Ready to Go Beyond Day Hikes and Tackle a Long-Distance Trail?
Our step-by-step guide covers everything you need to get started — from choosing the perfect trail and packing the right gear to training smart and braving the classic British weather.
Introduction
So, you’re ready to take on your first multi-day hike in the UK. Maybe you’ve conquered a few local day walks and now dream of stringing them together into something bigger. Perhaps the West Highland Way has caught your eye, or you’re curious about the rugged backbone of the Pennine Way.
But the thought of walking for days, carrying everything on your back, and braving unpredictable British weather can feel overwhelming. What gear do you really need? How do you train? Where do you even begin with planning?
This guide is here to simplify the process. By the end, you’ll know exactly how to pick your first trail, prepare your body, pack the right kit, and avoid common mistakes — so you can focus on what matters most: enjoying the adventure.
Quick Start: The Key Takeaways
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Best beginner trail: West Highland Way (96 miles, Scotland).
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Training required: 6–8 weeks of preparation, even if you’re already fairly active.
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Essential investment: A solid backpack, reliable waterproofs, and a high-quality sleep system.
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Biggest beginner mistake: Carrying too much weight.
Step 1: Choosing the Right Trail
The UK is blessed with a rich network of long-distance paths, from gentle coastal strolls to gruelling mountain traverses. Your choice of trail will make or break your first multi-day experience.
Beginner-Friendly Options
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West Highland Way (96 miles, 6–8 days, Scotland): Scotland’s most famous trail is well-marked, has plenty of B&Bs, campsites and wild camp spots with breathtaking iconic landscapes.
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Hadrian’s Wall Path (84 miles, 6–7 days, Northern England): Rolling hills and Roman history. Gentle terrain, history-packed and easily accessible.
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South Downs Way (100 miles, 7–9 days, Southern England): Stunning rolling countryside, reliable trail infrastructure.
Trails to Save for Later
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Pennine Way (268 miles, 16–21 days): Boggy, remote, and tough — a rite of passage, but not ideal as your first.
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Welsh 3000s (24 miles in 24 hours): Brutal elevation gain, better as a goal once you’re experienced.
👉 Pro Tip: Choose a trail that excites you emotionally. You’ll need that motivation when the rain lashes sideways on Day 4.
Step 2: Training for the Hike
You don’t need to be an ultramarathon runner to complete a UK trail, but preparation matters. A steady build-up will reduce injury risk and make the experience far more enjoyable.
The Training Plan (6–8 Weeks Out)
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Day Hikes: Start with 6–8 mile hikes carrying your full pack. Progressively increase distance.
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Back-to-Back Days: Practice hiking on consecutive days to simulate trail fatigue.
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Strength Training: Focus on legs (squats, lunges), core (planks, bridges), and balance.
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Cardio Conditioning: Add brisk walks, runs, or cycling to boost endurance.
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Test Your Kit: Always train with the pack, boots, and clothing you’ll use on the hike.
👉 Reality Check: I’ve seen so many hikers — young and old, going home along a trail, simply because they didn’t train and were physically exhausted. The UK’s hills may not be tall by Alpine standards, but constant ups and downs on muddy, uneven ground with a full pack on your back will challenge anyone.
Step 3: Packing the Right Gear
Gear is often the most intimidating part for beginners — but think of it as an investment. Quality equipment will keep you dry, warm, and safe in Britain’s famously unpredictable conditions.
The Big Three: Backpack, Shelter, Sleep System
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Backpack: Something like the Osprey Atmos AG 65 (renowned comfort and ventilation) or the Deuter Aircontact Core 60+ 10 (Strong choice for longer treks) or the Osprey Exos 48 (ultralight, weather-resistant) are all excellent choices.
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Tent: MSR Hubba Hubba NX (light but roomy), or Hilleberg Akto (expensive, but bombproof for Scottish storms) or Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL (Compact Bikepacking version is perfect for Hiking).
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Sleeping Bag/Quilt: Rab Ascent 500 for 3-season use, or Therm-a-Rest Hyperion 20 if you prefer ultralight.
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Sleeping Mat: Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm — lightweight and warm, even in colder seasons or the Sea to Summit – Ether Light XT — lightweight, warm and robust.
