Whether you’re thinking of taking part in TrekFest 2021 or you’re already signed up to join us, we know you’ll have some questions and concerns about the impact of the outbreak of COVID-19 (Coronavirus). We’d like to take this opportunity to assure you that we’re keeping a close eye on the situation and that there is no risk involved in registering for TrekFest!

The health and safety of our participants will always be our primary concern, and we will fully adhere to any guidelines from the UK Government in place at the time of the challenge. In addition, it is likely that you will see enhanced procedures on the event which may include, but not limited to:-

• Staggered start times
• Use of face coverings at rest stops and/or other enclosed areas
• Hand sanitisation points
• Social distancing
• One-way flows at rest stops and at our TrekFest Village

We are hoping that on the back of recent news, some of the procedures that would be relevant now may not be needed come September 2021. However, in the lead up to TrekFest 2021 and much closer to the event date we will write to all participants with more detail on any new procedures that we will be implementing.

If due to official advice, safety concerns or restrictions in place at the time of the challenge, the event was unable to go ahead, all registered participants would be entitled to transfer to a future event or to receive a full refund.

If you have any further questions about the impact of COVID-19 on TrekFest, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us on 01244 676 454 or by emailing info@trekfest.org.uk.

Benefits of Hiking

Are you looking to increase your overall health and well being this year? Hiking in the outdoors is a great activity and one of the simplest ways to get more active. Hiking has many positive effects on both the body and mind. Here are our top health benefits of hiking;

Reduce Body Fat

Hiking can help you to lose weight and reduce body fat, by increasing the number of calories you burn in a day. The faster you walk, or steeper the gradient, the more calories you will burn.

The NHS suggests that adults should do at least 150 minutes of aerobic activity every week. And what better way to get in your 150 minutes of exercise than going for a hike in the picturesque countryside!

Tone Muscles

Walking and hiking can increase the strength in your muscles, especially your calf, quadriceps and hamstring muscles. This will result in improved muscle definition and can prevent muscle loss. Strengthening your leg muscles will also increase your metabolism and aid in fat loss – win, win!

Strengthen Bones

Hiking is a low impact exercise that can prevent the loss of bone density. Your bones become weaker as you age, and hiking is a great way to prevent this.

Walking strengthens your bones and helps maintain healthy joints as well as reducing the risk of osteoporosis. Plus – spending time in the outdoors will increase your intake of vitamin D, which is vital for bone health!

Improve Heart Health

Hiking will increase your heart rate and get your blood pumping. Regular activity can reduce the risk of both heart disease and stroke. In fact, according to the British Heart Foundation, you can reduce the risk of heart and circulatory disease by 35% by being more active. It’s time to lace up those walking boots!

Reduce Risk of Disease

It’s not just your heart that can benefit from regular walks. Many studies have shown that hiking can reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes, asthma and even certain cancers. Diabetes UK recommends that 30 minutes of moderate exercise, such as walking five days a week can reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes. Whilst Cancer Research UK states that regular exercise can prevent breast cancer and bowel cancer, whilst maintaining a healthy weight reduces the risk of a further 11 types of cancer.

Improves Brain Health

Hiking can help to keep our brains healthy and reduce the risk of dementia. Regular activity, such as walking, helps to prevent memory loss, due to a prevention of the shrinking of the hippocampus. The Alzheimer’s Society has reported several studies that show that aerobic exercise in middle aged or older adults prevents memory loss, and reduces rates of dementia.

Improves Mental Health

Exercise, such as hiking, releases the good hormones – endorphins. Endorphins help to reduce anxiety and can have a positive effect on your mood. Walking can also reduce the feeling of stress, as your body becomes better at coping with the levels of cortisol in your body.

According to MIND, increasing your levels of activity from sedentary to exercising three times a week can reduce risk of depression by almost 20%.

We hope our Top Benefits of Hiking has inspired you to get out those walking boots and go on a hike in the great outdoors! Or maybe you’d like to sign up to a trekking challenge, such as TrekFest 2020! 

TrekFest is the ultimate trekking adventure in the Brecon Beacons National Park! We have 25km or 50km route options to choose from, so whether you decide to join us as a solo adventurer or bring your friends and family along – TrekFest is a weekend of adventure you’ll never forget! 

The New Year is here and everyone is talking about “New Year, New You!” and setting those all important New Year’s Resolutions.

