Safety and Etiquette Factors
Security must remain the paramount concern. Walkers should never stop in a spot that endangers their well-being or others’ safety, such as on thin cliff rims, in the center of a trail, or where sightlines are limited. Awareness of surroundings is essential; headsets should be employed leaving one ear exposed or keeping volume down to hear others approaching, whether people, bikers, or wildlife. From an etiquette perspective, it is important to avoid making loud noises and to yield the resting spot if others appear to need it. Moreover, all principles of the Countryside Code are relevant: take all litter with you, respect wildlife, and close gates behind you. Acting as a conscientious hiker makes sure that this current hiking practice remains viable and welcomed.