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Found some Jack Wolfskin Texapore mid which look nice, are they an alright brand?
Also quite like the look of adidas offering but i suppose they're not a big walking brand:
ADIDAS TERREX AX3 MID GORE-TEX
 
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Found some Jack Wolfskin Texapore mid which look nice, are they an alright brand?
Also quite like the look of adidas offering but i suppose they're not a big walking brand:
ADIDAS TERREX AX3 MID GORE-TEX

Currently wearing a pair of AX3 daily, first time I've tried the Terrex range. Think I paid £53 on Amazon and for that money they've been pretty good.
First few wears it seemed like the heel collar was quite low and the footbeds quite thick but soon got used to them, the inner lining of the heel has a horizontal stitch through it which has split with me but not bothering me that much yet, soles are pretty hard wearing too.
 
Currently wearing a pair of AX3 daily, first time I've tried the Terrex range. Think I paid £53 on Amazon and for that money they've been pretty good.
First few wears it seemed like the heel collar was quite low and the footbeds quite thick but soon got used to them, the inner lining of the heel has a horizontal stitch through it which has split with me but not bothering me that much yet, soles are pretty hard wearing too.
one of the reviews ive since found has shown some of the material around the side coming apart. makes you wonder if they're a little lacking on quality control.
 
Can anyone recommend a good pair of walking trousers? Need something I can walk the dog in, which will protect me a bit from the rain (but don't need full waterproof). Don't want to spend a lot if possible!
 
Personally I wear the mountain equipment comici (light weight stretchy climbing/walking softshell trousers, fairly close fitting) as my normal walking trousers, and have a pair of mountain equipment ibex trousers for colder weather (bit heavier and slightly warmer, less close fitting). They are both pretty wind resistant (but quite breathable) and have a water resistant coating. To be honest the coating won't keep you dry for long if it's wet, but it can stop them getting soaked if there's a brief shower. Once they are wet they aren't too uncomfortable though, and do dry pretty quickly. May not fulfil your price criteria, but if you keep an eye out online then occasionally there'll be a good sale somewhere and you can get them half price.
 
I've just had a pair CimAlp Explore H trousers arrive. Couldn't justify them at £129 but currently on offer at £65

https://www.cimalp.co.uk/en/hiking-...tain-trousers.html?id_product_attribute=13691

Fit on the waist is good for me, a little bit more room in the thigh would be good but I have big upper legs and the material does stretch.

There's also the Hoggar 2 which is sold as waterproof for £69

https://www.cimalp.co.uk/en/hiking-trousers/1243-waterproof-hiking-trousers-3269942929672.html
 
My mrs is always moaning about getting fit but never wants to do normal stuff like go running or to the gym so might take her walking she might like that.
I've found maps for : Catbells / Wansfell pike, Castle Crag, Rosthwaite and Watendlath. They are all classed as easy so should be ok for the beginner.

As for kit i now have walking boots as does the mrs
I have a camelbak that i use for mountain biking that is quite large
I have golf waterproofs but theyre a bit knackered now.

Presume i'm best of with :
First Aid kit
Waterproofs - is it best to get waterproof trousers or just the really lightweight ones that go over normal trousers . I have countless jackets that i could wear
Plenty of food / water
Maps - i have ordered some OS ones for the lake district
Compass - just grab any or is there ones that are recommended?
Phone and power bank
spare socks
Change / cash

That sound alright?
 
My mrs is always moaning about getting fit but never wants to do normal stuff like go running or to the gym so might take her walking she might like that.
I've found maps for : Catbells / Wansfell pike, Castle Crag, Rosthwaite and Watendlath. They are all classed as easy so should be ok for the beginner.

As for kit i now have walking boots as does the mrs
I have a camelbak that i use for mountain biking that is quite large
I have golf waterproofs but theyre a bit knackered now.

Presume i'm best of with :
First Aid kit
Waterproofs - is it best to get waterproof trousers or just the really lightweight ones that go over normal trousers . I have countless jackets that i could wear
Plenty of food / water
Maps - i have ordered some OS ones for the lake district
Compass - just grab any or is there ones that are recommended?
Phone and power bank
spare socks
Change / cash

That sound alright?
Those destinations sound like good places to start, should be a nice intro to hill walking without being too committing (depending on where exactly you're going - but I'd suggest most people with an OK fitness level can probably manage a walk of up to 15km and maybe 500m ascent without too much of a problem, depending on conditions, terrain underfoot, etc - will have to work out what's comfortable for you both yourself though, so start off with something you think will be easy and go from there). Catbells in particular is a very popular one!

