Night Hiking: When the Moon Lights Up Your Route🌛
The night enhances all your senses, it allows you to experience the mountain in a completely new way. But yes, it's also more dangerous. Fear not, we'll give you the tips and tricks to enjoy it safely 😉 Read on!
It may be that walking at night while hiking is for you synonymous with setbacks in your activity. For me it was for a while. And there have been many, walking in the dark through Aguas Tuertas praying to find the small refuge that should be at the entrance to the valley, coming down from Aspe in the karst labyrinth when the Cresta de los Murciélagos choked us, wrapped up in a storm in the Canal de Izas... I could go on and on. In these cases, adrenaline rushes through your body and you want to reach your destination. But being active at night can be very rewarding if it is in itself our goal.
1. Your first night walk: At dusk, in the company of a full moon 🌕 2.
Your first night walk should not start in the dark. Ideally, it is best to start in the eveningto get used to the changing light and gradually adapt to the darkness. Choosing full moon nights will provide you with more light, which will make you feel safer and allow you to enjoy the scenery. In addition, it is advisable that the first outings are in a group (in principle you should not go alone...). Having company not only gives you a sense of security, but can also make the activity a very pleasant shared experience.
Nor go alone: What has been said. It is highly recommended not to go night hiking alone, especially if you are just starting out. If you can, find a group or a trusted companion.
2. Start with a familiar and simple path
Night hiking can be challenging, especially if you are a beginner. Therefore, it is advisable to start on routes you already know. A familiar trail will give you confidence and allow you to focus on adjusting to the new experience of walking in the dark.
Knowing where you are going is essential. Don't improvise at night, plan your route well. And remember, it's always best to err on the side of conservatism and choose simple, familiar routes.
3. Define your goal: What do you want to discover? 🌌
Do you want to enjoy a starry sky or do you expect to find nocturnal animals? Identifying your target will help you choose the ideal location for your night-time adventure. If you are inclined towards astronomy, an open area will be the perfect choice. On the other hand, if you are interested in nocturnal wildlife, forests may be a more suitable setting. However, do research the wildlife in the area, not only to enjoy it better, but also to know how to react if you encounter any animals.
You can also go for the sole purpose of amplifying the senses. when you walk in the night. Your own footsteps resonate in a different way. I don't know if there are any studies on this, but I will tell you that for me walking in the stillness of the night, in nature itself, is a meditative act.
4. Sharpen your night vision 👀.
At night, your vision becomes your best ally. It takes about 45 minutes for the eyes to fully adapt to the darkness. Once adapted, try to avoid any light sourceas torches of other hikers. If unavoidable, avert your gaze to maintain your dark adaptation. Remember, be especially cautious at trail crossings and to follow the markings, in the dark it is easy to get disoriented!
5. Adopt a slower pace 🐢.
Walking in the dark requires a slower and more cautious pace. A stone in the path, a branch in mid-height, any obstacle can cause you to fall or injure yourself. You are not in daylight, so you don't need to keep the same pace as during your daytime walks. Take your time, savour the tranquillity of the night and enjoy the connection with nature.
6. Torches: For map reading and emergencies only 🔦.
While torches are useful, remember that the idea of night hiking is to optimise your night vision. Try to limit the use of torches to necessary situations. like reading a map, looking for something in your luggage or in emergencies. And if you have to use them, avoid shining light in the faces of other hikers so as not to affect their adaptation to darkness. A tip useful is to have a torch with red lightThe latter interferes less with night vision.
7. Organisation is key: Prepare your backpack 🎒.
A good organisation of your backpack can be crucial during your night hikes. Important items such as water, food and your mobile phone should be easily accessible.
Carry a well-charged mobile phoneIn case of emergency, you need to be able to communicate. Not only that, but you can also use it to help you find your way around or even as an extra torch. And, although you may not have coverage in some areas, having your mobile phone handy can be vital in case of emergencies.
Don't forget to prepare for cold temperatures, common during the night, make sure to wear enough clothes to keep you warm.
8. Inform someone about your route and estimated time ⏱️
Before embarking on your nocturnal adventure, make sure to inform someone of your location and the estimated time it will take to complete your route. That way, in case of any unforeseen event, someone will know where to look for you.
⚠️ Avoid unnecessary risks
I cannot stress enough the importance of planning and safety. As mentioned, night hiking is a very different experience to its daytime counterpart. The risks are greater, but with the right advice and preparation, you can minimise them and make the most of your adventure.
Night hiking is a wonderful and different way to connect with nature. So give it a try! Safety first, but don't let that stop you from enjoying the majesty of the night and the wonders that await you every step of the way - bon voyage!
