Gorgeous Team
26 January 2018
Rambling is one of the great British country pastimes, and there aren’t many places better than the lovely Yorkshire countryside to explore on foot.
In this guest blog for Gorgeous Cottages, Christopher Legard, managing director at Thirsk-based clothing retailer, Joseph Turner, takes a look at five key essentials you should be packing for your next expedition.
From the splendid scenery of the Dales to the windswept wonder of the eastern coast, Yorkshire has so much to offer those that are willing to explore it. And, one of the best ways to get in touch with the natural beauty of the region is by lacing up your boots and heading out on foot.
Once you’ve found the trails you want to do and booked your Yorkshire holiday cottage, it’s important to take some time to think ahead and decide what you need to pack.
Here are the top five essentials for a Yorkshire rambling holiday:
1. A waterproof jacket for those inevitable showers
As gorgeous as Yorkshire is, it’s still part of the British Isles, which means you may get rain. Make sure you’ve brought along a waterproof jacket to keep you nice and dry when the weather is at its worst. It’s important the coat is actually water repellent or you could end up soaked through!
You will also need to take into account the time of year that you’ll be out walking. Summer trips probably won’t require anything but a light raincoat, but a late autumn or winter walk in colder temperatures will call for something with a warm lining. In the spring and autumn, you can probably get away with a light jacket combined with a layered jumper or fleece that can be worn or taken off to suit.
2. A pair of walking boots or shoes to protect your feet
Recommending a pair of walking boots or shoes should come as no surprise. A quality pair of hiking boots or shoes will give your feet the cushioning and support they need, as well as providing essential grip for tackling slippery pathways. Plus, if you pick up a waterproof pair, they will also keep your socks dry all day long.
I can’t stress how important it is to choose footwear that fits you correctly too, as you don’t want blisters or sore feet ruining your ramble. You should also take the time to break in your boots beforehand, to ensure that they’ve had time to adjust to the shape of your feet.
3. A small rucksack for loose items and lunch
If you plan on being out in the wilds all day long, you’re going to need to bring along some refreshments and other small essentials like sunblock, first aid supplies, and a mobile phone. To carry these, you can’t go wrong with a small rucksack to keep everything together.
Unless you’re planning on spending the night outdoors, you probably don’t need anything too bulky — something in the daypack size (around 20–30L volume) will see you through. Take a look at the Independent’s article on the best daypacks if you aren’t quite sure where to start your search for the ideal rucksack.
4. A supply of water and snacks to keep you going
When you’re undertaking a strenuous physical activity like rambling, you need to make sure you stay hydrated and keep your energy levels up. By planning ahead and packing some of your favourite snacks for an energy boost, as well as a sturdy water bottle, you should be able to complete your hikes in the best of health.
Any snacks you bring along should be of the high energy variety. Livestrong.com recommends taking foods like jerky, dried fruit, and salty snack mix, so be sure to shop or prepare those before your trip. Be sure to take on water at regular intervals throughout the day and take a moment to eat a snack whenever you feel hungry or low on energy.
5. A smart outfit for day or evening excursions
Though you may be focused on having the best time outdoors, it’s also worth remembering that Yorkshire is jam-packed with plenty of interesting places to visit on a rainy day and a lot of quality restaurants and pubs to enjoy in the evening.
The Blue Lion in East Witton is a gorgeous gastropub…
...that’s just down the road from holiday cottage Boutique 39.
With this in mind, it’s best to have at least one set of smarter clothes you can switch to if you’re going somewhere nice. Investing in some country clothing will make sure you don’t look out of place among the locals: tattersall checks, tweed, twill, and lambswool knit are the cornerstones of a rural wardrobe, so bear this in mind if you decide to go shopping.
Gorgeous Cottages are the booking agents for a vast collection of Yorkshire holiday homes. With a choice of holiday cottages across the North York Moors and Yorkshire Dales, they are the perfect base for a Yorkshire rambling holiday!
Disclaimer: Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information at the time of writing,
please ensure you check carefully before making any decisions based on the contents within this article.