The Ultimate Walking Holiday Packing Guide: Everything You Really Need

Our favourite part about a walking holiday is the simplicity. Lace up your boots, step outside, and follow the trail. But before you set off, there’s one question we always ask ourselves. What should I actually pack?

Whether you’re following the South West Coast Path, crossing Cornwall on The Saints Way, or heading off on a dog-friendly adventure, the right kit makes the world's difference.

You want to be ready for a change in weather, comfortable over long days, and prepared for the little moments that make a walking holiday memorable, without carrying more than you need.

So, what belongs in your bag? Here is our guide to packing for a UK walking holiday, from the everyday essentials to the extras you’ll want for specific routes and reasons.

Your Essential Walking Holiday Packing List

Before thinking about the season or your particular route, there are a few things that belong in almost every walking holiday bag.

Clothing

Think in layers rather than packing a completely different outfit for every day.

• Walking trousers or shorts
• Breathable T-shirts or base layers
• Lightweight fleece or mid-layer
• Waterproof and windproof jacket
• Waterproof trousers
• Walking socks
• Warm hat and gloves for cooler weather
• Sun hat and sunglasses for brighter days
• Comfortable clothes for the evening

Quick-drying fabrics are particularly useful if you’re walking for several days. And while your favourite jeans might be ideal for dinner in the evening, they’re much less enjoyable after a few hours of walking in wet weather.

Footwear

Your walking boots or shoes are probably the most important thing you will pack.

Choose footwear that is comfortable, supportive, and suited to the terrain of your route. If you're walking sections of the South West Coast Path for example, you’ll want something you are happy wearing for long days on varied coastal terrain.

Whatever you choose, do not wear them for the first time on a walking holiday. Break your boots or shoes in before you travel, your feet will thank you!

It’s also worth packing:

• Two or three pairs of walking socks
• Blister plasters
• Spare laces
• Comfortable shoes for the evening

What to Carry in Your Daypack

One of the best things about booking with Encounter Walking Holidays is that you don’t need to carry your whole suitcase from one accommodation to the next. If you struggle to be a light packer, we got you covered. We include luggage transfer, meaning your main luggage can be transported ahead while you walk with the essentials in a daypack.

For most days you’ll want:

• Water bottle or hydration bladder
• Lunch and snacks
• Waterproof jacket
• Waterproof trousers
• Phone and portable charger
• Route notes or map
• Small first aid kit
• Sunscreen
• Sunglasses
• Personal medication
• Tissues
• Small dry bag for valuables

Keep anything you might need quickly near the top of your bag, specifically your waterproof jacket. You don’t want to empty your entire daypack beside the trail when the first rain shower arrives.

What to Pack for Different Seasons

The essentials remain largely the same throughout the year, but a few seasonal additions can make a big difference.

Spring

Spring can bring cool mornings, sunshine, and showers all in the same day.

We suggest prioritising: 

• Lightweight layers
• Waterproofs
• Spare socks

Summer

For summer walking, prioritise sun protection and hydration.

We suggest you pack:

• Sun hat
• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen
• Extra water
• Lightweight walking clothes
• Waterproof jacket

Autumn

Autumn brings cooler temperatures and shorter days.

We recommend:

• Warmer mid-layer
• Waterproofs
• Hat
• Gloves
• Headtorch (for early dark evenings)

Winter

Winter walking requires a little more preparation. Always check the forecast and route conditions before setting out.

We suggest:

• Thermal layers
• Warm gloves
• Warm hat
• Headtorch

Pack for Your Encounter Walking Holiday

Your perfect packing list will depend on the holiday you’ve chosen. Here are a few things to think about for some of our favourite walking adventures.

Walking the South West Coast Path

A South West Coast Path walking holiday takes you past dramatic cliffs, beaches, coves, and exposed headlands, so weather protection is particularly important.

Keep your waterproof and windproof layers close at hand and make sure you have plenty of water and snacks for the day.

If you’re walking in warmer weather and your route takes you past one of Cornwall or Devon’s beaches, you might also want to pack a swimming costume and a lightweight towel. A quick dip is typically a very welcome reward after a day on the coast.

Exploring Cornwall

Cornwall offers a mixture of coastal paths, beaches, villages, and countryside, so your standard walking kit will take you a long way.

For a summer Cornwall trip, consider adding swimwear, a lightweight towel, and a small dry bag. If you’re planning to spend time exploring villages or enjoying dinner after your walk, bring a comfortable change of clothes and shoes for the evening too.

Walking The Saints Way

The Saints Way crosses Cornwall between Padstow and Fowey, passing through a myriad of landscapes, including coast, woodland, villages, and open countryside.

That variety makes comfortable, well-broken-in footwear particularly important. Keep your waterproofs, water, snacks, and route information accessible in your daypack, rather than buried underneath everything else.

One of the joys of a walking holiday is having time to explore the places you pass through rather than simply rushing from one destination to the next, so leave a little room for stops along the way.

Bringing Your Dog?

A dog-friendly walking holiday requires a few additions to your own packing list.

We suggest bringing:

• Lead with collar or harness
• Portable dog bowl (a collapsible bowl is useful to save space)
• Water
• Food and treats
• Poo bags
• A toy or comfort item
• Tick Remover
• Dog bedding, such as a pet blanket or pack-away dog bed
• Any medication your dog needs

Ensuring your furry friend is comfortable throughout the trip is important. Some hotels require dogs to have their own bedding, so always check with your accommodation before you travel. We are happy to ask these questions on your behalf! A pack-away dog bed such as Nest Bedz can be particularly handy when space is limited, and a being machine washable makes it easy to keep clean during and after your adventure.

Tick remover is another useful addition to guarantee the trip ends with a wagging tail, particularly when walking through long grass, woodland, or other areas where ticks are common.

If you’re joining us on a dog-friendly adventure, get in touch with our team. We will ensure you know what is provided and what you need to bring.

How to Pack for Backpacking Without Overpacking

If you are wondering how to pack for backpacking, the key is to think about what you need during the day, rather than everything you might possibly use during your holiday.

With our included luggage transfers, your daypack only needs the essentials: water, food, waterproofs, navigation information, and personal items. Your main luggage can hold your evening clothes, toiletries, and spare walking gear.

Packing cubes or small dry bags can keep everything organised, while choosing versatile clothing means you can pack less without being underprepared.

And that lighter daypack is an important part of the Encounter experience. As Emma Johnson, CEO of Encounter Walking Holidays, puts it:

“We want people to have the freedom to enjoy the walk without worrying about what they’re carrying. Good preparation makes a real difference, but our luggage transfer service means you can keep your daypack light and focus on making memories, in comfort.”

Ready to Start Walking?

The best packing list is one that leaves you prepared without weighing you down.

Bring comfortable footwear, versatile layers, waterproofs, and the essentials for your particular route. Then think about the experience you’re actually going to have: a swimming costume for a summer day on the coast, a portable dog bowl for a four-legged adventure, or an extra warm layer for a blustery autumn walk.

With Encounter Walking Holidays, the practical details are taken care of so you can focus on the walking itself. Choose your route, pack your daypack, and get ready to discover somewhere new.

Get in touch so we can start planning your Encounter Walking Holiday today.