Walking Forum
Main Boards => Long Distance Walks => Topic started by: cantreadmaps on 21:36:37, 14/12/20
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Hello,
Can anyone recommend a trail that is well sign posted and you don't really need a map for? I struggle massively with map reading so always walk with a partner, but would like to try a solo trail without getting lost.
Thank you
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What part of the country are you in? Coastal paths seem a good starting point. Just keep the sea on the same side, then turn around and keep it on the other side. Can’t you practice map reading / following when with your walking companion? You control the map and compass and they are there in case of a complete loss of position. Another option is to get a gps unit or an app for your phone. You then need to make sure you have charged batteries and don’t drop the gps / phone.
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National Trails generally have the best signposting/waymarking.
The Cotswold Way is very well (excessively) waymarked.
The Thames Path is easy to follow between Letchlade and Hampton Court since you just follow the river swapping banks occasionally. The first part is largely away from the river and the inner London section is often disrupted with new building works.
The South Downs Way is generally easy to follow since it is a bridleway so the route is obvious.
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Canals are simple.As above coastal walks are easy to follow as are Riverside walks.
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Welcome to the forum :)
In addition to the useful comments about coastal trails and canal towpaths above, I would add trails following disused railway lines (obvious to follow), and waymarked trails in Forestry Commission forests - the signage is usually excellent.
But it woudl help if you told us where you do your walking, and the length of trail that you are looking for.
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Another possibility is to head for a hill/mountain that even people who don't call themselves walkers have probably heard of. Snowdon and Kinder Scout are good bets, and possibly Cadair Idris, Pen y Fan, Yes Tor or any number of places in the Lake District. Simply park nearby and follow everyone else...
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Mountain Rescue will not thank you for giving that advice, Dave.
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Hmm... well, I suppose that if following people up a well-trodden track is a bit too risky, then the answer might well be a treadmill! ;)
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Hmm... well, I suppose that if following people up a well-trodden track is a bit too risky, then the answer might well be a treadmill! ;)
The problems caused by poor visibility can still cause problems in the hills even when they are well trodden - look at the story in News and Articles from last weekend where people were rescued from the Coniston Fells.
Better for the OP to use a GPS app such as the OS, and to maybe walk with some experienced people who can show him the basics of map reading
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Yes. Perhaps I should mention that my original post was intended to be tongue-in-cheek. But, even so, I made a point of saying: "...follow everyone else."
Oh well, never mind.
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WhitstableDave - why the rolling eyes? Is that really necessary?
To the OP, good luck with your search, but I would really recommend an app such as the OS. You can plot a route in advance, and then follow it on screen - great in easy country. If you are venturing into the hills, maybe think about a navigation course - it could get you out of lots of difficulties, and would boost your confidence so that you do not need to rely on others for your routes.
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I've often believed that the French system of 'signposting' the route is better than the UK's. They just use small painted red and white (for Grand Rondonee routes) paint flashes, on rocks, tree, posts etc and they are everywhere. They use actual signposts when two paths cross each other. When I walked the GR10 across the Pyrenees in 2015 it's so well 'signposted' that I could have done it without a map, assuming of course that the weather was reasonable. I did have to use my GPS phone map a couple of times but I only needed to this when it was foggy.
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WhitstableDave - why the rolling eyes? Is that really necessary?
You are correct... eyes deleted! :)
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Thanks WD.
GWM - agreed - we walked the first part of the alpine section of the GR5 to Chamonix a few years ago, and from memory I only looked at the map the night before each day's walk to see what was in store - en route the flashes were sufficient. Always amazes me in the alps, when you reach some high pass or summit and you think what an achievement it is, only to see signposts pointing in all directions.
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The West Highland Way and the Great Glen Way are both very well signposted. On the GGW from Fort William to Fort Augustus you following canal towpaths and lochside paths, and the last bit to Inverness is well signed. Otherwise, as everyone else has said, canals and coast paths are easy to follow
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To the OP, good luck with your search, but I would really recommend an app such as the OS. You can plot a route in advance, and then follow it on screen - great in easy country. If you are venturing into the hills, maybe think about a navigation course - it could get you out of lots of difficulties, and would boost your confidence so that you do not need to rely on others for your routes.
I was going to suggest OS app or OS on Viewranger but if the OP really cannot read a map that would not be much help.
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Thanks everyone!! I'm based in Surrey, near the North Downs so regularly walk up there, but only sections I know well. I get completely lost if I go off route.... and this is an area I know! Have also got lost walking next to the sea with a map....
I walked the West Highland Way last year but would have definitely got lost at multiple points without my companion. He is not keen to walk long trails again but I loved it.
Will look into the Apps and give it a go locally. :)
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Have also got lost walking next to the sea with a map....
:)
Ha you're not the only one to do this, me and Mrs pdstsp mislaid the sea while walking the southwest coast path many years ago. ;D
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Just a "maybe" thought. Try swatting up on navigation, there are a variety of courses available. Joining a local Ramblers club may get you in with someone. who will spend timd going over it with you as well as walking in groups with little chance of getting lost.
Actually there are some good tutorials on you tube regards acquiring map reading skills.
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Thanks everyone!! I'm based in Surrey, near the North Downs so regularly walk up there, but only sections I know well. I get completely lost if I go off route.... and this is an area I know! Have also got lost walking next to the sea with a map....
I walked the West Highland Way last year but would have definitely got lost at multiple points without my companion. He is not keen to walk long trails again but I loved it.
Will look into the Apps and give it a go locally. :)
I grew up in Surrey. As has already been mentioned, The Thames Path is well signposted and is pretty much a case of following the river except for in a few places. Canal walks would be worth looking at too, The Wey Navigation from its start at The Thames in Weybridge to the other end at Godalming is a nice route that I did by bicycle as a youth. The Kennet and Avon canal from Reading to Bristol would be another long distance canal path worth looking at.
I haven't done the Downs Link but that's in Surrey/Sussex and as it mostly follows old railway trackbed I'd guess it would also be easy to follow.
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The South Downs way is a very easy path to follow signposts all the way if you look for them Winchester to Eastbourne is best sun on your back from midday also have fresh water taps along the way ..travel lighter ... a few farm houses for food..couple youth hostels if you need ..can wild camp all the way and you don’t come across many roads ...you can get by on one of them simple Harvey maps (http://https://postimg.cc/gallery/Dfm0xM6)