Most Inspirational Moment
There wasn't really one - every day was different and in the early stages each day surpassed the previous one. If you haven't done it before, the fact that you don't know what is round the next corner inspires you to keep walking.
Thoughts on Group Leader
John the group leader was superb. A very experienced guide, he was patient with our different walking speeds from the outset and when he got to know us a bit better, gradually let some of us venture out ahead when the conditions allowed. He was eager to impart his local knowledge on us and looked after us conscientiously. Totally trustworthy and a good bloke.
Advice for Potential Travellers
1. Pay for your own tent instead of sharing with a stranger - I'm glad I did - you'll need the extra room.
2. Bring a biggish rucksack - mine was a 25L but I could have done with a 35L (to load waterproofs, lunch, etc)
3. All the local walkers wore waterproof ponchos that also covered their rucksacks when it rained. They didn't care what they looked like as long as they stayed dry. If you don't fancy one, make sure your backpack has a cover / liner because when it rains it rains hard.
4. There was no wind on the hills so a portable umbrella would have been useful.
5. Bring lots of easy dry wicking tops - they don't smell even after a few days, are easy to wash and dry and don't crease.
6. Bring two towels - biggest problem with camping is keeping stuff dry and when it is damp it starts to smell.
7. Spare plastic bags to keep stuff dry or put damp stuff in eg Tesco sandwich bags, carrier bags for dirty clothes.
8. Compeed for blisters, spare dry socks, woolly hat and gloves for high climbs in low cloud as it gets cold.
9. I walked in shorts most of the time - it was cooler to walk in shorts when wearing waterproof trousers.