Do any of you enjoy backpacking/long distance footpaths?

[Yurtgirl]

Ok so I know it sounds mad but Im seriously thinking about walking long distance footpaths and backpacking all our stuff iyswim - in the UK

My lo's are no way near old enough now but am just wondering whether any MN were into this

Southern Upland Way

I fancy the Dales Way to get into this.

Years ago I bought a small 1.7kg Karrimor backpacking tent and we were going to do the coast To Coast. I then ripped a quad muscle and never did it, have sold the tent now. Have to admit I would be tempted to do it with b&bs if I did it now!

DH has done the whole SW coast path. There is a great book written by someone who did it, caled "500 mile walkies", very funny book.

MrsMarvel whereabouts do you live? If you're anywhere near Manchester, consider the Sale Walking group - dh and I used to belong before dd. They do lots of walks, weekends away and some social events.

dh and I fancy doing the Coast to Coast maybe the year after next. It would be by Sherpa though - If I'm going to walk that far I need a decent night's kip.

I would love to do this. I love walking and would walk til I drop but dh tends to run out of steam at about 20 miles. I've asked him a few times if he would like to do a walking holiday but he says no and I'm not sure what we would do with dd anyway.

I don't particularly like walking, but for some bizarre reason I have the urge to walk the South West Coast path, especially the Cornwall bit.

My plan is to do it in very, very small sections, probably not on consecutive days, and stay in some really nice hotels.

It's all a bit out of the question at the moment while dd is small though.

Ooo, you've sent me off remembering lots of lovely trips...

I've done a week of the Pennine Way, (and realised I should have done the Coast to Coast!) and parts of GR5 and the Tour of Mont Blanc in the last few years. (Not anymore - 6 month old...)

Can I suggest baggage forwarding service is a really great way of actually enjoying the walk, particularly if there are any very long legs.

And those really poncey walking poles are absolutely brilliant if you are carrying a full pack, helps you go uphill by distributing weight, and downhill by helping you balance.

South Downs Way is next on my hit list, but not for a good while I guess, although cycling it may be more achievable.

i love hiking. planning to do the coast to coast (st bees to robin hoods bay) next may with 11mth old. packhorse take bags and book b&b.s can't wait.

Did loads when i lived in NZ too. bit rougher, sleeping in cabins, small tent.

My DD does - with DUke of Edinburgh award scheme. She is now quite hooked and will gladly don the walking boots for a good yomp!

She has the tiniest tent & sleeping bag!

yes, partly the reaons we moved back to Devon to be near Dartmoor (memories of ten tors). Ds1 loves walking, but likes city walking (peering into houses); a pain as I'd love to get him tramping across Dartmoor. But he won't.

Ds2 hates walking, ds3 too young to tell.....