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What is the best first long-distance hike?

Updated: 3 days ago

You might be reading this because you’re ready for a new challenge. Maybe you’re a regular walker looking to go further, or you’re curious about taking on your first multi-day hike. Or perhaps you’re wondering what makes the best first long-distance hike if you’ve never tried one before. Read on, my friend...

Woman in red jacket and tutu walks a grassy path towards yellow fields. Overcast sky; backpack reads "OMM." Bright green and yellow hues.
Surrounded by fields of oilseed rape, bright swathes of sunshine.

I haven’t always been a walker. In fact, I only started doing longer and multi-day hikes about five years ago. But I’ve fallen completely in love with every part of it: the planning, the training, and the challenge itself. There’s something incredibly freeing about stepping onto a trail, whether it’s a windswept ridge along Hadrian’s Wall or a quiet path winding through ancient woodland, and knowing that the only goal for the day is to keep moving forward. It doesn’t matter how many stops we take or how long it takes. As long as there’s a cold beer, hot food, and a comfortable bed waiting at the end, it’s perfect.


Choosing your first long-distance trail can feel like a big decision, but it doesn’t need to be overwhelming. A few questions can help you choose the walk that’s right for you.


How far do I want to go, and how much time do I have?

If you’re new to long-distance walking, shorter trails are a great way to start. Instead of tackling the full 84 miles of Hadrian’s Wall, try a 6–10 mile section. Most of our tours take place in the central section, which we think is the most beautiful and varied part of the Wall in terms of terrain and scenery.Trying a short section — guided or not — is a great way to get a feel for how long it really takes to cover varied terrain. It also helps you see how well you navigate, how your footwear and pack perform, and whether your food, hydration, and clothing choices work in real conditions.


For your first long-distance hike, think realistically about how many days you have. Factor in at least one travel day at the start and end. If you’ve got a week, that gives you five walking days to complete a trail. How far you want to go each day will determine which route is right for you.


St Cuthbert’s Way is an excellent first long-distance hike. It’s about 100 km (62 miles) from Melrose in the Scottish Borders to Holy Island (Lindisfarne) on the Northumberland coast. A typical 5-day itinerary looks like this:


  • Melrose → Harestanes – about 17 miles / 27 km

  • Harestanes → Morebattle – about 11 miles / 18 km

  • Morebattle → Yetholm – about 7 miles / 11 km

  • Yetholm → Wooler – about 13 miles / 21 km

  • Wooler → Lindisfarne – about 14 miles / 23 km


If you’d prefer shorter days, you can split the first section:

  • Melrose → St Boswells – approx. 7 miles / 11 km

  • St Boswells → Harestanes – approx. 10 miles / 16 km


You’d then need around eight days in total, or plan to start walking on the day you arrive. Seven miles is perfectly doable in two to three hours. Travelling home the same day you reach Lindisfarne is trickier. It’s a long final stretch on tired legs, and you’ll need to time it carefully with the causeway tides. You can always walk east to west instead, though finishing on the Causeway or Pilgrim’s Way across the sand really is an amazing way to end the experience.


The daily distances vary because you need to plan each stage around available accommodation, rather than dividing the route into equal sections, unless, of course, you arrange pick up and drop offs with accommodation providers or a very accommodating loved one.


How long can I comfortably walk each day?

Running shoes and red trekking poles on a sandy beach. Overcast sky, visible "2XU" logo on leggings.
Finishing St Cuthbert's Way along the Pilgrim's Way.

It’s easy to overestimate fitness or how much training you’ll manage. Be honest with yourself. You want to enjoy the trail, not just survive it. Plan for 6 to 8 miles (10 to 13 km) on shorter days and up to 13 to 15 miles (21 to 24 km) on bigger days. Build in a buffer. A missed waymark, a diversion, or stopping at a cafe that is just off the route can add an unexpected mile or two.


What kind of terrain am I up for?

Long-distance trails often include a mix of coastal paths, quiet roads, moorland and rocky ridges. Ask yourself: How comfortable will I feel walking in remote areas or on uneven ground? Will I mind a few road sections? How will I navigate sections that aren't clearly signposted or waymarked?


