Hill walking vs. hiking: What’s the difference? These two outdoor activities sound similar, but they are very different. Let’s read this post to explore right now!
Hill Walking vs. Hiking: Comparison Table
We have often heard the terms hill walking and hiking utilized interchangeably. They are both outdoor recreational activities. But are these activities the same?
| Hillwalking | Hiking | |
| Enjoyment | Hillwalking is arduous. | Usually done for enjoyment, not only for gains. |
| Terrain | Challenging and rocky terrain. | Pre-charted paths, also known as hiking trails |
| Destination | Often have a significant location. | No destination is required. |
| Duration | Many days, or even weeks. | Hours to a couple of days |
What Is The Difference Between Hill Walking vs. Hiking?
The comparison table above may not be enough for you. So let’s dig into each factor and see the detail about Hill Walking vs. Hiking.
Define
Hiking is one outdoor activity that involves walking in natural environments on a pre-charted path, also known as a hiking trail. There’re day hikes and overnight hikes.
Hillwalking is similar to hiking but often encounters challenging and rocky terrain. Hillwalking rarely requires any more technical gear than a map, compass, a rucksack, a good pair of boots, and warm, waterproof clothing.
Enjoyment
The enjoyment factor might be the most subjective category, but hiking represents the pleasure level instead of doing something to achieve a specific goal or for material gain.
Meanwhile, hill walking is often challenging and tiring. It doesn’t mean you won’t get enjoyment from hillwalking, but at times it is likely to be harrowing. Conversely, hikes can be arduous, of course.
Equipment
The necessary equipment for hiking and hill walking can’t be the same logically. But you will need good boots or shoes for both activities.
The latter activity requires you to be exposed to the mountain terrain. You will need to prepare a map, compass, or GPS device.
Do not forget to prepare appropriate clothing that can handle sudden changes in temperatures or weather and a backpack that allows you to keep food, water, and other necessities.
You would need more equipment for hill walking, such as sleeping mats and bags, walking poles, waterproof jackets, multi-purpose clothing that is fast-drying and breathable, etc.
For hiking, it is not necessary to prepare maps or compasses. More often than not, hiking trails are often marked, and signs indicate where you should go and how far it’s from your current spot.
Accommodation
Hiking can also be one overnight experience. In this case, the base is typically one place. For instance, hikers stay in a mountain hut and go hiking to a different peak each day but always return to the mountain hut as their base.
People who practice hill walking often never return to the location they have been to before. Their trip is focused on a specific destination. Each time they stop, they will stay in a different accommodation.
Whether that is a lodge, hotel, mountain tent, or another kind of accommodation depends on the hill walking route and the weather conditions.
Terrain
Both activities take place outdoors, in nature, and not in the urban and city. So is there any difference between the types of terrain you cover in hill walking vs. hiking?
In other words, hiking commonly takes place on footpaths and trails, while hill walking occurs on challenging and rocky terrain.
You might detect a nearby mountain you love walking up that has no official trails or footpaths. But if it is just a few miles, you would not call it a hill walking just because of the lack of footpath.
Destination
Hiking does not have to involve one specific destination. You can go to a lake, a waterfall, and a mountain top. It is a hiking trip as long as it is happening outside and in nature.
So what about hill walking? It does typically denote some type of special destination. Hillwalking trips can be made purely for enjoyment, but there is typically more than just popping up the hills.
Duration
Duration is one of the most significant distinctions between these outdoor activities. Hillwalking typically lasts at least two days and even longer than that.
People who go hillwalking often have a destination in their minds. They desire to reach this destination and can walk hundreds of kilometers per trip. On the other hand, hikes are shorter in duration than hillwalking.
When someone goes hiking, they spend a few hours or even a whole day on a long walk. Hiking can also be one overnight experience, but it will not take several days as hill walking would usually.
Time & Speed
This one involves distance. Regardless of your speed, the further you go, the more time it will take. So there is not a strict definition here, but a hill walking trip usually takes you more than one day.
Hill Walking vs. Hiking: Which Should You Go For? Final Verdict.
There are many differences between hiking and hill walking, starting from terrain, the length of the activity, the difficulty, the accommodation, and the equipment.
Hiking is an easier, shorter journey that typically takes place on looped marked, to-and-back trails or even destination hikes.
Hillwalking always takes place on challenging and rocky terrain and involves a specific destination.
A hillwalking path goes through different rough terrains and requires preparedness and more equipment for the person doing it.
FAQ
Don’t skip this section if you still have more queries about Hill Walking vs. Hiking.
What Do You Need to Prepare for Hillwalking?
Here is the basic equipment you need to prepare for a hill walking trip:
- Headtorch
- First aid kit
- Plenty of water
- Walking poles
- Walking boots
- Walking trousers
- Waterproof jacket
- Food for the day
- Mobile phone
- Overtrousers
- Map and compass
- Extra warm layers
- Camera (optional)
- GPS device (optional)
- Gloves (plus an extra set in winter)
Is Hill Walking Good Exercise?
The short answer is Yes. Hillwalking could be a real challenge to your lower body muscles. As a result, it can help improve the endurance and strength of your lower body muscles.
Is It Better to Walk Hills or Flat?
Walking on hills requires more energy and incurs a higher metabolic cost than flat-surfaced walking. It means you will burn more calories when doing hillwalking, which can help get you lean.
Is Hill Walking Good for Losing Weight?
Hillwalking allows you to burn calories faster than on flat terrain. So, yes, hill walking is ideal for burning calories and losing weight.
Is Hill Walking the Same as Hiking?
No. Hiking takes place on pre-charted paths, also known as hiking trails while walking in mountainous areas is called hillwalking.
Why Is Walking Uphill So Hard?
It is more challenging to walk uphill as you have to lift the weight of your body which requires more energy for walking. When walking downhill, you will need to use little energy as your body’s weight carries you down the slope.
How Do You Breathe When Hiking Uphill?
To combat the challenges of high altitude, you should breathe slowly and deeply to lower your heart rate and help the body take in the needed oxygen.
Attempt to your pace stride with the slow rhythm of your breath. If you feel like you are struggling for air, just slow down the speed.
Does Walking Uphill Hurt Your Knees?
Higher inclines often require an increased effort which can be hard on the knees, sometimes causing sharp knee pain.
What Should You Not Do While Hiking?
Here are things you shouldn’t do while hiking:
- Do not do your research.
- Wear the wrong clothing and footwear.
- Not bring enough water.
- Drinking alcohol while hiking.
- Bring the wrong snacks.
- Not knowing your hiking gear.
- Do not follow trail etiquette.
- Eat wild fruit.
- Hike alone.
What Does Hiking Do to Your Body Shape?
Consistent, sustained hiking can give positive results for body composition measures, such as lean mass, abdominal mass, and waist-to-fat ratio.
Also, it has other fitness benefits, such as increased caloric burn, and lifestyle advantages like a reduced risk of chronic cardiovascular disease.
What Is the Best Food to Take Hiking?
Recommended Foods Before Your Hiking Trip
- Oatmeal
- Eggs
- Fruits
- Vegetables
- Nut Butters
- Lean Meats
- Pasta
Recommended Foods During Your Hiking Trip:
- Nutrition Bars
- Energy Chews or Gels
- Fresh Fruit and Veggies
- Dried Fruits and Veggies
- Trail Mix
- Nuts and Seeds
- Jerky
- Tuna or Salmon Packets
- Pork Rinds
- Hummus
- Cheese
