Dress for success

Southwest-coast-based adventurer Sian Lewis shares what she packs for walks on this rugged trail.

Hiking boots

The South West Coast Path can be surprisingly rugged underfoot, with plenty of ups, downs and muddy patches along the way so a great pair of hiking boots is the best investment. Look for a pair with tough, grippy soles and that are fully waterproofed – Gore-Tex is a reliable choice. I find that Scarpa boots give me good grip and support.

● Scarpa Hiking boots, from £150

Walking trousers

Walking trousers make things so much more comfortable, especially if you pick a breathable, stretchy pair that can be worn under waterproof trousers if the heavens open. I love my Fjallraven Abisko tights for their comfort.

● Fjallraven Abisko trekking tights, £155

Sunscreen

It’s hard to avoid the sun’s rays when you’re out on the SWCP on sunny days – I recommend packing good quality sunscreen and reapplying it every few hours, even on grey days. I’ve tried lots of different sunscreens, and based on all the slipslopping on I think Riemann’s P20 is the most reliable – it only needs one or two applications a day, it goes on clear and it stays put if you sweat or stop for a swim.

● P20 Once A Day SPF20 sunscreen, £13.99

Trekking poles

Trekking poles are a bit like Marmite – walkers usually either love or hate to use them. I find them handy when I’m covering longer distances on the trail, and foldable designs like this Decathlon pole can easily be strapped to your rucksack when not in use. ● Forclaz Ultra Compact

Trekking Pole, £34.99

Backpack

Once you’ve got all your hiking gear sorted, you’ll need something to carry it in. If you’re hiking between accommodation stops each day, pick a 20 litre – 30 litre-sized day sack with a builtin waterproof cover. Go for something larger if you’re going to be carrying your camping kit with you.

● Deuter Futura 26, £125

Waterproof jacket

The weather on the coast is famously mercurial – pack a waterproof and windproof jacket even if you’re heading out to walk the South West Coast Path on a balmy day. I recommend a lightweight ‘shell’ waterproof, which can then be popped over a warm down jacket on colder days – I like my Haglofs’ L.I.M jacket, as it’s light and packable.

● L.I.M Waterproof jacket from Haglofs, from £176

Wildlife guidebook

You might be surprised by how many wild birds and bright wild flowers you’ll spot on the trail – part of the fun of walking it is learning to ID new species. I always carry a small guidebook Collin’s Pocket guides are handy, as they don’t take up much room in your pack.

● Collins Pocket Guides: Wild Flowers of Britain and Birds, around £5

Hat

Yes, a hat is something your mum might tell you to wear for a coastal ramble – but a wide-brimmed cotton hat does really help when you’re clocking up the miles on the path, especially in bright sunshine. I go for Tilley hats, which can be folded and packed away, and are sustainably made. ● Tilley Hiker’s Hat, £85

Filtering water bottle

Keeping your water supply topped up is one of the bigger challenges of taking on long stretches of the SWCP, although many of the path’s Way Makers (businesses such as campsites, pubs and shops) offer free drinking water and refilling stations for hikers. The Lifestraw Go bottle can filter any water source (except salt water) and render it safe to drink, making it a great safety backup. ● Lifestraw Go water bottle, £32.40