We have tried to provide as much kit so you are equipped for this experience without having to splash out and buy new things. Indeed we want to make this trip affordable to all of you. As you will have seen, you will need to provide your own walking boots.

Below are a few things to consider if you will be buying boots for the trip

An enormous range of walking boots is now available. As well as heavy, robust boots for rugged conditions, there are lighter boots for summer walking, and though traditional leather uppers remain popular, lighter, "breathable" waterproof fabrics are also used. Boots are increasingly available to suit different sorts of feet, in narrow and wide, and men's and women's fittings, and you can even get boots made to measure, at a price.

What you choose will depend on when and where you want to walk, your budget and your personal preferences, and the perfect boot for one walker will rarely suit another walker, so it's worth taking some time to find out what's around.

When choosing your boots, remember:
  * look for proper walking boots from a good outdoor shop: beware of high street
    fashion boots that look like walking boots but will not give you the comfort or
    protection you need
* boots are best worn with thick socks, so wear a pair of walking socks when trying
   them on, or ask the shop to lend you a pair
* take time choosing, ask for advice, and above all else make sure the boot feels
   comfortable
* when laced, the boot should hold firmly around your entire foot without it
   feeling too cramped, your heel should not move, and your big toe should not be
   pressing against the uppers
* feet expand during the day so go shopping in the afternoon
* try to visit a shop with an incline board so you can test boots for your downhill
   foot position, or stand with the heel on a small step and the toe on the floor.
   If your foot slips forward when going downhill it’s not the right boot for you
* if you can’t find boots that fit well, ask the shop about footbeds or insoles

We do not normally recommend using second hand footwear: as footwear moulds to its owner's feet and can cause discomfort and blisters if worn by someone else once worn in.