Beginner Walking Guide: Hiking Basics, Essential Gear & Walking Tips

You don't need to climb a mountain to get into walking. For most people, it starts with something much simpler. A free Sunday morning, a recommendation from a friend or the thought that it might be nice to spend a few hours away from busy roads and screens. The only problem is knowing where to begin.

Do you need special clothing?
Should you buy walking boots straight away?
What should you carry?
And how far is too far for a first walk?

If you’ve been asking yourself those questions, you’re not alone. This beginner walking guide covers the hiking basics, the basic hiking equipment that’s actually worth buying, and practical hiking advice for beginners, too, so you can enjoy your first walks with confidence.

How Do You Start Hiking?

Forget the big mountains for now. Most regular walkers didn't start there. They started somewhere close to home.

Maybe it was some local nature reserve, a canal route, or a wooded walk they'd driven past dozens of times. Still, that’s one of the best ways to start.

For your first walk:

• Keep it short

• Pick a route that's easy to follow

• Wear clothes you're comfortable in

• Check the weather before you leave

• Leave plenty of time so you're not watching the clock

The first walk isn't about distance. It's about finding out if you enjoy it. This is what we will brief you in this beginner walking guide.

What Do You Actually Need to Take?

This is where new people tend to spend money that they really didn’t need in the first place, honestly. You don’t need loads of equipment.

For most walks, we'd only pack:

• Water

• Something to eat

• Waterproof jacket

• Small backpack

• Phone

• Comfortable footwear

That's enough to get started. As you walk more often, you'll naturally build up your own walking equipment. There's no rush.

Walking Boots or Trainers: Which Is Best for Beginners?

One of the first questions new walkers ask is whether they really need walking boots or if a pair of trainers will do.

The answer depends on where you're planning to walk.

If you're heading out for a short stroll around your local park or along a dry, paved path, comfortable trainers are often perfectly suitable.

However, once your walks take you onto muddy footpaths, woodland trails, rocky tracks or uneven countryside terrain, walking boots become a much better choice. They offer improved grip, greater stability and better protection, helping you walk with confidence across a variety of surfaces.

Walking Boots Are Worth Choosing If You:

• Walk on muddy or uneven ground.
• Enjoy countryside or hill walks.
• Walk regularly throughout the year.
• Need waterproof protection.
• Want better support on longer routes.

Supportive walking boots also help reduce fatigue by keeping your feet stable over longer distances.

At Northwest Territory, we've found that many people don't buy their first pair of walking boots after a perfect walk—they buy them after a wet, uncomfortable one in unsuitable footwear.

Why Do So Many Walkers End Up Buying Trekking Trousers?

Usually, because they've tried walking in jeans and it works. Until you brush past wet grass, or it starts raining, or you've been climbing for an hour. That's when jeans stop feeling like a good idea.

Trekking trousers are easier to move in, don't stay wet for long and generally make a full day outside much more comfortable.

Our Ridgeline Men’s Trekking Trouser is one we’d recommend if you’re grabbing your first pair, honestly. They’re practical enough for normal weekend walks, but they don’t give off that overly technical vibe, so odds are you’ll end up using them more than you expect.  

Don't Forget Your Socks

It’s not the most exciting part of basic trekking gear, but if you keep going, you’ll spot it after a few miles. Good socks keep your feet comfortable, kind of a quiet win. And yeah, that’s really the point.  

Our Coolwalk Men’s Socks are made for walking, not just everyday wear, so it’s an easy little upgrade when you’re out and about more often.  

Sometimes it’s the small stuff that does the most work, even if nobody really pays attention right away. It’s not the flashiest side of basic trekking gear, but if you stick with it, you’ll notice it after a few miles. Solid Men's Hiking Socks keep your feet comfy, a bit of a low-key victory. And that’s basically the whole point.

A Quick Beginner's Checklist

One last thing. Don't compare yourself with people who've been walking for years. Everyone starts somewhere.

At Northwest Territory, we've met plenty of walkers who began with nothing more than a short local route and a bit of curiosity. That's all you need. The rest comes with time, one walk at a time.

What Happens When You Reach the Start of a Hiking Trail?

You’ve parked up, zipped your jacket, and you shouldered your backpack. Try not to feel like you need to bolt off right away.

Most walkers kind of take a minute before they go anywhere, like just a little settling. They tighten a lace, take a drink or check the route one last time. It's time well spent.

So if you’re standing at the start of the hiking trail, take a few minutes to get your footing, in your own way. Once you’re moving, it all feels a lot lighter and easier.

You'll Learn More From One Walk Than Ten Videos

Reading about walking is useful. Actually going for one is even better. After your first outing, you’ll probably notice a few things, just small ones.

Maybe your backpack felt a bit heavier than you thought.
Maybe you packed too many snacks.
Maybe you wished you'd worn a lighter top.

That's all normal. Those little lessons are what build a routine for every walker, little by little, in a kind of quiet way.

Hiking Advice for Beginners

If someone asked for a few simple tips, we’d keep it short, ok.

• Start with routes you’ll actually enjoy

• Don’t stress about how fast you’re walking, just move

• Carry water too, even on the shorter walks

• Wear clothes that feel good and relaxed rather than fashionable

• Expect the weather to shift, maybe quickly

• Stop whenever you want to absorb the view

Walking isn’t about reaching a place in a hurry. It’s about savouring time outside, in the open air.

The Best Way to Get Better at Walking

Go again next weekend. That's honestly the biggest tip we can give. You don't need longer routes every time, or tougher climbs. You just need time on your feet.

At Northwest Territory, we've met plenty of people who started with short local walks before building up to full-day hikes. They didn't do anything clever. They simply kept going. That's what this beginner walking guide is really about.

Start small, enjoy it and then look for your next walk.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I start hiking?

Choose a short, clearly marked trail, put on comfortable clothing and don’t try to do too much on your first outing. It can be like, just enough.

2. What basic hiking equipment should I buy first?

Supportive footwear, a waterproof jacket, water, snacks and a small backpack are enough for most beginner walks, really.

3. Do I need walking boots for my first hike?

If you're walking on uneven, muddy or rocky trails, walking boots provide better grip, support and waterproof protection than everyday trainers. For short walks on flat, dry paths, comfortable trainers may be suitable.

4. What should I wear on my first walk?

Wear breathable layers that can easily adapt to changing weather. A moisture-wicking top, lightweight mid-layer, waterproof jacket, trekking trousers and comfortable walking boots are ideal for most UK walking routes.

5. How often should beginners go walking?

Aim to walk once or twice a week to begin with. Consistency is more important than distance, and regular walks will gradually improve your fitness, confidence and enjoyment of the outdoors.