On easy and moderate graded walks, in good or mild weather, you can often get away without wearing any kind of specialist clothing whatsoever, after all if you've ever been walking in easily accessible mountain areas in summertime you'll see people on summits in t-shirts, wearing sports shorts, in trainers and, on very accessible mountains such as Snowdon, you'll even see people in flip-flops. Unfortunately, in Britain we have very few days each year where caution can be thrown to the wind with such abandon - and we have very few elevated areas that are as accessible as Snowdon. To walk comfortably and safely in Britain in all weathers and seasons requires some specialist clothing.
The Ramblers' Association site contains some invaluable advice about outdoor footwear, clothing and equipment here but, in simple terms, you should dress in footwear and clothing suitable for the terrain you will be covering and the prevailing weather.
As a member of the RA you will enjoy a 10% discount on clothing and equipment from many outdoors stores. In addition, LYPWG members enjoy even greater discounts and monthly special offers at Cotswold Outdoors' Preston store. For further details click the Cotswold logo at the bottom of the page.
- Safety, comfort & functionality are more important than fashion
- Layering is a tried and tested methodology of dressing for the outdoors
- The higher the grade (easy, moderate, intermediate, hard, severe) you want to walk at the more technical your clothing will need to be and the more you'll need
- At any grade other than easy you should consider ditching jeans and trainers for lightweight walking trousers and boots/approach shoes
- At any grade above moderate you must ditch jeans and trainers for lightweight walking trousers and boots/approach shoes
- Elevated cost does not necessarily mean greater quality and protection, however don't expect a £10 waterproof from a market stall to protect you from more than three minutes of intense rain
For further guidance on what to wear on your walk please ask one of the New Member Team or a Walk Leader. Please note that if, in line with Ramblers' Association policy, you are inadequately dressed, equipped or fit for the walk you intend to join the Walk Leader may refuse to accept you as a participant.
When you join the Group through the Ramblers' Association you automatically qualify for extended discounts on a range of outdoorswear and equipment from Cotswold Outdoor's Preston Branch. Click the image link for further details.