Best practice in the mountains
Presentation
To make the most of your hike, it is essential to follow a few basic rules so that the mountains remain above all a pleasure.
The 12 commandments of the hiker.
1. Common sense, safety and respect
What a joy it is to walk in a preserved environment! So that our children can also enjoy this magic, be a responsible hiker.
2. Make the right choice
Is the hike you are considering suitable for the weather conditions, your physical abilities, your equipment and the time you have available? Before setting off, inform your friends and family about your itinerary, as caution is always called for in the mountains.
3. Find out about the weather conditions
Whether it is for a short or long excursion, it is essential to study the weather: the weather in the mountains can change very quickly (thunderstorms, fog...).
Knowing how to give up if you are unsure is also the best guarantee for a serene hike.
4. Respect the trail layout
Do not use shortcuts. The trampling of vegetation and the erosion that follows can quickly degrade an environment. The condition of the paths can also change depending on the weather, the season and the number of people using them.
5. Keep a low profile
We are not the only ones who use the paths. Think of others and the serenity of nature.
6. Look at the flowers, don't pick them, take your rubbish away
7. If the site regulations allow dogs, keep them on a lead.
8. Close fences and gates behind you, walk around crops
Respect private property and areas of cultivation or pasture.
If you come across a herding dog (a patou), do not approach it. They are there to protect the herds. Stay on the trail.
9. Respect the regulations of certain areas
Some protected natural areas are subject to specific regulations: dogs, bivouacs and fires may be prohibited.
In private forests, it is forbidden to pick forest products such as mushrooms.
In public forests, this picking must be done sparingly.
10. Avoid fires
Especially in high-risk areas. Covered areas (forests) or areas that are too exposed (scrubland, dry moorland) can catch fire very quickly.
11. Be careful
Do not drink water from streams. Clear water does not mean drinking water, especially in pastoral areas where animals may have contaminated the watercourses.
12. Inform about your hiking location
Wherever possible, do not walk alone. There are risks involved in using the trails, such as getting injured. In any case, always make sure that someone knows where you are going and when you should return.
1. Common sense, safety and respect
What a joy it is to walk in a preserved environment! So that our children can also enjoy this magic, be a responsible hiker.
2. Make the right choice
Is the hike you are considering suitable for the weather conditions, your physical abilities, your equipment and the time you have available? Before setting off, inform your friends and family about your itinerary, as caution is always called for in the mountains.
3. Find out about the weather conditions
Whether it is for a short or long excursion, it is essential to study the weather: the weather in the mountains can change very quickly (thunderstorms, fog...).
Knowing how to give up if you are unsure is also the best guarantee for a serene hike.
4. Respect the trail layout
Do not use shortcuts. The trampling of vegetation and the erosion that follows can quickly degrade an environment. The condition of the paths can also change depending on the weather, the season and the number of people using them.
5. Keep a low profile
We are not the only ones who use the paths. Think of others and the serenity of nature.
6. Look at the flowers, don't pick them, take your rubbish away
7. If the site regulations allow dogs, keep them on a lead.
8. Close fences and gates behind you, walk around crops
Respect private property and areas of cultivation or pasture.
If you come across a herding dog (a patou), do not approach it. They are there to protect the herds. Stay on the trail.
9. Respect the regulations of certain areas
Some protected natural areas are subject to specific regulations: dogs, bivouacs and fires may be prohibited.
In private forests, it is forbidden to pick forest products such as mushrooms.
In public forests, this picking must be done sparingly.
10. Avoid fires
Especially in high-risk areas. Covered areas (forests) or areas that are too exposed (scrubland, dry moorland) can catch fire very quickly.
11. Be careful
Do not drink water from streams. Clear water does not mean drinking water, especially in pastoral areas where animals may have contaminated the watercourses.
12. Inform about your hiking location
Wherever possible, do not walk alone. There are risks involved in using the trails, such as getting injured. In any case, always make sure that someone knows where you are going and when you should return.
Some simple rules for hiking with children.
Manigod is a perfect village resort for families. It is full of wonderful walks that are accessible to all. Ask our advisors in our Information Points about the levels of hiking.
1. An activity suitable for children
Walking is an endurance sport. If well adapted, it can be very beneficial to the child's body. By walking, children will learn to be independent and to adopt responsible behaviour. They will discover nature and learn to manage, with adults, the hazards and surprises of a hike.
2. Give your child a backpack
If, at the beginning, this bag is rather symbolic, it designates your child as a hiker. Between the ages of 4 and 6, the backpack should be very light (1 x 33cl water bottle, 1 x cereal bar for example).
3. Which hike for which age?
The very young
There is no minimum age, the toddler is carried by an adult but be careful not to exceed 2 hours of carrying in a row. In a baby carrier the child is immobile: it is better to avoid going out in cold or hot weather. In any case, protect your child well, especially from the sun. Never go above 1800/2000m of altitude and take rest stops from 1500m.
Between 4 and 8 years old
Longer walks can be envisaged, with an average speed of 1km/h for the youngest and 3km/h for the oldest. The child can walk 3km for the youngest to 12km for the oldest and can go up to 2200/2500m of altitude.
Between 8 and 12 years old.
The child can walk up to 15 km per day. Tours lasting several days can be considered.
Over 12 years old.
The trek is similar to that of adults. The more the child is used to walking, the more he/she will be physically able to accompany you. Do not hesitate to take regular breaks (about every 45 minutes to rest and hydrate).
Manigod is a perfect village resort for families. It is full of wonderful walks that are accessible to all. Ask our advisors in our Information Points about the levels of hiking.
1. An activity suitable for children
Walking is an endurance sport. If well adapted, it can be very beneficial to the child's body. By walking, children will learn to be independent and to adopt responsible behaviour. They will discover nature and learn to manage, with adults, the hazards and surprises of a hike.
2. Give your child a backpack
If, at the beginning, this bag is rather symbolic, it designates your child as a hiker. Between the ages of 4 and 6, the backpack should be very light (1 x 33cl water bottle, 1 x cereal bar for example).
3. Which hike for which age?
The very young
There is no minimum age, the toddler is carried by an adult but be careful not to exceed 2 hours of carrying in a row. In a baby carrier the child is immobile: it is better to avoid going out in cold or hot weather. In any case, protect your child well, especially from the sun. Never go above 1800/2000m of altitude and take rest stops from 1500m.
Between 4 and 8 years old
Longer walks can be envisaged, with an average speed of 1km/h for the youngest and 3km/h for the oldest. The child can walk 3km for the youngest to 12km for the oldest and can go up to 2200/2500m of altitude.
Between 8 and 12 years old.
The child can walk up to 15 km per day. Tours lasting several days can be considered.
Over 12 years old.
The trek is similar to that of adults. The more the child is used to walking, the more he/she will be physically able to accompany you. Do not hesitate to take regular breaks (about every 45 minutes to rest and hydrate).