Fully equipped? "Please ask if you are not sure"

Walking is a very safe activity, but you do need to be prepared for the weather and the very rare emergency.
Bring a Torch and whistle - for signalling in the event of an emergency. The distress signal is 6 long flashes or whistle bleeps.

Wear suitable Footwear.

Bring a full set of waterproofs - wet clothing quickly loses its insulating properties.
Food and drink - You need regular doses of both when walking. You should also carry some high energy emergency rations. You always wanted an excuse to eat chocolate!
Survival or ‘Bivi’ bag - a 4 ft x 8ft plastic orange bag. It is unlikely you will ever need this, but in the event of an accident it could save your life.

Spare warm clothing – bring enough

A hat and gloves give you a lot of warmth for little weight.
Luminous armband - for road walking in twilight or dark.
Map and compass – not essential on guided walks but they will add to your safety and pleasure. We can advise on their use.
Please make sure you have some ID with you in case of an emergency.

Additional Details

Getting a new set of hiking gear can be expensive. Many of our members know the places which have sales. Last year’s fashions can be a bargain!
You can look very smart and chic while walking but it’s cheaper to look scruffy! People used to use their old work clothes for hiking but nowadays the reverse is more likely. Remember to ask for the right presents at Xmas and birthdays.

Torch

LED torches are more expensive but they provide lot more light than traditional torches and the batteries last much longer. It is usually possible to safely walk in total darkness with a small LED torch.

Footwear

We strongly recommend walking boots bought at a shop which does proper fitting. Brasher Boots are very comfortable but they are not suitable if you have foot problems. New boots may rub up a blister, try using Vaseline as a lubricant, especially down the back of the heel. If you feel any rubbing deal with it immediately as a blister can form within 10 minutes and ruin your day. Always have some spare plasters or better still Compeed www.beunstoppable.co.uk . If you need mountaineering boots they can often be broken in more quickly by walking for a day with a 25lb load in your rucsac.
If you are an experienced walker who prefers walking barefoot, or in shoes, trainers or mountaineering sandals, you may be questioned about your footwear choice by the leader or other concerned walkers. Explain that you are an experienced walker, and that you understand the risk and that you accept full responsibility for these risks. Boots give much more protection against injury...
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