Wild Trails Wales Guide : Walking in the Dark
It’s Autumn, and the nights are rapidly drawing in. During September and October we lose around two minutes of daylight per day, so that’s a whole hour difference in daylight between the beginning and the end of the month. By late October, our hours of daylight are few, and if like many, you work in an office environment, you may struggle to see the light of day during the winter months. It’s easy to fall out of the habit of spending regular time out in fresh air and nature. At the same time, the benefits of being outside in nature are well documented. In a world of artificial lighting and heating, it is easy to disconnect with our natural rhythms. Whilst getting as much natural daylight as possible can help people feel good during the winter, I have also found over the last few years a growing appreciation of embracing the dark and getting outside under the moonlight, stars, and noises of the night. It’s a great time of day to walk for coming across wildlife, much of which is nocturnal. I regularly see owls, foxes, rabbits, frogs, deer and even badger during the night. Walking in the dark really sharpens the senses, and at the same time, provides a stripped-back, slower environment to walk in. Whether it is a still, moonlit night, or a windy, rainy, wild night, why not try walking in the dark this year and see if you enjoy it?
Walking in the dark comes with a few challenges, but these are easily overcome.
Navigation
It can be a lot more tricky to stay on track if you’re walking without much visibility. Distances and shapes are distorted even in good visibility in the dark, so navigation needs more consideration than usual. A torch or headtorch is invaluable, but don’t forget to stop and switch it off every now and then to really take in the darkness. If you’re new to walking in the dark, build up your confidence by starting somewhere you know really well, in a safe location such as quiet country lanes or well marked lowland tracks. Then you can go on to walking on familiar trails, and if you can use a map and compass, progress to heading off-path or somewhere new. If you’d like to learn some navigation techniques that are useful for walking in the dark, why not come along to one of our Find Your Way courses?
Staying Warm
With darkness comes a drop in temperature, so it’s a good idea to wrap up warmer than normal and make sure you have good waterproof layers. If you’re going anywhere remote take emergency layers, as if you are delayed you’ll need to keep warm. You may be walking more slowly so this can make you colder than usual. On the subject of clothes, consider bright clothing possibly with reflective strips so you can be easily spotted if needed. If you’re on a long walk, a flask containing a hot drink or a warm meal will keep you warm from the inside out.
Personal Safety
The age old rule of telling someone where you’re going, how long you’re planning to go for and when you’re expecting to be back is even more important in the dark. It’s down to personal preference whether you want to walk alone or with others, but, as another old saying goes, there is safety in numbers. I personally feel safer walking in more remote areas, but it is worth considering your personal safety in quiet car parks etc. Carry a fully charged phone and charger and consider whether phone signal will be available on your walk.
Each walk will be different and for an easy walk in the dark around the lanes you wouldn’t need any special equipment or clothing, but remote walks require a little more safety consideration. Here is what I’d pack for a night walk in the Brecon Beacons, for example:
OS map & compass
Headtorch & spare batteries
Waterproof coat & overtrousers
Hat & gloves and spare warm layers all packed in a dry bag
Warm drink & a warm meal
Water
Fully charged phone & battery pack
First aid kit & emergency shelter / survival bag
I’d love to know if you’ve walked in the dark before and how it made you feel? Did it leave you wanting to do more or thinking ‘never again’?! If you have been inspired to try walking in the dark after reading this please let me know, I’m always keen to hear feedback and how people get on!