Where to Begin with Hiking and Long Walks
Everyone has to start somewhere, right? This article is a beginner’s guide on hiking and long walks. Over the years, it has helped me enormously with weight loss, mental well-being and doing what I enjoy the most – being outdoors, snapping photos of beautiful landscapes.
In this beginner’s guide about hiking and long walks, I discuss the health benefits, finding routes and guided walks, mapping and apps, phone safety, gear to wear and carry, personal safety and map reading.
Health benefits of hiking and trail walking
Can you get into shape just by hiking or walking?
I’ve enjoyed getting out on long walks and hiking since my teenage years. Going through my 30s and 40s I didn’t get the time to do much walking or hiking. Back then it was more about family and enjoying life with the kids. I went surfing most weekends with my son, Well, I say surfing – let’s just go with spending hours in the water with a surfboard. Honestly, I looked more like a Tellytubby in a wetsuit. I needed to lose weight!
Luckily my wife was in the same frame of mind and both of us cut the carbs and meal portion sizes. I decided to get back into hiking and long walks to get some exercise. After losing 3.5 stone, yes, you can get into shape by hiking and walking and, of course, eating the right food and less of it.
It’s not just about weight loss, though. A hike or a long walk is good for your physical and mental health. There are many articles supporting this. Personally, it allows me to empty my head of the muddle that builds up through the week.
Also, for me, hiking and trail walking is always pleasurable. Sure, there should be challenges along the way that will put a strain on the body. I used to ache for days after. But I always feel good when I’ve completed the challenge that I set for myself.
Here’s the thing: I’ve noticed too many runners coming towards me with contorted facial expressions. Yet, with hikers and walkers, I see happy smiles. I guess it depends on what you want out of life.
Walks or Hiking? What’s the difference?
For me, a walk is a stroll around the park or getting into town on foot. Walks are typically up to 5 miles or, maybe, 10,000 steps. There may be hills, but nothing too strenuous.
Hiking is about donning rugged shoes or boots, a backpack, and heading off into the wilderness of moorland, countryside or coastal paths. There are challenging terrains, hills, inclines and maybe rocks when hiking. Hikes are typically 5 miles and up. Although, when I was getting back into it, building up muscle and stamina, I considered a hike at just 3 miles and up, So don’t be governed too much by distance.
Most people go off on day hikes or guided walks. There is also backpacking for the more serious hikers, which includes camping or setting up bivouac shelters for overnight stopovers.
What should a beginner hiker do? Let’s take a look…
Finding a Hike or Walk for Beginners
One of the first things that might be more challenging than imagined is where to walk or hike. Where I live, there are lots of local walking areas, but I strive to make it interesting. Somewhere new, or exploring more of an area I have already visited.
Ever the technologist, I found just the thing. The route and mapping app, iWalkCornwall provides pre-prepared walks. Their app guides you around the route using GPS and, as you go, it provides details and history of any points of interest. That’s a great afternoon or day out for less than the price of a pint. They do, of course, show where you can purchase a pint and a hearty meal during or after the walk.
That’s Cornwall, but what about elsewhere? Well, actually, there are a significant amount of guided walks on the internet. Some are far better than others. Some of my guided walks may be in a location near you – take a look at these: Guided Walks.
As I progressed, I started mapping my own hikes and walk routes with an Ordnance Survey subscription. At less than £20 per year, I have found this exceptional value. There are lots of routes provided by subscribers and organisations. You can also map your own routes using OS Leisure Maps. You can export a GPX route file to load into a mapping app, including the Ordnance Survey’s own app. The route can also be printed, to scale if you wish, so you don’t need to purchase a new map for every new area you visit. It is amazing value for money!
Mapping Apps for Hiking and Walks
As a keen photographer, hiking and long walks give me the landscapes and subjects I want to shoot. I prefer to spend time looking through a viewfinder rather than orienteering with a map. If I’m on the moors, yes, a printed map and compass are in my bag and, knowing how to use each, is important. There are plenty of free online orienteering courses. However, mapping apps work perfectly for me.
I mentioned the Ordnance Survey app above, but I mostly use the free Locus Map app for Android. I’ll upload the exported GPX file from my mapped route on Ordnance Survey. Then choose a free European hiking map offered with Locus Maps to overlay my route. A good feature is to download the area of the map that covers my route so I can use the app offline. The OS app does the same, which is, I think, an important feature of any mapping app.
Phone Safety Tip
Phone batteries go flat, so I carry a charged power pack. Phones can also fall and break, so mine is weatherproof and has a bouncy case.
I have wandered off course many times. Maps, apps and emergency back-ups are essential!
I haven’t been lost but, if I ever do, I also have the What3Words and Ordnance Survey Locate apps
I’ve heard so many arguments about tech v paper maps but, hey, this is the 21st century. Paper maps and compasses still have their place, but so does technology – on an increasing scale.
Gear for Beginners in Hiking and Walks
Beginners to hiking and long walks wonder what to wear and what gear to carry. People can quickly be alarmed by the price tags of specialist clothing and gear. Don’t be put off. Take a look in the wardrobe and check what can be used. Also, consider second-hand clothing and certain gear.
What to wear
Boots and shoes – I prefer boots as they support my ankles on uneven ground, but trainers with a tread are fine for beginners. Canvas plimsolls/pumps are a little too flimsy and likely slippery on wet mud, stone or rock surfaces.
Legs – shorts, leggings or lightweight track trousers are fine in the summer. These can be worn with weatherproof trousers or thermal leggings in the winter. Try to avoid jeans – they get heavy when wet.
