{"id":5984,"date":"2024-06-18T10:58:46","date_gmt":"2024-06-18T10:58:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/guides\/\/"},"modified":"2026-02-09T11:54:29","modified_gmt":"2026-02-09T11:54:29","slug":"hiking-for-beginners-a-complete-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/guides\/hiking-for-beginners-a-complete-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"Hiking for Beginners &#8211; A Complete Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\t\t<header id=\"block_e866a24f19c61d9869f9f49f3e3c5633\" class=\"SingleHero skip-lazy default\">\n\n\t\t\t<div class=\"container\">\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul class=\"SingleHero__categories\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/activities\/uk-hiking\/\" class=\"category\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tHiking\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/activities\/beginners-guides\/\" class=\"category\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tBeginner&#8217;s guides\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/tag\/uk-hiking-routes-for-beginners\/\" class=\"category\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tUK Hiking Routes for Beginners\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h1 class=\"SingleHero__title\" >\n\t\t\t\t\t\tHiking for Beginners &#8211; A Complete Guide\t\t\t\t\t<\/h1>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"row justify-content-center align-items-center SingleHero__author\">\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-auto avatar\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"40\" height=\"40\" src=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/profile-pic-150x150.jpg\" class=\"avatar wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-auto name\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tBy Hilary Pullen\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<p class=\"SingleHero__meta\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\tPublished on \t\t\t\t\t\t<time datetime=\"2024-06-18T10:58:46+00:00\" itemprop=\"datePublished\">June 18, 2024<\/time>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"dot\"><\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t13 min read\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"SingleHero__thumbnail\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1376\" height=\"540\" src=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/hiking-for-beginners-lisa-wells.jpg\" class=\"attachment-hd size-hd wp-post-image\" alt=\"hiking for beginners - lisa wells\" srcset=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/hiking-for-beginners-lisa-wells.jpg 1376w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/hiking-for-beginners-lisa-wells-300x118.jpg 300w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/hiking-for-beginners-lisa-wells-1024x402.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/hiking-for-beginners-lisa-wells-768x301.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1376px) 100vw, 1376px\" \/>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/header>\n\n\t\n\n\n\t\t<article id=\"block_756439cdba41e3f7202f6509523617ff\" class=\"Universal Universal--post c-small default pt-default pb-default mt-none mb-none    \" >\n\t\t\t<div class=\"container\">\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"InnerBlocks\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"lead\"><\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-a-complete-guide-to-hiking-for-beginners\">A complete guide to hiking for beginners<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Are you thinking about starting hiking but you&#8217;re not sure where to start? Hiking can feel intimidating! In this post you will find everything you need to know about hiking for beginners in the UK and also making the most of our beautiful <a href=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/nationalparks\/\">National Parks<\/a>. We will look at hiking safety, hiking fitness and essential gear for beginners to hiking. We will also share some great beginner hiking routes for you to plan fun days to get outside in the mountains, hills and coastlines of Great Britain. The <a href=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/guides\/25-science-backed-benefits-of-hiking\/\" type=\"post\" id=\"21235\">benefits of hiking<\/a> are backed by scientific research, so why not take a look at how to get started today.<br>(image &#8211; <a href=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/os-champions\/lisa-wells\/\">OS Champion Lisa Wells and her dog<\/a>)<\/p>\n\n\n\n\t\t<section id=\"block_a4ceb509498b9fc37c11470907156615\" class=\"Inner InnerGoodToKnow\" >\n\t\t\t<div class=\"container\">\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"row align-items-center jusitfy-content-start\">\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-auto\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"InnerGoodToKnow__heading\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tLooking for Beginner Hiking Routes?\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"InnerGoodToKnow__text\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>If you&#8217;re looking for Beginner Hikes in<a href=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/nationalparks\/\"> Britain&#8217;s National Parks<\/a> take a look here &#8211; <a href=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/tag\/uk-hiking-routes-for-beginners\/\">UK Hiking Routes For Beginners<\/a><\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\n\t\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"683\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/getoutside39507958bf.blob.core.windows.net\/blobgetoutside39507958bf\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/hiking-for-beginners-683x1024.png\" alt=\"Hiking for Beginners\" class=\"wp-image-6085\" srcset=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/hiking-for-beginners-683x1024.png 683w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/hiking-for-beginners-200x300.png 200w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/hiking-for-beginners-768x1152.png 768w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/hiking-for-beginners-720x1080.png 720w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/hiking-for-beginners.png 1000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-here-are-some-common-concerns-people-have-when-thinking-about-starting-hiking\">Here are some common concerns people have when thinking about starting hiking:<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Am I fit enough to start hiking?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>What if I get lost on a hike?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>How do I know where to park and start walking?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>What do I need to bring with me?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Is it safe to take kids on hikes?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">All of these genuine concerns about hiking will be answered below in our beginners guide to hiking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"schema-faq wp-block-yoast-faq-block\"><div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1754578206309\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">What is Hiking? (Isn&#8217;t it just going on a long walk?)<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Hiking is the term for a long and often fairly vigorous walk in the countryside. It&#8217;s a term that has been growing hugely in popularity in the UK. You can see from the Google Trends chart below the huge growth in hiking. A simple distinction between hiking and walking would be whether or not you need to take supplies with you because it&#8217;s longer than an hour and involves more effort. For a hike you will definitely need to carry a few essential items in a back pack.<\/p> <\/div> <\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/getoutside39507958bf.blob.core.windows.net\/blobgetoutside39507958bf\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/advanced_guide_measuring_distance1.jpg\" alt=\"hiking or walking - two men reading a map\" class=\"wp-image-6059\" style=\"width:845px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/advanced_guide_measuring_distance1.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/advanced_guide_measuring_distance1-300x180.jpg 300w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/advanced_guide_measuring_distance1-768x461.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In the past &#8216;hiking&#8217; has been thought of as a purely American term for &#8216;going on a walk in the country&#8217;. In the UK we would have historically used hiking to mean something far more challenging. Many British people prefer the term hillwalking or rambling for a countryside walk. With the popularity of hillwalking and rambling growing in the UK most people now use the word hiking as a catch all for a longer more strenuous walk, even if not in the mountains.