A Comprehensive Guide to Hiking for Beginners
For me, there is nothing quite like getting my hiking boots on, packing up my rucksack, and heading out onto the trail.
It’s the chance to leave all my worries behind me, and to be surrounded by nature. I love the peace, with no sounds except the call of the birds singing, and the rush of the morning breeze. I breathe in the air and lift my face to the sun (always the optimist in the UK), and with a renewed energy I head off on my hike. I am truly at my happiest knowing I am embarking on an adventure with the great outdoors.
This is how hiking makes me feel…every single time!
If that’s given you a taste for more, then welcome to the world of hiking!
I’ve been hiking for many years now. But back when I first started, I really had very little knowledge of the hiking world, and how to make that step up from simple local walks to more adventurous hikes and climbs. Safe to say, since then I’ve picked up loads of tips and tricks along the way.
IN THE BEGINNING
So you’re new to hiking? Great! But you’re not sure where to start? That’s fine, and absolutely normal! I can assure you all of us hikers at some point have been there. It may have started from a love for the great outdoors and nature, or to help with getting into shape, or simply just to escape. It might have been all 3!
Either way, if you’re looking for some advice and tips, you’ve come to the right place! My comprehensive guide to hiking for beginners will definitely help you to plan and navigate your hikes, so you have the confidence to get out on the hiking trail with ease.
Look out for some ACTIONS along the way to get you going. In no time, you’ll soon be going from hiking novice hiking pro!
THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN WALKING AND HIKING
Walking - We’re all familiar with walking. We do it every day, without even thinking about it. So when someone says they’re going for a walk, what’s the difference between that and going for a hike?
Walking is quite a broad term, but in the main tends to be a more casual form of activity than hiking, like walking in the park, or sightseeing perhaps.
Hiking - is defined as “a long, vigorous walk, usually on trails or footpaths in the countryside”. But hiking in my opinion doesn’t have to be ‘vigorous’, or over a long period of time, or indeed restricted to the countryside.
Hiking can lead you to explore many trails, across a variety of landscapes and terrains, such as mountains, forests, coastal paths, lakes, deserts etc. Hiking can be as long or short as you like, and at whatever pace is suitable to you.
Now that we know what the difference between walking and hiking is, let’s look at some of the many benefits of hiking…
THE BENEFITS OF HIKING
Whether you’re walking or hiking, there are many benefits…
Hiking is FREE
Just step outside into nature!
Yep! All you need to do is step outside, find a suitable natural setting, and you’re off! It’s completely accessible to anyone and everyone. You don’t need to join any teams, buy a membership, or buy loads of expensive equipment to get started (caveat to the last point – once you get the hiking bug you’ll soon be looking at outdoor shops with greater interest!).
Hiking helps you to connect with nature
Connecting with nature and wildlife
Hiking provides an opportunity to connect with the natural world, fostering a sense of tranquillity and awe. Being in nature has been associated with improved concentration, creativity, and overall mental clarity.
Hiking is the perfect physical exercise
Heading towards the Khumbu Glacier…You never know where hiking can take you!
Hiking is an excellent form of cardiovascular exercise that engages various muscle groups. It helps to improve overall fitness, enhance endurance, and promote weight management.
Hiking promotes well-being
And breathe!
Spending time in nature during a hike has been linked to reduced stress, anxiety and depression. The combination of physical activity and exposure to natural surroundings contributes to improved mood and mental well-being. Hiking helps you to switch off!
TOP 10 ESSENTIAL HIKING KIT FOR BEGINNERS
Hiking is very addictive, and so can be shopping for hiking gear! However, the good news is that if you’re just starting out, you don’t need to go out there and buy everything…not yet anyway! But you will need some essentials.
For multi-day hikes and challenge events I’ve got an extensive list of hiking items in my Essential Kit resource page.
Here are the Top 10 Hiking Essentials you need
1. Hiking boots or shoes
These will be one of the most important things in your kit list. Wearing boots or shoes that fit well, are comfortable, and have good grip, are essential. I tend to wear hiking shoes or trail runners for the majority of my hikes, and switch to boots for colder weather and summit hikes.
