SUPPORT THE FRONT LINE – WALK THE BRYSON LINE

Ask Roger

Participants can ask questions related to the preparation, training, walking, and post recovery recovery.

Who is Roger?

Roger Saller is a candidate for the British Mountain Leader Award, a National accreditation for those that lead groups in the mountains, hills and moorlands of the UK and Ireland. He is a member of the British Mountaineering Council and a qualified Outdoor First Aider. Roger began his love of UK Countryside by completing numerous 24hr/56+ mile walking challenges in Scotland and England. He upped his skills by participating on treks in China, Nepal and Peru. He is most proud of the honour to be primary lead on the 30 day/569 mile Bryson Line Walk in 2018.

If you have a question you would like to ask Roger please click here to email Roger (askroger@thebrysonline.com).

How do I prevent blisters?

Pre-walk care is critical to avoid getting blisters. Keep toenails short and smooth to prevent snagging on socks. Ensure the socks have no holes or thin spots under the heel. 

Break new walking shoes in before a long hike. Modern boots are much more flexible than traditional leather materials, but you still need short to mid length trail walk (4-8 miles) to assess and pinch points or make adjustments to fit or sock layers.

Lastly, while walking, STOP and ADDRESS anything that is causing discomfort (hot spots, pinching, and loose laces, for example). Do not wait til you get a blister to stop, as then it is too late!

How can I use my smart device for a full day's walk?

Smart phones, GPS watches, and Step & Heart Rate Trackers are great for recording and guiding you on a walk. Having goals and metrics are great for motivation, and to be honest, beating the competition! However, having the device fail part way through is not only discouraging but also risky f you are relying on the device for navigation and emergency communications! Take a battery pack and appropriate cables to recharge while on the trail. Unless you are doing a multi day trek in wilderness, you only need to recharge once. No need for complex Solar Charing kit. Remember, every gram or kit increases demands on your feet, back, and energy supplies!

How much water should I drink?

Good question, but no exact answer. I believe it is better to take more than to run out! I typically carry 2 litres in a bladder on all day treks. Dehydration on the trail is not only uncomfortable but dangerous, as it can cause headaches and disorientation, leading to navigation mistakes and poor judgement. Remember to drink small amounts often. Do not wait until you are thirsty!

My 97 year old father walks every day and I’d love to have him join us on the Bryson Line - do you have any suggestions for a really simple way for him to measure his miles?

He can try the old school method of counting steps, then multiply by his average Step Length (walk 10 steps, measure and divide by 10). If he walks the same route, he only needs to count once. Examples: someone counts with him indoors, or drive the route in a car outside, or have someone with a GPS tracker measure with him.
Of course, he could simply measures the time it takes to walk a set distance to get his Average Pace. As an example, if he walks 1/10 mi. in 2.5 mins (1 mile every 25 mins). Then his Ave Pace can be used to figure distance: walking for 40 mins =  40/2.5 is 16, times pace 0.1mi = 1.6 mi!
If your dad wants to count all his daily steps, then a simple pedometer on his belt works best (unless he wears braces)! If he is keen to know how far he walks on his regular strolls, then he can determine his Ave Pace. Of course if he is walking up and down mountains, then I would gladly tag along and use my GPS watch and tell him his distance (if I can keep up with him)!

I Want to Make a Contribution to NHS Charities Together