What to Bring



New to walking?
This is a list of everything that you may need on one of our walks

Rucksack
Necessary to carry all of the stuff that we'll list below.  Don’t go mad and buy the largest capacity sack you can find. Carrying a lot of weight is no fun! You’re not going on a major expedition! Buy a day-sack of around 30 litres capacity maximum.

Waterproofs are essential!
This is the North-West Britain and it sometimes rains!  At the very least bring a waterproof jacket and ideally, waterproof over-trousers. Tip – If you are strapped for cash consider buying an ex-army Poncho from your local Army and Navy Stores. Compact, totally waterproof and more breathable than a £500 Alpine Mega-Magic Goretex Whatsit!

Sturdy Boots
Always buy the best quality your budget will allow.  Ideally, they should be waterproof.  When getting fitted for a pair of boots, make sure your toes have freedom of movement, also that they can’t touch the front of the boot when tightly laced up, as this prevents hurting your toes when descending on steep ground.  It is also advisable to wear a couple of pairs of socks when trying on your boots.

Gaitors
Not an essential buy, but they do keep most of the muck off your trousers and also help prevent your boots filling up with water on particularly wet weather walks.

Warm clothes
The best way to keep warm on the hills is to use different layers of clothing. Each layer traps warm air and keeps you snug. If it gets too hot you just take a layer off. Too cold, add a layer. Again, there are many expensive clothing “systems” on the market today which claim to keep you at your ideal walking temperature all day long. Most of these claims are rubbish! In reality, you just need to be sensible with your everyday clothes. Tip – Avoid cotton next to your skin as it gets wet, stays wet and saps heat out of your body! Fleeces are a great material and come in lightweight or even windproof form.

Hat
Essential in winter as 75% of all body heat is lost through your head! In summer, helps prevent sunburn and sunstroke.

Socks
Wear at least 2 pairs. This will help prevent blisters on your feet.

Map/Compass
Not essential on one of our guided walks, but absolutely necessary when you want to explore the Peak District on your own. Oh, and learn how to use them first!

Fluids
Very IMPORTANT! Always, always, always, carry water with you! In Summer or Winter, walking up hills, or over long distances means you continually need to be topping your body up with water to compensate for fluid loss. In addition, you may like to take a hot drink in a thermos flask for those cold, winter lunch stops. Did I mention you should always carry water with you??

Food
Take a packed lunch.  Tip – Dried fruit and nuts are excellent energy providers and can be snacked upon throughout the day without a problem.  Chocolate is also good, if a little more fattening!

First-aid kit
Recommended, but your Transpeak walk-leader or assistants will always have their own supplies.

Emergency rations
Recommended. You never know what incident may occur whilst ‘on the hill’, so it is wise to be prepared. A bar of chocolate or Kendal Mint-Cake are popular choices.

Sun-Cream
It is so easy to come down off the hill after a day's walking, only to find your ‘exposed bits’ bright red! The combination of higher altitude, cleaner air and cooling wind, all too often combine to catch out the unwary! Don’t take the risk. You've no excuse; a tube of sun-cream will easily fit into that expedition rucksack you bought. Didn't you read point number 1.

Walking Poles
Fashion accessory or essential piece of walking kit? Make your own mind up on this. My experience tells me they are essential in certain situations and a hindrance in others. Don't worry if you don’t own a pair.

Survival Bag
Don’t skimp on this one…..go out now and buy one! They only cost a couple of quid. Save your life for the price of a pint of beer! If you are not aware, a Survival Bag, in its simplest form, is just a large plastic bag that you can climb into to protect you from the elements. Used only in emergency situations. Keep one at all times in the bottom of your rucksack.


Ranger Bob