Hello! I'm looking for some advice on whether a multi-day hike in the UK is a sensible option for late October/early November, given my current gear, or whether I'd be better off heading somewhere else!

I'm a woman in my mid-30s based in London, with 8–10 unexpected days off before starting a new job. I love hiking and being outdoors, and I've previously completed the Wales Coast Path, the West Highland Way and Mount Toubkal in Morocco. I'd love to do another long-distance trail, and the Cumbria Way is currently on my radar, but I'm open to other suggestions and locations outside of the UK.

My main concern is the time of year and whether my gear is up to it. My 7-year-old North Face waterproof jacket is pretty battered, with a few small holes, and my sleeping bag is rated to +2°C comfort / -4°C limit, which could get a tiiiiiny bit chilly. I don't have much money to spend on new gear right now (but should and will probably invest in a new raincoat).

I'm happy to put up with some rain and discomfort, but I don't want to set myself up for a miserable or potentially unsafe trip by underestimating the conditions. Equally, I don't want to rule out a UK adventure unnecessarily!

Would you consider a multi-day hike in the Lake District or elsewhere in the UK at this time of year with this gear, particularly if wild camping – or would you opt for YH?

If not, where else would you go for 8–10 days? My budget of around £500–700 all in. It could also be something somewhere further afield if it's realistic on the budget, and I'm also happy to consider something completely different.

Thanks in advance! :)

Had a short trip to the Isle of Skye and thought I'd share some photos with you all.

Hi everyone,

I posted in this group last year asking for advice about a family hike I was organising with 7 of my younger cousins, aged between 13 and 22.

We ended up doing Cadair Idris and they absolutely loved it! Everyone was well prepared in terms of gear, we followed all the usual hiking advice and had a brilliant time.

This year, word has spread amongst the cousins and our group has grown to 18! Most of them are usually city mice, so it’s been really nice seeing more of them wanting to get outdoors. The age range is a little wider this time, and there’s definitely a bigger mix of hiking abilities.

We’re heading to Wales this weekend and have booked an Airbnb for Friday and Saturday night.
My current plan is Cwm Idwal on Saturday and Aber Falls on Sunday morning, before making the drive back to London.

Just wanted to see if anyone had any recommendations, warnings or general tips for either walk? Even if you have a better walk in mind.

I was also wondering if there’s a relatively easy summit we could add to the Cwm Idwal circular to give everyone a bit of a challenge without making it too difficult for the less experienced hikers.
Open to any other suggestions too!

You were all a massive help with our Cadair Idris trip last year, so thought I’d come back and ask again. Thanks in advance!

Circular route walked this morning.

At the end of November I'm going to the lakes for a hike doing the Newlands horseshoe.

However, me and a friend are arriving early the day before, and were thinking of doing a hike that day too. I've always wanted to go around the Raven Crag area, as I love a bit of woodland in my hikes, and I haven't really had that from a lake District hike yet.

I don't want it to be a really strenuous hike, as this would be my first two in a row, but I still want it to be a bit of a challenge.

I'm seeing loads of different routes I could take that would include castle crack and raven crag. For example, I could explore Great How wood, the woods around The Benn, etc, or walk around Thirlmere to get towards Armboth taking me up to High Tove through to High Seat, and down through Raven Crag.

Obviously I'm only seeing these areas from a map though, does anybody have any suggestions on if any of these places are great walks or if any should be avoided. For example, I know with High Seat I'm approaching a very boggy area, but I don't know if I'll be within it.

Thanks! Any other suggestions for shorter hikes in the area would be fantastic too. Around 12km and less than ~600m elevation would be preferable

Does anyone have experience with the bentu fleece and/or fleece plus? I was wondering if the plus will be too warm for hillwalking? I don't want to have to keep taking it on and off. Thanks

It's only a budget regatta coat. I had washed it to rewaterproof using nikwax products following their instructions, only to find the taped seam in the hood has come off. I can probably buy some tape and iron it on but I risk damaging the hood further.

Do taped seams contribute that much to waterproofing or will it be okay to run them without?

Hi All,

I'm fairly overwhelmed and grateful for your help and recommendations, please.

*Rain Jacket*

My main issue is I want the Hood to Pack Away, this seems to limit choices.

Also:

No insulation.

Not noisy.

Water resistant.

Breathable (must have pit zips).

To be used on 4-5 hours walks in light rain.

Been thinking of Patagonia Torrentshell, RAB Downpour, Rab Kinetic, Mountain Equipment Spyre, Regatta Radler.

But none have a pack away hood!

*Hiking Trousers*

Stretchy

Not noisy.

Water resistant.

Not over trousers.

Again, 4-5 hours walks.

Been thinking of Craghoppers Indus, RAB kinetic.

I don't really care about brand, I just want something that worksz will keep me dry from rain and dry from sweat condensation.

Thank you!!

Probably my favourite place to hike in the Lake District ❤️

A group of me and friends are planning on doing the three peaks in the UK in March (split over a week and sight seeing). After doing some research online and looking at reviews on all trails for March it looks like the weather is highly unpredictable, snowy near the top, and potentially low visibility.

