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The Peak District is beautiful and can often feel remote. North West England is not known for it’s great weather, so come well prepared. Regardless of whether you want just a stroll in the park or a serious hike, make sure you take the following:
1. Wear sturdy, comfortable shoes. It is very important that they are waterproof, have sturdy soles and give a good grip on slippery tracks. The weather can be so unpredictable that you are basking in sunshine in the morning and have a rain storm in the afternoon. Although the sun might be shining all day, you still might have to splash through puddles and have to wade through streams. Don’t even contemplate bringing those nice, summery shoes! Leave them in your holiday cottage!
2. Wear good quality socks inside your walking boots Wear nothing in your shoes or socks that don’t fit and you’ll most likely end up with blisters that will severly reduce the enjoyment of your holiday.
3. Wear or carry a waterproof jacket with a hood. Best to stay dry and warm when you can not rely on the weather.
4. Take an Ordnance Survey map and a compass as mobile phone reception and the GPS will be unreliable. Make sure you know where you are as the deep valleys are black spots on the mobile phone coverage map.
5. The sun might be blazing, but you are best off wearing trousers. They will keep you dry and stop injuries fropm twigs, rocks and other mishaps on the road. There might not be too many mosquitos and midges, it’s best to make sure you’re protected.
6. Even on grey days, wear sun cream, put on a hat and sun glasses. Protect yourself on the tall hills of the Peak District. If mosquitos tend to bite you, put on anti-mozzy cream, just in case.
7. Pack a bottle of water or other drink. Take a hot drink in a thermos can during the winter months. You might not find a pub for lunch, so organise some packed lunches to take with you.
8. Take some spare clothing to keep you warm when you stop off, or keep your dry if the rain clouds burst.
9. Let’s hope you won’t ever need it, but put an emergency pack in your rucksack just in case. Put a bivvy, a torch, a whistle and some sugary food in the pack. It’s also handy to have some plasters, antiseptic and a bandage with you.
10. You will need your camera. Even on overcast days the views in The Peak District will be stunning and you’ll find plenty of photo opportunities.
You’ll find plenty of walking guides for the Peak District and there are even holiday companies to plan your walking trips.
