Cryptic crossword clue
Writer following almost all the usual staff for a hike 10

The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 10 letter word ALPENSTOCK

I've seen this crossword clue in The Times
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Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "staff for a hike" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case staff for a hike = alpenstock.
The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.
This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.

What does ALPENSTOCK mean?

ALPENSTOCK noun
  1. A stout adjustable walking stick with a metal point, used by mountain climbers and walkers in hilly or uneven terrain

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