Welcome to the Field and Trek blog! Here we'll be not only keeping you updated on our incredible offers and news from the outdoor world; but we will be offering hints, tips and advice on some of Britain's favourite outdoor activities!

  1.  

    How to choose the right walking poles for you from FieldandTrek.com

    There are many benefits to using walking poles. Walking poles provide better balance, help you establish a rhythm, decrease stress on the legs as well as making difficult walking patches easier and safer.

    There are four types of walking poles. Anti-shock walking poles feature internal springs to absorb walking shock. Standard poles are simple poles that are cheaper and lighter. Compact poles can be used by children as they are shorter and have smaller grips. The compact poles can also be packed easier. Nordic poles are used for full body workout walking.

    There are two main types of material used to make walking poles, these are aluminium and carbon fibre. Aluminium walking poles are generally stronger and more economical, but they are heavier. Carbon fibre walking poles are lighter and more expensive. However, they can break and splinter due to stress.

    It’s important that you are able to change the poles to fit your height and the terrain. In order to change the height of the poles, you need to use the locking systems. The two main types of locking mechanisms are screw and lever locks.  The screw locks work by twisting the pole to tighten the adjuster. The lever locks have small levers that clamp against the poles.

    With three types of grips, there are different shapes and feels of pole grips to suit you. There are cork, foam and rubber pole grips available. Rubber grips insulate from cold, shock and vibrations during cold-weather activities, however they can cause chaffing and blistering if you are walking in warm weather. Foam grips absorbs moisture. The cork grips resist moisture, decreases vibration and conforms to your grip.

    Other features to consider when choosing a walking, hiking or trekking pole is the price, wrist straps, baskets and pole tips.

    FieldandTrek.com, the UK retailer has walking boots, walking clothing and walking accessories. Check out our latest news and offers on the Facebook and Twitter pages.

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  2.  

    World’s top walking trips by FieldandTrek.com

    You can see and hear wonderful things while you are walking in Britain, but the top worldwide walking trips will give you a new perspective on the country you are walking in and the world. Check out the world’s top walking trips by FieldandTrek.com.

    Great Wall of China (China): Stretching 2700 miles, the Great Wall of China was built over 2000 years ago to protect China’s northern border. The walk is a five day trek covering approximately 12 km a day through mountains and valleys.

    Pembrokeshire Coat Path (Wales): This 180 mile trail that runs along the Pembrokeshire coastline passes by beautiful beaches and cliffs.

    Everest Base Camp (Nepal): This world renowned expedition takes hikers through Sherpa land to meet the world’s highest mountain at Kala Pattar at the height of 5,545m.

    Cinque Terre (Italy): Ideal for the person who loves to eat during a walking trip, the Cinque Terre goes through five of Italy’s coastal cities, sandy beaches and dirt paths.

    GR20 (Corsica): The GR20 is a 15 day trek through the diverse landscapes of Corsica. The trail is a tough one with rocky paths, steep trails and rickety bridges.

    The Narrows (USA): The 16 mile trek in the Narrows of the Zion National Park is a day to two day journey through canyons. The walk involves wading and swimming in the Virgin River.

    FieldandTrek.com, the UK retailer has men’s walking boots, women’s walking boots, men’s walking clothing, women’s walking clothing and walking accessories. Log on to our Facebook and Twitter pages for the latest news and offers.  

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  3.  

    Walking while pregnant with FieldandTrek.com

    ·         Walking is an ideal form of cardio-vascular exercise for pregnant women. You can get fresh air and keep yourself fit. Exercise during pregnancy can also result in fewer pregnancy complaints and less weight gain.

    ·         During pregnancy, feet and ankles can swell which means you may need to get bigger walking shoe sizes so the walking shoes can provide support to  the arches of the feet and ankles. The hormones during pregnancy can cause a relaxing in ligaments which can result in foot strain, you should consult a doctor should this occur.

    ·         If you exercised before you were pregnant, you can do moderate exercise for a maximum of 30 minutes four times a week, according to the NHS. However, if you weren’t active before the pregnancy, the NHS advises to do light exercise for 15 minutes three times a week.

