Hints and Tips for C2C
Added: Thu, 23 Feb 2006 06:56am by Johnno to General C2C
Hints and Tips for Coast to Coast
When walking, walk at the speed of your slowest walker. Trying to make members of your group walk faster than they are comfortable with will only tire them out!
When making your packed lunches think carefully. You want to include some high-energy foods such as chocolate bars and biscuits. It may be advisable to drink water or juice instead of fizzy drinks like coke and lemonade, as these will only dehydrate you in the long run!
Also remember to pack your lunches in a sturdy container, as they will get knocked about in your bag. Remember foods like yogurts will always find a way to leak or explode!
When walking try not to race or keep up with any groups who overtake you. You may be overtaken lots of times but don’t worry about it, they will probably end up tiring themselves out, and it isn’t about who crosses the line first, but about the time you complete it in!
Even though the weather forecast may look great and it may be spring, it can get very cold when you are out walking, even on a sunny day. Always carry a warm hat and gloves in your bag!
On the other hand, always make sure you pack a sun hat and sun cream, when you are walking you may not notice how hot it is until you reach the campsite at the end of the day, when it’s too late! Walking when sun burnt is very uncomfortable!
Very importantly, never wear brand new hiking boots! It sounds obvious but so many people turn up in boots they bought yesterday. Boots need wearing in for at least a week beforehand to mould them to the shape of your foot; otherwise you will end up with very sore feet indeed!
As mentioned in the kit list, don’t walk in jeans! They are not made for long distance walking and when it rains (as it often does) they become very heavy and very cold!
Tighten your bag straps for walking. Even though it may be cool to wonder round school with you bag dragging at your feet it isn’t so good for C2C! Nobody cares what you look like, but when your bag pulls down on your spine, it won’t do you any good!
Remember the Country Code! A lot of the land that you will be walking in is private, owned by farmers. You wouldn’t want somebody wondering through your garden scaring your pets, leaving gates open and chucking litter everywhere!
It may be a good idea to bring along some entertainment for the evening of day 1. When it gets dark you may find you get very bored inside your tent. A pack of cards may be fun! No electricals though! (see kitlist)
