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What to Bring

Walking boots:

It is vitally important that your footwear is comfortable and appropriate. Unsatisfactory footwear can ruin your holiday. You are advised to bring walking boots with you, with good ankle support and a shock absorbing (Vibram-type) sole, and training shoes (sneakers) for easier days/sightseeing. Please make sure that boots/shoes are well broken in.

Socks are as important as boots:

A blister is a friction burn, so wear socks of materials that absorb heat. There are various specialist walking socks on the market. ‘Loop-stitch’ 60% wool/nylon mix socks are worn by many of our Leaders. Avoid nylon socks. Some cotton socks can ‘clog and compress’ with sweat and also cause blisters. If you feel soreness whilst walking – stop immediately and check. If you find a blister forming cover the area with a generously sized piece of zinc oxide plaster or anti-blister plaster e.g., ‘Second skin’ or ‘Compeed’, and leave for a few days.

Trekking poles/sticks:

These are becoming almost a standard piece of equipment for hill walkers, and a valuable safety item. By using a stick/pole (or even two), you increase the number of points of contact with the ground, aiding balance on rough or slippery ground and reducing the chances of taking a fall. They are also useful when descending steeper slopes, of which there are several on this trip! They take a great deal of stress off the ankles, knees and lower back, making injuries less likely. NB: Please check with your airline whether they can be taken as hand luggage.

For anyone seeking additional protection for potentially weak joints, we recommend that you consider bringing a flexible knee/ankle /etc. support with you, as you may not find it easy to purchase anything suitable locally. Simple ‘Tubigrips’ are moderately helpful, but considerably more supportive (though more expensive) is something along the lines of a ‘Supatherm’ sport support (sports shops), which provides good support in the most testing circumstances.

Clothing:

Bring whatever clothes you find most comfortable for walking, including at least one pair of trousers as well as shorts plus clothes/shoes for the evening.

You should ensure that you have a lightweight wind/waterproof jacket; please make sure that this is really waterproof, not just shower-proof. Waterproof over-trousers are desirable and a sun hat is advisable for all but the coolest times of year. Shirts with collars are a useful protection against a sunburnt neck. ‘Short’ shorts and sleeveless ‘sun’ tops are unsuitable for visiting churches.

We recommend not walking in jeans, as these take ages to dry once wet; you can buy various (poly) cotton walking trousers from outdoors equipment retailers. We also recommend a long-sleeved walking shirt in case of cold weather, which allows you to perspire and dry, but still cuts out the cold wind (again, ask at outdoors shops for advice).

It can be cold in the evening and at night from late autumn to early spring, and in the mountains at any time of year. You may find that you need extra warm layers for keeping warm in the evenings, as well as for walking in, at higher altitude.

Recommended items for Walking:

  • Walking boots
  • Walking socks
  • Trousers/shorts comfortable for walking (not jeans)
  • Cotton shirts/T-shirts
  • Sweater/fleece – one light/one warmer
  • Extra warm layers plus hat, gloves, etc for mountainous areas and early spring, late autumn or winter trips
  • Lightweight wind/waterproof jacket
  • Lightweight waterproof over-trousers
  • Trekking poles/walking stick
  • Ankle/knee supports
  • Daypack (for fleece, waterproofs, water bottle etc)
  • Bin liners to waterproof daypack
  • Water bottle
  • Sunhat
  • Sunscreen – high factor
  • Insect repellent
  • Personal first aid kit
  • Compeed for blisters

Note: Tour Consultants on escorted trips carry a first aid kit with them at all times. People with serious allergic reactions, e.g., to food, wasps, bees, etc., are advised to consult with their doctors as our staff, all qualified practitioners of first aid with up-to-date certificates, are not permitted to carry or prescribe any form of medication.

Other useful items:

  • Trainers/comfortable shoes for non-walking activities
  • Waterproof map holder (if you are bringing maps)
  • Swimwear and towel (for trips with swimming opportunities – pools/sea/hot springs)
  • Torch (flashlight) Useful in caves/tunnels and if you are walking home from dinner after dark
  • Lightweight binoculars
  • Phrasebook/dictionary
  • Guidebook, Flower/bird books etc. According to your interests
  • Travel plug(s)
  • Battery pack & chargers for your mobile phone
  • Hairdryer (4 & 5* hotels should provide a hairdryer but other grades of hotel may not).
  • Travel kettle and teabags (if you cannot do without…!)
  • Earplugs
  • Hand-wash detergent
And don’t forget:

Passport (and visa if required)
Flight boarding passes
Insurance documents
Euros
EHIC Health card (for EC residents)
Route Booklet (Independent trips) if you have opted to receive this in advance

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