on steeper ground, it’s often easier to move with a light, controlled “bounce”—almost like a relaxed jog. Stay upright, keep your steps short, and your feet underneath you. If your stride gets too long and you slip, it’s much harder to recover your balance.

On really steep slopes, zig-zagging your way down can actually be quicker and a lot more controlled than heading straight down. A  walking stick, or pair of trekking poles can be a great help, whether walking up or down hill, or over uneven terrain. 

Sometimes you’ll be crossing along the side of a hill instead of going up or down—this is called contouring. Here, a smooth, steady stride works best, with one foot placed directly in front of the other to keep your balance. It might feel natural to lean into the hill, but staying upright and balanced will save you energy and keep your footing more secure.

When you’re crossing a slope, try not to lean into it. It might feel natural, but it can actually throw your footing off. Staying upright helps keep your steps more stable.

Loose or rocky ground needs a slightly different approach. On boulders, move confidently from one to the next and keep a steady rhythm. Scree (those loose, gravelly slopes) trips a lot of people up, but the trick is to commit—step firmly, drive your heels in, and let the stones shift under you instead of fighting it. For bigger rocks, just treat them like boulders.

Planning your route matters, too. A map helps, especially if visibility drops, but there’s also a real skill in choosing the best path as you go. That mostly comes with experience, but one key idea is this: the “easier” route isn’t always the fastest. Boggy ground, thick vegetation, or uneven terrain can slow you down way more than a slightly longer path.

For example, it’s often better to walk along a ridge than through a valley. But if you come across a small, fast-moving stream, it can sometimes make a surprisingly good route—the exposed rock can be easier to walk on, and small obstacles are often manageable.

The type of ground matters a lot, too. Some landscapes offer firm, easy footing, while others are rougher and more uneven. Learning to read the terrain and adjust your route is a big part of becoming a confident walker.

Planning a Walk

Planning might sound a bit too structured for something as free-spirited as wandering—but it actually helps, especially in unfamiliar places. If you know the area well, you can head out with no real plan and just see where the day takes you. But in new territory, it’s smart to have at least a rough idea of your route—even if you end up changing it.

Start with the map, sometimes well in advance if it’s a bigger trip. Get a feel for the landscape—where the villages, hills, rivers, and access points are—and sketch out some possible routes.

One big decision is whether to do a walking tour (moving place to place) or base yourself in one spot. Touring means carrying your gear most days, so distances are shorter—especially in mountainous areas, where around 15 miles with a full pack is plenty for most people. You’ll also need to make sure places to stay aren’t too far apart.

If you stay in one place, you can travel lighter—just a day pack—and cover more ground. The tradeoff is that your walks need to loop back to where you started.The landscape itself can help decide. Some areas are better suited to touring, especially where routes naturally link valleys or villages. And it’s always worth having a backup plan—if the weather turns bad, knowing there’s an easier route or nearby shelter can make all the difference.

Clothing

Your gear doesn’t need to be fancy, but it does need to work. A good hat should handle light rain, stay on in strong wind, protect you from the sun, and be easy to stash in a pocket.

For clothing, think tough, wind-resistant, and practical. Jackets and pants should have plenty of secure pockets. Reinforced knees and seat are a plus if you’re covering rough ground. You want freedom to move—nothing too tight or restrictive. Some people prefer looser pants, while shorts are great in easy conditions, though they’re not ideal when the terrain gets rough.

Despite all the manmade fabrics that have come on the market, wool is still the best fabric for hiking/climbing. Thick wool socks help prevent blisters. On easier paths, sturdy shoes might be fine, but for rough ground, proper boots are a must—strong, flexible leather with solid soles and good grip.

Layering is key. Lighter layers work better than one heavy piece, letting you adjust as conditions change. A warm layer is great for breaks or if your outer gear gets wet, and a wool cap comes in handy in colder weather.

Equipment

A good backpack should be durable but not overly heavy. Most aren’t fully waterproof, so it’s a slightly bigger backpack that isn’t stuffed full is usually more comfortable than a smaller one crammed to the limit.

Essentials

Keep your gear simple and practical:

A basic compass (easy to read, ideally usable in low light)

A sturdy pocket knife (extra blades or tools as in a Swiss Army knife only if you’ll actually use them)

Waterproof matches or a reliable way to start a fire

Small food bags for snacks like dried fruit

Gloves—loose for warmth, or worn leather ones (fingertips cut off) for climbing

A compact first aid kit

Packing mindset

Be ruthless when packing. It’s tempting to throw things in “just in case,” but that weight adds up fast. Every item should earn its place. Bring what you need to stay safe and comfortable—but nothing extra.smart to line it or use a waterproof bag inside. A couple of outer pockets can make life easier, especially for things you need to grab quickly.