Wouldn’t you like to get away from it all? Are you tempted to leave behind the hustle and bustle, the traffic noise, and the constant demands on your time? It could be the moment to grab your boots and try hiking.
Read on to discover some of the important things to bear in mind and discover one or two of my favourite local walks in the Chablais. I’ll add other hikes to the blog over the coming weeks so check back in now and again.
Remember that old boy scout motto?
Be prepared.
Find out how to make sure you’re ready to head for the hills, (and how not to do it). I’ve also included links to websites that offer invaluable advice on walking or hiking in the mountains, including how to use a map and compass, how to read the weather, and what to do if you get lost.
Plus, a handy checklist with suggestions for what to pack for a day hike in the mountains.
Hike more Worry less
‘But I’m not fit enough’….’I wouldn’t know where to start’….’ it’s raining’…’ I’ve got one leg shorter than the other’… Yes, I’ve used all those excuses too.
But, you have to start somewhere. So why not start here, in the beautiful Haute Savoie.
Taking time out isn’t always easy, but hiking is one way to step out of the daily grind,
even if only for a short while.
There are soft gentle rolling hills covered in wildflowers in the Spring. Then there are the soaring peaks that pierce the clouds with their jagged teeth.
Let’s not forget the valleys and gorges carved by glaciers over thousands of years, or the clear cool mountain lakes and the thundering sound of waterfalls.
It has an abundance of wildlife. From surefooted, graceful chamois to cheeky chubby little marmots. From buzzards, red kites, and eagles cruising the thermals to pine martens, wild boar, and even the occasional wolf.
A Cautionary Tale
‘It’s all your fault! You said it was easy’ sobbed the girl in the rubber flip-flops as she waved her leopard skin handbag in the direction of her beleaguered boyfriend.
To be fair, we were about 100 metres from the summit of Ben Nevis at the time… so let’s give her some credit.
Just a little further on she could have enjoyed the breathtaking views of the Scottish Highlands. That’s if the freezing fog hadn’t completely obscured the summit and the hundreds of walkers huddled against the wind.
So, what lessons did Miss Inappropriate Footwear learn from this?
Well, the same as the rest of us, in that preparation is everything. Doing your homework before heading out into the countryside, over the mountains, or even just along the coastline can save a lot of grief…
…particularly if you’re trying to impress someone on a first date.
Preparing for a Day Hike
Whether you’re walking or hiking in the Scottish, French or Swiss mountains taking a few simple precautions before you head out can make all the difference to your enjoyment of the day. Most of it is common sense but it’s easy to forget something in all the excitement.
Life is better in hiking boots
Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Check the difficulty rating of the walk you intend to do. Take into account your level of fitness and experience, your age, and whether you are walking with children.
- Start gently and build up strength and stamina for longer or more challenging hikes gradually. I’ll be posting some of the best stretches and strengthening exercises to do to prepare for a long hike in a couple of weeks’ time.
- Plan your route carefully. Here in France, the IGN blue series of maps (scale 1:25000) are specifically designed for walking. The map covering the area around Thollon is number 3528ET – Morzine / Massif-du-Chablais / Les Portes du Soleil.
- If you have health issues check with a doctor that the walk or hike is appropriate for you, and take any medication you might need with you.
- Using hiking poles can take the pressure off creaky knees, especially on downhill sections and if you need to wear a knee brace then put it on before your knee starts to complain.
Navigation
- Study the hiking pathfinder signs and follow the signage on your walk. Check that the signage corresponds with your mapped route.
- The diagram below shows the main signs you’re likely to find in France but there are often local variations.
- A good guidebook will give the signage to follow for your intended route.
GR = Grandes Routes = Long distance hike such as the ‘Transalpine Route’
GR Pays = Grandes Routes du Pays = Regional long distance hikes
PR = Promenades Randonnees = Shorter, more gentle hikes
- Signs may also be found painted on tree trunks, rocks, posts, and walls and can sometimes be difficult to spot.
- Don’t rely solely on GPS for directions in case you lose your phone signal. This is quite common in the mountains.
- Take a paper copy of your itinerary, a map, and a compass in a waterproof bag, in case you need to check or change your route at some point.
- To learn more about navigation in the mountains, including how to read a map and use a compass correctly check out Mountaineering Scotland which has information on hiking safely in all conditions.
- Make sure your phone is charged. These days you can download maps onto your phone, this also means you can be geolocated even if there’s no network.
- Geolocation can drain your phone’s battery so take an additional phone charger with you.
Weather Watching
- Check the weather conditions and the forecast for the day ahead before leaving. The weather can change very quickly in the mountains. Detailed weather reports for the Thollon area can be found on sites such as MeteoFrance or Mountain Forecast.
Photo by engin akyurt on unsplash
- Learn how to read the clouds, and be aware of changing winds. You can find some excellent advice on how to read clouds and predict mountain weather here.
- Tell someone where you’re going and when you’re likely to be back. Leave a copy of your itinerary with them and one under your car seat.
- In case of emergency, call the pan-European emergency number, 112. This connects you to all emergency services and is worth trying even if you have a poor mobile phone connection.
- It also identifies your phone to the emergency services to help them locate you if necessary. For people with hearing or speaking difficulties, there is a special number, 114 which allows communication by text message.
Here’s a short checklist of suggested things to pack for a day hike
You don’t have to be in the Haute Savoie or even in France to enjoy a great day walking or hiking in the countryside. Adventures are all around us. A big part of the fun is in the planning of a great trip so dig out the guide books, buy a compass, and head for the hills!
