Our Beginner's Guide to Hiking

Deciding to head out on your first hike is exciting, with so many scenic trails to choose from, but first, there are a few things you need to know. We have put together a beginner's guide to help you prepare; check it out below.

Wear The Right Clothing

If it looks good, but if it's not going to keep you warm in the cold or it's uncomfortable, then it's best to wear something else. What you wear depends on multiple factors – what will the weather be like, how hot or cold will it be, and what is the terrain like? These are just some things to consider before deciding what to wear. We always suggest wearing or packing one more layer than you think you need. It's always best to take a layer off to cool down than not having enough layers to keep you warm.

Start as Early as Possible

Walking through the mountains in the dark sounds scary, right? That's why you want to aim to start your hike as early as possible. Plan your route and understand how long it will take to return so you know how long to leave it before returning home at the first sign of dark.

Think About Your Feet

No doubt you'll have invested in some sturdy footwear for your hike. Try to wear the shoes for other walks first to ensure they don't rub and get used to wearing them. New shoes can often feel fine at first but then can develop blisters and sore spots, which will be very uncomfortable by the end of your hike. Always pack blister plasters and extra socks; even a small first aid kit is always a good idea.

Stay On the Trail

It may be tempting to explore off-piste, but it's best to stay on the trail. The trail is there for two reasons, to keep you safe and to keep the natural land around you safe. Most hiking grounds will be home to wildlife, and trails will be put in place to protect the wildlife and prevent hikers from disturbing them. Plus, you're likely to pass other hikers, which is helpful if you run into trouble.

Pack Something to Eat

Some hiking trails can last for hours, and it's doubtful you will come across a fast-food restaurant along the way. Likewise, although it looks easy in the movies, it's best to avoid picking berries you find along the way. That's why it's essential to pack a high-protein meal and plenty of snacks to keep you going. In addition, eating small snacks will help preserve your energy levels and help prevent you from feeling tired.

Take Plenty of Water

Remember what we said about not picking berries? You shouldn't drink the water from the river either. It might look fresh and clean, but that water will need to be filtered before it will be safe to drink. Instead, pack plenty of water for your hike. It's essential to stay hydrated to keep up your energy and keep your brain functioning at its best. A good rule of thumb is to take one more litre of water than you think you need.

Always Tell Someone Where You Are Going!

This one is a bit silly, but even the most experienced hikers can run into trouble. Whether going for a short or a long hike, it's always best to tell someone where you are going. Before you set out on your walk, tell someone you trust where you will be going and how long they should expect you to be gone. That way, you know someone will call for help if something happens.

Our Bridlington Route is an excellent spot for hiking. There are plenty of places to hike for experienced and beginner hikers. You are close to the sea, so the views are incredible, and the air is fresh. If you want to check out the best places to hike in Bridlington, check out our map, click the hiker icon and see all the routes with distances and descriptions. One of our favourites has to be the Flamborough Head circular walk that gives incredible cliff-top views and is only 7 miles long.

Happy Hiking!