Want to get into hiking/walking - any tips?

[WalkingintotheSunshine]

DH and I are starting to think that getting into hiking and walking could be a really enjoyable pastime - fresh air, fitness, lovely scenery, photography and the odd pub lunch!

Does anyone have any tips about how to start? Is it simply a case of just choosing a route and getting out there one day?

Identify a country pub 5-7 miles away that does nice lunches. Walk cross-country to the pub. Eat lunch. Walk home again. Repeat with different pub.

Get in to geocaching

Actually, no.
thomas's idea is better

My local library has OS maps, maybe they all do? You might want to borrow one sometimes instead of buying every time you go somewhere new, as they are quite expensive (but lovely things of course). Another tip, tourist information centres often have leaflets with details of local walks which are free or very cheap.

Urban walking can be great too - DP and I , living in London, recently finished the Capital Ring , and often walk bits of the Thames Path.

I'm looking at getting some walking shoes/boots. If I plan to wear thick walking socks with them, should I go up a half size or is the extra room already added as standard?

@Libitina

Wear your socks when you go to try on boots.

yes to good shoes and socks.
and maybe an electric shoe dryer.
agree to paper maps and take time to map out your walk beforehand. and be aware of landscape changing. 'turn left after bridge' can be misleading if the plank has since been replaced with stepping stones and the paths are not (no longer?) visible paths.

Another vote for taking up geocaching!!

I'm looking at getting some walking shoes/boots. If I plan to wear thick walking socks with them, should I go up a half size or is the extra room already added as standard?

All boots fit differently, even within the same brand. Wear your socks when you try them on, but be guided by the fit, not the size stamped on them. And realise that UK/continental sizes do not always translate directly, and different manufacturers round up/down differently.

You should be able to get 2 fingers down the back, without your toes touching the front.

There are differences between men’s and women’s boots too, but if your size is available in both, then try both. And lace them properly! (Once they are laced up, lace back down 2 or 3 hooks to provide extra support). Women’s boots generally have lower cut ankles, as women generally have lower Achilles’ tendons. The footshape is also wider toe box/narrower heels than men’s.

Guess what I used to do for a job...

Women’s boots

I’d recommend joining a local wailing group to start with.

There are a lot of routes in the internet. Try to research about it.

So many awesome places to do the hiking/walking, but you also have to consider your other devices or tools for such thing. I prefer a comfortable footwear and some gadgets for tracking.