Just to add to the monopod idea, here's a tutorial on how to get the best out of them, the obvious way of using them isnt always the best! A monopod also makes a great companion for walking across bogland and uphill.
Ahah, thankyou very much. I shall examine my camera(s) and get back to you! I've a creaking SLR that'll do all of what you said (I think), so I'll get some 800 film just for cresswell. I use 400 normally & its worked ok in the dark before.
I'm a bit poor atm, but I'll have a looksee at the monopods available round here, would be more subtle than my tripod...