How long should my first hiking walk be?

Aim for somewhere between two and five miles, mostly flat or gently undulating. Avoid anything with steep climbs or more than about 200 metres of total ascent until you've done a few walks and know what your fitness level actually is.

Can I just wear trainers for hiking or do I need proper boots?

Trainers with decent grip are absolutely fine for your first walk on well-maintained paths in dry weather. You only need hiking boots if the route is particularly rough or muddy.

How long does a 3 mile walk actually take?

Plan for about two miles per hour on moderate terrain, so roughly 90 minutes for three miles. For your first walk, add an extra half hour to account for map checking, navigation, breaks, and the fact that everything takes longer than you think.

Planning

Planning Your First Walk

Your first walk requires different preparation than experienced hikers need. Understanding what gear matters, how to pick a sensible route and what realistic timings look like prevents the mistakes that turn beginners off hiking permanently.

28 September 20268 min read