The good old days?

I enjoyed your piece on obsolete walking gear in the November edition. It reminded me of the time in November 1964, at the age of 17, my school friend and I decided to have a go at the Yorkshire Three Peaks. My Hawkins hiking boots decided to fall apart a few days before we were due to go and I ended up borrowing a pair of hobnailed boots.

It was quite an epic day of solid walking and climbing and we finished in the dark. By the time we got back to the Youth Hostel at Stainforth, my feet were covered in blisters. I was more than happy to give the boots back.

I also remember the triangular tents, especially before they had built-in groundsheets. It was not uncommon to wake up after a night of heavy rainfall, with a stream running through the tent and your belongings floating away. Too many experiences like that were enough to encourage us to join the YHA. Thanks for the memories (I think). Richard Birch, by email