Get out and about with our step-by-step beginner’s guide to National Walking Month

Sole mates – how to get moving into healthy self-guided hiking holidays in National Walking Month, including the essential kit you need to buy and how best to set off on the right foot

Think better, feel better, sleep better. The benefits of walking are proven and the joy of being in the great outdoors with friends and family or by yourself for some “me-time” is undeniable.

So now you want to do more than boost your daily phone stats and step out on a walking holiday? You are not alone – more and more Brits are choosing to lace up and hit the paths and trails at home and abroad. But where do you start? What gear do you need for something more than a stroll round your local park or woods?

We’ve teamed up with the experts at Glasgow-based self-guided walking holiday brand Macs Adventure to help set you on your way. And there’s no better time than now, as May is the UK’s National Walking Month – an annual campaign that promotes the physical and mental health benefits of walking. And the nation is blessed with a network of excellent signposted and maintained paths. Step this way for our top tips for first-time walking holidays…

THE KIT

Beginners’ boots

Your feet are your friends on a walking holiday – make sure you treat them well. Comfy boots are non-negotiable but they don’t have to break the bank.

Go for three-season boots with durable, water-resistant materials such as Gore-Tex or leather and make sure the soles have excellent grip for various terrains. Don’t wait until your holiday to wear new boots. Break them in with short walks to make sure they’re well worn-in and to avoid blisters later.

Laces HIGH

Did you know that the way you lace your boots can make all the difference when tackling different comfort issues? Here are some quick and easy ­techniques to try…

• Heel slipping: use the “heel lock lacing technique” (also called lace locking) to keep your heel snugly in place. Criss-cross the laces as usual but loop them through the top hooks twice before tying. This creates extra tension and reduces movement.
• Wide feet: if your boots feel tight across the top, try “parallel lacing”. Avoid crossing the laces over the sensitive areas and instead thread them straight up the eyelets.
  This reduces pressure and
  improves comfort.
• Toe pain or pressure: use the “window-lacing technique” to relieve pressure on the top of your foot. Skip a set of eyelets in the problem area and continue lacing as normal above and below it. This creates a “window” of relief.
• High arches: try “gap lacing”, where you leave the laces slightly looser over the mid-foot area. This reduces strain while still keeping the boot secure. Play around with these techniques to find what works best.

Socks APPEAL

Pick moisture-wicking materials such as merino wool to keep feet dry and snug. Ensure a good fit that complements your boots, avoiding socks that bunch up or rub uncomfortably.

Clever CLOTHES

Layering is key for unpredictable weather so it’s worth packing in layers rather than anything too bulky.

• Base layer: lightweight, moisture-wicking fabric to keep you dry.
• Mid-layer: fleece for warmth.
• Outer layer: waterproof, windproof jacket to shield you from the elements. Stick to quick-drying, breathable fabrics for maximum comfort.

Other ESSENTIALS

Pack smart and pack safe. Here are some must-have items to include in your rucksack…

• Navigation tools: on a Macs Adventure holiday, the Macs app has all the trip info and provides easy-to-use route navigation – even without service – so you’ll never stray off course.

Download the route before heading off as service can be a bit hit and miss in remote areas. Macs also recommends printing off the documents and guides as a back up.

Otherwise, you should consider buying (or borrowing) a GPS ­handheld satellite tracker.

• First-aid kit: in case of minor injuries carry essentials such as plasters, bandages, antiseptic wipes, and pain relievers. Also pack medicines or creams to deal with bites. You can pick up mini-first aid kits in large supermarkets or chemists.
• Snacks and hydration: pack a few high-energy snacks such as granola bars, dried fruit or oatcakes, along with plenty of water.
• Emergency items: a portable power bank will keep your phone or GPS handheld fully charged.
• Sun protection: obviously it’s sunglasses, sunscreen and a cap or hat with waterproof gloves and a beanie or woolly hat for cooler weather walking.
• Hiking poles: a boost for stability and support, they help to reduce strain on your joints during steep climbs or descents, improve balance on uneven terrain, and can make your hike feel less exhausting by distributing effort across your arms and legs.

TAKE THE TRAIN(ING)

Even the best-planned walking holiday requires some physical preparation and it’s worth putting in some effort before you hit the trail.

Move on up:

• Start walking regularly before your trip. You should gradually increase the distance and change the terrain – try gentle hills to build stamina if you can.
• It’s wise to practise walking with a weighted rucksack to prepare for the kind of conditions that you will encounter on your holiday.

CHOOSE WISELY

Picking the right trip for your first walking holiday is really important. With self-guided tours you are able to walk at your own pace, take breaks whenever you want, and enjoy the freedom of independent travel without having to wait for anyone else to catch up.

Macs Adventure categorises all its trips by difficulty levels, so beginners can start with routes graded Easy or Easy to Moderate.

Macs founder Neil Lapping said: “Walking holidays are in great demand, with more and more people looking to turn a leisurely pastime into a great holiday.

“We have a huge range of itineraries to suit everyone, whether you’re looking for a slower, more relaxed trip, or something more challenging. One of the best things about doing it self-guided is there is no rush – you can take a break when you want, linger over a long lunch, or just soak up the views. You get to set your own pace.”

TRIPS TO TRY

Here are a few beginner-friendly options to consider:

• Cotswolds Trail Short Break: this three-night trip is a perfect introduction to a walking holiday, showcasing the best of the Cotswolds’ villages and countryside. Welcoming country pubs are on tap, perfect to stop off for lunch or dinner. Accommodation in characterful B&Bs and small hotels. From £395pp.
• Relaxed Trails of Lake Maggiore and Lugano: a new six-night itinerary exploring Italian and Swiss lakeside walks and Easy to Moderate hikes into the surrounding hills, with fabulous views and fascinating cultural experiences. Hand-picked, charming accommodation, from £690pp, flights not included.
• Walking in Burgundy: and wine not? One of the perks of a walking holiday is that you can enjoy a glass or two and not worry about who is driving. The six-night pace from Dijon to Meursault is relaxed and there’s time to stop for wine tastings along the way. Stay in a mix of hotels and guesthouses as you pass through UNESCO-designated vineyards and peaceful woodland along the Chemin des Grands Crus passing the renowned Côte de Nuits and the Côte de Beaune regions. Even better, this is also home to some of the finest food France has to offer. From £799pp, flights not included.
• Heart of the Lake District: tick off some of the popular highlights with average daily walks of less than sixmiles and ascents of no more than 1,300ft. The six nights are in B&Bs, guesthouses and small hotels in delightful Ambleside, Grasmere and Keswick and the route covers Windermere and to the top of Cat Bells over Derwent Water – classic Lakeland at its best. From £825pp.

MORE INFO

To book a walking holiday see macsadventure.com