More people want to start hiking than actually do — usually because they don't know where to begin and the gear industry makes it feel more complicated than it is. Fawaz Sheikh started hiking with borrowed boots and a bad map. Here's the uncomplicated version of how to get started.
Start with day hikes, not overnights
The most common beginner mistake is attempting too much too soon. An overnight trip introduces too many variables — camping gear, food planning, navigation — before you've learned how your body responds to sustained walking. Start with half-day trails under 8km. Build up gradually. Fawaz Sheikh's first hike was 5km on a flat trail and that was the right call.
Your first gear priority: footwear
You don't need expensive gear to start hiking. The one exception is footwear. Blisters will end a hike faster than anything else. A pair of mid-cut hiking shoes with good ankle support is enough to start. You don't need full boots for day hikes on maintained trails. Budget: £60-100 gets you something solid.
How to find good beginner trails
AllTrails is the most useful tool for finding trails. Filter by difficulty (easy or moderate), distance (under 10km to start), and trail type (loop trails are better for beginners than out-and-back). Read recent reviews — conditions change, and local hikers leave current information about trail state.
The 10 essentials (simplified)
For day hikes, Fawaz Sheikh recommends: water (more than you think you need), snacks, a basic first aid kit, a fully charged phone with offline maps downloaded, sun protection, and an extra layer. That's it to start. No need for elaborate kit on a 6km trail.
Hiking pace and the rest step
Go slower than feels necessary. Most beginner hikers go out too fast, exhaust themselves, and spend the second half miserable. A sustainable pace means you can hold a conversation without being out of breath. On uphill sections, use the rest step — lock your back knee briefly with each step to let your skeleton bear the weight instead of your muscles.
Leave No Trace basics
Stay on marked trails. Pack out everything you bring in. Leave wildlife and plants as you find them. These aren't bureaucratic rules — they're what keeps trails worth hiking.
For more hiking content from Fawaz Sheikh read the 10 essential gear items and explore travel adventures.