<\/p>\n\n\n\t\t<section id=\"block_6b26fc87865e7c7c43f7d1d08a00d997\" class=\"BigCommerce BigCommerce--no-products wave-peach pt-default pb-default mt-none mb-none      \"  data-color-scheme=\"wave-peach\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"container\">\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\n\t<div class=\"BigCommerceBanner\">\n\n\n\t<div class=\"BigCommerceBanner__content\">\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"BigCommerceBanner__product\">\n\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"393\" height=\"475\" src=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/untitled-design-1.png\" class=\"BigCommerceBanner__product-img\" alt=\"OS Guidebooks and Maps\" srcset=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/untitled-design-1.png 393w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/untitled-design-1-248x300.png 248w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 393px) 100vw, 393px\" \/>\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"BigCommerceBanner__subheading\">\n\t\t\t\tEXPLORE THE\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"BigCommerceBanner__heading\">\n\t\t\t\tOS Shop\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"BigCommerceBanner__description\">\n\t\t\t\tWe are with you every step of the way.\u00a0Shop our trusted walking and hiking maps and guidebooks\u2028so you can explore the outdoors with confidence.\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/shop.osmaps.com\/\" class=\"Button Button--orange \" target=\"_blank\" >\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"Button__text\">\n\t\t\t\t\tGo to the shop\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"BigCommerceProductsBox\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"swiper BigCommerceProductsSwiper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"swiper-wrapper Products\" data-products=\"2781,2785,2877\">\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"row justify-content-center BigCommerce__button\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-auto\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/shop.osmaps.com\/\" class=\"Button Button--orange \" target=\"_blank\" >\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"Button__text\">\n\t\t\t\t\tGo to the shop\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-do-i-need-to-learn-to-use-a-compass-and-read-a-map-to-go-hiking\">Do I need to learn to use a compass and read a map to go hiking?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"572\" height=\"382\" src=\"https:\/\/getoutside39507958bf.blob.core.windows.net\/blobgetoutside39507958bf\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/guide_to_the_compass_thumb-1.jpg\" alt=\"Close up of a person using a compass with a map\" class=\"wp-image-4834\" style=\"width:792px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/guide_to_the_compass_thumb-1.jpg 572w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/guide_to_the_compass_thumb-1-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 572px) 100vw, 572px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Getting lost out in the mountains or in remote areas is something you need to take seriously. Check that at least one of you and ideally more, has decent navigation skills.  If you are  planning walks into the mountains this is essential as the weather can change quickly leading to a loss in visibility of the path ahead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\t\t<section id=\"block_5ef7a5acea7b6d9ce84cfc177cbe04e5\" class=\"Inner InnerGoodToKnow\" >\n\t\t\t<div class=\"container\">\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"row align-items-center jusitfy-content-start\">\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-auto\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"InnerGoodToKnow__icon \">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"32\" height=\"32\" viewBox=\"0 0 32 32\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n<g id=\"info-circle\">\n<path d=\"M15.9994 21.3333V16M15.9994 10.6666H16.0127M29.3327 16C29.3327 23.3638 23.3631 29.3333 15.9994 29.3333C8.63555 29.3333 2.66602 23.3638 2.66602 16C2.66602 8.63616 8.63555 2.66663 15.9994 2.66663C23.3631 2.66663 29.3327 8.63616 29.3327 16Z\" stroke=\"white\" stroke-width=\"2.664\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"\/>\n<\/g>\n<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-auto\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"InnerGoodToKnow__heading\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tDo you know how to navigate in low visibility conditions?\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"InnerGoodToKnow__text\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Ask the group you are hiking with about their experience, where they have walked before and in what conditions. Do they know how to use a compass and map?<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\n\t\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you are planning on hiking on your own or you are the leader of your group then it&#8217;s important that you know how to read a map and use a compass. You should also take a smart phone with a mapping app downloaded. OS Maps is the best mapping app for hiking in the UK &#8211; you can find out more here &#8211; <a href=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/\">OS Maps<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"582\" height=\"388\" src=\"https:\/\/getoutside39507958bf.blob.core.windows.net\/blobgetoutside39507958bf\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/23bfe4217f5add5864d5815ea298d262.png\" alt=\"map reading for beginners\" class=\"wp-image-382\" srcset=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/23bfe4217f5add5864d5815ea298d262.png 582w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/23bfe4217f5add5864d5815ea298d262-300x200.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 582px) 100vw, 582px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-hiking-for-beginners-guide-to-map-reading\">Hiking for Beginners Guide to Map Reading<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Ordnance Survey are the UK&#8217;s experts when it comes to maps and map reading, so take a look at these useful guides including video tutorials to get you started. Lots of people on long hikes into the countryside and mountains carry a compass but actually don&#8217;t know how to use one. Practice on local short walks, watch youtube videos or take a course before you go anywhere remote (especially if hiking solo) so you have a basic understanding of how to use a compass.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\t\t<section id=\"block_76e680263ca269111d6f953b35aa8c99\" class=\"Inner InnerButtons\" >\n\t\t\t<div class=\"container\">\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"row justify-content-center justify-content-md-start\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-auto\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"InnerButtons__button\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/map-reading\/\" class=\"Button Button--orange \" target=\"_self\" >\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"Button__text\">\n\t\t\t\t\tMap Reading\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"Button__arrow\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"24\" height=\"24\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n<g>\n<path d=\"M5 12H19M19 12L12 5M19 12L12 19\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"\/>\n<\/g>\n<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-auto\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"InnerButtons__button\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/guides\/beginners-guide-to-using-a-compass\/\" class=\"Button Button--orange \" target=\"_self\" >\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"Button__text\">\n\t\t\t\t\tBeginners guide to using a compass\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"Button__arrow\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"24\" height=\"24\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n<g>\n<path d=\"M5 12H19M19 12L12 5M19 12L12 19\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"\/>\n<\/g>\n<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\n\t\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"410\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/getoutside39507958bf.blob.core.windows.net\/blobgetoutside39507958bf\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/timeline-410x1024.jpg\" alt=\"map reading basics\" class=\"wp-image-12187\" srcset=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/timeline-410x1024.jpg 410w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/timeline-120x300.jpg 120w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/timeline-768x1920.jpg 768w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/timeline-432x1080.jpg 432w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/timeline.jpg 800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 410px) 100vw, 410px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<script src=\"\/\/r1.dotdigital-pages.com\/resources\/sharing\/embed.js?sharing=lp-embed&#038;domain=r1.dotdigital-pages.com&#038;id=2I1H-8OR%2Fgetoutside-sign-up-embed%22&#038;width=1000&#038;description=Sign%20up%20to%20the%20Ordnance%20Survey%20Newsletter%20and%20receive%2010%25%20off%20your%20first%20order%20and%20a%20free%20eBook\"><\/script>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-if-i-get-lost-or-injured-on-a-hike\">What if I get lost or injured on a hike?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/getoutside39507958bf.blob.core.windows.net\/blobgetoutside39507958bf\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/about-mountain-rescue-holme-valley.jpg\" alt=\"mountain rescue\" class=\"wp-image-6038\" srcset=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/about-mountain-rescue-holme-valley.