Tips for getting into walking / hiking?

[PottedIvy]

I'm just getting started walkung in the countryside but I've already learned that I need to get better boots! ThatI need to bring water and a packed lunch with me and premake my dinner for when I get home so I just need to heat it up when I get in as I'll be shattered, that or takeout on the way home.

Any other tips for a newbie walker?

Wear layers.

Good waterproof
Rucksack that doesn't hurt your shoulders
Nice little Thermos for cup of tea while admiring views

Be prepared for a change in the weather whatever it seems like when you set off.
Be able to read a map as signal to phones can be very sporadic in hills and forests.

A plastic bag to sit on if it’s been wet and then clears up.

Join ramblers x

Wear layers that don't absorb water. In winter try heat tech base layer and in summer a wicking tee shirt. Then a fleece and waterproof jacket. If it's a full day hike, bring waterproof trousers in case the weather turns and spare socks in case your feet get wet. Buying proper socks and decent boots is a great investment. My waterproofs and fleeces are Sports Direct cheapos but boots are £££ and socks ££ because they are so much more comfortable. My favourite brand is Bridgedale. I buy men's size small because they seem thicker than ladies'.

If you are going up a mountain or anywhere remote, pack an emergency blanket, whistle, torch and nutrition bars for emergency snacks.

Get a subscription to Country Walking, lots of tips and advice, as well as some free routes every months.

A good waterproof, layers you can remove easily, hat, gloves all help, as do good socks. It doesn't have to be specialist items, although these are nice if you do a lot. I use a walking pole too, find it helps with downhills especially.

I always carry a survival bag, it might sound extreme but if you/ someone else turns their ankle, and are still for s few hours awaiting rescue it could make a difference. Ditto map, compass, whistle, mini first aid kit, hand gel ( had this pre Covid, useful before eating lunch), tissues and spare high energy snacks. A flask for a hot drink and a hot food flask can make a big difference in winter. I also keep extra water in the car. I have an insulated folding sit mat for lunch/tea stops.

Pathfinder books by ordnance survey offer some lovely circular routes which are easy to navigate.

Make sure someone knows where you are going and when you will be back. Enjoy the walks and smile/say hello to your fellow walkers.

Learn to map read and learn to read a compass.

Thanks lots of good tips already 😁

I'm in Scotland so yeah the weather changing rapidly is the norm but I'm playing it safe at the moment!

OS online app

Take a map and learn how to read it (there are some very good short videos on the Ordnance Survey website about learning to read maps and use a compass). It's good if you get lost and it also makes the walk more interesting as you can see different footpaths in the area that you might not know about.

One thing I use a lot that was cheap and hardly weighs anything is a little fold up foam mat, it means you always have somewhere warm and dry to sit.

Key question - where are you? You just said “countryside” and you genuinely don’t need a bivouac and a whistle if its the countryside of the Home Counties (not sneering — that’s where I walk). The great thing about starting walking is that its not difficult and there isn’t a high barrier to entry.

So... eg, I’m walking the Thames Path in stages at the moment. If you are starting with something reasonably benign I would suggest some good shoes (I went to a running shoe place and they recommended trail shoes, which are like v chunky trainers with good ankle support) and a small rucksack (I have a really nice North Face day pack style one which is v compact and lies flat on yr back). I would also recommend a packable waterproof. But if you have those, and are not kicking off with an ascent of Snowdonia or massively off-map, you can start with those and scale up.

A small power bank/phone charger is a good idea, in case you run out of battery somewhere remote. And blister plasters!

A good waterproof jacket, waterproof trousers, comfortable backpack, water bottle that keep the water cool, snacks that don't squash or melt, comfortable boots and shoes suitable for the terrain and temperature, layers for the winter.

Sounds a lot but apart from the jacket and boots it can be stuff you have. Make sure your jacket has at least a 10,000 rating or you get wet! Learn to read maps too

LOL - just saw you were in Scotland - in which case - feel free to kit up!

I would recommend craghoppers kiwi pro stretch trousers, they are really comfy.

For boots I'd recommend scarpa, mine have been comfortable from day one (I have the leather ones)

Backpack that's takes a water bladder, I have an osprey and it's hands down my best purchase!