Only as much as you can carry, so try to pack multi-purpose items

Spend on your waterproof outer layers and footwear, otherwise you’ll get wet, stay wet and probably then hate every minute of your trip

Forget the hype about techno wicking layers; only natural fibres, like merino wool and silk deal with sweat, keep you appropriately warm/cool, don’t stink, even after a week’s wear and still look OK, but their initial outlay is high BLOG: Outdoor gear: is the great outdoors the new designer catwalk?

• Toiletries in small bottles, or bags/sachets and lightweight towels – they’re usually provided in decent hotels/B&Bs
• Essential pack: torch, first aid kit, Swiss army knife, mapping system, laces
• Cyclists should add: puncture repair kit, spare tubes, lights, multi-tool and chain tool to above

What NOT to take:

Anything heavy and not absolutely necessary like:

• Heavy extra shoes
• Jeans
• Any other than essential toiletries