Some trail etiquette

 

I must admit I’m one of those who get unsettled whenever there’s mention of law and order. Not to say that I’m a lawless being, just that I prefer ease and flow and therefore detest being stifled by rules. But where human beings coexist, there’s always potential for conflict, which therefore necessitates some form of control. I cringed typing that last word!

There are people who found themselves on hiking trails during the Covid-19 lockdowns since many public places were closed. While some took time to learn the basics, most did not. I hope what I’m going to share here will assist someone out there and maybe even ensure that next time I’m on a trail, I don’t have to pick up on other people’s litter – because that’s what considerate hikers do – or get irritated because people are disturbing my peace with loud music while I’m trying to feel the morning breeze on my cheeks.

Anyway, let me not scare you into believing that there will be rules and regulations you must adhere to or face a sanction of sorts. While most areas have rules, they are just there for your safety and for the protection of the property and the natural environment. What I’m writing about here is etiquette, which basically refers to polite behaviour or good manners among people - hikers in this instance. While some hiking trails are privately owned, hiking trails tend to be communal in their nature; I’m referring to their use, not ownership. This is not about rules and regulations; this is just advice on how hikers can be considerate and responsible on the trail. 

Noise 

I feel I need to start with this as it has become a serious thorn. I love music, all types of music. But I know that most people go hiking to escape the noise, to disconnect. I go hiking to leave the ‘normal’ world behind and to get lost in nature. I know and respect that for other people, music can be their companion for various reasons, which include putting them in a meditative state, which can happen even when hiking. That said, not everyone prefers music on the trail, so please be mindful of that. Remember also that there is wildlife and noise may agitate some animals. I don't think we want to experience their aggression. And it is their territory! I know of a story of a cyclist who had an encounter with a wildebeest. It was not nice!

Beautiful as this ostrich is, once agitated, it can attack!

Fortunately, technology enables us to still enjoy music without disturbing other hikers and animals. My advice however would be where possible, try to use a single earbud as it is important for you to be aware of what’s going on in your surroundings. 

While trails are not meant to be no-talk zones, it would be nice for conversations not to be very loud. Some hikers can be so loud that it becomes annoying. Whether you're having a conversation with a fellow hiker or on your phone, please consider others and try to keep it down. And this is not to say don't talk to other hikers. We still greet, joke and encourage each other, but there's no need for too much noise.

Right of way

Yes, I said that. Who has the right of way on a trail? I know it may seem like common sense that you need to give way for faster hikers, but I have seen people literally blocking the path. And trails are narrow. While you will not find any written rule about keeping left and passing right on the trail, it is only polite and courteous to give way to someone walking faster than you. Lately there are many trail runners on the trail and yes, be kind enough to keep left and let them pass right. That has got nothing to do with you treating others as though they are better than you; it’s just plain good manners.

If you’ve ever walked uphill or had to reach a building floor via the stairs, you have an idea of what walking uphill can feel like. There’s a lot of huffing and puffing and the last thing anyone going up needs, is to have to yield to allow somebody descending to pass. I discourage anybody hiking with me to pause midway through a climb and I have learnt this the hard way. It is important to keep the momentum as even a momentary stop can throw you off. And all this explaining was meant to say it’s always better for those going downhill to give way to those going uphill because chances are by the time you meet them, they already feel like they are dying, so please, be kind. Those descending also have the advantage of being able to see where they’re going while those going uphill don’t have a clue. On the plus side, that courtesy will give your knees a much-needed rest. And if you’re both going uphill and one of you is slow, if the path allows, the slow one can move to the side to let the other hiker pass, otherwise wait for the path to widen. And if you’re coming from behind and you’re fast, you may ask nicely to be allowed to pass, if that is possible.

Psst! Always stay on the trail and avoid creating new pathways!

Leave nothing, but footsteps - John Muir

A hiker holding a bottle of water or sports drink unsettles me because I know that nine times out of ten, once that bottle is empty and a few kilometres have been covered, it’s going to feel so heavy that the only logical thing for them will be to throw it away, to the detriment of the environment. I have already mentioned picking up on other hikers' litter. Please remember that whatever you bring to the trail, you take back with you, at least until at the end of your hike where you’re likely to find rubbish bins. That is one of the many reasons hikers carry bags – so they carry whatever they need and stuff everything they’ve used in there. And whatever litter you see lying around, if you are a true nature lover, you will pick up. And by so doing, hopefully whoever is watching you will learn something!

 

This is unacceptable, not only in hiking trails. Our environment deserves better!

And then there are dogs!

I’ve never been bitten by a dog, and I don’t know anyone close to me who has been bitten by one. But I’m hell scared of the canines. There are dog-friendly trails and I wish those choosing to take their furry friends on hikes could be more considerate. I cannot describe the feeling of facing a dog, sharp teeth and all. Those are moments I forget even the most basic prayer. If you’re considering hiking with your dog, please be mindful that there may be hikers like me, who are so scared of dogs, and consider keeping your friend on a leash so we all enjoy the outdoors without palpitations.

In the end

A day spent in the outdoors should be about leaving the everyday sounds and absorbing the sounds of nature. While in nature, respect yourself, others and the environment. Let our presence not affect nature negatively as we each have a responsibility to protect it.

Td