Those not carrying their home with them should find a 40- to 60-litre rucksack sufficient.

When packing, make sure you have all the things you are likely to need during the day near the top of the rucksack, or in the side pockets. I suggest that your guidebook, map, water bottle, camera, packed lunch and waterproofs should all be easy to grab. 

A good habit to establish is to always put things in the same place in your rucksack so you quickly learn where everything is. There is nothing more annoying than having to pull everything out of your pack to find that lost banana when you’re starving, or scrambling for your camera when there is a rare opportunity to photograph an owl perches on the rock next to you while you’re eating your lunch.

It’s also a good idea to keep everything in plastic bags (or a bin bag) in your rucksack to provide an extra waterproof layer.

Thinking about it, nearly all of this stuff can be replaced by a smartphone (which can be a camera, GPS, wallet, notebook and pen). So rather than carry a second bag, you can instead just carry a smartphone, as well as a charger/adaptor and battery pack.

Oh, and sweets – you’ll still need to pack sweets. The ‘app’ which emulates the pleasure of sucking on a sherbet lemon has yet to be invented.  And thank goodness for that. 

As for my waterproofs and water, I keep in the side pockets of the rucksack for easy access.

I’ve noticed that even though cheaper boots can sometimes still be very comfortable, and waterproof too, they are rarely particularly durable. Because I do a lot of this walking mullarkey, so I also like my boots to last a couple of years at least – which is why I tend to spend more on boots, because it saves me in the long-term. 

As for socks: some companies charge £10-20 for a pair of hiking socks, and some people are even willing to pay that much too. Others, such as myself, just buy cheap socks from a pound shop or supermarket (or, more likely, they’ve been given to me as a Christmas present), which are just as comfortable (in my opinion) and a fraction of the price.  Four-five pairs should be enough. I’ll often wear two pairs at a time to improve comfort and ward off blisters. 

A thin lightweight thermal top made from a synthetic material is better as it draws moisture away, keeping you dry. It will be cool if worn on its own in hot weather and warm when worn under other clothes in cooler conditions.

A spare would be sensible. Also bring a shirt or top for wearing in the evening.

For mid-layers, In the summer a woollen jumper or mid-weight polyester fleece will suffice. For the rest of the year you will need an extra layer to keep you warm. Both wool and fleece, unlike cotton, have the ability to stay reasonably warm when wet.

For the outer layer, a decent waterproof jacket is essential year-round and will be much more comfortable (but also more expensive) if it’s also ‘breathable’ to prevent the build up of condensation on the inside. This layer can also be worn to keep the wind off.

Whatever you wear on your legs it should be light, quick-drying and not restricting. Many British walkers find polyester tracksuit bottoms comfortable. Poly-cotton or microfibre trousers are excellent. Denim jeans should never be worn; if they get wet they become heavy, cold and bind to your legs. A pair of shorts is nice to have on sunny days. Thermal longjohns or thick tights are cosy if you’re camping but are probably unnecessary even in winter.

Waterproof trousers are necessary most of the year. In summer a pair of windproof and quick-drying trousers is useful in showery weather.

Gaiters are not really necessary but may come in useful in wet weather, when the vegetation around your legs is dripping wet.

As for other clothes, a warm hat and gloves should always be kept in your rucksack; you never know when you might need them. In summer you should also carry a sun hat with you, preferably one which covers the back of your neck. For cooling off on beaches, or in local swimming pools, take a swimsuit.

I then carry a coat that has several properties. It needs to be waterproof; it needs to packs down small; and thirdly, preferably, it should have some sort of thermal property too, so I don’t need to take a fleece as well (though I will pack a fleece if I’m walking particularly early or late in the year). 

As for the bottom half, I take several pairs of underwear (again, nothing fancy – I leave my best lingerie at home and advise you to do the same). Over those, well, zip-off trousers are the way to go for me – the ones that convert from being trousers to being shorts thanks to a couple of handy zips encircling the knees. They’re not going to win many style awards any time soon but they’re very ideal for the trail. I just use one, quick-drying pair.

It’s a bit of a risk taking only one item of leg-wear, but taking two pairs seems overkill to me. I used to carry waterproof trousers as well, but regard these as an unnecessary luxury now too.

Other clothes? Well, sunhat is vital, I think, but I get too hot in woolly hats when walking so leave that at home. I also leave gloves at home – again, I consider them unnecessary except in the depths of winter. 

You’ll also need a towel (if camping or staying in a hostel), razor, deodorant, tampons/sanitary towels and a high-factor sunscreen and/or lip balm.

A small first-aid kit could prove useful for those emergencies that occur along the trail. This kit should include aspirin or paracetamol; plasters for minor cuts; moleskin, Second Skin or some other treatment for blisters; a bandage or elasticated joint support for supporting a sprained ankle or a weak knee; antiseptic wipes; antiseptic cream; safety pins; tweezers and scissors.

You may sometimes encounter biting midges in the early morning or late evening between June and August so it’s worth taking insect repellent.

Don’t forget to bring any medicines you’re taking too!

However, do also remember that if he battery runs out or you lose or damage your phone, those apps will no longer be accessible. So make sure you have a back-up plan and don’t rely solely on the tracking and GPS apps to find your way. 

Useful

Many would list a camera/camera phone as essential but it can be liberating to travel without one once in a while; a notebook can be a more accurate way of recording your impressions (but remember to take some pens). Other items include a book to pass the time on train journeys; a pair of sunglasses; binoculars for observing wildlife; walking poles to take the strain off your knees and a vacuum flask for carrying hot drinks. Although the path is easy to follow a ‘Silva’ type compass could be a good idea.

Money

There are not usually many banks along a trail so you will have to carry a lot of your money in cash. A debit card is the easiest way to withdraw money either from banks or cash machines and a debit or credit card can be used to pay in most larger shops, restaurants and hotels. 

There are still a few B&Bs around Britain that insist that you pay by cash or cheque. And if you live in the last century and thus are still in possession of a cheque book you may want to bring it along, just in case. Remember to bring your debit card, too, to act as a guarantee.