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Hiking EquipmentI always recommend lightweight walking boots with a good strong sole, not trainers for hiking, as some ankle support is important on the often rocky surfaces you will be walking on. A walking pole is helpful especially on downhill paths which can be slippery when very wet or very dry.
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In most cases it is possible to walk in shorts, only on a
couple of walks do I recommend long trousers
( this will be noted in my
Guide
'Don’t leave Gran Canaria
without seeing it' ).
Always use a
high factor sun cream as you are much closer to the equator here
than you are in England or anywhere else in Europe, a good pair
of sunglasses can also be helpful against eye strain. |
Setting off on a Hike  |
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Storms are rare, however never go walking if there is a forecast of a storm, because it is possible to get 6 inches of rain in a few hours, lightning is not common here but is possible. Snow is also rare but not impossible, and early morning there is often a frost in the higher mountains. I recommend a hat with a wide brim, also to carry gloves and a scarf. If you do get stuck in very bad weather you may be lucky enough to find a large cave to shelter in.
Always carry a mobile phone, the coverage in the mountains is
usually good, but not perfect, the emergency number here is 112,
also have the phone number of your hotel or a friend with you.
If walking alone it is essential
to leave a copy of your route with a friend or your reception. |
The minimum amount of water you should carry is 1 litre per person, more is better, and always have some energy giving food with you, such as fruit and energy bars, which are much better than candy bars. Carbohydrates are much more important than protein, to give you stamina on a demanding hike, remember that at breakfast time.
Many hikes pass through villages where there is a chance to purchase extra supplies, but remember siesta time is between approx 1.30pm and 5.00pm. You will need a good sized lightweight rucksack, and keep things in plastic bags in your rucksack. On one winter hike the rain started 10 minutes into the walk and never stopped, even the money in my wallet needed drying out!
Make sure that you have prepared a first aid kit and carry it with you at all times. It is also a good idea to carry a dry shirt, for when you have completed your hike.
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Time is precious so in my Guide:
'Don’t leave Gran Canaria
without seeing it'
I have tried to avoid long sections
through dense forests, which can be rather boring, and walks on
tarmac, I have tried to concentrate on the best paths with the
most spectacular scenery. A map of Gran Canaria should be purchased to accompany my Guide 'Don’t leave Gran Canaria without seeing it' to get the ‘big picture’ as my maps are only very local to give a rough guide of the route. |
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I always use the international standard of WGS 84, if you do not have a GPS you can still do all of my mountain hikes, but you should always carry a compass.
Garmin’s website has two excellent publications ( PDF documents ) for downloading available at no cost:
GPS Guide for beginners
Using a Garmin® GPS with Paper Maps
| Good boots with good sole | The Kompass map | Minimum of 1 litre water |
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| GPS and/or compass | Walking notes & plan B | Energy giving food |
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| Money and I.D | Emergency contacts | First aid kit |
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| Walking pole | Sun glasses | Sun protection cream |
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| Extra clothes | Torch | After bite pen |
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| Whistle | Hat with wide brim | Gloves and scarf |
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| Digital camera | Lightweight rucksack | Plastic bags |
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| Mobile phone ( 112 = emergency number ) | Windproof/waterproof jacket | Plastic wallet for walk notes |
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A knife is also useful to have with you but not essential. A Swiss army knife always comes in useful, if they are allowed on the plane. A Spanish phrasebook, could be useful but not essential.
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for hikers by Rambling Roger, resident in Gran Canaria, Spain |
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Buy the Guide
Why come Hiking in Gran Canaria?
The Terrain and Hiking Maps
Transport
Gran Canaria Weather Safety & Tips Hiking Equipment The Environment Accommodation
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© 2010 Rambling Roger |
Page Updated:
06/02/10 |
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Contact us: Eileen & Roger Bradley, Finca Britanica, Avineda La
Corte 24, Fataga, 35108,
San Bartolome de Tirajana, Gran Canaria, Spain Email Eileen & Roger
Don’t
leave Gran Canaria without seeing it
