Beginner UK Backpacker

“Hi...

My girlfriend and I are going to walk the Cleveland Way in North East England. It is about 110 miles. We aren't setting a definite time to complete in because neither of us have done anything like this before. As complete beginners, and with a strong desire to keep our backpack weight to a minimum, and on a limited budget, what is the essential gear required? What can we cut back on? There will be towns close to our trail at times, so we can stock up on food. And UK summertime weather can be quite erratic - very hot but very wet too when it wants to be. Thank you.”

“Y2 hails from the uk and can give some good advice as far as weather needs. I'm on my pda right now but will post back when I'm at a real keyboard.”

“Oh, and buy a copy of Colin Fletcher's The Complete Walker III. He's a brit and the godfather of backpacking. This book is our holy scriptures.”

“Y2 should be able to help as well as Euro Hiker.

Tarabull and Yam and Buddha Bear took a hiking trip through Ireland a few years ago and were fortunate enough to have someone drive their packs from town to town ahead of them.”

“The Ordnance survey guide books are pretty good as showing the route and amenities along the way.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Cleveland-Way-National-Trail-Guides/dp/1845132483/ref=pd_bxgy_b_text_b


It all depends how you want to do it. You can do a B&B to B&B route. Or you can go from campsite to campsite. Obviously if you go for B&B then you won't need much gear at all, just enough to get you through the day.

In general, for the UK, I'd go with a tent rather than a tarp - take a lightweight synthetic sleeping bag, a little trangia meths cooker and in general just throw out anything you don't really need.

Also try going to www.outdoorsmagic.co.uk forums and ask some questions there. They'll be able to help you out. I think trail magazine has some forums too.

Big differences between US and UK is that it's likely to rain for a longer period in the UK and you're going to have a tough time wild camping because most of the land around the trail will be privately owned.”

“Chris Townend's advanced backpacker is pretty good book too.”

“For temperate areas you'll need these: a water source & container; a way to create a fire/to cook; a lightweight tent or bivy and bag; easy-to-make foods; a small kettle; comfortable shoes; a first aid kit; a small flashlight; a raincoat, and a pack.

Toothpaste & BOD, since you're going with your girlfriend. :)”

“Thanks everyone, all very helpful suggestions to get me thinking. :)”