Loch Lomond: Ten Hiking Tips For Beginners

If you’re looking for a getaway with both city life and nature, Glasgow is the place. Remarkably just half an hour away from Glasgow, a new landscape opens up to you, Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park, a massive National Park with beautiful lakes, mountains and lots and lots of hiking trails. One of those trails leads to Ben Lomond, the highest peak in the park. This past spring, I made it my mission to hike up Ben Lomond with my husband. We made it to the top, but without learning a few valuable lessons to the art of hiking.

Ten Hiking Tips for Beginners

1. Watch the time: Hiking up is hard but so is hiking down!

When we hiked up Ben Lomond, it took us about 8 hours, twice as much time as suggested. Plan on taking twice as long to hike up as it takes to hike down. But the hike down is not as easy as you might think. Although hiking up is harder, you have much more control. Hiking down can be difficult when your legs are already tired and it’s getting dark. Plan your hike early in the day, so you don’t have the stress of hiking in the dark.

2. Proper shoes: Invest in hiking shoes!

Hiking shoes are important if you’re planning on going on long hikes. Hiking shoes can be a bit pricey, but they are worth it. A lot of trails are uneven and your shoes need the proper traction. Also, proper shoes prevent injuries and are usually waterproof. Take your time in researching and choosing them. Make sure to break them in before your big hike.

3. Dress light and comfortable: Layer like an onion!

Leave your cottons at home! You need clothing that dries quickly, so synthetics are best. It’s best to dress in several thin layers. When we first set on the hike, it was quite warm and you will continue feeling warm as the hike progresses, but as you get closer to the summit, it’s quite cold. We were freezing cold on the summit.

4. Hydrate: Water, water, water!

The only heavy load you’re carrying should be water. Depending on your body weight, weather conditions, your pace and the difficulty of the hike, it’s advised to carry 1 litre for every two hours. Now that can be a lot, but take it from me, we carried only two litres each for 8 hours. We ended up being extremely dehydrated, in a bad mood and mentally exhausted at the end of the hike. It is worth carrying the extra load.

5. Eat more: Stock up on healthy food and snacks!

Make sure to eat a healthy, but not heavy breakfast before going on the hike. Food is your fuel for energy. An uphill hike can be as strenuous as shovelling sand, so you need to eat more than usual. Plan for five small meals. Stock up on healthy sandwiches, nuts and dry fruit. These are light to carry and will keep you full. Check out https://sectionhiker.com/day-hikers-ten-essentials-guide/ for a full list of what to bring.

6. Take breaks: This is not a race!

Take a 10-minute break at least every hour. The break will not slow you down and will help you recharge your batteries. The breathtaking views will also recharge you and push you to keep on going.

7. Stretch often: Prepare your body!

An uphill hike is like a long workout, it can be hard on your body. To avoid injuries during the hike and soreness the next day, it’s good to stretch before, during and after the hike. Check out http://seattlebackpackersmagazine.com/7-stretches-for-hiking-success/ for stretches.

8. Research for trails: Pick an easy trail!

If you’re a beginner, don’t start with the steepest and longest trail. Pick a hike that is a little shorter than the furthest distance you can walk on a normal surface. Also do some research on what kind of conditions the trail is, in example how steep it is, does it go through woods or fields. Pick the easiest to start with.

9. Hiking alone: tell someone about your plans!

If you’re planning on hiking on your own, it’s always good to tell someone where you will be and the timeline of your hike. Although there are lots of other hikers in National Parks, it’s useful to inform a friend, family member or even the front desk of your accommodation about your plans. This is for your own personal safety.

10. Positive Mental Attitude: Don’t give up!

The key to completing the entire hike is a positive mental attitude. About three hours into the hike when your legs start feeling heavy, you’re going to contemplate whether you should turn around, don’t. Commit, be stubborn and just enjoy the views!