The truth is that the Peak District has some testing conditions for Boots. The paths are often muddy requiring good soles. Also the peat that makes up much of the Dark Peak can ruin any stitching even on the most expensive boots. Perhaps one of the most important tasks is to keep your boots clean to preserve them. Given these features it is probably not worth paying a lot of money for boots, some comfortable waterproof well fitting boots are best. Leather or fabric - you decide.

There are two reasons for wearing gaiters in the peak, especially when walking away from the paths and in the Dark Peak. It stops stones and peat getting down into your boots; keeping everything clean. Also, when walking through bracken and long grass, it stops ticks getting onto your legs as easily.

Good quality well fitting walking socks will keep your feet comfortable, with fewer blisters. Just one pair of socks and just above boot level are best.

Never never wear jeans out in the Peak District. The slightest rain will soak in, make these heavy and wet and suck out the heat from your legs. In hot weather shorts are great. At other time some specialist walking trousers are best. No need for the top of the range full mountain trousers but some comfortable cheaper alternative that you are not afraid to get muddy, because if you go out a lot you will get muddy.

It does rain in the peak District and to combat the possibility of wet legs some lightweight waterproof and breathable overtrousers are a good investment. Overtrousers with a full length zip, or at least a zip that makes getting the trousers on with your boots on is essential. In general you pay more for overtrouseres made for the better more breathable fabrics. Whilst lightweight is good, too lightweight can lead to ripped trousers.

The best way to keep warm, or cool dependent on the weather, is to wear a base layer. Many will wear a cotton t-shirt but these just soak up the sweat, become damp and, becomes useless as a piece of clothing. A base layer, that re not expensive, will wick away the perspiration and do their job whatever the weather.

There are many and varied fleeces around, at a wide variety of prices and variety of thicknesses. A simple micro-fleece is best for walking in the countryside. Whether this is full zip or half zip is up to the wearer. Either way, it is useful to have a coupe of pockets to put buts and pieces including your phone.

Waterproof and breathable jackets vary in price from £40 to £400. What do you get for your money? The material is often a big difference with different levels of breathability and waterproofness. These days there is less difference than you may expect. A nice jacket with at least two pockets, a wrap around hood is what you need. The rest is style and colour. But, for walking around the Peak district there is no need for a top of the range mountaineering jacket designed for winter in the Alps. Although, you wmay want to nvest in a better jacket than you would use on the golf course.

A Hat. Whether this is to keep out the sun or keep in the heat, a hat is essential. In summer a wide variety of sun hats can be seen out in the hills - a simple cap is often all that is needed. For colder daya a woolen hat is essential to keep the heat loss from the head at a minimum.

Seal Skin have a great range of waterproof gloves, many quite lightweight. These gloves, or something similar, are great out in the Peak District

• Torch is there is any danger of the sun seeting whilst you are out
• A basic first aid kit to treat those minor ailments
• A mobile phone - whilst coverage is not ubiquitous, this is the best way to call for help is needed. Remember to keep this fully charges when you leave and maybe take spare older phone just for emergencies

A mobile phone - whilst coverage is not ubiquitous, this is the best way to call for help is needed. Remember to keep this fully charged when you leave and maybe take spare older phone just for emergencies. You can also use the phone to read this site!

The longest walks on this site will be around 6 hours out in the hills. For this you will need to carry your equipment plus some food and a drink. To carry this a 30l rucsac will suffice. A smaller rucsac will be too small; perversely in summer you will find yourself carrying more. Many rucsacs are designed for the high mountains, backpacking etc. Pick one that meets the needs for walking in the Peak District.