Hiking Tips For Beginners
Getting out into the outdoors, even for a leisurely stroll, has many health benefits. Hiking is a great, low-impact exercise available to most. Apart from the physical benefits, for example, improving our core stability, the mental health benefits of a taking a short walk are really underestimated. The even say it makes it more positive thinkers. If you would like to get out hiking but do not know where to start here is BigAdventureMap’s Hiking Tips for Beginners.
Tip 1 – Start Off Small
Start off with a short leisurely walk somewhere local. Importantly, if you have not been very active lately, keep the incline to a minimum. Remember not to get too ambitious and take it easy. Once you have done this short walk a few times you will start to know your pace and what you are comfortable with.
Tip 2 – Check The Weather
It is really important to check the weather before you head out on your walk. Firstly, to ensure that it is safe to go out and that the conditions are not predicted to worsen and secondly, and simply, to check if you will need your rain coat. Whilst you might not see rain on the forecast we always recommend packing a light wind and water proof jacket.
Checking the weather is made easy these days with the use of apps and weather widgets on our smart phones. You can simply ask Alexa these days.
Tip 3 – Wear The Right Clothes
Wearing the right clothes is vitally important. We have checked the weather and we roughly know the weather forecast.
A good pair of comfortable footwear is vital. Something comfortable and adequate for the terrain you plan to walk on. A pair of trainers is often sufficient although if the terrain is very uneven you may wish to ensure your footwear has adequate ankle support also.
Keeping it simple we recommend you wear a number of light, removable layers. This way you are able to remove or add a layer should you need to. As we said above, we always recommend a wind and water proof jacket. It may not be forecast to rain but the wind can ruin a nice walk too.
Personally, a warm hat is always stuffed in my backpack just in case. Cold ears are not fun!
Tip 4 – Let Someone Know
Even if you are going for your walk with a friend it is a good idea to let someone know where you are going and when you plan to return. If your adventure turns to misadventure then at least someone will be aware. Let’s hope this never happens.
Tip 5 – Pack Appropriately
We are never going to advise a beginner to take a boy scout’s backpack fully loaded, this is hiking tips for beginners. It is advisable however, to take a few things along with you on your walk. Of course you can pick and choose these items as appropriate for your walk. A small comfortable backpack should be enough to carry on day hikes.
We always pack some water. It goes without saying. Next thing we would recommend is something to snack on. Mixed nuts, some chocolate, it does not need to be a packed lunch unless you plan to get ambitious with the length of your hike.
Sunscreen is the eternal advice we must take from Baz Luhrmann. If you have any medical issues that require medication, we know it may be obvious, but make sure not to forget this.
For longer walks in remote areas we recommend a map and a compass although for beginner hikes let’s keep it simple. Let’s not get too far from civilisation, maybe stay within mobile phone reception. Speaking of which, ensure your mobile phone is fully charged before you head out. We rely on these so much these days however we advise keeping your mobile within reach for the just in case, rather than using google maps to navigate you around your local forestry walk. PS It’s not
Remember to keep it light, don’t take too much, you have to carry this all the way. What we pack, we always take back! We should leave no trace that we have been in nature, even your local park.
Now you seem all prepped to go… Last Tip
Enjoy yourself
The most important tip of all is to enjoy yourself. Go out and get some fresh air, have a little time to yourself or catch up with a friend and share an experience.
We hope you enjoy your walk and our hiking tips for beginners. Tell us all about it below in the comments.
Much Love
If you are feeling adventurous and fancy a hiking holiday, find guides and local hosts here.
