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Walking in the Cotswolds and Dorset Coast

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On our walking trip this coming May, 2017 (spending 5 days in the Cotswolds and 4 days on the Dorset Coast - followed by 5 days touring London), we are wondering if we should try to pack our hiking poles in our luggage or should we count on finding a good stick along the way. It's going to be a challenge to get those poles in our soft luggage (it has wheels and a hard bottom, so it's not impossible...)

Thanks for any advice you can give us. We're 72 years old, but in good physical shape. Both our walking trips will be self-led, though we have used a company to provide us with maps, move our luggage and reserve the B&B's/inns.

Posted by
2774 posts

When my friend and I walked the Cotswold Way National Trail, we bought walking sticks in Broadway, very inexpensive. We started the trail in Chipping Campden and walked to Bath. The walking sticks helped a lot. The trail has some very steep inclines and descends. After your walks your could donate them to a charity shop.

Posted by
5835 posts

Our three section trekking poles fit in our baggage that we check. (TSA says that trekking poles are not allowed in the cabin.) Depending on bag and pole dimensions, the poles may have to be placed diagonally.

If you are in the market for new poles, check the specification's collapsed length dimension against that of your bag. For example, Black Diamond Trail Trekking Poles collapse to 25-inches.

If you have a small bag and go deluxe, look at the Black Diamond Carbon Z Trekking Poles that are not adjustable but fold to very compact lengths:

Collapsed Length : [100 cm] 33 cm (13 in) [100 cm poles collapses to 33 cm = 13 inches]

[110 cm] 37 cm (14 in)

[120 cm] 40 cm (16 in)

[130 cm] 43 cm (17 in)

Generic advice is have everything that you take walking waterproof including waterproof map cases, waterproof (or plastic garbage bag) sack inside your rucksack for things that must stay dry, and of course dress in layers.

Posted by
5835 posts

Unless you need the short single length trekking poles and/or are looking for minimum weight poles, I prefer the adjustable length three-piece poles with "flicklock" (cam-lock) adjusters. The flicklock adjusters (when adjusted properly) are easier to securely lock than poles that use twist locks.

I especially appreciate trekking poles for both ascents and descents. I adjust the poles slightly short for ascents such that arm muscles share the climb with leg muscles. I adjust the poles slightly long for walking downhill to help reduce the knee impact.

Trekking poles are also handy for walking across wet ground. The poles can be an aid in vaulting over puddles.

The walking company I used sends the travel information packet with maps, guidebooks and route instructions to the first accommodation for those of us not within the UK. However, on request, they sent me via e-mail files with all of the instructions and itinerary. The instructions included helpful tips and suggested packing lists.

Posted by
16167 posts

I have Black Diamond Z-poles, but not the pricy carbon fiber ones. I love them. They collapse to 14.5 " (I just measured them) so easily fit in a 22" bag.

We just returned from a trip to Patagonia. I checked my bag with the poles, but my sister, who has the same ones, put them in her carry-on and had no problems at any security stop (3 separate flights in each direction). The tips are actually not pointed or sharp.

Posted by
670 posts

We used hiking poles when we walked in the Cotswolds a few years back; probably could have done without them but there were times I was glad to have them. We rented them through the company that arranged our self-guided tour.

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