Hiking shoes today look on the surface like trainers, but they are much more than that. They are sturdier, have ankle and toe reinforcement, strong grip, and there are plenty of waterproof or Gore-Tex shoes on the market.
Hiking boots are more sturdier, heavier, and have lots of reinforcement to protect your ankles. The thing to remember if you’re buying new hiking boots is to wear them in well. This helps to soften them up, so that it reduces the risk of you getting blisters. Boots can last for years if they are maintained well
I wear Merrell Capra Gore-Tex for easy going hikes, or Scarpa Mistral GTX, for more hilly and wetter hikes, and Salomon Quest 4 Gore-Tex for more extreme hikes.
2. Walking/Hiking Socks
Get socks that are moisture wicking, such as merino wool or synthetic blends. This helps to keep moisture away from your feet. Make sure they fit well and have some cushioning. I wear these hiking socks from Jack Wolfskin
3. Hiking trousers, leggings or shorts
Please don’t wear denim jeans on your hikes! That’s a big NO! Wear something on your legs that are sturdy but stretchy so you can move comfortably, and avoids any chaffing. I have a range of hiking trousers depending on my activity and time of the year. You can buy hiking trousers that have zip-off legs (great for warmer days), and heavier ones for Winter months, which will keep you nice and warm.
Craghoppers Men’s convertible II Nosilife Trousers are available at Decathlon
Check out these Urban Classics Women's Ladies Tech Mesh Leggings on Amazon
4. Layering
I said I’d talk about it. So here goes. Layering means starting from the inside out i.e. from a base layer, to mid layer, to outer layer/s.
Base Layer
I would recommend wearing moisture wicking and breathable layers, which will be ideal for changeable weather conditions. Wear base layers that provide a gentle cooling effect, that absorbs sweat and dries quickly. This Men’s T-Shirt from Jack Wolfskin should do the trick! Likewise this Women’s T-Shirt
Mid layer
Taking a small, lightweight fleece is a great way of keeping warm. You should get one that’s light, either pullover, or full or half-zip
This full-zip Women’s hiking fleece from Decathlon, is soft and made from breathable fabric, which will protect you from the cold. For Men, check out this hiking fleece
Outer layers
5. Waterproof Jacket
We all know the weather in the UK can be unpredictable. Even on a sunny morning, you should always pack at least a lightweight waterproof jacket. The last thing you want when you’re out hiking is to be stuck in the elements soaking wet to the skin! Waterproof jackets also have the benefit of acting as a windbreaker.
My advice would be to buy a waterproof jacket that’s easily packable, and preferably Gore-Tex or similar (this helps the water to simply run off the jacket rather than penetrate it).
Craghoppers Men’s Talo GORETEX Thermic Jacket at Decathlon, is great quality, and comfortable to wear
Highest Peak 3l Jkt Women’s jacket from Jack Wolfskin, offers full weather protection from TEXAPORE ECOSPHERE PRO STRETCH 3L
6. Down jacket (insulated)
If you’re planning on hiking during winter months, or going on a summit hike, then it’s essential to have a quality down jacket in your armour for when the temperature drops!
I wear this Men’s Rab Men’s Electron Pro Down jacket. It’s fantastic!
I would also recommend this Rab Women’s Microlight Alpine Long Down Jacket
7. Navigation & Communication
It’s always important to know where you’re going! You can take a compass or a map. Or use a GPS device. Please ensure you carry a mobile phone, with enough charge (and take a spare portable charger bank). This one from Amazon has built in fast charging cables.
8. First Aid
These can be purchased relatively cheaply. A simple one will suffice with the essentials, which you can add your preferred items to. The Lifesystems Trek First Aid Kit available at Decathlon, is ideally suited to outdoor activities and contains plasters, wipes, bandages and other essential first aid items.
9. Headtorch
No matter that time of day or year, always pack a headtorch in your rucksack! Make sure it’s charged or have spare batteries. This Petzl, Hf20 from Amazon is ideal.