It’s all well and good writing a list of what you would like to achieve in 2020, but how will you make sure you achieve it? It’s time to make those New Year’s resolutions stick – and achieve something you’ve always wanted to!

Whether you’ve signed up to an endurance trek, half marathon or other fitness challenge, here’s our top tips on how to make sure you succeed!

1. Be Realistic

Make sure you create a goal that’s achievable! Don’t set yourself the target of running a marathon in a month’s time if running is something new to you. Keep yourself motivated by setting an attainable goal – such as completing a 5k Park Run!

2. Create Short Term Goals

Whatever your main goal is, split this into a few smaller goals that you can achieve along the way. If you’ve signed up to a 50km trekking challenge, such as TrekFest 2020, then split this goal into smaller goals. Such as aiming to walk 10km continuously, then 20km etc. Short terms goals will keep you motivated, and keep you on track to achieving your New Year’s resolution!

3. Track Your Progress

Keep track of your training and note down whenever you hit a small term goal. This will then show exactly how far you’ve come! Apps such as Strava are great for keeping track of your training!

4. Reward Yourself

If you manage to complete one of your short-term goals, then reward yourself! Keep your reward in line with your goal, such as treating yourself to some new hiking kit, running trainers or even a spa day.

5. Don’t Beat Yourself Up

There might be times when you can’t make a planned training session, or you couldn’t achieve the full distance. Don’t worry, this is completely normal! Just do the best you can, one day at a time.

6. Tell Your Friends and Family

Don’t keep your resolution a secret, let your friends and family know! They’ll be able to support you throughout your journey and you’ll be more likely to keep on going.

7. Make It Social

Even better – Get your friends and family involved! Even if they don’t want to take part in the fitness challenge itself, they could join you on a few training sessions, helping to keep you motivated!

8. Make Training Fun!

Join a fitness class that you’ll enjoy, such as Zumba or boxercise or go for some training walks or runs surrounded by beautiful countryside. Keep things fun – and you’ll be more likely to stick at it!

9. Remember Why You’re Doing This

Whatever your fitness goal is, there will be a reason why you’re doing this. You might have signed up to a fitness challenge in order to lose weight, increase your fitness levels or to raise money for a cause close to your heart. On those day’s where you struggling to keep going – just remind yourself exactly why you are doing this.

10. Be Patient

You won’t achieve your goal overnight – keep going! It takes a while for a new activity to become a habit, just be patient. By following our points above you’ll be on your way to achieving your New Year’s resolution in no time!  Remember, persistence is key!

Top Trekking Tips For Beginners

Trekking is a fantastic way to explore the great outdoors whilst getting in some exercise! If you’re new to trekking then check out our top trekking tips for beginners…

Where to Go?

So, the saying goes … “Put down the map and get wonderfully lost”. However, this may not be the most practical advice if you are new to trekking. It’s important to do a bit of research and find the right route for you.

Resources such as Walking Britain, The National Trust and All Trails have a range of different walking routes for you to test out. Once you have decided on a route, familiarise yourself with a map of the area. It’s always worth starting with popular trails before you venture out on more adventurous routes or maybe even ask an experienced friend to join you on your first few hikes.

When choosing your route, start small and choose the right route for you. Once you have been out on a couple of hikes, you’ll be able to gauge your fitness level and can then go on a few more difficult walks when you feel comfortable.

What to Wear on Your Trek?

The weather in the UK is highly unpredictable – so it’s always best to be prepared. Layers are key! It’s better to be too warm and have layers to take off, than to be too cold or not have any waterproofs during a sudden downpour.

Here are some top tips on what to wear on your trek;

• Wear comfortable hiking boots, with good ankle support. Check out our Guide to Walking Boots for more information on choosing good quality footwear for your adventure!
• Always carry waterproofs with you – even if the weather forecast is sunshine and blue skies. You don’t want to get caught out in the rain!
• Avoid cotton walking socks – woollen socks will help to keep your feet dry and will prevent blisters.
• Bring plenty of layers. The weather conditions may change dramatically half way through your walk – it’s much better to be prepared.
• Avoid cotton clothing. Wool or fleece layers will keep you warmer and drier throughout your trek.

For more information, check out our blog post; What to Wear on a Hike.

What to Pack

To start with, you’ll need a backpack that fits you correctly. Secondly, make sure your bag has a waist strap that rests on your hip bones – you should feel most of the weight of your bag on your hips, not your shoulders. And finally make sure you pack your bag correctly, with the heaviest items closest to your back.