Upper body – non-cotton lightweight tees or long-sleeved tops are great in the summer. In the winter, one can be layered over the other, along with a fleece. A weatherproof lightweight jacket can be worn in all seasons. The layering allows body temperature adjustment. Look out for ‘wicking’ clothing, maybe in the Sales. The fabrics used allow the body to perspire, but dry quickly to reduce chafing.
Head, neck, arms and hands – a brimmed hat for the summer and beanie or similar, along with (weatherproof if possible) gloves, for the winter. I think it’s important to protect myself from the sun, so I also apply factor 30 on my exposed arms and face – summer and winter. Think also about scarves, buffs and other add-ons to keep warm.
Top tip: add hiking gear to your Birthday and Christmas wish list.
Gear to Carry
Backpack – for beginners look in cupboards or maybe borrow a backpack that can be used. It need not be very big, nor weatherproof (you can buy reasonably priced waterproof slip-over covers). Take a look at these backpacks.
Nourishment
Water – this is really important. Any water container will do. Although there are plenty of reusable water containers on the market.
Food – we all need it. Consider snack bars to provide carbs. Breakfast cereal bars are quite good. Then it’s the usual packed lunch unless there is a pub or cafe planned along the way.
Money – how else will you pay for that pub meal? You may need some change for the car park at the start of a hike or walk.
Mapping and Safety
Map and compass – I mentioned it above. I carry a weatherproof map bag (which could be a plastic document wallet), a map of the area and a compass when I’m walking on the moors. Always! I’m not so stringent on coastal walks because the coast path links villages, and roads to attract help are often nearby. Here is a selection of Map Bags.
Emergency kit – battery powerpack (for the phone), cables, torch or head torch, multitool (knife, bottle opener, etc). Search for these emergency items.
First Aid Kit – lots of stores sell these, or maybe put one together from what you have in the medicine box. Again, this is really important. Being out in the sticks can be a real issue if you are injured. Take plasters, a bandage, ointments for bites and stings, anti-histamine and pain relief tablets. Include sun protection cream – summer or winter. Look for First Aid Kits.
Rain protection – I invested in a cheap and cheerful waterproof cape (I also have waterproof jackets). The cape is great for sudden showers and it covers me, my backpack and the camera bag that I carry on my front. It’s also great for hunkering down and staying warm and dry if conditions get too wild, especially on winter moorland hikes. Take a look at these Waterproof Capes and Ponchos.
Think ‘what if’ in planning hikes or walks. What if it snows, what if it rains, what if I get lost, and so on. Some of the items above could be considered over the top for beginners, but you’d be surprised at the number of novice walkers and hikers that end up in a bad situation and call emergency services for help.
Map Reading for Hiking and Long Walks
Whether using mapping apps or traditional paper maps, there needs to be an understanding of how to use them. For beginners to hiking and long walks, it might be best to follow routes prepared by walking organisations. With more learning and experience in map reading, routes can be plotted with a better understanding of the terrain. For example, along drier rather than boggy tracks. Believe me, it makes a big difference!
There are plenty of online resources to learn or build map reading skills. Here is one by Ordnance Survey – Map reading skills – beginner’s guides.
Timing and Planning a Hike or Walk
How long will it take to walk the planned route?
Beginners to hiking and long walks might plan a 3-mile route. I tend to walk around 2.5 miles an hour, so I could expect to complete the walk within 1.5 hours. Beginners may find the going a bit tough and may take longer. A stop may be planned along the route, again taking longer to complete.
During the summer daylight hours in the UK, it’s not as big a problem as it can be during the dark winter months. I have been caught out over and over where walks have taken unexpectedly longer than I had planned, so I am left completely in the dark on occasions.
It’s hard-going walking on rough terrain in the dark, even for seasoned hikers. So always consider the timing. And remember the torch!
It is also worth considering busy times for planned eateries and attractions. What about ferries, buses, and trains? Don’t miss the last one!
What about the weather?
Check the weather leading up to the planned walk day and on the day itself. So many people get caught out by bad weather. It’s especially important when walking on the moors or in other locations where there are no roads nearby. While seasoned hikers will have all the gear for walking in bad weather, beginners may not. Believe me, it’s not nice getting soaked through or fending off bitterly cold conditions. Go prepared, or simply don’t go on a bad weather day.
Safety for Hiking and Walks
Note that we didn’t mention ‘Beginners’. This section applies to all hikers and walkers.
Apart from the safety tips mentioned so far, there are more ways to stay safe and to be found if things go wrong.
Tell someone
Yes, tell someone where you are going, the timings and the planned route. Maybe take a copy of the route map to leave behind.
If you are into using tech, I have Google Maps set up so that my wife and I share each other’s location. So long as I am in occasional range of a satellite and phone signal, Maps gets updated.
It’s not a race!
There are all sorts of people enjoying urban and wild routes. Hikers, walkers, runners and cyclists are all common. Many of these people will be experienced.
If you are walking a new route, take your time. There are many dangers in the form of trips and falls, so take it easy and concentrate on the surroundings and what lies ahead.
Leave No Trace
One of the most important points of hiking and going on long walks is to leave no trace. That is, you pick up all of your litter, every scrap of it, and take it with you. You leave the environment how you found it.
It’s incredible how much rubbish I come across on my walks, even when I’m out in the middle of nowhere. So, please do the responsible thing.
Final words
I hope you have found this beginner’s guide to hiking and long walks useful and it encourages you to take those first steps. Hiking has furnished me with many amazing experiences and some great photos too.
Let me have your thoughts and feedback below. Thanks for reading.
You may like this article I wrote – Orienteering, Map Reading and GPS Tech.