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/about-mountain-rescue-holme-valley-300x180.jpg 300w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/about-mountain-rescue-holme-valley-768x461.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you or someone in your group becomes lost or injured while hiking, contact Mountain Rescue. Their volunteers are ready to assist 24\/7, every day of the year. Dial 999, request the Police, and then ask for Mountain Rescue.  Always inform someone of your hike plans, carry an emergency kit, and have a charged phone with emergency numbers. If you find you have no phone signal you might find if you or some of your party gain some height you will get a better signal. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\t\t<section id=\"block_459dd7c8510ec24b7be477373ebb0a92\" class=\"Inner InnerButtons\" >\n\t\t\t<div class=\"container\">\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"row justify-content-center justify-content-md-start\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-auto\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"InnerButtons__button\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/guides\/mountain-safety\/\" class=\"Button Button--orange \" target=\"_self\" >\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"Button__text\">\n\t\t\t\t\tAdvice from Mountain Rescue\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"Button__arrow\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"24\" height=\"24\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n<g>\n<path d=\"M5 12H19M19 12L12 5M19 12L12 19\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"\/>\n<\/g>\n<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\n\t\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-should-i-plan-ahead-for-on-my-first-hiking-adventure\">What should I plan ahead for on my first hiking adventure?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As a beginner to hiking there are lots of things you need to think about before you get in your car and drive to that wonderful location you have spotted on Instagram.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/getoutside39507958bf.blob.core.windows.net\/blobgetoutside39507958bf\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/os-champions-hero-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"hiking for beginners - a group of hikers looking at a map\" class=\"wp-image-6057\" srcset=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/os-champions-hero-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/os-champions-hero-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/os-champions-hero-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/os-champions-hero-1536x1025.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/os-champions-hero-1376x918.jpg 1376w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/os-champions-hero-1619x1080.jpg 1619w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/os-champions-hero.jpg 2000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><strong>What do I need to know before I go on a hike?<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You&#8217;re reading this beginners guide to hiking so that is a very good start! Many mountain rescues involve people who did not plan ahead for their day out hiking. Get mentally and physically organised for your first hiking adventure by planning ahead. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Below we have listed some things you need to think about before heading out on your first hike.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-how-fit-do-i-need-to-be-to-start-hiking\">How fit do I need to be to start hiking?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you&#8217;re not sure how you will feel walking long distances and up and down inclines it makes sense to build up to a full days hiking in hills and mountains slowly over a few months. If you get out of breath walking up a few flights of stairs then you should definitely not try anything overly ambitious for your first hike.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"555\" src=\"https:\/\/getoutside39507958bf.blob.core.windows.net\/blobgetoutside39507958bf\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/routes-up-snowdon-winter-1024x555.jpg\" alt=\"best routes up snowdon\" class=\"wp-image-6062\" srcset=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/routes-up-snowdon-winter-1024x555.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/routes-up-snowdon-winter-300x163.jpg 300w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/routes-up-snowdon-winter-768x416.jpg 768w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/routes-up-snowdon-winter.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Start off with small hikes for beginners and work your way up to a longer hike &#8211; <a href=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/guides\/snowdon-routes-to-the-top\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Yr Wydffa, Eryri Route Guides<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A 5 mile hike over flat terrain is a very different prospect to a 5 mile hike in a hilly or mountainous region. Often people underestimate how difficult walking up and down a steep hill can be. Begin gradually with a few small hills and resist the peer pressure to embark on a lengthy hike if you&#8217;re uncertain about it. make sure you test out your ability to climb over stiles too as there will usually be a few on any hiking route in the countryside.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"OS x MREW | Staying safe in the outdoors: 3 helpful tips when you&#039;re out and about\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube-nocookie.com\/embed\/kS_38IR7JMI?feature=oembed&#038;enablejsapi=1&#038;origin=https%253A%252F%252Fgetoutside.ordnancesurvey.co.uk\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A brief video illustrating the consequences of being unprepared for a hike.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When hiking in a group, it&#8217;s important to move at the pace of the slowest member. It&#8217;s not only unfair to leave slower hikers behind, but it can also be dangerous to separate. If you plan to bring children or individuals who may not be as physically fit, it&#8217;s crucial to factor in additional time for the hike.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-is-it-safe-to-go-hiking-with-children\">Is it safe to go hiking with children?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Yes, you should definitely head out with your kids on hiking adventures. As with adult fitness, build up slowly to see how they cope with progressively longer hikes. Starting by taking your kids on <a href=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/guides\/snowdon-routes-to-the-top\/\">a hike up Snowdon<\/a> might be a little ambitious, look for smaller <a href=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/guides\/five-fantastic-walks-with-kids\/\">beginner walks for kids<\/a> and follow some family adventurers on social media to get tips and advice on hiking with kids. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Introducing children to the outdoors can never begin too early. Make sure to choose a route that matches your child&#8217;s capabilities and equip them with appropriate clothing and footwear to maximize their enjoyment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\t\t<section id=\"block_a1a553847616bdb0bfdfe780bbed0065\" class=\"Inner InnerButtons\" >\n\t\t\t<div class=\"container\">\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"row justify-content-center justify-content-md-start\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-auto\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"InnerButtons__button\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/guides\/map-reading-skills-for-children\/\" class=\"Button Button--orange \" target=\"_self\" >\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"Button__text\">\n\t\t\t\t\tMap reading skills for children\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"Button__arrow\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"24\" height=\"24\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n<g>\n<path d=\"M5 12H19M19 12L12 5M19 12L12 19\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"\/>\n<\/g>\n<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\n\t\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-how-to-start-planning-a-hiking-route\">How to start planning a hiking route<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">#Online mapping tools like <a href=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/\">OS Maps<\/a> are the best way to start <a href=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/guides\/planning-a-walking-route-in-5-easy-steps\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">planning your route<\/a>. You can use them to find recommended routes from reliable groups of professional hikers and most include a step by step route description. The free version will allow you to find routes, the paid for version lets you print off maps and use topographical mapping which is best for hiking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"913\" height=\"133\" src=\"https:\/\/getoutside39507958bf.blob.core.windows.net\/blobgetoutside39507958bf\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/image-3.png\" alt=\"green diamond paths on os maps\" class=\"wp-image-12255\" srcset=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/image-3.png 913w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/image-3-300x44.png 300w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/image-3-768x112.