Beginner Hiking Guides Archives

Family of three beginners hiking for the first time in the Lake District on a sunny afternoon, with rolling hills and a small lake

Beginner’s Guide to Hiking in the UK:
Planning, Navigation, Weather & Access

If you’re new to hiking in the UK, welcome — you’ve picked one of the best countries in the world for exploring on foot. Hiking is…

The Loaded BackpackNovember 26, 2025

Hiker with Daypack on a Day-Hike Section of the Hadrians Wall Path

Beginner Hiking Guides Packing Lists

The Essential Day Hike Packing List for UK Trails (Beginner’s Guide)

There’s nothing quite like heading out for a day on the trail — that satisfying crunch of boots on path, the freedom of travelling light, and…

The Loaded BackpackNovember 8, 2025

Beginner Hiking Guides

The Baseplate Compass Anatomy: Every Part Explained for UK Hikers

If you spend enough time hiking, you eventually reach for a compass. And not just any compass — a baseplate compass. They’re the go-to tool for…

SQMarch 20, 2026

Female Hiker with Dark green tent wild camping tent on Conic Hill at thegolden hour.

Beginner Hiking Guides Wild Camping UK

Leave No Trace:
The 7 Simple Rules Every UK Hiker Should Know

The 7 Principles of Leave No Trace (UK Edition) When you strap on your boots and set off into Britain’s hills, moors or woods, you’re entering…

SQNovember 8, 2025

A Silva baseplate style compass on an OS map for navigation.

Beginner Hiking Guides

How to Use a Compass for Hiking in the UK: A Beginner’s Guide to Navigation

Practical tips and step-by-step instructions to help you master map and compass skills on Britain’s trails. You don’t need to be an orienteering expert, but with…

SQNovember 13, 2025

Beginner Hiking Guides

How Fast Should You Walk When Hiking? A UK Hiker’s Guide to Pace, Naismith’s Rule & Real-World Timing

Plan your days on Britain’s trails with proven pacing rules, terrain-based speeds, and practical tips for both beginners and seasoned backpackers. If you’ve ever reached a…

The Loaded BackpackMarch 20, 2026

Female hiker in rain gear checks Met Office weather forecast on iPhone in the Scottish Highlands

Beginner Hiking Guides Safety & Weather

Weather-Proofing Your Hike: How To Read UK Weather Forecasts

Britain’s weather can turn faster than a hilltop wind. Learning how to read UK weather forecasts for hiking is one of the most valuable skills you…

The Loaded BackpackNovember 8, 2025

Hiking and Walking with Children Outdoors

Beginner Hiking Guides Safety & Weather

Hiking with Children – 11 Things Every Parents Should Know

Walking with children is not usually considered a risky activity. By and large thousands of us go walking with our children each year without incident, and, whilst…

SQNovember 8, 2025

Hikers with backpacks crossing Rannoch Moor on the West Highland Way in Scotland

Beginner Hiking Guides Long-Distance Trails

Planning Your First UK Multi-Day Hike:
A Beginner’s Roadmap

Step-by-step guide to planning your first UK multi-day hike. Learn how to choose the right trail, pack the right gear, train effectively, and prepare for classic…

The Loaded BackpackNovember 8, 2025

Hiker suffering discomfort from an ill fitting backpack

Beginner Hiking Guides

How to Measure Your Torso for a Backpack (UK Guide)

Choosing the Correct Backpack Size (UK Guide) When it comes to hiking and backpacking in the UK, a good backpack can make the difference between a…

The Loaded BackpackNovember 1, 2025