By Andy, founder
The best first walk date is short, easy and gentle on the legs, with a nice view and somewhere to sit and chat at the end. Aim for around an hour on a well-known, well-marked path, and you can't go far wrong. Here are twelve ideas, sorted by type of walk, that work almost anywhere in the UK.
What makes a good first walk date?
Keep it simple. A first walk is about getting to know each other, not proving how fit you are. A few things help:
- Keep it short. One to two hours is plenty. You can always walk further next time.
- Choose a popular path. Other people about makes it feel relaxed, and our guide to dating safely on walks explains why it matters.
- Pick a gentle pace. You should be able to talk the whole way without puffing.
- Plan a natural end point. A bench, a picnic spot or a spot to sit with a hot drink gives the date a lovely finish.
- Check the weather. Look at the forecast the day before and wear sensible, comfy footwear.
12 easy first walk date ideas, by type of walk
1. A lakeside stroll
Flat, scenic and easy to shorten, a lakeside path is a classic. The Lake District is full of them, with level shoreline paths around its lakes where you can walk side by side and soak up the mountain views. Plenty of lakes have paths with benches along the way, so you can stop whenever you like.
2. A coastal path
Sea air does wonders for a conversation. The South West Coast Path and the Pembrokeshire Coast Path both have short, easy sections that you can dip into for an hour. Stick to the clearly marked path, keep well back from cliff edges and check the tide times if there's a beach on your route.
3. A woodland loop
Trees give you shelter from the wind and a bit of shade on a warm day. Look for a waymarked loop of a mile or two. The Chilterns, with their beech woods, are a lovely example, and almost every part of the UK has a woodland trail not far from a town.
4. A hill with a view
Nothing beats reaching a viewpoint together. Pick a small, friendly hill rather than a big mountain. The Malvern Hills have a long, well-trodden ridge with big views, and the gentle hills of the Cotswolds along the Cotswold Way are another good choice. Save the big summits for later dates.
5. A riverside walk
Rivers are flat, peaceful and easy to follow. Many towns have a riverside path right on the doorstep. The Wye Valley has lovely wooded riverside walking on the border of England and Wales. You'll always know the way back, because you just turn around and follow the water.
6. A heritage trail
If you both like history, a short stretch of Hadrian's Wall makes a great first date. There's plenty to look at and talk about, and you can choose a short section rather than the whole path. Pick a section close to a car park, so the walk is simple to plan.
7. A sunrise or sunset walk
A sunset stroll is a romantic way to end a day, and a sunrise walk is great for early birds. Choose a familiar, easy path, check the sunrise or sunset time, and bring a torch in case it gets dark sooner than you expect. Pick somewhere with other people about, and let a friend know your plans.
8. A moorland ramble
Big open skies make for relaxed conversation. The Peak District and the Yorkshire Dales both have gentle, well-marked paths across open country. Stay on the main tracks, keep an eye on the cloud and turn back if the weather changes.
9. A beach walk
Walking on sand is a lovely, easy way to chat. Northumberland has long beaches with big skies, and the Norfolk Coast is wonderfully flat, which suits all fitness levels. Check tide times, and take a layer, as it can be breezy.
10. A canal towpath or country park loop
Not every great date needs a mountain. A flat towpath or a loop around a local country park suits any ability, and it's usually easy to reach by car or public transport. It is a nice choice if one of you is getting back into walking.
11. A picnic walk
Walk for half an hour, find a bench or a grassy spot, and share a flask and a few snacks. It takes the pressure off, because you have something to do with your hands, and it gives you a natural reason to slow down and talk.
12. A short taster of a famous trail
Big trails like the Cotswold Way, the Pennine Way or the West Highland Way are made up of short sections you can enjoy in an hour or two. Choosing a small piece of a famous path gives you something to talk about, and a plan for future dates if it goes well.
What should we talk about on a walk?
Walking side by side takes the pressure off, because you don't have to look at each other all the time. Ask about favourite walks, the best view they've ever seen, or the next place on their list. If the conversation goes quiet, enjoy the scenery. A comfortable silence is a good sign.
What should I wear and bring?
Comfy walking shoes or boots, a waterproof layer, a small bag with water and a snack, and your phone, charged. Dress for the weather rather than for a photo. If you like, bring a flask to share at the end.
How do I find someone to walk with?
That's where we come in. Go Hiking Dating is a growing community of UK adults who love walking and the outdoors. Browse our walking areas near you to see where you could meet, read about safety on the site, and see how it all works. And if you're thinking about what to write about yourself, our guide to writing a hiking dating profile will help. Cold weather coming? Try our winter walking date ideas.
Ready to swap the screen for a path? Create your profile, say hello to someone who shares your love of the outdoors, and plan your first walk. No card needed to create your profile.
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