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Thanks for taking the time to write a serious response, I appreciate that a lot.
No worries mate, anything that gets people outdoors.
>Not any significant amount, no.
Might be best to choose a lesser route or smaller route first and build up. I can appreciate you want the challenge and the routes aren't mega bad, but it might be best to start getting mileage in your legs.
> Just bought some Meindl shoes, have been breaking them in for the last couple of days.
Break them in for longer. It's a good brand. You got for leather? I prefer leather for maintenance, and I don't like goretext boots but that's my preference.
Make sure you break them in plenty. Walk them through puddles, get them soaking and worked in. Your feet expand when you do heavy walking so hopefully you got half a size bigger.
If they are leather, wash and soak them in polish and buff them off every time you wear them out. And look at applying dubbing to improve waterproofness and soften the leather.
You can get similar products for fabric boots.
I prefer boots to shoes for ankle support.
>A little, but the trail I choose is very well maintained and has a lot of markers.
Yea you should be ok, the route you have chosen isn't too bad. It's just handy to have that skill.
> am bringing my phone, which I can turn to use maps.
Phoned die, signal gets lost. Always take a hard copy map.
> Not more than a couple of miles. It's why is chose a small pack.
Make sure the straps are broken into and pack it so it's comfortable. Get used to walking with it on.
Find out if you run hot or cold. I run hot so I prefer to walk with a merino baselayer and a thin shell jacket. Don't start with all your warm gear on. And get it soaked in sweat. Start cooler and you will warm up.
To be fair you seem pretty switched on, I was expecting a total numpty.
Always carry spare clean socks, nothing beats a clean pair of socks. Keep your feet powdered every morning, not too much though....