Clothing System (Layered for UK Weather)
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Base Layer: Merino wool top and leggings.
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Mid Layer: Fleece or synthetic insulated jacket.
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Outer Layer: Waterproof shell (Rab Latok, Arc’teryx Beta AR).
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Extras: Hat, gloves, waterproof overtrousers.
Footwear
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Boots: Salomon Quest 4 GTX (supportive, durable).
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Trail Runners: Inov-8 Roclite G 345 — fast and lighter, but better for experienced hikers.
👉 Golden Rule: Test everything before the trail. Blisters or an untested tent can ruin the trip.
Step 4: Planning the Logistics
One of the best parts about UK trails is accessibility — you’re rarely far from civilisation, but planning ahead avoids nasty surprises.
Transport
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West Highland Way: Start in Milngavie (easy train from Glasgow).
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Hadrian’s Wall Path: Carlisle and Newcastle are convenient start/end points.
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South West Coast Path: Trains reach most key towns like St Ives, Penzance, Plymouth.
Accommodation
As a general rule, if you plan on hiking during the peak season (June-Sept), then booking well in advance is definitely recommended. Popular trails like the West Highland Way with its multiple stops are often booked a year in advance to ensure the complete multi-day itinerary is not left to chance.
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Campsites: Cheapest and gives maximum flexibility.
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B&Bs/Hostels: Plentiful along major trails, especially the West Highland Way.
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Wild Camping: Legal in Scotland, restricted elsewhere (with some exceptions like Dartmoor).
Food & Resupply
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Most towns/villages have pubs or shops — don’t overpack food.
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Carry 1–2 days’ worth of meals + snacks; resupply when passing through settlements.
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Consider dehydrated meals (Firepot, Summit to Eat) for wild camps.
Weather Considerations
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Expect rain — even in July.
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Carry a waterproof pack cover and use dry bags inside your pack.
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Temperature swings: A hot July day in England can flip to sleet in Scotland.
Step 5: Avoiding Common Beginner Mistakes
Every hiker makes mistakes — but you can sidestep the most common ones.
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Overpacking: New hikers often bring too much (trust me you will) This is by far the most common reason for failure to complete a trail. Aim for a base weight under 12kg.
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Ignoring the Forecast: Check the Met Office daily. Conditions shift rapidly. This is particularly true in Scotland & Wales.
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Underestimating Terrain: The UK’s “small hills” can feel endless when boggy and steep.
- Poor Route Planning: Getting lost or straying into challenging terrain can deplete your strength and cause needless delays. Always plan your route with significant locations or waypoints.
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Skipping Training: Even if you’re fit, trail endurance is different from gym fitness. This is another major reason for failure.
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Poor Footwear Choice: Don’t use brand-new boots. Break them in on short hikes beforehand.
Step 6: Mindset & Enjoyment
Multi-day hiking isn’t just physical — it’s mental. Expect bad weather, long slogs, and moments of self-doubt. That’s part of the journey.
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Celebrate Small Wins: Reaching camp, cooking a warm meal, watching a sunset.
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Stay Flexible: Weather or fatigue might force you to shorten a day — that’s okay.
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Embrace Simplicity: Life reduces to walking, eating, sleeping. It’s liberating.
👉 Authors Note: “In 2024 I hiked the West Highland Way over 9 days and with the exception of 1 day it rained the whole time… It was one of my most enjoyable hikes ever!!!”
Final Thoughts
Your first UK multi-day hike will be challenging, but it will reward you with unforgettable landscapes, resilience, and a taste of adventure. Whether it’s walking into the vastness of Rannoch Moor on the West Highland Way, tracing Roman history on Hadrian’s Wall Path, or wild camping along the South West Coast Path, these experiences are life-changing and the experience will reshape how you see the outdoors.
Start small, plan well, invest in reliable kit, and embrace the unpredictability. The UK may not have the tallest mountains — but its trails are some of the most rewarding on earth.
👉 Ready to take the leap? Begin with the The West Highland Way: Scotland’s Legendary Long-Distance Hike — the perfect first long-distance hike and considered to one of the top 10 best trails in the world!
