Beginner's Guide To Hiking

Hiking is a great way to enjoy the outdoors and is something that can be enjoyed by all ages and all abilities at some level. It doesn't require much equipment to get started and you don't have to travel hundreds of miles to get involved.

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Why Hiking?

Everyone has their own reasons for going hiking but it's worth remembering that the benefits go much further than just enjoying a good view and being outside.

Physically, going out for a walk keeps you moving and moving more means you burn more calories, it has also been proven to reduce stress and help lower blood pressure. You don't have to make a point of pushing your limits and working up a sweat to see these kinds of benefits, something as simple as regularly taking 20-30 minutes out of your day to go for a walk can help.

Hiking has many benefits for your mental health too. It can help clear your mind from the stresses and strains of everyday life, even if this is just for a few minutes it can help massively with perspective and positivity. Hiking regularly can also boost your confidence, especially when you are exploring new places. The more time you spend discovering new places outdoors the more comfortable and thus confident you will feel in handling the unfamiliar things that can crop up in everyday life.

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What Do I Need To Go Hiking?

One of the best things about hiking is that you don't need much equipment. Comfortable hiking footwear that is supportive for your feet and suitable for the terrain you expect to face as well as a waterproof jacket is all you really need to start off with.

As you start to cover more mileage you might want to invest in a good backpack that will hold some lunch and an extra layer. If you start exploring more remote areas such as fells and moorlands you'll want to add a basic first aid kit as well as a map and compass. It's important to remember that you should know how to use everything you take with you, especially your map and compass and each of the items in your first aid kit.

You'll likely build up a range of clothing and accessories over time as you figure out what you like, what you need and what makes you feel more comfortable. As an example, your everyday jeans and t-shirts won't be particularly comfortable for long walks, particularly if they get wet, so you'll probably invest in some walking trousers and a technical t-shirt as your routes get longer.

As the weather becomes cooler you'll likely want to invest in a warm mid-layer, a good hat and some waterproof gloves that will help keep your hands cosy. When you do start to develop your kit, remember it's an investment, it's worth making sure you love what you buy; if you love it you'll be keen to use it more and thus you'll be encouraged to get out more.

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Where Should I Go Hiking?

When choosing where to go, start off local. Try leaving the car at home and going for a walk straight from your front door. This will allow you to get used to going out for a walk and build up some fitness. If you'd prefer walking around green spaces research your local parks and recreational grounds, or maybe you have a reservoir nearby, they often have circular walking routes for the public to enjoy.

Once you have become comfortable with getting out for a walk on a regular basis and built up a degree of fitness, start to explore a little further afield. Maybe there is a local hill that you've been working up to or a long-distance trail that you want to do in sections over time. Either way, make yourself familiar with a map and compass, even if you know the area well or the route is sign-posted, this will build your knowledge, experience and confidence with navigation for future routes and planning when you aren't familiar with the area.

The UK has 15 National Parks as well as hundreds of acres of green space so you'll never run out of new places to explore.

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Who Do I Go Hiking With?

You can go hiking alone if you have the confidence, if you do this it's important to let someone know where you are going and when you expect to be back.

Alternatively, if you would like some company, encourage one of your friends to get involved or make some new ones by getting involved with local walking groups. Ramblers have active communities throughout the UK, you can usually getting involved on a couple of walks to make sure it's right for you before committing to membership.

Social media is also a great way to meet like-minded people, a quick search for a walking group in your area will likely give you some local options, while national groups will allow you to make friends with people in fantastic walking locations that you might not have otherwise thought you'd get to.

When you are feeling ready to do something a bit more adventurous you can book a trip with a Guide. Whether you want to stay in the UK or venture abroad, companies such as Mountaineerin and Much Better Adventures will be able to organise something to suit your needs.

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How Do I Take It To The Next Level?

Once you've got the bug for hiking you might wonder how you can take it further, maybe even professionally. There are qualifications and certificates you can work towards that will allow you to lead groups and teach others how to be safe in the outdoors. You can pay to do these privately and organisations such as Glenmore Lodge and Plas Y Brenin offer some of the best courses in the country to help you achieve your dream.

Alternatively, you might spend time volunteering for local arrangements (schools, local authority support groups, charities such as Youth Adventure Trust) that will give you excellent, hands-on experience in the outdoors as well as taking part in rewarding work with others in your community. In return for your time, they may support your journey to becoming a qualified leader.

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