Every year more and more people head into the great outdoors to enjoy the beauty of the countryside with the help of their local hiking club.
Hikers come from every corner of the world and there are literally thousands of local hiking clubs to choose from, although searching for "hiking" will not always bring up the results you are looking for. For example, in England you are more likely to come across "hill walking" or simply "walking" clubs, while Australians tend to use the term "bush walking" and New Zealanders "tramping".
More strenuous forms of hiking, perhaps in mountainous regions, is often referred to as "trekking" and longer outings including overnight camping stops on the trail is usually called "backpacking".
No matter what terminology is used hiking is one of those activities that you can enjoy entirely alone, getting away from the trials and tribulations of everyday life, or with other family members or a group of friends and fellow enthusiasts of all ages and ability levels.
If you've never tried hiking then now is an excellent time to start. It's a very inexpensive pastime for the beginner and all you really need to get started is some basic equipment, including such things as a good pair of shoes or boots. Just how much gear you decide to kit yourself out with very much up to you but today you will find a huge range of equipment available from backpacks and tents to specialist men's and women's clothing and footwear in all the colors of the rainbow and at every price range.
For the beginner though a map, compass, simple backpack, windproof jacket and a comfortable pair of waterproof boots is really all you need to get started.
Our aim here at The Hiking Club is provide you with all the basic information you need to get you ready for that first hike covering everything from how to use a map and compass, getting yourself fit and basic first aid to finding the right shoes or boots so that you can get out and about and enjoy some of the world's most beautiful countryside.
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A Walk in the Woods: Rediscovering America on the Appalachian Trail by Bill Bryson Amazon Price: $7.99
Customer Review: Bill Bryson's A Walk in the Woods is work about Bryson hiking portions of the Appalachian Trail. I picked this up after having it recommended to me by several others, and having found a kernel of something to like in Bryson's The Lost Continent.
First, Bryson's condescension is toned way down from The Lost Continent to A Walk in the W...
Into Thin Air: A Personal Account of the Mt. Everest Disaster by Jon Krakauer Amazon Price: $10.20
Customer Review: Krakauer's account of this tragic episode is very personal and compelling. I found the book hard to put down and was gripped by the human element that slowly and inescapably evolved into disaster. It's a book that you will think of long afterward and wonder about the "what-ifs." It's on my top ten list - I give it 5 stars.
My friend wants one in every city! Hopefully, there is one!
MASON COUNTY: Man, 71, who died while hiking identified - The Olympian 10 Mar 2010 at 2:09am
MASON COUNTY: Man, 71, who died while hiking identified The Olympian A Rochester man who died Monday while hiking on a trail in Olympic National Forest was identified Tuesday as Paul Templeton Holm, 71. ... Thurston County hiker dies in Olympic Natio...
Gaga facing backlash for hiking ticket prices for UK tour - NDTV.com 10 Mar 2010 at 1:24am
Gaga facing backlash for hiking ticket prices for UK tour NDTV.com Another fan described the hike as 'disgraceful', while others branded it 'completely unfair'. Lady Gaga, known for her outlandish spending on costumes and ...
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West Coast Trail: A haul of a hike - Victoria Times Colonist 10 Mar 2010 at 2:17am
West Coast Trail: A haul of a hike Victoria Times Colonist For those who think hiking the West Coast Trail is a stroll on the beach, Parks Canada is posting ...
An Introduction To Hiking Backpacks. Hiking backpacks come in all shapes and sizes and we will help to guide you through the maze to select the right hiking backpack to meet your needs. Read More
Etiquette On The Hiking Trail. The wilderness is a wonderful place and with a little thought and care hikers can ensure that it stays that way. Read More
Basic First Aid Kits For Hikers. Before you set out on a hiking trip make sure that you have a basic knowlege of first aid and always carry a first aid kit with you. Read More
Navigation By The Stars And Sun When Hiking. If you want to get back to basics and learn the true art of hiking then there's no better way to do so than by learning to navigate by the sun and stars. Read More
Hiking In Grand Canyon. Hiking in Grand Canyon is an experience which a hiker simply must not miss. It is no accident that the canyon has been referred to as the eighth wonder of the world and the memories you will take with you from your visit will last a lifetime. Read More