10. Rucksack or Trail Vest
Last but not least – you need somewhere to store all of this. Best advice is to buy a rucksack you’d be happy enough to carry on your back, that is supportive, has multiple pockets, and has a waterproof cover.
Jack Wolfskin has some great rucksacks as seen here. Likewise if it’s a trail vest you’re after, then Decathlon has this great one!
ADDITIONAL KIT
Water Bladder vs bottle
Always make sure you have plenty of water with you. The longer or harder your hike will determine how much you should carry. So 1 litre for a short walk, to 3 litres for longer/tougher hikes. You can either use a bladder (which are really cheap), which makes carrying and reaching your water much easier. Or purchase something like a Camelbak water bottle. This 2Ltr hydration system I found at Decathlon, or use a bottle, as in this 1Ltr one from Jack Wolfskin
Hat or Cap, and Gloves
Hats have a dual effect – if it’s a hot sunny day, it will protect you from the heat. Or on colder days, a warmer hat or beanie is a great way to retain your body’s heat. Check out this hat at Simply Hike
It’s also vital protecting your hands from the elements. They can get very painful during extreme cold. These gloves at Decathlon should do the trick!
Food
You’ll be burning lots of energy during your hike, so always take food and/or snacks with you. Food with high protein/calories, and that can be easily stored are best. Please remember the Leave No Trace Principles, and take home your litter or dispose of it responsibly
Sun protection and insect repellent
Both can be added to your first aid kit easily
Spare clothes
No matter how waterproof your clothing is, sometimes conditions on the trail can become extremely wet. So having some additional warm layers will be really important
Walking Poles
Using poles on your hikes can be really beneficial. They give you more balance and agility, and help to take the pressure off your legs (which is particularly useful for ascending and descending hills). You can’t go wrong with these Treklite Compact Trekking Poles available at Decathlon
ACTION!
Ensure you have ALL the Top 10 Hiking Gear Essentials. Either go to any of the products recommended above, or go in store
TYPES OF HIKES
There are a multitude of walks and hikes to choose. From gentle walks in your local park, through to more adventurous ones such as summit hikes, or multi-day hikes. Let’s look at the various options you can explore…
Walks – ideal for beginners. These can take place in your local park, riverside canal, village, or perhaps in a City. The emphasis here is that the walking takes minimum effort, and will introduce you to the basics, so that you get used to the idea of getting outside and walking in areas you feel most comfortable and confident in exploring
This is how I first started many years ago. I had moved a little further out of town into a more rural village. I was keen to explore my local area, with its vast green spaces, and array of wildlife very close by. What did I do? With no hiking gear so to speak, just putting on a sensible pair of boots, I decided first to explore my local park. My area is renowned for the fallow deer that reside here. What better excuse did I need? Seeing so many deer for the first time in their natural habitat, surrounded by deep woodland, and I was hooked! Granted, I’m very lucky to have this right on my doorstep. But the act of taking some time to venture outdoors started the whole process of me going from novice walker to adventurous hiker! It didn’t happen overnight. But it was the beginning!
Gradually I ventured further and extended my walking from my local park to the countryside fields and beyond that to the forest. I discovered paths and trails I never knew existed! It opened a whole new world for me.
ACTION!
Take a walk in your local park. If this is your first time, try walking for 20-30 mins, at whatever pace suits you. Notice what’s going on around you – the wildlife, the trees, the terrain. Are you on your own? Are there other people walking? Pay attention to your senses, and try and frame them for memory. You can also track your walk… Where you went, what distance you walked, and if you wish how many calories you burned. Then repeat, building your walking time up to 30-45 mins, and so on.
Day hike – as the name suggests, this involves starting and finishing a hike in one day. It can be whatever distance you like, and from easy to moderate, or more challenging as you build up your levels of experience. There are various options of hikes you can do in a day, such as…
Loop or circular hike – very popular amongst hikers, as you start and finish in the same place, which is always good for planning and logistics. Plus it comes with the added bonus of you being able to get to take in new scenery all the way!
