Considerations for Hill Walkers

I am fortunate enough to live just a stone’s throw away from the Lake District and feel privileged to be based in this beautiful part of the country.  The Lake District is a protected national park, and preserving its natural beauty is a priority so I thought I would share some environmental considerations for those who are newly exploring and accessing our wonderful green spaces!

1. Stick to Paths

This seems like an obvious one, but worth a mention. Sticking to designated footpaths when hillwalking is good practice for both safety and environmental preservation.

First and foremost, footpaths are planned routes that mostly avoid the more dangerous areas such as unstable ground, steep drops or potential rockfall zones. Just to be clear, following a footpath in the mountains does not eliminate all risks and dangers, but can reduce the risk of accidents. Furthermore, in the unfortunate event of an emergency, rescue teams can locate and help individuals more quickly if they remain on marked paths.

From an environmental perspective, sticking to paths helps protect the delicate ecosystems that exist in The Lake District national park and other hillwalking areas. Many hillwalking regions in fact are home to unique flora and fauna that can be easily disturbed or destroyed by trampling from unbeknown hillwalkers. When walkers stray off the paths, they can inadvertently damage plant life, disturb wildlife habitats, and contribute to soil erosion.

Moreover, in the Lake District, as in other areas, paths are maintained by the Nation Park and other conservation organisations such as Fix the Fells and Mend Our Mountains, to minimise our environmental impact on the terrain. The footpaths are designed to sustain frequent foot traffic without significant degradation, ensuring that the area remains accessible and enjoyable for future generations. Off-path walking can create new, unauthorised trails, which can lead to broader environmental damage as more walkers follow suit, compounding the impact.

Sticking to the footpaths respects the efforts of those who manage and maintain these natural areas. Conservation work often relies on limited resources, and the creation of new, unofficial paths can divert attention and funding from other important preservation tasks.

2. Carry Out Waste

Hillwalking often takes place in remote environments where ecosystems can be highly sensitive to human impact. Leaving waste behind, whether it’s food scraps, plastic packaging, or other litter, can cause significant harm to these delicate environments. All litter, including food waste, should be carried out and disposed of properly. Biodegradable waste should also be packed out to prevent harm to wildlife.

First, waste left in nature can take a long time to decompose. Items like plastic, aluminium, and even seemingly harmless organic materials like fruit peels can persist in the environment for years, if not decades. These materials can leach chemicals into the soil and water, disrupting local ecosystems and potentially harming plant and animal life. For instance, animals may mistake waste for food, leading to ingestion of harmful substances or entanglement in items like plastic bags, which can be fatal.

Moreover, waste left behind by hillwalkers can spoil the natural beauty of the landscape. One of the main attractions of hillwalking is the opportunity to enjoy unspoiled wilderness. Litter not only detracts from the experience for others but can also contribute to the degradation of these environments over time.

Carrying out waste also aligns with the principles of ‘Leave No Trace’, an ethical framework that encourages outdoor enthusiasts to minimise their impact on the environment. By adhering to these principles, hillwalkers help ensure that the natural areas they enjoy remain untouched and accessible for future generations.

Carrying out all waste while hillwalking is important for protecting wildlife, preserving the natural landscape, and ensuring that these areas remain beautiful and accessible for everyone.

It is a simple yet powerful way to respect and protect our environment.

3. Respect Wildlife

Hillwalking often takes place in environments where wildlife plays a crucial role in maintaining the health and biodiversity of the ecosystem. Interactions between humans and wildlife can have unintended negative consequences, making it vital for walkers to act responsibly. Walkers should observe wildlife from a distance and avoid disturbing animals, especially during sensitive times such as breeding seasons.

One of the primary reasons to respect wildlife is to avoid causing stress or harm to animals. Wild animals are adapted to their natural surroundings, and sudden disturbances can lead to stress, which may impact their feeding, breeding, and overall health.

For example, getting too close to nesting birds can cause them to abandon their nests, leading to the loss of eggs or young! Similarly, feeding wild animals, even with the best intentions, can disrupt their natural foraging habits, leading to dependency on human food, malnutrition, and even aggressive behaviour.

To respect wildlife while hillwalking, it is important to follow a few key guidelines. First, always observe animals from a distance. Use binoculars or a camera with a zoom lens to enjoy viewing wildlife without intruding on their space. Second, stick to designated paths and trails to minimise disruption to natural habitats. Venturing off-trail can lead to trampling of plants and disturbance of animal burrows or nests.

Many hill walkers, myself included, like to enjoy this activity with their four legged friends…

Keeping dogs under close control is crucial; there are far too many reported cases of unleashed dogs chasing, injuring or killing wildlife! As a dog owner you are responsible for keeping them under control and preventing any harm to wild animals and livestock!

By following these practices, hillwalkers can enjoy the beauty of nature while ensuring that wildlife remains undisturbed and ecosystems remain healthy. Respecting wildlife not only protects animals but also preserves the integrity of the natural environments that hillwalkers seek to experience.

4. Farm Land

When hillwalking, access to farmland is often necessary, as many walking routes cross private agricultural land. It is important for hillwalkers to understand and respect the considerations associated with accessing farmland to maintain good relationships with landowners and to protect the agricultural environment.

Firstly, respecting boundaries and gates is fundamental. Farmland is private property, and access is often granted through specific agreements or public rights of way. Hillwalkers should always stick to marked paths and avoid wandering into areas that are not designated for public access. If a gate is encountered, it should be left as it was found—either closed to keep livestock contained or open if that’s how it was found. This simple act prevents animals from escaping and keeps them safe.

Livestock is a common feature on farmland, and walkers should be cautious when near animals. It is important to avoid startling or approaching livestock, particularly when animals have young. Cattle, for example, can become defensive if they perceive a threat to their calves.

As mentioned above, walkers with dogs should keep them on a lead and under control at all times on farmland as dogs can stress or even provoke livestock, leading to potentially dangerous situations.

Additionally, walkers should be mindful of crops and farmland. Walking through fields of crops could cause damage, impacting the farmer’s livelihood. Stick to the edges of fields or designated paths to avoid trampling crops. Also, farm machinery and operations may be ongoing, so it’s important to remain aware of surroundings and give way to vehicles and workers.

So, in summary, hillwalkers should respect private property, be cautious around livestock, avoid damaging crops, and follow the principles of leave no trace. This not only ensures your safety and preserves agricultural productivity but also helps to fosters positive relationships between walkers and farmers, ensuring continued access to these beautiful areas.

Thanks for reading and I hope you have found this helpful and informative!

…happy hiking!