Layered dressing

In the last few months we've had just about everything the weather can throw at us and even though it's been milder here and even the sun has appeared, who knows what's still to come. So how can walking remain a pleasure while the weather changes regularly? Solution - get into layered dressing and then you can take off/put on and always be dry and comfortable.


So what to wear? A light layer close to your skin, then a long sleeved top and finally a fleece. If very cold, a light fleece under the main one. If raining or very windy, a cagoul/waterproof instead of the fleece will keep the weather out. Hat, gloves, and scarf keep your extremities warm which make all the difference.

As you can see from the photo, gloves are in use and a hat and as it's an early part of the walk, jackets are still done up.

You don't need to have all the top gear at once, in fact in the wardrobe and drawers you probably have all you need. However, if you're going to get into walking seriously though, it's worth building up the gear bit by bit.

Go shopping at sale times and get yourself a bargain, hunt through the sports clothing at TK Maxx. I got all my summer walk tops there and a fleece or two and one of my walking group got a fabulous light but very warm North Face jacket there for less than half the price and she's really got her money's worth this winter.

Here are four of us in Peru? This photo was taken at the highest spot so there had been a fair amount of energy used and people were feeling warm, hence the fleeces tied round the waists. Hats on due to the sun and I'm wearing shorts and Teresa has cropped trousers on. Both these are actually parts of full length trousers, we've just zipped off bits as the day warmed up. For a walk/trek somewhere like Peru these trousers are ideal as the day starts off cold and warms up so you want to be able to make changes to what you're wearing.

When I first started developing my kit, there were very few specialist women's walking wear, now it abounds and the materials get lighter and lighter but warmer and more efficient all the time. There's so much choice.

Your boots or walking shoes are the things that you do have to go to a specialist shop for especially at the beginning. It's vital to get the right ones. Later when you know what suits you can grab a bargain.