| There are many thousands of great hiking tracks | | | | are several experts in your group, and factor in |
| and walking tracks located all across the world, | | | | extra time to teach novices these skills. |
| and the ability to choose the perfect one can | | | | Step Three: Make a shortlist of the activities you |
| seem overwhelming. Fear not! We have a 5 point | | | | wish to do on your hike, apart from walking. |
| guide to assist you in choosing a hiking track that | | | | These may include swimming at a beach, |
| suits you and will make the whole outdoor | | | | sightseeing at lookouts, or kayaking/canoeing - |
| bushwalking experience as comfortable and fun as | | | | this is only a short list of the wide range of |
| possible. | | | | activities available on hikes. Choose hiking tracks |
| Step One: The first step is to assess the fitness | | | | that will include opportunities for your shortlisted |
| and capabilities of you and your chosen walking | | | | activities, as well as having enough time to carry |
| companions. It is often said that a group walks as | | | | them out. |
| fast as its slowest member, so it is important to | | | | Step Four: Filter your list of potential hiking tracks |
| consider the fitness of not only yourself but all | | | | by distance/duration. You should have an idea of |
| members of your group. Your fitness level is an | | | | the ideal duration of your hike based upon the |
| important consideration, as there are so many | | | | factors considered in steps one and two. The |
| hiking tracks out there that there will be a whole | | | | distance covered in the hiking track should be a |
| range of hikes that suit your physical fitness. As | | | | reasonable considering your chosen duration, and |
| you browse the lists of possible tracks, exclude | | | | should suit your planned activities and the fitness |
| those which are too hard or difficult for the | | | | of your group. |
| members of your group (and their physical | | | | Step Five: Take a look at the topographic map of |
| abilities). Remember no one likes to be pushed too | | | | your hiking track, and ensure the terrain is not |
| hard, so ensure the hiking track chosen is not too | | | | too difficult, as well as there being opportunities |
| strenuous or the hike may not be appreciated as | | | | for getting water and places to camp along the |
| much as you would have liked. | | | | way (if required). You should also note any river |
| Step Two: Assess and consider the experience of | | | | crossings, as wet weather may preclude you |
| your group. If your group contains mostly | | | | from conducting the hike as the river may |
| novices, then pick an easier bushwalk. If your | | | | become swollen and impossible to cross. Also see |
| group contains many seasoned walkers and | | | | how to access the start and end points of the |
| hikers, then you should be fine in picking a route | | | | track. |
| that is more challenging that normal (one that | | | | Final step: Find a way to get transport to and |
| may involve steep climbs, rock scrambling or long | | | | from the start and end of the hike. This can be |
| distances). Alpine hikes during winter should be left | | | | done via public transport for many hiking tracks |
| to people who have substantial walking experience | | | | (especially those near the cities), but a car shuffle |
| and proper gear for cold climates. If your hiking | | | | may have to be arranged. Choose hiking tracks |
| track is not well defined, consider that some | | | | which allow easy access to the trackheads, and |
| members of your group should be knowledgeable | | | | transport can be easily arranged or obtained. |
| in navigation skills. Furthermore if the potential | | | | By following these steps, you'll be on your way to |
| hiking track requires technical ability, such as rock | | | | enjoying your hiking. |
| climbing, abseiling or canyoning, ensure that there | | | | |