Ask the experts: Winter 2010

My husband wants us to undertake the Coast to Coast Walk in May. Is this route suitable for our two-and-a-half-year-old son? Ruth Scott
Andrew McCloy: When my daughter was the same age as your son I carried her the length of the St Cuthbert’s Way, but it was hard work over the Cheviot Hills. At 294km/183 miles, the Coast to Coast Walk is almost three times as long and possibly a bit over-ambitious, especially the high crossing of the Lake District mountains. How about starting with the 140km/84-mile Hadrian’s Wall Path (above), a coast-to-coast route with good views, historical interest and reasonable amenities? The Dales Way (126km/78 miles) is another possibility, full of great scenery but not too exposed or strenuous. There are also plenty of easy riverside sections. Like the Coast to Coast Walk, both these routes are served by baggage carriers, which when you take a toddler in tow is an extremely attractive option – we couldn’t have completed the St Cuthbert’s Way without it. Other trails that might fit the bill include the Norfolk Coast Path – flat and wildlife-rich – and the South Downs Way with its undulating chalk tracks and good local facilities.

I have a short length of public footpath running along the bottom of my garden, with a rhubarb plant growing along its edge. It doesn’t cause an obstruction yet someone has come along and pulled up a few stalks. Are they allowed to just take my rhubarb? Paul Taylor
Anastasia French: The Ramblers’ position is that walkers should only remove enough of an obstruction to continue their way and leave any remnants of the obstruction that they remove. So in your case, the removal of the rhubarb could amount to theft and criminal damage. You should report it to the highway authority, and possibly even the police if it keeps happening. A good crumble is worth protecting!

Are farmers allowed to put bulls into fields that have public footpaths running through them? Sheila Austin
Anastasia French: Coming across a bull in the countryside can be a frightening encounter. The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (section 59) makes it an offence, subject to important exceptions, for the occupier of a field crossed by a right of way to cause or allow a bull to be at large in it. The exceptions are if the bulls are less than ten months old, or not a recognised dairy breed and in the company of cows or heifers. Those dairy breeds include Ayrshire, British Friesian, British Holstein, Dairy Shorthorn, Guernsey, Jersey and Kerry. If you believe the bull you encounter is prohibited, then report it to the local highway authority (the county council or unitary authority); or contact the Health and Safety Executive if the bull acts in a threatening way. For more information on livestock or any other animals you may encounter on a walk, read the Ramblers’ advice note at www.ramblers.org.uk/rights_of_way/knowledge_portal/advice_notes.

My toes get scrunched up and hurt on walks, so much so that I welcome the uphill tracks. I’ve tried different size boots, new sock and insoles – what else can I do? Veronica Piekosz
Dr Helen Crawley: Toe deformities, such as hammer toes and mallet toes, tend to worsen with age. In the most severe cases, surgery to straighten the toes may be recommended. Before consulting your GP I suggest you pay attention to your posture. As your foot touches the ground, your hip and knee should be slightly bent. Your heel should strike the ground first and then your weight should roll onto the ball of your foot. Make sure your heels are held properly inside your boots and do the laces up firmly. Walking poles can help relieve the weight on your feet, and protective dressings on corns or calluses and a wide shoe may reduce uncomfortable friction. You can ask a chiropodist for advice on shoe inserts or splints for your toes. If joint problems such as knee pains are affecting your gait, you might benefit from physiotherapy advice to improve your walking action. These services may be available on the NHS or you can contact private providers directly.

Send us your questions
Do you want an answer to a health, gear or legal question? Then write to us at walk, Ramblers, 2nd Floor, Camelford House, 87-90 Albert Embankment, London SE1 7TW or email [email protected] with your name and address. Letters may be edited and may be included on this website. We are not able to acknowledge letters.

The writers of all letters published will win a HotRox Electronic Hand Warmer – the new way to stay warm. They’re rechargeable and can be turned on and off at the flick of a switch. HotRox hand warmers are the must-have accessory for everyone who enjoys the great outdoors. Visit www.thehotrox.co.uk.

Top image of the Coast to Coast Path near Orton: mauldy
Bull image: MigGroningen