Challenges

Our students made a small investigation and, after a healthy discussion between them, decided that these were the most important things to think carefully before going on a hiking trip.

1. When you go on a hiking trip for a couple of hours, what do you need to have with you to survive?

The most important thing that you need to bring is water. Without water you can get dehydrated and, as a consequence, your body, muscles and mind can stop working and start malfunction. You also should bring some food, and, obviously, appropriate clothes, depending on the weather, and footwear (a pair of gloves; a cap; hiking boots; a scarf; long socks; a raincoat…). If someone gets hurt it’s necessary to have safety items and a first aid kit. To take all of these things we should use a backpack and put other items in there, like sun protection or bug protection …

 

2. Where can you go hiking (are you allowed to hike anywhere, do you need permission etc.)?

Before hiking we have to search and verify if the place where we want to go is public or private. If it’s public, we can go without asking for permission, but if it’s private we need to talk to the owner and ask for permission. Depending on the response received we may be allowed to go or not. There are many places where we can go hiking in Portugal without special permission, like the Douro Valley, Serra do Gerês, Azores and Madeira… However, during summer months or forest fires season there is traffic control in some areas of Serra do Gerês.

Second challenge

Imagine you’re going on a two-day hiking tour in the mountains. We would like to know what is essential to take with you in order to keep you safe, warm and happy! (food, clothes, place to sleep, first aid kit…)

Have you ever had an experience like the one mentioned, if so, where to?