Here are the vital items you’ll need to pack;

• Water – Keep hydrated! Make sure you bring plenty of water on your trek and take small sips regularly. Using a rehydration system makes it easier to keep hydrated on the go!
• Map, Compass & Directions – Always have a map with you and make sure you have researched your route beforehand. If you’re looking for some advice on how to read a map, then check out this Simple Guide to Map Reading.
• Emergency Kit – Be prepared for all eventualities! Make sure you take a basic first aid kit, whistle and survival blanket with you on your trek.
• Snacks – Trekking takes up a lot of energy, so make sure you refuel regularly with lightweight high energy food. Snacks such as fruit, nuts and energy bars will keep you going for longer.
• Fully Charged Mobile Phone – Make sure you bring your mobile phone just in case you get lost or come into some sort of difficulty. If you don’t think that your battery will last the duration of your trek, then bring a lightweight portable charger with you.
• Sunscreen – Don’t forget your sunscreen! To keep things lightweight only bring a small tube with you.

Other Top Tips

• Always check the weather leading up to and on the day of your hike. This will help to ensure you have all the correct kit with you. If the forecast is looking terrible, then rearrange your walk for another day.
• Tell someone where you are going and what time you should be finished by – and don’t forget to let them know when you have returned from your trek!
• Pace yourself. Remember – this isn’t a race! If you start your trek powering along the path, then you might find you use up all of your energy too quickly and become fatigued early on. Take it slow and enjoy the views!
• Join a local hiking group, such as the Ramblers. It’s a fun way to meet people with similar interests.
• Leave no trace – Leave nothing but footprints. Take nothing but photos.

Once you’ve read our Trekking Tips for Beginners, and been on a few treks, then it might be time to set yourself a challenge.

TrekFest is our ultimate trekking event – a 25km or 50km hike through stunning UK scenery.

Whether you want to take on the challenge for yourself, or would like to do so in support of your chosen charity, you’ll be surrounded by hundreds of like minded individuals all wanting to make a difference.

For more information click here or give us a call on 01244 676454.

Your hiking boot will become your new best friend on your trek. Picking the right boot will ensure that you keep the blisters away, keep your feet nice and dry and keep that smile on your face!

Here are our top tips on picking the right hiking boot for you;

Type of Hiking Boot

There are many types of hiking boot, all designed for specific types of trekking. The main three categories are hiking shoes, hiking boots and then backpacking boots.

Hiking shoes are a lot lighter and perfect for a day hike on established routes, or can be used by experienced hikers.

Hiking boots are designed for day hikes or short backpacking trips and are more supportive than hiking shoes.

Backpacking boots are designed to carry heavier loads on multiday trips. These boots have a higher cut, and are much more supportive.

Material – Leather or Synthetic?

It’s important to ensure you choose the right material for your walking boot.

Synthetic boots are often made up of nylon and polyester. These boots are lighter, easier to break in and are much lighter than leather boots, but are less water resistant.

Split-grain leather boots are made with a mixture of synthetic and leather. Boots made of split grain leather are still very breathable and light weight, however not as waterproof or as durable as full-grain leather.

Full-grain leather boots are a lot more durable and water resistant, however they are less breathable and much heavier than the alternatives. Leather boots also take longer to break in.

Boot Cut – Low, Mid or High

Walking boots come in three different types of cut; low, mid and high. You should make sure you get the right cut for the type of trekking you are doing, as this will prevent injuries such as a rolled ankle.

Low cut boots are much lighter and good for casual hiking; however, they are not very supportive and can lead to ankle injuries. Low cut boots are suitable for well maintained walking routes.

Mid-cut boots offer more ankle support and balance than low cut boots.

High-cut boots give the most support and are the best option for varied, uneven terrain. These boots are recommended for those new to hiking.

When to Buy Your Boots

You should always make sure you buy your boots well in advance of your first trekking adventure! This will then give you time to wear them in around the house, test the fit and make sure you are completely happy with your purchase before going on a hike.

You should also buy your boots later on in the day, when your feet have expanded from being on them all day. This will make sure they fit well throughout your hike, and not just when your feet are cooler and smaller.

How to Check the Correct Fit

Hiking boots are different to your average trainer, so you want to make sure that they fit correctly to avoid any unwanted blisters. Forget about what size you normally are, as you may need a hiking boot a size larger than your normal shoe. Here are our top tips to check the fit of your boot;

Try your boots on with hiking socks, as these are thicker than normal socks and will give you a better idea of how the boots fit.

