Will be starting on May 9th from Ilkley and would like to get a heavy grade fleece. Is there a serious outdoor shop in Ilkley?

Yeomans & Mountain Warehouse are the only ones that spring to mind. In nearby Skipton there's Ultimate Outdoors, further branches of Yeomans & Mountain Warehouse, plus this spot that I've never come across before now: http://www.ruggedways.co.uk/

For the Mountain warehouse shop see below:-

http://www.mountainwarehouse.com/stores/england/ilkley/

Thanks for the link...looks as though I will find something ok.

Got another question:

I know this has been covered on this site, but I can't find it.....inner soles! I need to obtain a set of anti shock inner soles for my boots.....I think someone said that they had found some really comfortable gel ones, or something like that.....?

I am really having trouble with painful instep joints now after some miles. Every now and then a stab goes up through my ankle into my knee. It makes me wince and hobble for a few steps. Most annoying.

I think that this was the one that people were recommending, I've not tried them:-

http://www.superfeet.com/

Superfeet are great but aren't gell, its the sorbothan (spelling ?) that are gell based. I think Dave/Slogger uses those.
Les

Oldun
If it's still there (!) a shop called Base Camp near the centre of Ilkley would meet all your needs or steer you in the right direction.

Go to the traffic lights on Brook Street and with your back to Ilkley Moor walk to the right (towards Leeds) for about 100 metres. If you don't see it before you reach a left hand bend then it's probably gone.

I'm a Sorbothane fan, because of the reduction in shock with every footfall, and I've had decent experiences with a flat Sorbothane layer under Superfeet as well as the moulded/contoured Sorbothane.

I can't recommend Superfeet enough. Wouldn't do any serious walking without them.

If, on your way to Ilkley, you pass through Skipton, then the large market there is a great source of suitable gear. Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. They sell a wide range of work gear which doubles up perfectly well as walking gear .... and a fraction the price of branded stuff.

Don't underestimate the winter range of fleeces from Edinburgh Woollens. Have a look at them before you go. Worn under a windproof top they provide the warmth required for late autumn, winter and spring walking. I had one on in the Lakes and Dales early on this week and was comfortable during the rain, sleet and below zero temperatures (beneath a waterproof when necessary).

Don't disregard equipment just because it is not a big brand name .... but then I'm a tight Yorkshireman.

Thanks to all for the quick input.

Superfeet are great and supportive as said, and I use them a lot.
After some miles though they can feel rather hard as there isn't an abundance of cushioning.
For more cushioning as I use on the high mileage stuff I use Sorbothane Double Strike. They are realy good, heavier than Superfeet and thicker, so you need to have a bit of spare room in your boots. This is no problem for me as I buy my boots at least a full size bigger than walking shoes and make sure they have good forefoot depth.
heres the link to the site.
http://www.sorbothane.co.uk/index.php/shock-stopper-double-strike.html
Dave.