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 913px) 100vw, 913px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You may want to start by looking at sections of<a href=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/guides\/long-distance-footpaths-national-trails\/\"> &#8216;Diamond Routes&#8217; Long Distance Footpaths <\/a>which are carefully waymarked and may be easier to navigate as a result.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"OS Maps Web - Finding a Route\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube-nocookie.com\/embed\/G1jBlyKxT6Y?feature=oembed&#038;enablejsapi=1&#038;origin=https%253A%252F%252Fgetoutside.ordnancesurvey.co.uk\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n\t\t<section id=\"block_1ba14458b3d2d3ac3371023380f0e674\" class=\"Inner InnerButtons\" >\n\t\t\t<div class=\"container\">\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"row justify-content-center justify-content-md-start\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-auto\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"InnerButtons__button\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/itvs-britains-100-favourite-walks\/\" class=\"Button Button--orange \" target=\"_self\" >\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"Button__text\">\n\t\t\t\t\tITV&#039;s Britain&#039;s 100 Best Walks\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"Button__arrow\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"24\" height=\"24\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n<g>\n<path d=\"M5 12H19M19 12L12 5M19 12L12 19\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"\/>\n<\/g>\n<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-auto\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"InnerButtons__button\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/guides\/?region=&#038;activity=places-to-go\" class=\"Button Button--orange \" target=\"_self\" >\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"Button__text\">\n\t\t\t\t\tUK Route Guides\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"Button__arrow\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"24\" height=\"24\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n<g>\n<path d=\"M5 12H19M19 12L12 5M19 12L12 19\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"\/>\n<\/g>\n<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-auto\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"InnerButtons__button\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/guides\/planning-a-walking-route-in-5-easy-steps\/\" class=\"Button Button--orange \" target=\"_self\" >\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"Button__text\">\n\t\t\t\t\tPlanning A Route\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"Button__arrow\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"24\" height=\"24\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n<g>\n<path d=\"M5 12H19M19 12L12 5M19 12L12 19\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"\/>\n<\/g>\n<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\n\t\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-how-long-will-the-hike-take-me\">How long will the hike take me?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/getoutside39507958bf.blob.core.windows.net\/blobgetoutside39507958bf\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/nantlle-ridge-credit-nearlyuphill-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"Nantlle Ridge from Mynydd Mawr\" class=\"wp-image-5992\" srcset=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/nantlle-ridge-credit-nearlyuphill-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/nantlle-ridge-credit-nearlyuphill-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/nantlle-ridge-credit-nearlyuphill-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/nantlle-ridge-credit-nearlyuphill-1376x773.jpg 1376w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/nantlle-ridge-credit-nearlyuphill.jpg 1505w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">You can get great views without having to take risks in more challenging mountains, like this view of the Nantlle Ridge from much easier Mynydd Mawr in Eryri \ud83d\udcf7 <a href=\"https:\/\/nearlyuphill.co.uk\/category\/snowdonia-eryri\/\">@nearlyuphill<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As a beginner hiker, timing is crucial to avoid finding yourself hiking in the dark or becoming overly exhausted. It&#8217;s important to estimate how long the hike will take before setting out. The OS Maps Route Guides provide time estimates for routes, but these do not account for breaks, which are often overlooked. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">OS Maps incorporates Naismith&#8217;s Rule to adjust for additional time needed for ascents and difficult terrain. Determining your pace can be challenging, as it greatly depends on your fitness level, the slope, and the terrain type. It&#8217;s common to slow down during the final hour of a walk. If there&#8217;s any concern about returning before nightfall, it&#8217;s wise to plan a shorter route or begin earlier in the day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\t\t<section id=\"block_b233164592fa753f9c3c6f42f9088821\" class=\"Inner InnerGoodToKnow\" >\n\t\t\t<div class=\"container\">\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"row align-items-center jusitfy-content-start\">\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-auto\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"InnerGoodToKnow__icon \">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"32\" height=\"32\" viewBox=\"0 0 32 32\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n<g id=\"info-circle\">\n<path d=\"M15.9994 21.3333V16M15.9994 10.6666H16.0127M29.3327 16C29.3327 23.3638 23.3631 29.3333 15.9994 29.3333C8.63555 29.3333 2.66602 23.3638 2.66602 16C2.66602 8.63616 8.63555 2.66663 15.9994 2.66663C23.3631 2.66663 29.3327 8.63616 29.3327 16Z\" stroke=\"white\" stroke-width=\"2.664\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"\/>\n<\/g>\n<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-auto\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"InnerGoodToKnow__heading\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tTiming\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"InnerGoodToKnow__text\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Factor in time for taking breaks when planning your hike, no mapping app can account for how often you will stop and take breaks!<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\n\t\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-wild-camping-on-a-hike-in-the-mountains\">Wild Camping on a Hike in the Mountains<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you have looked at the route timing and don&#8217;t think it&#8217;s possible in daylight hours you might want to investigate wild camping. We have a guide to wild camping which explores the <a href=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/guides\/is-wild-camping-legal-in-england-wales\/\">legality of wild camping in England and Wales<\/a> which you will find useful. We would advise you start small first and just check that hiking a short distance feel right for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-safe-hiking-plan-alternative-routes-ahead\">Safe Hiking &#8211; Plan Alternative Routes Ahead<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Incorporating checkpoints to monitor your time can be beneficial. Having alternative &#8216;Plan B&#8217; and &#8216;Plan C&#8217; routes allows you to adjust the length of your walk stress-free. It&#8217;s wise to agree on these routes and their timings with your group beforehand to prevent any disputes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/getoutside39507958bf.blob.core.windows.net\/blobgetoutside39507958bf\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/muddy-stile-nearlyuphill-hiking-in-capel-curig--1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"hiking for beginners - muddy stile\" class=\"wp-image-6054\" srcset=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/muddy-stile-nearlyuphill-hiking-in-capel-curig--1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/muddy-stile-nearlyuphill-hiking-in-capel-curig--300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/muddy-stile-nearlyuphill-hiking-in-capel-curig--768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/muddy-stile-nearlyuphill-hiking-in-capel-curig--1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/muddy-stile-nearlyuphill-hiking-in-capel-curig--2048x1152.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/muddy-stile-nearlyuphill-hiking-in-capel-curig--1376x774.jpg 1376w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/muddy-stile-nearlyuphill-hiking-in-capel-curig--1920x1080.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-hiking-equipment-do-i-really-need\">What Hiking Equipment do I really need?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As a novice hiker, you needn&#8217;t invest heavily in new hiking gear, but there are certain essentials you should carry to ensure comfort and safety. When walking through high hills or mountains, preparation is key. The list of hiking essentials provided assumes that you are not venturing into adverse and freezing weather conditions, which is not advisable for beginners.