4 Sustainable Hiking Tips

Our beautiful neighbour, the Peak District National Park, is home to a rich variety of wildlife, from the flower-filled limestone dales of the White Peak to the Dark Peak’s renowned peat bogs and birdlife and the South West Peak’s diverse habitats. To help protect this stunning natural environment and minimise the impact of walkers; here are some simple tips that I would like to share:

1. Plan Ahead

Planning ahead is essential before heading out. Use a map to identify the paths you will follow and gather information about the surrounding area, including escape routes. This preparation ensures you can “stick to paths,” which are designed to protect animals, plants, and habitats.

Being well-prepared not only guarantees your safety as a hiker but, also helps safeguard the natural environment alongside its wildlife. Even if you are joining PDM’s group walks, it’s a good idea to check the area with a map in advance. Planning ahead also allows you to organise public transport more efficiently.

2. Eco-Friendly Meal Plans

Meal planning is an enjoyable and essential part of any outing. If you’re bringing ready-made food or snacks, try to repackage them to reduce waste. I also recommend using reusable items such as a water bottle, lunch box, snack box, and cutlery to avoid disposable products. Not only does this save money, but it also reduces any negative environmental impact.

Tips for Eco-Friendly Meal Planning:

Choose a meal that can be prepared the night before, so you don’t have to wake up too early.
In winter, I love bringing vegetable soup in a soup flask—it’s both comforting and practical!
Fruits are always handy and provide good nutrition for your walk. But please remember to bring food waste, such as skins or cores, back home with you. Even though they are biodegradable, they should never be discarded in nature.
Alternatively, if you prefer to purchase your hiking meals, consider stopping by the local shops in one of the charming villages within the Peak District National Park. These villages offer fresh, locally sourced meals, allowing you to support local businesses while enjoying delicious food.

3. Choose Sustainable Gear or Materials

Opt for gear made from sustainable resources or locally produced materials. For example, try choosing a merino wool base layer over a synthetic thermal one. While they can be a bit more expensive, merino wool lasts for over a decade and has a much lower environmental impact compared to plastic-based alternatives. Merino wool is natural, renewable, biodegradable, low-waste, low-energy, and has lower emissions. It is durable, versatile, breathable, dries quickly, and reduces odour, making it more comfortable for hikers. You can also consider finding second-hand clothes and gear for lowland and hill walks. (Please note that some mountain gear may not be suitable as second-hand for safety reasons.)

4. Understand and Respect the Countryside Code

When venturing into the great outdoors, it’s important to remember that we are guests in nature’s habitat, sharing the space with other visitors and local communities. Our actions can have a long-lasting effect on wildlife, farm animals, and the environment, as well as on fellow hikers and locals. Here are three principles of the Countryside Code:

RESPECT other people

Stick to marked footpaths and leave gates as you find them. Behave gently and quietly.

PROTECT our countryside

Plan how you are going to take your litter home. Keep dogs under control. Leave only footprints.

ENJOY our outdoors

Plan ahead to be safe, look for and follow local advice and signs.

For more information, visit the official Countryside Code.
For children, The Countryside Code Activity Pack (Twinkl) is a fun and engaging way to learn the Countryside Code.

Peak District Mosaic is a charity who creates and sustains engagement between the Peak District National Park and new audiences.

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