EVER HAD sore knees after a big day in the hills? A big stick has long proved its worth as support for aching limbs and, in the hands of shepherds, as a poke for stranded animals. In the UK, walking sticks were often hazel, which grows long and straight and was coppiced explicitly for the purpose. However, the use of twin poles – an idea imported from alpine skiing – took longer to catch on. Even now, some still see their use as a sign of decrepitude. As ancient as I might be, I’m here to tell you that after navigation tools, boots and a waterproof, walking or ‘trekking’ poles might just be THE most useful hillwalking tool at our disposal.
Poles help you balance, save energy and protect your joints. They reduce the chance of hip, back, knee or ankle injury, because when in use we have at least two or three points of contact on the ground at any one time – as opposed to walking without, when in motion we will be balanced on only a single foot. When carrying heavier or multi-day loads, I see them as essential, as the larger load is shared between lower and upper body.
Now consider the difference between a path in your local park and a remote mountain. As the terrain becomes more uneven, their practicality increases still further. When the trail runs out, poles can help support your whole body as you navigate the lumps