<\/p>\n\n\n\t\t<section id=\"block_6992840631d36eab39373909c4450943\" class=\"BigCommerce BigCommerce--no-products radial pt-default pb-default mt-none mb-none      \"  data-color-scheme=\"radial\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"container\">\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\n\t<div class=\"BigCommerceBanner\">\n\n\n\t<div class=\"BigCommerceBanner__content\">\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"BigCommerceBanner__product\">\n\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"393\" height=\"475\" src=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/untitled-design-1.png\" class=\"BigCommerceBanner__product-img\" alt=\"OS Guidebooks and Maps\" srcset=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/untitled-design-1.png 393w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/untitled-design-1-248x300.png 248w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 393px) 100vw, 393px\" \/>\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"BigCommerceBanner__subheading\">\n\t\t\t\tEXPLORE THE\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"BigCommerceBanner__heading\">\n\t\t\t\tOS Shop\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"BigCommerceBanner__description\">\n\t\t\t\tWe are with you every step of the way.\u00a0Shop our trusted walking and hiking maps and guidebooks\u2028so you can explore the outdoors with confidence.\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/shop.osmaps.com\/\" class=\"Button Button--orange \" target=\"_blank\" >\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"Button__text\">\n\t\t\t\t\tGo to the shop\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"BigCommerceProductsBox\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-hiking-essentials-for-beginners-do-i-need\">What Hiking Essentials for Beginners Do I need?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-1-comfortable-rucksack-backpack\"><strong>1. Comfortable Rucksack\/backpack<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You&#8217;ll definitely need a hiking backpack if you&#8217;re planning a walk longer than an hour. For your first hike, why not ask friends and family if they have a back pack you could borrow before investing in something you might find you don&#8217;t use again. For day hiking you won&#8217;t need anything too big &#8211; explore our range of <a href=\"https:\/\/shop.osmaps.com\/outdoor-gear\/bags\/rucksacks\/light-rucksacks\/?_bc_fsnf=1&amp;in_stock=1\">lightweight backpacks for day hikes<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-2-paper-map-of-the-area-you-are-hiking\"><strong>2. Paper map of the area you are hiking<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You should make sure you have a printed map of the area, and you know how to use it. Browse our range of <a href=\"https:\/\/shop.osmaps.com\/map-ranges\/os-paper-map-ranges\/explorer-maps\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Explorer Maps for Hikers in the UK<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-3-a-compass\"><strong>3. A Compass<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">However, there&#8217;s not much point taking a compass if you don&#8217;t know how to use it! Basic navigation skills are an essential. Read our <a href=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/guides\/which-compass-is-best-for-me\/\">Guide to Buying a Compass<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/getoutside39507958bf.blob.core.windows.net\/blobgetoutside39507958bf\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/understanding_map_scales_osmaps.jpg\" alt=\"OS Maps App - best for UK Hikers\" class=\"wp-image-6060\" srcset=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/understanding_map_scales_osmaps.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/understanding_map_scales_osmaps-300x180.jpg 300w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/understanding_map_scales_osmaps-768x461.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-4-smartphone-amp-mapping-app\"><strong>4. Smartphone &amp;<\/strong> <strong> Mapping App <\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Ensure that your smartphone is fully charged and that you have OS Maps downloaded. Additionally, download the route to be able to access it and locate your position using your phone&#8217;s built-in GPS, even when you&#8217;re out of signal range. <a href=\"https:\/\/explore.osmaps.com\/\">Download OS Maps<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-5-power-bank\"><strong>5. Power Bank<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">They&#8217;re not very expensive, mostly lightweight and are essential if your phone runs out of battery unexpectedly. Make sure it&#8217;s fully charged the day before you leave so you have lots of time to charge it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-6-food-snacks\"><strong>6. Food \/ Snacks<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Enough for the time you are hiking and a little extra just in case. Packing a few energy packed snacks will help if you or a member of your group starts flagging.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-7-water\"><strong>7. Water<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Check the timing of the walk and bring plenty of water, especially if it&#8217;s a hot day. Bladder packs are really useful for helping to distribute the weight of the water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-8-appropriate-footwear-amp-socks\"><strong>8. Appropriate Footwear &amp; Socks<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Choosing the right footwear is crucial depending on your destination. For hiking, your footwear should be comfortable, provide a good grip for different terrains, and be water-resistant to handle puddles, mud, or rain. Boots offer more support on hilly terrain and better protection against the elements, whereas shoes are cooler in warm weather and lighter. It&#8217;s important not to hike in brand-new shoes or boots; instead, break them in gradually over several weeks to avoid unexpected blisters. Read more about <a href=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/guides\/gear-guide-walking-socks\/\">choosing hiking socks<\/a> and also our post on <a href=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/guides\/how-to-avoid-blisters-when-hiking\/\">how to avoid blisters when hiking<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-9-waterproof-coat\"><strong>9. Waterproof Coat<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Even if the forecast is clear it&#8217;s essential to bring a waterproof just in case. You need to be prepared for sudden unexpected changes in weather. Read our full <a href=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/guides\/wet-weather-gear-guide\/\">wet weather hiking gear guide<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>10. Weather Appropriate Clothing Layers<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Temperature &amp; wind changes as you get higher can make it feel suddenly very cold. Wear layers and bring a warm top layer just in case. Read our full <a href=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/guides\/layering-gear-guide\/\">guide to layering for beginners<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-11-hat-amp-gloves\"><strong>11. Hat &amp; Gloves <\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It can get bitter on top of a hill or mountain, even if it feels lovely and warm at the bottom. Bring a warm hat and gloves just in case.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-12-sun-hat-and-sunscreen\"><strong>12. Sun Hat and Sunscreen<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><br>There may not be any shade if you are hiking up a hill or mountain so be prepared with decent sunscreen and a hat with a brim to protect your face and neck.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/guides\/the-hiking-checklist\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/getoutside39507958bf.blob.core.windows.net\/blobgetoutside39507958bf\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/mountain-safety-mountain-rescue-backpack.jpg\" alt=\"First Aid Kit from Ordnance Survey \" class=\"wp-image-6049\" srcset=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/mountain-safety-mountain-rescue-backpack.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/mountain-safety-mountain-rescue-backpack-300x180.jpg 300w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/mountain-safety-mountain-rescue-backpack-768x461.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/guides\/the-hiking-checklist\/\">Essential Hiking Equipment <\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-13-first-aid-kit\"><strong>13. First Aid Kit<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Always carry a first aid kit and make sure you restock it before each trip.