A to B hike – otherwise called a one way hike, where the hike could finish at point B (the end), or you could return to point A (the start)
The vast majority of the hikes I’ve blogged about tend to be circular hikes, such as Cheddar Gorge, Box Hill, or Epping Forest, to name a few. I love the variety they bring. Afterall that’s why I called my blog – Walking In Circles!
I’ve also done my fair share of A to B hikes – such as the Viking Trail (on the Kent coastline), or the Regent’s Canal for example. Note here that if point B is the ending point of your hike, to consider in advance your onward journey, or return journey (to point A the starting point)
ACTION!
Once you’ve got used to regular walking, and have built up some time on your feet, choose either a circular hike, or A to B hike. This will typically be longer than previous walks you may have done.
Try a hike that has a total distance of 10-12km. On average expect that to take somewhere between 2-3 hours depending on your pace, weather conditions, and taking into account any elevation.
If it’s convenient, you can choose one of my hikes in my blogs. Each come with a downloadable route map and photos. Or download a hiking app such as OS Maps, or AllTrails, and select one of the many circular hikes in those. I’ll talk more about hiking apps a little later. Just pick somewhere that’s relatively easy to moderate, and look for any reviews, so you get a good idea of what to expect.
Multi-day hike – which is where you hike over a number of days, which could also involve camping. As there are quite a lot of factors to consider with a multi-day hike, such a physical endurance, and logistics etc. it’s better suited for more experienced hikers than beginners
Summit hike – where the objective is to reach a summit or peak. Don’t be put off by this! A summit or peak doesn’t mean climbing a big mountain (although it could be!). There are many smaller peaks in the UK for example, that are great fun and extremely beautiful. You can’t beat the satisfaction you get from reaching a peak’s trig point (Triangulation station) – which is a point at the top of a hill or mountain, usually marked by a small stone or concrete structure (as seen here).
Trig point on Helvellyn summit
You probably know me by now, that a lot of my hikes involve their fair share of hills! A summit hike can easily be climbing a tough hill or series of tough hills. For example the Surrey 3 Peaks, or Edale Skyline. Or it could be extreme, such as Everest Base Camp!
But you don’t have to take it that far to begin with. Phew! Take for example Box Hill. You may have read my blog about it. I remember the very first time I went to Box Hill. I thought it was one of the toughest walks I’d ever done in my life at the time, finished off with the biggest hill!! But it was an incredible feeling to reach the trig point at the end of the walk. Over the years since then, I’ve been dozens of times, and accompanied with many beginners to hiking. I love seeing their faces when they get to the top of Box Hill at the end of the hike! I can assure you that there’s no other feeling than pushing yourself to do something you’d never thought possible, and then achieving it.
Trig point on Box Hill, Surrey
ACTION!
Once you’ve got used to some gentle hiking, and if you’re up for the challenge, choose a summit or peak as you’re next introduction to hiking. Find a big hill or hills, or if you’re feeling brave, a mountain in the UK for instance. Anywhere that has a recognised peak (marked with a trig point).
For example, you could choose any of the hills I’ve mentioned in the Edale Skyline Challenge blog (you don’t need to do the whole challenge!). Or take a visit to Box Hill, if you’re close to London. Or find the closest national park to you, where there will be loads of potential peaks to choose from.
NOTE: Make sure you read all my advice on what kit and gear you’ll need for a summit hike first!
Now for some more advanced types of hikes…
Trekking – is defined as longer, multi-day hiking, generally tougher than your average hike. So not best for beginners
Thru-hike – the term being popularised in the USA, which describes really long hiking trails such as the Camini De Santiago, Appalachian Trail, Pacific Coast Trail for example. Or here in the UK it could be Hadrian’s Wall, West Highland Way, South Downs Way, or Offa’s Dyke, just to name a few. But you get my drift. Taking on a thru-hike requires a great deal of strength and stamina, and a lot of planning. So definitely not best for beginners! Thru hikes also come with the option of doing section-hikes, where you just take on a particular section of the trail.
Backpacking – this involves the combination of multi-day hiking and usually with some camping. You’d be carrying all of your hiking gear and camping equipment with you. So that implies carrying a great deal of weight on your back. Definitely one for more experienced hikers and campers!
