Bing, Bang, Bong, Sing, Sang, Song. Spring 2025

A nice comfortable pair of walking shoes should suffice where footwear is concerned.

Walking Boots

Why boots? Won't trainers do?
Well, no - they won't keep your feet dry (think long wet grass, boggy moorland, streams and muddy fields) and they offer very little ankle support on rough paths (mountain walks especially), making twisting an ankle far easier.

Walking trousers or shorts

Sorry - no jeans please. It's happened before where someone has become cold, uncomfortable and miserable after getting their jeans wet early on during a walk. This is an inconvenience at best and a liability at worst, especially on exposed higher level walks. Walking trousers dry far more quickly and are more comfortable when wet.

Water/bladder

Medication if necessary 

Rucksack

Boots:  Breathable walking shoes. Preferably waterproof for any wet/muddy areas

Waterproof jacket: essential when hiking in all but the calmest of weather, breathable fabrics are more comfortable and dry

Socks: A good walking sock to protect your feet

Layered clothing: Interchangeable base and mid-layer/outer layer recommended for this time of year

Hat/cap

Trousers: A pair of walking trousers over jeans and shorts etc. due to changes in weather and consider a breathable fabric where possible.

Gloves: Windproof, or better still, waterproof gloves are the best choice, bring a spare pair if expecting rain

Walking pole/s if preferred 

You may wish to bring along a camera to capture some of the beauty of this magical part of the country.

Extras

Sit mat
These cost next to nothing, don't take up much space and provide a welcome perch during a lunch break when everyone else has nicked the best seats.

Walking Poles
The popularity of walking poles is steadily increasing as more people realise the benefits of them - this includes people of all ages. Poles offer a better spread of effort on ascent, taking some of the load off the legs and onto the arms. The same concept applies more so during descent due to the additional shock loading which would otherwise be present on the knee joints.
Poles are best used in pairs to balance your gait.

Torch
A torch isn't usually needed for easier walks, but do check the walk write-up as the short daylight hours during winter and evening walks during the summer mean that walks can sometimes finish at or after dusk.
Recommended for mountain walks during summer and winter months.

First-Aid Kit
Even on short walks, it's always useful to have a couple of plasters handy in the case of blisters or other minor mishaps.  Compede is useful for blisters in the early stages and is available at most outdoor shops.
For hills or mountain walking, minor cuts and abrasions can and do occur, so a few extra items such as swabs, dressings, tape and antiseptic cream will be useful. Paracetamol or Ibuprofen for pain killers.
LifeSystems do a conveniently sized pocket first-aid pouch, also available at most outdoor stores.

Whistle & Survival bag
Useful in the case of emergencies on the hill for attracting attention and keeping warm. Survival bags also offer a convenient way of attaining a faster descent down a suitably snowy hillside - not that we officially condone that sort of thing of course!