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There are a few other items that aren&#8217;t always essential but that you may find useful when hiking for more than a few hours or at different times of year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Wet wipes &amp; something to put them in after use like a dog bag<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A Sit Mat (little piece of foam so you don&#8217;t get chilly or damp if you sit down)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Bladder pack for easy hydration and spreading the weight of water<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Map Case for keep your map to hand and dry<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Insect Repellent for hiking <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Walking poles &#8211; we have a useful guide for <a href=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/guides\/gear-guide-walking-poles\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">why hiking poles are so useful<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/getoutside39507958bf.blob.core.windows.net\/blobgetoutside39507958bf\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/hiking_checklist_gear_guide_4.jpg\" alt=\"Hiking Checklist\" class=\"wp-image-6050\" srcset=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/hiking_checklist_gear_guide_4.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/hiking_checklist_gear_guide_4-300x180.jpg 300w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/hiking_checklist_gear_guide_4-768x461.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-how-do-i-get-the-most-accurate-weather-forecast-for-hiking-in-the-uk\">How do I get the most accurate weather forecast for hiking in the uk?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The weather can make a huge difference to your day out hiking, especially if you&#8217;re up high in the mountains. Being prepared for the weather makes an even bigger difference. On the OS Maps website you will see that each route has information about the weather. OS Maps doesn&#8217;t show the weather in detail, just an indication of what you can expect to help you pick the best day for your adventure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/getoutside39507958bf.blob.core.windows.net\/blobgetoutside39507958bf\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/mynyddmawr-nearlyuphill-1024x576.png\" alt=\"Mynydd Mawr\" class=\"wp-image-6052\" srcset=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/mynyddmawr-nearlyuphill-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/mynyddmawr-nearlyuphill-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/mynyddmawr-nearlyuphill-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/mynyddmawr-nearlyuphill.png 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/nearlyuphill.co.uk\/2024\/05\/24\/mynydd-mawr-walk-parking\/\">Mynydd Mawr (Image by @nearlyuphill)<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You can download more detailed weather apps if you are walking in the mountains. These weather apps can help you ensure you will get lovely views (and great pics to share!) rather than be stuck in low cloud for most of the day. Here are a few of the apps that hikers use.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.metoffice.gov.uk\/\">Met Office<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mwis.org.uk\/\">Mountain Weather Information Service (MWIS)<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mountain-forecast.com\/\">Mountain Forecast<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"schema-faq wp-block-yoast-faq-block\"><div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1754578642690\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">How do I stay safe when hiking?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Here&#8217;s a simple checklist for staying safe when hiking. <br\/><br\/><strong>Weather<\/strong><br\/>Check the weather using a few different sources and choose a clear day until you have more experience with navigating. As a hiking beginner practice in clear conditions with no risk of ice first.<br\/><strong>Livestock<\/strong><br\/>Respect livestock and keep an eye for signs and pay particular notice when paths cross cattle fields as they can become aggressive if protecting their calves, especially if you have a dog with you.<br\/><strong>Road Walking<\/strong><br\/>Take care on narrow country roads without pavements and walk facing oncoming traffic.<br\/><strong>Hills &amp; Slopes<\/strong><br\/>Risk of slips and falls is much greater, so make sure you have appropriate footwear for the route and the conditions.<br\/><strong>Battery Drain<\/strong><br\/>Make sure your phone is charged and reliable, carry two for piece of mind. One for pictures and the route guide and one just for emergencies.<\/p> <\/div> <\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-where-are-the-best-uk-hikes-for-beginners\">Where are the best UK Hikes for Beginners<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"457\" src=\"https:\/\/getoutside39507958bf.blob.core.windows.net\/blobgetoutside39507958bf\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/image-1-1024x457.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-6030\" srcset=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/image-1-1024x457.png 1024w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/image-1-300x134.png 300w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/image-1-768x343.png 768w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/image-1-1536x686.png 1536w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/image-1-1376x615.png 1376w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/image-1.png 1822w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Toggle the OS Maps &#8216;Find Routes&#8217; settings to look for recomended easy routes for your first hiking adventure.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We&#8217;ve selected some of the <a href=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/tag\/beginner-hikes\/\">best UK hikes for beginners<\/a>. These are short, manageable walks. Use OS Maps to sort hiking paths by duration and difficulty level. Don&#8217;t forget to tag us with #ordnancesurvey when you post photos of your hiking journeys!<\/p>\n\n\n\n\t\t<section id=\"block_6defab27bbb522bbeb59cd623ca51aa5\" class=\"Inner InnerButtons\" >\n\t\t\t<div class=\"container\">\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"row justify-content-center justify-content-md-center\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-auto\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"InnerButtons__button\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/tag\/beginner-hikes\/\" class=\"Button Button--orange \" target=\"_self\" >\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"Button__text\">\n\t\t\t\t\tBeginner Hikes In National Parks\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"Button__arrow\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"24\" height=\"24\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n<g>\n<path d=\"M5 12H19M19 12L12 5M19 12L12 19\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"\/>\n<\/g>\n<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\n\t\n\n\n\t\t<section id=\"block_bd3c1264aa64c9585d202a872568ba0a\" class=\"Adventures wave-peach pt-default pb-default mt-none mb-none    \" >\n\t\t\t<div class=\"container\">\n\n\t\t\t\t\n<div class=\"Heading\">\n\n\t\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2\t\t\tclass=\"Heading__title h2\">\n\t\t\tTHE BEST UK Hikes For Beginners\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\n\t\n        <div class=\"Heading__description\">\n\t\t<p>Select your location below and then toggle the OS Maps &#8216;Find Routes&#8217; settings to look for recomended easy routes for your first hiking adventure.<\/p>    <\/div>\n    \n<\/div>\n\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"row justify-content-center Adventures__nav\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-auto\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<label class=\"visually-hidden\" for=\"AdventuresFilter\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tSelect a location\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/label>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<select class=\"select Adventures__select\" autocomplete=\"off\" id=\"AdventuresFilter\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<option>Select a location<\/option>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<option value=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/adventures\/?region=east-midlands&#038;activity=&#038;difficulty=&#038;search=\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tEast Midlands\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/option>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<option value=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/adventures\/?region=london&#038;activity=&#038;difficulty=&#038;search=\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tLondon\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/option>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<option value=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/adventures\/?region=north-east&#038;activity=&#038;difficulty=&#038;search=\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tNorth East\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/option>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<option value=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/adventures\/?region=north-west&#038;activity=&#038;difficulty=&#038;search=\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tNorth West\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/option>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<option value=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/adventures\/?region=scotland&#038;activity=&#038;difficulty=&#038;search=\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tScotland\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/option>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<option