Following the release of “A Journey Through South East England: Broadstairs to Lewes”, author and walker Brian J. Rance shares his top 10 tips for solo walking:
A Journey Through South-East England: Broadstairs to Lewes
The most important preparation for long distance solo walking is to plan the route carefully in advance. This type of walking is not a stroll in the countryside but has a clear objective; a start and a finish. Once the finish is reached it will imbue a sense of achievement given that the challenge has been completed successfully. The distance chewed off will depend on the ambition and capabilities of the walker.
The extent and nature of any preparation will vary according to the nature of the terrain. My comments here would not be applicable to walks in the wilderness or a sparsely populated area and derives from my experiences of walking in Kent and East Sussex.
It certainly involves careful selection of maps; Although I started off using the landranger series of maps I have found the explorer maps most suitable for this purpose.
If the walk consists of more than one leg, that is continued walking on a number of consecutive days, then it is important to book in advance somewhere to stay. I have used two methods in this regard as described in my introduction to my third book ‘A Journey through South-East England’.
The first method, which I used for many years is named after its inventor John Noakes of Blue Peter fame. This consists of driving over the route and dropping off a box of clothing at pre-booked billets, parking up at the last place and catching public transport back to the beginning. I would then start walking to the first stop, change into fresh clothes and then post the box back home in the morning. I would continue in this way until the planned route was completed. This served me very well for many years when I was younger. I have found however that recently, with a rash of rural post office closures, that this method has become increasingly impracticable. With this method also as overnight stops were pre-booked, there was no choice but to get up in the morning and start walking irrespective of the weather or the state of my body.
More recently, with advancing age, I have made much greater use of my car. Now I would drive to a pre-booked location and park up. Then in the morning I would catch a taxi to the start and walk as long as I was comfortable. Then I would catch a taxi back to base. After a few days I would move my car along the route to reduce as much as possible accumulating taxi fares. Although costing more in fares I have found taxi drivers an inexhaustible source of information about the locality.
In any case the purpose of both methods is to travel light. I would normally only carry waterproof clothing and bottled water on my back. I have found a hat essential to guard against sunstroke, which I did suffer on one occasion in Rye. Apart from this the only main requirement for long distance solo walking it a good well-worn in pair of boots. I wear very tight fitting boots and have been fortunate that I have never suffered with blisters.
I have always used a dictaphone to record my observations and encounters which I have used as a basis for writing up an account of my walks back home. This I think is the key advantage of walking alone; one is able to observe the environment, and ponder on the significance of such, in a way in which would not be possible if one was walking in company.
The other essential piece of equipment is a charged mobile phone which allows one to order a taxi or summon up help if one gets into difficulty.
Finally everyone will have their own reasons for embarking on such a challenge. Whether it be cathartic or a physical challenge, or merely a desire to experience and revel in the wonders of the outdoor landscape. In my case it was all these reasons and more but the one thing is for sure that long distance solo walking gives one an opportunity to reflect on one’s life and hopefully regain a sense of balance and perspective therein.
A Journey Through South East England follows the latest journey in Brian’s walking exploits over the last 15 years. Achieved before he reached the significant age of 70, Brian’s latest walking adventure follows him on a trek of around 125 miles from Broadstairs to Lewes. It’s available to buy from Amazon, The Book Guild and all good bookshops. See walking maps, chats and further insights at www.brianjrance.co.uk