If you haven’t used trekking poles before, borrow one or two to try. Most people find they help with balance, save effort and reduce knee strain. They are especially useful going downhill and when crossing streams and bogs. Telescopic poles should be set longer for downhill, shorter for uphill. Try before you buy: a pair is more efficient, especially on rough, steep terrain, but some people find they need a hand free for camera, binoculars or dog. However, poles are lightweight, and either or both can be stowed on your rucksack when not needed.
If you walk in winter, note that poles are not suitable for icy or snowy slopes. If you think you may need crampons, in fact you probably need an ice-axe and to practise self-arrest using it. You can gain this life-saving skill from a short course, or perhaps from an experienced friend.
You will soon discover other uses for poles: pointing, digging mud out of boot soles, brushing brambles aside, even self-defence against hostile animals. If you are serious about photography, consider the kind which unscrews at the top to form a camera monopod.
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