Spring:
Essential items when preparing for a walk
-Compass -First aid kit - including an elastic bandage, gauze
pads, antiseptic cream and antihistamine tablets.
Mobile Phones – Always tell at least one person where you will
be walking and the estimated time you will be out. Mobile phone
coverage can be unreliable in the mountains.
Water and Energy Food – Even though temperatures may be low it
is better to carry plenty of water and juice. Food for energy is
important not only to keep your stomach happy but also your
mind. If your brain is lacking in essential sugars you cannot
make correct decisions for your safety. Healthy foods such as
nuts, fruit, muesli bars, (some chocolate) and sandwiches are a
better type of food to take walking.
Footwear and Clothing - Wearing comfortable walking shoes or
boots is important, especially when tackling difficult terrain.
They are designed for comfort and safety and if looked after
will last for many years. In spring you may start off walking in
good weather conditions, but a gain in altitude of a few hundred
meters and it will be a different story. Normally a medium
weight sweater and a light wind/rain proof jacket should be
sufficient.
Maps - Ordinance survey maps in Spain are not updated on a
regular basis. Dirt tracks and trails that are marked on the
maps may not have been maintained. Often the route is
over-grown, ploughed up, or sometimes a fence has been erected
across it. I would recommend that you don’t rely on just one
track or trail for your route, look for options before you set
out on your walk, as dead-ends can be really frustrating. Some
tracks and goat trails may not be marked on the maps. You can
find a map shop in most major cities.
Summer
It is a good idea to start a walk in early morning or evening.
Try to finish a morning walk by 12:00 at the latest.
Clothing and footwear - Shorts or lightweight trousers (to avoid
scratches on your legs) and a t-Shirt or shirt with collar keeps
you cool and the sun off your neck. A hat is important, even
though it may be hot it’s better than getting heat stroke. You
may be tempted to use open footwear, however proper boots or
shoes offer more support and comfort. Please forgive me if I
state the obvious.
Skin Protection - High factor sun block is recommended. When you
are out walking for several hours a slight burn on the
shoulders, arms or behind the knees can rub on your clothing.
Always carry extra sun block to top up after a while as sweat
will wear it off. Water - Take as much as you and your group can
carry, especially if you are not sure how long you will be out
walking. Take regular sips of water rather than drinking a lot
every half hour. Take advantage of any natural springs to cool
off your head and arms only drinking it if there is a notice
clearly stating it is safe to drink.
Winter
At this time of year dressing in layers is better than wearing
one thick sweater or fleece. Carry a waterproof jacket in case
of rain. Take a spare pair of socks, a woolly hat, scarf &
gloves. It is best to treat your walking shoes or boots with a
waterproofing agent the day before a walk.
Water – Carry about two litres of water per person, you may not
feel thirsty while you are walking but dehydration still occurs
in cold, dry conditions. Past a certain point it is difficult to
re-hydrate your body.
Dealing with dogs
While walking in the campo you will more than likely pass by a
farm or two. Some people can be put off by the idea of a dog
lurking behind a barn waiting to pounce on the “happy wanderer”.
If you approach a farm expecting to meet a dog it tends to take
the shock out of the “bark”. A lot of bigger dogs will be tied
up, if not you must be confident and stand your ground. If the
dog starts to advance stamp your foot and shout “FUERA”, which
means away or get out. Repeating this as you walk past their
territory usually works quite well, if you still feel a bit
un-nerved pretend to pick up a small rock while shouting
“FUERA”. If you are still not sure about passing through the
dog’s territory, find another way around the farm. Always walk
away with confidence never RUN. I have found more often than not
that if you show no fear and use an aggressive tone in your
voice they will walk away.
In short, whatever time of year you walk in the campo/mountains ;
Wear the correct clothing and footwear Always carry plenty of
water Make sure at least one person knows where you are walking
Carry first-aid kit and know some basic first – aid techniques.
Have a great time exploring Spain’s Countryside !!
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