Walking skills 

From picking the right route to packing the perfect kit, here’s how to prepare for your next walk.

We know how important walking is on so many levels, from the wellbeing benefits to community spirit. But before heading out on a walk, some planning should definitely take place.

Walks in the countryside, on the coast or in upland areas can be challenging if you are unprepared, potentially resulting in injury. Take time to make sure you know what to expect and can deal with any eventuality. By putting in some planning time, it will ensure that not only do you have a clear route and timings worked out but some downtime to recharge and also appreciate the beauty around you.

Here is some walking advice to get you ready for a season of walking in the UK.

Things to check before you go

  • Ensure you are wearing suitable clothing and footwear for the route and weather, and that you take the right kit.
  • Check the local weather forecast and whether there is enough daylight to complete the walk. If you're venturing into the mountains, check the mountain weather forcast.
  • When walking on the coast check local tide times.
  • Download the OS Maps and what3words apps to your phone.
  • Check you are able to contact emergency services by contacting 999 by SMS text. To use the service, you must pre-register by texting ‘register’ to 999.
  • Complete a walking route notification card (pdf, 0.2mb) to provide essential information for the Emergency Services if you do not return when expected.
  • Check all members of the group have the fitness and skills to complete the route.
  • On city walks take care when crossing busy roads and look out for cyclists.

Visit adventuresmart.uk for more information on staying safe in the outdoors.

Download BMC's guide (pdf, 3.6mb)

In case of emergency:

  • Call 999 (or text 999 if pre-registered) and ask for the police.
  • Use OS Locate or What3Words to help pinpoint your location.
  • To attract attention in the mountains shout or give six blasts on a whistle at regular intervals. In low light flash a torch six times at regular intervals.
  • If you can send someone for help, they need to know your location, number of people in the group and the nature of the emergency.

Let others know where you're going

Walks in the countryside, on the coast or in upland areas can be challenging if you are unprepared, potentially resulting in injury. Take time to make sure you know what to expect and can deal with any eventuality.

Our route notification card is an important planning and safety tool. It is only used in the unlikely event you or your group get into difficulties and/or fail to return from your walk when anticipated.

Download notification card (pdf, 0.3MB)

Develop your walking skills

Check your route

Take our self-guided walks at your own pace with our free downloadable maps. These outline clear routes to follow, plus hazards to be aware of, accessibility, points of interest and nearby facilities.

Learn how to read a map

Get to grips with map reading, using a compass and contour lines. Our partner Ordnance Survey has created a series of videos on the basics. You can also learn about reading digital maps.

Read the Countryside Code

Refresh your knowledge of the Countryside Code. It’s important to follow this handy guide so that everyone can enjoy their visit and protect the environment.

Grading our self-guided walking routes

Each route is graded to provide walkers with a clear and easy to understand assessment of the effort and skill required to undertake a particular walk and to compare one walk to another.

They are graded easy, moderate, challenging or severe. These can be very wide categories, so we have also graded each route numerically from 9 to 90 – the higher the grade, the harder the route. The grade is based on distance, overall ascent and terrain, plus how easy the route is to navigate, if it can be cut the short (if needed), any hazards along the way, how exposed to the elements you will be, and the impact poor weather could have on the walk.

Easy route illustration

Easy (0-20)

Straightforward for most, taking about an hour or two. If there’s some ascent, the distance will be short. If it’s flat, the route will be longer.

Moderate route illustration

Moderate (20 to 50)

Longer than easier walks, requiring a morning or afternoon. More ascent, more uneven terrain and may require more navigation skills.

Challenging route illustration

Challenging (50 to 70)

For walkers with more experience and higher levels of fitness, these routes are either long, challenging to walk or involve an ascent.

Severe route illustration

Severe (70+)

The hardest of all and best suited to experienced walkers. They are long or high, but probably both. Likely to be in remote mountainous areas.

Follow our routes on the OS app

Our self-guided routes are available to download from the OS Maps app along with thousands of other routes across Great Britain. You can download maps to your phone or print them off — so no phone signal, no problem.

Download OS app