    ·         Due to the pregnancy, your centre of gravity has shifted, therefore walk slowly to begin with.

    ·         Ensure you have good posture to prevent backache while you walk by standing straight, keeping your eyes forward, suck in your stomach and keeping your chin parallel to the ground.

    ·         The main risk with hiking or walking comes from falls. Beginner trails are ideal for experienced hikers in early pregnancy. Local parks also have walking trails.

    ·         You should stop walking if you experience dizziness, headaches, shortness of breath, pain or bleeding.

    ·         It is very important to never push your body to the point of exhaustion. If you start to feel tired, stop walking.

    ·         Remember that weather can affect pregnant mothers more so ensure you are dressed appropriately for the weather. If the weather is too warm or too cold, consider going to a shopping centre to walk around.

    ·         To avoid the altitude sickness, a pregnant mother should not walk at heights over 2,500m above sea level until you have become acclimatised.

    ·         It is important during exercise that a pregnant mother stays hydrated.

    ·         If there are pregnancy complications ranging from high blood pressure to preterm labour, you shouldn’t go walking.

    FieldandTrek.com, the UK retailer has men’s walking boots, women’s walking boots, walking clothing and walking accessories. Log on to our Facebook and Twitter pages for the latest news and offers.  

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  4.  

    How to prevent walking injuries with FieldandTrek.com

    Walking can be an enjoyable experience. It is a great for social activity and can also reduce health risks. However, sometimes injuries can prevent you from going on a gratifying hike. Ensure you prevent walking injuries with the FieldandTrek.com’s tips on how to avoid injuries.

    Choose the right walking boots or shoes for you: Walking requires relatively little equipment; therefore you should invest in a good pair of walking boots.  When choosing your walking shoes, remember the shoes need to be lightweight with good arch and ankle support. If you enjoy longer walks, you should buy shoes a size larger than your feet to prevent blisters if your feet swell. Thick socks are useful to prevent blisters and absorb dampness. The best selling walking boots on FieldandTrek.com are Brasher SupaLite II GORE-Tex GTX walking boots which offer waterproofing, ventilation, cushioned EVA midsoles and a gripped Supalite soles.

    Stay hydrated: You need to drink water before, during and after activity to keep hydrated. Water keeps you hydrated, helps to lubricate joints and prevents injury.

    Warm up and cool down: Warm ups and cool downs are important to prevent strains and sprains. You should ensure you start walking at a slow pace, complete some stretches and then build up to full speed after 15 minutes.

    Have good posture: It is important when walking that you walk heel to toe, you have your tailbone tucked under and your abdomen is tight to maintain good posture while you are walking. This will reduce the impact on your body preventing injury. Walking poles can be used to ensure you keep good posture throughout the walk.

    FieldandTrek.com has a large range of walking boots, walking clothing, rucksacks and walking accessories. Get our latest news and offers on the Facebook and Twitter pages.

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  5.  

    Walking for beginners from FieldandTrek.com

    Invigorate or refresh yourself with a short or long walk in the beautiful rolling hills or striking mountains. The easiest and best way to enjoy the outdoors is to go for a walk. Check out the walking for beginner tips from FieldandTrek.com. 

    ·         Walk in pairs or more: Important for safety, if you are walking you need to walk in pairs or more. It is best to walk with an advanced walker if you are a beginner.

    ·         Plan your walk: Plan your walk beforehand so you know which track you are following.

    ·         Pack and carry all the essential supplies: Walkers should always carry a map, a compass, a watch, sunglasses/ sunscreen, a rucksack, first aid kit, fire starter, walking poles, knife and a headlamp or torch. 

    ·         Walking clothing: Keep warm and dry while walking with base layers, fleeces, jackets, trousers and walking boots.

    ·         Start walking slowly and easily: Try walking easy routes first to get yourself in to the rhythm. The easiest routes are flat and straight. As you build up your strength and cardiovascular health, you will gradually get more efficient and quicker at walking.

    ·         Weather: Keep an eye on the weather before, during and after walking trips so that you can anticipate and be prepared for wind, rain, ice, snow and the sun. For colder weather, you should add extra layers to stay warm and vice versa.

