5 Easy Peak District Walks: 5 Scenic Adventures for Women!
5 Easy Peak District Walks: 5 Scenic Adventures for Women! Get your boots ready ladies and enjoy the beautiful Peak District National Park ! Fancy
October 1, 2024
Hiking is a fantastic activity for women who love to explore the great outdoors. It’s a chance to breathe in fresh air, get some exercise, and disconnect from the daily grind. Hiking offers a multitude of benefits, from improving cardiovascular health and reducing stress, to improving mental health, all whist connecting you with nature.
Whether you’re planning a leisurely day hike or a more challenging adventure, having the right gear is essential for a safe and enjoyable experience.
If you’d prefer some company and guidance, here at Women Outdoors, we offer free walks, chargeable walks and weekend adventures to suit all abilities! – Why not join us?
If you’re joining Women Outdoors on one of our day hikes, then here’s a few essentials that you’ll need to ensure you have a comfortable and enjoyable day. Of course, many of these are weather dependant, so please get in touch closer to the day if your unsure what you may need.
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Walking Boots:
A good pair of hiking boots with ankle support is crucial for protecting your feet on uneven terrain.
Boots are a very personal thing. We all have different shaped feet. For example, some have thin feet and may find that small width fell trainers may be a better fit, whilst some have much wider feet.
It can sometimes take time to find that perfect fit, so we would always recommend you try boots on! Stores like Cotswolds and Go Outdoors will have outdoor footwear experts to help you.
Walking boot or walking shoe? This is down to preference and the terrain you intend to walk on the most. Boots provide superior ankle support and protection, making them essential for tackling challenging terrains with uneven surfaces, rocks, or steep inclines, to prevent twists and sprains. Boots can also be more beneficial if walking on wet or muddier ground. Trainers lack the necessary ankle support, generally making them more suitable for gentle walks on flat, even surfaces, or for those with strong ankles who prefer a lighter shoe.
Leather or Fabric? Leather and waterproof fabric walking boots each offer distinct advantages. Leather boots are renowned for their durability and natural breathability, providing excellent support and protection in harsh conditions. However, they require regular maintenance and can be heavier. Waterproof fabric boots are often lighter, quicker to dry, and offer superior flexibility. Many modern fabric boots incorporate advanced technologies to enhance waterproofness and breathability.
💚 The Scarpa Womens Mistral GTX Boots are the best boots Emma of Women Outdoors has ever owned and she’s owned a fair few. They are super light, soft and proved them selves to be incredibly waterproof, making them a perfect UK walking boot (lol). They have plenty of space around the toes and because they are suede they are much more breathable and airy then leather boots with equivalent waterproof performance due to their Gortex membrane.
Walking Poles:
Walking Poles are a great aid for walking up and down hill When used properly poles will absorb some of the shock and weight, taking pressure off your legs and body. They can reduce fatigue and prevent knee pain, whilst also helping to maintain your balance.
Carbon Fibre poles are lightweight, strong and offer excellent shock absorption, perfect for long distance hikes. Aluminium are durable and more affordable, providing enough shock absorption for most hikes.
Telescopic collapse for easy storage, whilst Z Poles are foldable and compact too.
Grips can be either cork (which are breathable, and mold your hand), rubber (providing good insulation and shock absorption, but can be clammy in hot weather), or foam which are comfortable but may deteriorate over time.
Other features include the tip, adjustable features, wrist straps, etc.
💚 All walking poles help, depending on your preference and budget.
High quality socks are important to keep your feet happy and, therefore, you are more comfortable whilst on longer walks. They will help you avoid blisters (by taking away friction from your boots) and absorbing moisture (Marino wool is great for this). They also provide extra cushioning & ankle support.
💚 We love these Bridgedale and Smartwool hiking socks because they contain the necessary Marino wool and Lycra, making them super stretchy and comfortable. Some even have a cushioned sole too for extra comfort.
Walking Trousers/Shorts:
Choose comfortable, weather-appropriate trousers, leggings or shorts that allow for freedom of movement. (Lightweight, water repellant material is great for unexpected showers).
