Our advice before going hiking

Hiking is a leisure activity that combines physical activity, sport and discovery. It is an activity accessible to everyone provided that you prepare for it according to the fitness level of the participants and by establishing an itinerary but also by using the orientation means at your disposal. Brive Tourisme provides you with some advice on how to hike and enjoy this activity with complete peace of mind.

How to choose the right hike?

It is important to choose a level of hiking adapted to your wishes, your abilities and by being vigilant about your current form.

Hiking levels vary from very easy to very difficult (relax trekking). If you are a beginner, prefer a very easy, easy or medium circuit.

Two men and a woman walk in nature with their bags on their backs

The elevation, distance and type of terrain are elements which, among other things, determine the level of a hike. You must also be careful about the walking time: a circuit can be 12 km long but take 4 hours because there are a lot of elevation changes.

If you are an occasional hiker, short hikes of 8 to 12 km are preferred and should not exceed 4 hours of walking, with little elevation gain.

Finally, certain circuits can of course be done roaming (over several days).

How to equip yourself?

The bag, an essential accessory

Adapt the size of your bag to the chosen hike! Prefer a small bag (around 10L) for walks, and opt for a large backpack (35L) for day hikes to carry the necessary equipment. Remember to bring waterproof plastic bags to keep your belongings dry, as well as tissues and/or toilet paper and a plastic bag to collect all your waste. You can also slip a tube of sunscreen into your bag when the weather is nice, to protect your skin from the sun.

Suitable clothing and shoes

Dress practical! Choose clothes that are easy to remove. Tips: the 3-layer technique. A single layer in case of good weather (t-shirt), a 2nd when the weather is less clement (sweater or fleece) and finally a 3rd in case of rain or cold (cape, waterproof windbreaker). And choose good walking shoes. Depending on the terrain and the weather, prefer hiking shoes to sneakers and especially no flip-flops! If you want, take hiking poles to rest your legs and exercise your upper body.

Take food and drink

Let's start with the most important thing: water. Thermos, traditional bottle or water bag: the container doesn't matter. You must leave with 1,5 L or even 2 L of water per person. On this particular point, too much is better than not enough! Provide what is necessary for picnic if you are going for a whole day of walking! If this is not the case, still think about a few cereal bars and/or dried fruits, to help you if a craving arises. And a small bottle or flask of sweetened drink (water syrup, iced tea with sugar, etc.) can also fulfill this role.

And extra...

Make your hiking outing even more enjoyable and go with: a camera (which you can “pull out” to immortalize the best views of the Pays de Brive!), additional documentation to your IGN card (on the territory, its terroir, local fauna & flora, etc.), card games or other easily transportable board games (to take a break during your walk or digest peacefully after the picnic...), binoculars... And for hygiene, a small soap or hand sanitizer.

How to prepare well?

Pay attention to the markings!

It's easy to get lost in the city when there are signs everywhere; when hiking, it's the same, but worse! Knowing the signs and knowing how to read the signs you encounter while hiking is the basis for finding your way correctly and not getting lost. Before setting off, find out the type and color of the markings on your route (indicated on the guides, circuit sheets, etc.) which will allow you to follow the paths from the start to the finish.

Hiking

The long-distance hiking trails (GR), long-distance hiking trails (GRP) and short hiking trails (PR) are maintained by volunteer markers from the French Hiking Federation (FFRP). The FFRP marking (PDIPR labeled circuits have this type of marking for example), is consistent across the territory. But a large number of hikes have types of marking specific to each municipality or territory.

The main types of hiking markings

The GR: white and red horizontal lines. These are often linear paths – going from point A to point B.
GRP: yellow and red horizontal lines. These are loops.
The PR: the Short Hiking (or Walk and Hiking) paths are most often marked with a yellow line. In some regions, a color code is used depending on the duration of the walks. These are itineraries lasting a maximum of one day.

For other types of paths: the markings can be varied with a colored geometric shape, a drawing, a sign, etc.

Advice and good behavior to follow

Going for a hike is good, doing it while respecting the environment is better!

In order to perpetuate the routes and the agreement of the owners, when there are passage agreements, it is essential to respect the rules of good conduct resulting from the federations' hiker charters:

Respect for private property.
Stay on marked paths and trails.
Respect for the work of farmers.
Pay attention to crops and livestock: close barriers and fences behind you.
Remain discreet and courteous with other users or local residents.
Share space with other sports activities.
Be careful during hunting periods: respect hunting zones and take into account hunters' instructions.
Respect the rules of protected areas.
Discover the flora without trampling or picking it.
Leave no trace of your passage and collect your waste.
Keep your pet on a leash.
Do not make a fire.
Respect reception equipment, signage and markings.

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