Walking expert shares top tips for completing the Wales Coast Path this summer

Walking Specialist Holly Robertson (pictured), has clocked hundreds of miles on foot across the UK and says solo walking is far safer than people think, yet many don’t do it for fear of judgement.

In March, Holly Robertson, who lives in Hertfordshire, set off from Nether Stowey in Somerset to complete the Coleridge Way with her dad, a 51 mile walk through the rolling countryside of the Quantock Hills and Exmoor. A month later she was in the Scottish Highlands, tackling the Great Glen Way, a 73-mile route following the geological fault line from Fort William to Inverness, this time with her partner.

Holly says that while completing long walks with someone else can feel very rewarding, walking on her own was something she initially felt quite apprehensive about.

“As a woman, there is always that thought in the back of your mind saying ‘is this safe?’ she says. “But as long as you take safety precautions you’re unlikely to run into any issues. I don’t actually encounter lots of people on my solo walks, but those I do meet are very approachable. People come and talk to you and the vast majority you meet out there are genuinely friendly,” she adds.

Holly works as a Walking Specialist for walking holiday provider, Celtic Trails, and wants to encourage more people to take up solo walking. She has provided her top practical tips for anyone looking to walk parts of the Wales Coast Path this summer, an 870 mile trail which begins in Chepstow in the south and ends in Queensferry in the north, circumnavigating the entire Welsh coastline.

The insole test

Making sure that your boots are comfortable before you set off is one of the most important things to do. Holly advises doing the ‘insole test’ before your walk to make sure your boots are the right size.

“Start by removing the insoles of your walking boots and standing on them. You should aim to have between 1cm – 2cm distance between your big toe and the top of the edge of the insole. If your toe reaches or hangs over the edge of the insole, it’s worth investing in a bigger pair of boots.”

“If your boots feel too loose or tight from the start, you’re likely to develop blisters, or end up with bruised toenails during longer walks. It sounds quite obvious, but it is something people often get wrong,” she says.

Pack smart

Holly is clear that preparation matters, but that you should avoid over-packing.

“Don’t try to pack too much, aim to stick to the essentials. I always bring a first aid kit, enough layers, plenty of water and a portable phone charger. There’s the temptation to carry lots of extra items, but the more weight you carry, the harder the walk becomes, and the less you’ll enjoy it.”

Save maps offline

Holly advises saving an offline map of your route to your phone, for when phone signal isn’t available.

“Walking apps like OS Maps or Komoot are worth downloading offline before you set off, as in my experience phone signal on remote routes tends to be unreliable. Having the map cached locally gives me the confidence that I’m on the right track.”

Have an accountability partner

If you’re planning a solo walk, Holly recommends having an accountability partner, who you can let know when you’re setting off and when you expect to reach your destination.

“I send a quick message to a friend or family member before setting off saying that I’m doing X route and should be at Y by a certain time. It costs nothing and provides real reassurance if you’re walking alone. You can also share your location on ‘Find My’ on iPhone, but remember your location accuracy will depend on how good your signal is.”

Using walking poles isn’t cheating

For older walkers or those new to longer distances, Holly recommends investing in a pair of walking poles.

“Despite what some may say, using walking poles isn’t cheating, and I advise people to invest in a decent pair if you plan to tackle longer routes.”I use a pair of Leki walking poles, which are on the pricier side, but you can pick up a pair for as little as £20. They really do make a difference to how you feel by the end of the day, and are really helpful on descents.”

Use the ‘rest step’ technique

When tackling an uphill part of a walk, Holly advises using the ‘rest step’ technique to shift weight from your muscles to your bones, to help reduce leg fatigue on long walks.

“Start by moving your forward foot up to a solid position on the incline. As you plant your forward foot, straighten your rear leg that is still on the ground and lock your knee. Then relax the muscles in your upper body and the leg that isn’t locked. Then repeat the motion with the other leg to continue moving upwards.”This really helps to shift tension and fatigue from your quads and helps to regulate your heart rate,” she adds.

Don’t worry what people think

Holly says to anyone who has been thinking about taking up walking, not to care what other people think.

“Try not to compare yourself to other people and ignore the noise you see on social media. It can feel difficult to get started, but starting off with small distances can really help build your confidence. Walking doesn’t have to be extreme to be rewarding. When you stop and look back along the route you have just walked, that feeling is hard to describe,” she adds.