What draws me in?

Think about what excites you most. Is it ancient history and Roman ruins, coastal views and sea air, or peaceful countryside and wildlife? Knowing what kind of landscape and experience you enjoy most will help you choose your first long-distance trail and make the miles feel that bit easier.


Who am I walking with?

Walking solo is one thing, and walking with others brings its own joys and challenges. Think about the group’s pace and expectations. If someone needs to slow down, how will that feel for everyone? It’s worth having those conversations early.


When should I go?

Spring and autumn are often the sweet spot as you'll enjoy fewer crowds, milder weather and fewer midges (especially in Scotland). Northumberland, in particular, is glorious in these shoulder seasons.


Best First Long-Distance Hikes in Northumberland

Here are a few of our favourite local options. Each route has its own mix of scenery, stories, and well-earned stops along the way. Whether you’re after coastal views, quiet countryside, or something a bit wilder, there’s a trail here that will fit your stride.


Four smiling people standing in front of lobster caters in front of building near beach.
Heading out of Craster, Katie joining us for the day.

Northumberland Coastal Path

Vibe: Sea views, sandy beaches, castle ruins

Stats: Cresswell to Berwick-upon-Tweed I 62 miles I 4–6 I Approx. 500 m

Places to Pause: The Landing (Beadnell Bay), The Drift Café (Cresswell), The Old School Gallery (Alnmouth), The Jolly Fisherman (Craster), The Potted Lobster (Bamburgh), and Pilgrim’s Coffee House (Holy Island).

Best for: Those who love the sea, big skies, and a trail that links castles, coves, and coastal villages in one unforgettable walk.

Terrain: Firm paths, grassy tracks, beach sections, quiet lanes

Road Walking: ~10% (mostly quiet roads through villages)

This trail hugs the coastline past Bamburgh, Alnmouth, and Dunstanburgh. Expect wide skies, seabirds, and the occasional breezy pub stop.


Hadrian’s Wall Path

Stats: Bowness to Wallsend I 84 miles I 6–8 days I Approx. 2,300 m

Vibe: Ancient empire meets dramatic ridgeline meets big city

Places to Pause: Twice Brewed Inn and Tap Room (Once Brewed), Vallum Farm (East Wallhouses), Vindolanda Fort and Café (Bardon Mill), House of Meg (Walltown Quarry), Greenhead Tea Room (Greenhead), Northumberland HQ (the Vallum).

Best for: Those who love history, dramatic landscapes, and walking in the footsteps of Romans, and with a good pub never too far away.

Terrain: Grass paths, rocky ridges, flagstones, farmland, some tarmac

Road Walking: ~20% (more near Carlisle and Newcastle)

This coast-to-coast trail stretches from Wallsend to Bowness-on-Solway, with the central section offering the most dramatic scenery, featuring numerous Roman sites and stunning walks atop the Whin Sill.


Three smiling hikers in blue tutus pose by a wooden signpost in a misty, grassy area. They hold trekking poles and wear colorful gear.
Always time to stop for photos,

St Cuthbert’s Way

Stats: Melrose to Holy Island/Berwick-on-Tweed) I 84/97.5 miles I 6–8 days I Approx. 2,300/2377 m

Vibe: Pilgrimage, peace and variety

Places to Pause: The Crown and Anchor and Pilgrim’s Coffee House (Holy Island), St Cuthbert’s Cave (near Holburn) and The Mainstreet Trading Company (Melrose).

Best for: Those seeking a mix of countryside, quiet villages, and a spiritual finish on Holy Island.

Terrain: Fields, forest tracks, moorland, quiet roads, tidal causeway.

Road Walking: ~15%

This route begins in the Scottish Borders and finishes with a tidal crossing to Holy Island, with an optional extension to Berwick-upon-Tweed. Keep an eye on the tides, and take time to enjoy the stillness and chatting with fellow walkers along the way.


