By staying in B&B’s and hotels we negated the need to carry any camping equipment. Aside from that, the aim was to travel as light as reasonably possible, yet be prepared for the near-inevitable rain.
Clothing
- 2 long-sleeved running tops (very lightweight – and pretty much all I wore on top while walking)
- 2 t-shirts (mainly to have something to change into in the evening)
- 1 pair of cotton shorts
- 1 pair of trousers/shorts (those awful things with detachable legs which can be worn as both)
- 1 pair of running shorts (again very lightweight – used for sitting around hotel rooms and sleeping in; could be used for walking in if necessary)
- 6 pairs of underpants (I’d considered taking less but was shamed into taking one pair per day)
- 3 pairs of thick walking socks
- 1 lightweight waterproof jacket
- 1 pair of waterproof trousers (never used but absolutely essential)
- 1 lightweight fleece (a Patagonia R1 Pullover Hoody – a brilliant item of outdoor clothing)
- 1 pair of hiking boots
- 1 pair of trainers (for changing out of hiking boots in the evening – nearly left behind but proved to be a godsend; getting out of your boots after 18 miles of walking is a major relief)
Incidentals
- Camel bak hydration pack
- Toiletries inc. painkillers, Deep Heat
- Sunscreen (essential, even in Cumbria and Northumberland)
- Cap
- Sunglasses and reading specs
- Chargers (watch, phone)
- Camera + batteries (Canon EOS 70D w/ Tamron 18-300mm lens)
- Ear plugs (essential if sharing rooms with a world-renowned snorer!)
- Wired in-ear headphones (rather than Bluetooth, to avoid having to charge – and never used)
- Book (a Spike Milligan war memoir – never even opened)
One thing I didn’t take, but thankfully Sooty did, is some Compeed blister plasters. I had two significant blisters, and these things were brilliant – way better than conventional plasters.
And all of this was carried in a Vaude Wizard 30+4 litre backpack…
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