What to take with you

Walking Tips - what should you take with you

Always go prepared, make sure you take everything you will need and always take your rubbish home with you.

• Make sure you leave the route with someone.

• Let someone know what time you should be back, call or text them as soon as you can once you have finished, to let them know you are safe.

• Always take the route with you, take a paper map and know how to use it.

• Make sure you know where you are, using maps and compass, GPS device or What3Words.

• In a real emergency call 999 and you should ask for mountain rescue. You can also use the SMS service if you have registered.

Hill-walking kit

• Rucksack - about 20 to 35 litres

• Water to last you the day

• Boots (with ankle support and soles which will grip on rock, grass and mud)

• Waterproof jacket (with hood)

• Waterproof over trousers

• General trekking trousers (not jeans or cotton material)

• Thermal top

• Fleece top

• Gaiters (not essential, but a really handy bit of kit to help keep the bottoms of your trousers dry)

• Warm hat

• Gloves or mitts

• Spare layer e.g. fleece top

• Compass

• Map (waterproof or in waterproof case)

• Torch (preferably a head torch)

• Food & Drink

• Emergency survival bag

• Whistle

• First Aid Kit (small)

• Mobile phone (and portable USB power brick)

• Walking poles (optional)

In sunny weather

• Sunhat

• Sun cream

• Sunglasses

In midge season (June, July and August)

• Midge repellent

• Midge net

Winter kit list

Your going to need some extras for winter time excursions, always take into consideration that if your going up onto the hills and moors, it's going to be colder than it is at home. Windchill also has a big part to play. It is always better to have a bit too much than not enough.

• Warm/windproof trousers

• Thermal long johns (optional)

• Thermal top

• Fleece top

• Rigid-soled winter boots, with appropriate socks (waterproof socks are helpfull) 

• Rucksack - about 45 litres (winter clothing is more bulky)

• Spare layer e.g. fleece top

• Spare gloves/mitts (at least two pairs)

• Spare hat

• Spare batteries for the torch - or, preferably, a spare headtorch

• Sun cream

• Sunglasses – sometimes the sun does shine in winter!

• Goggles – essential for navigation in some conditions

• Hot drink or the means to make one

• Spare high energy foods (e.g. sweets or chocolate)

Useful Extras

• Portable stove

• Pot to boil water

• Water filter

• Tea or Coffee

• Cup and spoon

There is nothing quite like a warm drink to lift your spirits, stop for a break and look at the scenery, have a bite to eat before carrying on feeling refreshed and ready for the next section of your walk.