Hillwalking 535989 219184842 2008-06-13T23:41:38Z Dumbo12 6918062 removing out of date link {{globalise}} In [[United Kingdom|Britain]], the term '''hillwalking''' or '''fellwalking''' is normally used to describe the recreational practice of walking in hilly or [[mountainous]] terrain, generally with the intention of visiting the tops of [[hill]]s and [[mountain]]s. The term ''hillwalking'' is used to describe activities which might be referred to as [[hiking]], [[backpacking (wilderness)|Backpacking]] or [[mountaineering]] elsewhere, with the term [[hill]]s being understood generally to include mountains, as these are referred to specifically using the term "mountaineering" only in specific circumstances[http://www.thebmc.co.uk/youth/advice/Parents_Booklet_Web.pdf]. ''[[Fell]]walking'' is particularly used to refer to hill or mountain walks in the [[Lake District]] and [[Yorkshire Dales]] in [[Northern England]] as [[fell]] is the preferred term for both features in those parts of England. ==Participation== [[United Kingdom|Britain]] offers a wide variety of ascents, from gentle rolling lowland hills to some very exposed routes in the [[moorland]]s and mountains. The term [[climbing]] is used for the activity of tackling the more technically difficult ways of getting up hills involving [[rock climbing]] while "hillwalking" refers to the easier routes. Some summits require climbing skills, and many hillwalkers will become proficient in [[scrambling]]. In Britain, the term "mountaineering" tends to be reserved for expeditions abroad to ranges such as the [[Alps]], or for serious domestic hillwalking, typically in winter, with additional equipment such as [[ice axe]] and [[crampons]], or for routes requiring rock climbing skills such as the traverse of the [[Cuillin]] ridge. The [[British Mountaineering Council]] provides more information on this topic.[http://www.thebmc.co.uk] In Britain, popular locations for hillwalking include the [[Lake District]], the [[Peak District]], the [[Yorkshire Dales]], [[Snowdonia]] and the [[Scottish Highlands]], including the [[Cairngorms]], the largest [[National Park]]. The mountains in Britain are modest in height, with [[Ben Nevis]] at 4409 feet (1344 metres) forming the highest peak, but the unpredictably wide range of [[weather]] conditions and often difficult terrain can make walking in many areas challenging. [[Peak bagging]] provides a focus for the activities of many hillwalkers. Among the many [[hill lists in the British Isles|lists]] compiled for this purpose, the [[Munro]]s – mountains in Scotland over 3,000 feet (914.4 m) – remains one of the most popular [http://munrobagging.co.uk]. The [[Ramblers Association]] and the [[British Mountaineering Council]] promote the interests of hillwalkers in the UK and provide information for their members and others. ==Considerations== In [[England]] and [[Wales]], access has in the past been confined to [[Rights of way in England and Wales|public rights of way]], but currently wider areas have been opened up to public access by the [[Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000]]. In [[Scotland]] the traditional presumption is of a right of access to the countryside - provided no damage is done to crops, livestock and hunting activities including [[deer stalking]]. These rights and obligations are now codified in the [[Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003]]. In [[Ireland]] the issue of access has become increasingly contentious in recent years due to a reluctance to introduce effective legislation. Many landowners in the west of Ireland are openly hostile to walkers. [[Navigation]] and map-reading skills are essential, as conditions of poor visibility can arise unexpectedly at any time due to the variability of [[Climate of the United Kingdom|British weather]] and the risk of rain, low cloud, fog or the onset of darkness. In some areas it is common for there to be no waymarked path to follow. It is unwise to venture out into the hills without navigation skills, an [[Ordnance Survey]] map or walk guidebook, and a [[compass]]. In most areas proper walking-boots are essential, and hillwalkers should always have good weatherproof clothing, including spare warm clothes and in mountainous areas a [[survival bag]] in case an accident forces a prolonged, and possibly overnight, halt. Food and water should also be carried, along with an emergency [[whistle]], [[flashlight|torch/flashlight]] (and spare batteries) and [[first aid]] kit. A fully charged mobile phone is useful (where reception permits) and walkers should let someone know their route and estimated time of return or arrival ("eta"). ==See also== * [[Hill lists in the British Isles]] * [[List of mountains and hills of the United Kingdom]] * [[Mountains and hills of England]] * [[Long-distance footpaths in the United Kingdom]] * [[National parks of England and Wales]] * [[Rights of way in the United Kingdom]] * [[backpacking (wilderness)|Backpacking]] the [[US]] equivalent * [[Hiking]] [[Category:Mountaineering]] [[Category:Hiking]] [[Category:Mountains and hills of the United Kingdom]] [[el:Ορειβασία]]