Botumerar Walks

Planning notes for easy walks and day trips, from what to pack to how to read the weather.

Coastal walks

Planning safe and enjoyable walks by the sea.

Exploring rock pools at low tide
When to go rock pooling, what to wear on slippery rocks, how to look at sea creatures without harming them and how to watch the tide.
Planning a gentle coastal walk
How to choose a coastal route, check tide times and the weather, and pack for a relaxed half-day walk by the sea.
Walking safely near cliffs
How to stay safe on cliff-top paths and beaches below cliffs, from keeping back from the edge to coping with wind, mud and falling rock.

Getting started with walks that climb.

Choosing your first hill walk
How to pick a first hill walk you will enjoy by weighing distance, height gain, paths and shorter ways down, and how much time to allow.
Finding your way with a paper map
Basic map skills for hill walks: setting the map, reading contour lines, following walls and streams, and ticking off features as you go.
Reading the weather on the hills
Why hill weather differs from the valley, how cold, wind and cloud change with height, and the signs that it is time to head down.

Making the most of a day out without a car.

Day trips with children without a car
How to plan a car-free day out with children, from choosing a short journey to snacks, toilet stops and what to do if anyone gets separated.
Reaching a country walk by bus
How to use rural buses to reach a country walk, from reading timetables and using request stops to planning a walk between two stops.
Taking a day trip by train
How to choose a destination by journey time, check timetables and the last train home, and plan a relaxed day out by rail without a car.