Personally I take waterproof trousers (by which I mean overtrousers) with me pretty much all the time unless it's summer and there's a solid clear skies no rain forecast. Most of the time I don't use them, but nice to have as wet trousers aren't nice and if the temperature drops can make you cold quite quickly. You can probably get away without them for short walks where you aren't going up any big mountains and the forecast is ok, but personally I think its a good idea to have them anyway. If you don't want to splash the cash (which is all too easy to do with outdoor equipment!) you could get some quite cheap ones to start with and then upgrade later if you find yourself doing lots of walking. The really cheap ones often don't have side zips so you have to take boots off to put them on (which will probably result on you not bothering to put them on!), but at least if you really need them the option's there.

Traditionally Silva has been the only compass brand that people would recommend (possibly Suunto too), although to be honest these days their quality (I'm going by other people's reviews here) seems to have dropped off a bit, and there are lots of cheap alternatives which are probably just as good, especially for an entry level no frills option. I'd probably go for a cheap one to start with and it will likely do everything you need it to for years (just keep it away from your phone and any other electronics / magnets!)

Looks like you've got all the important things on your list to me :).

Depends on the conditions, but maybe also consider:
  • Sun cream / hat / sunglasses if it's sunny
  • Hat & gloves if there's any chance it might get chilly
  • Small mat or plastic bag to sit on can be very nice if you want to stop for lunch somewhere grassy but don't want a wet bum!
  • Head torch
  • Waterproof map case
  • Shelter such as a 'bothy bag' or an emergency bivvy bag - possibly not essential for low level walks, but don't cost that much and not too bulky, so nice to have in the bottom of your Rucksack just in case.
  • Whistle (only to be used for attracting help in emergencies) - you might well already have one as they often come along with other stuf , but if not may be worth having, should only be a quid or so.

Loads of other stuff you 'could' get, but if you're starting out on easy relatively short walks then think you've covered all your bases.

Just a couple of other things to mention are that weather can be a bit different up a mountain than in the nearest town, so take a look at a website like this before setting off: https://www.mwis.org.uk/

Also car parks at popular locations will be very busy at the moment, particularly at the weekend - make sure you arrive early and maybe have a couple of car parking spots in mind in case the one you wanted originally is full.
 
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My mrs is always moaning about getting fit but never wants to do normal stuff like go running or to the gym so might take her walking she might like that.
I've found maps for : Catbells / Wansfell pike, Castle Crag, Rosthwaite and Watendlath. They are all classed as easy so should be ok for the beginner.

As for kit i now have walking boots as does the mrs
I have a camelbak that i use for mountain biking that is quite large
I have golf waterproofs but theyre a bit knackered now.

Presume i'm best of with :
First Aid kit
Waterproofs - is it best to get waterproof trousers or just the really lightweight ones that go over normal trousers . I have countless jackets that i could wear
Plenty of food / water
Maps - i have ordered some OS ones for the lake district
Compass - just grab any or is there ones that are recommended?
Phone and power bank
spare socks
Change / cash

That sound alright?
First and foremost, from where are you starting, where will you be staying?
Parking anywhere in the Lake District at thjis point in time is "tricky" and there will be loads of camper vans about.

Catbells - there are a few "scrambly" bits if you are approaching from the North - not too bad but may put off some nervous beginners.
Castle Crag - easy but once again, may scare the "easily scared".
Rostwaite is a village (I believe) rather than a walk as such; it is a good starting point for a number of walks.
Watendlath (from Rosthwaite) is quite a long but perfectly safe uphill slog (again, for any unfit beginner).

You need to think in terms of "circular" walks, ideally that allow for good parking or that are near your base - and I would suggest Keswick as a base. Latrigg is a good starter walk and then go on to High Rigg. Buttermere is an easy walk and is very beautiful. Around Derwentwater, starting from Keswick is a 20Km flat walk.

