Multi-Day Trek Training
A 12-week plan to prepare you for multi-day treks and long-distance trails. Covers pack training, foot care, nutrition, and back-to-back hiking days.
Overview
Multi-day trekking is a different beast entirely. It's not just about fitness — it's about carrying weight day after day, managing your body, and planning logistics. Whether you're eyeing the Coast to Coast, the West Highland Way, or a section of the South West Coast Path, this plan will get you ready.
This 12-week plan builds your endurance, trains you to hike with a loaded pack, and prepares you for the unique challenge of back-to-back hiking days when your legs are already tired.
Prerequisites: You should be comfortable completing day hikes of 15–20 km with 500m+ elevation gain. If not, work through our Hill and Trail Hiking guide first.
What You'll Need
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Backpack (40–65L) | Properly fitted with hip belt carrying the weight — get it fitted in a shop |
| Walking boots | Fully broken in, waterproof, ankle support |
| Walking poles | Essential for loaded pack hiking — reduces joint strain significantly |
| Tent / bivvy or bothy booking | Depending on your trek style |
| Sleeping bag + mat | Temperature-rated for the season |
| Cooking kit | Stove, fuel, mug, spork — keep it lightweight |
| Clothing system | Base layer, insulation, waterproof shell, spare socks (always spare socks) |
| First aid kit | Blister kit, painkillers, tape, personal medication |
| Navigation | Map, compass, phone with offline maps, power bank |
The rest of this plan is for supporters
You’ve read the overview. The full Advanced programme — the week-by-week schedule, the sessions, the progressions and the numbers — unlocks with an access code, from £0.67 a month. Every Beginner and Intermediate guide on the site stays free.