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Hi,

We have just finished the Dales way on foot, with camping gear on our backs and our Dog. If you are thinking of backpacking and camping ofcourse you will need a light weight tent and backpack

This is what me and my girlfriend carry

2 man tent (ours is a "lightwave") split betwen us

1 trangia stove and 1 or 2 bottles of meths fuel.

1 each camping mats (prolite therma rest - worth every penny)

1 sleeping bag (light wieght) each

1 compactable backpacking pillow each - nice to have the luxury

minimal spare clothes.(just a couple of light T shirts, shorts and fleece, packlite water proofs, spare socks, undies)

plastic camping plate and lightweight cuttlery (and spatula and spoon)

torch and small radio

minimal toiletries

emergency / spare food and a couple of tins of dog food.

I recommend the Dales way from ilkley to Bowness in windermere. It was brilliant and we did 50% B and B and 50% camping. If you visit the dales way assoc website it is very helpful in planning. I also strongly recommend the trangia stove, it includes pans and is very simple and reliable. We also carry a "pocket rocket" stove and small kettle pan, together with a medium sized gas canistor. Weight really is everything though as we found out. An extra tin of dog food can tip it over the edge a bit.

I'm not sure if this is the sort of info your looking for but I hope it helps you.

heidibear,

I know it as a bit of a journey from norfolk (well everywhere is really) but the Dales way (86 miles) is an excellent starter for a log distance path. Not too hilly, not too remote and not too busy and very pretty. We hardly came across anyone else walking it. I am not anti social but I do like to be as far away from everyone else as i can (well may be I am anti social then!). Check out the dales way book published by cicerone if your interested. it is very good.

You can easily cut your days short or the trip short as there are buses etc.

good luck

Hi Heidibear

This might be blindingly obvious to you, forgive me if so, but do make sure that those new boots you are off to buy are well worn in before you go away. You don't want to be nursing blisters on your holiday.  Have a good one.

Hi Heidibear...a bit futher afield...and might need some planning..but might be useful for the future...But the West Highland Way in Scotland have some sort of courier sevice operating along the length of the walk...Whereby they plan drop off's and pick up's of your gear each day...You plan your route..distance you want to travel each day...and the courier service load your heavier gear and take it to your next stop...Only info I have on this is from someone at work who did this last year...He and a friend did the walk(staying in B+B's) and only took the essentials needed for the walk with them on the day...all other stuff was delivered to their next place...These two did 23 miles a day(seious walkers)..Only disadvantage they found was that they had to make their next destination by a certain time...and found themselves having to clip along a bit to make it..I suppose the courier could drop of a tent etc..at designated sites...Hope this helps.....

Jelboy.

 There are other routes. I believe that down there in East Anglia you have the Peddar's Way. And some old Pilgrim ways. You don't have to do the lot at once!.

 Or you could set up a base camp somewhere and do 'day walks' from there. The National Park information centre at Fieldhead in Edale has a site with separate car parking. Then you could try various walks including a circular using the Pennine Way.

 I'm also planning to return to backpacking. Unlike you, I'm a cycle camper and have most of the gear. Plus the weatherproofs I bought for winter Triathlon training; by OMM. And a nice new(ish) OMM 'Villain' backpack & chestpouch.

 My intended route is the 50mile, circular, Calderdale Way as it's not too far away. Yet is in pleasant scenery.

 If you find backpacking is you I strongly advise you to join the Backpackers Club. Among their services are, online access to members website with club sites listing for Long Distance Footpaths or by county. Plus a discount map/guidebook sales dept. And a list of suppliers who offer discounts on kit purchases. There's also two big meets each year. AGM around Easter and an Xmas meet where you can buy kit etc. I have yet to get to either of these, but I've only been a member since last October.