Things to Take With You

After being forced back to my camp on a very wet day in July, the weather having taken such a downturn as to make any more site visits impossible that day, I decided to make a list of the things that I deemed essential to successful investigations into the prehistoric Peak.

The following is that list, plus other items that I took with me that, although they aren’t essential, certainly added to the success and enjoyment of my experience.

• OS Explorer Maps for the areas to be covered, plus ways of keeping them dry (the large zip-lock style bags mentioned below are excellent for this).
• Hand-held GPS unit.
• A good, working compass.
• Waterproof clothing. Water resistant is not enough.
• Waterproof footwear: hard-wearing hiking boots in all seasons.* Waterproof back-pack.
• Waterproof zip-lock style bags: available at most large supermarkets and great for keep things organized and dry.
• Food. Think energy. Chocolate bars are always good to have, or high-energy bars. Plan to have enough food to keep you going for several hours at a time.
• Bottled water: an absolute essential in any weather. Keep yourself hydrated at all times.
• Lightweight layers of clothing. Modern, breathable fabrics such as fleece and gortex are excellent. It is easy to remove layers if too hot, but impossible to put on if you don’t have them when cold.
• Hat and gloves: even in summer, the wind that blows across the moors can be a chilly one.
• Whistle: emergency item for attracting attention if in trouble.
• Notepad, pens and paper: Poetry or prose; record your experiences on site as it’s always easier than trying to remember afterwards.
• Camera: These places are in spectacular locations, what better than to take some pictures to share with others, or simply to recall your own experiences.
• Waterproof matches or a lighter. Just in case.
• Mobile phone: Essential for emergencies, plus you can get great reception at these higher levels.
• Swiss Army Knife: the most useful piece of kit I have. Don’t leave home without it.
• Sunglasses and sun-block: You never know, the sun may just shine on you!

During the major part of my research I chose to tent camp. For this I highly recommend the Peak District’s National Park Authority campsite at North Lees, just outside Hathersage. It has excellent facilities (including hot showers and a dryer) and friendly, helpful staff, as well as it being a very convenient location from which to base yourself. If you are camping this way then I also recommend having:

• A good watertight tent: it will need to withstand heavy downpours of rain.
• A high-quality sleeping bag: rated for colder temperatures than you expect to encounter.
• An air or foam mattress: while the ground is soft, anything that enables a good night’s sleep is essential. Your day’s will be filled with somewhat strenuous exercise, so rest easy!
• Torch: it gets dark out there at night!
• Any other camping equipment that you deem necessary, such as stove, pots, cutlery, extra clothing etc. in order to make your experience comfortable.

Some of the items mentioned, such as maps, compass and GPS, do come with the inherent understanding that you know how to use them correctly. Please do not head out onto the moors unless you do, and if you don’t then please seek the advice of someone who does. Quite often you will find short courses in orienteering on offer locally that are not only useful, but could save your life.

Finally, I don’t recommend visiting these places alone. Not only is it safer, but like most things in life, it’s more fun when there are two. If you do choose to go it alone, then please take the precaution of telling someone before you leave exactly the area you will be going to and when they can expect your return. It’s common sense really, so please use it at all times.

*Although I recommend you wearing a good pair hiking boots, I do have to say that one of the best investments I made was an £8.99 pair of wellies. I wore them to the first site I visited when I began the major part of my investigations and after that they were on my feet almost every time. This was mostly because the hiking boots I had were not waterproof. Although not ideal as they didn’t always give me the grip I really needed, they did at least, keep my feet dry!