And finally some more technical types of hikes…
Scrambling – typically involves using both your hands and feet whilst climbing/ascending up a mountain path. Although a huge adrenaline rush, it’s not one for the feint hearted. So not advised for beginners
Ridge walking – You’ll find these along some hiking trails where there are mountainous areas. The Helvellyn Via Striding Edge walk, is a classic example of a ridge walk (and summit walk!).
Mountaineering – Well you can’t get more technical than this! Typically that will involve using specialist equipment, and will require a great deal of experience and stamina!
WHERE TO FIND HIKING ROUTES
So now that we’ve been through the types of hikes there are, it’s time to start looking at where they exist and where you can find them
Hiking blogs – erm you’re on a hiking blog right now! If you can’t find what you’re looking for here, no problem, you can always check out and explore other hiking blogs that are out there. There’s some amazing hikers writing some incredible blogs with loads of routes and tips.
Hiking platforms and apps – there are loads of great online hiking platforms and apps on the market, where you can discover hikes near you, or further afield, with the facility to download offline routes. In the UK I’d recommend something like OS Maps, or MapMyWalk, or AllTrails (which is great worldwide).
You’ll have seen from my blogs that I regularly include downloadable OS Maps routemaps. That’s because I personally find it very easy to create routes using OS Maps and downloading them to use offline. I think it’s essential to have offline maps at your disposal, especially if you’re venturing into an unknown route for the first time. Don’t rely on there always being phone signal in remote locations!
Equally great is AllTrails, as they are the global market leader for hiking and walking routes. Plus they have literally loads of other outdoor activities available to download
Please note: To download offline routes with most apps requires a subscription.
ACTION!
Download an outdoor walking/hiking app NOW! Start with the free version so that you familiarise yourself with the various functionalities of the app, and feel comfortable using it. Discover a route that’s near you, and look to see if there’s any further details and/or reviews. Then try it out for yourself.
National Trust (NT), National Parks websites, and local information – the great thing about hiking is that there is loads of information readily available online for you to discover. If you Google search for hikes near you – you’ll get a mixture of hiking apps (usually AllTrails), hiking blogs (like mine – but not quite up there yet) with hiking routes, NT, Time Out, TripAdvisor etc etc. Or type in something more specific like “circular hikes in the Peak District” – and you’ll get exactly what you asked for. It’s that simple!
FINDING PEOPLE TO HIKE WITH
Hiking solo vs hiking with other people? Actually you can do both. There are times when I love being out on the trail on my own, alone with my thoughts, doing it my way, at my pace, heading in whatever direction I choose. There are other times however when I absolutely love being in the company of other fellow hikers. There are so many benefits to finding and connecting with other people who after all share the same passion as you! So where can you find them?
Friends, family and acquaintances – A great place to start! Having people around you who you’re closest to and know well, and know you well, are a great resource for sharing your experiences with.
Online hiking communities – These are often the best places to start, and I don’t know where I’d be if I hadn’t joined the Action Challenge Facebook Group. That group alone has over 10,000 members! 99% of the people on there would happily give up their time to advise, answer any questions (we’ve all had the same questions when we first started), and arrange to meet up for walks nearby. Joining a local group can be hugely inspirational, and will give you the confidence to explore more places.
ACTION!
Search for and Join a local or National online hiking group. Here’s a list of some National organisations that list all their local walking clubs and groups
Ramblers ramblers.org.uk/go-walking
Long Distance Walking Association (LDWA) ldwa.org.uk
British Walking Federation bwf-ivv.org.uk
Rambling Clubs ramblingclubs.com
Walking for Health walkingforhealth.org.uk
Meetup meetup.com
Organised walking holidays – If you want to take things a bit further, there are a number of organisations that run guided walks here in the UK and overseas, either offering self-guided walks or with dedicated guides. They include:
Explore
Headwater holidays
Secret Hills Walking Holidays
Ramblersholidays
Exodus
Walks worldwide
Footpath holidays
WalkersBritain
Inn Travel
Macsadventures
Hfholidays
Maps and guidebooks – If you’re a beginner, I wouldn’t rely on using a topographic map on your first hike, but they will give you very detailed information. I don’t know about you, but I love buying books, and especially books about hiking! There are some great books out there for specific hiking trails with detailed routes, where to eat and drink, and where to stay etc. So a book and/or map is always good to have in the locker.