Feel the weight of your boots once they’re on to check how heavy they feel. Remember, lighter doesn’t necessarily mean better – you want to get the balance between the correct weight and having the right support for your trek.

Wiggle your toes to make sure there is enough room. Your toes should have enough room to wiggle, but not slide to the front of the boot when you’re walking. Most outdoor shops will have a ramp for you to walk up and down to test this.

Test the tightness of your boot. You should be able to fit a finger between your heel and the boot to ensure it’s not too tight or going to rub on the ankle and Achilles tendon during your walk.

Anatomy of Your Boot

Outsole. This is the strip of rubber at the bottom of your boot. Chunkier tread patterns are better for muddy routes, whilst shallow tread is better for a rockier path. The lugs should be solid and tough. If not, it will wear quickly, reducing the longevity of your boot.

Midsole. The midsole is located inside the boot and provides the right amount of flexibility. This should be pretty ridged if you will be walking along rocky edges or scrambling. However, can be much more flexible if your boot it for general walking.

Footbed / Insole. The footbed supports the sole in a neutral position. If you have high arches you may want to remove the insole and replace it with a more supportive footbed.

Liner. Some boots will have a waterproof liner – which is great for wet weather, however can be less breathable. Boots with no liner are better for walking in hot weather, to help your feet breathe. If you’d like a mix of water resistance with good ventilation, then Dri-Lex or Cambrelle linings are best.

Tongue. The tongue should be gusseted, meaning it is connected to the boot with a flap of material. This will ensure no unwanted dirt or sand will get into your boot. It also means your boot will be more waterproof.

Padded Collar. A thick collar will ensure ultimate comfort and ankle support during your hike. The collar should be soft and comfortable on the inside.

Toebox and Heel Counter. The toebox and heel counter provide the shape and structure of the back and front of your boot. Make sure the toebox doesn’t cramp your toes – as this area of the boot is difficult to remould. The size and shape of the toebox varies between different brands, so it’s worth trying a few varieties.

Laces. The laces should be braided nylon laces rather than flat shoe laces. Ensure your laces are secure.

Stitching. Check the stitching of the boot to ensure it has a double line of stitching, rather than single – this will increase the durability of your walking boot. It’s also worth checking for loose threads or missed stitching.

Looking After Your Boots

To make sure your hiking boots stay with you for a number of years, make sure you follow these steps;

Clean your boots thoroughly after each walk, removing all mud and debris.

Absorb all moisture from your boots. If they get really wet stuff them with newspaper or Absorba Balls to help soak up any moisture.

Waterproof with wax or silicone little and often.

Don’t dry boots in a warm room or next to a direct heat source, as this can cause the leather and material to shrink.

Now you have decided on your hiking boots … it’s time for a trekking adventure!

If you are joining us at TrekFest – our ultimate trekking challenge, then we recommend having waterproof walking boots with good ankle support. Make sure your boots are fully broken in – start by wearing them for an hour at a time and then gradually increase the time you wear them before you start using them for long distance walks. Remember your feet will be your best friends on this adventure!

For more information on TrekFest and how to enter, head over to trekfest.org.uk and make every step count for the charity of your choice!

May is National Walking Month, and with the evenings getting lighter and the weather (hopefully) getting warmer, it’s time to appreciate the outdoors and get walking! Walking has so many health benefits, both mentally and physically. Check out our Health Benefits of Hiking post to find out more!

5. Try a Walking Meeting

Do you have an upcoming 1-2-1 or work meeting? Why not take it outside and turn it into a walking meeting. Walking helps to improve oxygen flow to the brain – making you more productive and can improve your overall cognitive function!

6. Set Yourself a Goal

Set yourself a goal throughout the month of May – whether this be to walk 10,000 steps a day or to complete a 10-minute power walk every day.

7. Enjoy a Lunchtime Stroll

Going outside for a walk during your lunch break can help you to be more productive for the rest of the day, as well as adding to your daily step count!

8. Sign Up to A Trekking Challenge!

Having a long-term goal in mind, such as taking on our trekking challenge, TrekFest, will keep you motivated to walk on a regular basis to make sure you are prepared for your charity hike!

#WalkThisMay

Have you signed up to our exciting UK adventure, TrekFest 2019? Here are our top 10 tips for your upcoming trekking challenge!

