With milder weather on its way, you might be considering trying out some new spring activities. A great option is getting out for a hike in the UK’s beautiful landscapes. It’s free, good for your health and, most importantly, fun.
But where do you begin? Get yourself started with our tips below.
STEP ONE – Find a walking buddy
While hiking alone can give you the experience of total freedom outdoors, finding a walking buddy is a great option for hiking novices.
You can offer each other encouragement, work together to avoid getting lost, and help each other if one of you gets an injury.
Hiking clubs and meet-ups are a great way to meet new people and can help to share things like travel costs to particular hiking routes.
STEP TWO – Wear the right clothing
Make sure your attire is durable and protects you from the elements, keeping your body at the right temperature. It should also be light and comfortable enough to move around in.
And, of course, proper footwear is a must. Sarah Bennett and Lee Slater, writing for Lonely Planet, say: ‘There is no substitute for high-quality hiking boots, which provide grip, support the ankles, and take the knocks…Pay particular attention to the sole: there should be a clearly defined heel, and a knobbly tread fashioned from high quality rubber.’
Also make sure you have a reliable bag, a hat appropriate for the conditions, and a waterproof jacket for that famous UK wet weather.
STEP THREE – Choose a destination, but start small
There are so many hiking locations across the UK, ranging from popular introductory walking routes, such as Roseberry Topping in the North York Moors – which is recommended for beginners by the British Mountaineering Council (BMC) – right up to Britain’s highest mountain, Ben Nevis.
An introductory hike that’s close to home is a perfect starting point.
Chris Townsend, an expert in long-distance backpacking, says: “Start out with short trips and be prepared to make them even shorter if they seem tough. Aiming for high mileages or lots of summits on your first trip could lead to disillusionment.”
How about getting started with a luxury break? We’re giving away the ultimate two-night getaway to the New Forest in Hampshire, with a room for two in a 4-star country house hotel, cocktails, breakfast, and some money towards travel costs! It’s FREE to enter, which must be done by 12th April.
To enter the competition, click here.
STEP FOUR – Be prepared
With hiking, it’s important to be prepared for any eventuality.
Every place has its own risks, so try to read up on each location before you go. Even if it’s a beginner’s hike where there are a lot of trail markings to guide people, you should try to plan a route. It’s a good habit to get into and will keep you safe.
Remember to prepare other hiking essentials, such as a first aid kit and a torch. Meanwhile, always pack plenty of water and snacks to keep you going.
Snacks should be easy to store, hard to damage, and give out a high amount of energy.
Items like fruit, nuts and energy bars are perfect examples.
STEP FIVE – Respect the land
As your relationship with the great outdoors blossoms, it’s important to learn how to respect the landscape, and others around you.
The countryside code, produced by Natural England, is a great place to start and gives advice on how to do just that. It is based around three key principles:
- Respect other people – including the local community and others enjoying the outdoors, leave gates and property as you find them and follow paths unless wider access is available
- Protect the natural environment – leave no trace of your visit, take your litter home, and keep dogs under control
- Enjoy the outdoors – plan ahead, be prepared, and follow local signs and advice.
Most important of all, enjoy it! Hiking is a great pastime that has so many health benefits, from being a powerful cardio workout, to improving your balance.
As long as you prepare, respect your surroundings, and don’t overdo it, you are sure to have a wonderful time in the beautiful outdoors.
I like your writing style genuinely enjoying this website. Mella Lorry Julianne
Thank you for sharing your info. I truly appreciate your efforts and I will be waiting for your further post thank you once again. Rahel Rex Latrice
That would be the finish of this article. Right here youll find some sites that we consider you will value, just click the links. Trude Hilly Buerger
For hottest information you have to go to see internet and on the web I found this web site as a finest site for newest updates. Rosita Elvin McClenaghan
Really enjoyed this blog. Thanks Again. Much obliged. Lyda Filmer Farlay
Well I sincerely liked studying it. This tip offered by you is very helpful for good planning. Louisa Lon Zelig
If you want to obtain much from this post then you have to apply such methods to your won webpage. Sheena Vin Honor
Now I am going to do my breakfast, once having my breakfast coming yet again to read more news. Edyth Halsy Natividad
You made certain nice points there. I did a search on the topic and found most folks will have the same opinion with your blog. Hilary Shell Arquit
I got what you intend,saved to fav, very decent web site. Elvera Nikolos Kathleen
I cannot thank you enough for the blog article. Really looking forward to read more. Much obliged. Gertrude Garner Tenney
I enjoy looking through an article that will make people think. Also, thanks for allowing for me to comment. Kerri Chaim Amerigo
I always was interested in this subject and still am, appreciate it for putting up. Cherin Ingmar Flavian
I really liked your blog. Much thanks again. Keep writing. Jilly Mathias Alexandrina
I really like looking through a post that can make people think. Also, many thanks for permitting me to comment. Mead Matty Bazil
Hi there very cool blog!! Guy .. Excellent .. Amazing .. Ivett Horatio Geneva
However, with enough persistence, you will get better. Jandy Sanson Browning
Very informative blog. Really thank you! Much obliged. Amandi Mitchell Matheny
You made some good points there. I did a search on the issue and found most individuals will go along with with your site. Melisse Brandyn Olfe
Your way of describing the whole thing in this post is genuinely good, every one can simply be aware of it, Thanks a lot. Henryetta Fidel Brandwein
Amazing things here. I am very happy to peer your article. Phylys Kristoforo Ishii
This paragraph will help the internet users for setting up new website or even a weblog from start to end. Isahella Antonin Haeckel
Hi there, I found your site via Google whilst looking for a related subject, your site came up, it seems to be good. Winny Desi Jo-Anne
are erectile dysfunction pills covered by aca
erectile dysfunction natural remedies
erectile function cocaine abuse
erectile shake
dysfunction
erectile pills china
erectile pills for sale
erectile dysfunction pills
erectile hyperfunction
is erectile dysfunction a va disability
erectile chambers
erectile
erectile performance
best erectile supplements