GETTING HIKING FIT
For a lot of people the best way to get hiking fit is to – go hiking! Yep! Obviously the more hikes you do, the more it will help you to build up your endurance levels. For others, myself included, and being of a certain age, doing some additional training helps to strengthen your body’s core and leg muscles, which is vital if you’re planning on doing some longer hikes.
The first thing to say is that don’t expect results overnight. Give yourself time. Here are some great ways to help you train for longer hikes…
Cardio
Doing some regular aerobic activities has massive health benefits, and are a great way to get the heart pumping! Activities such as brisk walking, treadmill, cycling, or swimming for example.
If you want to step it up, then HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training) can be hugely beneficial because it will help you to build up both your aerobic and anaerobic fitness, and overall strength needed for tougher hiking challenges. HIIT involves doing short burst of high exertion followed by short periods of rest, repeatedly over a duration of 30-45 mins typically. Activities can include spin cycling, HIIT specific classes, combining walking with jogging etc.
Leg training
Whether at the gym of from home – building up your leg strength is essential for hikers. Remember your legs do the majority of the work! Exercises can include jumping jacks, squats, lunges, and leg raises. You can even do calf raises on your stairs! All of these require no special equipment.
Back strengthening
When you’re out hiking you’ll be carrying a rucksack for lengthy periods of time. So it makes sense to get your back into shape. This is relatively straightforward – you can start by loading your rucksack with some items such as water bottles and walk up and down your stairs. Plus doing press ups and planks not only builds up your core, but will also strengthen your upper back and shoulders.
Core
Talking of Core – these are your abdominal, back and pelvic muscles. Having a strong core helps to improve your balance and stability. Typical core exercises include – sit ups, crunches, planks. But you can also get an exercise ball and sit on it whilst you watch your TV at home!
Training hikes
Once you’ve done some preparation and training, its’ time to get out there and do some short practice or training hikes. This will be a good judge of where you’re at in terms of your fitness levels, and endurance. Plus going for a practice hike has the added benefit of you being able to test out and break in your walking boots or shoes.
As I said earlier in the essential kit list, it takes time to break in new boots and shoes. Some boots can take weeks to soften up, and the last thing you want if going on a longer hike is to feel discomfort and pain from hard boots pressing your feet and toes, or causing you to get blisters.
ACTION!
Create a hiking fitness training routine. This doesn’t need to be complex or take too much effort. Do what works best for you. Here is a rough plan to get you started…
Cardio: 30-45 mins 2-3 times p/w
Strength conditioning (Legs, back, core): start off with 1 time p/w
Walking: 20-30 mins 2 times p/w
Hiking: 2-3 hours Whenever and as much as you like!
AFTER YOUR HIKE
So you’ve finished your hike…awesome! But before you curl up on the sofa, I’ve got a few handy tips to help you recover, and prepare for your next hike!
Stretching – Hiking can take a lot out of you, especially if your body isn’t used to it! Plus, the older you get let me tell you it takes much longer to recover! Your body can stiffen up, and if you don’t take the time to do some proper stretches you could get the DOMS (ooh sounds painful)…which means Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness. Doing some whole-body stretches when you finish will help to relax those overworked muscles and aid recovery. If you do experience severe muscle cramps, then follow the RICE method – Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation
Re-Hydration – drink lots of water, with the option of adding some electrolytes, which will help to replace salts and potassium. Eat well! Go on, you’ve earned it! You have no doubt burned loads of calories, so it’s important to restore your body’s natural energy.
Empty your rucksack – take out any gear you’ve used, such as water bladder, rubbish, and any wet and/or no doubt very smelly clothes! Clean your water bladder by hand, using hot soapy water and rinse well. Wash and dry out your clothes – don’t leave them to sit there, as the smell will linger!
