Find Your Feet in the Mountains: A Beginner Hiking Weekend
Building confidence when you're new to hiking
As much as starting out in the mountains can feel exciting, I would say from experience that it’s more daunting than anything.
We’re lured in by the idea of the big achievement, the beautiful instagram posts and the physical challenge (which are all true), but all of that is quickly overshadowed by worrying about the weather, getting lost, whether you’re fit enough, or if you’re somehow doing it wrong.
Well, wanna know the good news? That’s completely normal!
We ALL feel like that at the beginning, and to be honest I’m not sure it ever goes away as you constantly up skill and continue to do things you haven’t done before.
In reality, people rarely struggle in the mountains because they’re incapable. They struggle because no one ever shows them the basics and with knowledge comes power, or in this case… less fear to get out there and enjoy!
I still remember how I felt when I was hiking my first fells and since then have learnt tons of tips and tricks along the way that I wish I’d known when I was starting!
Don’t you worry, I’m not going to gate keep this info, so here it is… the basics you need to know and some top tips which are the same as the foundations we work through during my intro hiking weekends. So, let’s dive in!
1. Learn How to Check the Weather
If you’re planning heading out, this is where you’re going to start. You probably wouldn’t leave the house without taking a peek outside if it’s raining and the same goes for the outdoors.
A single forecast rarely tells the full story. The weather on the ground will be very different to up on the peaks (it’s often windier and colder as you go up). Learning to look beyond rain icons, experiencing different wind speeds, temperature at different altitudes, and how conditions might change through the day will all help you make better decisions before you even leave home.
Apps like Mountain Forecast, MetOffice and MWIS are all available free and give you a really good idea of what to expect, plus there’s nothing quite like sitting in your cosy home learning that it feels like -21 on the top of a mountain at the moment.
The ultimate hack at the start is just go out in good weather. Good weather = easier and more enjoyable times, the perfect place to build confidence!
2. Get Comfortable with Basic Navigation
You really don’t need to be an expert navigator to hike safely, (although after the intensity of navigation skills required when being assessed as a mountain leader I’ve got a soft spot in my heart for it) but a few fundamentals go a long way.
We live in a world where we all own a handheld GPS in our pockets and no one is naive to the fact we mostly use those to navigate but knowing roughly where you are on a map, understanding how contour lines relate to steep ground, and using your phone or GPS as a helpful tool rather than a lifeline can make a huge difference to confidence and all the difference in an emergency!
Navigation confidence comes from learning these basics and isn’t about never going wrong but rather noticing early and correcting calmly!
3. Layersssss
Ahhh the age old question… what to wear?! Even after 36 years I still struggle to dress for a night at the pub let alone for mountain days. It’s a dark art and I guarantee it will take many years or tweaking to find a system that works for you, after all we are all unique!
That being said being cold, wet, or uncomfortable will knock your happiness faster than almost anything else so here are some general rules to get you started
You really don’t need specialist or expensive kit. In reality you just need a simple, adaptable clothing system. Layers you can adjust easily, a waterproof that actually blocks the wind, and footwear you trust on uneven or wet ground all help you relax and focus on the walk itself. That’s the main stuff covered, the rest you’ll work out along the way!
4. Pack Smart, Not Heavy
Packing well isn’t about carrying more “just in case” it’s about carrying what you’re likely to need and knowing where it is… which is rich coming from me because I may as well carry the kitchen sink, lol!
A well-packed bag reduces faff, stress, and constant stopping. When you know you have the essentials and can access them easily, you free up mental space to enjoy being outside and deal calmly with small challenges. Again, no perfect system here, you’ll work it out over time but less faff really does mean more headspace.
5. Learn How to Move on Uneven Terrain
Many beginners feel nervous not because of the height or exposure, but because the ground itself feels unpredictable and I get it!! I guarantee I will always be the first person to trip over on a hike and I guess that makes sense! The ground IS there to trip you up. Loose stones, grass disguising perfectly foot sized holes and constantly undulating terrain, it’s like an episode of Takeshi’s Castle.
Confidence improves quickly when you learn how to place your feet deliberately, adjust your stride on descents, and trust friction on rock and the benefit of using poles (although they aren’t for everyone)!
These movement skills are best learned gradually, with time and space to practise so start simple and build up from there!
6. Pace Yourself (Fitness Is More Than Cardio)
The MOST common worry among beginner hikers is not feeling “fit enough” for the mountains. STOP STRESSING!!
Everyone hiking uphill is tired, that’s literally the way your body is designed to work. Snotty nose, red face, heavy breathing, it’s completely normal!
Often, people are fitter than they think. What they’re missing is pacing. Starting too fast, comparing yourself to others, or pushing through when a brief pause would help can make even moderate walks feel overwhelming.
Mountain fitness is about rhythm, efficiency, and conserving energy not racing to the top (louder for the people at the back). Oh, and take small steps… it’s wayyy easier!
7. Give Yourself Time to Learn
Confidence in the mountains rarely comes from a single walk.
It builds through experience, repetition, and having the chance to ask questions and practise skills on real terrain. The more time you can spend doing something the more comfortable, easier and less scary it will become.
7. Fuel Yourself
To be honest I really am not sure I need to add this one because I think it’s a pretty well accepted concept that the massive plus of hiking is all the great food 👀 but I’ll pop it in just incase.
Big days out = big energy needs so make sure you fuel!
Carbs and simple sugars are quick and easy energy sources which is why you’ll usually see people eating these kinds of foods but don’t forget to pack yourself a little treat as some summit scran, you will be thanking yourself later,
I suppose we can’t mention fuel with talking hydration. You don’t need to carry litres of water but just enough to keep you happily hydrated and that brain functioning well!
Want to Learn These Skills in a Supportive Setting?
If you’re new to hiking, returning after a break, or feel fit but lacking confidence on hills, this May I’m running an Intro to Hiking Weekend in Eryri (Snowdonia). With one of these weekends already sold out, it’s a great opportunity to learn all these fundamentals, practice them in the real outdoor setting and meet likeminded girls!
It’s a beginner-friendly introduction to hiking, covering weather, navigation, movement on uneven ground, what to wear and pack, pacing, and decision-making without pressure or ego.
If you’d like to feel calmer, more informed, and more confident in the hills, you can find more details below.
Introduction To Hiking Weekend
📍 Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park, North Wales
🗓 Dates: 8-10 May ‘26
⏰ Duration: 2 days/2 nights
What’s Included
A pre-trip packing guide + gear checklist
A group WhatsApp leading up to the event to meet others, organise car shares and discuss the upcoming weekend.
2 x Gentle, guided hikes suitable for beginners
Outdoor skills workshops covering navigation, layering, packing, safety and more throughout the weekend
Confidence and mindset sessions
2 nights exclusive accommodation (self catered)
2 delicious breakfasts
Follow-up PDF guide
You don’t need to wait until you’re fitter, thinner, braver, or more prepared. Hiking is one of the rare hobbies where the act of starting builds every skill you think you need beforehand.
If you’ve been craving more time outside, let this be your sign. Choose a simple route. Invite a friend. Pack your snacks. And start with what you have… wooo, let’s get it!!!
I promise, you’re far more ready than you think!
See you out there,
Lucy xx
Great points! Fueling well makes such a big difference. I had a lot of trial and error in my early days of long hikes but it can make or break some hikes