Newsletter > Newsletter archive > February 2022
February 2022
Call for new contributors
Walkingworld has been publishing walks online for 22 years now, with a very substantial library of routes built up thanks to the efforts of several hundred contributors. Right now, at the time of writing, there are precisely 8082 walks in the library, although that number will very likely be out of date even by the time you read this.
It's easy to think that a collection that large somehow exhausts all the best walks in England, Scotland and Wales, but that is very far from the case. There are many more thousands waiting to be researched, plotted and submitted. There are also some walks whose original contributors can no longer get out to check and update.
In many cases we have, with the agreement of the original author, transferred walks to a new custodian. Some have used this as a gentle way to get into authoring their own walks. We have a few areas where we are particularly keen to find new walk contributors. If this might be of interest please read our new article on 'becoming a contributor'. The article includes the personal viewpoint of three Walkingworld contributors, who give just an inkling of how writing up and sharing routes can enhance your own experience of the outdoors.
Keeping your core warm
Keeping your body warm might seem easy - you just put on a jacket! However external conditions and your own body temperature vary considerably - you might set off on your walk quite comfortable with what you are wearing but on higher ground or once you are exerting yourself begin to feel very different. Layers are the most adjustable type of insulation, with a breathable base layer and one or two midlayers, and a lighter jacket on top. This way you can remove or add a layer easily.
For colder conditions padded jackets come into their own. Many lighter down jackets come with their own stuff sack which allow them to be carried in your pack for when you stop or the temperature suddenly drops. It is worth being aware that most down jackets are not waterproof and if they get wet the down will clump and not keep you warm. One option is a synthetic insulated jacket or, if you are keen to stick to down, Rab make the 'Valliance' which is a waterproof down jacket. Heavier jackets will of course keep you warmer. However these are usually too heavy and bulky to pack down and carry so are better for more stationary pursuits, such as camping.
If you have been on a windy hill with your knees knocking you will know the importance of insulating your legs. Layers also help here from a merino tight to the thicker 'Power stretch pants' which use Polartec fabric and a fleece lining. It may also be worth trying a lined walking pant.
For keeping warm visit www.madaboutmountains.co.uk for lots of options!
Walkers are Welcome in Dover
Dover is best known to outsiders for its maritime connections but its 'Walkers are Welcome' status is, of course, predicated on what lies inland and along the coast. Most famous are the massive chalk cliffs looking out onto the Strait of Dover, giving far-reaching views over the English Channel to the French coast. But it is not just the white cliffs themselves - this is a stunning heritage coastline within the Kent Downs AONB protected landscape.
Further along the coast towards Folkestone, there is the unique Samphire Hoe nature reserve which was created because of the building of the Channel Tunnel. The Hoe provides rare chalk downs and coastal habitats which attract some uncommon and interesting plant and wildlife species.
Dover itself is a thriving community, with the town dominated by its imposing Norman castle. Rather than just passing through to catch a ferry, maybe it's time to stop for a longer visit? There's more information on the Dover Walkers are Welcome website.
ViewRanger's last days
This is just a final reminder that ViewRanger will be shut down at the end of the month, so just a couple of days time. If you have bought whole areas of mapping for ViewRanger you should be able to continue to access them by transferring your account to OutdoorActive. When you open the ViewRanger app you are invited to do this and the process is reasonably simple. The mapping then downloads as you view a particular location - in this respect it is similar to other apps such as OS Maps - so you need to be sure to get your mapping while you still have Wifi or good mobile data. This does mean that, as with the Walkingworld app, the mapping is right up to date. Note however that some functions of OutdoorActive are only available if you take out a subscription.