I have never used crampons or a walking axe and wanted to ask is this feasible to plan and if so what should I do to prepare. Would a guide in this case be a must? What type of preparation should I be looking into ahead of time? Obviously, I will make sure I have all the required gear and I am not concerned about the fitness part of the challenge, but from a technical point of view what are people's thoughts?

I'm planning a trip to scotland, of which at least one week will be hiking the west highlands. We were looking to go in mid to late april, mostly to avoid crowds and midges, but I would also love to get some views of snowy landscapes. Now I know mountain weather can be unpredictable, but what are conditions like in that time of year, generally? Is it likely that one will get a view days of sunshine with great views? Can winter mountaineering gear (crampons and so on) still be necessary for higher elevation hikes at that time of year?

Hi all,

I wasn’t sure where was the best place to ask so I thought I would try here.

I’m travelling from London to Belgium in the first full week of January for a bit of a walking holiday. I’m there for two full days and I plan to walk around 30 miles on my first day and 20 miles on my second.

I’m aware the temperature may be around freezing and there will be a decent chance of rain as I believe their winter weather is very similar to ours.

Although I would consider myself very active I’ve never done such a long walk in such conditions before so I’m unsure how exactly I should dress. I prefer to travel light but I know the cold weather combined with the rain can make things a little dangerous in terms of hyperthermia etc.

What sort of things do you think I should wear? Is it just a matter of dressing in multiple layers with something waterproof on top?

Thanks for reading!

I have been using an Osprey Daylite waist pack for several years, and its just right storage wise for what i need (quick access to things like phone, earphones, etc while hiking, without having to stop and take my backpack off).

It tends to stick out enough from under my waterproof jacket just enough that it can get wet, and has soaked through a couple of times.

Can anyone reccomend something of a similar type that is also waterproof?

I sweat a lot on my back, weirdly. I'd like a fleece that's light, warm and wicks sweat more efficiently than an equivalent lightweight fleece.

I saw the paramo grid fabric in their Fortwilliam store... But sometimes with outdoor gear it's hard to separate marketing hype from real performance, plus a basic 200gram fleece from decathlon is about 1/10th the cost (mh100). Does anyone have any experience of the paramo grid fabric and it's wicking performance?

I own other paramo garments and rate them, I'm sceptical about the supposed grid fabric itself. There are a few YouTube videos, but not much else out there from user reviews that I can see.

I'm looking at the paramo Velez grid to use as a lightweight edge season mid layer to keep me warm but efficiently manage moisture.

I walked from Seaford to Eastbourne yesterday, along the famous Seven Sisters trail. It's the first time I've done that route, and it was (unsurprisingly) fantastic.

I got lucky with the weather: the forecast rain didn't arrive until after I had finished. It was incredibly windy though. In fact, the exposure along the top of the cliffs was probably the biggest challenge of the day.

I used my hiking poles for this walk, and found them really helpful, especially on downhill sections with the wind at my back. I normally dislike using poles (I feel like they slow me down, and they keep my hands full), but I seemed to find my stride with them yesterday.

All in all, a great day out. Highly recommend the route for anyone who hasn't done it yet.

Hi All

My Daughter (19f) is really struggling to get some good boots she wants mid ankle boots of decent quality.

The problem is she is a size 2.5 to 3.5 and women's boots in most shops and manufacturers don't start until a 4 so she is forced to get kids boots which just aren't made as well they are uncomfortable made.of crappy material and don't last.

Do any of you have any recommendations we are based in the south east just outside London if that matters

TIA

Didn't know where else to ask, I've been trying to find another one of these parka coats but can't seem to find one anywhere. This was a hand me down from a family friend and I'm just trying to get some insight as to whether this is a limited edition or just an old discontinued coat. Thanks.

Apologies as I’m sure it’s been asked millions of times before,but where are the best places to look for new hikes/walks? I’ve looked at AllTrails,but just spend ages looking and not coming up with anything ( that could just be user error mind),would much appreciate any advice on where best to start.

Hi everyone. I'm trying to put together a route around Ben Nevis and surrounding sights.

Does anyone have any reflections or advice for me? I've done long multi-day hikes before, but normally routes someone else has put together.

Day 0 – get train to Fort William and walk to Glen Nevis campsite

Day 1 – Ben Nevis from Glen Nevis return trip

• Around 17km / 1300m / 6.5 hours
• Route (plus walk short walk to starting point): https://www.alltrails.com/en-gb/explore/trail/scotland/highlands/ben-nevis-mountain-path

Day 2 - Glen Nevis to Kinlochleven via Steall waterfall

Two options:

Day 2a – via wide path:

• 26.5km / ~1100m / 9 hours
• Rough route: https://www.alltrails.com/en-gb/trail/scotland/highlands/kinlochleven-to-glen-nevis
  • Including walk to Steall car park from Glen Nevis campsite 

Day 2b – via high route (Ring of Steall):

• 23.4km  / 1400m / 9 hours
• Rough route: https://www.alltrails.com/en-gb/trail/scotland/highlands/kinlochleven-ring-of-steall-and-steall-water-fall
  • Skip the Am Bodach peak.
  • Including walk to Steall car park from Glen Nevis campsite 

Day 3 - Kinlochleven to Fort William on the West Highland Way

• Length: 25km (15.5mi) / 7.5 hours
• Elevation gain: 614m (2000ft)
• Route: WHW final section: https://www.alltrails.com/en-gb/trail/scotland/highlands/west-highland-way-kinlochleven-to-fort-william
  • Pretty flat and easy under foot.