As to kit, I think that you may be overdoing what you are carrying:
  • Forget waterproof trousers or over-trousers, they really aren't essential at this time of year; just get some decent walking trousers, ideally with removable lower legs - but not tight ones!
  • Adequate water is probably more important than food although a "sugar-rush" will always help prior to or during an ascent.
  • A 1:25,000 OS map is certainly a good (essential) idea - it will include a code that you can use to access it with a Smartphone - for God's sake keep any compass as far away from a Smartphone as possible! I would also suggest a see-through map bag.
  • Forget the power bank, just make sure the phone is fully charged before setting out and you will probably not have a signal for much of the time anyhow.
  • I have never carried spare socks, I just invest in decent ones to start with - I do carry a spare T-shirt and I always carry a fleece as well - just in case.

Two final bits of advice:
  1. Spend time studying and as far as possible memorising your route on a map BEFORE setting off.
  2. Think very carefully about what you are carrying, it will typically be too much (too heavy) and you will probably find that you have still forgotten something really useful - in my case, Factor 50 sun block.
Incidentally, I take it that you are not camping (in which case things will be different) or "wild camping". Buses are infrequent but a handy way of getting to a start point if you decide to go for a linear walk (e.g. from Rosthwaite, Seatoller or Buttermere.
 

Thanks Only thing of the list i've not just got is : Hat/Gloves and a shelter. I've got some hats and gloves somewhere abouts and the shelter i'll have a look when i go up into the main lake district area as i'll get an idea of the size and how they fit into the bag. Also treat myself to this : https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B07B1QHHMN/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 £20 cheaper being in a greenish colour. If we emjoy it and stick out for the summer i'll look into proper winter wear in Autumn time. Get inspired by two couple of Facebook who are doing the wainrights, looks really rewarding. One of them takes there sheepdog with them, my Old English bulldog lays down part way around a walk normally as hes knackered so dont think i';ll be taking him haha
 
First and foremost, from where are you starting, where will you be staying?
Parking anywhere in the Lake District at thjis point in time is "tricky" and there will be loads of camper vans about.
I won't need to stay as they're not to far away, the routes have parking points noted on them so i was going to find them, if not available find the nearest spot.

Catbells - there are a few "scrambly" bits if you are approaching from the North - not too bad but may put off some nervous beginners.
Castle Crag - easy but once again, may scare the "easily scared".
Rostwaite is a village (I believe) rather than a walk as such; it is a good starting point for a number of walks. - It's this one: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/borrowdale/trails/rosthwaite-round-fells-tarn-and-beck-walk
Watendlath (from Rosthwaite) is quite a long but perfectly safe uphill slog (again, for any unfit beginner).

You need to think in terms of "circular" walks, ideally that allow for good parking or that are near your base - and I would suggest Keswick as a base. Latrigg is a good starter walk and then go on to High Rigg. Buttermere is an easy walk and is very beautiful. Around Derwentwater, starting from Keswick is a 20Km flat walk. thanks will take a look

As to kit, I think that you may be overdoing what you are carrying:
  • Forget waterproof trousers or over-trousers, they really aren't essential at this time of year; just get some decent walking trousers, ideally with removable lower legs - but not tight ones!
  • Adequate water is probably more important than food although a "sugar-rush" will always help prior to or during an ascent.
  • A 1:25,000 OS map is certainly a good (essential) idea - it will include a code that you can use to access it with a Smartphone - for God's sake keep any compass as far away from a Smartphone as possible! I would also suggest a see-through map bag. thanks i purchased the OS maps and a clear waterproof map holder. I will look out for the code.
  • Forget the power bank, just make sure the phone is fully charged before setting out and you will probably not have a signal for much of the time anyhow. Thanks
  • I have never carried spare socks, I just invest in decent ones to start with - I do carry a spare T-shirt and I always carry a fleece as well - just in case. i've got some socks on the way, some warm weather ones and ones for the winter (i always get cold feet).

