Hiking is a wonderful hobby to get into with exceptional benefits to our physical and mental health, as well as being able to take in some of the most breathtaking scenery Scotland has to offer.
It is an incredible reward, and so it is no surprise that over the past 18 months that hiking has become more popular than ever, as people stay healthy by exploring the countryside near their home before moving on to Scottish hiking tours.
Getting started with hiking is slightly more complex than putting on a pair of walking shoes and taking to the nearest field, but there are three simple steps between the start and some exceptionally beautiful views.
Know Your Pace
Hiking is as easy or as difficult as you want it to be, but in all cases, it should be a challenge you are prepared and ready for. Besides the dangers of overexertion, hiking is at its most fun when you are walking at your own pace rather than trying to do more than you feel comfortable.
The best way to get started with hiking is just to start small. Have a walk around your neighbourhood or to a local park every day, and you will start to see results quickly emerge.
A few minutes will become an hour, and the more you build yourself up, the better you will feel and the more you will be able to see.
Be Prepared
If you are planning to hike somewhere particularly far away from civilisation, planning and preparation is absolutely essential. Nature is very hard to predict, and what could appear to be a simple few-hour hike could extend into the night if adverse weather or other factors take hold.
Get yourself a large, comfortable backpack and make sure you pack enough food and water as long as the trip is expected to take, as well as a first-aid kit in case of an injury or accident.
On longer hikes, energy and momentum is essential, so bring some kind of calorie-dense snack that you can eat on the move.
As well as this, if you plan on using any electronic gadgets or aids, make sure you bring a large enough power supply to keep them charged. Some backpacks even have charging stations built into them.
Finally, before you start, make sure you know your route, take a physical map with you and take note of any landmarks you can use in case you get lost. Packing a compass as well will help you navigate if at any point you end up off the main track.
Dress For The Occasion
Hiking over long periods of time can be very tough on your feet and your lower body, so it is vital that you pick the right shoes for the terrain you are expecting. They should be comfortable, fit well and support your ankles whether the ground you are on is wet, dry, rocky or flat.
One common mistake you should avoid is wearing new boots on a hike. Good hiking boots are often quite stiff at first and take some time to break in and for your feet to get used to them.
Wearing them on a hike can cause blisters, cracks in the skin and even bleeding, so make sure your shoes are comfortable as well as strong.
Always pack a raincoat with you, as you never know when the weather could turn, and try to avoid denim and cotton clothes, as they tend to take a while to dry if you are rained on or sweat, and this can cause problems in the evening.