Last reviewed and updated: March 2026
Listen, starting a new hobby or activity can be overwhelming. There’s so much information online, and not all of it is helpful or easy to process. Hiking and wild camping are no different.
That’s exactly why I’ve put together this series of beginner guides, to make things a little simpler, ease the stress, and avoid throwing loads of technical terms at you before you even get started.
You start searching online and suddenly it seems like you need £800 worth of gear, three navigation apps, a GPS watch, and the fitness of a mountain goat just to walk up a hill.
The good news is that you don’t.
Hiking is actually one of the simplest hobbies you can start. People have been walking through the British countryside for centuries with far less gear than we have today.
If you can walk, carry a small bag, and enjoy being outside, you already have most of the skills you need.
This guide will help you start hiking in the UK without overthinking it.
Why Hiking Is One of the Best Hobbies to Start
Hiking is one of those rare hobbies that’s:
- cheap to begin
- easy to learn
- good for your health
- incredibly rewarding
You don’t need special training or complicated equipment. You simply pick a route, pack a few essentials, and head out.
And the UK happens to be one of the best places in the world for it.
From gentle countryside walks to dramatic mountain views, there are thousands of trails across places like the Lake District, the Peak District, and the Yorkshire Dales.
You don’t have to start with anything extreme either. Some of the best walks are simple, peaceful routes through forests, lakes, and rolling hills.
Start With Easy Walks
One of the biggest mistakes beginners make is trying to do something too ambitious straight away.
It’s tempting to look at famous mountains and think “right, I’m climbing that this weekend.”
Instead, start with easier walks and build confidence.
Look for routes that are:
- 3–6 miles long
- clearly marked
- popular with other walkers
Circular routes around lakes or countryside trails are perfect for beginners.
You’ll still get the beautiful scenery without the suffering.
You Don’t Need Much Gear
Outdoor gear shops can make it feel like hiking requires an entire wardrobe of technical clothing.
In reality, you only need a few basics to begin.
For your first few walks, focus on:
Comfortable walking shoes or boots
These don’t need to be expensive. Just make sure they’re comfortable and have good grip.
Choosing comfortable footwear is one of the most important parts of starting hiking. I’ll cover this properly in a full guide to choosing your first hiking boots, which will help you pick the right pair without spending a fortune.
A waterproof jacket
This is the UK, after all.
Staying dry can make a huge difference to how enjoyable a walk is. I’ll go into more detail in a guide to choosing a good waterproof hiking jacket, including what to look for and which features actually matter.
A small backpack
Something simple to carry water, snacks, and a few essentials.
A comfortable daypack makes things much easier on longer walks. I’ll cover this properly in a beginner guide to choosing a hiking backpack, including what size most people actually need.
Comfortable clothes
Layers are best so you can adjust if the weather changes.
What you wear on the trail matters more than people realise, especially in the UK’s unpredictable weather. I’ll explain this more in a guide on what to wear hiking in the UK, including simple layering tips for beginners.
That’s honestly enough for most beginner hikes.
You can always upgrade gear later once you start walking more regularly.
Pack a Few Simple Essentials
A small daypack should carry the basics.
For most beginner hikes, bring:
- water
- snacks
- a waterproof jacket
- your phone
- a small power bank if you have one
If you’re heading somewhere more remote, you might also add a small first aid kit and a head torch.
But again, don’t overthink it.
You’re going for a walk, not an expedition to the Arctic.
Learn Basic Navigation
You don’t need to be an expert map reader to begin hiking.
These days, apps like Komoot or AllTrails make it very easy to follow routes.
For beginners, the best approach is simply:
- download the route before you go
- follow the trail
- keep an eye on where you are
As you gain more experience, learning to use a map and compass is a great skill to add.
But it’s not something you need to master on day one.
Check the Weather
British weather has a reputation for changing quickly, and unfortunately that reputation is well deserved.
Before heading out, check the forecast and plan accordingly.
If heavy rain or strong winds are expected, it might be better to save the walk for another day.
A clear, calm day makes your first hiking experiences far more enjoyable.
Go at Your Own Pace
This might be the most important advice of all.
Hiking isn’t a race.
You don’t need to move fast or climb the biggest hills straight away. Take your time, stop when you want to, enjoy the views, and have a snack break.
Half the joy of hiking is simply being outside and slowing down a bit.
The Best Way to Start
The simplest way to begin hiking is this:
Pick a short scenic walk somewhere nearby.
Bring a small bag, a snack, and a waterproof.
Head out for a few hours.
That’s it.
You don’t need perfect gear, perfect fitness, or perfect weather. Just getting outside and starting is the most important step.
And chances are, once you’ve done your first few walks, you’ll start looking forward to the next one.
Final Thoughts
Hiking in the UK doesn’t have to be complicated.
Start small, enjoy the process, and build experience over time.
Before long, you’ll find yourself planning longer walks, discovering new places, and appreciating parts of the countryside you might never have noticed before.
And if you’re anything like most hikers, you’ll probably end up with far more gear than you originally planned.
But that part can come later.
For now, just start walking.
