Hello. I'm 53 and visiting England for the first time on the Best of South England tour in mid-May. I've been researching the Dartmoor National Park and St. Michael's Mount, in particular, and wondering what kind of footwear would be appropriate. Does anyone have advice on if a good trainer is sufficient throughout the tour or would a pair of hiking boots be necessary? Thank you for the advice.
Posted by
Lynnwood, Washington
10041 posts
My go to is neither of those. I wear a Columbia Waterproof hiking shoe that serves me well in almost any situation. I did this tour (it was wonderful) and you will be walking cross country on the moors, no trails. I was glad I had my hiking poles with me.
Posted by
Portsmouth
5958 posts
Don't hike in trainers, they simply don't provide sufficient support or traction partiIcularly in wet conditions.
In mid May when I'm hiking the South Downs I'll usually wear hiking shoes, waterproof if the conditions are wet or the forecast is for rain however that decision can only really be formed on the day in question so my advice would be to pack waterproof ones.
Posted by
UK
1130 posts
As a local to Devon & Cornwall, I concur: a good pair of walking shoes. Waterproof if you can. Boots will probably be overkill for what you’re doing, but ordinary trainers perhaps not quite good enough.
I’m barely out of my Goretex Merrell walking shoes between late September and late May.
I did St Michael’s Mount one summer in hiking sandals and really regretted it - it’s a very tough rocky uphill path and I was convinced I would turn my ankle. But unless you’re actually hiking (proper hiking) Dartmoor or the SW Coast Path, I think boots would be a bit too much.
You will see so many people in walking shoes. It’s kind of the local footwear - unless we’re in our Crocs :-)
Posted by
Arctophilia, Northamptonshire, England
36565 posts
so glad you mentioned Crocs.
I have 4 pairs in the living room now, at least a dozen more (just for the colours of course) in the cupboards.
I live in them - so good for driving and gardening - but probably not for heavy duty hiking and for sure never in or on (or under) mud.
Posted by
West Virginia
229 posts
I was on this tour in 2022. I took my hiking boot because they are one of my most comfortable pairs of shoes, and waterproof. You may not need boots, but you will definitely need something substantial and waterproof. As another poster mentioned, the hike up to the top of St. Michael's Mount can be challenging (lots of rocky stairs). When you visit Tintagel you will also want to wear a good pair of walking shoes. We did a bit of walking in Dartmoor, but not what I would classify as "hiking."
I'm on the 13 day Scotland tour this June. I'll wear my hiking boots on the plane, and I'm packing a pair of waterproof Oboze sneakers for backup (also very comfortable).
I loved this tour! I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
Happy Travels!