|  | | These boots were made for walking |
| | Whether you are planning a gentle stroll in the dales or a marathon hike on the Dark Peak, you'll need to have the right equipment for the job. |
| Glance along the shelves of any walking shop and you could be forgiven for thinking that walking requires the spending of vast sums of money.
Not so.
Comfort is important, of course, but you do not need to buy expensive equipment to enjoy the sport.
Comfortable footwear with good grip is the most important consideration.
| Pete's walking tip | | Put the contents of your rucksack in a heavy-duty plastic bag. No sac is entirely waterproof and they make great impromptu sledges when it snows! |
If your feet are in good shape, you will enjoy your walk more.
A pair of trainers is probably a good starter but check how good their grip is as you may be traversing short, slippery grass or muddy paths.
Many walkers insist on boots because they offer ankle support.
This is certainly something to bear in mind if you intend walking on rougher terrain and a pair of walking boots could be a wise first investment.
Whatever you do, don't try to wear the latest fashion when you're out walking!
Professional advice is vital when buying gear, so look for a shop which sports the Outdoor Industries Association Logo.
Yes, their job is to sell you stuff but the good ones will be happy to advise you, too.
Tell them your needs and they will find you the right equipment for the job.
 | | All dressed up... (photo: Pete Hawkins) |
It is no good buying £250 winter hiking boots if you only intend a few summer rambles and a good shop will not sell them to you!
You cannot spend many days walking in Britain without it raining!
A good lightweight waterproof is probably the next thing to consider, as is a rucksack to carry your lunch, drink and some spare clothing.
Cold is one of the biggest enemies of the unsuspecting walker. Take a spare jumper just in case and remember, several thin layers are often better than one thick one.
The more walking you do, and the more you meet other walkers, the more you will probably want to spend on outdoor gear.
It is possible to spend a fortune on outdoor gear if you want to.
The important thing to remember though is to buy what you feel you need and not to be bamboozled into buying higher spec gear.
The Outdoor Industries Association has a good on-line guide to walking gear and looking after it. Their website is listed on the left of this page.
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