Walking

I’ve done quite a lot of longish walks.
Some great advice already but for what it’s worth here’s a couple more bits:
I use a moisturiser on my feet (currently using flexitol, but used to use any old moisturiser) and I apply it every day. That keeps the skin supple, which in my case prevents hotspots and cracks.
Foot care is really important.
If you have the training time I’d suggest doing two longish walks or even three back to back. The first walk is easy but the second one if you do it immediately is tough and the third one tougher still. That really tests everything from socks to psyche.
I walk 25 miles in one day, and then walk back the next day, getting going as quickly as possible, no faffing around with breakfast. Eat snacks on the go. I eat dried figs dates and apricots and salty cheesy biscuits or crisps and fresh fruit. I avoid sugary snacks.
Change your socks. Try and do this really quickly, shouldn’t take more than a couple of minutes, then tie the old socks somewhere they can dry. If it pisses with rain that doesn’t work but putting dry socks on when your feet feel a bit clammy is so reenergising!
I am also in the habit of sending someone a voice message at predetermined intervals, I use FB messenger, record something about the route or how I’m doing then wait for a response. I then work out my reply and send it once I’ve reached the planned time/ location, and I keep a video diary on my phone. All that gives me something to do as I’m walking. Hope that helps!

This stuff is meant to be very good at keeping your feet in good order over big distances and through wet conditions https://trenchfootcream.co.uk/

Just found this thread.
We did the Saints Way from Padstow to Fowey back in April. I can’t say I’d recommend it. It was heavily reliant on roads, nice quiet ones, but it made for punishing going.

Anyone walked the length of Chesil beach? Really appeals for some reason. I’m aware of the various restrictions on when you can and can’t do it, but I’d be interested if anyone has.

I've walked ON Chesil Beach.... the shingle would be brutal after a while

As above, have walked on it, have Zero desire to walk the length of it

Cheers, yep I've walked on it plenty and I like the idea for the reason that it's tough and very isolated. This half term would have been an option but we're seeing friends in wales instead.

Useful site for the Lakes
https://www.wainwrightsin21.co.uk/

My Salomon's have started falling apart, anyone recommend some nice walking boots that will last a long time?

1. Max £200
   
2. For winter and summer use, so wet and dry conditions
   
3. Boot style rather than shoe style.
   
   

If you happen to be a size 9.5 I’ve some adidas Terrex gtx that I’ve used three times, but don’t quite fit me that I’m looking to sell!

Id recommend them though (in the right size!) - they’re a proper “boot” but very well cushioned, and just comfortable to wear. I bought them for Suillven and surrounding hills back earlier this year, and they’re really good for both the really rocky stuff where trail running shoes can falter but also the long walks on tarmac where walking boots often suck. Really can’t fault them, with the exception that they (at least the gore tex gtx ones) are quite volumous- i have super narrow feet which just don’t seem to fill the space. I find my feet slip forward in the boots on descents.

I can’t imagine getting old-style boots ever again for general hill walking type stuff.

I'm not a 9.5 sadly, but will give them a look. Sports Direct seem to be having a bit of a sale on terrex gtx boots too!

I rate my zamberlan 996 boots .

I bought these recently. They aren’t the lightest but good solid and stable.

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These are ugly but I rate Scapa and a great price
https://www.hotukdeals.com/share-deal-from-app/4225665

Dunno if it’s what your after but I bought these earlier this year, expecting them to be trail runners but they’re more like boots.

https://www.clarks.com/en-gb/atl-trek-run-gore-tex/26172694-p

They’ve been great to me though.
Got me through a week in the Balkans and a few days in wales.

Hadn’t really considered Clark’s previously, but obviously massive range of sizes.

I really rate Merrell Moab's, did more than 5,000km before they started to wear out around the seams, still fine to use but not as waterproof. Waterproof, breathable and reasonably lightweight and you can get a pair for about £85, bit more for the boots.

Just in your budget
I bought a pair 18 years ago. About five years ago I bought a second pair as I suspected the first were coming close to the end of their life expectancy. Both are still going strong. The newer pair gets used on the longer walks but the older pair is still serviceable although the tread is well worn and they leak a bit. No membrane so they don’t get sweaty if used on warm days but perfectly waterproof nonetheless. They come in half sizes too.

Just managed to score a pair of the Moab 3 Gore-Tex boots for £77 from SportsShoes.com (using their 10% off code).

Will be putting them to fairly good use this year as I'm aiming to do all 24 sections of the London Loop.

Nice. The London Loop is great, the sections around Erith and Barnet are particularly good.

I did the Erith to Bexley section on Sunday, which was terrific. It also showed me I needed some new boots as my old Hi-Tech pair were a bit heavy and unwieldy.

Hopefully doing section three at the weekend in new boots.

Does anyone know of any good multi day walks in France for a trip in June with stops in AirBNB/Hostel/Hotel rather than camping? Me and my partner did the North Downs Way from Rochester to Dover and then back along to Canterbury last year over 5 days and we're looking for something similar and I kind of fancy France. All but one of the days ranged from about 30-37km and looking for a similar daily distance.

Would be great if it can be accessed and returned by train from London. Something that has a historic significance or something is also a plus, we liked the link to the Pilgrims' Way on the North Downs Way for example. I've started to have a look at the Pilgrims' routes of France but haven't got far into it yet.

I’m giving this thread a bump as I’m planning to do a 10 day walk soon and I’ve never done anything like that before.
I used to live near Dartmoor so have done an overnight and I currently have been cycle touring for the last 7 months so that side of it is pretty sorted.

My camping stove, tent etc is probably heavier than I’d like as it’s all bought with long term cycling in mind rather than ultra light, so I’m a little worried about the weight.

One difference I found is it is easier to nip into a town etc on the bike, on foot more important to plan ahead a bit. The weight I didn't have a problem with, took cycle touring stuff fine.

Thanks that’s a good point.
I’m not sure about route yet but I’ll definitely keep this in mind