Need advice from walkers please

[kirsty b]

Hi all
I am planning, with my sister and a group of others to do a sponsored walk in May next year to raise money for the Bone Cancer Research Trust.
We are walking the length of Hadrians Wall (Newcastle-Carlisle) 84 miles over 5 days.

In preparation I am sorting out routes around my local area of at least 5km, building up to 10km to walk on my days off, with intention of doing at least 2 a week.
Is there anything else I can do to prepare myself physically? Have never done anything like this before

Also got a boot question - I am usually a 5 to 5 and-a-bit and am debating getting a 5 and trusting that the leather will stretch as I break them in, or should I go for a 6 seeing as I will be wearing thick socks for walking in? Don't think these boots come in a half size. New Forest Footwear - NorthWest Territory Trek Hiking boot
I plan to buy my boots next payday, so I can wear them in properly so they are nice and comfy.

Sorry about asking so many questions, but thanks

[Alison]

You need to try the boots on really. In May I tend to use waterproof fabric 3 season boots as I find them more comfy than leather but it's a personal taste. I do however know that the boots I have are actually half a size bigger than many of my normal shoes to accomodate thick walking socks. Basically the boots should fit without needing to be stretched and worn in and if they're uncomfortable when you get them then in my opinion they'll never really be comfortable. In years gone by boots needed a lot of wearing in so that the leather softened but this should no longer be necessary.

The boots you're looking at don't have much ankle support which would be no good for me and I can't tell what the soles are like but I would recommend that you make sure that you are happy that they provide sufficient grip and that they support your feet OK when you are going down hill. Basically it's difficult to give you definite advice as it depend a lot on your foot shape etc.

[kirsty b]

Thanks Alison, I'm looking online, but will visit a shop to buy. I will take that advice with me.

Also do want ankle support, have other boots for general wear, and find low ankles rub and get on my nerves.

[beefy]

Do not buy boots unless you try them on first . Recommend all that Alison says . Get your self down to a local supplier of hiking gear and take the time to try on as many pairs of boots as you can - it really is the most important thing you will do.
Also a good daysack for spare clothing / waterproofs, liquids to drink,food etc.Again make sure it fits and is comfortable half way into the first day is not the time to realise that your daysack/ rucksack isn't comfortable.
Walking poles - personal choice some like them some don't. Try them see what you think.
Any more questions don't be afraid to ask.
And good luck keep me posted as to how you are getting on.

[kirsty b]

I have a daysack, and will be taking it out with me on my training walks to see how it feels on with the sort of weight I'm likely to carry each day.

Clothes wise - I am going to get lightweight cotton trousers, thermal undies for if its chilly, cotton t-shirts (short and long sleeved) a decent fleece, a waterproof jacket and trousers that can be carried in my pack, a hat and maybe a pair of gloves too.

[sewer rat]

On the boot front. I would go for fabric boots too - they are a lot lighter and do not require much in the way of breaking in. Just try and get a pair that have good ankle support, vibram soles and are breathable (used to be able to say Goretex here but now there are so many other breathable membranes out there). Do try them all on first (with socks you intend to use on the walk) - not so much for the length but the width - I bought a pair of Karromor KSB boots when they first came out and found they were exceptionally narrow fitting.I have used fabric boots for various long distance walks though I do prefer my twenty year old leather mountain boots which have been moulded to my feet but are too heavy for all but the roughest terrain.
The other foot / legwear item I would never leave without are a pair of knee length gaiters - quicker and easier than leggings and perfect for when it's dry overhead and muddy underfoot.

[Two_Sheds]

I am going to get lightweight cotton trousers, thermal undies for if its chilly, cotton t-shirts (short and long sleeved) a decent fleece, a waterproof jacket and trousers that can be carried in my pack, a hat and maybe a pair of gloves too.

I've looked everywhere trying to get decent walking trousers: something light, dries quick if it rains (denim is good for hiking through brambles, but chafes if it gets wet).

I don't wear cotton tops any more: they get wet from sweat and don't dry. Look for something described as "wicking" instead.

And as you prolly already know, cheap waterproofs make you sweat, it's like wearing a plastic binliner: get something breathable (I've just bought a £70 one, but it's the mutts nuts... my £20 one just wasn't up to the downpours we've been having.)

Rohan, Karrimor and Berghaus are names to look at. Have a look on eBay.

[snuffer]

It might be an idea to look for boots by a company called Miendl. They are incredibly comfortable and do come in half sizes. I use their boots for more serious walking and their shoes for everyday wear (they really are that comfy).

Unfortunately they are expensive but an additional bonus is that you'll be buying boots made in Europe and not by 12 year olds in Malaysia or Vietnam.

[Two_Sheds]

oh, and buy proper seamless walking socks too. If you do get a blister, try turning your socks inside out so they rub in different places.

[FROSTYFRECKLE]

Another vote for breatheable, waterproof fabric boots, leather boots have always ripped my heels off. My boots are a size larger than my normal footwear because of the socks. My socks are double lined "guaranteed to prevent blisters" Oh and a definate must is gaiters, you only want to bog trot once without a pair on. Do you have a Trespass, Mountain Equipment Warehouse or Tiso near you? If so go in and talk to someone and they will advise you on the best gear. I can get you brochures etc, my High Street is full of outdoor shops, my home looks up to Ben Nevis but on the down side you can't buy a pair of jimjams or a lightshade without having to drive to Glasgow or Inverness. Just PM me if you need help.

[zebedee]

Try to aim for a good, steady but above all, comfortable pace. The Army marches at 120 paces per minute, the Foriegn Legion at 88. The average comfortable walking speed is, apparently between 2 to 2.5 miles per hour. Mainly, find yourself a steady pace that you feel you can keep up all day, keep loose, and enjoy.

[Lovely Helen]

I would really advise going half a size up with the boots - I once attempted a 50 mile hike in 24 hours with boots that I was just growing out of and the pain was awful and led to early retirement. The new fabric boots are so much better I find and much lighter to wear. I also heartily concur with the gaiters advice - I hate waterproof trousers and find that with gaiters, a good pair of trousers and a good jacket that I stay pretty much dry on all but the filthiest days! Good luck and hope you enjoy it - it sounds wonderful.

Ooh and Compede blister plasters are fantastic - hopefully if you have prepared well enough you won't get any but if you do they are the best thing to help.

[Glutton4...]

Just to be different (sorry ) I wear breatheable water-proof overtrousers for work, they are fab, and don't make me sweat even when doing strenuous work. They are nearly bramble-proof and are wind-proof too. I buy the cheap Regatta ones from their seconds shop at Naffport, (think it's actually called Freeport - dunno why coz it aint free lol )

Good luck with it Kirsty!

[Headfry]

With this kind of walk the I think you will need the very best footwear you can afford.
Get them from somewhere that will actually take time to 'fit' you for the best boots.
Mr HF and I went to an outdoor/camping shop........I was amazed at the care the young man took with us.....over an hour for each of us just to get a really good fit. My boots cost me a good few pennies but I will now have them I guess, for the rest of my life! He made us walk over cobbles and up and down a steep ramp! you really can tell if your boots are to small when going down hill!
Good luck and dont be rushed into first pair you see! breathable boots are good!

ps young man also said - always try on shoes/boots later in the day.....as your feet swell during the day....a fab tip!

[Headfry]

I am sure you know about this but.....if you put non wicking stuff...ie wool/cotton under or over wicking fleeces etc then the wicking fleece will NOT work!!!!
Have sailed in the winter and been IN the water in February, we wear wicking clothes and breathable dry suits! and yeap we STAY DRY!!!!! costs but it is so worth it!