Two final bits of advice:
  1. Spend time studying and as far as possible memorising your route on a map BEFORE setting off. Noted :)
  2. Think very carefully about what you are carrying, it will typically be too much (too heavy) and you will probably find that you have still forgotten something really useful - in my case, Factor 50 sun block.
Incidentally, I take it that you are not camping (in which case things will be different) or "wild camping". Buses are infrequent but a handy way of getting to a start point if you decide to go for a linear walk (e.g. from Rosthwaite, Seatoller or Buttermere. Nope no camping planned at any point this year.
Also have Grizedale and Whinlatter within distance which have sign posted routes for starting
 
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Thanks Only thing of the list i've not just got is : Hat/Gloves and a shelter. I've got some hats and gloves somewhere abouts and the shelter i'll have a look when i go up into the main lake district area as i'll get an idea of the size and how they fit into the bag. Also treat myself to this : https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B07B1QHHMN/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 £20 cheaper being in a greenish colour. If we emjoy it and stick out for the summer i'll look into proper winter wear in Autumn time. Get inspired by two couple of Facebook who are doing the wainrights, looks really rewarding. One of them takes there sheepdog with them, my Old English bulldog lays down part way around a walk normally as hes knackered so dont think i';ll be taking him haha
Sounds good, and yeah Keswick and Ambleside are great places to buy outdoor equipment - lots of options. Good idea not to go overboard at the start - if it turns into a regular hobby then worth getting some more high-end kit, but if after a few walks you decide it'll be a much more occasional thing then not really worth blowing hundreds of pounds on all the gear.

For reference with the shelter, this is the sort of bothy bag I'd be looking at:
https://www.trekitt.co.uk/32740/pro...-wBP2lN3387WCFr1lXeW5ovnh_r62_hxoCLLwQAvD_BwE
Or this sort of thing for an emergency bivvy bag:
https://www.trekitt.co.uk/34503/products/adventure-medical-emergency-bivvy.aspx
Probably not essential for low level walks at this time of year, but nice to have anyway, and I'd certainly want something like that with me if I was going out walking somewhere more remote or later in the year, just in case (some people would say you should have both, but that seems like overkill for me, at least when you're doing relatively easy walks that don't take you too far off the beaten path).

Yeah having a target like going up all the Wainwrights can be rewarding, and a good way to force you to explore new areas! Have been wondering about trying to do them all myself... And indeed, some dogs are more up for long walks than others, and it could be a pain anyway if it would drag on the lead whenever a sheep walked by or something.
 
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We are regular Lakes visitors, but have never seen the area as busy as it currently is. The parking on and around some of the popular walks is appalling and for the first time I have seen police issuing fixed penalty fines to the worst offenders.
 
Fit on the waist is good for me, a little bit more room in the thigh would be good but I have big upper legs and the material does stretch.
had never heard of cimalp, seems predominately french - are there any reviews of their products .?
all I could see ... which, bizarrely, confirms thigh issue for that brand.
https://www.test-materiel-outdoor.fr/news/220/61/Rockfit-III-CimAlp/d,Sampleb.html

Can anyone recommend a good pair of walking trousers? Need something I can walk the dog in, which will protect me a bit from the rain (but don't need full waterproof). Don't want to spend a lot if possible!
I usually use polartec 200 type trousers ... the likes of rab power stretch, lot's of freedom/flexibility, dry quickly if damp
 
had never heard of cimalp, seems predominately french - are there any reviews of their products .?
all I could see ... which, bizarrely, confirms thigh issue for that brand.
https://www.test-materiel-outdoor.fr/news/220/61/Rockfit-III-CimAlp/d,Sampleb.html

I usually use polartec 200 type trousers ... the likes of rab power stretch, lot's of freedom/flexibility, dry quickly if damp

I found via CimAlp from OutdoorsMagic. "Best" trouser list https://outdoorsmagic.com/article/best-walking-trousers/ and then full review https://outdoorsmagic.com/article/cimalp-explore-h-pants-review/#bHIRq62y16wXYrOH.97

I'd like to try some Montane Terra at some point, though the discounted prices are always on the interesting colours or odd sizes.
 
We are regular Lakes visitors, but have never seen the area as busy as it currently is. The parking on and around some of the popular walks is appalling and for the first time I have seen police issuing fixed penalty fines to the worst offenders.

It's been the same over in North Wales and the Peak as well. Around the honey pot areas at least. I've been avoiding the popular crags as they're just so busy.
 
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We are regular Lakes visitors, but have never seen the area as busy as it currently is. The parking on and around some of the popular walks is appalling and for the first time I have seen police issuing fixed penalty fines to the worst offenders.
I'm expecting I'll have to set off early to get parked anywhere. There's supposed to be a nice walk near greenodd which will be easy enough to get parked for.
 
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