value=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/adventures\/?region=south-east&#038;activity=&#038;difficulty=&#038;search=\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tSouth East\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/option>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<option value=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/adventures\/?region=south-west&#038;activity=&#038;difficulty=&#038;search=\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tSouth West\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/option>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<option value=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/adventures\/?region=wales&#038;activity=&#038;difficulty=&#038;search=\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWales\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/option>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<option value=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/adventures\/?region=west-midlands&#038;activity=&#038;difficulty=&#038;search=\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWest Midlands\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/option>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<option value=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/adventures\/?region=yorks-humber&#038;activity=&#038;difficulty=&#038;search=\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tYorks &amp; Humber\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/option>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/select>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"AdventuresBox\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<div class=\"ThumbAdventure\">\n\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"ThumbAdventureBox\">\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/adventures\/pen-y-ghent-a-mountain-of-a-hill-that-will-give-the-family-summit-to-remember\/\" class=\"ThumbAdventureBox__link\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span>Read more<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"image-box\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"506\" src=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/adventures-banner-pen-y-ghent-1024x506.jpg\" class=\"image-box__img2\" alt=\"Pen-Y-Ghent walking route\" srcset=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/adventures-banner-pen-y-ghent-1024x506.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/adventures-banner-pen-y-ghent-300x148.jpg 300w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/adventures-banner-pen-y-ghent-768x380.jpg 768w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/adventures-banner-pen-y-ghent.jpg 1376w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"506\" src=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/adventures-banner-pen-y-ghent-1024x506.jpg\" class=\"image-box__img\" alt=\"Pen-Y-Ghent walking route\" srcset=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/adventures-banner-pen-y-ghent-1024x506.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/adventures-banner-pen-y-ghent-300x148.jpg 300w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/adventures-banner-pen-y-ghent-768x380.jpg 768w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/adventures-banner-pen-y-ghent.jpg 1376w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul class=\"ThumbAdventure__tags\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/activities-adventures\/hiking\/\" class=\"tag\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tHiking\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/activities-adventures\/walking\/\" class=\"tag\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWalking\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/tag\/yorkshire\/\" class=\"tag\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tYorkshire\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"ThumbAdventure__title\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tPen-y-ghent \u2013 a mountain of a hill that will give the family \u2018summit\u2019 to remember\t\t\t\t\t<\/h3>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"row ThumbAdventure__meta\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-auto meta-date\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tYorks &amp; Humber\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-auto meta-dot\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"2\" height=\"2\" viewBox=\"0 0 2 2\" fill=\"none\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<circle cx=\"1.00049\" cy=\"1\" r=\"1\" fill=\"#A9A29D\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-auto meta-distance\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t9.45 km \/ 6 miles\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"ThumbAdventure__desc\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tPen-y-ghent is the perfect hill with which to give young children a taste of an outdoor challenge. \r\nThe circular walk to the summit from Horton-in-Ribblesdale is under six miles \u2013 perfect for little legs or when the days are short and time is squeezed.\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t<div class=\"ThumbAdventure\">\n\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"ThumbAdventureBox\">\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/adventures\/the-lawley-circular-hike\/\" class=\"ThumbAdventureBox__link\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span>Read more<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"image-box\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"506\" src=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/adventures-banner-lawley-1024x506.jpg\" class=\"image-box__img2\" alt=\"Lawley circular route\" srcset=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/adventures-banner-lawley-1024x506.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/adventures-banner-lawley-300x148.jpg 300w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/adventures-banner-lawley-768x380.jpg 768w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/adventures-banner-lawley.jpg 1376w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"506\" src=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/adventures-banner-lawley-1024x506.jpg\" class=\"image-box__img\" alt=\"Lawley circular route\" srcset=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/adventures-banner-lawley-1024x506.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/adventures-banner-lawley-300x148.jpg 300w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/adventures-banner-lawley-768x380.jpg 768w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/adventures-banner-lawley.jpg 1376w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul class=\"ThumbAdventure__tags\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/activities-adventures\/hiking\/\" class=\"tag\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tHiking\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/activities-adventures\/walking\/\" class=\"tag\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWalking\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"ThumbAdventure__title\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tThe Lawley Circular Hike\t\t\t\t\t<\/h3>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"row ThumbAdventure__meta\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-auto meta-date\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWest Midlands\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-auto meta-dot\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"2\" height=\"2\" viewBox=\"0 0 2 2\" fill=\"none\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<circle cx=\"1.00049\" cy=\"1\" r=\"1\" fill=\"#A9A29D\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-auto meta-distance\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t6.45 km \/ 4 miles\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"ThumbAdventure__desc\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tThe Lawley is part of the Shropshire Hills range in an area of outstanding natural beauty. The Lawley is one of the smaller hills, standing next to its big brother, Caer Caradoc. It&#8217;s an interesting walk, as along the ridge there are remains of an ancient settlement and hill fort.\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t<div class=\"ThumbAdventure\">\n\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"ThumbAdventureBox\">\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/adventures\/a-short-hike-to-bone-caves\/\" class=\"ThumbAdventureBox__link\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span>Read more<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"image-box\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"506\" src=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/adventures-banner-bone-caves-1024x506.jpg\" class=\"image-box__img2\" alt=\"Bone Caves walking route map line\" srcset=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/adventures-banner-bone-caves-1024x506.