Clean your hiking boots/shoes – Probably the last thing you’ll want to do after a long day’s hike, but removing mud, dirt and any other debris your boots have picked up along the trail, will give them a much longer shelf-life. Plus, I also find it therapeutic cleaning them, and look forward to putting them on for my next hike!
Do the following In plenty of time before your next hike…
Plan your next hike – Be honest….you’ve now got the hiking bug! So start planning your next hiking adventure!
Gear check – Check all the gear you’ll need for your next hike. If there is anything that needs fixing, look to fix any problems before you load up your rucksack
Repack your rucksack – I love getting my rucksack all packed and ready in plenty of time before my next hike. Invariably hiking involves an early start, so having your hiking rucksack ready to go will mean you can get out the door much quicker!
SHARE YOUR EXPERIENCE
Congratulations! You’re now officially a hiker! Whoop!
So why not let everyone know just how awesome it was! There are plenty of ways to share your hiking experience with the world…
Friends and family, Colleagues, walking groups and communities, or of course on your favourite Social Media platforms
It’s a great way of letting other people know what you’ve been up to, and can act as a source of encouragement and motivation for other people to get out on the hiking trail too!
You can also share your hiking adventure right here on my blog at Walking In Circles! Just send me a message!
ACTION!
Write a blog or short story, and description of your hike, including…
Where you went (location)
Distance
Time
Other useful information
Photos
Anything else? - YOU decide!
I’ll then post YOUR HIKE in the HUB!
Please contact me for further details.
HIKING SAFELY
TOP 50 COMMON HIKING MISTAKES & HOW TO AVOID THEM
We all make mistakes. But it’s how we learn from them that matters. Making the wrong mistake out on the trail, aside from being potentially embarrassing, can be dangerous. I’ll give you a REAL example;
It must be 20+ years ago now, maybe more, but I was a hiking newbie. Adventurous and curious, but no real experience of hiking. I was asked by some friends of mine to go to Mount Snowdon. Of course I said yes immediately. But the mistakes piled up, right from the start…I left all the planning and route preparation to my friend ( I felt sure he know what he was doing), I took one sandwich and 1 litre of water (had no idea how long it would take), and as it was Summer and a pleasant day, I wore a T-Shirt and jeans – a trio of mistakes. The last one the most obvious and potentially dangerous, as I had no idea that weather on a mountain could be unpredictable and would be very different to the weather down below in the valleys. Safe to say, that I experienced 4 seasons of weather on that climb, I was soaked to the skin, freezing cold, and had little supplies. Oh and by the way, the friend I had trusted, had all the right hiking kit – he just didn’t tell me! (some friend!).
If that doesn’t teach you about hiking, having respect for the mountain, the weather conditions, food preparation and hiking preparation etc. nothing will!
So to help you avoid some of those pitfalls, here’s a list of the 50 MOST COMMON HIKING MISTAKES AND HOW TO AVOID THEM...
ACTION!
Take a look at the most common hiking mistakes below and see if you can spot how many hiking mistakes I made in my example above!
1. Lack of preparation: Research the trail, check the weather forecast, and ensure you have plenty of water & food, first aid, and a map/gps
2. Overpacking: Keep your rucksack light with only the necessary items. Learn to prioritise essentials for specific hikes
3. Ignoring fitness levels: Choose hikes that match your current level of fitness, and gradually progress to more challenging ones when you’ve built up your hiking fitness
4. Improper footwear: Invest in comfortable and appropriate hiking boots or shoes. Make sure you break in your new boots before going on a long hike
5. Neglecting weather conditions: Wear and/or pack layers, check the weather, and be prepared for sudden changes
6. Lack of navigation skills: Learn basic map reading, and how to use online maps. Pay attention to trail markers. Carry a compass
7. Not informing others: Tell others where you’re going. Share your hiking plans, including the route, and likely return time, with someone reliable!