Three smiling people in colorful activewear pose outside The Victoria Hotel. Stone building background and trees visible. Happy mood.
Arrived in Bamburgh, ready for a cold pint.

St Oswald’s Way

Stats: Heavenfield to Holy Island I 97 miles I 6–8 days I Approx. 1,500 m

Vibe: Coast, castles and countryside

Places to Pause: The Jolly Fisherman (Craster), Running Fox, (Felton), Warkworth Castle (Warkworth), Pilgrim’s Coffee House (Holy Island), The Potted Lobster (Bamburgh), St Oswald’s Church (Heavenfield).

Best for: Those who want to trace history from Hadrian’s Wall to Holy Island, combining rolling countryside, castle towns, and some of Northumberland’s finest coastline.

Terrain: Coastal paths, woodland, riversides, farmland, some tarmac

Road Walking: ~15%

A trail that blends it all: coastline, castles, villages, and Hadrian’s Wall.  Often overlooked, unfairly so, it’s a fantastic choice for a first long-distance adventure.


Pennine Way (Northumberland Section)

Stats: Greenhead to Kirk Yetholm I 70 miles I 6–8 days I Approx. 1,500 m

Vibe: Wild, lumpy, remote, and soul-stretching

Touching the wall of the Border Hotel, Kirk Yetholm, official end of The Spine Race.
Touching the wall of the Border Hotel, Kirk Yetholm, the official end of The Spine Race and the Pennine Way.

Places to Pause: Greenhead Tea Room (Greenhead), Tap Room (Twice Brewed), Tea on the Train and Hareshaw Linn Waterfall (Bellingham), Windy Gyle (panoramic views into Scotland and Northumberland).

Distance: 268 miles total | 70 miles in Northumberland

Ascent (Northumberland): Approx. 2,000 m

Best for:  Walkers seeking solitude, adventure, and big-sky wilderness and who don’t mind a bit of preparation and learning some navigation skills.

Terrain: Moorland, rough upland tracks, flagstones, boggy sections

Road Walking: <10%

Breathtaking panoramic views, dramatic landscapes and wild isolation, a more challenging first hike, ideal for anyone wanting a truly wild experience.


If you’re thinking about your first long-distance hike, we’d love to help you get started. Drop us a message and we can help you plan a self-guided adventure. Or, if you’d prefer some company, join one of our guided hikes or let us create a bespoke experience tailored just for your group.


The Bit at the Bottom Where We Answer Stuff...


What are the most common mistakes first-time hikers make? An easy mistake to make is choosing a trail that’s too long or too tough. Carrying far too much “just in case” and ending up weighed down is also an easy mistake to make. Not testing gear is another big one. You don’t want to find out those brand-new hiking boots (or old hiking boots) rub on day one of a five-day hike. Not checking the weather can cause more problems too; even if it’s usually fine that time of year, you don’t want to pack t-shirts if it’s due to pour down every day. Don't forget enough snacks and water, especially on quieter routes where cafés are few and far between, and on hot days in particular. And then there’s the logistics. Don’t wait until the end to figure out how you’ll get back when you’re tired and ready for home. But perhaps the biggest mistake? Rushing. Start slow, match your pace to the slowest in the group, and take breaks before everyone gets hungry and grumpy. If you are trying to make your dinner reservations, you can always speed up in the last few miles, send the fastest walker ahead, or just call and push it back a bit.


I've chosen my trail, now what? The first thing to do is buy a guidebook. My favourites are the ones from Cicerone Press because they’re clear, easy to use, and include brilliant little sketch maps that make planning and navigating simple. Read through the suggested accommodations, ways to break up the route and other insights.


What is the 3-layer rule for hiking? Leave your woolly jumpers at home and pack light layers instead. You’ll want clothes you can easily adjust as the weather changes. You'll need a base layer like a close-fitting t-shirt or vest, a long-sleeve mid-layer that’s technical and wicking, and a top layer like a light waterproof coat that works as both a windbreaker and rain protector. Then add the smaller accessories that make all the difference: buffs, gloves, and a hat.


Everywhere is within walking distance if you have the time. –Steven Wright

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