We love the simplicity of popping on your walking boots and getting outside. From a stroll around the countryside with the dog, to long days out exploring with the family, it’s easy to see why walking and hiking are some of the most popular activities for people in the UK.
But have you gone much further than your local area? As lockdown restrictions are easing, now is the time to get out there and see more of the amazing sights and experiences the UK has to offer with walking breaks or a restorative hiking retreat.
How can I start hiking?
Everyone can start hiking. The important thing to consider is your base fitness level and experience - just having the right kit doesn’t mean you’re ready to conquer a day-long hike!
If you’re new to hiking, start small and build up your fitness by walking for a longer period of time. As a guide for an adult in average health, aim to complete half a mile in 15 minutes, over fairly easy terrain.
From here, work up to a three mile hike over about two weeks, which you should aim to complete in an hour. As your fitness and experience increases you’ll find your ability to go further for longer builds. You may like to use a fitness app to monitor your progress.
And don’t forget to do some gentle stretching once you’ve finished your hike - your hamstrings, calves and back will thank you!
What should I wear hiking?
The absolute number one thing to get right is your footwear. When you begin hiking it’s important to prevent blisters and sore feet so you can continue building your fitness and experience, so do invest in proper walking boots or shoes.
Your local outdoor shop will have trained staff who can offer guidance. The type of footwear you choose is based on both personal preference and the type of hiking you’re taking on.
Many hikers and walkers like to protect their ankles with a sturdy walking boot, but if you’re heading to a hotter climate, you may prefer a trail shoe. Whatever you decide, be sure to allow some time before your hike to break your footwear in before wearing them for hiking.
After your footwear is sorted, you’ll want to make sure you have some decent socks to cushion your feet, plus choosing the right wicking material will reduce water accumulation, to keep your feet warm and dry.
When it comes to clothing, again this depends on the climate of your hiking destination, but thin layers that allow you to manage your temperature are always recommended. Again, give some consideration to the materials of your clothes - for example, most hikers prefer to avoid cotton clothing as it doesn’t keep you warm if it gets wet and it takes a long time to dry.
Fully waterproof clothing is available, which includes trousers as well as jackets, so you may want to consider this option as well, even if it’s just something to pop in your backpack… which leads us on to….
What do I need to put in my backpack when hiking?
Even for a short hike, a backpack is an important part of your hiking kit. You don’t need to invest loads of money in a proper hiking backpack to begin with, but be sure it is comfortable and has enough space.
Always carry water and your mobile phone. We also recommend you include a snack (for example an energy bar or two), and a basic first aid kit just in case.
Other items you might want to consider include suncream, an extra layer of clothing or waterproofs as mentioned above, a torch in case you’re caught out, an alternative form of navigation (think a map if you’re using your phone to guide you) and maybe even a swiss army knife.
Where can I go hiking in the UK?
The UK is packed full of wonderful spots to go walking and hiking. There’s lots of options available for all levels of experience so we definitely recommend getting out there and making the most of the incredible walking and hiking that the UK has to offer.
From wild coastal explorations, to stunning mountain landscapes or tracing the footsteps of ancient Britons and beyond, wherever you go in the UK you’ll find hiking trails in the local area.
Once you’ve become comfortable with hiking for a few hours, why not think about booking a hiking holiday? A hiking retreat is a great way to explore a new area, often led by an experienced and knowledgeable guide so you can really enjoy your adventure.
Many walking and hiking retreats also arrange your accommodation and take care of moving your luggage, so you don’t have to worry about any of the details.
We’ve got some great hiking and walking retreats for 2021, and for a limited time only, many of these require only a £49 deposit so you can have something definite booked in to look forward to.
Here are some of our top hiking and walking retreats around the uk with a low upfront deposit...
4 Days: Walk the Cornish Coast
3 Days: Walk the Peak District
5 Days: Walk the Cairngorms in Summer
6 Days: Hike the Pembrokeshire Coast
5 Days: Walk the Jurassic Coast
7 Days: Walk Hadrian’s Wall Highlights
Want to explore our full list of £49 deposit breaks and retreats? You’ll find the full list here.
