Walking Safely in a Heatwave: Hydration, Timing and Wildfire Awareness
Stay Cool, Stay Safe: A Walker’s Heatwave Guide
Summer walking is wonderful, but during a heatwave the countryside deserves a little extra respect. A few simple habits can make all the difference.
There is something rather special about walking on a summer morning.
The birds are already busy, the air is still cool, and the hills seem to belong to the early risers. Whether you're exploring the Northumberland Coast, wandering through woodland, or heading up onto the Cheviots, summer is one of the finest times of year to get outdoors.
However, during a heatwave, the countryside deserves a little extra respect.
England has just recorded its hottest June on record, with temperatures reaching a provisional 37.7°C, and the recent spell of extreme heat has left many parts of the countryside exceptionally dry.
The good news? A few simple habits can make all the difference.
Here's how we'd recommend enjoying your walk safely while the hot weather continues.
Walk Early, Rest During the Heat of the Day
If you can, set the alarm a little earlier.
The hottest part of the day is normally between 11am and 3pm, when both the temperature and the strength of the sun are at their highest.
By starting early, you'll enjoy cooler conditions, quieter trails and often the best wildlife encounters too. Aim to have the majority of your walk completed before lunchtime, then reward yourself with a cold drink rather than another climb!
Local tip from us...
Here in Northumberland, we'd much rather be heading back to the car by lunchtime than setting off. First light on the Cheviots in July is one of our favourite times of the year. You might even have the hills almost entirely to yourself, apart from a few curious sheep wondering why you're up so early.
Drink Before You Feel Thirsty
One of the biggest mistakes walkers make in hot weather is waiting until they feel thirsty.
By then, you're already beginning to dehydrate.
As a general guide:
- Carry at least two litres of water for a half-day walk, and more if you're tackling longer routes or exposed ground.
- Sip little and often rather than drinking a large amount at once.
- If you're sweating heavily, consider adding an electrolyte tablet to replace salts lost through perspiration.
- Plan where you can refill water along the way.
If you're relying on streams, remember that even the clearest-looking water can contain harmful bacteria or parasites. Always use an appropriate water filter or purification method before drinking.
Dress for the Conditions
You don't need expensive specialist clothing, but choosing the right kit makes a huge difference.
We'd recommend:
- Light-coloured, loose-fitting clothing.
- Long sleeves rather than exposing lots of skin.
- A wide-brimmed hat or cap.
- Good quality sunglasses with UV protection.
- Plenty of sun cream, especially on the ears, neck and the backs of your hands. They're the areas many walkers forget!
And don't overlook your feet.
Hot feet quickly become swollen feet, and swollen feet often become blistered feet. Breathable socks and well-ventilated footwear will help keep you comfortable throughout the day.
Choose Routes with Shade and Escape Options
Open moorland can be glorious.
It can also feel like walking inside a fan oven during a heatwave.
Instead, think about routes that include:
- Woodland sections.
- River valleys.
- Lakes or reservoirs.
- Villages where you can stop for water or refreshments.
It's also sensible to identify places where you could shorten your walk if the heat becomes too much.
Before leaving home, always let somebody know:
- where you're walking,
- your planned route,
- and roughly when you expect to be back.
Hopefully they'll never need that information, but they'll be very glad to have it if something doesn't go to plan.
Take Wildfire Warnings Seriously
One of the biggest concerns during prolonged hot weather isn't just the temperature. It's fire.
Long periods without rain can leave grassland, heath and moorland incredibly dry, allowing fires to spread frighteningly quickly.
Please help protect these special places by following a few simple rules:
- Never use disposable barbecues on open ground.
- Avoid camping stoves where wildfire warnings are in place.
- Never light campfires.
- Take all litter home, especially glass bottles.
- If you see smoke or flames, move to safety immediately and call 999.
Did you know?
Peat fires don't always burn on the surface.
They can smoulder underground for days or even weeks, destroying wildlife habitats that have taken decades, sometimes centuries, to develop. That is why even a seemingly harmless disposable barbecue or small flame can have devastating consequences.
Know the Signs of Heat Exhaustion
Even experienced walkers can be caught out.
Heat exhaustion often develops gradually, so it's worth recognising the warning signs early.
Look out for:
- headache,
- dizziness,
- muscle cramps,
- heavy sweating,
- nausea,
- unusual tiredness or weakness.
If you notice any of these symptoms:
- Stop walking.
- Find shade.
- Drink water.
- Cool yourself down.
- Rest until you feel better.
And if you're not recovering, turn back. The hills will still be there tomorrow.
Still Keen to Get Out? Absolutely.
A heatwave isn't a reason to stay indoors.
It's simply a reminder to walk a little more thoughtfully.
With a sensible start time, enough water, suitable clothing and a little extra planning, there's no reason you can't enjoy everything summer walking has to offer.
Whether you're joining one of our challenge walks, coming along on a guided walk or simply exploring your favourite local footpath, we want you to return home with happy memories, not sunburn and blisters.
Take care of yourself, take care of the countryside, and enjoy every mile.
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