Preparing for a walk
Walking boots or walking shoes - fashion shoes & trainers are not appropriate. It’s not advisable to wear brand new boots or shoes on a walk so break them in a bit first. Ideally you should have boots or shoes that support the ankle - there’s nothing worse than getting a sprain in the middle of a nice walk. The test of a good well-fitting boot or shoe is coming down steep slopes with the laces done up properly. Even coming down a slope, there should be a gap between your toes and the toe of the boot shoe. It can get very uncomfortable if not!
Comfortable walking socks – in summer, wear short socks you can turn over the top of your boots or shoes. Socks with a high percentage of wool in them are great: if your feet get wet, wool socks warm up to body temperature and you can carry on walking without getting blisters.
Upper body clothing -it’s best to have several thin layers rather than a few thick layers (bearing in mind you are either wearing or carrying it). Ideally, a couple of t-shirts, one with long sleeves to protect against the sun, a fleece which undoes at the front so that you can regulate your temperature and get insulation if you need it, and a windproof jacket or kagoule.
Lower body clothing - quick dry trousers, or shorts are great, preferably with a few pockets. Jeans can get a bit hot in the summer and start rubbing, and are very heavy when wet, so I generally avoid them. Trousers with unzipable legs are fantastic.
Headwear - a stretch woollen hat is great to pull down over your ears. Something light with a brim that will fold up to put in your pocket is great if it looks like it’s going to be really sunny. There’s nothing worse than sunstroke.
The multipurpose neckerchief or cotton scarf protects the back of your neck from sun, keeps the wind off your neck and can be wrapped around your forehead when you get a bit sticky. I’ve even been saved from bad sunburn under my watch by wrapping the neckerchief around my wrist.
Lightweight gloves – or fingerless mits mean you don’t have to have your hands stuffed into your pockets when the temperature drops.
Rucksack – you will need a small two-strap rucksack for your lunch and a few bits and pieces.
- WATER – you will dehydrate. It is essential that you carry the minimum of 750ml of water with you. Don’t bother with expensive aluminium hiking bottles. A good old recycled flip-top mineral water bottle or even a 1 litre plastic milk bottle works perfectly and will only add a minute weight to your load.
- Sun block – a factor strong enough for your skin type: don’t be complacent – a long walk, even in a sunny but overcast day (where parts of the walk will all be in one direction), can generate sunburn. I’ve got a pointy nose and always have a stick of sun block. If you’re like me, designed like Concorde, I suggest you bring the same.
- Maps – not essential but interesting and informative. Either an OS Landranger 1:50,000 or an OS Explorer 1:25,000. Bring a pencil and you can mark your route.
- Cash – for that bar of chocolate you forgot to bring, and possibly if you want to ‘peel off’ early and catch a bus or train back to Lewes. There’s no point in pushing yourself beyond the point of enjoyment.
- Mobile phone – if you have one. Just incase. But definitely turn it off while walking!
- Antihistamine tablets – if you have hayfever, or have serious reactions to wasp and bee stings. If the latter applies to you, let the Guide of the walk know before the walk starts.
- Nibbles – even though you may have a packed lunch, it’s nice to have some nibbles in your pocket, for yourself or to share, particularly if like me, you are susceptible to sugar lows. I like fruit and nut mix and trail mix (both from Infinity Food), an apple, and just for balance, some chocolate.
- Camera – a light weight camera can be fun, as long as you don’t experience the entire walk through the lens.
- Pocket binoculars – I always carry a little pair of these for the unexpected fauna.
- Packed lunch – (if the walk is long enough). At least 2 rounds of sandwiches, 2 types of fruit, a small flask of juice/tea/coffee, and I carry salad and raw vegetable pieces with a dip like houmus. Lunch shouldn’t be too heavy, since you don’t want to be carrying a heavy load in either your rucksack or your tummy!! Have decent breakfast beforehand, but not too heavy. A carbohydrate-based meal, such as porridge, muesli or even toast is best.
- The roll of toilet paper – we would all hope that the situation would not arise where toilet paper would be useful. Nevertheless, should that happen, it’s best to have it rather than not. A dense thicket and a toilet roll make a good combo in such emergencies, and the paper will decompose under a stone. Flatten the toilet roll to put it neatly in your rucksack, and make sure you go to the toilet before you start the walk.
- Medication – Head for the Downs Guide will carry a simple First Aid Kit, but by law, that cannot contain medication like paracetamol, ibuprofen,aspirin and antihistamine. If you think you might need these, add these to your kit list.
- Dogs – If you are bringing your dog make sure you bring plenty of water and something for the dog to drink from. If it is a long all day walk you might need to bring some food too. Don’t forget the lead and the poop bags.
