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March 2026 | Gazette Life | 23chocolate, they%u2019d have bitten your hand off for it.Smartphones have undoubtedly saved lives on Lanzarote. It%u2019s true that social media has probably led to the loss of a few, too, as walkers and explorers venture to secret spots that were hardly ever visited in the past because they were too remote or risky %u2013 but that%u2019s not the phone%u2019s fault.If you%u2019re heading into the wild on the island, a phone should go with you. How you use it is up to you. Make sure it%u2019s fully charged, and download any routes in case you lose coverage. TREKKING POLESTrekking poles are often sneered at by hikers who think they%u2019re just for older people. But once you%u2019ve taken a pair up a mountain or along a rocky Lanzarote coast, you%u2019ll realise how useful they can be %u2013 acting as third leg to steady you and taking the strain off knees and ankles. They%u2019re especially helpful on steep downhill stretches. If you are an older walker, we%u2019d strongly recommend them. Choose a pir with comfy wrist straps and a good shock absorbing system.Locals, of course, know how useful sticks can be. Lanzarote%u2019s shepherds have carried sticks for centuries, using them as weapons, warding off dogs, herding livestock and, of course, traversing the rough terrain of the island. The western Canary Islands have even developed a technique known as a shepherd%u2019s leap, which involves sliding down a long pole, to negotiate steep gullies and hills.WATERSunstroke has killed walkers in Lanzarote, and nearly killed several more. Many routes on the island offer little or no shade, and you should never underestimate how quickly you can dehydrate under Lanzarote%u2019s intense sun. Water is vitally important. Unfortunately, it%u2019s also heavy, so you%u2019ll probably need a small rucksack to carry it in, along with your phone and maybe some energy snacks. A bathing costume and small towel is useful on some hikes.A litre an hour is recommended for hiking in hot weather on steep terrain. That%u2019s three kilos for three-hour walk. Don%u2019t drink it all at once, especially if your walk ends strenuously with, for example, an ascent of a cliff.SUN PROTECTION Sun protection is another important factor- severe sunburn is no fun at all. Wear a floppy wide-brimmed hat, and while long sleeves are helpful, a raised collar will help protect your neck. Most importantly, take some sunblock and apply it to exposed areas every hour or so. OTHER TIPSGo with a companion or group whenever possible.Take time to plan routes in advance. If driving, make sure you find a place to park safely without causing an obstruction and don%u2019t leave valuables in the vehicle. Check weather forecasts and alerts on www.aemet.es and be prepared to adjust or cancel your plans if a heat, wind, rain or rough sea alert is issued. Follow footpaths whenever possible, and avoid obviously private areas. Don%u2019t take rocks, plants or anything else away, and don%u2019t leave litter. A twisted ankle can lead to an expensive morning.