How to Plan a Multi-Day Hiking Trip from Scratch

A multi-day hiking trip is one of the most rewarding adventures you can have in the UK or abroad. The rhythm of walking day after day, the deep immersion in landscape, and the satisfaction of covering real distance on foot - it's an experience that changes how you see the world. Here's how to plan your first multi-day hiking trip from scratch.

Step 1: Choose Your Route

Start with a route that matches your current fitness and experience level. For first-timers, a well-waymarked national trail with good accommodation options is ideal - the Cotswold Way, South Downs Way, or Hadrian's Wall Path are excellent choices. Research the total distance, daily stages, elevation profile, and accommodation options before committing.

Key questions to ask:

• What's the total distance and how many days will I walk?
• What's the daily mileage and elevation gain?
• Is the route well-waymarked or will I need strong navigation skills?
• What accommodation is available along the route?
• What's the best time of year to walk it?

Step 2: Plan Your Daily Stages

Break the route into manageable daily stages. For most walkers, 15–25km per day is comfortable on a multi-day trip - less than you might manage on a single day hike, because fatigue accumulates. Build in a rest day on longer trips (5+ days) to allow recovery and to explore interesting places along the route.

Use Naismith's Rule to estimate daily walking times: 1 hour per 5km of distance, plus 1 hour per 600m of ascent. Add 20–30% for breaks, navigation, and terrain difficulties.

Step 3: Book Accommodation

Book accommodation well in advance, particularly for popular routes in summer. Options include:

• B&Bs and guesthouses: The most comfortable option, typically £60–120 per night including breakfast.
• Youth hostels: From £20–30 per night in dormitories. The YHA and SYHA networks cover most popular routes.
• Camping barns and bunkhouses: Basic but characterful, from £15–25 per night.
• Campsites: From £8–15 per pitch. Requires carrying tent and sleeping kit.
• Wild camping (Scotland only): Free and legal under the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.

Step 4: Sort Your Kit

Multi-day hiking requires more kit than a day hike, but the golden rule is to keep your pack as light as possible. Every unnecessary kilogram will be felt by day three. A target base pack weight (excluding food and water) of 8–12kg is reasonable for a supported multi-day trip.

Essential additions to your day hike kit:

• Sleeping bag liner (for hostel stays) or sleeping bag (for camping)
• 2–3 changes of hiking socks - fresh socks each day dramatically reduce blister risk. Our merino hiking socks from Stride Outdoors are ideal for multi-day trips: moisture-wicking, cushioned, and quick-drying.
• Lightweight camp shoes or sandals for evenings
• Sufficient clothing for the duration (merino wool items can be worn multiple days)
• Portable battery pack for charging devices

Step 5: Plan Your Food and Water

On supported routes with regular villages and pubs, you can buy food along the way. On more remote routes, you'll need to carry more. Plan your resupply points carefully and always carry emergency rations. Hydration is critical on multi-day trips - aim for 2–3 litres of water capacity and know where you can refill.

Step 6: Tell Someone Your Plans

Leave a detailed itinerary with a trusted person at home - daily stages, accommodation names and phone numbers, and an agreed check-in schedule. This is essential safety practice for any multi-day hiking trip.

Step 7: Enjoy Every Step

Multi-day hiking is as much about the journey as the destination. Take time to appreciate the landscape, talk to fellow walkers, explore the villages and pubs along the route, and savour the simple pleasure of a hot meal and a comfortable bed after a long day on the trail.

Find everything you need for your multi-day hiking adventure at Stride Outdoors - from cushioned hiking socks to base layers built for consecutive days on the trail.