Hot weather walking – top tips to stay safe in the heat
It’s great to be able to take advantage of the fantastic summer weather to go out walking. There are a few precautions you can take to stay safe in these high temperatures.
Here are our top tips for hot weather walking:
- Avoid walking at the hottest times of day, between 11am and 3pm. Plan your walks in the early morning or the evening and take frequent breaks in the shade.
- Carry plenty of water with you - more than you would usually in cooler weather - and sip regularly to avoid getting dehydrated. Don’t wait until you feel thirsty.
- Make sure you apply plenty of sun cream (a minimum of SPF 30 is ideal).
- Wear loose, lightweight clothing so that you don’t overheat and wear a hat, even on overcast days, to keep the sun off your face and head.
- Consider doing a shorter walk than usual if it’s really hot, or work out a spot where you can cut your walk short if you need to.
- Keep out of the sun in the hottest parts of the day
- However unlikely it seems, remember the weather can change. Pack a light waterproof jacket and remember that if you’re walking in the hills, it is often much cooler higher up than lower down, so an extra layer can be useful.
- In these very dry conditions, help keep the countryside safe by looking out for fire risks and report unattended fires or activities which could cause fires to the emergency services.
- Don’t forget your four-legged friends. If you’re taking your dog along on your walk, make sure you take some water for them too, and let them have a lie-down in the shade when they’re looking tired.