💚 When it comes to clothing, the choice really is yours ladies. The most important thing being comfort! Some ladies prefer leggings with plenty of stretch and movement, whilst some prefer the loser, airy feel of trousers. The same applies to shorts – some prefer cycling shorts, some prefer looser fitting shorts.
Another thing to factor here is warmth. Choose something lightweight for warmer weather and maybe something fleece lined for cooler weather. Be mindful that whilst walking you will naturally get warm, so to be sure not to get too hot and uncomfortable.
T-Shirt:
A breathable t-shirt is a must, either to wear on its own on warmer hikes, or as a base layer on cooler hikes.
💚 Of course, it goes without saying that our recommendation would have to be our very own Women Outdoors T-Shirt. It’s breathable, 100% recycled from 6 (650ml) plastic bottles, quick drying and obviously looks amazing too!
Mid Layer:
An insulating mid-layer fleece or similar is perfect for regulating your temperature during hikes, during cooler weather.
The role of the mid-layer is to keep you warm by insulating and trapping body heat whilst still being breathable enough to allow moisture to escape without making you feel clammy or cold.
💚 Again, the choice is yours here ladies. Hoody, or not a hoody, fleecy for those who like to keep super warm, or a little thinner for those who easily get hot. Some find zipped tops handy, so that you can easily let in a little extra air if needed.
Jacket selection is a trade off between being breathable vs waterproof. The more waterproof the jacket the less breathable it will be (and sweaty you will get!).
The choice is yours really, but we tend to recommend a breathable jacket with a separate a waterproof, compact thin jacket to put over the jacket in wet, colder months, which can of course be used on its own in the warmer months. This way, you use both jackets all year round, proving to be great value for money.
💚 We think Rab Jackets are great as they’re breathable, lightweight and compact down very small, to fit in your rucksack. They also have a great range of styles, thicknesses and colours.
Waterproof Jacket:
A thin waterproof jacket is essential for protecting yourself from rain and wind. Lightweight foldable options are great to keep in your rucksack for unexpected spring and summer showers too.
As mentioned above, they are a great for wearing over a breathable jacket too, so can be used at all times of year.
💚 We particularly like this Regatta Waterproof Jacket as it’s breathable, lightweight and can easily pack away in your rucksack.
Waterproof Trousers:
If rain is potentially forecast, its always a good idea to pack waterproof trousers in your ruck sack for unexpected rain or wet conditions. Once you’re wet, everything seems ten times harder and it can put a dampener on the day.
💚 These fully waterproof Gore-Tex Paclite Pants from Berghaus are perfect for tucking into your rucksack, just in case. They fold into the tiniest space and have their own squashable mesh pouch. They’re quick to pull on and the side zips also help the air flow better when things start warming up.
Gloves:
Lightweight gloves can be helpful for chilly mornings or protecting your hands on rough terrain, whilst thicker gloves are great for those extreme cold hikes.
💚 Take your pick ladies, and with 10% discount off them all – these are all our favourites!
Day Rucksack:
A daypack is perfect for carrying essentials on shorter or day hikes.
💚 Osprey are one of the best rucksacks out there. They are high quality, comfortable and will last a long time. Osprey’s Hikelite 32L Daypack is a great size for shorter and longer hiking days. It has suspended mesh back panel to allow airflow keeping you cool and comfortable. It has integrated and detachable rain cover in a pocket on the base, ready to be deployed to keep your bag and all of your belongings dry on those rainy days. It has two pockets that hold 1L water bottles and the upper compression strap, doubles as a walking pole attachment.
One key thing for that we like for ladies is that it has a hip belt (which is removeable) to take some of the weight off your shoulders and keep the bag in place. There are also zip pockets on the hip belt so you can have easy access to your phone and snacks.
Waterproof Rucksack Cover:
If your chosen rucksack doesn’t come with a cover, its always a good idea to ensure you have a waterproof cover to protect your rucksack and belongings in the event of rain, especially on longer hikes.
Waterproof Phone Case:
You need to be able to use your phone in case of emergencies, as well as using them for navigation, and those all important photographs. Having a water proof case, ensures that you’re phone remains projected from unexpected rain at all times.
