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