A few years ago, after surviving cancer, I aspired to somehow “give back” to demonstrate my gratitude for being alive. So it is that I embarked in a fundraising mission, taking on the challenge to traverse all 15 UK National Parks solo, unsupported and transiting through the highest point either by hiking, biking or kayaking.
The goal is to raise funds for cancer research so as to make all types of cancer curable while getting close and personal with some of the most beautiful and wild places in Britain. Here is a brief description of the eight trips I have completed so far and, in case you want to try your hand with your own micro expedition, I added a few tips on how to get started!
HIKING A PRIMORDIAL LANDSCAPE
The Exmoor, Dartmoor and North York Moors National Parks
Although located in different part of the country, these three National Parks have a similar landscape, all possessing the peculiar quality of a barren and desolate land where undulating hills covered by bracken and ferns extend as far as the eyes can see, only interrupted by the occasional tree or rock outcrop standing proud on the top of the tors.
Walking through the moors you can almost sense the presence of our ancestors. In the Dartmoor I came across remains of Bronze Age settlements buried in the overgrowing vegetation and isolated stone circles dotted on the top of the hills while in the North York Moors, burial mounds flanked the trail every few miles, from the very first moor all the way to the coast.
All three of these trips entailed thirty five to forty miles hiking each, covered in two and half days of walking.
BIKING ON FIELDS AND FOREST TRAILS
The New Forest and South Downs National Parks
The south counties, with their rolling hills and country trails, presented a great opportunity to travel by bike. Both National Parks have an amazing network of biking trails and bridal ways to allow ample exploration, virtually without riding on paved roads.
In the South Downs I followed the South Down Way, a well-marked long distance trail that crosses the entire area, although I had to deviate about 20 miles in order to transit through the highest point. Both places offer beautiful rural landscapes shifting from grassy fields and pastures to dense forested areas.
Encounters with deer and wild ponies are almost a certainty in the woods and meadows of the New Forest where large areas of ancient woodland cover the park, offering peace and solitude, if desired.
The New Forest route I planned and rode was about thirty miles long and took one and half day while the South Down Way is a hundred miles, without counting the detour through the highest point, and took four and half days of biking.
KAYAKING IN THE RIVERS OF NORFOLK
The Norfolk Broads National Park
The Norfolk Broads are a landscape dominated by water so the use of a kayak to explore it made perfect sense. The network of rivers, canals, marshes and broads is a great playground for water sports and paddling enthusiasts.
The abundance of water in this vast area sustain a phenomenal array of wildlife, including an incredible quantity and variety of bird life, making it a prime destination for bird watchers. Amongst the canals and rivers, the landscape is dotted by hundreds of picturesque windmills, many of which were used as water pumps to drain and reclaim as much land as possible for agricultural purposes, and making this harsh environment somehow more hospitable to human habitation.
The route I navigated covered the course of the rivers Waveney, Bure and Ant, crossing the entire National Park from South to North with approximately hundred miles of paddling over five and half days.
HIGH ON THE MOUNTAIN SUMMITS
The Peak District and Brecon Beacons National Parks
Hiking in the mountains require some experience and consideration, due to the quick changing weather conditions as well as the remoteness and inaccessibility of these areas. You don’t really want to get into trouble here, especially if you are on your own. These places guard some of the toughest and most isolated mountain terrain in the UK, rivalled only by the Scottish highlands.
The reward is that of unforgettable adventures and, with a bit of cooperation from the weather, some sensational views from the frequent summits.
The hills in the Peak District are a patchwork of green fields, each surrounded by its own stone wall, occasionally interrupted by steep rocky outcrops, deep ravines and forested valleys with fast flowing rivers, creating a very characteristic landscape.
The Brecon Beacons are wilder and more rugged. Very steep and rocky trails led me to sharp peaks and high plateaus from which I could admire a sea of mountains surrounding me on three hundred and sixty degrees, with no signs of human presence.
The routes I mapped across these mountains entailed in both cases between eighty and ninety miles of hiking and were completed in five days each.
THE ART OF MICRO EXPEDITIONING
Get ready for your own adventure
From time to time, escaping the buzz of modern life by venturing deep into nature is, for me, the best way to cling on to my sanity. I often prefer to go alone, to better enjoy the solitude and serenity that only nature can offer but, occasionally, going with friends is also fun. Escapades that involve being entirely self-sufficient, bringing the necessary to camp out and sustain yourself in the wild for a few days, become a true micro expedition. If you wish to dip into it, here are some basic tips to get you started:
Draw from other people experience: nowadays information is plentiful. There are many reputable online outdoors magazines and adventure blogs, forums, groups, podcasts, etc. where you can find up to date advice and inspiration about destinations, gear, skills learning and more. Taking part in courses to acquire the basics is also a good starting point, learning from the pros is always the safest way.
Start Small: Confidence comes with experience. Make sure you don’t bite off more than you can chew. Choose realistic objectives, be conservative toward safety and build up to more challenging expeditions as you get more experienced.
Be prepared: after having worked out exactly what gear you need, make sure you are very familiar with your equipment and how to use it. For example, familiarise with your tent so you can erect it in the dark or in strong wind conditions, make sure you can light your stove and keep it fuelled, etc.
Go light: Take only what you really need. The less you carry, the easier it is to move and the more enjoyable your progress will be. After a couple of times you will realise what items to discard and which are indispensable, perfecting with time your “ultimate essential pack”. Take advantage of items that can serve a multiple purpose for example, a walking pole can be used also as support for your shelter and as a monopod for your camera.
Don’t get lost: Navigating your way through the landscape is a skill that you will always need. Don’t rely only on modern technology. GPS and way trackers can fail, your phone can run out of batteries, network coverage is often lost, etc. Always take map and compass with you at least as a backup and make sure you know how to use it. Before leaving, always tell someone where you are going, your intended route and how long you will be away for.
Treat yourself: you are likely to have a lot of fun but, at times, you will also feel tired. Ensure you keep well hydrated and, when it comes to food, carry something you really enjoy. Your favourite food and snacks will not only energise you but also boost your morale. There is nothing better than having a hot brew and a warm meal when you finally set up camp after a long day!
Minimalist but comfortable: the same is true when it comes to comfort. Ensure that your clothes and your shelter are weather proof and adequate for the season. Being wet and cold is not fun! This apply to your sleeping system too (mat and sleeping bag) so you get a good night sleep at all times. Keeping dry and warm can make the difference between having a memorable experience or getting into difficulties, especially if you are in the mountains.
Respect the country code and the “leave no trace” ethic: venturing in nature will involve wild camping and, at times, accessing private land. Make sure you are not trespassing and ask permission from the land owners when possible. Always respect the country code as well as the “leave no trace” code of conduct. Keep out of view when wild camping, is advisable to always set camp late and leave early.
Stay safe: be conscious of your limits and be ready to change plan or objective if things are not looking or feeling right. Don’t be tempted to carry on regardless, getting home safely is always the most important factor. There will be other occasions to come back when circumstances are right!
Loved this article? Find out more about Mauro’s adventures over on his Instagram account @SoliveMauro