8. Not warming up properly: Doing some gentle exercises before your hike will help to prevent muscular strains and injuries
9. Poor hydration: Make sure you have plenty of water, and drink regularly, especially in hot weather or in high altitude areas
10. Ignoring trail etiquette: Respect others, stay on marked paths, and keep noise levels down to preserve the environment
11. Disregarding the Leave No Trace Principles: Refer to my Resource page for more details
12. Inadequate food supply: Bring energy-rich snacks that are suitable for your hike’s duration and intensity
13. Underestimating time: Plan for your pace allowing time for rest breaks, and for any unforeseen delays
14. Little or no first aid knowledge: Learn some basic first aid skills, and make sure you’ve got a small first aid kit in your rucksack
15. Ignoring wildlife safety: Keep a safe distance, and be aware of wildlife. Secure your food properly
16. An overreliance on technology: Use any electronic devices wisely, allowing for sufficient battery levels. Take a back up navigation tool and a charge bank
17. Ignoring physical limitations: Listen to your body, don’t push yourself too hard, and take regular breaks
18. Poop campsite selection: If you’re camping, choose a proper site that’s away from water sources, and follow the Leave No Trace Principles
19. Neglecting sun protection: Use a sunscreen, wear a hat, and protect your eyes from the sun. Be aware that even in breezy conditions to take sufficient sun precautions
20. Lack of emergency preparedness: Carry emergency supplies, and know what to do in an unexpected situation
21. Ignoring trail markers: Pay attention to markers/trail signs to avoid getting lost
22. Not dressing in layers: Wear layers for temperature regulation
23. Inadequate bug protection: Use insect repellent, and wear appropriate clothing to guard against insects
24. Skipping rest breaks: Take regular breaks so that you can rest, rehydrate, and prevent exhaustion
25. Underestimating altitude effects: Acclimatise gradually if going to higher altitudes to avoid sickness
26. Not checking hiking gear: Inspect your hiking gear before each hike#
27. Ignoring local regulations: Always adhere to park and trail regulations to preserve the environment
28. Not knowing/learning basic survival skills: Understand the basic skills for emergencies
29. Not having emergency contacts: Carry a list of emergency contacts and medical information
30. Hiking alone with notification: Inform someone about your solo hike plans
31. Carrying too much water weight: Plan water stops strategically to avoid excessive weight
32. Ignoring weather warnings: Always consider weather advice before hiking
33. Not checking gear fit: Ensure rucksack and gear fit properly
34. Neglecting sunscreen application: Apply sunscreen even on cloudy days
35. Overlooking trail difficulty ratings: Choose trails that match your level of ability
36. Carrying unnecessary items: Evaluate which items are absolutely necessary to reduce weight
37. Underestimating stream/river crossings: Assess water crossings carefully
38. Ignoring wildlife cues: Read wildlife behaviour and give them space
39. Not knowing water sources: Plan for available water sources
40. Overlooking trailhead logistics: Confirm trailhead location and permits
41. Ignoring your intuition: Trust your instincts; turn back if needed
42. Inadequate map familiarity: Study the route map beforehand
43. Skipping warm-up stretches: Stretch before and after each hike
44. Using unfamiliar gear: Test your gear before you hike
45. Forgetting your ID: Carry ID and medical information
46. Neglecting foot care: Keep your feet dry and well-maintained. Carry a blister kit
47. Ignoring trail conditions: check for recent updates or obstacles
48. Overestimating daily distance: Be realistic about your hiking capabilities
49. Ignoring environmental impact: Stay on marked trails to minimise impact
50. Underestimating the psychological challenge: Be mentally prepared for challenges and stay positive
Did you spot how many mistakes I made in my story? Hopefully these top tips will help you to avoid many of these pitfalls, and remind you how to always hike safely and responsibly!
SUMMARY
Hiking is one of the best ways to explore the great outdoors, connect with the natural world, and to escape. Hiking gives you the opportunity to explore diverse landscapes, and experience scenic views that take your breath away!
I hope you have found my essential guide to hiking for beginners the perfect platform in which to launch your hiking journey and to create your own hiking adventures!
For more about essential hiking gear, check out my Guide to the Top 10 Hiking Gear Essentials!
Please feel free to post any questions or comments
Happy hiking!
Marc
If you enjoy my blogs feel free to buy me a coffee!