Thanks for the suggestions guys.

We're going this Saturday (24th Nov), one of our lecturers has arranged all the transport and guides e.t.c. although it isn't actually a proper course related field trip - just a bit of fun.

I'll be using a Minolta XD7 so no worries about batteries Fen, I also always use a protective UV filter on any lens so my lenses ought to be safe from the elements.

BeeJayBee I have never used transparency film, only ever used B&W on my AS course a few years back and regular colour negative film up until now.

Northern Monkey and Fen - I'd been considering a monopod but don't currently have one so I shall have to get down to the shops and test a few. I did a quick bit of online research and have decided to look into which heads will fit a monopod (I guess it only needs to change camera position from landscape to portrait although quick release would be helpful).