Don’t lose out on life by wanting 'only the best!'

WITH walking, like any other pastime or hobby (or professional pursuit), there’s gear – and there’s more gear! Take up any activity, and you immediately enter a world of ‘must-have’ and ‘can’t do without!’ The trouble is, the list is endless.

Getting the best quality you can, and gradually accumulating what you need over time as you become more experienced, makes sense.  Rambling across desolate moorland or clambering over hills and dales with little more than trainers and a can of lager is asking for trouble.

But, equally, you can wait forever before you get the ‘right gear’ to make a start. And then it becomes a barrier. ‘I’ll start tomorrow when . . .’ or ‘I just need that fantastic pair of scientifically-engineered all-weather aerodynamic boots and I can really get going.’ No! You won’t! Because there’ll always be something else. There’ll always be that extra bit of equipment you need before you’re ready.

You DO need to think about what you’re embarking upon; you DO need appropriate gear; but you don’t need the latest and most expensive.

If you can afford it, and feel committed enough to justify the outlay, that’s great. But if it’s everyday stuff that’s comfortable and does the job – and you’re not too concerned about looking the part - then that’s fine. You can get started straight away. 

You could add years to your life in the time it takes to decide on the right pair of shoes!