I received the comment below on Travels With Sheila from Giuseppe, in Florence, Italy and thought I’d let you read my answers to his questions…

…”Hello,
I’m an italian guy, aged 49, and I’m planning with my daughter aged 12 the trail from St.Bee’s to Robin Hood Bay, approximately next august, 2009. I’ve visited your site, really interesting and full of news about this adventure, and if possible I would like to have 3 informations: which kind of training is it necessary (or do you suggest) to prepare the walk, if in your opinion a young girl of 12 is too young to approach the trail, and if is it strictly necessary to be organized with tent equipment. Thank you very much in advance for your kind reply, and compliments again for your travel site!”…

Number One – What kind of training is necessary? I’m going to assume that you exercise or are in excellent physical condition. For any long distance hike or trek, it’s important to exercise religiously for at least two months before. Long walks, run a few miles a couple days a week, and weight training (especially if you are going to carry heavy backpacks). That being said, many a hiker/trekker has set off and completed their goals with mental tenacity rather than great physical prowess. We have found that mental attitude is more important than physical ability. Getting up every morning and forcing yourself to get out on that trail, through rain, mud and heat isn’t easy. A person can gut through anything if they are mentally tough.

It doesn’t matter what kind of physical shape you are in because a long-distance hike will take it’s toll. I had terrible ankle tendinitis by the end of the Coast-to-Coast because the mud made it impossible to take a step without a foot sliding in different directions.

FYI: This answer is also dependent on whether you are going to through-hike carrying all belongings in a backpack or, carry daily hiking necessities only (extra clothes, etc.) and send luggage on between overnight stops.

Number Two – Is a young girl of 12 too young? Physically, no, as long as she is in good shape and I’m going to take it for granted that she is or you wouldn’t be considering this. Her mental state is what’s important. Is your daughter willing to walk for days on end carrying a daypack or heavy backpack with all her gear? Is she up for adventure and can take the possibly god-awful weather in stride? If yes, then fine.

I would definitely schedule some rest days in the hike to do nothing and perhaps even take an unscheduled day off if the weather is too terrible to face. And, most important, definitely consider using Pack Horse Baggage Service for yourselves (as well as bags) if your daughter cannot possibly take one more step between towns.

Pack Horse will take your bags, bicycles (and you) along the routes in England
Number Three – Is it strictly necessary to be organized with tent equipment? Our guide always carried a small tent with in case of emergencies and it certainly could happen. The moors were desolate and visibility extremely poor in the bad weather we experienced and I’d hate to see anyone have an accident without a tent to hunker down in. Perhaps, a small, lightweight one? For the definitive answer to this question, contact the Ramblers Association (the pros) and see what they say.

I’m sure you are planning to buy topographic maps and a guide book to help decide what boring sections to possibly omit, where to stay at night and how many kilometers/miles you can easily cover in one day. The Hike Across England, Coast-to-Coast or Wainwright’s Walk is one of the premier walks in the world, doable by anyone and I hope my answers will help make it a little easier and more enjoyable.

Ciao, Giuseppe,

Sheila