To fuel your body correctly consider high-energy foods such as bananas, nuts and dried fruit. These are great to have in your pocket to snack on while you walk and will release energy slowly, helping you to keep up your pace and stopping you from flagging.

The meals you take with you will depend on the duration of your hike, but foods that are high in carbohydrates, fatty acids and natural sugars eaten little and often will really keep the fires burning.

Try cheese or peanut butter sandwiches, cereal bars, fruit and chocolate bars. For longer hikes there is a wide range of dried or dehydrated foods available which can be made up quickly and easily with water. These meals retain their nutritional value and are lighter in weight and smaller in volume, making them a preferable option to carry in your backpack.

It is worth also putting a bit of thought into your outdoor clothing for longer hikes to ensure you have plenty of pockets for snacks along the way. Combat trousers or outdoor jackets with inside pockets are perfect for storing food and water supplies.

Hydration is crucial so take a good supply of water or sports drinks and sip regularly throughout the hike. You should be aiming for at least two litres a day and try to avoid drinks that can dehydrate you such as coffee and cola.