Outdoor footwear, specializing in outdoor sandals and more

Walking up hills increases the work load and energy cost considerably; even walking down again uses more energy than walking on the flat. Walking downhill can also make you sore if you're unaccustomed to it, because it uses muscles as shock absorbers. Plan rest days to allow your muscles and feet to recover. There is some controversy over how to treat blisters when they do occur. Some walkers prefer to burst the blister carefully and immediately apply a sterile dressing. Others argue this runs the risk of infection and instead recommend gel-filled blister plasters. Either way, injuries and blisters are miserable and if serious enough can put an end to your plan, so avoidance is the best tactic. Rucksack: the general principle should be to carry only what you need and no more. This route will not take you far away from civilization and on most days shops, hotels and hostels will be easily accessible, though riders with horses may have to plan further ahead. In all cases your rucksack should be large enough to take a tent and sleeping bag, if only as a fallback measure if things go awry. Footwear: You will only need a pair of light walking boots, because you will not encounter any severe climbs (in France at least), but you should take a pair of comfortable sandals or trainers to give your feet a break at the end of the day. Clothing: waterproofs are a must, along with a fleece for the cooler evenings. Plan according to the time of year that you are travelling, but never rely on the weather. It will always do the unexpected.