Equipment


Hiking Equipment

I always recommend lightweight walking boots with a good strong sole, not trainers for hiking, as some ankle support is important on the often rocky surfaces you will be walking on. A walking pole is helpful especially on downhill paths which can be slippery when very wet or very dry.

I always try to dress ‘like an onion’ with several thin layers, and always carry a breathable wind proof and shower proof jacket, as the weather can change very quickly, especially in the high mountains.
-Rambling Roger

In most cases it is possible to walk in shorts, only on a couple of walks do I recommend long trousers - this information will be included in my guide 'Don’t Leave Gran Canaria Without Seeing It'. Always use a high factor sun cream as you are much closer to the equator here than you are in England or anywhere else in Europe, a good pair of sunglasses can also be helpful against eye strain.

I recommend a hat with a wide brim, also to carry gloves and a scarf.

mobile-phone

Always carry a mobile phone, the coverage in the mountains is usually good, but not perfect. The emergency number here is 112, also have the phone number of your hotel or a friend with you. If walking alone, it is essential to leave a copy of your route with a friend or your reception.

The minimum amount of water you should carry is 1 litre per person, more is better and always have some energy giving food with you, such as fruit and energy bars, which are much better than candy bars. Carbohydrates are much more important than protein, to give you stamina on a demanding hike - remember that at breakfast time.

compass

Many hikes pass through villages where there is a chance to purchase extra supplies, but remember siesta time is between approx 1.30pm and 5.00pm. You will need a good sized lightweight rucksack, and keep things in plastic bags in your rucksack. On one winter hike the rain started 10 minutes into the walk and never stopped, even the money in my wallet needed drying out!

Make sure that you have prepared a first aid kit and carry it with you at all times. It is also a good idea to carry a dry shirt, for when you have completed your hike.

Time is precious, so in my guides: 'Don’t Leave Gran Canaria Without Seeing It' I have tried to avoid long sections through dense forests which can be rather boring, and walks on tarmac. I have tried to concentrate on the best paths with the most spectacular scenery.

A map of Gran Canaria should be purchased to accompany my guide, to get the ‘big picture’, as even my new improved maps are only local to give a rough guide of the route.

The maps that I recommend are from Discovery Walking Guides (DWG) and you can find more detailed information about these maps on the Maps & Terrain page.

GPS Information

I always use the international standard of WGS 84, if you do not have a GPS you can still do all of my mountain hikes, but you should always carry a compass.

Essential Equipment
  • Good boots with good sole
  • The DWG Map
  • Minimum of 1 litre of water
  • GPS and/or compass
  • Walking notes and Plan 'B'
  • Energy giving food
  • Money and ID
  • Emergency contacts
  • First aid kit
  • Walking pole
  • Sun glasses
  • Sun protection cream
  • Extra clothes
  • Torch
  • After bite pen
  • Whistle
  • Hat with wide brim
  • Gloves and scarf
  • Digital camera
  • Lightweight rucksack
  • Plastic bags
  • Mobile phone (112 = Emergency number)
  • Windproof/waterproof jacket
  • Plastic wallet for walk notes

A knife is also useful to have with you but not essential. A Swiss army knife always comes in useful, if they are allowed on the plane. A Spanish phrasebook, could be useful but not essential.

Don't Leave Gran Canaria Without Seeing It..

THE definitive Guide for hikers and explorers.. by Rambling Roger, resident in Gran Canaria


Volume 1: The Shorter Options
This guide is intended more for the casual hiker ( who wants a half day walk ) and visitors who want to discover the real heart of Gran Canaria by car or on foot.

Volume 2: The Longer Options
This second guide is for the serious hiker who wants a full day trek.


Volume 1 'The Shorter Options' Guide has approx. 20 circular and 15 routes from A to B with the local bus times included, there are also over 30 there-and-back walks, all of these walks are designed to be half day hikes.
This Guide also includes lots of information of what to see and do in the many rural villages and towns, with suggestions of where to enjoy local specialities.

Volume 2 'The Longer Options' Guide has approx. 20 circular and 5 routes from A to B with local bus times included, these walks are full day walks and are designed for the serious hiker. All walks have full GPS information included.
I am aware that there are already various hiking books in English about walking on Gran Canaria, but none are written by a local resident with years of experience of the hiking routes on this island.

Both Rambling Roger's Guides are regularly updated and available in printed or PDF version.


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