Footwear
The shoes and socks that you wear whilst walking are very important – blisters will make an enjoyable walk a miserable affair.
Make sure that your socks fit well and are not too worn. Avoid tube socks as they will not fit well. Avoid socks with bulky stitching at the toe or heel or made from materials such as cotton which absorb moisture. Always make sure your socks are clean. If going on a long walk, wear socks that you know do not give you blisters and consider taking a spare pair of socks with you. Some people find wearing two pairs of socks prevents blisters.
The shoes you wear should be comfortable, fit well with plenty of toe room and have a flexible sole. Good walking boots protect your feet keeping them warm and dry, provide a good grip and also protect your ankles. Walking shoes are a light alternative to boots but they offer no real protection to your ankles. Walking sandals are suitable for summer walking but give no protection to your feet from undergrowth or support for your ankles. You can also use good quality trainers but they are unlikely to be waterproof.
Go shopping for shoes in the afternoon after a walk as your feet expand during the day. Wear the socks that you would normally wear when walking. Make sure you buy proper walking boots rather than high street fashion boots that look like walking boots but do not give the protection and comfort required. When laced, your heel should not move, your feet should not feel pinched and you should be able to move your toes freely. Take your time to find a pair of shoes that fits properly. Try wearing new shoes round the house for a few days before using them on a walk – the shop may still allow you to return them if they do not fit properly.
Clothing
For walking throughout the year in the British Isles, a waterproof, windproof jacket is essential, although a showerproof will probably be OK in the summer months. Ideally your jacket will be made of a breathable material which lets sweat out but doesn’t let water in. You will need a hood and pockets for equipment like maps, compasses and food.
You will also need a pair of waterproof trousers which again should be made from a breathable material. You may also want a pair of gaiters which will protect the bottom of your trousers from rain and mud. You can wear normal trousers although you may find that these are not as comfortable on long walks as they are in day-
You should make sure you wear a warm hat in cold weather otherwise a large percentage of your body-
Gloves should be worn in cold weather especially if you suffer from circulation problems. Ideally, you should be able to swiing your arms whem walking so you should not have your hands in your pockets.
You should wear multiple layers under your coat – this allows air to be trapped between layers providing good insulation. It also allows layers to be removed one at a time if you are too hot. The layer nearest your body should be made from a ‘wicking’ fabric which draws moisture away from the skin and dries quickly. Fabrics like cotton are not recommended as they absorb moisture and become clammy. Additional layers can be made from fabrics like fleece.
Above all, your clothing should be comfortable. You may need to experiment to achieve this.
Equipment
You will need a rucksack or a beltpack to hold all your equipment. The size will depend on how much equipment you have which will be determined by the weather and how far you are walking. You should take:
- sufficient food and drink for the walk and some extra in case of unforeseen circumstances
- a hot drink if the weather is cold
- a foam mat or bag to sit on
- suncream
- a map and compass if not walking with a group
- a first aid kit and any medicines you might need
- a torch, particularly in winter months, in case you do not return by dark
- extra clothing
- a mobile phone
- a walking stick (or two)