Hiking

We’re An Ethical Lot you Know – So Follow The Hikers Code

Moses had his 15 10 commandments to pass on to the people, and in the same vein I think it’s important that we pass on the “Hikers Code” to any new, prospective or slovenly hikers. Hikers are an ethical bunch on the whole, and it’s important that we all obey these rules so that hikers of the future can continue to enjoy the same hikes for generations. Hiking through such beautiful surroundings is a privilege, not a right!

So, “hear ye, hear ye” good hikers, and remember to obey the Hikers Code.

• Thou shalt not damage any property, including buildings, fences, gates, signs. If you do accidentally cause damage then thou shalt report it to the relevant authorities immediately.
• Thou shalt stick to the hiking trail and only deviate from said hiking trail in case of emergency. Even detours around muddy puddles and patches can cause damage and help to destroy the vegetation.
• Thou shalt leave gates as you found them – whether they be open or whether they be closed.
• Thou shalt leave nothing behind . . . not even footprints. Thou shalt take all of your litter with you . . . all of it, even biologically degradable stuff like apple cores and banana skins.
• Thou shalt take nothing with you except for photographs and memories. This includes plants and vegetation which is found along the hiking trail.
• Thou shalt park your car away from the road, and away from any private driveways.
• Thou shalt not hike across private property. Some very kind landowners who do allow hikers to go across their property could very well change their minds if some hikers don’t stick to the hiking trail . . . and that would spoil it for everybody.
• Thou shalt try not to hike on wet trails (in the early springtime) . . . as well as getting your hiking boots muddy it can also cause erosion of the hiking trail.
• Thou shalt only light fires in special camp fire containers and where thou ist allowed to.
• Thou shalt not relieve yourself on the hiking trail, and make sure that you are at least 100 yards from lakes and streams when the call of nature calls.
• Thou shalt bury faeces and all corresponding toilet paper at a depth of several inches.
• Thou shalt not feed the wildlife, this can upset the balance of nature (husbands and children don’t count, thou may feed thy husband and children, but only if they are carrying the heavy stuff in their backpacks).
• Thou shalt not throw rocks or pebbles off the side of the mountains, you might hit somebody who is following along the hiking trail below.
• Thou shalt not allow your dog to run out of control, even if the hiking trail does allow dogs to go with you, thou shalt keep them under control at all times.
• Thou shalt clean up after your dog at all times.
• Thou shalt step quietly off to the right of the hiking trail if thou doest come across a horseback rider . . . and thou shalt be careful not to make a noise or any sudden movements which could frighten the horse.
• Thou shalt not forget to obey the hikers code and leave the hiking trail exactly as you found it.