What to take on a first hike in England
Katerina Galkina · EN · 07/10/2026
Читать на русскомChoose the walk before buying equipment
For a first hike, select a short marked route without demanding sections, with a clear way back and spare daylight. Assess ascent, terrain, mud, path conditions and options to shorten the walk. Equal distances do not mean equal effort: a flat park and a hilly trail are different outings.
Check the local forecast, warnings and last public transport. Postpone or choose an easier alternative in poor conditions. For a group walk, establish the pace, equipment requirements and arrangements if you need to leave early.
Footwear and clothing
Wear comfortable footwear with appropriate grip that you have used before. Ordinary city trainers may be unsuitable for muddy, uneven paths; a long first walk is also a poor time to break in heavy new boots.
Ramblers ↗ recommends weather-appropriate clothing and rain protection. A practical combination is layers, a waterproof outer, an extra warm layer, suitable socks and sun protection when needed. Pack your phone and spare clothing so they stay dry.
Pack the essentials
Bring water, food, a charged phone, backup power, a basic first-aid kit and any personal essentials. Water requirements depend on duration, heat and opportunities to refill; do not assume a café marked on a map will be open.
Save the route and map offline and understand the navigation before setting out. For remote areas, a paper map and the ability to use it are valuable. An almost-flat phone and a link to someone else’s track are insufficient. Tell someone your route and expected return time.
During the walk
Follow the Countryside Code ↗: consider others, leave gates as you find them, avoid disturbing animals and take litter home. Do not enter water or approach dangerous edges for a photograph.
Turn back early if weather, fatigue or navigation becomes a concern. A first outing helps you understand your pace and equipment; demanding mountain routes need separate preparation. You do not need to buy an entire outdoor-shop range to begin with an appropriate walk.