Whether you’re a tourist or a local, one thing you can’t pass up on this summer is a peaceful walk along England’s numerous trails.
Walking opens you up to the country’s diverse landscapes. From the grassy heaths and rocky hills of the Peak District to a combination of coastal and countryside views on the 12-mile route from Rye to Hastings.
You can encounter trails of varying distances and levels of difficulty, so you can surely find something if you want to take it to the next level with a long-distance hike or simply go for beginner-friendly strolls. What matters most is you’re comfortable and well-prepared for any trail you decide to take on.
With summer finally in fully swing, here’s a handy guide on what to pack as you discover some of the best walking paths in England.
Water bottle
Regardless of which route you take, it’s important to stay hydrated when walking these long distances, especially considering summer in the UK often brings a heatwave. A high-quality refillable water bottle can go a long way, so be sure to fill it with healthy beverages like plain water, sports drinks, and fruit juices. Brands I love for keeping liquids cool and sealed are: Nalgene, Kleen Kanteen and Hydro Flask. If you’re going somewhere off the beaten path, you may wish to invest in a Larq drinking bottle, which also has a self-cleaning filtering system to purify water. I bought one for my trip to Kyrgyzstan last year so I could drink from the rivers during long walks.
A great example of a long and picturesque route that requires proper hydration is the Coast to Coast Walk along the breadth of Northern England. There’s also the alternative route that stretches for 199 miles and takes you to Walney Island, Cumbria, instead of the traditional trail that ends at Robin Hood’s Bay on the North Sea.
Waterproof Jacket
England is notorious for its ever-changing weather patterns. It can be sunshine and blue skies one minute and rainy and grey skies the next, but as the saying goes, ‘there’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing’. Packing a waterproof jacket on a full day walk or hike allows you to adapt to these sudden weather changes, keeping you dry and protected from the elements.
Hiking in wet clothes will not only prevent you from enjoying yourself, it can lead to discomfort, chafing, and potential health risks, such as catching a cold or worse, hypothermia. Wearing a waterproof jacket helps maintain your body’s core temperature by keeping you dry. It allows you to focus on enjoying the hike rather than worrying about getting soaked or cold. Brands that offer a wide range of reliable, high-quality waterproof jackets for outdoor adventures include Columbia, Patagonia, Montbell and Rab.
Sunglasses
Much more than just a fashionable accessory, sunglasses are essential eyewear to protect your eyes from ultraviolet (UV) rays. To add, sunglasses help you fully take in the amazing sunset views offered by trails like the 87-mile Ridgeway Trail or 100-mile South Downs Way without having to squint or strain your eyes.
Instead of settling for a regular pair, consider getting polarised sunglasses as their lenses are designed to reduce glare while also providing all-around protection from harsh sunlight. Popular eyewear brand Ray-Ban has polarised lens options for its classic and timeless sunglass styles like Clubmaster, Aviator, and Wayfarer—allowing you to stay stylish and protected throughout your walks.
Windbreaker
The wise walker knows that Mother Nature can be fickle, with unpredictable weather patterns that can quickly turn a serene summer day into a blustery affair. That’s where the humble windbreaker comes into play, offering a lightweight and versatile layer of protection against unexpected gusts and sudden temperature drops. Brands that have a range of great quality windbreakers include Patagonia, Mont Bell (pictured), Arc’teryx and Rab.
Crafted with advanced fabric technologies, a well-designed windbreaker shields you from chilly breezes while allowing heat and moisture to escape, ensuring comfort throughout the journey. Its compact and packable nature makes it a valuable companion, easily stowed away in a backpack until needed. So, whether it’s an exposed mountaintop in the Lake District or a breezy coastline in Sussex, donning a trusty windbreaker provides that extra layer of defense against the capricious whims of nature.
Sunscreen
While your skin is exposed to UV rays all year round, sunscreen is especially crucial in the summer as the weather gets warmer and you spend more time outdoors. So, aside from sunglasses, dermatologists recommend wearing sunscreen with a broad spectrum coverage. This protects from UVA light leading to skin damage and UVB light that causes a more visible burn.
Put on a generous amount of sunscreen before you set out on your walk, whether along the short Northumberland Coast Path or a challenging trail from Pothcurno to St. Ives in Cornwall. If you have sensitive skin, it’s advisable to use sunscreen from brands like Gossamer, as they have mineral ingredients that offer a more gentle experience.
Waterproof footwear
Lastly, your choice of footwear can make or break your entire walking experience. If you choose a path like the Hadrian’s Wall, it’s best to wear hiking shoes that provide enough support since you’ll be walking on hard surfaces most of the time. For rocky terrain (particularly when crossing the borders to Wales or Scotland) I suggest wearing a pair with additional ankle support. For flatter surfaces, trail shoes should do the trick. You can wear a lightweight pair from Danner or Scarpa for effortless hiking, or walking boots from Keen are known for their comfort and their range specialises for wider feet to ensure extra comfort. Whichever style or brand you go for, make sure they are waterproof. Even better, look out for goretex to provide long-lasting breathability and waterproofing amidst muddy patches.
Now I would say these above things are essential during summer, but depending on other factors such as your health and where you’re going, you might also want hiking poles, a head torch, camping equipment, light-weight towels and paracetamols.
What you take with you on the trail can significantly impact your safety, comfort and enjoyment along the way. Hopefully this guide will help you go on your next adventure with ease, discovering all England and the UK has to offer outdoors!