 Thanks all.

As the title suggests has anyone walked the public footpath between Old Bank Farm and the industrial units near Shaw and Crompton tram stop recently?

I'm doing walk the tram in Manchester ala walk the tube in London and this is on my planned route between Failsworth and Rochdale on the East Didsbury to Rochdale line. I ask as OS maps as you can see shows springs and Google maps satellite view shows pools of water/ponds near the path so I don't want to get past the farm to find a flooded impassable field and have to double back and go up Shawside to get to Shaw and Crompton and beyond!

Chapmore End & Stapleford Church

Logistics: It is a 50km route that starts in the Town of Bewdley near Kidderminster and travels 50km down to the town of Great Malvern. Via public transport Bewdley can be reached by a bus which can be taken from Kidderminster town centre. To return from the end of the Trail Great Malvern has very good train links to London and Birmingham.
Bewdley and Great Malvern are really nice towns.
I split the Route up In to two 24km (15 Mile days) and stopped overnight in Martley which is maybe a km if that Off route. I stayed in the very pleasant hotel called the crown hotel

Thoughts: Surprised to Say the least! I was expecting it to be very pleasant but it was more than that it was absolutely fantastic, for starters (I’ve walked this on a Tuesday and Wednesday) the trail is deserted almost the whole way through. It is so quiet. The scenery is fantastic, rolling hills and forested ridgeway walking with spectacular views of the valley. If you like walking in woodlands you’ll love this trail they are so pretty and quiet and in autumn it’s especially beautiful. The end of the trail goes over the Malvern hills which are absolutely beautiful and that’s the only part where we saw a bunch of people.

Also the trail is Extremely well sing posted all the way through. I would highly recommend this trail, it’s easy to get to and from and it can be done in 2 days giving more flexibility around work etc!

Short(ish) version:

Length-wise I seem to fall between a size 6 and 6.5 so I want a 6.5. Size 7 my feet slide around and my heels come halfway out, even with stuffing the toes and fancy lacing.

Wide feet, don't know how wide. I was a G width as a kid. Everything I've tried recently is too narrow midfoot and too tight on the instep.

Brands I've tried on in Go Outdoors that have been too narrow and tight, but far too long, in just in a single sock and in a size 7:

Merrell

Salomon (also, I hate the arch on these)

Meindl

Brasher

Scarpa

Berghaus (even though 20 years ago my pair was great)

North Ridge

North Face

Need:

Decent grip! Actually make that best grip possible. So looking for vibram soles or whatever is supposed to be just as good. I have terrible balance so I need the confidence in the grip.

Waterproof. Needs to be ok for typical winter rainy weather. I don't particularly rate Goretex, always found it leaks just looking at a grassy field.

No leather in any part of the boot. Second-hand leather boots are a no-go as well. Don't want any leather.

Breathable! Have very very sweaty feet (long version explains my sock issue)

Mid-boot. Full boots rub my cankles.

As light as is practical. (I know lightweight and winter don't really go together)

Budget: under £100 if possible. Willing to forego the vibram soles to keep within budget as long as the grip is still very good.

I'm not looking for them to last longer than a year at most. Might be able to stretch to £150 but that means no coat budget anymore so I'd rather not.

Usage: currently the longest I'm doing is about 8 miles up the hill in the forest and have to get to the forest via farmers' fields. Is fairly steep, uneven and muddy in places. Some slippy and steep rock step sections (hence why I'm focused on the grip). Is a bit up and down as the path crosses a valley. Will be a lot wetter soon.

Do want to start getting out onto the hills soon so that'll be valleys and moorland.

When I'm able to do proper walks again that's when I'm going to invest in a decent pair of boots because hopefully my feet won't be as fat and I might not have the sock issue anymore. Have been eyeing up the non-leather Altbergs so have a vague plan of a trip up to Yorkshire in a few years.

Only place within a few hours that I can go to try on boots is Go Outdoors and I've already tried pretty much their entire stock.

So yeah. Any suggestions of other brands to look at would be great please!

I've been very out of the loop with new gear and brands over the past decade.

Long version (I ramble and get emotional):

Currently I've been wearing a pair of size 6.5 Sketchers trail runners which are nearly perfect width wise but slightly too long. If I see them on a cheap deal again I'll get them in a size 6 for next summer.

They've been bloody brilliant for getting me out but now the weather's changing they aren't waterproof in the slightest and I don't trust the grip in the wet. So comfy and zero pain with them.

EDIT: I deleted the stupid rambling. I got really caught up with my emotions after the day I've had and wasn't thinking straight. Tl;dr about the sock issue. I have to wear thick non-wickable compression stockings so double-socking with a hiking sock is not possible. Also why I really need breathability. Really want something I can just wear with the single layer and not need two pairs of socks.