A Full Guide to the Best Hiking Tips for Beginners
Hiking is an excellent way to explore the outdoors and get some exercise. It lets you enjoy beautiful views and discover new places while providing a great workout.
A hike can help you connect with nature, clear your mind, and improve your physical and mental well-being. So what are you waiting for?
Hiking is a fantastic way to explore the outdoors, but it can be intimidating for a beginner. Here are some valuable tips to get you started on your next adventure!
Get out there and find yourself on a hiking trail!
16 Best Hiking Tips for Beginners
Suppose you’re thinking about taking up hiking. Congratulations! It’s a great way to get some exercise and enjoy the outdoors.
But if you’ve never hiked before, knowing a few things is essential before you hit the trail. Check out our hiking tips for beginners below.
Research Your Route
One of the best hiking tips for beginners is researching a route before you go on a hike is essential for many reasons.
Before embarking on your hike, research the trails in advance. Know the terrain, climate, elevation change, and any potential hazards.
It allows you to be better informed about the trail ahead, any potential obstacles or dangers that may lie ahead, and any necessary gear, permits, or maps needed for the route you’re taking.
Additionally, it helps ensure you stay on the right path and don’t get lost while in the wilderness. Lastly, researching your route beforehand can help alert rescue services should you need their assistance.
Leave No Trace
It is important to leave no trace when you are out on a hike because it helps preserve the natural environment.
This includes disposing of waste properly, refraining from picking wildflowers and plants, sticking to existing trails, and avoiding creating new ones.
When we respect the environment when hiking, it will remain beautiful for others to enjoy in the future.
Pack Light
Carrying just the essential items for your hike can make a big difference when you’re out on the trail. Having a lighter load can help prevent fatigue, so you’ll be better able to keep up a steady pace and enjoy your journey.
Additionally, packing light is essential for helping protect fragile ecosystems, as carrying more than necessary can put extra strain on delicate areas.
Lastly, having a lighter backpack means more room for food and water – two essential items that should never be left out of your pack.
Wear Appropriate Clothing
Dress for the conditions of the trail – wear lightweight layers so that you can easily adjust them if necessary. In addition, wear protective footwear that provides good traction and support to help prevent injuries while navigating rocky trails and slippery slopes.
Comfortable walking shoes should be at the top of your list–good support will help to keep fatigued away and prevent blisters. Don’t forget a hat and sunscreen–keeping your face protected from the sun is critical to avoiding sunburn.
Stay Hydrated
Remember to drink plenty of water throughout your hike! Staying hydrated will help keep energy levels up and enable you to keep going longer without feeling fatigued.
Bring an extra bottle if refilling water sources aren’t available during your trip. It will, of course, depend on how long your hike is.
Bring A Friend
Going out with a friend can make any activity more enjoyable. It’s a great way to enjoy some quality time together while still getting in a workout. There is also the bonus of having someone close by who can help motivate you and take over if one or both of you tire.
Plus, if something goes wrong or gets too harsh for one person to handle, another can provide support, making the experience much more rewarding!
Start small
If you’re new to hiking, don’t feel intimidated. There are plenty of ways to get started without committing to a long, strenuous hike – all you have to do is find the right trail!
Check out your local parks and find shorter trails that suit your experience level. Then, try out different courses at different elevations and difficulty levels – eventually, you’ll find one that isn’t too easy or hard for you. That’s when the real fun begins: discovering nature in its stunning beauty!
You can always read the best easy walks in the Peak District for some inspiration.
Be prepared for anything – bring a map and compass.
It’s always a good idea to be as prepared as possible before heading out on an adventure. A map and compass are essential items in any backpack, just in case you need to reroute or double-check your destination.
More importantly, it needs to be a map of the area you will be travelling– know your route before setting out! It pays to research the site before you go to understand where potential hazards lie, and it will help equip you with the knowledge needed to make intelligent decisions while enjoying the great outdoors.
Check the Weather Before you go.
Always check the Weather before you set out on a hike; it’s essential to be prepared for any conditions you might encounter.
