Doing the Walk Yourself: Accommodation

Planning your accommodation is one of the most frustrating (not to mention expensive) aspects of a long walk like this, but unless you're a robot who doesn't need to sleep, hunting for a nightly bed is an unavoidable chore. After three months, you get used to it!

When it comes to accommodation there's one big decision to make at the outset, and that's whether or not you want to carry a tent, sleeping bag and so on. Camping is a much cheaper option than using B&Bs and hostels and it gives you a lot more flexibility when you're in the middle of nowhere, but it adds a considerable weight to your pack and even the most dedicated camper is going to want to spend the odd night under a roof. I started out with a tent and tried both camping and staying in hostels for the first couple of weeks, but the extra weight damaged a tendon in my right foot, so I sent the tent home and from South Zeal onwards I stuck to B&Bs.

Finding accommodation as you walk can be a real pain, but with a little planning you can book as you go along. A smart phone is one of the most useful accessories as you can search for accommodation as you go, and even if your internet connection is patchy in the more distant parts of the UK, in theory all you need is the number for the tourist information centre (TIC) in the place you're heading for, as they can help you track down something suitable. I found that TICs varied a lot, with some being very useful and some pathetic, and instead I relied on my girlfriend in London who surfed the Web, tracked down the options and emailed them to me on my old-school mobile phone (this was back in 2003, after all, when there were no smart phones). That saved a lot of hassle, though these days you can do all that yourself while on the road. Sites like the Independent Hostel Guide are handy, but general search engines and booking sites are probably your best bet.

Anyway, here are the details of where I stayed on my trip. Inclusion in this list doesn't imply a recommendation, though the vast majority of them were excellent. Of course, prices change and people go out of business – where I know a place is no longer available, I've put a line through the phone number – but if you're considering following a similar route to me, you might find it useful. There's no entry for 7-9 June because I stayed with my parents, but you shouldn't have a problem finding accommodation in Penkridge if you're following the Staffordshire Way.

Accommodation prices are for one person in a bed and breakfast, unless indicated otherwise:

* = breakfast not included
+ = sharing a twin or double room
x = continental breakfast only
c = camping
sc = static caravan