Walking

[philtorestor]

I am seventy three and want to go on organised walking trips to meet a friend. Two to three days will be fine. We live 150 miles apart so each would need to travel by car then stay at B & B's. We also need advise on appropriate gear, where to buy it and approx cost

[Ethel]

Have you any idea of where you would like to go for your holiday? Have you any experience of walking in that sense?

Saga specialise in holidays for the over 50s and although expensive is usually excellently catered.

Other independent companies provide guided walks with different overnight stops - luggage transported for you - or from one hotel or b&b, and transport to different starting points.

Where you go and the time of year will determine the gear you need - walking boots are a must, and the sooner bought the more comfortable they will be. No need to pay silly money (some are several hundreds of pounds) but �60 or so should get you adequate breathable, waterproof boots.

Goretex jacket will be breathable, waterproof and windproof and goretex overtrousers will keep your legs warm and dry.
The cost of goretex has fallen in last few years so you should be able to get a good jacket for around �50 - maybe less in the sale.

And comfortable trousers, shirts and jumpers should see you through - jeans and sweatshirts if you wear that sort of thing. Comfort is the most important.

A small but sturdy backpack will carry your drinks and lunch.

Can we have some idea of where you'd like to holiday, the time of year and your expectations?

[philtorestor]

Ethel. Thank you so much. I will now surf the web to find all these places you mention. I was thinking of somewhere like Wiltshire but am quite flexible to have anywhere within say three hours drive from Thanet where I live.

[Ethel]

This is for next year - there are breaks before then, but May is lovely for walking. A three night walking holiday in Wiltshire:

http://www.foottrails.co.uk/walking_weekend_ma y_bank_holiday.html

The sad thing is, you could probably have a week in Spain cheaper.

[philtorestor]

Thank you again Ethel. Very thoughtful. You are right about Spain being cheaper maybe. I think I could cut the cost quite a lot by arranging the trip myself. This would take time of course but I have plenty of that and am not restricted to busy bank holidays, so would possibly plan it mid week or an off peak time. Thanks again. Phil