Weather can change quickly, so staying up to date on current conditions is vital. Additionally, many areas have specific regulations for hiking in different weather situations; it’s wise to be aware of these rules before setting out.
Be wary of relying on Phone Apps.
It’s best not to rely on phone apps for navigating a hike. The potential for poor reception can be very high in certain areas, and the low battery life of a phone may make it difficult to access the app you need if it drains your power quickly.
In addition, there may be times when an unexpected issue arises, such as a phone crash or an app failure, that will prevent you from using the app. This could lead to confusion or disorientation while on the trail and potentially dangerous situations.
You should always carry a battery pack charger, but know that this might not be your saviour anyway.
It’s always wise to carry both a paper map and your phone when going on a hike. However, while apps can be beneficial in finding your way, there are plenty of times when things can go wrong with relying solely on an app. For example, in the Lake District, rescue services had to be called out two days in a row due to people getting lost while following routes on the AllTrails app.
A follow-up investigation found that several routes did not exist on these apps. It is, therefore, important to always have a paper map as a backup when hiking.
Tell someone where you are going.
It’s important to tell someone your plans before you go on a hike so that they know where to look for you if something goes wrong. It could be a friend or family member who can contact local authorities.
It’s also helpful to leave a note on your car detailing the route you plan on taking and when you expect to return. It can be beneficial in case of an emergency, which is why it is one of the best hiking tips for beginners.
Have a plan to shorten the route if you need to.
It’s essential to have a plan to shorten the route on a hike in case of inclement weather, fatigue, or any other unexpected issues.
It can help you stay safe and reduce the chances of getting lost. It also provides flexibility for adjusting your plans to reach your endpoint safely and on time.
Join a Group Hike
One of the best hiking tips for beginners i joining a group hike offers numerous benefits, such as having access to experienced hikers who can provide guidance and support. It’s also safer to hike in a group since more people are around to spot hazards and help identify potential issues.
Additionally, it can be more enjoyable to experience the outdoors with like-minded people with similar interests and you can have a lot of fun.
Carry a First Aid Kit and other essentials
It’s wise to carry a First aid kit and torch on a hike, as these items can be extremely helpful in emergencies. A First aid kit can help you provide primary care for minor injuries, while a torch can help you find your way in the dark.
Access to both of these items increases your safety, helping you stay on the right track and deal with any potential problems.
Know what to do in an Emergency
If you are out on a hike in the UK and need to contact Mountain Rescue, you can call 999 and ask for the police.
The police will assess the situation and decide whether contacting the mountain rescue team is appropriate. You can also contact the relevant mountain rescue service directly by calling their regional number (which can be found here) if time allows. This is one of the number 1 hiking tips for beginners.
Take your time
The hustle and bustle of everyday life can often cause us to forget that we shouldn’t rush life.
Taking time to slow down and enjoy the natural world around you is essential for your mental health, so if you have an opportunity, don’t hesitate to appreciate your surroundings.
Breathe in the fresh air, take in a landscape’s beauty, or spend time within nature as its reward.
Allowing yourself some time to take it slow amid the chaos of life is incredibly important and can provide much-needed peacefulness in our day-to-day lives.
There’s no need to hurry when taking a journey; the scenery you’ll find along the way makes it all worth it. Just ensure you have enough sunlight! That’s the final of the hiking tips for beginners.
Overall Thoughts on Best Hiking Tips for Beginners
So there you have a few tips for beginner hikers to help you stay safe and prepared out on the trail!
Hiking is a great way to get fresh air and exercise, but being prepared is essential. Ensure you have the right gear, start small, and go with a friend. Finally, and most importantly, take your time and enjoy the hike by following these tips for beginners!
Always remember to research your route, and don’t be afraid to ask a more experienced hiker if you need some advice.
Do you have any other helpful hiking tips for beginners? We’d love to hear them in the comments below!
If you are looking for some great UK hikes, we recommend reading:
The Best Walks in the Peak District