TonyK,

We plan on trying to stay in hostels and camping barns whenever possible, with a few B&B's thrown in wherever necessary.

I might choose to camp more often, but my friend has a hip injury and is not certain she could carry the additional weight for camping gear. Even if it's just the mental thing. I know the walk is possible. She's never done an LDW. Her nervousness wins over my whimsy.

I will be happy to a softer bed and hot cup of coffee in the morning.

Thanks for the warning on Cross Fell. Poor bloke. I have thought I wouldn't mind dying with my boots on, but I'd rather be looking up at the stars than down a mine shaft.

What are the highest summits?

Cross Fells the highest at 3000ft-also known as Fiends Fell and with good reason.The inital climb to Knock Fell is quite hard but the other summits on the way to Cross Fell are quite a stroll provided you don't get caught in gale force winds.

Penyghent is about 2200ft,Shunner 2300ft and The Cheviot 2600ft.

Buy food on the way; then you can buy local specialities on the way.

I carry museli for breakfast as it looks like it is meant to after a week in the sack.

Tend to carry two/three days dinner in the form of penne pasta (tubes) or similar. I know the farfell (little bows) cook 1 minute faster but they look a little suspect when camping.

Lunch tend to carry some bread/cheese/spread/ham/jam or whatever for no more than two days ahead as there are plenty of opportunites to restock.

Navigation is tougher than on the C2C, but as long as you can read a map and operate a compass then you should be OK. There are also a couple of longer days but walking is why you went!

FootSore

On this topic, If staying in YHA, how often is it necessary to eat the nightly meal at the hostel? Where, in particular, is it going to be difficult to visit a pub for dinner (apart from Keld)?

Arial,

Not sure of you itinerary but the first night in Crowden could be a problem.Nearest pub almost 4 miles away so would recommend you book evening meal at hostel