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Walking Gear and Equipment
The Cotswolds is an area of southwest England that comprises approximately 790 square miles of outstanding natural beauty. It is an especially popular destination among international tourists who want to see quintessential England – at least, that is, as a country perceived to be untouched by time (meaning free from crime, pollution, concrete jungles and hoodies!). In many respects, this is a fair description of the Cotswolds. Visitors will be forgiven at times for thinking that they have stepped back in time 300 years, as they cast their eyes across the gentle rolling hillsides, sleepy meadows, roaming river valleys, beech woods and quaint market towns.
Indeed, the Cotswolds is an idllyic destination not just for foreign fantasists but also for nature enthusiasts across the country. Not only is the Cotswolds awash with outstanding natural beauty, it contains adorable limestone villages that truly captivate the imagination and excellent places to stop for food, shopping and accommodation.
Walking and Hiking Gear and Equipment
As any experienced hiker would tell you, appropriate gear and equipment is not just important – it is absolutely critical. First and foremost, even the gentle English countryside can be a dangerous place as steep limestone hills, flash floods or variable weather conditions (which commonly cause hypothermia even in the summer months) can cause death or serious injury.
The first essential piece of equipment that a hiker must choose is, not surprisingly, a good pair of boots. In fact, if planning a trek in the spring or summer time, a hiker would be advised to buy a pair of sandals too, as trapping heat in boots can be uncomfortable and potentially dangerous in exceptionally hot conditions. Merrell walking shoes are lightweight, durable and provide excellent grip over difficult terrain. Furthermore, the Chameleon Wrap shoe is a perfect choice for wet and muddy conditions and also performs well in warmer conditions, making it an all-purpose favourite.
We both use Merrell light hiking boots and walking shoes for walking in England and at home in New Mexico.
Choosing the right socks is also important as they must provide adequate moisture absorption whilst retaining breathability. Too heavy or light a sock can make your walk uncomfortable.
Equally, hiking pants should be extremely tough, durable and waterproof in order to avoid rips, tears and to protect the skin from cuts and nasty creatures such as tics and leeches.
Furthermore, an appropriate jacket should be both water resistant and lightweight. With this in mind, the Merrell Breaker Jacket is perfect for excursions into the Cotswolds.
A fleece jacket should also be purchased for a journey, even if the temperatures are mild when you set off – never be caught without all necessary equipment, which would also include walking poles and backpacks. With regard to the latter, choose a size that provides enough capacity to store all your essential equipment but do not buy too big a pack as to slow your journey down!
Finally, it is important that you purchase your hiking equipment from a reputable source and in that respect buyers need look no further than Merrell in the UK. Happy walking!