    FieldandTrek.com has a large range of walking boots, walking clothing, backpacks and walking accessories. Grab the latest deal information and news on our Facebook and Twitter pages.

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  6.  

    How to choose your GPS walking system from FieldandTrek.com

    Choosing the right GPS walking system for you is an important decision. There are many options to consider from screen size to the mapping capabilities. Take a look at our GPS system tips from FieldandTrek.com.

    Specific mapping: The GPS systems on FieldandTrek.com all have maps to cover Britain. Additional maps can be added depending on the GPS device capabilities. The Garmin eTrex 10 geocaching bundle comes with preinstalled worldwide base maps.

    Features: FieldandTrek.com has GPS systems packed full of features. Whether you need tide tables or simply an electronic compass, there is a GPS device to suit you. A key feature for any walker or hiker wishing to buy a GPS system is that it is waterproof.

    Updating: An important component of the GPS system is the updating capabilities. If the GPS system does not offer updating, the GPS will quickly become out of date.

    Cost: As with other technical systems, the cost of the GPS devices can differ from only £109.99 to £400. As the price of the system increases there are generally more features included on the system.

    Size: Ranging from 5.4 x H10.3 x D3.3cm to 6.1 x 16.0 x 3.6 cm, the GPS systems range in size. This means that a customer needs to know what sizes they need. A good idea is to see the sizes in relation to a backpack or your hand as you will be carrying the GPS around most of the time. You may not be happy carrying a large GPS device around on top of all the other equipment so try to take that in to account.

    Screen size: The larger the screen, the easier you can see where you are and where you have been. However, please remember that the screen size affects the size of the device.

    Battery and recharge capabilities: GPS devices have different power features. The Garmin GPS systems are generally powered by batteries, whereas the Memory Map Adventurer 2800 GPS has a rechargeable battery built in. The battery life can last from only 8 hours such as the Memory Map Adventurer 2800 GPS to 25 hours such as the Garmin eTrex 10 Geocaching bundle.

    FieldandTrek.com has a large range of walking boots, walking clothing, backpacks and walking accessories. Get the latest deal information and news on our Facebook and Twitter pages.

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  7.  

    Enjoy one of the top five refreshing Christmas walks this winter from FieldandTrek.com

    Britain is beautiful in winter from the rolling white hills to the sparkling lights; it’s the simplest pleasures that make the season enjoyable. Whether you want to work off that second helping of mince pies or simply enjoy the refreshing feel of the winter air, on a festive walk you can take in the sights and sounds of Christmas. You can appreciate a festive walk or winter stroll this Christmas with our top five winter walks.

    Sherwood Forest: With over 1000 acres of park in Nottinghamshire, the Sherwood Forest is famously dubbed Robin Hood’s forest. The forest is the home of ancient oak trees, including the renowned Major Oak which is at least 800 years old and considered in local folklore as Robin Hood’s hideout. 

    Arthur’s Seat: The popular walk in the Hollyrood Park up to Arthur’s Seat gives you panoramic views of the Edinburgh landscape.

    Brecon Beacons: The Brecon Beacons of Pen Y Fan and Fan Y Big are covered in snow in the winter time.

    Holly walk:  The classic Christmas plant known as holly has been grown in Kew Gardens since1874. With a walk of 1,030 metres, the Kew Gardens holds Europe’s most comprehensive collections.

    St Michael’s Way: Go on a festive 12 mile walk from St Ives to Penzance on New Year’s Eve. With mince pies and mulled wine en route, the Cornwall walk follows ancient pilgrim tracks. 

    FieldandTrek.com, the UK retailer has walking boots, walking clothing and walking accessories. Check out our latest news and offers on the Facebook and Twitter pages.

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  8.  

    How to walk safely on ice and in snow from FieldandTrek.com

    Weather forecasters usually advise to avoid travelling in the snow. However if the whole point of the journey is to have fun in the snow while walking, it is best to have the knowledge to enjoy the snow walk safely. You can enjoy walking safely in the snow and ice this winter with the FieldandTrek.com tips.

