Of course a long hike or walk may mean different things to many people. For some it means a 10-mile hike on a local trail, others may see it as six months and two thousand miles of walking through the Appalachian Mountains. Whatever your route make sure your body is up for the challenge, remember the more physical conditioning you can do before the hike, the easier and more enjoyable the walk will be.

So what should I take?

The secret for packing for a hike is weight, or lack of it. Try and limit your supply to the essentials only, if you can do without it then don’t bring it. Foods with high nutritional content, water – 6 litres a day is the recommended intake for regular activity levels, a sleeping bag, and toiletries should also be the priority; an extra set of walking shoes, and spare outdoor clothing is also recommended. Even with the essential supplies there are still ways of lightening your load, for example you can reduce weight by removing the cardboard core out of toilet rolls!

Remember to plan your journey ahead of time and travel in increments, take things one step, mile or day at a time. Perhaps the best advice on hiking comes from the Boy Scout’s “Be Prepared”.