💚 For less than a tenner, the JOTO Waterproof Phone Pouch is a great buy and is great for those who don’t want to opt for a dry bag straight away and simply want to keep their phone dry.
💚 It’s 100% waterproof and suitable for most phones (please check link for compatibility). All this means you’re able to capture your adventures taking photos under water and above water. Above all else, this is a fantastic safety feature too as you can keep your phone will you at all times and call for help if required.
Water Bottle:
Staying hydrated is key. Choose a reusable water bottle with enough capacity for the length of your hike.
💚 We love these Super Sparrow Water Bottles, as they look cool, but which will keep water cool and have a stainless steel inner, perfect for keeping drinks cool and as insulator for warm drinks and soups! They each come with two interchangeable caps to suit your preference too.
Healthy Food and Snacks:
If you’re out for a leisurely hike, then there’s nothing nicer than a rewarding packed lunch. However, be sure to pack healthy, energy boasting snacks for longer hikes.
Sun Cap or Warm Hat:
Depending on the weather, be sure to pack a cap to protect you from the glare of the sun and prevent overheating.
Did you know we lose 45% of our heat through our heads in the winter, making a warm hat vital for those colder days!
💚 The choice really is yours here ladies depending on the style that you prefer. Be mindful that you will get warm whilst walking, so something too thick should probably be saved for those very cold, longer hikes.
Sun Cream (SPF 30+):
Sun reflects off the water, causing a higher risk of sunburn. Apply liberally and reapply throughout the day, especially after getting out of the water.
💚 We’ve chosen this particular Mountain Sun Cream as its Factor 50, highly water resistant, sweat resistant and specifically designed for those who are active in and out of the water, providing up to 8 hours protection, great for those who perhaps plan to have a little dip in the water while out and about. The handy stick design makes it easy to fit into your kit bag too.
Sunglasses:
Shield your eyes from the sun’s glare. A strap helps prevent them from falling overboard.
💚 With so many different styles, the choice really is yours here ladies.
First Aid Kit
It’s always best to be prepared to deal with injuries whilst on any hike.
💚 We’ve chosen
Lifesystems Trek First Aid Kit as provides essential first aid items for treating common hiking injuries and ailments such as cuts, grazes, blisters and other minor injuries.
Insect repellant is always worth taking with you on any hike in the summer months. Even if your just out for a leisurely evening stroll over the fields. The little pests can strike at any time.
💚 We’ve chosen Smidge as its a leading brand, offering protection for up to 8 hours, water and sweat resistant, and most importantly, repels midges, mosquitoes, horse flies, sand flies, fleas and ticks.
For those on longer hikes these handy extras will prove invaluable, saving you space in your kit bag, projecting your belongings and providing extra comfort!
Waterproof Bags: Protect your belongings from rain and splashes with waterproof bags and most importantly – keep your sandwiches dry!
💚 We think this 5 piece drybag set is a bargain and can be used to keep your belongings dry in rain and snow but also clean from dirt and sand making them handy for your holidays too! They’re 100% waterproof too !
Thermal Pad:
A lightweight thermal pad provides extra warmth during rest stops or unexpected weather changes on longer hikes.
💚 This Trinordic waterproof, folding sit mat will allow you to take a well earned rest anywhere and in comfort. Use it on rocky, wet & cold ground. Waterproof, insulated, cushioned, and small for your rucksack too.
Water Filter (Optional):
Consider a water filter for treating water sources on longer hikes or in remote areas.
💚 We always recommend this Katadyn Water Filter which allows you to take water from running streams and lakes, so you don’t have to carry so much water on longer hikes. Also, the bottle itself is collapsible, saving room in your rucksack – bonus!
Map, Waterproof Case and Compass:
Even with GPS, a physical map and compass are always recommended for navigation, especially in remote areas, and a waterproof map case is essential for our lovely British weather!
By having the right gear on hand, you can focus on enjoying the beauty of the outdoors and the feeling of accomplishment that comes with conquering a hike. With Women Outdoors, you’ll have a supportive community of women who share your passion for exploration.
So put on your boots, grab your backpack, and let’s hit the trails!
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