So have I gone overboard then?
For a 12 km hike that might take 2 or 3 hours, yes! (My retired mum takes her dog for a walk that long sometimes and doesn't need a load of gear to do it!
) Have you stolen that photo from an American? Vermont Long Trail??? (Obvs if you're getting into it then no harm in buying equipment and trying it out on shorter hikes).Some comments though - get boots (if leather boots then make sure to break them in on shorter walks first - though soft gortex ones are perfectly fine too). Trainers could be fine for a short flat hike in Surrey especially if sticking to paths etc.. but otherwise get yourself some boots with ankle support.
Get good walking socks too - Bridgedale ones are pretty good IME. Essentially good boots and good socks can make a big difference between being comfy and being a bit miserable/in pain during a hike after getting blisters or twisting an ankle etc.
Also obvs everyone uses their mobile phones/GPS these days but if you're getting into hiking then try not to be completely reliant on it - if you've not used them before in say scouts or something then practice getting an OS map and a silva compass and learn how to use them - i.e. the magnetic adjustments you need to make when taking bearings (which are given on the map) what the symbols all mean etc.
All you really need for a short 2 - 3 hour hike (aside from the basic comfortable walking clothing and boots) is a small backpack with some food & water, warm clothing, a waterproof top and (if going somewhere remote rather than say busy footpaths - maybe some basic first aid kit, bivi bag/foil blanket, torch, extra water, small stove and metal mug/teabags etc..) especially in the case where you're in hilly or mountainous areas away from trails where someone may get injured.
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