Safety Tips While Walking in the Spanish Countryside

Spring:

Essential items when preparing for a walk

-Compass

-First aid kit - including an elastic bandage, gauze pads, antiseptic cream and antihistamine tablets.

Mobile Phones ? Always tell at least one person where you will be walking and the estimated time you will be out. Mobile phone coverage can be unreliable in the mountains.

Water and Energy Food ? Even though temperatures may be low it is better to carry plenty of water and juice. Food for energy is important not only to keep your stomach happy but also your mind. If your brain is lacking in essential sugars you cannot make correct decisions for your safety. Healthy foods such as nuts, fruit, muesli bars, (some chocolate) and sandwiches are a better type of food to take walking.

Footwear and Clothing - Wearing comfortable walking shoes or boots is important, especially when tackling difficult terrain. They are designed for comfort and safety and if looked after will last for many years. In spring you may start off walking in good weather conditions, but a gain in altitude of a few hundred meters and it will be a different story. Normally a medium weight sweater and a light wind/rain proof jacket should be sufficient.

Maps - Ordinance survey maps in Spain are not updated on a regular basis. Dirt tracks and trails that are marked on the maps may not have been maintained. Often the route is over-grown, ploughed up, or sometimes a fence has been erected across it. I would recommend that you don't rely on just one track or trail for your route, look for options before you set out on your walk, as dead-ends can be really frustrating. Some tracks and goat trails may not be marked on the maps. You can find a map shop in most major cities.

Summer

It is a good idea to start a walk in early morning or evening. Try to finish a morning walk by 12:00 at the latest.

Clothing and footwear - Shorts or lightweight trousers (to avoid scratches on your legs) and a t-Shirt or shirt with collar keeps you cool and the sun off your neck. A hat is important, even though it may be hot it's better than getting heat stroke. You may be tempted to use open footwear, however proper boots or shoes offer more support and comfort. Please forgive me if I state the obvious.

Skin Protection - High factor sun block is recommended. When you are out walking for several hours a slight burn on the shoulders, arms or behind the knees can rub on your clothing. Always carry extra sun block to top up after a while as sweat will wear it off.

Water - Take as much as you and your group can carry, especially if you are not sure how long you will be out walking. Take regular sips of water rather than drinking a lot every half hour. Take advantage of any natural springs to cool off your head and arms only drinking it if there is a notice clearly stating it is safe to drink.

Winter

At this time of year dressing in layers is better than wearing one thick sweater or fleece. Carry a waterproof jacket in case of rain. Take a spare pair of socks, a woolly hat, scarf & gloves. It is best to treat your walking shoes or boots with a waterproofing agent the day before a walk.

Water ? Carry about two litres of water per person, you may not feel thirsty while you are walking but dehydration still occurs in cold, dry conditions. Past a certain point it is difficult to re-hydrate your body.

Dealing with dogs

While walking in the campo you will more than likely pass by a farm or two. Some people can be put off by the idea of a dog lurking behind a barn waiting to pounce on the "happy wanderer". If you approach a farm expecting to meet a dog it tends to take the shock out of the "bark". A lot of bigger dogs will be tied up, if not you must be confident and stand your ground. If the dog starts to advance stamp your foot and shout "FUERA", which means away or get out. Repeating this as you walk past their territory usually works quite well, if you still feel a bit un-nerved pretend to pick up a small rock while shouting "FUERA". If you are still not sure about passing through the dog's territory, find another way around the farm. Always walk away with confidence never RUN. I have found more often than not that if you show no fear and use an aggressive tone in your voice they will walk away.

In short, whatever time of year you walk in the campo/mountains ;

Wear the correct clothing and footwear

Always carry plenty of water

Make sure at least one person knows where you are walking

Carry first-aid kit and know some basic first ? aid techniques.

Have a great time exploring Spain's Countryside!!

Steve Murray lives in Spain and runs an number a Adventure Sports Company Abdal Adventures

---

Protection from Lightning - Smart Strategies for Hikers and All Outdoor Enthusiasts

Prevention is your best protection against lightning. Be sure to... Read More

7 Need to Know Campsite Cooking Strategies

Are you sick and tired of not knowing what to... Read More

Hiking Mount Rainier National Park

Mount Rainier National Park is the most popular park in... Read More

Cochin - Cocktails of Cultures

Eulogised as the Queen of the Arabian Sea, Cochin, Kerala's... Read More

Kerala Backwaters - Gently Down the Stream

The quaint little balcony was large enough to accommodate two... Read More

Hiking from Your Own Home

Picture this. You are stuck at home knee deep in... Read More

Sleeping Pads For Ultralight Backpackers

Ultralight backpackers want to give up weight, not comfort. Sleeping... Read More

Catch Another Falling Star

Recently we stayed at a state campground in Michigan near... Read More

How to Grab a Bite to Eat and Help the Planet

You CAN grab something to eat, enjoy every bite, AND... Read More

Yellowstone Camping In The Fall

Soon, the busy summer tourist season will be over in... Read More

Bicycling Down The River

My river-rafting adventure started on a bicycle. The small daypack... Read More

Cheap Safari in Africa For $70 a Day - Heres How To Do It

You would think that a cheap safari in Africa for... Read More

Discover The Los Angeles County Arboretum & Botanic Garden In Arcadia California

In The city of Arcadia California, right next door to... Read More

Motorhome Camp Grounds Stalls should be Astroturf

Having traveled from state to state and every city in... Read More

Navigating on the Mountain, in Water, or in Woods there is an eTrex Unit For You

Truly a small wonder, the eTrex takes the best features... Read More

Stay Out of That Old Mine!

It seems like the most adventurous thing in the world.... Read More

Book a Golf Package in Myrtle Beach for Golfing Fun and Great Times in the Sun

Thousands of golfers flock to the Carolinas each spring and... Read More

Great Indian Holidays

Holidays in India, awesome in her size and diversity. This... Read More

Planning Your Own Gorilla Safari Will Save You Money - Heres How

Going on a gorilla safari must rank as one of... Read More

Solo Backpacking

Have you ever gone solo backpacking? If you have, you'll... Read More

Hawaii Volcano Tour

A Hawaii volcano tour can be a most memorable experience,... Read More

Old Sturbridge Village ? Links to Our Past Guide, Part 2

Once described in a 1950 article as "The Town That... Read More

South Africa Safari Top Five National Parks and Game Reserves

A South Africa safari is the ideal wildlife trip to... Read More

Samoa, Heart of Polynesia

The islands of Samoa are emerging as an exciting new... Read More

Creative Camp Cooking - Part 2

In a previous article, I wrote primarily about box ovens.... Read More

San Francisco Beaches

When you are planning a vacation to Maui or Rio... Read More

Top Five African Safari Destinations

Any vacations in Africa will not be complete without going... Read More

The Royal Barge Procession ? Splendor on the Chao Phraya River

The Royal Barge Procession in Bangkok, conducted on very rare... Read More

Why Should You Use Hiking Poles?

Why should you use hiking poles is perhaps the first... Read More

Too much to do in London!

No one can truly say... Read More

Hard Labor Creek State Park Earned Its Name

One afternoon during a trip across the country in our... Read More

Take a Hiking Pole on Your Next Hike

It is the downhill ski racing competition of the winter... Read More

Botswana Safari Top Five National Parks and Game Reserves

A Botswana safari is an excellent trip to undertake because... Read More