I have just discovered, in the back of a long forgotten cupboard, my first proper walking trousers. A pair of dark green 'thornproof' walking breeches with a Rohan label on the back, and inside, a label saying 'Made by Craghoppers'.
I think I got these in about 1982, and wore them extensively for UK walking in the Brecons, Dartmoor, and many other places.
The label doesn't mention that they are thornproof, but I am sure that is what we were told in the shop, and they are certainly tough. I think I bought them in Canterbury, but that was long before you had a dedicated store there.
The other kit that was bought at about the same time included a state of the art internal frame, Karrimor, ladies rucksack, leather walking boots that needed about 200 miles of 'breaking in', and a proper shaped sleeping back in a stuff sack. I don't recall if this was all purchased for my Bronze Duke of Edinburgh's Award, or for the silver, but it saw me through the Gold and a good number of trips after that.

HI aitch_ Good to hear these reminiscences. Any chance of posting up or sending in any photos of this gear?
Some readers may be surprised to hear "Made by Craghoppers". They were a small-scale clothing manufacturer before they launched as a clothing brand. We did have a falling out when they launched Rohan designs under their own badge... Ahem.
Tim

Tim, I have photos, how would you like them delivered? There doesn't seem to be an option to attach them to a forum post.
Hazel

My first proper walking trouser which would have been a step up from cords was Craghoppers "Gritstone" A new material called polymide. It brought it back to me when I saw the same name in the current range.
The third pair was a second hand pair of Rohan superstrider breeches (still have both of them)

Was showing them to my daughter (8), explaining how to look after gear.

Starting to feel old !

I guess gritstone is an appealing name to anyone who's spent time outdoors in the northern peak district...!