Hiking, Scrambling, Mountaineering, and Climbing

@andy_k I didn't end up using it, but for EfGB I'd planned a route option South using the path that runs North from Dunsop Bridge around Middle Knoll.

The map doesn't paint a full picture but based on what OS shows of contours and features etc it looked like it'd be decent.

Fwiw I ended up further East trudging across to Slaidburn on quiet roads.

just scrambling

He and I have a very different understanding of Scrambling.

Is there a seperate walking/hiking/rambling thread? Or can I ask for boot advice in this one?

hiking

It's in the thread title, fire away!

I'm currently using some YDS falcon desert boots. I like how high they come up they are adequately padded in all the right areas. However they are starting to show signs of wear.

I'm aware they aren't a walking boot, but when I first got into walking long distances I was happy to try these because they were cheap on ebay.

Problem I have is that I have really narrow and shallow feet. Can anyone recommend any brands and models that aren't too expensive. And I can go and look around for these.

I really haven't got it in me to go searching around shops, which I know is the right thing to do.

Thanks, didn't end up getting out this weekend but will dig out maps and take a look.

Get yourself to a Go Outdoors. You can only tell if a boot is the right shape for your feet when you are standing in them.

They will have a good selection from cheapy chips to eye-watering.

I'd echo what @Mr_Sworld said - nothing beats testing, and overstaying your welcome in the shop testing them!

That said, I have crazy narrow feet too - North Face Verbera Backpacker (specifically - other shoes are too wide) for rough multi terrain and any of the la sportiva tx approach shoes have also done me well. Size for both brands is equivalent to Giro cycle shoes.

I'm going to go and try on boots on Monday.

Scarpas also seem narrow to me. Maybe it's an Italian thing.

Yes I have narrow feet and was told to go with Scarpa.

Scarpa do come in different last sizes. You can check what they are here.

The type of last used is shown on the label at the inside top of the boot tounge .

Anywhere other than go outdoors to try on a good variety of hiking boots? Preferably somewhere in North London?

How feasible is it to use trail running shoes for hiking? I know that boots will be better but I'm not realistically going to be doing anything particularly challenging, or even much over 10 miles a day so would like to consolidate usage if possible.

It's fine for day hikes without a heavy pack. The main thing in my experience is that when you step in a bog the water goes over the top.

Depends what kind of hiking, and where. When we stopped in Courmayeur whilst camping our way around the TMB, very few shops sold summer walking boots, and shoes were prevalent. Especially non-Goretex. Similarly the trend in USA for PCT/AT seems to be running shoes.

Should be fine - I have mates up in the peaks who only wear trail shoes. Albeit not for multi-day big bag stuff.

The 'how do you like wet feet' trade off is the decider - post hike refreshment with dry feet tastes better than with wet feet in my opinion...

I did the TMB in these:
https://meindl.de/product/respond-gtx-en/?lang=en
and never felt like I needed anything burlier / higher.

They're shit for running though. I'm sure these statements don't help, but the internet needs more information on me.

As others have said it depends on environment. I wore gore tex boots for part of the PCT (the JMT, not the whole show!) in California and suffered as the waterproofing equals limited breathability. Almost everyone else was in trail runners, and hauling quite heavy loads.

Here's one side of the argument from a srs hiking influencer:

https://andrewskurka.com/waterproof-gore-tex-shoes-second-chance-complete-failure/

https://andrewskurka.com/why-waterproof-shoes-will-not-keep-your-feet-dry/

https://andrewskurka.com/conditions-hiking-waterproof-footwear-winter-system/

That all looks quite a bit more serious than anything I'll be doing so I think the takeaway is that I'll be fine in trail shoes but to avoid waterproof ones.

I did all hiking in NZ in non-waterproof trail shoes or sandals. Trail shoes were lighter, generally had grippier soles and would both dry quicker/vent better than boots. Sandals were even better the trail shoes.

I have some waterproof trail runners, mostly use them for cycling and short, damp walks. They keep the wind off when on the bike, but start get a bit damp after 4-5 hours. Probably wouldn't buy them again.

Eek.

https://www.grough.co.uk/magazine/2020/03/08/avalanche-debris-halts-lakeland-walkers-650ft-fall-just-metres-from-sheer-drop

Yeah, saw that.

Lucky guy.

Anyone got any recommendations for a fairly easy hike within 1 hour of Cardiff? Was going to go Pen y Fan but I reckon it'll be busy. Hills/rivers/reservoirs/woods please.

Grwyne fawr reservoir is nice. Can have an easy wander just to the reservoir itself, or extend it as you see fit. Plenty of paths around.