How to get fit / fitting for hiking (some altitude - c. 3,000m)

[Aridane]

I booked a holiday for Christmas / New Year and some days will include some amazing hikes at relative altitude.

I have the option to opt out of the hiking days but would prefer to be able to do them.

So the question is how to boost my fitness level.

I cycle to and from work so have some base level fitness. I am in my 50s and don't do any other real exercise.

Hiking will be between 2,000 - 3,000 metres (highest will be 3,400) and uphill bits as well to get the views.

Any practical ideas to boost my fitness for this much appreciated, especially ones that don't necessarily involve purchasing a gym membership or buying specialist equipment!

Get as fit as you can.

I’ve found there’s absolutely no substitute for practice at altitude though - I live literally at sea level and despite doing lots of exercise and walking, I struggled a lot even at only 1800. 3,250 was awful - my friend ended up completely giggly and light headed and had to be quad biked down by a friendly local from 2,800 back to 2,200.

As a PP has said - acclimatization is the key. Don’t think you can drive/fly up to over 3,000 and just start hiking.

Poles - I hate using them, but definitely worth taking.

Training - rucksack with weight in it. I recently did a multi day trek and hadn’t really considered the fact that my rucksack was 12-15kg.

And make sure your boots are well worn in beforehand.

The Chilterns and South Downs are probably the best day trip from London (but a long weekend in the Peaks or Brecon Beacons would be even better)

I'm going on a walking holiday with Exodus to the Picos de Europa - not as high as you are going to do. I am mid 60s but quite fit and walk 4+ miles a day with my dog. They send a training leaflet but I don't go to the gym so I'm just going to fit in as much Hill walking as possible before we go -we live near the Peak District. I have also invested in walking poles to spare my knees.

Get as fit as you can.

I’ve found there’s absolutely no substitute for practice at altitude though - I live literally at sea level and despite doing lots of exercise and walking, I struggled a lot even at only 1800. 3,250 was awful - my friend ended up completely giggly and light headed and had to be quad biked down by a friendly local from 2,800 back to 2,200.

As a PP has said - acclimatization is the key. Don’t think you can drive/fly up to over 3,000 and just start hiking.

Poles - I hate using them, but definitely worth taking.

Training - rucksack with weight in it. I recently did a multi day trek and hadn’t really considered the fact that my rucksack was 12-15kg.

And make sure your boots are well worn in beforehand.

Long weekends up the Brecons or the Peaks at the weekends with a few trips up and down to Ally Pally midweek.