Well, I did 90% of the Pennine Way, from 7th to 21st of March, but had to postpone the last two days due to the blizzards etc ... a rational choice given what fell on the borders and Cheviots! I used compass and guidebook, carried about 9kg of kit total which included the morning coffee and water, and stayed in hostels and B&Bs. Best bit of kit? My high tech waterproof socks!! That way, even if your boots are not dry in the morning, the socks are and therefore feet are. There was a LOT of snow about, especially on the North Yorks Dales and Hadrians Wall. Wow, it was an experience, and now I can do it all again in a different season, for totally different views!!
Alison