Walking stick will help reduce strain on joints

From the archive, first published Thursday 16th Mar 2006.

THERE aren't many outdoors people who don't have a view on walking sticks.

Recently, they have gone all hi-tech, so you can quite easily spend between £30 and £40 on an aluminium telescopic walking stick.

These will supposedly help you through the roughest of terrain and help reduce the strain on your joints.

There is plenty of choice out there, based on different weights and handle designs for you to choose from.

However, it was not so long ago when your choice of walking stick came from your local hedge rather than a shop.

Still, there is nothing to stop you from following that route.

When looking for a stick in your local hedge you are faced with a wealth of choice. Firstly, most people prefer a straight stick, although twisty ones, especially those, which climb like honeysuckle and shape over time, can be very nice.

Then there is the question of how long do you want the stick to be. The longer they are the harder they are to store, but a nice long stick is often very valuable when on steep or boggy ground. It is in this area the modern stick excels, as its telescopic nature allows easy storage and you can adjust the length to suit the terrain.

As for handle designs, with a little imagination and a bit of skill with a penknife, the options are endless and the results can be beautiful.

The most important aspect of a hedgerow stick though is getting the right wood.

Traditionally, hazel is the favourite as it has a good balance of strength, weight and flexibility. It is readily available in long, straight stems when found in an area of coppice. Also, providing you do it neatly, cutting a stem will do no permanent harm to the tree.

Hazel is readily moulded with the application of heat when freshly cut and can be shaped into the traditional shepherd's crook.

The choice of wood is yours and I have seen some rather wonderful old rose and even ash sticks.

If strength is your highest priority, especially for battering your way through nettle-infested footpaths, then blackthorn could be your choice. This wood can come in some fascinating shapes.

The problem or benefit depending on your point of view is that each hedgerow stick will be unique. And if you don't see the one you like then you can't order it.

Each stick will also need some assembly and if you want to show off an interesting design it may take both a great deal of time and effort to create.

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