On Sunday, I packed and repacked (as advised by the helpful chap at Cotswolds, which was different to how I would have packed it) and then went off for a circuit of Hengistbury Head to see how it felt walking with it all - the total weight is just over 15 kilos. I kept fidgeting and adjusting straps on the first half, then stopped at the Black House to re-pack as per my original reading up on the subject and immediately felt that the load was more stable and better distributed weight-wise. I certainly felt the weight being transferred down through my hips and legs, so more practice walks to follow - get those muscles working with the heavier load.
And I have also booked my first actual campsite - I'm off to Wool in the middle of August. Pete will drop me off at Chaldon Herring (or East Chaldon if you prefer) then I'll walk to Wool and pitch up. Next day I'll walk to Lulworth Cove (Arish Mell with a full backpack should be interesting) and meet Pete there to come home. Off to Devon next weekend to see big sister Linda, really looking forward to seeing her.