Hill walking is the antidote to a hectic world. Whether a newbie to the hills or a more seasoned walker looking to build on your skills, we’ve got loads of advice and information for you right here on the BMC website.
There are few better ways to recharge batteries than a weekend of wandering on the hills of the Lake District, Snowdonia or the Highlands.
What's more, this balm for the soul is accessible to everyone. But despite its simplicity, there are some things you need to know to go hill walking safely and comfortably. Luckily, on our mountains and moors a little bit of knowledge goes a long way, and the rewards in terms of health, wellbeing and happiness will last a lifetime.
Whether you’re just starting out or are looking to take your skills up a notch into scrambling or winter mountaineering, we’ve put together some of the most useful articles on the BMC website into this handy list.
The basics
Ten reasons why hill walking is better than the gym
Researchers have concluded that walking is better for you than going to the gym. Here's why.
Five steps to starting hill walking
Five tips to get you started in the hills and mountains.
How to take your dog hill walking
Some tips for taking your four-legged friends with you into the hills and mountains.
Clothing and equipment
What gear do you need to start hill walking?
Your first walk in a hill or mountain area is an experience you will almost certainly remember. But poor planning or bad weather (or even a closed tea shop!) can quickly ruin things. Here are some tips to prevent that happening.
Mountain clothing for climbing and walking
Britain’s mountains may not be the highest or most spectacular, but they do sit in the path of the prevailing Atlantic weather systems. This can result in some seriously hostile weather! So, when venturing into the hills and mountains you should take suitable protective clothing for the conditions, which may change dramatically over the course of the day.
Smartphone apps: handle with care
The increasing number of hill walkers being rescued after relying on smartphone apps for navigation has prompted a rash of negative newspaper headlines. Ed Douglas discovers there’s no substitute for a map and compass.
Using trekking poles
Trekking poles are invaluable to reduce stress on joints and preserve the health of the body over a lifetime. Here are some tips on using them.
Skills and hazards
Basics of map reading
Being able to read a map and find your way around the hills is an essential skill for all mountain users. Here are some pointers to help demystify what all those lines mean.
Friction blisters: prevention and treatment
Most people will experience blisters at some point in their pursuits. Find out what you can do in this short article.
Taking care around cows
Each year there are reports of people who have been attacked by cows whilst out walking.
Aim high: four tips to fight your fear of heights
Are you a hill walker wanting to tackle steeper terrain, but nervous about heights? Don’t panic – there are steps you can take to fight the fear.
How to deal with ticks and midges
A few tips to avoid becoming a midge meal, or worse.
50 shades of grim: how to go hill walking in rubbish weather
Bad weather doesn’t have to mean a bad time. Here are five tips for making the most of awful conditions.
High and dry: six myths about hiking in the heat
Here’s the other end of the weather scale. Heat and sun are unusual hazards in our mountain areas, but it’s worth debunking some of the myths around exercise in hot conditions.
How to protect scrambles
Are you sorted for your scrambles, or do you think a skinny single comes from Starbucks? Time to rope up.
Ten mistakes winter walkers make – and how to avoid them
Only ever hill walked in summer before? Welcome to big school. Here’s your heads-up to some of the most common winter walking mistakes and how to steer clear of them.
Ten Commandments of winter walking
A scripture-inspired guide to surviving and thriving in the British hills as a walker in winter. Go forth and play.
Using micro crampons and mini spikes for winter hill walking
Micro crampons or mini spikes have become a popular alternative to walking crampons with many winter hill walkers, but do they offer enough security for the changeable ground conditions found in our winter mountains? Discover what the experts think in our article, and make up your own mind.
Emergency: who to call for help when in the mountains or on the crags
Ideas and inspiration
Top 7 hill walks for beginners
Seven suggestions to help you get started walking in the hills and mountains.
Seven superb summits to climb in spring
Catch a glimpse of the Alps in Wales, see a mysterious double sunset, and climb the Yorkshire summit said to be more impressive than K2.
Hill thrills: Britain’s top 6 scrambling nirvanas
Pointy mountains aren’t just a thing of the Alps – we have plenty of them here in Britain. Here are six of the best places to go for a weekend of nerve-testing scrambling.
Five magical mystery mountains
Mountains have always meant more to humanity than just lumps of rock. We take a look at five summits with mysterious, magical or mythological significance.
Winter Solstice: four of the best night walks
Four of the best night walks to enjoy, particularly at the winter solstice – the shortest day of the year and the astronomical beginning of winter.
5 of the best Snowdonian night walks
In December 2015, Snowdonia was officially crowned the world’s tenth Dark Sky Reserve. In celebration of this event, we go through the best way to experience the national park in all its starry glory.
Blencathra: the perfect hill
From famous mountaineers to mere mortals, everyone seems to have a soft spot for the ‘people’s mountain’. Here are five reasons why you should climb Blencathra.
8 wildlife-spotting walks
A calendar of easy family walks giving you the chance to spot the best British wildlife spectacles year round: breeding puffins to red squirrels, reindeer to sea eagles, otters to dolphins.
One’s company: the joy of solo hill walking
With thousands of miles of solo long distance walking under his belt, no-one is better placed than BMC Hill Walking Ambassador Chris Townsend to outline the attraction of heading out alone.
How to go hill walking at night
The mountains at night can be hazardous, but also wonderful. Carey Davies gives some tips for exploring the dark side.
The experience of Scottish winter hill walking
What’s it like to experience Scottish winter hill walking for the first time. And how easily could you get up onto the high ground in the snow?
How to get into long-distance walking
Chris Townsend is one of the world’s most respected experts on long-distance walking. In this 'how to' interview, he offers tips for getting started with extended hikes.
Getting into long-distance walks: top tips from Chris Townsend
Three week-long route ideas for beginners, offering a mix of nature, history, solitude and challenge, plus Chris Townsend's top tips on getting the most out of the adventure.
How to go from walking to scrambling
Scrambling is the wobbly grey area that nestles between hiking and climbing. Whether you're hands-on-rock, or prefer to trudge up hands-in-pockets, it's a fun and faff-free way to tick off a summit. Here's how to make the step up, with top tips from instructors and experts.
7 reasons to try scrambling and where to start
Scrambling aficionados offer their top reasons why you should give it a go, plus three favourite routes to whet your appetite.
Scrambling articles on BMC website
Books and publications
New Hill Walker’s booklet
A great 28 page booklet covering essential skills for trips into the hills and mountains. Download it or order it from the BMC shop completely free.
Hill Walking Essentials DVD
Essential skills and techniques for hill walking. Follows two walkers, Fredelina and Ben, on days out in the British mountains. See how they prepare for their walks, the challenges they face and the decisions they make.
Courses
Prefer to be tutored in the skills you need in person? Check out these courses:
Check out BMC courses here
Courses include navigation and introductory scrambling skills.
Hill and Mountain Skills
The BMC's partner organisation Mountain Training has just launched its new Hill and Mountain Skills Courses. They aim to equip you with the basic knowledge and safety skills required to participate in hill and mountain walking in your own time and are run by providers all over the UK.
Join online today by Direct Debit and save 25% on your first year's membership.
WATCH: What does the BMC do for hill walkers?
GET THE KNOWLEDGE: BMC resources for hill walkers
« Back