Last reviewed and updated: March 2026
A lot of people start hiking and spend most of the time just getting through it.
You focus on:
- the distance
- how tired you feel
- how much further there is to go
And by the end, you are glad you did it, but not entirely sure you enjoyed it.
That is more common than people admit.
Slow Down More Than You Think
There is a natural tendency to treat a walk like something to complete.
You set a pace, stick to it, and keep going.
But hiking is one of the few things where going slower usually makes it better.
You notice more. You feel less rushed. You actually take in where you are instead of just passing through it.
It sounds obvious, but it takes a few walks to realise.
Stop Trying to Make Every Walk “Worth It”
Not every walk needs to be:
- impressive
- long
- difficult
Sometimes the best walks are the ones where nothing particularly dramatic happens.
You go out, you walk for a bit, and you come back.
That is enough.
Trying to make every walk feel like something memorable usually does the opposite.
Get Comfortable With Being Slightly Uncomfortable
There is always something slightly off.
Too warm, a bit cold, slightly tired, weather not quite right.
If you wait for perfect conditions, you will not go very often.
Once you accept that a bit of discomfort is normal, it stops bothering you as much.
Wear the Right Things
A lot of enjoyment comes down to this.
If you are:
- too hot
- too cold
- dealing with uncomfortable shoes
you are not going to enjoy it.
This is usually why people have a bad first experience.
If you are still figuring this out, it is worth reading:
What to Wear Hiking in the UK (Beginner Guide)
Stop Checking How Far Is Left
This is a small thing, but it makes a difference.
Constantly checking:
- distance remaining
- time left
- how far you have come
turns the walk into a task.
Once you stop doing that, it feels less like something you need to finish.
Go Out More Than Once
One walk does not tell you much.
The first few are usually the least enjoyable.
You are figuring things out, getting used to it, and making small mistakes.
It gets better quickly, but only if you go again.
Accept That Some Walks Are Just Average
Not every walk is going to be great.
Some are:
- a bit dull
- slightly muddy
- not particularly memorable
That is normal.
The good walks stand out more because of the average ones.
Final Thoughts
Enjoying hiking is less about finding the perfect walk and more about changing how you approach it.
Once you slow down, stop overthinking it, and get used to the small discomforts, it becomes much more enjoyable.
Usually without anything else changing.
If you are still getting started, it is worth reading:
How to Start Hiking in the UK (Beginner Guide)
