What is the Difference Between Trekking and Hiking?

The Lake District, England

Renowned for its picturesque lakes and rolling hills, the Lake District is a hiker's paradise. This national park offers a diverse range of trails, from easy walks around serene lakes to challenging mountain climbs. Notable hikes include:

Catbells: A relatively easy hike with rewarding views of Derwentwater and the surrounding fells, suitable for beginners and families.
Scafell Pike: The highest peak in England, providing a more strenuous climb and stunning panoramic views from the summit.
Helvellyn: Famous for its challenging Striding Edge route, this hike is perfect for experienced hikers seeking an adrenaline rush.


The Peak District, England

The Peak District is a diverse and accessible national park offering a variety of trails for all levels. Key hikes include:

Kinder Scout: The highest point in the Peak District, offering challenging terrain and spectacular views.
Mam Tor: Known as the "Shivering Mountain," this hike provides a relatively easy ascent with stunning views over the surrounding countryside.
Stanage Edge: A popular spot for both hikers and rock climbers, offering a relatively easy walk along a dramatic gritstone edge.


The South Downs, England

The South Downs National Park offers rolling hills, chalk cliffs, and coastal views. Notable hikes include:

The Seven Sisters Cliffs: A scenic coastal walk with stunning views of the chalk cliffs and the English Channel.
Ditchling Beacon: One of the highest points in the South Downs, offering panoramic views and a relatively easy hike.
The South Downs Way: A long-distance trail that stretches 100 miles from Winchester to Eastbourne, passing through some of the most beautiful landscapes in southern England.


Snowdonia, Wales

Snowdonia National Park is another top hiking destination, known for its rugged mountains and stunning landscapes. Key hikes include:

Mount Snowdon: The highest peak in Wales, accessible via several routes ranging in difficulty. The Llanberis Path is the easiest, while the Crib Goch route is a challenging scramble for experienced hikers.
Glyder Fawr and Glyder Fach: These peaks offer dramatic rock formations and spectacular views, perfect for those looking for a challenging hike.
Cadair Idris: This mountain offers several routes, including the popular Minffordd Path, providing hikers with beautiful lake and valley views.


The Scottish Highlands, Scotland

The Scottish Highlands are renowned for their wild, untamed beauty and offer some of the best hiking experiences in the UK. Notable hikes include:

Ben Nevis: The highest peak in the UK, offering a demanding but rewarding climb with stunning views from the summit.
The West Highland Way: A long-distance trail that spans 96 miles from Milngavie to Fort William, passing through some of Scotland's most beautiful landscapes.
The Cuillin Ridge: Located on the Isle of Skye, this challenging route offers dramatic mountain scenery and is perfect for experienced hikers.

The West Highland Way, Scotland

The West Highland Way is one of the most famous long-distance trails in the UK, spanning 96 miles from Milngavie to Fort William. This route takes you through the breathtaking Scottish Highlands, featuring a mix of forests, lochs, moors, and mountains.

Loch Lomond: Trek along the shores of one of Scotland's largest and most beautiful lochs.
Rannoch Moor: Experience the wild and remote moorlands, known for their unique beauty.
Devil’s Staircase: A challenging ascent that rewards trekkers with stunning views of the surrounding landscapes.


The Pennine Way, England

The Pennine Way is one of Britain’s oldest and most iconic long-distance trails, covering 268 miles from Edale in the Peak District to Kirk Yetholm in Scotland. This trek takes you along the spine of England, through some of the country's most rugged and beautiful landscapes.

Kinder Scout: The highest point in the Peak District, known for its challenging terrain and stunning views.
Malham Cove: A dramatic limestone formation with unique geological features.
Hadrian’s Wall: Walk along sections of this ancient Roman fortification, steeped in history.


The South West Coast Path, England

The South West Coast Path is the UK’s longest national trail, stretching 630 miles from Minehead in Somerset to Poole Harbour in Dorset. This trek offers stunning coastal scenery, with cliffs, beaches, and picturesque villages. Due to its length, many trekkers choose to tackle this path in sections, making it accessible for various fitness levels and time frames.

Cornwall’s Coastline: Famous for its dramatic cliffs, sandy beaches, and charming fishing villages.
Dorset’s Jurassic Coast: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its unique geological features and fossil-rich cliffs.
Exmoor National Park: Offers a mix of coastal and moorland landscapes, rich in wildlife.


The Great Glen Way, Scotland

The Great Glen Way runs 79 miles from Fort William to Inverness, following the natural fault line that divides the Highlands. This trek takes you along the shores of Loch Ness, through forests and alongside the Caledonian Canal. The Great Glen Way is less strenuous than some other long-distance routes, making it a great choice for those looking for a more relaxed trek with plenty of natural beauty.

Loch Ness: Famous for its mysterious monster and beautiful scenery.
Fort Augustus: A charming village where you can see the impressive lock system on the Caledonian Canal.
Inverness: The capital of the Highlands, offering historical sites and vibrant culture.

1. Research and Plan

Know your route, check weather conditions, and plan your itinerary.

2. Pack Smart

Carry only essential items to avoid unnecessary weight. Refer to Decathlon’s packing guides for detailed checklists.

3. Stay Hydrated and Nourished

Bring enough water and high-energy snacks to maintain your energy levels.

4. Respect Nature

Follow Leave No Trace principles to preserve the beauty of the environment.

Both hiking and trekking offer fantastic opportunities to explore and enjoy the natural world, each catering to different preferences and experience levels. Hiking is perfect for those looking for a leisurely day in nature, providing a chance to enjoy scenic trails with minimal preparation and equipment. It's accessible for all fitness levels and is typically close to urban areas, making it convenient for spontaneous day trips.

On the other hand, trekking is ideal for those seeking a more demanding and immersive adventure. It involves multi-day journeys through remote and often rugged terrain, requiring more preparation, endurance, and specialised gear. Trekkers experience a deeper connection with nature, navigating diverse landscapes and facing physical challenges that offer a greater sense of accomplishment.

Understanding the differences between hiking and trekking can help you choose the right activity based on your fitness level, experience, and desired level of adventure. Proper preparation ensures you have the necessary gear, plan your route effectively, and stay safe during your outdoor experiences. Whether you prefer a casual hike or an extended trek, both activities promise enriching encounters with nature and memorable journeys. Happy trails!