So, you are taking part in a trekking challenge? Amazing! Now it’s time to get training and make sure you are fully prepared for your upcoming endurance trek! Here are our top tips on how to ensure that your body is fully fuelled for your adventure …

The Week Before

Start to increase your carbohydrate intake a few days before your trek, to ensure your muscles have all the energy they need to take on your upcoming endurance challenge. Foods such as rice, pasta, bread and bananas are all high in carbohydrates and low in fat, and are therefore great food sources! The week before your endurance trek is also the time to taper down your training, so that your body is fully recovered for the challenge ahead.

The Day Before

Make sure you drink plenty of water the day before your trek, to ensure your body is fully hydrated – and avoid alcohol consumption as this will dehydrate you. On the evening before your challenge, try to eat a high carbohydrate meal that you would normally eat. Such as chicken and pasta in a tomato sauce or tuna and a baked potato. Again, avoid foods high in fats and protein, as these foods take a longer time to digest.

The Morning Of

Your breakfast on the event day is very important, whatever you do – don’t miss breakfast! Don’t try anything new for breakfast, but stick to a high carbohydrate option, which includes some protein, such as porridge or scrambled egg on toast. Try and have your breakfast 2 hours before the start of your trek, and keep yourself hydrated! You can always have a small snack, such as a flapjack, 30 minutes before starting your trek.

During the challenge

Make sure you keep hydrated throughout your endurance trek. Remember that when you feel thirsty, this means that you are already dehydrated! Take in small sips of water on a regular basis.

Make sure you take snacks and/or a sports drink with you on your endurance walk, in order to keep your energy levels up throughout. On-the-go snacks can include energy bars, flapjacks, dried fruit or a sports drink. Try to eat little and often – aim for a small snack every hour or so. Whatever you take to snack on during your walk, make sure you have already tested these foods out in your training sessions.

If you are taking part in TrekFest 2019, you will be provided with snacks at the checkpoints – and 50km trekkers will also be provided with a half way hot meal. However, it’s still important to bring a selection of your own snacks.

After the Challenge

Make sure you keep hydrated after your challenge and enjoy a post challenge meal 1-2 hours after completing your endurance event! This meal should also be high in carbohydrates, in order to replace any glycogen in your body that you have used up and to aid recovery.

Technical T-Shirts

Have you seen our new TrekFest technical t-shirts? These t-shirts have been designed to enhance your performance and to make sure you are trekking in style!

You have the chance to order a technical t-shirt when you register onto our ultimate trekking challenge, so you can wear it during the challenge or keep it as a souvenir of your incredible achievement.

The Technical Bits:

– Athlete Pro fit crafted in 140gsm Aerolite wicking fabric

– Fully sublimated print, which allows garment to breathe, making them perfect for any exercise

– Performance enhancing fit ensures comfort and unhindered performance during activity

– Available in sizes XS to 3XL

Neck Gaiter

Or why not treat yourself to a TrekFest neck gaiter? Our neck gaiters are perfect in all weather conditions, with 12 different ways to wear them – as a headband, scarf or balaclava!

Made with 100% Coolmax Microfiber with Rain Repel technology and a seamless tube for maximum comfort, they’re perfect for whatever weather the day brings and you can wear it in more than 12 different ways! As a scarf or balaclava to protect you from the wind, as a hair tie or headband if the sun is out, or even just keep it as a wristband.

Have you signed up to a charity challenge, such as TrekFest 2019? Amazing! Now it’s time to make sure you raise funds for your chosen charity and smash your fundraising target! Here are our top fundraising tips to help you on your way!

2. Contact Your Charity

Don’t forget to let your charity know that you are taking part in a charity challenge, raising money for them.  They will be able to support you with your fundraising – providing fundraising tips and materials.

4. Get Your Friends &

Family Involved

Get your friends to take part in the charity challenge with you – not only will it make training and the challenge itself more fun, but you can also work together towards your fundraising goals.

6. Get Support from Your Workplace

This might include sharing your story in weekly newsletters, on a staff notice board or in your email signature. Your workplace may even want to match your fundraising total – which is a great way of doubling your income quickly.

8. Keep People Updated

Keep your friends and family updated on how your fundraising and training are going in the lead up to your challenge, and how far off your fundraising target you are. Once you have completed your challenge – don’t forget to let everyone know how it went. There’s always time for some last-minute donations!

We hope our fundraising tips have inspired you to get out and smash your fundraising targets! If you are looking for a charity event to take part in, then head over to trekfest.org.uk and take on our ultimate trekking challenge for the charity of your choice!