    ·         Concentrate on walking: Do not get distracted while you are walking in the snow or on ice. You need to be concentrating on walking to ensure you do not meet ice unaware.

    ·         Walk slowly

    ·         Take short steps and lean forwards  

    ·         Wear sturdy shoes with non-slip soles

    ·         Use ice grips: Ideal to prevent slips and falls on the ice, the ice grips reduce the risk of injury while walking during the winter. You can invest in the best selling Campri shoe grips on FieldandTrek.com.

    ·         Get snow boots: The practical snow boots will keep you warm and dry while you trek through the snow. They also offer added grip and stability. You will stay cosy and dry wearing the best selling Karrimor Snowfur II snow boots.

    ·         Do not put your hands in your pockets as this will mean you have no protection against a fall.

    ·         Do not carry any heavy items to ensure you are balanced.

    ·         Remember to clear steps and driveways of snow and ice because these are the main areas where you are most likely to slip.

    FieldandTrek.com, the UK retailer has a range of walking boots, walking clothing, walking equipment, walking accessories and much more. Check out our latest news and offers on the Facebook and Twitter pages.

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  9.  

    How to pack a backpack with FieldandTrek.com

    Organising your backpack is important for maintaining balance, weight distribution and ease of access. Ensure you pack your backpack properly for your next walking or hiking trip with our tips from FieldandTrek.com.

    There are two types of backpack: the internal backpack and the external backpack. The internal backpack is suited for walking that requires more arm movement such as climbing, whereas the external backpacks are ideal for long distances on trails.

    Generally the lightweight items should be packed in the bottom of the backpack. Lightweight items include the sleeping bag and the other night-time items. Most backpacks have a special compartment designed to hold the sleeping bag. You can cover your sleeping bag in plastic bag to keep it dry. The medium weight equipment such as first aid kit should be placed in the middle and furthest from the back. The heaviest items such as food, water supplies and cooking equipment should be placed close to your spine. This means you will be keeping the weight near your centre of gravity to help maintain your balance and walking posture.

    You should keep important items including map, compass, GPS, headlamp, snacks and rain gear within easy reach at the top of the backpack, outside pockets or mesh compartments.

    You can stuff light clothing around your heavier items to keep them safe and ensure they don’t shift during the journey. You should also tighten the compression straps to stop the backpack’s load from moving and shifting within the bag. Another important feature of a backpack is items can be attached externally such as sleeping mats. Remember to keep the left and right sides of backpack balanced in weight.

    FieldandTrek.com has a large range of walking boots, walking clothing, backpacks and walking accessories. Get the latest deal information and news on our Facebook and Twitter pages.

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  10.  

    The five best British Winter walks from FieldandTrek.com

    The spectacular views of the outdoors are even more beautiful with a blanket of snow. You can get out and experience the wonderful season in scarves, gloves, hats and a warm coat. With the beautiful snow covered hills and festive snowy paths, you will be sure to clear out the cobwebs and banish the winter melancholy on your winter walk. Enjoy the winter weather and head for the great outdoors with our top five British Winter walks from FieldandTrek.com.

    ·         Wastwater, Cumbria, England

    Known as one of the nation’s favourite views, the Wastwater is a beautiful lake surrounded by the Scafell Pike, England’s highest mountain.

    ·         Hay on the Wye, Powys, Wales

    This ideal ramble takes you through a mixture of landscapes including the meandering river Wye, the rolling hills, the lovely agricultural farmland and the historic Clyro village.

    ·         South Downs Way, West Sussex, England

    If you are looking for a more strenuous walk, this winter walk is for you. You will pass ancient buildings, woodland, windmills as well as view panoramic views across the area.

    ·         Porthcurno Beach, Cornwall, England

    Let the winter sea air wash over you on the Porthcurno Beach. This is the perfect spot to watch the waves rolling on to the golden Cornwall sands.

    ·         River Garry, Perthshire, Scotland

    Running along the winding river Garry, this walk from Pitlochry to KillieCrankie passes forested banks.

    FieldandTrek.com, the UK retailer has a large range of walking boots, walking clothing, walking equipment and walking accessories. You can also get the latest deal information and new s on our Facebook and Twitter pages.

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