Ask the experts: Autumn 2010
On a recent walk over farmland near Glasgow, we came across a locked gate blocking our progress on what was clearly shown as a right of way on our maps. Should we have made an approach to the farmer? Or is there some authority which should be advised to allow them to take action! Alastair McFarlane
Helen Todd: You may be aware that there are very few ‘vindicated’ rights of way in Scotland so a lot of routes are simply ‘claimed’. However, rights of access do apply over most land as long as you are responsible in the way you take access. Sections 3.8 and 3.9 of the Scottish Outdoor Access Code explain that you are within your rights to climb over the gate if you are able to do so! (Visit www.outdooraccess-scotland.com for the full text.) If you think this is a deliberate obstruction, you should report it to the access officer at the local authority concerned. Visit www.outdooraccess-scotland.com/help-and-information/contact-la-officer for more details.
I’m going walking in the French Alps later this year. Could you recommend some stretches and techniques to minimise my chances of tired feet and aching calves? Dean Wright
Dr Helen Crawley: The best preparation is to use the muscles you’ll be putting under stress in the Alps. Try slowly building up your walking stamina, increasing mileage and including some hill walks. Break in any new boots beforehand and try out the clothes you’ll be wearing to make sure they won’t chafe. On holiday, start each day with a gentle 5-minute stroll. Once you’ve warmed up, stretch your calf muscles, hamstrings, quads and hips. The idea is to elongate the muscle and hold for 15–20 seconds. Then rotate your ankles, neck and shoulders gently 10 times in each direction. Repeat these stretches at the end of the day. A physiotherapist or exercise instructor can show you some simple stretches for each muscle group, or there are plenty of videos on the internet.
Many years ago, I remember seeing a rucksack with a folding seat attached – great for coffee stops on my winter walks. Do you know where I can buy one? Malcolm Pollard
Minnie Burlton: I’m not sure how structured a seat you would like, but Amazon.co.uk sell the Draper 89466 for just £8.95. It has a folding stool integrated with a backpack, and uses lightweight steel tubing for an overall weight of 1.4kg. If you’re after something lighter, Flylite (✆ 01932 219 194,
www.flylite.uk.com) sell a rucksack with an insulated compartment and a detachable cushion for £27.50. Alternatively, Therm-a-Rest (✆ 01629 580 484, www.firstascent.co.uk) sell brilliant, ultra-lightweight seats such as the Z Seat, £12.99, which weighs a mere 60g, and the inflatable Lite Seat, £24.99, weighing 90g. Both offer good insulation and are small enough to roll up into your pocket.
My sister lives in Battersea, 10 minutes’ from Clapham Junction railway station. She is desperate to reach open country with her seven-year-old son for a day’s walking. Can you recommend some
good places? Helen Sinclair
Andrew McCloy: The woods and heathland of the North Downs and Surrey Hills are probably the most accessible countryside from Clapham Junction. Boxhill & Westhumble station is just 45 minutes away and gives direct access onto the North Downs Way and Ranmore Common (✆ 08451 272920, www.southernrailway.com). A little further afield, but offering a different walking experience, are the open chalk slopes of the South Downs. Amberley station is 1 hour 20 minutes travelling time and from there you can be on the top of the downs in just a few minutes. The New Forest is also well within reach, and South West Trains (✆ 0845 6000 650, www.southwesttrains.co.uk) run a direct service that takes just under two hours. Beaulieu Road station, for instance, is in the heart of the National Park and you can begin your walk as soon as you step off the train. The Time Out book of Country Walks near London (2 volumes) has lots more ideas.
Where can I buy a ladies’ below-knee length waterproof walking jacket? I am fed up with normal length jackets dripping on my trousers, soaking them above the knees. Joan Jones
Minnie Burlton: There are several options in the shops. Patagonia (✆ 0800 026 0055, www.patagonia.com) make the Women’s Rain Shadow Trench Coat, £190, a sleek full-length waterproof with a removable hood and two-way zipper. Rohan (✆ 0800 840 1411, www.rohan.co.uk) also make a full-length, ultra-breathable waterproof called the Women’s Hilltop Jacket, £185 (pictured left). Two others offer jackets that come down over the tops of the legs: Sprayway (✆ 0161 366 5020, www.sprayway.com) has the Maia jacket, £110; and Regatta (✆ 0161 749 1313, www.regatta.com) make the Iris, £50.
Send us your questions
Do you want an answer to a health, gear or legal question? Then write to us at walk, Ramblers, 2nd Floor, Camelford House, 87-90 Albert Embankment, London SE1 7TW or email denise.noble@ramblers.org.uk with your name and address. Letters may be edited and may be included on this website. We are not able to acknowledge letters.
The writers of all letters published will win a HotRox Electronic Hand Warmer – the new way to stay warm. They’re rechargeable and can be turned on and off at the flick of a switch. HotRox hand warmers are the must-have accessory for everyone who enjoys the great outdoors. Visit www.thehotrox.co.uk.
Top image: Bob Embleton
