Hiking is a common hobby for those who love to stay active, as it’s less intense than mountaineering while more challenging than a simple walk. However, if you’ve never ventured further than your local park, getting started may feel a little daunting Hiking for beginners. This guide will help you ease yourself into hiking and build confidence towards your dream peaks.
Starting slow
One of the biggest mistakes beginner hikers do is go from little to no exercise onto challenging mountain trails. This usually results in turning around halfway through and feeling defeated, while watching other hikers march all the way to the top. To avoid this, start your hiking journey slow, easing into it with long-distance walking and a mix of flat and incline routes.
For example, a walking holiday is a fantastic way to try yourself out on the trail and test your physical ability. There are dozens of stunning routes across Europe, from gentle terrains in Portugal to the rolling Highland hills of Scotland and the Dolomites in Italy.
One of the leading agencies for walking holidays, Orbis Ways, offer both self-guided and guided options, as well as provide fully planned itineraries and booked accommodation. It’s the ideal starting point for first-timers, getting the full experience without feeling overwhelmed.
Setting realistic goals
Although you’ll be starting with easier paths that don’t involve overly steep ascents or technical terrains, you want to have specific hiking goals in mind. This will give you something to aim for, so you keep improving your abilities. The key here is to be realistic, however.
For example, if you wish to summit a challenging peak that will take all day, set yourself a realistic deadline goal for it. With that in mind, build your distance and elevation gradually leading up to it. Begin with routes that take around 1-2 hours and slowly increase both the time it takes and the incline difficulty.
Gear essentials
Appropriate clothing and equipment can make all the difference between a pleasant hike and an uncomfortable slog. For beginners, the basics include a good-quality pair of hiking boots as well as comfortable, moisture-wicking clothing Hiking for beginners. It’s best to dress in layers that you can add or remove as the weather changes (remember it can get very cold and windy in higher elevation, even if it feels mild at the bottom).
A small backpack should be enough to carry your essentials, including your phone or GPS device, suncream, clothing items and a basic first-aid kit. Most importantly, make sure you have enough water and snacks to keep you hydrated and full of energy throughout your hike.
Finding your community
Hiking with others can make the experience feel safer and, therefore, more enjoyable, until you gain more confidence. You may create your own group of friends or family who are happy to join but, if you don’t have anyone interested, there are always some local walking groups you can join.
The hiking community is generally super friendly, welcoming both newcomers and experienced hikers. They tend to organise regular group outings, typically on weekends, making it a great way to not just push yourself forward but also meet new friends!
Progressing at your own pace
The most important thing to remember is that hiking isn’t a race. While you may want to keep challenging yourself to new heights for Hiking for beginners, you can also do so at a pace that suits you, improving one step at the time.
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