Take nothing, just photos. Leave flowers where you find them, because it’s actually against the law to pick certain species.
No: animals in the woods and mountains are perfectly capable of finding food for themselves which they like and need to survive. So you won’t be helping them by feeding them.
Teach your children respect for the environment from an early age and nurture their appreciation for the beauty of the places and nature around them.
Of course you can! But remember that by law dogs can only be taken off their leashes in fenced-off or clearly marked off-leash areas.
Dogs are not allowed to roam free anywhere in the woods or mountains, not just in nature reserves. Keep them on their leash at all times because they might run on ahead, get hurt and put you in danger when you try to rescue them. What’s more, if you don’t have control over your dog, they may frighten other hikers or encounter wild animals whose reactions you cannot foresee.
Watch out for sunburn, especially if your dog has a dark coat: it’s important to let him rest in the shade often and if he flops down onto the ground, wet his tummy and paws with water. Always take plenty of water for him and pace your hike according to what he’s used to.
Just as we protect ourselves against ticks, it’s important to do the same for our four-legged friends. Use a repellent which will protect him for the length of your stay.
Make sure you are up-to-date with your dog’s routine vaccinations and do any that are recommended for the area (rabies) in plenty of time to ensure he is protected.
In winter, and for small dogs in general, carry accessories that will keep them warm when they’re hiking.
Wild camping is forbidden everywhere apart from in the designated camping areas.
Visit the page about campsites on the DMO website.
Only if you are absolutely sure you know what you are picking (and, for mushrooms, only if you have a permit). A pretty plant, a brightly coloured fruit or a mushroom you think is edible, can contain toxic, harmful and sometimes even lethal substances.
You might do. Spotting a chamois or an ibex on a hike at high altitude is always exciting. It’s not unheard of to come across foxes or badgers, or see deer, roe deer, marmots, squirrels and other wildlife.
You should, however, watch out for animals like vipers, wasps, bees and ticks, whose bites or stings can be a nuisance and sometimes very painful.
Don’t bother wild animals and stay at a safe distance. You can always take a photo without putting yourself in danger.
- Always take your rubbish home with you: have respect for nature, we are only guests here so must learn to preserve and improve our natural surroundings for future generations
- Never light a fire in the woods
- Remember that graffiti on trees and stones is a form of pollution
- The mountains have their own sounds and silences: respect them
Take care when getting on, sit still with the bar lowered and take off your backpack, if you have one.
