Just to note we are talking about day walking here and of course, if you are going further and for longer then you will need more, bigger bag etc but this list is a pretty good starting point even for longer expeditions.
- A rucksack. In your rucksack you should have the following items in different compartments/bags so it is easy for you to find what you need and when.
- Food bag filled with Snacks, snacks, snacks. There are some great snacks out there such as mint cake, trail mix, dried fruit and nuts but not every one likes those so go for something that will keep your energy levels up and body going strong! Sweets, cereal bars, fruit, chocolate, carrot sticks. If you are going over lunch then take your lunch too. No matter what you think you will need take more just in case.
On a side note, when walking with children take treats galore! We try not to take anything that is small and individually wrapped as little hands can accidentally drop bits of paper. A big bag of sweets is much easier to grab a couple out of to get them over the next hill. We bake our own flapjack/banana cupcakes or cake as a bit of a reward to have at the top! Which can be kept in a tupperware, this can then be doubled up as a box for them to go and find natural treasures along the way!
- Hot drinks. If you are tea/coffee drinker then take a flask for the trip.
- Fluid is so important so take a large water bottle (or two if you can carry it.) As a walking family of 4 we take 3-4 large water bottles with us and normally have one of them when we get back to the car.
- Spare clothes/socks. I tend to take at the bottom of my rucksack spare socks
- Map (and compass) Learn how to use a map and compass. A map is a must, even on a known path sometimes they have been eroded or moved so it’s important to know your route before you go and keep to it when you are out in the fells.
- Toilet Roll/Tissue. Not just to blow your nose on but drying hands, using in first aid, drying your eyes when you are crying from walking too far! Just kidding!
- Basic first aid such as a few plaster goes along way especially if your are walking with children.
- Sun Protection – Hat, Sunglasses, Sunscreen.
- Your Mobile and make sure it is charged. There is a great app that works in connection with OS maps and you can plan your route on both phone and map before you go so be sure to look into that as well. Also if you do get into trouble you will be able to make that all important phone call. Handily most phones now have torches so this can work if you do get lost. Also, you can take pictures and record your journey through the Cumbrian Fells and Dales!
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