Taking walking holidays for the first time can indeed be amazing. However, at the same time, it can be a harrowing experience if you are not prepared for it, especially as you are embarking on one for the very first time.
Why not look for some interesting and exciting routes you can take and then make your booking with an experienced tour operator such as Mickledore. They specialise in walking holidays and cycling trips across the UK. You can enjoy your walking holiday on your own as an independent traveler or in a group of like minded enthusiasts, based on your personal preferences.
Here are some tips on how to plan a great hiking holiday that is well planned and explore some great routes.
The walking equipment
You will need some special hiking gear as well as equipment for your walking trip. Unless you’re doing a challenging route, what you will basically need is a good pair of walking boots and a thin layer of breathable socks.
Get some training
Raise your level of fitness and be well prepared for your first walking trip. Just check the details of the walking route and get used to some exercise and walk every day. Your body will need to be more fit for the more challenging trips, and thus it is essential to build your fitness level to cover the distances.
Walk on an incline with your gear
It is a good idea to get used to walking on slopes as well as add the weight of the backpack that can contain food, water, and other accessories. Practice walking on a nearby hill, and there are always stairs if you don’t have any hills in the vicinity. You can go up and down the stairs a couple of times to get used to the incline and the gear.
Pack light
There is no need to burden yourself with a heavy backpack. What you would need on you is basically your essential documents like passport, visas, insurance, a change of clothing, two pairs of socks, and a notebook and pen. Keep some nutritious food bars and water handy. Wear a hat and carry a head torch for walks during late evening trips.
Before you start
It is a good idea to drink as much water as you can before you start your hike and refill your bottle on the way. Your guide can show you where to stop for a rest or refills. Watch out for signs of dehydration and fatigue, especially if this is your first time.
Pause and take breaks
Do not be in a rush to complete your trek, but enjoy the experience. So, take frequent breaks to pause and enjoy the scenery around and take shots. Enjoy the peace and look around, and you are sure to find something special in the view.
Within a few weeks, you should be well prepared for your first walking holiday. After all, you would not want to feel exhausted and tired at all times. Get plenty of sleep and take things easy during your trip. Needles to say, your first walking trip should be both enjoyable and memorable.
When you are walking long distances, you should be taking it as easy as possible so that you can have the endurance to make those walks count. While you are in your planning stages, don’t forget to plan how to relax afterwards! If you have ever taken aromatherapy courses in the past, this is where you should ensure that you have the right essential oils for that post-hike bath that is designed to help your muscles to truly relax. Your walking is going to push you to your limits and you will work muscles you didn’t even know you had! With this in mind, make sure that you have planned for proper hydration, food and relaxation for later.
Next, you should gather information about the popular walking routes and here are some of them.
The hiking routes
While there are plenty of amazing walking holidays across the globe, you need to be more careful when you plan a first hiking trip. The walking routes should be preferably gentle strolls on flat coastal and forest paths. The idea is to enjoy the experience without leaving you drained. Once you get used to the walking trips, you can gradually explore some of the more challenging routes across the globe.
Here are some great ideas as to where you can plan a walking trip for the first time.
- Walk on some sections of the Lady Anne’s Way
As it would not be possible for you to cover the classic long-distance walk of about 100 miles from, you can cover some parts of it. Explore the unspoiled villages of the Eden Valley or the countryside of the Yorkshire Dales and enjoy the open views and vistas. - Explore the quieter Vale of Lorton
Your family would love to explore the peaceful lakes of Loweswater and Buttermere as they go on those well-defined paths and country lanes. You will love the peace and quiet that surrounds you and cover relatively short distances each day. The route is generally relatively flat, and you will get plenty of opportunities to stop on the way and enjoy the spectacular scenery. - Speyside Way with spectacular scenery
Another great option for your hiking trip is the scenic walk along the riverside of the Speyside Way. Walk through the pinewoods, and the routes are generally straightforward and will take you through splendid scenery beside the river. You can take short walks towards the foothills of the Cairngorms. - Cotswold Round for the English countryside
Just picture yourself walking through luscious green meadows and along the hedge-lined country lanes and through the most picturesque towns. Find yourself surrounded with outstanding natural beauty if the grassland in spring filled with the sight of wildflowers. Your are sure to marvel at the colorful sights of vast green grasslands dotted with vibrant colors of Bluebell woods and sweet-smelling lilies and colorful butterflies. - Walking in the Swiss Alps
The opportunities for walking with your kids or toddlers are endless in Switzerland. You can walk along the mountainside or take a cable car to the top to enjoy some splendid views. However, a lot relies on what you are looking for and depending on your abilities. There is stunning alpine scenery and rushing rivers to explore. Plus, there are lots of winter walking routes, and you can always wrap your little one warmly on a toboggan. Moreover, the menu here is always exciting for kids, and the Heidi and Swiss chocolate and sausages are always there. - For the most spectacular scenery along Cumbria Way
The Cumbria Way is world-famous for its scenic route that takes you through the valley systems with ancient green lanes and paths. You will love to walk on those stunning routes with well-established paths. One can choose from different options for the Cumbria Way route based on how far they would like to hike. Take short breaks to give your body some rest as you explore the more dramatic sections of the route.
Just keep the above aspects in mind when planning a trip for the first time and relax with complete peace of mind. Go ahead and create the most memorable hiking trip and a relaxing one. While no trip comes without challenges, if you are well prepared and make the right choices, you can certainly enjoy the whole experience and would love to extend your walking holidays.