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/adventures-banner-bone-caves-300x148.jpg 300w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/adventures-banner-bone-caves-768x380.jpg 768w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/adventures-banner-bone-caves.jpg 1376w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul class=\"ThumbAdventure__tags\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/activities-adventures\/hiking\/\" class=\"tag\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tHiking\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/activities-adventures\/walking\/\" class=\"tag\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWalking\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"ThumbAdventure__title\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tA short hike to Bone Caves\t\t\t\t\t<\/h3>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"row ThumbAdventure__meta\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-auto meta-date\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tScotland\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-auto meta-dot\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"2\" height=\"2\" viewBox=\"0 0 2 2\" fill=\"none\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<circle cx=\"1.00049\" cy=\"1\" r=\"1\" fill=\"#A9A29D\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-auto meta-distance\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t4.34 km \/ 3 miles\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"ThumbAdventure__desc\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tShort hike to bones cave, Scotland. \t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\n\t\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"683\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/getoutside39507958bf.blob.core.windows.net\/blobgetoutside39507958bf\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/hiking-for-beginners-683x1024.png\" alt=\"Hiking for beginners \" class=\"wp-image-6085\" style=\"width:844px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/hiking-for-beginners-683x1024.png 683w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/hiking-for-beginners-200x300.png 200w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/hiking-for-beginners-768x1152.png 768w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/hiking-for-beginners-720x1080.png 720w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/hiking-for-beginners.png 1000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-yoast-seo-related-links yoast-seo-related-links\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/guides\/a-beginners-guide-to-trail-running\/\">A beginner&#8217;s guide to trail running<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/guides\/beginners-guides-map-reading\/\">Map reading skills &#8211; beginner&#8217;s guides<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/guides\/what-to-wear-walking\/\">What to wear walking<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/guides\/the-hiking-checklist\/\">Hiking Checklist<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/guides\/map-reading-week\/\">Free Map Reading Guides<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t<div class=\"MetaShare\">\n\n\t\t\t<button id=\"likeButton\" data-nonce=\"eb1e88af07\" data-postid=\"5984\" class=\"Button Button--default Button--icon likeButton\"><span class=\"likeButtonText\">Like this guide<\/span><svg width=\"21\" height=\"20\" viewBox=\"0 0 21 20\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n<path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"M10.4947 3.09742C8.5448 1.39335 5.66108 1.04464 3.42166 2.95804C0.999337 5.02773 0.647396 8.5134 2.56291 10.9783C3.29002 11.9139 4.70917 13.3196 6.07302 14.6069C7.45283 15.9092 8.82946 17.1399 9.50834 17.7411C9.51258 17.7449 9.51691 17.7487 9.5213 17.7526C9.58512 17.8092 9.66457 17.8796 9.74074 17.937C9.83194 18.0057 9.96286 18.0909 10.1377 18.1431C10.3701 18.2124 10.62 18.2124 10.8524 18.1431C11.0272 18.0909 11.1581 18.0057 11.2493 17.937C11.3255 17.8796 11.405 17.8092 11.4688 17.7526C11.4732 17.7487 11.4775 17.7449 11.4817 17.7411C12.1606 17.1399 13.5373 15.9092 14.9171 14.6069C16.2809 13.3196 17.7001 11.9139 18.4272 10.9783C20.3353 8.52288 20.0377 5.01032 17.5597 2.95074C15.2954 1.06872 12.4424 1.3927 10.4947 3.09742Z\" fill=\"#186571\"\/>\n<\/svg>\n<\/button>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"row justify-content-center MetaShareSocial\" aria-label=\"Share\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-auto\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"#\" role=\"button\" aria-label=\"X\" class=\"Button Button--default MetaShareSocial__button MetaShareSocial__button--x\" id=\"share-twitter\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\"><g transform=\"translate(-173 238)\"><path d=\"M18.9.75h3.68l-8.04,9.213L24,22.5H16.594l-5.8-7.6L4.156,22.5H.474l8.6-9.854L0,.75H7.594L12.837,7.7ZM17.61,20.291h2.039L6.486,2.843H4.3Z\" transform=\"translate(173 -237.625)\" fill=\"currentColor\"\/><\/g><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-auto\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"#\" role=\"button\" aria-label=\"facebook\"  class=\"Button Button--default MetaShareSocial__button MetaShareSocial__button--f\" id=\"share-facebook\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\"><g transform=\"translate(-89 238)\"><path d=\"M14.186,24V13.2h3.279L18,8.4H14.186V6.062c0-1.236.032-2.462,1.759-2.462h1.749V.168A19.34,19.34,0,0,0,14.671,0C11.5,0,9.508,1.989,9.508,5.64V8.4H6v4.8H9.508V24Z\" transform=\"translate(89 -238)\" fill=\"currentColor\" fill-rule=\"evenodd\"\/><\/g><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t<div id=\"likeCount\" class=\"likeCount\">Liked by <span id=\"likeCountValue\">28<\/span> users<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<hr class=\"MetaShare__hr\" \/>\n\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"MetaShareAuthor\">\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"140\" height=\"160\" src=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/profile-pic.jpg\" class=\"MetaShareAuthor__avatar wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/profile-pic.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/profile-pic-263x300.jpg 263w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/profile-pic-897x1024.jpg 897w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/profile-pic-768x877.jpg 768w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/profile-pic-946x1080.jpg 946w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 140px) 100vw, 140px\" \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"MetaShareAuthor__name\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tBy Hilary Pullen\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"MetaShareAuthor__desc\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Meet Hilary, Editor of <a href=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\">OS Maps Discover<\/a>. Hilary is based in North Wales and loves hiking with her dogs in the mountains of Eryri and Bryniau Clwyd, you can find her on Instagram <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/nearlyuphill\/\">@nearlyuphill<\/a> and read her guides to <a href=\"https:\/\/nearlyuphill.co.uk\/\">walking in North Wales<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>If you would like to be a featured OS Author and write an article or route guide find out more here &#8211; \u00a0<a title=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/about\/write-for-us\" href=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/about\/write-for-us\" data-auth=\"NotApplicable\" data-linkindex=\"2\"><b>how to submit an article idea<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/article>\n\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Hiking for beginners, a complete guide to hiking safety, hiking fitness and the best UK Routes for beginners<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":15,"featured_media":15220,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[331],"activities":[44,90],"locations":[],"class_list":["post-5984","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized","tag-uk-hiking-routes-for-beginners","activities-beginners-guides","activities-uk-hiking"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.6 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Hiking for Beginners - A Complete Guide - OS Maps Discover<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Hiking for Beginners - Expert Advice! 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(Isn't it just going on a long walk?)\",\"answerCount\":1,\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Hiking is the term for a long and often fairly vigorous walk in the countryside. It's a term that has been growing hugely in popularity in the UK. You can see from the Google Trends chart below the huge growth in hiking. A simple distinction between hiking and walking would be whether or not you need to take supplies with you because it's longer than an hour and involves more effort. For a hike you will definitely need to carry a few essential items in a back pack.\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-GB\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-GB\"},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/osmaps.com\\\/discover\\\/guides\\\/hiking-for-beginners-a-complete-guide\\\/#faq-question-1754578642690\",\"position\":2,\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/osmaps.com\\\/discover\\\/guides\\\/hiking-for-beginners-a-complete-guide\\\/#faq-question-1754578642690\",\"name\":\"How do I stay safe when hiking?\",\"answerCount\":1,\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Here's a simple checklist for staying safe when hiking. <br\\\/><br\\\/><strong>Weather<\\\/strong><br\\\/>Check the weather using a few different sources and choose a clear day until you have more experience with navigating. 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