Liz - It costs bugger all to go walking! There is no need at all to have the designer hiking stuff that some seem to think is necessary. It costs little to get to somewhere where you can go walking. I used to pay 50p to get a coach trip out with the Swinton ramblers. Made my own butties. Used to wear Steel toecap boots that I got cheap coz I was in the building trade and an old canvas rucksack my dad brought back fron the army. Seriously.
People can't do it now? If it's not handed them on a plate it's not worth it? I was far from middle class or middle aged whan I first walked up Scafell. So was Wainright.